JP2014131408A - Power generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generation device capable of improving productivity.SOLUTION: A power generation device 1 comprises: power generation plates 20a-20d having a diaphragm 22 and a piezoelectric element 21 fixed to one side face of the diaphragm 22, and aligned in an overlapping manner at an interval from each other; and support parts 30a-30h provided between the power generation plates 20a-20d and supporting the power generation plates 20a-20d. The support part 30c contacting one of side faces of the power generation plate 20a is formed of a conductive material, and a first electrode 31a is integrated with the support part 30c. The support part 30a contacting the other side face of the power generation plate 20a is formed of a conductive material, and a second electrode 32a with polarity different from that of the first electrode 31a is formed separately from the support part 30a. The support part 30c is arranged almost at a center position on the side face of the power generation plate 20a, and the support part 30a is arranged almost at a peripheral edge position on the side face of the power generation plate 20a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generator.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, power generation apparatuses that generate power using piezoelectric elements have been proposed. For example, a power generation device that obtains an electromotive force by deforming the piezoelectric element by directly applying an external force to the piezoelectric element is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, the power generation device includes a plurality of diaphragms between a pair of buffer materials, a piezoelectric element fixed to each side surface of the diaphragm, and a center of each piezoelectric element from one buffer material. And an axis extending from the other buffer material to the side of each diaphragm. Further, as a power generation function of this power generation device, when the buffer material is deformed by receiving an external force, the external force is sequentially transmitted to each diaphragm and each piezoelectric element via the shaft, and each piezoelectric element is connected together with each diaphragm. Electric power is generated by deforming it to warp. Further, a plus terminal is connected to one side surface of each piezoelectric element, and a minus terminal is connected to the other side surface of each piezoelectric element, and lead wires connected to these plus terminal and minus terminal are drawn out, and these are illustrated. Since it is connected to an external device through a control circuit that does not, power generated by the piezoelectric element is supplied to the external device.

JP 2007-097278 A

  However, the conventional power generator described above has room for improvement in terms of manufacturability. For example, in order to supply the electric power generated by the above-described conventional power generator to an external device, a positive terminal and a negative terminal are connected to each piezoelectric element, and a positive terminal (or a negative terminal) and a lead wire are connected. As a result, it took time and effort for these operations. Therefore, an apparatus capable of improving the manufacturability has been demanded.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at providing the electric power generating apparatus which can improve manufacturability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the power generation device according to claim 1 is a power generation device that converts external force into electricity using a power generation element, and is a power generation plate having the power generation element. Or a power generating plate having a substantially plate-like conductive member having flexibility and the power generating element fixed to at least one side surface of the conductive member, and being polymerized at intervals from each other When a plurality of power generation plates arranged in parallel and a plurality of support means provided between the plurality of power generation plates and supporting the plurality of power generation plates, when an external force is applied to the power generation device The plurality of support means are arranged so that at least a part of the plurality of power generation plates can be deformed along a direction in which the plurality of power generation plates are arranged, and at least a part of the plurality of power generation plates is disposed. The first means for forming the support means in contact with one of the side surfaces of the at least one power generation plate with a conductive material and for drawing out the current generated in the power generation plate to the outside with respect to the support means Is formed integrally with or separately from the support means, and the support means in contact with the other side surface of the power generation plate is formed of a conductive material, and is generated outside the support means by the power generation plate. A second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode is formed integrally with or separately from the support means, and is electrically connected to the first electrode. The connected support means is disposed at a substantially central position on the side surface of the power generation plate, and the support means electrically connected to the second electrode is disposed at a substantially peripheral position on the side surface of the power generation plate. It is location.

  Further, the power generation device according to claim 2 is the power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the support means electrically connected to the first electrode is provided integrally with the first electrode. A first contact portion that is in contact with one of the pair of power generation plates supported by the support means; and a second contact portion that is provided integrally with the first electrode. A second contact portion that is in contact with the other of the pair of power generation plates.

  The power generation device according to claim 3 is the power generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power generation plate includes the conductive member and the power generation element fixed to one side surface of the conductive member. Short-circuit preventing means for preventing the first electrode from short-circuiting when the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate are in contact with each other. It is provided on the electrode.

  The power generation device according to claim 4 is the power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the short-circuit prevention unit prevents the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate from contacting each other. And a deformation suppressing means for suppressing deformation of the power generation plate.

