JP7557836B2 - Power generation equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a power generation device, and more specifically, to a power generation device that performs so-called environmental power generation (energy harvesting).

As a conventional example, the power generation device described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The power generation device described in Patent Document 1 includes a vibrating body that elastically deforms and mechanically vibrates, a power generation unit that includes a piezoelectric element and converts the vibration energy of the vibrating body into electrical energy, a magnet that is attached to the end of the vibrating body so that it can be attached to and detached from the end, and a movable part that moves the magnet in the vibration direction.

The vibrating body has a cantilever-shaped magnetic body with one end fixed, and a weight attached to the free end of the magnetic body. The power generating unit has piezoelectric elements attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the magnetic body. The movable part is rotatable around an axis, and is elastically biased in one direction by a spring (torsion coil spring).

When the movable part rotates due to an external force, the vibrating body attracted to the magnet bends, and when the restoring force (elastic force) of the vibrating body eventually exceeds the attractive force of the magnet, the vibrating body separates from the magnet and begins to vibrate. As the vibrating body starts to vibrate, the power generating part generates electricity. Furthermore, when the movable part is no longer subjected to external force, the restoring force of the spring returns it to its original position.

JP 2018-170844 A

However, in the above conventional example, the vibrating body receives a magnetic attraction force from the magnet even after it is separated from the magnet. Furthermore, since the restoring force (elastic force) of the vibrating body immediately after being separated from the magnet and the magnetic attraction force of the magnet are in the opposite directions, the vibration of the vibrating body is weakened by the magnetic attraction force, making it difficult to increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a power generation device that can suppress the decrease in power generation caused by magnetic attraction.

A power generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first vibrating body, a first power generating body, a movable part, a first stopper, a moving body, and a first spring. The first vibrating body has an end capable of vibrating in the vertical direction. The first power generating body is provided on the first vibrating body and converts the vibration energy of the first vibrating body into electrical energy. The movable part contacts the end of the first vibrating body and moves the end of the first vibrating body downward by magnetic attraction. The first stopper restricts the downward movement of the end of the first vibrating body. The moving body moves downward. The first spring connects the moving body and the movable part and moves the movable part downward together with the moving body. As the moving body moves downward, the end of the first vibrating body comes into contact with the first stopper. As the movable part moves further downward from a state in which the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper, the movable part moves away from the end of the first vibrating body. When the movable part moves away from the end of the first vibrating body, the movable part moves downward due to the first spring.

The power generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a vibrating body, a power generating body, a movable part, a moving body, and a spring. The end of the vibrating body can vibrate in the vertical direction. The power generating body is provided on the vibrating body and converts the vibration energy of the vibrating body into electrical energy. The movable part contacts the end of the vibrating body and moves the end of the vibrating body downward by magnetic attraction. The moving body moves downward. The spring connects the moving body and the movable part and moves the movable part downward together with the moving body. The movable part moves downward while in contact with the end of the vibrating body, and then moves away from the end of the vibrating body. The spring applies a downward force to the movable part when the moving body moves downward. When the movable part moves away from the end of the vibrating body, the movable part moves downward by the spring.

The power generation device disclosed herein has the advantage of being able to suppress the decrease in power generation caused by magnetic attraction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power generating device. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power generating device. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a harvester module in the power generating device. FIG. 5 is a front view of the power generating device. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the power generating device. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the power generating device. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the power generating device. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the power generating device. FIG. 10 is a top view of the power generating device. FIG. 11 is a partially omitted front view of the power generating apparatus when the movable block is in an upper limit position. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating device when the movable block is in an upper limit position. FIG. 13 is a partially omitted front view of the generator shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the movable block has moved downward from the upper limit position and the weight has come into contact with the stopper piece. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the generator shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the movable block has moved downward from the upper limit position and the weight has come into contact with the stopper piece. FIG. 15 is a partially omitted front view of the generator shown in FIG. 1 when the movable block has moved further downward with the weight hitting the stopper piece. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the generator when the movable block moves further downward in a state where the weight hits the stopper piece. FIG. 17 is a partially omitted front view of the generator shown in FIG. 1 when the movable block has moved further downward with the weight hitting the stopper piece. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the generator shown in FIG. 1 when the movable block has moved further downward in a state in which the weight has come into contact with the stopper piece. FIG. 19 is a partially omitted front view of the power generating device when the movable block is separated from the power generating block above. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating device of the above when the movable block is separated from the power generating block above. FIG. 21 is a partially omitted front view of the power generating device of the above, showing the movable block further moving downward after being separated from the power generating block above. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating device of the above when the movable block has moved further downward after being separated from the power generating block above. FIG. 23 is a partially omitted front view of the power generating device of the above-mentioned embodiment, showing the movable block being separated from the upper power generating block, and then moving further downward and coming into contact with the lower power generating block. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating device of the above when the movable block is separated from the upper power generating block, and then moves further downward and comes into contact with the lower power generating block. FIG. 25 is a partially omitted front view of the power generating apparatus when the movable block is in a lower limit position. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating device of the above when the movable block is in the lower limit position. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the moving distance of the operating member and the operation reaction force in the power generating device.

The power generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Note that the configuration described in the following embodiment is merely one example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(1) Overview of the power generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure The power generation device A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first vibrating body A11, a first power generation body A12, a movable part A13, a moving body A14, a first spring A15, and a first stopper A16 (see FIG. 1).

The first vibrating body A11 can vibrate at its end A17 (the end on the right side in FIG. 1) in the vertical direction. The first power generating body A12 is provided on the first vibrating body A11. The first power generating body A12 converts the vibration energy of the first vibrating body A11 into electrical energy. The movable part A13 comes into contact with the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 and moves the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 downward by magnetic attraction. The first stopper A16 restricts the downward movement of the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11. The movable body A14 moves downward. The first spring A15 connects the movable body A14 and the movable part A13. The first spring A15 moves the movable part A13 downward together with the movable body A14.

As the moving body A14 moves downward, the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 comes into contact with the first stopper A16. The movable part A13 moves further downward from the state in which the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 is in contact with the first stopper A16. As a result, the movable part A13 moves away from the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11. When the movable part A13 moves away from the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11, it moves downward due to the first spring A15.

For example, when the moving body A14 is pressed downward by a person's finger, it moves downward while bending (compressing) the first spring A15. The movable part A13 moves downward together with the moving body A14 because a downward elastic force is applied from the compressed first spring A15. The first vibrating body A11 is bent downward by the downward movement of the movable part A13 because the end A17 is attracted to the movable part A13 by magnetic attraction. Then, when the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 comes into contact with the first stopper A16, the bending of the first vibrating body A11 is restricted by the first stopper A16. At this time, the movable part A13 receives an upward elastic force from the bent first vibrating body A11. The movable part A13 is separated from the first vibrating body A11 when the downward elastic force received from the first spring A15 exceeds the upward elastic force received from the first vibrating body A11. Then, the end A17 of the first vibrating body A11 moves upward due to the elastic force of the first vibrating body A11 and starts vibrating. When the first vibrating body A11 vibrates, the first power generating body A12 provided on the first vibrating body A11 converts the vibration energy of the first vibrating body A11 into electrical energy to generate power. The amount of power generated by the first power generating body A12 increases as the vibration magnitude (amplitude) of the first vibrating body A11 increases. On the other hand, when the movable part A13 is separated from the first vibrating body A11, the downward elastic force of the first spring A15 causes the movable part A13 to move downward faster than the moving body A14 moves downward.

Therefore, in the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration of the first vibrating body A11 is less likely to be weakened by the magnetic attraction force of the movable part A13 compared to the conventional example. As a result, the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation due to the magnetic attraction force.

However, in the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper A16 may be omitted. Even when the first stopper A16 is omitted, the movable part A13 is separated from the first vibrating body A11 when the downward elastic force received from the first spring A15 exceeds the upward elastic force received from the first vibrating body A11. Then, when the movable part A13 is separated from the first vibrating body A11, the downward elastic force of the first spring A15 causes the movable part A13 to move downward faster than the moving body A14 moves downward.

