JP2012204751A - Power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generator capable of ensuring power generation efficiency and improving productivity.SOLUTION: A power generator 1 includes: an optical fiber 4 for guiding light incident from an incident end portion 14 that is an end portion on a light incident side toward a radiation end portion 16 that is an end portion on a side opposite to the incident end portion 14; and spherical solar cells 20 that are installed inside the optical fiber 4 and generate power by receiving light on their external surfaces. The spherical solar cells 20 can generate power by the light received on the external surfaces; thus, the spherical solar cells 20 installed inside the optical fiber 4 can efficiently generate power by the light passing through the inside of the optical fiber 4. The spherical solar cells 20 can further generate power irrespective of the direction of the light received and their positions to receive light, so that adjustment of the positions and directions of the spherical solar cells 20 with respect to the light passing through the inside of the optical fiber 4 is not required when installed inside the optical fiber 4, whereby the installation is easy.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generator.

  Some conventional power generation devices include an optical guide that conducts light to the solar cell in addition to the solar cell that generates power by light. For example, in a concentrating photovoltaic cell device with an optical guide described in Patent Document 1, a concentrator for condensing light is provided at one end of an optical guide having an optical medium that conducts light, such as an optical fiber. Provided on the other end side of the optical guide is a photoelectric converter that can convert light energy into electrical energy. Further, a spectroscopic body that collects light by a light collector and separates light transmitted by an optical medium and irradiates the light to the photoelectric converter is provided at an end of the optical guide on the photoelectric converter side. Thereby, by irradiating the photoelectric converter with the light collected by the condenser through the optical guide, the photoelectric converter can be efficiently irradiated, and a decrease in the photoelectric conversion efficiency can be prevented. .

JP 2010-3759 A

  Here, like the concentrating photovoltaic cell device with an optical guide described in Patent Document 1, light collected by the condenser is conducted by the optical guide, and is generated by irradiating the photoelectric converter. When performing, it is necessary to adjust and arrange | position so that the irradiation direction with respect to a photoelectric converter may become an appropriate direction. That is, in a photoelectric converter such as a solar cell, when receiving light in a direction perpendicular to the light receiving surface, the power generation efficiency with respect to the received light is the highest, but the photoelectric converter is at the end of the optical guide. In the case of providing the power supply, it is necessary to arrange the power supply in a direction that enables efficient power generation. However, when the photoelectric converter is disposed while adjusting the direction of the end portion of the optical guide during the production of the power generation device, the production is likely to be complicated and the production efficiency may be reduced. As described above, when power is generated using light, it has been very difficult to achieve both power generation efficiency and productivity.

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

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the power generation apparatus according to the present invention transmits light incident from an incident end that is an end on which light is incident, to an end opposite to the incident end. A light guide member that leads to the side opposite to the incident end, which is a portion, and a spherical power generation unit that is disposed inside the light guide member and that generates power when the outer surface receives light.

  In this invention, since the spherical power generation unit that generates power by the light received on the outer surface is disposed inside the light guide member, the spherical power generation unit can effectively generate power with the light passing through the light guide member. it can. In addition, since the spherical power generation unit can generate power regardless of the direction of light to be received and the position to receive the light, when the spherical power generation unit is disposed inside the light guide member during the production of the power generation device, It is not necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the spherical power generation unit with respect to the light passing through the guide member, and can be easily arranged. As a result, productivity can be improved while ensuring power generation efficiency.

  Further, in the power generation device, the light guide member is formed of a transparent member, and has a core that guides the light incident from the incident end portion toward the counter incident end portion, and the spherical shape The power generation unit is preferably disposed on the core.

  In this invention, since the spherical power generation unit is disposed in the core, when light enters the light guide member, the light passing through the core can be received by the spherical power generation unit. As a result, when light is incident on the light guide member, it is possible to generate power more reliably at the spherical power generation unit using this light, and it is possible to improve power generation efficiency more reliably.

  Moreover, in the power generation device, it is preferable that the core also serves as a fixing member of the spherical power generation unit.

  In this invention, since the core also serves as a fixing member for the spherical power generation unit, the spherical power generation unit can be disposed inside the light guide member without providing a dedicated member for fixing the spherical power generation unit. it can. Further, since the interface of the members is reduced, reflection loss at the interface can be reduced. As a result, productivity can be improved more reliably while improving power generation efficiency.