  According to the power generation device of claim 1, the support means that is in contact with one of the side surfaces of at least one power generation plate among at least a part of the plurality of power generation plates is formed of a conductive material, and the support means The first electrode for drawing out the current generated in the power generation plate to the outside is formed integrally with or separately from the support means, and the support means in contact with the other side surface of the power generation plate is electrically conductive. A second electrode formed of a material and for drawing out the current generated in the power generation plate to the outside with respect to the support means, the second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode is supported Since it is formed integrally with or separately from the means, the positive terminal and the negative terminal are connected to the power generation element of each power generation plate, and the positive terminal (or the negative terminal) and the lead wire are connected as in the conventional power generation apparatus. To labor it can be omitted, thereby improving the manufacturability.

  According to the power generation device of claim 2, the support means electrically connected to the first electrode is a first contact portion provided integrally with the first electrode, and the support means A first abutting portion that abuts one of the pair of power generation plates supported by the second abutting portion provided integrally with the first electrode, and abuts against the other of the pair of power generation plates Since the second contact portion is provided, the support means can be formed in an integral structure, and the manufacturability of the support means can be improved.

  According to the power generation device of claim 3, the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate are brought into contact with each other, whereby the short-circuit prevention means for preventing the first electrode from being short-circuited, Since it provided in the 1st electrode, it can prevent that a 1st electrode short-circuits by contact | abutting with the electroconductive member of a 1st electrode and an electric power generation plate.

  According to the power generation device of claim 4, the short-circuit prevention means is a deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the power generation plate so as to prevent the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate from coming into contact with each other. Therefore, by suppressing the deformation of the power generation plate, the contact between the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate can be avoided, and in the structure capable of preventing the first electrode from being short-circuited, The durability of the power generation plate can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the electric power generating apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the housing | casing of FIG. 1 was opened. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of an electric power generating apparatus (a housing | casing is abbreviate | omitted). FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3. It is a side view of the electric power generating apparatus of FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of a circuit board. It is a figure which shows the detail of formation of a 1st support part, (a) is a figure which shows the state after die-cutting, (b) is a figure which shows the state after a bending process. It is a side view which shows the electromotive situation of the electric power generating apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the state before a deformation | transformation, (b) is the state which the electric power generating apparatus deform | transformed and received the compression force from the outside FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power generator according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, although the application object of the electric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention is arbitrary, applying to a call button, a remote control, and electric power generation shoes is considered, for example. In the following embodiment, a case where the power generation device is applied to a call button will be described as an example.

(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the power generation device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power generator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a casing 10 described later in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the power generation apparatus (a case 10 described later is omitted). FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of the power generation device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a circuit board 50 described later. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the formation of a first support portion 31 to be described later, (a) is a diagram showing a state after die cutting, and (b) is a diagram showing a state after bending. is there. In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction of the power generation apparatus, the Y direction in FIG. 1 is the front-rear direction of the power generation apparatus, and the Z direction in FIG. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the circuit board 50 to be described later is omitted for simplification of the drawing (the same applies to FIG. 8 to be described later). As shown in each of these drawings, the power generation device 1 includes the power generation plates 20a to 20d, the support portions 30a to 30h, and the operation portion 40 (however, provided in the casing 10 shown in FIG. 1). The pressure receiving part 41 of the operation part 40 to be described later is exposed to the outside (the power generation plates 20a to 20d are collectively referred to as “power generation plate 20” when it is not necessary to distinguish them from each other). In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the support portions 30a to 30h, they are collectively referred to as “support portion 30.” In addition, the power generation device 1 is a circuit board outside the housing 10 shown in FIG. 50 is connected to an acoustic output device or the like (not shown).

(Configuration-housing)
The housing 10 is a structure of the power generation device 1 and is a protection unit that protects the power generation plates 20a to 20d, the support portions 30a to 30h, and a part of the operation portion 40 from the outside. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 is a substantially box-shaped body formed of, for example, a resin material, an insulated metal material, or the like. The housing 10 is a substantially box-shaped base portion 11 having one side surface (for example, an upper side surface) opened, and includes one of the power generation plates 20a to 20d, the support portions 30a to 30h, and the operation portion 40. A base portion 11 that accommodates the base portion 11 and a cover portion 12 that substantially covers the base portion 11 from the open surface side, and the cover portion 12 has a fitting structure or a fixture. It is fixed with etc.