Therefore, in the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the first stopper A16 is omitted, the vibration of the first vibrating body A11 is less likely to be weakened by the magnetic attraction force of the movable part A13, and the decrease in the amount of power generation due to the magnetic attraction force can be suppressed.

(2) Configuration of the power generation device according to the embodiment The power generation device A1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated as the power generation device A1) is a power generation device (called an energy harvester) that performs so-called environmental power generation (energy harvesting). The power generation device A1 has a harvester module B1 and a base block C1 (see Figs. 2 and 3). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions indicated by arrows in Fig. 2 are defined as the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions of the power generation device A1. However, these directions are defined for the convenience of description, and do not define the directions when the power generation device A1 is actually used.

(2-1) Harvester Module The harvester module B1 includes two power generation blocks 1, a movable block 2, a magnetic power generation block 3, a first spring 4, and two stopper blocks 5 (see FIG. 4).

(2-1-1) Power generation block The two power generation blocks 1 have a common configuration. That is, each power generation block 1 has a vibrating body 10, a power generation body 11, and a weight 12. In the following description, the upper power generation block 1 of the two power generation blocks 1 may be referred to as power generation block 1A, and the lower power generation block 1 may be referred to as power generation block 1B.

(2-1-1-1) Vibrating Body The vibrating body 10 has a trapezoidal vibrating piece 100 and a substantially T-shaped fixed piece 101. The fixed piece 101 is connected to the wide end (left end) of the vibrating piece 100. The vibrating piece 100 and the fixed piece 101 are integrally formed from an elastic soft magnetic plate material, for example, a stainless steel plate. Two round holes 102 are provided in the fixed piece 101. These two round holes 102 are aligned with an interval in the front-rear direction and penetrate the fixed piece 101 in the up-down direction (thickness direction of the fixed piece 101).

(2-1-1-2) Weight The weight 12 is made of a soft magnetic material and formed into a T-shaped plate. The weight 12 is fixed to the narrow end (right end) of the vibrating piece 100 by an appropriate method such as gluing. A central protrusion 120 of the weight 12 protrudes forward (to the right) from the tip (right end) of the vibrating piece 100. The weight 12 may be formed integrally with the vibrating body 10, for example, by increasing the thickness of the narrow end (right end) of the vibrating piece 100.

(2-1-1-3) Power Generator The power generator 11 is provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the vibrating body 10. The power generator 11 includes a piezoelectric element (power generating element), a plurality of electrodes for extracting electric energy (power) from the piezoelectric element, and a plurality of terminals 110 (see FIG. 4). The material for forming the piezoelectric element is preferably a piezoelectric ceramic, for example, lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr.Ti)O ₃ ). However, the material for forming the piezoelectric element may be a piezoelectric ceramic, such as lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ), lead metaniobate (PbNb ₂ O ₆ ), or bismuth titanate (Bi ₄ Ti ₃ O ₁₂ ). The plurality of terminals 110 are provided on the fixing piece 101 of the vibrating body 10. Note that protective tape for protecting the terminals 110 is attached to both surfaces (upper and lower surfaces) of the fixing piece 101. The protective tape is preferably formed of, for example, a polyimide resin having excellent heat resistance and electrical insulation properties.

(2-1-2) Movable Block The movable block 2 has a permanent magnet 20 , a pair of yokes 21 , and a holder 22 .

(2-1-2-1) Permanent Magnet The permanent magnet 20 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped neodymium magnet. However, the permanent magnet 20 may be a magnet other than a neodymium magnet, for example, a samarium-cobalt magnet. The permanent magnet 20 is magnetized in the vertical direction, with, for example, the upper portion being the north pole and the lower portion being the south pole.

(2-1-2-2) Yoke The pair of yokes 21 are formed to have the same shape and dimensions. However, in the following description, the upper yoke 21 of the pair of yokes 21 may be referred to as yoke 21A, and the lower yoke 21 may be referred to as yoke 21B.

Each yoke 21 has a first yoke piece 211, a second yoke piece 212, a contact portion 213, and a pair of protrusions 214 (see FIG. 4). The first yoke piece 211, the second yoke piece 212, the contact portion 213, and the pair of protrusions 214 are integrally formed from a soft magnetic material.

The first yoke piece 211 is formed in a square flat plate shape. The second yoke piece 212 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The second yoke piece 212 protrudes from the left end of the first yoke piece 211 in the thickness direction (up and down direction) of the first yoke piece 211.

The abutment portion 213 is formed in a shape of a cylinder cut by a plane parallel to its axis. The abutment portion 213 protrudes in the opposite direction to the second yoke piece 212 from the right end of the surface of the first yoke piece 211 (the upper surface of the upper yoke 21A and the lower surface of the lower yoke 21B).

The pair of protrusions 214 are each formed in a long, thin rectangular column shape. One of the pair of protrusions 214 protrudes forward and one protrudes backward from the front and rear surfaces of the first yoke piece 211.

(2-1-2-3) Holder The holder 22 has a first bearing portion 221, a second bearing portion 222, a first beam portion 223, a second beam portion 224, and a pair of contact portions 225 (see FIG. 4). The first bearing portion 221, the second bearing portion 222, the first beam portion 223, the second beam portion 224, and the pair of contact portions 225 are integrally formed from a non-magnetic material, for example, aluminum or synthetic resin.

The first bearing portion 221 and the second bearing portion 222 face each other with a gap in the front-rear direction and are connected by the first beam portion 223 and the second beam portion 224. The holder 22 accommodates and holds the permanent magnet 20 in a rectangular space surrounded by the first bearing portion 221, the second bearing portion 222, the first beam portion 223, and the second beam portion 224.

A recess 226 is provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the first bearing portion 221 and the second bearing portion 222. The protrusions 214 of the two yokes 21 fit into these recesses 226 one by one. The holder 22 fits the yoke 21 into each of the recesses 226 of the first bearing portion 221 and the second bearing portion 222, and holds the permanent magnet 20 and the two yokes 21 by sandwiching the permanent magnet 20 between the two yokes 21 from above and below. Each yoke 21 is fixed to the first bearing portion 221 and the second bearing portion 222 by an appropriate method such as adhesive.

Here, the second yoke pieces 212 of each yoke 21 face each other in the vertical direction with the first beam portion 223 in between (see FIG. 12). That is, the second yoke pieces 212 of the two yokes 21 are separated by the first beam portion 223 made of a non-magnetic material. That is, the two yokes 21A and 21B form a magnetic path that leaks from the first yoke piece 211 of one yoke 21A through the second yoke piece 212, and returns to the permanent magnet 20 through the second yoke piece 212 and the first yoke piece 211 of the other yoke 21B. The movable block 2 can exert a magnetic attraction force on a magnetic body by leaking magnetic flux from the second yoke pieces 212 of each of the two yokes 21A and 21B.

A part of the first bearing part 221 is formed in a rectangular column shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction (see FIG. 4). The first bearing part 221 has a bearing hole 227 that passes through the rectangular column shape in the vertical direction. The first bearing part 221 also has a hole 2210 that passes through the first bearing part 221 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 6). This hole 2210 is formed in an elongated hole shape when viewed from the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, a semi-cylindrical bearing groove 228 is provided on the front surface of the second bearing portion 222 (see Figures 4 and 5). The axial direction of the bearing groove 228 coincides with the vertical direction. Furthermore, a pair of contact portions 225 are provided on the front surface of the second bearing portion 222 to the left of the bearing groove 228. Each contact portion 225 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one each protrudes forward from the upper and lower ends of the front surface of the second bearing portion 222 (see Figure 4).

(2-1-3) Magnetic Power Generation Block The magnetic power generation block 3 has a body 30, a core (iron core) 31, a coil 32, and a screw 33 (see FIG. 4).

(2-1-3-1) Body The body 30 is made of a soft magnetic material and is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. A recess 300 is provided on each of the front and rear surfaces of the body 30, straddling the left and right sides (see Figs. 4 to 6). However, the vertical width of the recess 300 on the front surface is narrower than the vertical width of the recess 300 on the rear surface.