  Further, in the above power generation device, the light incident from the incident end portion is placed between the position where the spherical power generation portion of the light guide member is disposed and the non-incident end portion. It is preferable that a reflecting member that reflects the light is provided.

  In this invention, since the reflecting member is provided between the position where the spherical power generation unit is disposed and the non-incident end, the spherical power generation unit out of the light incident from the incident end and directed to the counter incident end. The light that is not received by the light and directed toward the anti-incident end can be reflected by the reflecting member. Thereby, since this light can be directed to the direction of a spherical electric power generation part, the probability that the light incident from the incident end part will be received by the spherical electric power generation part can be increased. As a result, the power generation efficiency can be further increased.

  In the above power generation device, it is preferable that a power storage unit that stores electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit is disposed inside the light guide member.

  In the present invention, since the power storage unit is disposed inside the light guide member, the electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit can be temporarily stored in the power storage unit. As a result, when electricity is used, the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit is used, so that the power generation state of the spherical power generation unit or the state of light incident on the light guide member is affected. Therefore, it can be used stably. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience when using electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit.

  In the above power generation device, it is preferable that the anti-incident end portion of the light guide member is provided with an electric device that operates with electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit.

  In the present invention, since the electric device is provided at the anti-incident end, the electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit can be used as electricity for operating the electric device. As a result, the electric device can be operated without using electricity from an external power source.

  In the power generation apparatus, the electric device includes a light emitting unit that emits light by electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit, and the light emitting unit emits light from the anti-incident end portion to the light guide member. It is preferable that it is provided so as to be able to irradiate the outside of the.

  In the present invention, the light emitting means, which is an electrical device, is provided so as to be able to irradiate light from the light incident member to the outside of the light guide member from the non-incident end portion. be able to. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration when irradiating a desired location, and to improve productivity more reliably.

  Further, in the power generation device, the electric device can transmit a state detection unit that detects a state outside the light guide member, and a detection result detected by the state detection unit to a communication device outside the light guide member. It is preferable that the communication means is included.

  In this invention, since the state detection means and the communication means are used as the electrical equipment, it is possible to acquire information on the state of the portion where the power generation device is disposed without consuming external electricity, Desired information can be acquired stably. Further, for example, when the state detection unit detects the external state of the light guide member for the purpose of reducing the power consumption, it can be acquired without consuming external electricity, so the power consumption can be more reliably performed. Can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to continuously acquire state information at a desired position without consuming external electricity.

  Further, in the power generation device, a booster that boosts electricity generated by the spherical power generator is disposed inside the light guide member, and the electric device is operated by electricity boosted by the booster. It is preferable to do.

  In the present invention, the booster is disposed inside the light guide member, and the electric device is operated by electricity boosted by the booster, so that it can be stably operated. As a result, the stability at the time of operation of the electric device can be improved.

  The power generator according to the present invention has an effect that productivity can be improved while ensuring power generation efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device shown in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber constituting the power generator shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Western-style toilet equipped with the power generator shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a power generator according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a modified example of the power generator according to Embodiment 1, and is an explanatory diagram in the case of using a reflector. FIG. 8 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the third embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the optical fiber is formed in a cross-sectional shape other than a circle. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 10 is a modified example of the power generator according to Embodiment 3, and is an explanatory view other than the shape shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a modified example of the fourth embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when a waterproof window is provided. FIG. 12 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided in the nozzle. FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the nozzle shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided at a corner of a room. FIG. 15 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided at a corner of a room.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power generator according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device shown in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber constituting the power generator shown in FIG. The power generator 1 shown in the figure is configured using an optical fiber 4 that is a light guide member. First, the optical fiber 4 will be described. The cross-sectional shape is formed in a substantially circular shape, and the optical fiber 4 is provided in a linear or cord shape by extending in a circular axial direction. Thus, the optical fiber 4 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is composed of a core 6 made of a transparent member and a clad 8 made of a transparent member like the core 6 and provided around the core 6 so as to cover the core 6. And a coating 12 made of an opaque member and provided around the clad 8 so as to cover the clad 8. That is, the core 6, the clad 8, and the coating 12 are arranged in this order from the inner side to the outer side of the circle. Among these, the core 6 and the clad 8 are both formed of a material such as transparent glass or resin having a high transmittance, but both materials have different refractive indexes, and the core 6 and the clad 8 have a different refractive index. However, it is made of a material having a high refractive index.