  The base portion 11 is provided with a first fixing portion 11a, a second fixing portion 11b, and a notch portion 11c. The first fixing portion 11a is a fixing means for fixing the power generation plates 20a to 20d to the base portion 11 so as not to move in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. For example, the first fixing portion 11a is integrally formed with the base portion 11. It is formed by. The second fixing portion 11b includes a first electrode 31a to be described later, a second electrode 32a to be described later, a second support portion 32 to be described later, or a third support portion 33 with respect to the base portion 11 in the front-rear direction or It is a fixing means for fixing so that it does not move along the left-right direction, for example, is formed by integral molding with respect to the base part 11. The notch portion 11c is for drawing out a first electrode 31a described later or a second electrode 32a described later to the outside of the housing 10. This notch portion 11c is formed on the side surface (for example, the front side surface of the base portion 11 shown in FIG. 2) from which the first electrode 31a described later or the second electrode 32a described later is pulled out. A part of the upper end portion is formed in a substantially concave shape.

  The cover 12 is provided with a pressing portion 12a and an opening 12b. The pressing portion 12a includes a plurality of first electrodes 31a described later (or a plurality of second electrodes 32a described later) with respect to a minus terminal 51 of a circuit board 50 described later (or a plus terminal 52 of the circuit board 50 described later). Is a pressing means for eliminating a gap between each other by pressing a plurality of first electrodes 31a (or a plurality of second electrodes 32a described later). The pressing portion 12a is formed on the side surface (the front side surface of the cover portion 12 in FIG. 2) of the cover portion 12 that faces the notch portion 11c of the base portion 11 so that a part of the lower end portion of the side surface is substantially convex. ing. The opening 12 b is an opening for exposing a pressure receiving portion 41 of the operation unit 40 described later to the outside of the housing 10.

(Configuration-power generation plate)
The power generation plates 20a to 20d convert the external force applied to the power generation plates 20a to 20d into electricity. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d are formed in the same substantially disk shape (for example, formed in a substantially disk shape having a planar shape with a diameter of about 20 to 30 mm). Etc.). Moreover, these electric power generation plates 20a-20d are arranged in parallel along the Z direction at intervals. More specifically, these power generation plates 20a to 20d are superposed in a stacked manner, and the power generation plates 20a to 20d are positioned at the same position along the parallel direction. The plates 20a to 20d are arranged. Each of the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d includes a piezoelectric element 21 and a diaphragm 22.

(Configuration-Power generation plate-Piezoelectric element)
The piezoelectric element 21 is an element that generates electricity by being deformed by pressure. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the piezoelectric element 21 is made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic such as barium titanate or zirconia, or a piezoelectric single crystal such as lithium tantalate (LiTaO 3). Moreover, about the planar shape of this piezoelectric element 21, it is formed in the shape smaller than the planar shape of the electric power generation plate 20, for example (For example, a planar shape is about 15-20 mm in diameter, and thickness is 0.3 mm. It is formed of a substantially disk-shaped body having a degree). Or it is not restricted to this, You may form in the shape substantially the same as the electric power generation plate 20. FIG.

  Here, as the piezoelectric element 21, or in place of the piezoelectric element 21, any material capable of generating power by an external force (including a force that causes distortion, bending, or compression) can be used. An ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC: Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite) in which metal (gold, etc.) is plated on both sides of a polymer film (gel), or an ion conductive polymer gel film (ICPF: Ionic Conducting Polymer Film) Alternatively, artificial muscles using these IPMC and ICPF can be used. Note that these piezoelectric elements 21 and arbitrary materials capable of generating power are collectively referred to as “power generating elements” as necessary.

(Configuration-Power generation plate-Diaphragm)
The diaphragm 22 is a conductive member that reinforces the cracking strength of the piezoelectric element 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the diaphragm 22 is a substantially disk-shaped body made of a steel material having flexibility and durability, such as a stainless steel thin plate. As for the shape of the diaphragm 22, for example, the planar shape is substantially the same as the power generation plate 20, and the thickness is substantially the same as the piezoelectric element 21 (for example, the planar shape). Is approximately 20 to 30 mm in diameter and is formed of a substantially disk-shaped body having a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm). In addition, the piezoelectric element 21 is disposed so as to come into contact with either one of the two side surfaces of the diaphragm 22 and is bonded to the diaphragm 22 with an adhesive or the like.

(Configuration-support part)
The support portions 30a to 30h are support means for supporting the power generation plates 20a to 20d. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the support portion 30 is provided between the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d, and among the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d, the upper side surface and the uppermost side of the power generation plate 20 a on the uppermost end side. It is provided on the lower surface of the power generation plate 20d on the lower end side. Further, the support portion 30 is disposed at a position where it abuts against the side surface of the adjacent power generation plate 20. Details of the support portion 30 will be described later.