A spring bearing portion 34 is provided in the center of the left side surface of the body 30 in the vertical direction (see Figures 4 to 6 and 8). The spring bearing portion 34 is formed in the shape of a semi-cylindrical groove on the left side surface of the body 30, spanning the front and rear surfaces of the body 30.

Furthermore, a cylindrical recess 35 is provided in the center of the spring receiving portion 34 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 8). The inner diameter of the recess 35 is larger than the diameter of the head 330 of the screw 33. A cylindrical hole 350 is formed in the bottom of the recess 35, penetrating the body 30 in the thickness direction (left-right direction) of the body 30 (see FIG. 4). The inner diameter of this hole 350 is smaller than the diameter of the head 330 of the screw 33, and larger than the diameter of the threaded portion 331 of the screw 33. A cylindrical recess 301 is provided in the center of the right side surface of the body 30, where the hole 350 penetrates. A hole 350 opens in the center of the bottom surface of this recess 301.

In addition, a female thread portion 36 is provided directly below the recess 35 on the left side surface of the body 30 (see FIG. 4). The female thread portion 36 penetrates the body 30 in the thickness direction (left-right direction).

Two screw holes 37 for screwing the power generation block 1 are provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the body 30 (see FIG. 4). These screw holes 37 are aligned at intervals in the front-to-rear direction on the upper and lower surfaces of the body 30.

Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces of the body 30 each have a T-shaped recess 38 at both ends in the front-rear direction when viewed from above (see FIG. 4).

(2-1-3-2) Coil The coil 32 is formed into a cylindrical shape by winding a wire (enameled wire) around a coil bobbin. However, the coil 32 may be a bobbinless coil in which an electric wire, the conductor of which is covered with an insulator having self-bonding properties, is wound in a spiral shape.

(2-1-3-3) Core The core 31 has a cylindrical body 310 and rectangular pillar-shaped arms 311 (see FIG. 4). The body 310 and the arms 311 are integrally formed from a soft magnetic material such as pure iron or magnetic stainless steel.

The arm 311 protrudes from the tip (right end) of the body 310 in the radial direction (front-to-back direction) of the body 310. The upper and lower surfaces of the arm 311 are inclined so as to approach each other toward the tip (right end) (see Figures 4 and 5).

The body 310 also has a screw hole 312 (see FIG. 12). This screw hole 312 opens to the bottom surface (the bottom surface on the left side) of the body 310.

(2-1-3-4) Assembly of Magnetic Power Generation Block The magnetic power generation block 3 is assembled in the following procedure.

First, the body 310 of the core 31 is inserted into the hole in the center of the coil 32. Then, the rear end portion (left end portion) of the body 310 is accommodated in the recess 301 on the right side of the body 30. Then, the threaded portion 331 of the screw 33 is inserted into the hole 350 of the body 30 and screwed into the threaded hole 312 of the body 310. As a result, the core 31 and the body 30 are mechanically coupled, and the assembly of the magnetic power generation block 3 is completed (see FIG. 12). Here, the screw 33 is made of a soft magnetic material. Therefore, the body 30 and the core 31 are also magnetically coupled via the abutment surfaces of the body 30 and the core 31 and the screw 33.

(2-1-4) First Spring The first spring 4 is a wire spring. Specifically, the first spring 4 is made of a wire material and is formed into a substantially G-shape when viewed from below (see FIG. 4). However, the first spring 4 may be a spring other than a wire spring, such as a leaf spring or a laminated leaf spring formed by stacking multiple leaf springs.

The first spring 4 has a first connection portion 41, a second connection portion 42, a first spring piece 43, a second spring piece 44, a third spring piece 45, and a fourth spring piece 46 (see FIG. 4). Note that it is preferable that the first connection portion 41, the second connection portion 42, and the multiple spring pieces 43-46 are integrally formed from a metal material suitable for spring materials, such as stainless steel.

One end (rear end) of the first spring piece 43 becomes the first connection part 41. The other end (front end) of the first spring piece 43 is connected to one end (right end) of the second spring piece 44 so as to intersect at a substantially right angle. The other end (left end) of the second spring piece 44 is connected to one end (front end) of the third spring piece 45 so as to intersect at a substantially right angle. The other end (rear end) of the third spring piece 45 is connected to one end (left end) of the fourth spring piece 46 so as to intersect at a substantially right angle. The second connection part 42 is formed in a straight rod shape and is connected to the other end (right end) of the fourth spring piece 46 so as to intersect at a substantially right angle.

(2-1-5) Stopper Blocks The pair of stopper blocks 5 have the same configuration. However, in the following description, of the pair of stopper blocks 5, the upper stopper block 5 may be referred to as stopper block 5A, and the lower stopper block 5 may be referred to as stopper block 5B (see FIG. 4).

Each stopper block 5 has a main piece 50, a stopper piece 51, a fixed piece 52, and a pair of mating pieces 53. The main piece 50, the stopper piece 51, the fixed piece 52, and the pair of mating pieces 53 are integrally formed from a soft magnetic material.

The main piece 50 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The fixed piece 52 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fixed piece 52 of the stopper block 5A protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the left end of the main piece 50, and the fixed piece 52 of the stopper block 5B protrudes upward from the top surface of the left end of the main piece 50.

In addition, two screw insertion holes 520 penetrate the main piece 50 and the fixed piece 52 in the vertical direction so that they are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, one mating piece 53 is provided at each of the front and rear ends of the fixed piece 52.

Each mating piece 53 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from above. Each mating piece 53 is formed in a shape and size that allows it to fit into the recess 38 provided in the body 30 of the magnetic power generation block 3.

The stopper piece 51 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. A square window 510 is opened in the center of the stopper piece 51 in the front-to-rear direction (see Figure 4). The stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5A protrudes downward from the underside of the right end of the main piece 50, and the stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5B protrudes upward from the underside of the right end of the main piece 50.

In addition, one round hole 500 is provided at each of the front and rear ends of the right end of the main piece 50. These two round holes 500 penetrate the main piece 50 in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

(2-2) Assembly of the Harvester Module Next, the procedure for assembling the harvester module B1 will be described. However, the assembly procedure described below is an example, and the order of some of the steps may be changed. Note that some or all of the assembly work may be automated using an assembly machine (assembly device).

First, the worker performing the assembly places the lower power generation block 1B and the body 30 of the magnetic power generation block 3 on the fixing piece 52 of the lower stopper block 5B. At this time, the worker inserts the protruding piece 120 of the weight 12 of the power generation block 1B into the window 510 of the stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5B (see FIG. 3). The worker then inserts the screws 54 one by one into the two round holes 102 of the fixing piece 101 from below the stopper block 5B. Furthermore, the worker screws the screws 54 one by one into the two screw holes 37 on the underside of the body 30 through the two round holes 102 of the vibrating body 10 of the power generation block 1B, thereby joining the stopper block 5B and the power generation block 1B to the body 30. However, the two screws 54 are made of a soft magnetic material.

Then, the worker inserts the lower tips of the two poles 23 one by one into the two round holes 500 provided in the main piece 50 of the stopper block 5B. The poles 23 are cylindrical and made of a non-magnetic material such as an aluminum alloy. However, the diameter of the tips on both sides of the pole 23 is smaller than the diameter of the rest of the poles.

Then, the worker inserts the rear pole 23 of the two poles 23 into the bearing hole 227 of the second bearing portion 222 of the holder 22 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the worker fits the front pole 23 into the bearing groove 228 of the first bearing portion 221 of the holder 22 (see FIG. 5). In this way, the worker attaches the movable block 2 to the two poles 23.