  In the power generation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a spherical solar cell 20 that is a spherical power generation unit that generates power when the outer surface receives light is disposed inside the optical fiber 4 thus provided. The spherical solar cell 20 is formed in a substantially spherical shape, and is provided as a solar cell capable of generating power by light received by the spherical light receiving surface, with almost the entire spherical surface serving as a light receiving surface. .

  The spherical solar cell 20 provided inside the optical fiber 4 is provided inside the core 6 included in the optical fiber 4 and is fixed by the core 6. Thus, the core 6 also serves as a fixing member for the spherical solar cell 20 when the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4. A plurality of spherical solar cells 20 disposed inside the core 6 by being fixed by the core 6 are provided inside the optical fiber 4. The plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the optical fiber 4, and the plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are connected by connecting the electrodes 22 of the respective spherical solar cells 20 with electric wires 24. Electrically connected.

  Further, a boosting IC (Integrated Circuit) 30 that is a boosting unit that boosts the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4. The step-up IC 30 is provided as an electric circuit that can step up the voltage and make it constant. The spherical solar cell 20 is connected to the spherical solar cell 20 by an electric wire 24 so that the voltage of electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 can be boosted.

  Furthermore, an electric device that operates with electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is provided inside the optical fiber 4. Specifically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) chip 40 that is a light emitting means that emits light by electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is provided as the electric device. The LED chip 40 is connected to the booster IC 30 by the electric wire 24, and the light emitting unit 42 included in the LED chip 40 emits light by the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 and boosted by the booster IC 30. That is, in the optical fiber 4, the booster IC 30 is interposed between the LED chip 40 and the spherical solar cell 20, and the LED chip 40 can emit light by electricity supplied from the booster IC 30.

  Further, the LED chip 40 is disposed on one end side of the optical fiber 4 formed in a cord shape, and the light emitting unit 42 is connected to the end portion of the optical fiber 4 on the side where the LED chip 40 is disposed, The optical fiber 4 is disposed so as to face outward.

  Of the both ends of the optical fiber 4, the LED chip 40 is disposed in this way, and the end of the LED chip 40 on the side where the light emitting unit 42 is located is caused by the emitted light when the light emitting unit 42 emits light. The irradiation end portion 16 is capable of irradiating the outside. On the other hand, of the both ends of the optical fiber 4, light outside the optical fiber 4 can enter the optical fiber 4 at the end opposite to the end where the LED chip 40 is disposed. It is the incident end 14 which is an end. That is, the irradiation end portion 16 is provided as a non-incident end portion that is an end portion on the opposite side of the incident end portion 14 when the incident end portion 14 is viewed with reference.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Western-style toilet equipped with the power generator shown in FIG. The power generation device 1 configured by disposing the spherical solar cell 20 in the optical fiber 4 can be used in various places. As an example, the case where the power generation device 1 is provided in the Western-style toilet 50 will be described. . In the Western-style toilet 50 shown in FIG. 3, a low tank 56 is installed on the rear upper surface of the toilet bowl 52, and a toilet seat box 58 is installed on the front side of the low tank 56. A toilet seat 60 and a toilet lid 62 are attached to the toilet seat box 58 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The toilet seat 60 and the toilet lid 62 can be rotated independently. When the toilet seat 60 is used, only the toilet seat 60 is tilted while the toilet lid 62 is raised, and when the Western-style toilet 50 is not used, The toilet seat 60 and the toilet lid 62 are both brought down. When the Western-style toilet 50 is not used, the toilet lid 62 is tilted in this manner, thereby closing the opening on the upper surface of the toilet bowl 52 with the toilet lid 62.

  The power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to the toilet lid 62 of the Western-style toilet 50 provided in this manner in a state where the irradiation end portion 16 side is disposed. Specifically, in the power generation device 1, the light emitting portion 42 of the LED chip 40 disposed in the irradiation end portion 16 is exposed on the toilet seat 60 side surface of the toilet lid 62, that is, on the lower surface side when the toilet lid 62 is tilted. It is attached in the state to do. For this reason, the power generation device 1 is provided in a state where the light emitting portion 42 of the LED chip 40 faces the inside of the toilet bowl 52 when the toilet lid 62 is tilted. When the power generation device 1 is provided in the Western-style toilet 50 as described above, the LED chip 40 that can irradiate ultraviolet rays from the light emitting unit 42 at the time of lighting is used. In this case, a photocatalyst layer such as titanium oxide is provided on the inner surface and upper surface of the toilet bowl 52.