(Configuration-operation unit)
The operation unit 40 is an operation means for transmitting an external force to the power generation plates 20a to 20d. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the operation part 40 is formed with insulating materials, such as a resin material and a rubber material, and is arrange | positioned among the power generation plates 20a-20d at the electric power generation plate 20a of the uppermost end side. Yes. The operation unit 40 includes a pressure receiving unit 41 and a transmission unit 42. Here, a method of forming the operation unit 40 corresponds to a method of forming the operation unit 40 by integral molding, for example. Or it is not restricted to this, After forming the pressure receiving part 41 and the transmission part 42 separately, the method of connecting these pressure receiving part 41 and the transmission part 42 with welding or an adhesive agent etc. may be sufficient. .

(Configuration-Operation part-Pressure receiving part)
The pressure receiving portion 41 is a pressure receiving means that receives an external force. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the pressure receiving part 41 is formed in the substantially disk-shaped body. Moreover, about the planar shape of this pressure receiving part 41, it is formed in the shape smaller than the planar shape of the electric power generation plate 20, for example (or it may be substantially the same as the planar shape of the electric power generation plate 20). The pressure receiving portion 41 is disposed on the upper side surface of the transmission portion 42 so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing 10.

(Configuration-operation unit-transmission unit)
The transmission part 42 is a transmission means for transmitting the external force received via the pressure receiving part 41 to the power generation plates 20a to 20d. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the transmission part 42 is a substantially disc shaped body. Moreover, about the planar shape of this transmission part 42, it is formed in the shape substantially the same as the planar shape of the electric power generation plate 20, for example (or a shape larger than the planar shape of the electric power generation plate 20 may be sufficient). . Further, the transmission part 42 is arranged at a position where the transmission part 42 comes into contact with the support part 30 provided on the upper side surface of the power generation plate 20a on the uppermost end side.

(Configuration-circuit board)
The circuit board 50 is a board on which an electric circuit (not shown) for realizing various functions of the power generation device 1 is mounted, and is arranged in the vicinity of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 6, a negative terminal 51, a positive terminal 52, a rectifying unit 53, a capacitor 54, and an output terminal 55 are mounted on the circuit board 50.

  The minus terminal 51 and the plus terminal 52 are terminals for acquiring the current generated in the power generation plates 20a to 20d via the first electrode 31a and the second electrode 32a described later. Is electrically connected to a first electrode 31a described later, and the plus terminal 52 is electrically connected to a second electrode 32a described later.

  The rectifying unit 53 may convert a current (specifically, an alternating current) acquired through the negative terminal 51 and the positive terminal 52 into a direct current, or may connect either a cathode or an anode of a direct current power source. It is a rectifying means for adjusting so that there is no. The rectifying unit 53 is configured using, for example, a known bridge circuit having a plurality of diodes 53a, and is electrically connected to the minus terminal 51 and the plus terminal 52 through wiring.

  The capacitor 54 is an element for accumulating the current output from the rectifying unit 53 and is electrically connected to the rectifying unit 53 via a wiring.

  The output terminal 55 is a terminal for outputting the current output from the capacitor 54 to an acoustic output device or the like, and is electrically connected to the capacitor 54 via a wiring.

(Details of support and electrode)
Next, with respect to the details of the configuration of the support portion 30 and the electrodes according to the present embodiment, the following measures are taken.

(Details of support part and electrode-configuration of support part and electrode)
First, about the structure of the support part 30 and an electrode, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the support part 30 is the 1st support part 31, the 2nd support part 32, and the 3rd support part 33. Can be broadly classified.

  The first support part 31 and the second support part 32 have a function of supporting the power generation plates 20a to 20d and a function of drawing out the current generated in the power generation plates 20a to 20d to the outside of the support part 30. It is what you have. For example, the support portions 30c and 30f correspond to the first support portion 31, and the support portions 30a, 30d, and 30g correspond to the second support portion 32, for example.

  The third support portion 33 has a function of simply supporting the power generation plates 20a to 20d. For example, the support portions 30b, 30e, and 30h correspond to the third support portion 33.

(Details of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of First Support Unit and Electrode)
Moreover, the structure shown below is employ | adopted about the structure of the 1st support part 31 and an electrode. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first support portion 31 is electrically connected to the first electrode 31 a, and the first contact portion 31 b and the second contact portion are connected to each other. Part 31c.