Next, the worker places the upper power generation block 1A and the fixing piece 52 of the stopper block 5A on the top surface of the body 30 of the magnetic power generation block 3, and inserts the upper tips of the two poles 23 one by one into the two round holes 500 of the main piece 50 of the stopper block 5A. At this time, the worker inserts the protruding piece 120 of the weight 12 of the power generation block 1A into the window 510 of the stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5A (see FIG. 3). Then, the worker inserts the screws 54 one by one into the two round holes 102 of the fixing piece 101 from above the stopper block 5A. Furthermore, the worker screws the screws 54 one by one into the two screw holes 37 on the top surface of the body 30 through the two round holes 102 of the vibrating body 10 of the power generation block 1A, thereby connecting the stopper block 5A and the power generation block 1A to the body 30. However, the two screws 54 are made of a soft magnetic material.

Next, the worker places the third spring piece 45 of the first spring 4 in the spring receiving portion 34 on the left side of the body 30 (see Figures 5, 6, and 8). Then, the worker fixes the retaining plate 47 to the left side of the body 30 by screwing the screw 48 inserted through the hole 470 of the retaining plate 47 into the female thread portion 36 provided on the left side of the body 30 (see Figure 12). The retaining plate 47 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape from a useful spring material such as copper phosphate (see Figures 4 and 8). When the retaining plate 47 is fixed to the left side of the body 30, it blocks a part of the spring receiving portion 34 of the body 30, thereby preventing the third spring piece 45 of the first spring 4 from going out of the spring receiving portion 34 (see Figures 5, 6, and 8).

Next, the worker inserts the second connection portion 42 of the first spring 4 into the hole 2210 provided in the first bearing portion 221 of the holder 22 (see FIG. 6). Finally, the worker accommodates the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 between a pair of contact portions 225 provided in the second bearing portion 222 of the holder 22 (see FIG. 5). Thus, the first spring 4 is positioned so as to surround the power generation block 1, the movable block 2, and the magnetic power generation block 3 when viewed from above (see FIGS. 5-10).

This completes the assembly of harvester module B1.

(2-3) Base Block The base block C1 has a base portion 6, an operating member 7 corresponding to a moving body, a support 8, and a second spring 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

(2-3-1) Base The base 6 includes a base plate 60, a guide portion 61, a fixing portion 62, and a spring mounting portion 63 (see FIG. 3). The base plate 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape (see FIG. 9). The guide portion 61 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and stands upward from the front of the right end on the upper surface of the base plate 60. The rear side of the guide portion 61 is curved into a cylindrical surface that is convex forward (see FIG. 10). The fixing portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape and stands upward from the rear of the right end on the upper surface of the base plate 60. The spring mounting portion 63 is formed in a truncated cone shape. The spring mounting portion 63 stands upward on the upper surface of the base plate 60 so as to follow the rear side of the guide portion 61. The base plate 60, the guide portion 61, the fixing portion 62, and the spring mounting portion 63 are integrally formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

(2-3-2) Second Spring The second spring 9 is a coil spring (see FIG. 3). The second spring 9 is attached to the base plate 60 in an upright state by inserting a spring attachment portion 63 from one end of the second spring 9 (see FIG. 7).

(2-3-3) Support The support 8 is formed into a cylindrical shape from, for example, a metal material. One end of the support 8 is inserted into the fixing portion 62, and the support 8 is attached to the base plate 60 in an upright state (see FIG. 7).

(2-3-4) Operation Member The operation member 7 has a main body 70, an operation button 71, a pair of support pieces 72, and a spring bearing portion 73 (see FIG. 3). The main body 70 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front side of the main body 70 is curved into a cylindrical surface that is convex rearward (see FIG. 3). The operation button 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes upward from the rear end on the top surface of the main body 70. Cylindrical holes are provided inside the main body 70 and the operation button 71. In addition, a cylindrical recess is provided on the bottom surface of the main body 70. A hole is opened in the center of this recess.

The pair of support pieces 72 are each formed in a columnar shape, and one each protrudes rightward from the upper end and lower end of the right side surface of the main body 70 (see FIG. 3). The spring receiving portion 73 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and protrudes forward from the upper end of the front side surface of the main body 70.

(2-4) Assembly of the Power Generator Next, the procedure for assembling the power generator A1 will be described. However, the assembly procedure described below is an example, and the order of some of the steps may be changed. Note that some or all of the assembly work may be automated using an assembly machine (assembly device).

The worker performing the assembly places the harvester module B1 on the base plate 60 of the base section 6 so that the guide section 61 is positioned between the two stopper blocks 5 and the first spring piece 43 of the first spring 4. The worker then fixes the lower stopper block 5B of the harvester module B1 to the base plate 60. The stopper block 5B and the base plate 60 are fixed by an appropriate method such as gluing.

Next, the worker attaches the second spring 9 to the base plate 60 by inserting the spring attachment part 63 into one end (lower end) of the second spring 9. Furthermore, the worker fixes the support 8 to the fixing part 62 of the base plate 60 by inserting one end (lower end) of the support 8 into the fixing part 62. Then, the worker inserts the other end (upper end) of the support 8 into a hole opened on the bottom surface of the main body 70 of the operating member 7, and places the spring receiving part 73 of the operating member 7 on the other end (upper end) of the second spring 9. Then, the worker presses the operating button 71 with his finger to move the operating member 7 downward, inserts the first connecting part 41 of the first spring 4 between the pair of support pieces 72 of the operating member 7, and then releases his finger from the operating member 7. Then, the operating member 7 moves upward due to the elastic force of the second spring 9, and the movable block 2 connected to the operating member 7 by the first spring 4 also moves upward. Then, the operating member 7 comes to rest when the upper end of the holder 22 of the movable block 2 (the upper end of the second bearing portion 222) hits the main piece 50 of the upper stopper block 5A (see FIG. 6). In other words, the first connection portion 41 of the first spring 4 is connected to the pair of support pieces 72 of the operating member 7 (see FIG. 5-FIG. 7).

This completes the assembly of the generator A1.

(3) Operation of the power generating device according to the embodiment Next, the operation of the power generating device A1 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 26. In the following description, the position where the holder 22 hits the upper stopper block 5A and the movable block 2 stops is called the upper limit position of the movable block 2 (see Figs. 11 and 12). Also, the position where the movable block 2 moves downward by pushing the operating member 7 and hits the lower stopper block 5B and stops is called the lower limit position of the movable block 2 (see Figs. 25 and 26). However, in Figs. 11 to 26, the front pole 23 of the two poles 23 is not shown.

(3-1) Operation of the Operating Member (3-1-1) Operation when the Operating Button is Pressed When the operating button 71 is pressed downward with a person's finger, the operating member 7 receives a downward external force (hereinafter referred to as the operating force). While receiving the operating force, the operating member 7 moves downward, guided by the support 8, until the movable block 2 reaches the lowest position (see Figures 11 to 26). Note that the operating member 7 moving downward receives a force in the opposite direction to the operating force (upward) from the first spring 4, the upper power generation block 1A, and the second spring 9. The upward force received by the operating member 7 is applied to the finger of the person pressing the operating button 71 downward. In the following description, the force applied to the finger of the person pressing the operating button 71 downward is referred to as the operation reaction force.

(3-1-2) Behavior when the Operation Button is No Longer Pressed When the movable block 2 reaches the lowest position and the user's finger is released from the operation button 71 (the operating force is released), the operation member 7 receives an upward elastic force (hereinafter referred to as a return force) from the second spring 9. The operation member 7 moves upward in response to the return force, and stops when the movable block 2 reaches the upper limit position.

The kinetic frictional force that the operating member 7 receives from the support 8 during movement is sufficiently small compared to the operating force and the return force and can therefore be ignored.

(3-2) Operation of the First Spring and Movable Block Because the third spring piece 45 is housed in the spring receiving portion 34 of the body 30, the first spring 4 is rotatable relative to the body 30 around the third spring piece 45 as an axis. In other words, the first spring 4 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front when the operating member 7 moves downward, and rotates counterclockwise when the operating member 7 moves upward. When the first spring 4 rotates clockwise, the movable block 2 moves downward, and when the first spring 4 rotates counterclockwise, the movable block 2 moves upward (see FIGS. 11 to 26).