  In the toilet seat box 58, a power supply circuit (not shown) for controlling the lighting state of the LED chip 40 is provided. This power supply circuit is interlocked with a standing detection sensor (not shown) of the toilet lid 62, and is configured to turn off the LED chip 40 when the toilet lid 62 stands up and turn on the LED chip 40 when the toilet lid 62 falls down. ing. That is, the power supply circuit is connected to an electrical path between the spherical solar cell 20 and the LED chip 40 in the power generation device 1 and switches between supply and interruption of electricity from the spherical solar cell 20 side to the LED chip 40 side. It is possible. In addition, the incident end portion 14 of the power generator 1 in which the irradiation end portion 16 is attached to the toilet lid 62 of the Western-style toilet 50 in this manner is a room where the lighting time of the indoor lamp (not shown) is long outdoors, at the window, or indoors. Etc., which are disposed in a portion irradiated with light for a relatively long time.

  The power generator 1 according to Embodiment 1 has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described below. The power generation device 1 is configured by providing the optical fiber 4 with the spherical solar cell 20 or the like, but the incident end portion 14 of the power generation device 1 is not provided with a device such as the LED chip 40. Light can enter the core 6 of the optical fiber 4 from the outside. Further, the incident end portion 14 is disposed in a portion where light is irradiated for a relatively long time. For this reason, ambient light such as sunlight enters the optical fiber 4 constituting the power generation device 1 from the incident end portion 14.

  Here, the optical fiber 4 is formed of a transparent member, and has a core 6 and a clad 8 having different refractive indexes, so that light incident on the inside can be conducted. That is, since the core 6 and the clad 8 are both formed by transparent members, they can transmit light. However, since both have different refractive indexes, the light incident on these is the boundary between both members. Reflects on the part. For example, the light incident on the core 6 is reflected by the boundary surface 10 that is a boundary portion between the core 6 and the clad 8. For this reason, the optical fiber 4 can guide the light that has entered the optical fiber 4 from the incident end portion 14 to the irradiation end portion 16 side. Therefore, the light incident on the core 6 from the incident end 14 travels in the core 6 from the incident end 14 side to the irradiation end 16 side while being reflected by the boundary surface 10. 20 is arranged. For this reason, at least a part of the light traveling in the core 6 is irradiated to the spherical solar cell 20.

  In addition, a plurality of spherical solar cells 20 disposed inside the core 6 are disposed. However, when light traveling through the core 6 is irradiated onto the spherical solar cells 20, the light is received. Each of the spherical solar cells 20 generates electric power with the received light. At that time, each of the spherical solar cells 20 is formed in a spherical shape and can generate electric power with light received by the spherical light receiving surface. Therefore, the spherical solar cell 20 can generate electric power with light from all directions. . Accordingly, the plurality of spherical solar cells 20 travels through the core 6 while being reflected at the boundary surface 10, so that the light irradiated to the spherical solar cells 20 from various directions is received by the respective spherical solar cells 20. Electricity can be generated by the received light.

  In the spherical solar cell 20, electricity is generated by the light incident on the core 6 in this way, and electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is sent to the booster IC 30. The step-up IC 30 steps up the voltage of electricity sent from the spherical solar cell 20 and sends it to the LED chip 40. As a result, the LED chip 40 operates and the light emitting unit 42 emits light, but the LED chip 40 disposed at the irradiation end 16 is provided with the light emitting unit 42 facing the outside of the optical fiber 4. It has been. For this reason, when the light emitting part 42 of the LED chip 40 emits light, the LED chip 40 irradiates the outside of the optical fiber 4 from the irradiation end part 16 with light at the time of light emission.

  Specifically, since the LED chip 40 used in the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment is an LED chip 40 that can irradiate ultraviolet rays, when the light emitting unit 42 emits light, the optical fiber from the irradiation end 16 is used. 4 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The Western-style toilet 50 is configured to turn off the LED chip 40 when the toilet lid 62 stands up and turn on the LED chip 40 when the toilet lid 62 falls down. At that time, the light emitting unit 42 irradiates ultraviolet rays.