  The first electrode 31 a is an electrode for extracting current generated in the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d to the outside with respect to the first support portion 31. The first electrode 31 a is formed of a substantially plate-like body, and is disposed between the pair of power generation plates 20 supported by the first support portion 31. In addition, the first electrode 31 a is fixed to the second fixing portion 11 b in the base portion 11 of the housing 10 and is electrically connected to the negative terminal 51 of the circuit board 50.

  In addition, a deformation suppressing portion 31d is provided on each of the upper side surface and the lower side surface of the first electrode 31a. The deformation suppressing portion 31d suppresses deformation of the power generation plate 20 in order to prevent the first support portion 31 from being short-circuited when the first electrode 31a and the diaphragm 22 of the power generation plate 20 come into contact with each other. It is a deformation | transformation suppression means for this. The deformation suppressing portion 31d is formed by projecting a part of the first electrode 31a (or may be provided separately from the first electrode 31a), and the piezoelectric plate of the opposing power generation plate 20 is used. It is arranged at a position facing the piezoelectric element 21 so as to be able to contact the element 21.

  The first contact portion 31 b and the second contact portion 31 c are contact means for contacting the pair of power generation plates 20 supported by the first support portion 31. Each of the first contact portion 31b and the second contact portion 31c is formed in a substantially convex shape, and is provided integrally with the first electrode 31a. The first contact portion 31b is disposed at a position that contacts one of the pair of power generation plates 20, and the second contact portion 31c is a position that contacts the other of the pair of power generation plates 20. Is arranged.

(Details of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of Second Support Unit and Electrode)
Moreover, the structure shown below is employ | adopted about the structure of the 2nd support part 32 and an electrode. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the second support portion 32 is electrically connected to the second electrode 32 a, and includes a support body 32 b and a support body fixing portion 32 c. Configured.

  The second electrode 32a is an electrode for extracting current generated in the power generation plates 20a to 20d to the outside with respect to the second support portion 32, and is an electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode 31a. . The second electrode 32a is formed in a substantially plate-like body, and a position (or a position where the second electrode 32a directly contacts) the power generation plate 20 supported by the second support portion 32 via the support body 32b. Is arranged. The second electrode 32 a is fixed to the second fixing portion 11 b in the base portion 11 of the housing 10 and is electrically connected to the plus terminal 52 of the circuit board 50.

  The support body 32b is a portion that is a basis of the second support portion 32, and is formed of a substantially plate-like body. The planar shape of the support main body 32b is arbitrary, but may be formed, for example, in a shape substantially along a part of the periphery of the power generation plate 20 so that the second support portion 32 can be manufactured at low cost. preferable. Specifically, when the planar shape of the power generation plate 20 is formed in a substantially circular shape, it is formed in a substantially arc shape (note that the planar shape of a support body 33a of a third support portion 33 described later) The same shall apply to In addition, the support body 32b is disposed at a position where it abuts on the power generation plate 20 supported by the second support portion 32 (or a position where it abuts via the second electrode 32a).

  The support main body fixing portion 32 c is a portion attached to the second fixing portion 11 b of the base portion 11 in the housing 10. The support main body fixing portion 32c is formed integrally with the support main body 32b, is disposed so as to protrude toward the base portion 11, and is fixed to the second fixing portion 11b of the base portion 11. (The same applies to a support main body fixing portion 33b of a third support portion 33 described later).

(Details of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of Support Unit and Electrode-Configuration of Third Support Unit)
Further, the following configuration is adopted for the configuration of the third support portion 33. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the third support portion 33 includes a support main body 33 a and a support main body fixing portion 33 b.

  The support main body 33a is a portion serving as a basis of the third support portion 33, and is formed of a substantially plate-like body. The support body 33 a is disposed at a position where it abuts on the power generation plate 20 supported by the third support portion 33.

  The support main body fixing portion 33 b is a portion attached to the second fixing portion 11 b of the base portion 11 in the housing 10, and is fixed to the second fixing portion 11 b of the base portion 11.

  With the configuration of the support portion 30 and the electrodes as described above, a plus terminal and a minus terminal are connected to the piezoelectric element 21 of each power generation plate 20 as in a conventional power generator, and a plus terminal (or minus terminal) and a lead wire are connected. It is possible to save the trouble of connecting the. Further, since the support body 32b of the second support portion 32 has a shape along a part of the peripheral edge of the power generation plate 20, the second main body 32b has a second shape as compared with the case where the shape is along the entire peripheral edge of the power generation plate 20. The support portion 32 can be manufactured at low cost, and the power generation plate 20 can be stably supported.