The movable block 2 thus moves downward when the operating member 7 moves downward, and moves upward when the operating member 7 moves upward.

Here, the first spring 4 is arranged so as to surround the power generation block 1 when viewed from above. Therefore, the power generation device A1 can be made smaller while using a first spring 4 with a long overall length. By increasing the overall length of the first spring 4, the distance between the force point (first connection part 41), the fulcrum (third spring piece 45), and the point of action (second connection part 42) can be increased. As a result, the reaction force when the operation button 71 is pressed can be reduced.

(3-3) Operation of the power generation block (3-3-1) Operation of the upper power generation block When the movable block 2 is in the upper limit position, the weight 12 of the upper power generation block 1A comes into contact with the abutment portion 213 of the upper yoke 21A of the movable block 2, and the arm portion 311 of the core 31 faces the second yoke piece 212 of the lower yoke 21B. Here, the distance between the arm portion 311 of the core 31 and the second yoke piece 212 is about 0.5 mm to 0.05 mm. Therefore, a magnetic path is formed that passes through the upper yoke 21A, the weight 12 of the upper power generation block 1A, the vibrating body 10, the body 30, the core 31, and the lower yoke 21. As a result, the end portion (weight 12) of the upper power generation block 1A is attracted to the movable block 2 by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 20 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

When the movable block 2 moves downward from the upper limit position, the weight 12 attached to the movable block 2 moves downward, causing the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 of the power generating block 1A to bend downward. At this time, the protruding piece 120 of the weight 12 moves downward within the window 510 of the stopper piece 51 in the upper stopper block 5A, and stops when it hits the lower edge of the window 510 (see Figures 13 and 14). In other words, the vibrating body 10 of the upper power generating block 1A corresponds to the first vibrating body, and the stopper piece 51 in the upper stopper block 5A corresponds to the first stopper.

In addition, the contact portion 213 of the upper yoke 21A is formed in the shape of a cylinder cut by a plane parallel to its axis, so the contact area of the contact portion 213 with the weight 12 is kept almost constant. As a result, the magnetic attraction force that attracts the weight 12 to the movable block 2 is stabilized, and the weight 12 is prevented from accidentally coming off the yoke 21A.

When the downward deflection of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 of the power generating block 1A is restricted by the stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5A, the downward movement of the movable block 2 adsorbed to the weight 12 is also restricted. However, as the operating member 7 receiving the operating force continues to move downward, the first connection part 41, the first spring piece 43, and the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 rotate clockwise while twisting the third spring piece 45 in the circumferential direction. Then, the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 hits the lower contact part 225 of the holder 22, and the clockwise rotation of the first connection part 41, the first spring piece 43, and the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 stops (see Figures 15 and 16).

When the operating member 7 moves further downward, the first connection part 41 also moves downward. At this time, a part of the second spring piece 44 on the side closer to the first connection part 41 from the part of the second spring piece 44 that is in contact with the contact part 225 is deformed (bent downward). In other words, the spring characteristics change as the effective length of the second spring piece 44 as a spring becomes shorter. As a result, the downward force applied from the first spring 4 to the movable block 2 increases (see Figures 17 and 18). At this time, the movable block 2 is pushed downward from the front and rear simultaneously by the second connection part 42 and the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4. In other words, the inclination of the movable block 2 with respect to the two poles 23 supporting the holder 22 is reduced compared to when the movable block 2 moves downward by being pushed only by the second connection part 42. As a result, the frictional force that the holder 22 receives from the two poles 23 is reduced, so that the movable block 2 can be moved smoothly.

When the downward force applied to the movable block 2 exceeds the upward force applied to the weight 12 (the upward elastic force of the vibrating body 10 and the power generation body 11), the weight 12 (the vibrating body 10 of the power generation block 1A) is separated from the movable block 2 (see Figures 19 and 20).

As a result, when the weight 12 is separated from the movable block 2, the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 vibrate vertically with the end (left end) supported by the body 30 of the magnetic power generating block 3 as a fulcrum. At this time, the vertical width of the window 510 is determined so that the end (right end) of the vibrating body 10 does not hit the upper edge of the window 510 in the upper stopper piece 51. As a result, the power generating block 1A generates (generates) an alternating voltage (AC voltage) that has a voltage amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 and has the same frequency as the frequency of the vibration. However, the amount of power generated (voltage amplitude) by the power generating block 1A decreases as the vibration of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 attenuates.

On the other hand, when the movable block 2 is separated from the weight 12, it receives a downward force from the second connection part 42 due to the elastic force of the second spring piece 44 and the third spring piece 45 as they return to their original twist. As a result, the movable block 2 moves downward faster than the operating member 7 moves downward due to an external force (operating force) (see Figures 21-24). Therefore, the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2 with respect to the weight 12 decreases rapidly, making it difficult for the vibration of the power generation block 1A to be weakened by the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2. Therefore, the power generation device A1 can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation due to the magnetic attraction force.

When the movable block 2 reaches the lower limit position, the downward movement of the operating member 7 is restricted (see Figures 25 and 26).

(3-3-2) Operation of the Lower Power Generation Block Before the movable block 2 reaches its lowest position, the weight 12 of the lower power generation block 1B is pulled and bent upward by the magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnets 20 (see FIGS. 23 and 24). Then, when the movable block 2 is in its lowest position, the weight 12 of the lower power generation block 1B comes into contact with the abutment portion 213 of the lower yoke 21B of the movable block 2, and is attracted to the movable block 2 by the magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnets 20 (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

When the movable block 2 moves upward from the lower limit position, the weight 12 attached to the movable block 2 moves upward, causing the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 of the power generating block 1B to bend upward. At this time, the protruding piece 120 of the weight 12 moves upward within the window 510 of the stopper piece 51 in the lower stopper block 5B, and stops when it hits the upper edge of the window 510. In other words, the vibrating body 10 of the lower power generating block 1B corresponds to the second vibrating body, and the stopper piece 51 in the lower stopper block 5B corresponds to the second stopper.

The contact portion 213 of the lower yoke 21B is also formed in the shape of a cylinder cut by a plane parallel to its axis, so that the contact area of the contact portion 213 with the weight 12 is kept almost constant. As a result, the magnetic attraction force that attracts the weight 12 by the movable block 2 is stabilized, and the weight 12 is prevented from accidentally coming off the yoke 21B.

When the upward deflection of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 of the power generating block 1B is restricted by the stopper piece 51 of the stopper block 5B, the upward movement of the movable block 2, which is attached to the weight 12, is also restricted. However, since the operating member 7 receiving the return force continues to move upward, the first connection part 41, the first spring piece 43, and the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 rotate counterclockwise while twisting the third spring piece 45 in the circumferential direction. Then, the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 hits the upper contact part 225 of the holder 22, and the counterclockwise rotation of the first connection part 41, the first spring piece 43, and the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 stops.

When the operating member 7 moves further upward, the first connection part 41 also moves upward. As a result, the second spring piece 44 twists circumferentially and the third spring piece 45 twists further, increasing the upward force applied to the movable block 2. When the upward force applied to the movable block 2 exceeds the downward force applied to the weight 12 (the downward elastic force of the vibration body 10 and the power generation body 11), the weight 12 (the vibration body 10 of the power generation block 1B) is separated from the movable block 2.

As a result, when the weight 12 is separated from the movable block 2, the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 vibrate vertically with the end (left end) supported by the body 30 of the magnetic power generating block 3 as a fulcrum. At this time, the vertical width of the window 510 is determined so that the end (right end) of the vibrating body 10 does not hit the lower edge of the window 510 in the lower stopper piece 51. As a result, the power generating block 1B generates (generates) an alternating voltage (AC voltage) that has a voltage amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 and has the same frequency as the frequency of the vibration. However, the amount of power generated (voltage amplitude) by the power generating block 1B decreases as the vibration of the vibrating body 10 and the power generating body 11 attenuates.