  Since the power generation device 1 is attached in a state where the light emitting portion 42 of the LED chip 40 is exposed on the lower surface side when the toilet lid 62 is tilted, when the ultraviolet light is emitted from the light emitting portion 42 in this way, Irradiation is directed downward of the toilet lid 62, that is, toward the toilet bowl 52. Thereby, the inside of the toilet bowl 52 irradiated with ultraviolet rays is sterilized by ultraviolet rays. Moreover, since the photocatalyst layer is provided in the inner surface and upper surface of the toilet bowl 52, when the toilet bowl 52 is irradiated with the ultraviolet-ray from the light emission part 42, an ultraviolet-ray will be irradiated to a photocatalyst layer. As a result, the photocatalyst layer is excited and active oxygen is generated, so that organic substances attached to the inner surface of the toilet bowl 52 are decomposed.

  In the power generation device 1 described above, the spherical solar cell 20 that generates power when the outer surface receives light is disposed inside the optical fiber 4 that guides the light incident from the incident end portion 14 to the irradiation end portion 16 side. Is provided. Since the spherical solar cell 20 can generate power by the light received on the outer surface in this way, when the spherical solar cell 20 is irradiated with light, the direction of the light or the light receiving position of the spherical solar cell 20 is detected. Regardless, power can be generated using the received light. Thereby, the spherical solar cell 20 can generate electric power effectively by the light passing through the inside of the optical fiber 4. Further, since the spherical solar cell 20 can generate power regardless of the direction of light received and the position where light is received, the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4 when the power generation device 1 is manufactured. In doing so, it is not necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the spherical solar cell 20 with respect to the light passing through the optical fiber 4, and can be easily arranged. As a result, productivity can be improved while ensuring power generation efficiency.

  Further, since the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed in the core 6 that guides the light incident from the incident end portion 14 to the irradiation end portion 16 side, when the light enters the optical fiber 4, the core 6. Can be received by the spherical solar cell 20. As a result, when light enters the optical fiber 4, it is possible to more reliably generate power with the spherical solar cell 20 using this light, and to improve the power generation efficiency more reliably.

  Further, since the core 6 also serves as a fixing member for the spherical solar cell 20, the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4 without providing a dedicated member for fixing the spherical solar cell 20. be able to. Further, since the interface of the members is reduced, reflection loss at the interface can be reduced. As a result, productivity can be improved more reliably while improving power generation efficiency.

  Moreover, since the irradiation end part 16 in the optical fiber 4 is provided with the LED chip 40 which is an electric device that operates with electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20, the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is converted into the LED chip. 40 can be used as electricity for operating. As a result, an electric device such as the LED chip 40 can be operated without using electricity from an external power source.

  Moreover, since the LED chip 40 is provided so that the light at the time of light emission can be irradiated to the exterior of the optical fiber 4 from the irradiation end part 16, it can irradiate a desired location with the electric power generating apparatus 1 single-piece | unit. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration when irradiating a desired location, and to improve productivity more reliably.

  Further, a booster IC 30 that boosts the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4, and the LED chip 40 operates and emits light by the electricity boosted by the booster IC 30 in this way. Therefore, it is possible to emit light stably. As a result, it is possible to improve the stability of operation when an electric device such as the LED chip 40 is operated.

[Embodiment 2]
The power generation device 70 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but is characterized in that an optical duct 72 is used as a light guide member. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted and the same reference numerals are given.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device according to the second embodiment. In the power generation apparatus 70 according to the second embodiment, the light duct 72 is used as the light guide member. The optical duct 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow inside, and the cylindrical inner wall is processed into a mirror surface. As described above, the inner wall of the optical duct 72 processed in a mirror shape is provided as a reflective surface 74 capable of reflecting light. In addition, the optical duct 72 formed in a cylindrical shape may be formed in the shape of a cylinder whose cross-sectional shape is a circle or a square tube whose cross-sectional shape is a polygon.

  A plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are arranged inside the optical duct 72 provided in this way, and the plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are electrically connected by connecting the electrodes 22 with each other through the electric wires 24. Has been. The optical duct 72 also includes a booster IC 30 and an LED chip 40. The LED chip 40 has a light emitting portion on one end side of both ends of the optical duct 72 formed in a cylindrical shape. 42 is arranged in a direction facing the outside of the optical duct 72. In the power generation device 70 according to the second embodiment, the LED chip 40 is an LED chip 40 that emits visible light such as red, blue, and yellow from the light emitting unit 42 during light emission.

  Also, in the power generation device 70 according to the second embodiment, the end on the side where the LED chip 40 is disposed in this way is provided as the irradiation end 16, and the opposite end of the light duct 72 is provided. Is the incident end 14 which is an end where light outside the optical duct 72 can enter. Of these incident end portion 14 and irradiation end portion 16, incident end portion 14 is disposed in a portion that is irradiated with light for a relatively long time, and irradiation end portion 16 is an LED in the room or outdoors. It is disposed at a desired position where light from the chip 40 is irradiated.