(Details of support part and electrode-material of support part and electrode)
Moreover, about the material of the 1st support part 31-the 3rd support part 33, for example, it has conductivity and is higher than the power generation plate 20 so that a space for deforming the power generation plate 20 can be maintained. A conductive material such as a strong metal material (eg, copper, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) is used (in addition, the material of the third support portion 33 may be an insulating material such as a resin material or a rubber material). . In addition, as a material of the first electrode 31a and the second electrode 32a, a conductive material such as a metal material (for example, copper, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) is used.

(Details of Supporting Section and Electrode—Method of Forming Supporting Section and Electrode)
Further, a method for forming the first support portion 31 and the first electrode 31a (or the second support portion 32 and the second electrode 32a) is arbitrary, but as a method that can be manufactured at low cost, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, there is a method in which a conductive material such as a copper plate is die-cut, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the conductive material after die-cutting is bent and formed integrally. Applicable. Or it is not restricted to this, The method of forming by integral molding may be sufficient, or the 1st support part 31 and the 1st electrode 31a may be formed in a different body.

(Details of support and electrode-thickness of support and electrode)
Moreover, about the setting of the thickness of the 1st support part 31 and the 1st electrode 31a, when external force is applied to the electric power generating apparatus 1, the electric power generation plate 20 and the 1st electrode 31a do not contact | abut. For example, the thickness of the first support portion 31 is set to about 1.1 mm, and the thickness of the first electrode 31a is set to about 0.2 mm. Further, regarding the setting of the thicknesses of the second support part 32 and the second electrode 32a, the total thickness of the second support part 32 and the second electrode 32a is equal to the thickness of the third support part 33. For example, when the thickness of the third support portion 33 is 0.6 mm, the thickness of the second support portion 32 is 0.5 mm and the thickness of the second electrode 32a. Is set to 0.1 mm. In addition, about the setting of the thickness of the 1st electrode 31a and the 2nd electrode 32a, as shown in FIG. 1, the some 1st electrode 31a and the some 2nd electrode 32a are set by the press part 12a, for example. It is desirable that the sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of first electrodes 31a and the sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of second electrodes 32a are set to be equal so that they are pressed evenly.

(Details of support part and electrode-arrangement of support part)
Moreover, about arrangement | positioning of these 1st support parts 31-3rd support part 33, when external force is applied to the pressure receiving part 41 of the operation part 40, for example, all of the electric power generation plates 20a-20d are the electric power generation plates 20a. The first support portion 31 to the third support portion 33 are arranged so as to be deformable along the parallel arrangement direction of ˜20d. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first support portion 31 is disposed at a substantially central position on the side surface of the power generation plate 20, and the second support portion 32 and the third support portion 33 are The power generation plate 20 is disposed at a substantially peripheral position on the side surface opposite to the first support portion 31 side (more specifically, the support portion 30c is disposed at the center position on the lower surface of the power generation plate 20a. The support portion 30a is disposed at the left peripheral position on the upper surface of the power generation plate 20a, and the support portion 30b is disposed at the right peripheral position on the upper surface). With such an arrangement, the structure of the power generator 1 can be stabilized.

(About the function of the power generator)
The function of the power generator 1 configured as described above is as follows. FIG. 8 is a side view showing an electromotive state of the power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing a state before deformation, and (b) is a diagram showing the compression force of the power generation device 1 from the outside. It is a figure which shows the state which received and deformed.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, regarding the deformation of the power generation plates 20a to 20d when the power generation apparatus 1 receives a compressive force from the outside, the power generation plates 20a and 20c are deformed in a convex shape upward, and the power generation plate 20b , 20d are deformed in a convex shape downward. In this case, for example, when the deformation of the power generation plate 20a (or the power generation plate 20b) reaches a predetermined amount, the deformation suppression portion 31d and the power generation plate 20a (or the power generation plate) in the first electrode 31a electrically connected to the support portion 30c. When the piezoelectric element 21 of the plate 20b abuts, deformation of the power generation plate 20a (or the power generation plate 20b) is limited. Accordingly, the first electrode 31a is short-circuited by the contact between the diaphragm 22 of the power generation plate 20a (or the power generation plate 20b) and the first electrode 31a electrically connected to the support portion 30c. (The same applies to the case where the deformation of the power generation plates 20c and 20d reaches a predetermined amount).