On the other hand, when the movable block 2 is separated from the weight 12, an upward force is applied from the second connection portion 42 due to the elastic force generated when the second spring piece 44 and the third spring piece 45 return to their original twist. As a result, the movable block 2 moves upward faster than the operating member 7 moves upward due to the external force (return force). Therefore, the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2 with respect to the weight 12 decreases rapidly, and the vibration of the power generation block 1B is less likely to be weakened by the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2. Therefore, the power generation device A1 can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation caused by the magnetic attraction force.

(3-4) Operation of Magnetic Power Generation Block The magnetic power generation block 3 is configured to cause the coil 32 to generate (generate) an induced electromotive force proportional to the change over time in the magnetic flux linking with the coil 32 (magnetic power generation body). The magnetic flux linking with the coil 32 is equal to the magnetic flux passing through the core 31 from the permanent magnet 20 of the movable block 2, via the power generation block 1 and the body 30 of the magnetic power generation block 3. The magnitude of the induced electromotive force (induced electromotive voltage) generated in the coil 32 is proportional to the magnitude of the change over time in the magnetic flux passing through the core 31. The direction of the induced electromotive force generated in the coil 32 changes depending on the direction of the magnetic flux passing through the core 31.

When the operating member 7 is stopped at the upper and lower limit positions (see Figures 11, 12, 25 and 26), the magnetic flux passing through the core 31 does not change over time. Therefore, no induced electromotive force is generated in the coil 32 of the magnetic power generation block 3 (the magnetic power generation block 3 does not generate power). Also, even if the operating member 7 starts to move upward or downward due to an external force (operating force and return force), when the movable block 2 is attracted to the weight 12 of the power generation block 1, the yoke 21 on the opposite side to the power generation block 1 to which the weight 12 is attracted faces the core 31. Specifically, when the movable block 2 is attracted to the weight 12 of the upper power generation block 1A, the core 31 faces the lower yoke 21B. Also, when the movable block 2 is attracted to the weight 12 of the lower power generation block 1B, the core 31 faces the upper yoke 21A. Therefore, when the movable block 2 is attracted to the weight 12 of the power generation block 1, the magnetic flux passing through the core 31 hardly changes, and no induced electromotive force is generated in the coil 32 of the magnetic power generation block 3.

When the movable block 2 is separated from the weight 12 of the power generating block 1 as the operating member 7 moves, the magnetic flux passing through the core 31 decreases rapidly, and an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil 32 in a direction that opposes the decrease in magnetic flux.

Furthermore, after the movable block 2 is separated from the power generation block 1, the speed at which it moves away from the power generation block 1 due to the elastic force of the first spring 4 becomes faster than the moving speed of the operating member 7. As a result, the change over time in the magnetic flux passing through the core 31 becomes larger, and the amount of power generated by the magnetic power generation block 3 increases.

The power generating block 1 starts generating power immediately after being separated from the movable block 2. In other words, the period during which the period during which the magnetic power generating block 3 generates power and the period during which the power generating block 1 generates power can be made longer. As a result, the power generating device A1 can increase the maximum power that can be supplied to the outside compared to a case in which the period during which the power generating block 1 generates power and the period during which the magnetic power generating block 3 generates power do not overlap or the overlapping period is short.

Here, because the stopper block 5 is a magnetic body made of a soft magnetic material, the magnetic flux leaking from the vibrating body 10 and the weight 12 is collected by the stopper block 5, and the magnetic flux passing from the stopper block 5 through the body 30 and the core 31 increases. As a result, the power generation device A1 can increase the amount of power generated by the magnetic power generation block 3 compared to when the stopper block 5 is a non-magnetic material.

(4) Application Examples of the Power Generator According to the Embodiment The above-described power generator A1 can be combined with, for example, a power supply circuit and a wireless communication circuit to realize a battery-less transmitter.

The power supply circuit is electrically connected to the terminals of the windings that make up the coil 32 and to the multiple terminals 110 on each of the two power generation blocks 1A and 1B. The power supply circuit is configured to convert the power (AC power) generated by the power generation device A1 into DC power. For example, the power supply circuit has a rectifier circuit, a smoothing capacitor, a voltage regulator, and the like. The DC power converted by the power supply circuit is supplied to the wireless communication circuit.

The wireless communication circuit transmits wireless signals when DC power is supplied from the power supply circuit. The wireless signals are, for example, wireless signals that comply with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, and in particular, wireless signals that comply with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy standard are preferable.

The power supply circuit and the wireless communication circuit are preferably configured as a single printed circuit, for example, by mounting multiple electronic components on a single printed wiring board. This printed wiring board (printed circuit) is preferably placed, for example, on the upper stopper block 5A. However, when the printed wiring board is placed on the upper stopper block 5A, the upper stopper block 5A is preferably formed of an electrically insulating material, for example, a synthetic resin. By forming the upper stopper block 5A from an electrically insulating material, there is no need to secure an insulating distance between the printed wiring board and the stopper block 5A. As a result, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the layout of the antenna on the printed wiring board and the wireless communication performance of the wireless communication circuit.

This transmitter is not equipped with a battery and can transmit a wireless signal to notify that the operation button 71 has been operated when the operation button 71 is operated. However, the operation button 71 does not necessarily have to be operated by a human finger. For example, the transmitter may be installed under the floor, and the operation button 71 may be pressed when the floor board is stepped on. Alternatively, the operation button 71 may be operated by a non-human operating object such as an actuator.

However, the power generation device A1 may be combined with a device other than a transmitter that requires battery-free operation for a short period of time.

(5) Advantages of the Power Generator of the Embodiment (5-1) Advantages Related to Power Generation Amount As described above, in the power generator A1, when the movable block 2 is separated from the end (weight 12) of the power generation block 1, the elastic force of the first spring 4 receives a force in the same direction as the direction in which the operating member 7 moves. Therefore, the power generator A1 can move the movable block 2 in the same direction as the operating member 7 faster than the operating member 7 is moved by an external force. As a result, the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2 with respect to the end (weight 12) of the power generation block 1 decreases rapidly, making it difficult for the vibration of the power generation block 1 to be weakened by the magnetic attraction force of the movable block 2. Therefore, the power generator A1 can suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation caused by the magnetic attraction force.

(5-2) Advantages Regarding the Operation Feel of the Operation Button Incidentally, when a person operates the operation button 71 with his/her finger to move the operation member 7 from the upper limit position to the lower limit position, the operation feel of the operation button 71 is determined by the operation reaction force applied to the person's finger. Fig. 27 shows the relationship between the position of the operation member 7 in the power generation device A1 and the operation reaction force (solid line α). The horizontal axis (x-axis) in Fig. 27 shows the movement distance of the operation member 7 from the upper limit position to the lower limit position when the upper limit position is set as the origin (x = 0). The vertical axis (y-axis) in Fig. 27 shows the magnitude of the operation reaction force. The dashed-dotted line β in Fig. 27 shows the operation reaction force (elastic force) by the second spring 9.

In the first section W1 in which the operating member 7 moves from the upper limit position (x = 0) to the first position (x = x1), the sum (vector sum) of the elastic force of the second spring 9, the elastic force of the upper power generation block 1A, and the elastic force of the first spring 4 becomes the operating reaction force. Note that the first position is the position when the protrusion 120 of the weight 12 of the power generation block 1A hits the lower end of the window 510 in the stopper piece 51 of the upper stopper block 5A.

In the second section W2, during which the operating member 7 moves from the first position to the second position (x = x2), the sum (vector sum) of the elastic force of the second spring 9, the elastic force of the upper power generation block 1A, and the elastic force of the first spring 4 becomes the operation reaction force. The second position is the position when the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 contacts the lower contact portion 225 of the movable block 2 while the movable block 2 is still adsorbed to the power generation block 1A. In the second section W2, the rate of increase of the operation reaction force is greater than in the first section W1 due to the twisting of the third spring piece 45 of the first spring 4.