  The power generator 70 according to Embodiment 2 has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described below. Since the power generation device 70 is provided by arranging the spherical solar cell 20 or the like in the optical duct 72 having a hollow inside, the power generation device 70 is in a state in which light can be incident on the inside of the optical duct 72 from the outside. Yes. Further, since the incident end portion 14 of the light duct 72 is disposed in a portion that is irradiated with light for a relatively long time, ambient light such as sunlight enters the light duct 72 from the incident end portion 14. Incident.

  When light outside the light duct 72 is incident on the inside of the light duct 72 from the incident end portion 14, this light is repeatedly reflected by the reflecting surface 74 formed inside the light duct 72, and the light at the irradiation end portion 16. Turn in the direction. The light duct 72 is capable of guiding the light incident from the incident end portion 14 to the irradiation end portion 16 side by reflecting the light incident on the inside by the reflecting surface 74. For this reason, the light that has entered the optical duct 72 from the incident end 14 travels in the direction of the irradiation end 16 while being reflected by the reflecting surface 74. At this time, since the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical duct 72, at least a part of the light traveling in the optical duct 72 is irradiated to the spherical solar cell 20.

  As described above, when the light traveling in the optical duct 72 is irradiated onto the spherical solar cell 20, the spherical solar cell 20 generates power with this light, and the generated electricity is sent to the booster IC 30. The step-up IC 30 steps up the voltage of the electricity sent in this way and sends it to the LED chip 40, and the LED chip 40 causes the light emitting unit 42 to emit light by this electricity. Thereby, the LED chip 40 irradiates the outside of the light duct 72 with light at the time of light emission. Since the LED chip 40 used in the power generation device 70 according to the second embodiment is the LED chip 40 that emits visible light from the light emitting unit 42, the light from the light emitting unit 42 of the LED chip 40 is thus emitted as light. When the outside of the duct 72 is irradiated, light of a predetermined color is irradiated from the power generation device 70. Thereby, the light emitted from the LED chip 40 can be used as light used for illumination or the like indoors or outdoors without using electricity from an external power source.

  The power generation device 70 described above can generate power with the received light in the optical duct 72 that guides the light incident from the incident end 14 to the irradiation end 16, regardless of the direction of light or the position where the light is received. The spherical solar cell 20 is provided by being disposed. Thereby, the spherical solar cell 20 can generate electric power effectively by the light incident on the optical duct 72. In addition, the spherical solar cell 20 is provided inside the optical duct 72 having a hollow inside without adjusting the direction of light received by the spherical solar cell 20 or the position where the light is received when the power generation device 70 is manufactured. Therefore, it can be easily manufactured. As a result, productivity can be improved while ensuring power generation efficiency.

[Embodiment 3]
The power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but is characterized in that a power storage element 82 that stores electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is provided. is there. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted and the same reference numerals are given.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the power generation device according to the third embodiment. In the power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the spherical solar cell 20 and the booster IC 30 are disposed inside the core 6 of the optical fiber 4, and the vicinity of the irradiation end portion 16. The LED chip 40 is disposed on the surface. Furthermore, a power storage element 82, which is a power storage unit that stores electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20, is disposed inside the core 6, that is, inside the optical fiber 4. The storage element 82 is connected to the spherical solar cell 20 and the booster IC 30 by the electric wire 24, and is provided between the spherical solar cell 20 and the booster IC 30 in the electric path of the power generation device 80. As described above, the storage element 82 used in the power generation device 80 is an ultra-low leak element such as a secondary battery or a capacitor with a small discharge amount.

  The power generator 80 according to Embodiment 3 has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described below. The power generation device 80 is configured by providing the optical fiber 4 with the spherical solar cell 20 or the like, similarly to the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, when light outside the optical fiber 4 enters the core 6 from the incident end 14, the light travels toward the irradiation end 16 while being reflected by the boundary surface 10, and is disposed on the core 6. The spherical solar cell 20 is irradiated. The spherical solar cell 20 generates electricity by receiving this light.

  Thus, the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is sent to the power storage element 82 and stored in the power storage element 82. The power storage element 82 stores power when power is generated by the spherical solar cell 20. Therefore, the power storage element 82 stores power as long as power generation by the spherical solar cell 20 continues until the amount of power storage reaches 100% of the power storage capacity. That is, the power storage element 82 stores power regardless of the light emitting state of the LED chip 40.