  Further, due to the deformation of the power generation plates 20a to 20d described above, a cathode current is generated on the lower side surfaces of the power generation plates 20a and 20c and the upper side surfaces of the power generation plates 20b and 20d, and the upper side surfaces of the power generation plates 20a and 20c A voltage is generated in each power generation plate 20 by generating an anode current on the lower surface of the plates 20b and 20d. When a voltage is generated in each of the power generation plates 20, a cathode current flows through the support portions 30 c and 30 f that are the first support portions 31 in contact with the power generation plates 20, and the second support portions. The anode current flows through the support portions 30a, 30d, and 30g, which are 32. Here, since the first electrode 31a electrically connected to the support portions 30c and 30f is connected to the negative terminal 51 of the circuit board 50, the current of the cathode flowing through the support portions 30c and 30f is It flows to the circuit board 50 through the first electrode 31a. In addition, since the second electrode 32a electrically connected to the support portions 30a, 30d, and 30g is connected to the plus terminal 52 of the circuit board 50, the anode current that has flowed through the support portions 30a, 30d, and 30g. Flows to the circuit board 50 through the second electrode 32a. Then, the current flowing through the circuit board 50 is converted into a direct current by the rectifier 53 and stored in the capacitor 54 and then output to an acoustic output device or the like via the output terminal 55. Thereby, the electric power generated by the power generation plates 20 a to 20 d is output as an acoustic output device via the first support portion 31, the second support portion 32, the first electrode 31 a, the second electrode 32 a, and the circuit board 50. Etc. can be supplied.

(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the at least a part of the power generation plates 20a to 20d, the first support portion 31 (for example, the support portion 30c) that is in contact with one of the side surfaces of the at least one power generation plate 20 is used. , 30f) is formed of a conductive material, and the first electrode 31a for drawing out the current generated in the power generation plate 20 to the outside with respect to the first support portion 31 is integrated with the first support portion 31. The second support portion 32 (for example, the support portions 30a, 30d, and 30g) that is in contact with the other of the side surfaces of the power generation plate 20 is formed of a conductive material, and the second support portion 32 is formed. The second electrode 32a for extracting the current generated in the power generation plate 20 to the outside, and the second electrode 32a having a polarity different from that of the first electrode 31a is connected to the second support portion 32. Shaped separately Therefore, like the conventional power generation device, the plus terminal and the minus terminal can be connected to the piezoelectric element 21 of each power generation plate 20, and the trouble of connecting the plus terminal (or minus terminal) and the lead wire can be saved. , Productivity can be improved.

  The first support portion 31 electrically connected to the first electrode 31a is a first contact portion 31b provided integrally with the first electrode 31a, and the first support portion. A first contact portion 31b that contacts one of the pair of power generation plates 20 supported by 31 and a second contact portion 31c provided integrally with the first electrode 31a, the pair of power generation plates Since the second contact portion 31c that contacts the other of the first support portion 31 and the second support portion 31c is provided, the first support portion 31 can be formed in an integrated structure, and the productivity of the first support portion 31 can be improved. it can.

  Further, the first support portion 31 is provided with a deformation suppressing portion 31d for suppressing the deformation of the power generation plate 20 so as to prevent the first electrode 31a and the vibration plate 22 of the power generation plate 20 from coming into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact of the first electrode 31a with the diaphragm 22 of the power generation plate 20 can prevent the first electrode 31a from being short-circuited, and stable power generation can be performed. In particular, by suppressing the deformation of the power generation plate 20, it is possible to avoid contact between the first electrode 31 a and the vibration plate 22 of the power generation plate 20. Thereby, in the structure which can prevent the short circuit of the 1st electrode 31a, durability of the electric power generation plate 20 can be improved further.

[Modifications to Embodiment]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Can do. Hereinafter, such a modification will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and the present invention solves the problems not described above or has the effects not described above. There are also cases where only some of the described problems are solved or only some of the described effects are achieved. For example, even if it is difficult to form the support means as an electrode, the problem of the present invention is solved when the formation of the electrode of the support means can be achieved in the same manner as before by a technique different from the conventional technique. .

(About power generation plate)
In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the power generation plate 20 has been described as a substantially disk-shaped body. However, the shape is not limited to this. Good. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although demonstrated that each electric power generation plate 20 was provided with the diaphragm 22, you may abbreviate | omit the diaphragm 22, for example. In the above embodiment, it has been described that the piezoelectric element 21 is provided on one of the side surfaces of the vibration plate 22. However, for example, the piezoelectric element 21 may be provided on both side surfaces of the vibration plate 22.

(About circuit boards)
In the above embodiment, the circuit board 50 has been described as being provided outside the housing 10, but may be housed inside the housing 10, for example.