In the third section W3, during which the operating member 7 moves from the second position to the third position (x = x3), the sum (vector sum) of the elastic force of the second spring 9, the elastic force of the upper power generation block 1A, and the elastic force of the first spring 4 becomes the operation reaction force. The third position is the position when the movable block 2 is separated from the power generation block 1A. In the third section W3, a downward force (elastic force of the second spring piece 44) acting on the contact portion 225 is applied from the second spring piece 44. Therefore, the rate of increase of the operation reaction force in the third section W3 is greater than the rate of increase of the operation reaction force in the second section W2.

In the fourth section W4, from the third position until the operating member 7 moves to the fourth position (x = x4), only the elastic force of the second spring 9 is the operating reaction force. The fourth position is the position when the second spring piece 44 of the first spring 4 is no longer twisted. In the fourth section W4, the elastic force of the upper power generation block 1A is not included in the operating reaction force, and the elastic force of the first spring 4 acts downward, so the operating reaction force drops sharply. This sudden decrease in the operating reaction force when switching from the third section W3 to the fourth section W4 allows the person operating the operating button 71 to feel a clicking sensation. Furthermore, by shortening the third section W3 and the fourth section W4, it is possible to suppress the variation in the timing when power generation by the upper power generation block 1A starts (the timing when the operating member 7 reaches the third position).

In the fifth section W5, from when the operating member 7 moves from the fourth position to the fifth position (x = x5), the upward force obtained by subtracting the downward elastic force of the lower power generation block 1B deflected by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 20 from the elastic force of the second spring 9 becomes the operation reaction force. The fifth position is the position where the weight 12 of the lower power generation block 1B contacts the abutment portion 213 of the lower yoke 21B of the movable block 2. In the fifth section W5, the elastic force of the lower power generation block 1B acts downward, so that after the operation reaction force decreases below the elastic force of the second spring 9, the operation reaction force becomes equal to the elastic force of the second spring 9 at the point when the weight 12 of the lower power generation block 1B is attracted to the abutment portion 213 of the movable block 2.

In the sixth section W6 in which the operating member 7 moves from the fifth position to the lower limit position (x = x6), only the elastic force of the second spring 9 acts as a reaction force to the operation.

Here, assume that the movable block 2 is in contact with the core 31 at the upper and lower limit positions of the operating member 7, and that the movable block 2 is attracted to the core 31 by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 20. In this case, the operation reaction force has two peaks, one when the movable block 2 is detached from the core 31 against the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 20, and one when the movable block 2 is detached from the power generation block 1A. If the operation reaction force has two peaks, there is a possibility that a person operating the operation button 71 will mistakenly recognize the first peak (the peak when the movable block 2 is detached from the core 31) as the actual peak of the operation reaction force (the peak when the movable block 2 is detached from the power generation block 1A).

In contrast, in the power generation device A1, when the operating member 7 moves between the upper and lower limit positions, the movable block 2 and the core 31 do not come into contact, so there is only one peak of the operating reaction force (third position x = x3), and there is almost no possibility of the person operating the operating button 71 misinterpreting it.

Therefore, the power generation device A1 can improve the operational feel when a person operates the operating member 7.

(6) Modifications Next, a modification of the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the power generating device A1 of the modification is common to the basic configuration of the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment described above. Therefore, in the power generating device A1 of the modification, the configuration common to the power generating device A1 according to the embodiment will not be illustrated or described.

The modified power generating device A1 is characterized in that the stopper block 5 is made of a magnetic material, the vibrating piece 100 and the fixed piece 101 of the vibrating body 10 of the power generating block 1 are made of a non-magnetic material, and only the end of the vibrating body 10 (weight 12) is made of a magnetic material.

In the generator A1 of the modified example, the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 20 passes through a magnetic path that runs from one yoke 21 through the weight 12, the stopper block 5, the body 30, the core 31, and the other yoke 21 back to the permanent magnet 20. In other words, even if the portion of the vibrating body 10 other than the end (weight 12) is made of a non-magnetic material (e.g., synthetic resin), the end (weight 12) of the vibrating body 10 can be attracted to the movable block 2 by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 20. Therefore, the generator A1 of the modified example can generate electricity in response to the operation of the operating member 7, similar to the generator A1 of the embodiment.

The modified power generating device A1 has at least a portion of the vibrating body 10 of the power generating block 1 (the vibrating piece 100 and the fixed piece 101) made of a non-magnetic material, which allows for greater freedom in selecting the material, shape, etc. of the vibrating body 10 compared to when the vibrating body 10 is made of a magnetic material.

(7) Summary The power generating device (A1) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first vibrating body (A11; upper vibrating body 10), a first power generating body (A12; upper power generating body 11), a movable part (A13; movable block 2), a first stopper (A16; upper stopper piece 51), a moving body (A14; operation member 7), and a first spring (A15; 4). The end (A17) of the first vibrating body can vibrate in the vertical direction. The first power generating body is provided on the first vibrating body. The first power generating body converts the vibration energy of the first vibrating body into electrical energy. The movable part contacts the end of the first vibrating body and moves the end of the first vibrating body downward by magnetic attraction. The first stopper restricts the downward movement of the end of the first vibrating body. The moving body moves downward. The first spring (A15; 4) connects the moving body and the movable part, and moves the movable part downward together with the moving body. As the moving body moves downward, the end of the first vibrating body comes into contact with the first stopper. The movable part moves further downward from the state in which the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper. This causes the movable part to move away from the end of the first vibrating body. When the movable part moves away from the end of the first vibrating body, the movable part moves downward by the first spring (A15; 4).

Compared to the conventional example, the power generating device (A1) according to the first aspect is less susceptible to weakening of the vibration of the first vibrating body by the magnetic attraction force of the movable part, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation due to the magnetic attraction force.

The power generating device (A1) according to the second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the power generating device (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the first spring (4) is arranged so as to surround the first vibrating body in a top view.

The power generating device (A1) according to the second aspect can be made compact while using a first spring (4) with a long overall length.

The power generating device (A1) according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the power generating device (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the first spring (4) has a first connection part (41) that connects to the moving body (operating member 7) and a second connection part (42) that connects to the movable part (movable block 2). After the part between the first connection part (41) of the first spring (4) and the second connection part (42) of the first spring (4) contacts the movable part, it is preferable that the first spring (4) deforms with the part (the part that contacts the contact part 225) as a fulcrum, so that the movable part and the end of the first vibrating body (vibrating body 10 of the upper power generating block 1A) are separated.

The power generating device (A1) according to the third aspect changes (hardens) the elastic properties of the first spring (4) during the movement of the movable part. As a result, the power generating device (A1) according to the third aspect makes it easier for the person operating the movable body to recognize, by the tactile sensation of the person operating the movable body, that the end of the first vibrating body has separated from the movable part, for example, when the movable body is moved downward by the person's operation.

The power generating device (A1) according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the third aspect. In the power generating device (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the contact position is the position where the first spring (4) comes into contact with the movable part (position where the second spring piece 44 comes into contact with the contact part 225). It is preferable that the length from the contact position of the first spring (4) to the first connection part (41) of the first spring (4) is shorter than the length from the contact position of the first spring (4) to the second connection part (42) of the first spring (4).

The power generating device (A1) according to the fourth aspect can increase the downward force acting on the movable part from the first spring (4) after the first spring (4) comes into contact with the movable part at the contact position. As a result, the power generating device (A1) according to the fourth aspect can suppress the variation in the timing at which the movable part and the first vibrating body separate.

The power generating device (A1) according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to fourth aspects. It is preferable that the power generating device (A1) according to the fifth aspect further includes a second spring (9) that is deformed by the moving body moving downward and biases the moving body upward.

The power generating device (A1) according to the fifth aspect can automatically move the moving body upwards by being biased by the second spring (9).