  The boosted IC 30 is supplied with electricity stored in the storage element 82 in this way. The step-up IC 30 boosts this electric voltage and then sends it to the LED chip 40 to cause the light-emitting portion 42 of the LED chip 40 to emit light. Thus, the power generation device 80 irradiates the outside of the optical fiber 4. For example, when the LED chip 40 is an LED chip 40 that irradiates ultraviolet rays and the power generation device 80 is provided on the toilet lid 62 of the Western-style toilet 50 in the same form as the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, When 62 is defeated, the toilet bowl 52 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  At that time, the LED chip 40 is charged by the electricity storage element 82 and emits light by electricity boosted by the booster IC 30, so that it emits light regardless of the power generation state of the spherical solar cell 20. Therefore, as long as electricity is stored in the storage element 82, the LED chip 40 can be used even when light does not enter the optical fiber 4 from the incident end 14 or when the amount of light incident on the optical fiber 4 is small. Emits light.

  In the above power generation device 80, the storage element 82 that stores electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed inside the optical fiber 4. When electricity is generated, this electricity can be temporarily stored. As a result, when it comes to the situation where electricity is used, the electricity stored in the storage element 82 is used in this way, so that the power generation state of the spherical solar cell 20 or the light incident on the optical fiber 4 can be obtained. Regardless of the state, it can be used stably. As a result, the convenience in using the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 can be improved.

[Embodiment 4]
The power generation device 90 according to the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment, but includes an environment sensor 94 and a communication module 96 as electric devices that are operated by electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20. It is characterized in that it is used. Since other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted and the same reference numerals are given.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a power generator according to the fourth embodiment. Similar to the power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment, the power generation device 90 according to the fourth embodiment includes the spherical solar cell 20, the storage element 82, and the booster IC 30 disposed inside the core 6 of the optical fiber 4. . Also, in the power generation device 90 according to the fourth embodiment, unlike the power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment, as an electrical device, an environmental sensor 94 that is a state detection unit that detects a state outside the optical fiber 4, and an environment A communication module 96 that is a communication means capable of transmitting a detection result detected by the sensor 94 to a communication device (not shown) outside the optical fiber 4 is used.

  Among these, as the environmental sensor 94, for example, an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance outside the optical fiber 4 is used. Further, the communication module 96 can communicate with a communication device located at a distant place by radio waves, and when the power generation device 90 according to the fourth embodiment is used in a house, for example, Communication is possible with a communication device that can also control the usage state of other electrical devices used at home. The communication information at that time communicates the detection result of the environment sensor 94 such as the illuminance detected by the environment sensor 94 as communication information.

  The environmental sensor 94 and the communication module 96 are disposed at the device-side end portion 92 that is the end portion on the opposite side of the incident end portion 14 among the both ends of the optical fiber 4. That is, the environment sensor 94 and the communication module 96 are disposed at the non-incident end. In the power generation device 90 provided in this way, the incident end portion 14 is disposed in a portion that is irradiated with light for a relatively long time, such as outdoors, and the device-side end portion 92 is an environment sensor 94 that is connected to the optical fiber 4. It is arranged at the part for detecting the external state. For example, the device-side end portion 92 is disposed in a room in which the environmental sensor 94 detects illuminance.

  The power generator 90 according to Embodiment 4 has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described below. Similarly to the power generation device 80 according to the third embodiment, the power generation device 90 is configured by providing the optical fiber 4 with the spherical solar cell 20 or the like, so that light outside the optical fiber 4 is transmitted from the incident end portion 14. When incident on the core 6, the incident light is received by the spherical solar cell 20 to generate electricity.

  In this way, the electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20 is sent to the storage element 82 and stored in the storage element 82. After that, the electricity stored in the storage element 82 in this way is sent to the booster IC 30 to boost the voltage. The voltage is boosted by the IC 30. The environmental sensor 94 and the communication module 96 are operated by supplying the electric power after boosting from the boosting IC 30 in this way. Specifically, the environment sensor 94 detects indoor illuminance and the like by operating with electricity supplied from the booster IC 30. Further, the communication module 96 operates by electricity supplied from the booster IC 30 to generate a radio wave that is a carrier wave, and transmits the detection result of the environment sensor 94 to the communication device using the radio wave.