(About the material of the support part)
In the said embodiment, about the material of the 1st support part 31 and the 2nd support part 32, metal material etc. higher intensity | strength than the electric power generation plate 20 so that the electric current which generate | occur | produced in the electric power generation plate 20 can be drawn out. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the power generation plates 20a to 20d, a positive terminal and a negative terminal are connected to the piezoelectric elements 21 of some of the power generation plates 20, and a current is drawn by connecting the positive terminal (or the negative terminal) and a lead wire. In this case, the first support portion 31 and the second support portion 32 that support the power generation plate 20 are formed of a material other than a conductive material (for example, an insulating material such as a resin material). Also good.

(About deformation suppression part)
In the above embodiment, the first electrode 31a is described as being provided with the deformation suppressing portion 31d. However, the first electrode 31a may be prevented from being short-circuited by a configuration other than the deformation suppressing portion 31d. For example, an insulating sheet may be provided on the first electrode 31a. The insulating sheet is a substantially sheet-like body formed of an insulating material such as a resin material, for example, and is disposed so as to cover a portion of the side surface of the first electrode 31a facing the diaphragm 22 of the power generation plate 20, The first electrode 31a is fixed with an adhesive or the like.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated that the deformation | transformation suppression part 31d was provided in the both sides | surfaces of the 1st electrode 31a, for example, the deformation | transformation suppression part 31d is provided in one of the side surfaces of the 1st electrode 31a. It may be provided. In addition, a plurality of deformation suppressing portions 31d may be provided on one of the side surfaces of the first electrode 31a so that the deformation of the power generation plate 20 can be reliably suppressed.

(About the second support part)
In the above-described embodiment, the planar shape of the support body 32b in the second support portion 32 has been described as being formed in a substantially arc shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the planar shape of the power generation plate 20 is formed in a substantially square shape, the planar shape of the support body 32b may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power generator 10 Case 11 Base part 11a 1st fixing | fixed part 11b 2nd fixing | fixed part 11c Notch part 12 Cover part 12a Press part 12b Opening 20, 20a-20d Electric power generation plate 21 Piezoelectric element 22 Diaphragm 30, 30a-30h Support part 31 First support part 31a First electrode 31b First contact part 31c Second contact part 31d Deformation suppression part 32 Second support part 32a Second electrode 32b, 33a Support body 32c, 33b Support body fixing part 33 Third support part 40 Operation part 41 Pressure receiving part 42 Transmission part 50 Circuit board 51 Negative terminal 52 Positive terminal 53 Rectification part 53a Diode 54 Capacitor 55 Output terminal

Claims (4)

A power generation device that converts external force into electricity using a power generation element,
A power generation plate having the power generation element, or a power generation plate having a substantially plate-like conductive member having flexibility and the power generation element fixed to at least one side surface of the conductive member, A plurality of power generation plates juxtaposed in a polymerized manner at intervals from each other;
A plurality of support means provided between the plurality of power generation plates and supporting the plurality of power generation plates;
When an external force is applied to the power generation device, the plurality of support means are arranged so that at least a part of the plurality of power generation plates can be deformed along the parallel direction of the plurality of power generation plates,
The support means that is in contact with one of the side surfaces of at least one of the power generation plates among at least a part of the plurality of power generation plates is formed of a conductive material, and the power generation plate is external to the support means. A first electrode for drawing out the generated current is formed integrally with or separately from the support means, and the support means in contact with the other side surface of the power generation plate is formed of a conductive material, and the support is formed. A second electrode for drawing out the current generated in the power generation plate to the outside with respect to the means, the second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode is formed integrally or separately from the support means And
The support means electrically connected to the first electrode is disposed at a substantially central position on the side surface of the power generation plate, and the support means electrically connected to the second electrode is connected to the power generation plate. Arranged at a substantially peripheral position on the side of the plate,
Power generation device. The support means electrically connected to the first electrode comprises:
A first contact portion provided integrally with the first electrode, the first contact portion contacting one of the pair of power generation plates supported by the support means;
A second contact portion provided integrally with the first electrode, the second contact portion contacting the other of the pair of power generation plates,
The power generation device according to claim 1. The power generation plate includes the conductive member and the power generation element fixed to one side surface of the conductive member.
Short-circuit prevention means for preventing the first electrode from being short-circuited by contacting the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate is provided in the first electrode.
The power generator according to claim 1 or 2. The short-circuit prevention means is a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of the power generation plate so as to prevent contact between the first electrode and the conductive member of the power generation plate.
The power generator according to claim 3.

Images