The power generating device (A1) according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by combining it with any one of the first to fifth aspects. The power generating device (A1) according to the sixth aspect preferably further includes a body (30), a core (31), and a coil (32). The body (30) is preferably made of a magnetic material and supports the first vibrating body (upper vibrating body 10). The core (31) is preferably made of a magnetic material, is located lower than the first vibrating body, and protrudes from the body (30). The coil (32) is preferably wound around the core (31). At least a portion (weight 12) of the first vibrating body is preferably made of a magnetic material. The movable part preferably includes a first portion (upper yoke 21A) and a second portion (lower yoke 21B). The first portion is preferably configured to be able to contact the lower surface of the first vibrating body when the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper (upper stopper piece 51). The second portion is preferably configured to face the tip surface of the core (31) when the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper. The movable portion (movable block 2) preferably has a permanent magnet (20). The permanent magnet (20) is preferably arranged so that the first portion is a first pole (e.g., a north pole) and the second portion is a second pole (e.g., a south pole) having a polarity different from that of the first pole.

The power generating device (A1) according to the sixth aspect can make the first power generating body generate electricity after the end of the first vibrating body and the movable part are separated, and can change the magnetic flux that passes through the core (31) and links to the coil (32), causing an induced electromotive force to be generated (power generation) in the coil (32).

The power generating device (A1) according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with the sixth aspect. In the power generating device (A1) according to the seventh aspect, the end of the first vibrating body is preferably a magnetic body. The first stopper is preferably made of a magnetic body and supported by the body (30).

The power generating device (A1) according to the seventh aspect forms a magnetic path in which the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet (20) passes through the first stopper and the body (30) and the core (31) and returns to the permanent magnet (20). As a result, the power generating device (A1) according to the seventh aspect can increase the induced electromotive force generated in the coil (32) by increasing the magnetic flux passing through the core (31).

The power generating device (A1) according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining it with any one of the first to seventh aspects. The power generating device (A1) according to the eighth aspect preferably further includes a second vibrating body (lower vibrating body 10), a second power generating body (lower power generating body 11), and a second stopper (lower stopper piece 51). The second vibrating body is provided below the first vibrating body, and an end portion thereof can vibrate in the vertical direction. The second power generating body is preferably provided on the second vibrating body, and the vibration energy of the second vibrating body is preferably converted into electrical energy. The second stopper preferably restricts the upward movement of the end portion of the second vibrating body. The movable part that has moved downward preferably comes into contact with the end portion of the second vibrating body after being separated from the end portion of the first vibrating body. The movable body that has moved downward preferably is configured to be movable upward. The first spring (4) preferably moves the movable part upward together with the movable body when the movable body moves upward. The movable part in contact with the second vibrating body preferably moves the end of the second vibrating body upward by the magnetic attraction force of the movable part. The end of the second vibrating body preferably moves upward together with the movable part and contacts the second stopper. The movable part preferably moves further upward from the state in which the end of the second vibrating body is in contact with the second stopper, so that the movable part separates from the end of the second vibrating body. When the movable part separates from the end of the second vibrating body, the movable part preferably moves upward by the first spring (4).

The power generation device (A1) according to the eighth aspect is provided with two power generation bodies, a first power generation body and a second power generation body, thereby enabling an increase in the amount of power generation.

The power generating device (A1) according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes a vibrating body (first vibrating body A11), a power generating body (first power generating body A12), a movable part (A13), a moving body (A14), and a spring (first spring A15). The vibrating body has an end (A17) that can vibrate in the vertical direction. The power generating body is provided on the vibrating body and converts the vibration energy of the vibrating body into electrical energy. The movable part (A13) comes into contact with the end (A17) of the vibrating body and moves the end of the vibrating body downward by magnetic attraction. The moving body (A14) moves downward. The spring connects the moving body (A14) and the movable part (A13) and moves the movable part (A13) downward together with the moving body (A14). The movable part (A13) moves downward while in contact with the end (A17) of the vibrating body, and then moves away from the end (A17) of the vibrating body. The spring applies a downward force to the movable part (A13) when the moving body (A14) moves downward. When the movable part (A13) separates from the end of the vibrating body, the movable part (A13) moves downward by the spring.

Compared to the conventional example, the power generating device (A1) according to the ninth aspect is less susceptible to weakening of the vibration of the first vibrating body by the magnetic attraction force of the movable part, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation due to the magnetic attraction force.

A1 Power generating device A11 First vibrating body A12 First power generating body A13 Movable part A14 Moving body A15 First spring A16 First stopper A17 End part

Claims (9)

A first vibrating body having an end portion capable of vibrating in a vertical direction;
a first power generating body provided on the first vibrating body and configured to convert vibration energy of the first vibrating body into electrical energy;
a movable portion that comes into contact with the end portion of the first vibrating body and moves the end portion of the first vibrating body downward by a magnetic attraction force;
a first stopper that restricts downward movement of the end portion of the first vibrating body;
A moving body moving downward;
a first spring that connects the moving body and the movable part and moves the movable part downward together with the moving body;
Equipped with
When the movable body moves downward, the end of the first vibrating body comes into contact with the first stopper,
When the movable portion moves further downward from a state in which the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper, the movable portion separates from the end of the first vibrating body,
When the movable part is separated from the end of the first vibrating body, the movable part is moved downward by the first spring.
Power generation equipment. the first spring is disposed so as to surround the first vibrating body in a top view;
The power generating device according to claim 1. The first spring includes:
A first connection portion connected to the moving body;
A second connection portion connected to the movable portion;
having
a portion between the first connection portion of the first spring and the second connection portion of the first spring comes into contact with the movable portion, and then the first spring deforms with the portion as a fulcrum, so that the movable portion and the end portion of the first vibrating body are separated from each other;
The power generating device according to claim 2. a contact position of the first spring and the movable portion;
a length from the contact position of the first spring to the first connection portion of the first spring is shorter than a length from the contact position of the first spring to the second connection portion of the first spring;
The power generating device according to claim 3. A second spring is further provided which is deformed by the moving body moving downward and biases the moving body upward.
The power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a body formed of a magnetic material and supporting the first vibrating body;
a core formed of a magnetic material, positioned below the first vibrating body, and protruding from the body;
A coil wound around the core;
Further comprising:
At least a portion of the first vibrating body is made of a magnetic material,
The movable part is
When the end of the first vibrating body is in contact with the first stopper,
A first portion configured to be able to come into contact with a lower surface of the first vibrating body;
A second portion configured to face the tip surface of the core;
Including,
The movable portion has a permanent magnet,
The permanent magnet is arranged such that the first portion forms a first pole and the second portion forms a second pole having a polarity different from that of the first pole.
The power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. the end of the first vibrating body is made of a magnetic material,
The first stopper is made of a magnetic material and is supported by the body.
The power generating device according to claim 6. A second vibrator is provided below the first vibrator, and an end portion of the second vibrator is capable of vibrating in a vertical direction;
a second power generating body provided on the second vibrating body and configured to convert vibration energy of the second vibrating body into electrical energy;
a second stopper that restricts the end of the second vibrator from moving upward;
Further comprising:
the movable part, having moved downward, comes into contact with the end of the second vibrating body after being separated from the end of the first vibrating body;
The movable body that has moved downward is configured to be movable upward,
the first spring causes the movable portion to move upward together with the moving body when the moving body moves upward;
the movable portion in contact with the second vibrating body moves the end portion of the second vibrating body upward by a magnetic attraction force of the movable portion;
the end of the second vibrator moves upward together with the movable portion and comes into contact with the second stopper,
When the movable portion moves further upward from a state in which the end of the second vibrating body is in contact with the second stopper, the movable portion separates from the end of the second vibrating body,
When the movable portion is separated from the end of the second vibrating body, the movable portion is moved upward by the first spring.
A power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A vibrator having an end capable of vibrating in a vertical direction;
a power generator provided on the vibrating body and configured to convert vibration energy of the vibrating body into electrical energy;
a movable part that comes into contact with the end of the vibration body and moves the end of the vibration body downward by magnetic attraction;
A moving body moving downward;
a spring that connects the moving body and the movable part and moves the movable part downward together with the moving body;
Equipped with
the movable portion moves downward while in contact with the end of the vibrating body, and then separates from the end of the vibrating body;
The spring applies a downward force to the movable part when the moving body moves downward,
When the movable part is separated from the end of the vibrating body, the movable part is moved downward by the spring.
Power generation equipment.

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