  Since the above-described power generation device 90 uses the environment sensor 94 and the communication module 96 as electric devices that are operated by electricity generated by the spherical solar cell 20, information on the state of the portion where the power generation device 90 is disposed. Can be acquired without consuming external electricity. For this reason, the information of the part in which the electric power generating apparatus 90 is arrange | positioned can be acquired stably continuously. In addition, for example, when acquiring information on a portion where the power generation device 90 is disposed for the purpose of reducing power consumption, the information can be acquired without consuming external electricity. The amount can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to continuously acquire state information at a desired position without consuming external electricity.

  In addition, in the power generators 1, 70, 80, and 90 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the spherical solar cell 20 generates power using the light incident on the optical fiber 4 or the optical duct 72. The power generation devices 1, 70, 80, and 90 may be provided so that the power generation efficiency due to the above becomes higher. FIG. 7 is a modified example of the power generator according to Embodiment 1, and is an explanatory diagram in the case of using a reflector. In order to increase the power generation efficiency when generating electricity with the spherical solar cell 20, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the position between the irradiation end 16 and the position where the spherical solar cell 20 is disposed in the optical fiber 4 is used. Further, a reflecting plate 100 that is a reflecting member that reflects the light incident from the incident end portion 14 toward the spherical solar cell 20 may be provided. As a result, light that is incident from the incident end 14 and travels toward the irradiation end 16 while being reflected by the boundary surface 10 is not received by the spherical solar cell 20 and is directed toward the irradiation end 16. And can be directed in the direction of the spherical solar cell 20. Therefore, since the light incident from the incident end 14 reaches the spherical solar cell 20 and is received by the spherical solar cell 20, the power generation efficiency can be further increased.

  In addition, in the power generators 1, 80, and 90 according to the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the optical fiber 4 has a substantially circular cross section, but the optical fiber 4 is formed in a shape other than this. It may be. FIG. 8 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the third embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the optical fiber is formed in a cross-sectional shape other than a circle. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. The optical fiber 4 may be formed in a substantially elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 9 instead of a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, when a plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are arranged inside the optical fiber 4, the plurality of spherical solar cells 20 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the optical fiber 4, that is, the direction in which the optical fiber 4 extends. They can be arranged side by side. In this case, since the plurality of spherical solar cells 20 can be arranged in the axial direction of the optical fiber 4, the degree of freedom in arranging a plurality of spherical solar cells 20 inside the optical fiber 4 is improved. Can do. Therefore, when the spherical solar cells 20 are disposed inside the optical fiber 4, more spherical solar cells 20 are disposed, or positions where the spherical solar cells 20 are disposed in the axial direction of the optical fiber 4, Since the position can be more desired, the degree of freedom in designing the power generation device 1 can be improved.

  FIG. 10 is a modified example of the power generator according to Embodiment 3, and is an explanatory view other than the shape shown in FIG. Further, when the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber 4 is formed in a shape other than a substantially circular shape, the shape may be other than a substantially elliptical shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. As described above, when the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the optical fibers 4 can be closely adhered and stacked. it can. Thereby, since the area of the incident end part 14 in the predetermined range in which the plurality of power generation devices 1 are arranged can be increased, the spherical solar cell 20 generates power using the light incident from the incident end part 14. In this case, the power generation efficiency can be further increased.

  Further, in the power generation devices 1, 70, 80, and 90 according to the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the LED chip 40, the communication module 96, and the like are provided on the irradiation end portion 16 and the device-side end portion 92 that are anti-incident end portions. Since the electric equipment is provided, it is necessary to pay attention to moisture at the irradiation end 16 and the equipment side end 92. For this reason, the irradiation end portion 16 and the device-side end portion 92 may be waterproofed. FIG. 11 is a modified example of the fourth embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when a waterproof window is provided. For example, the waterproof window 110 may be provided at the device-side end 92 of the power generation device 90 according to the fourth embodiment. The waterproof window 110 is formed of a member that transmits light such as transparent glass or resin, and the waterproof window 110 that transmits light in this way is bonded to the optical fiber 4 by an adhesive portion 112 using an adhesive or the like. The device side end 92 is disposed. As described above, the environmental sensor 94 and the communication module 96 can be waterproofed by disposing the waterproof window 110 on the device-side end portion 92 by the bonding portion 112. Further, since the waterproof window 110 is formed of a member that transmits light, for example, even when the illuminance is detected using the environmental sensor 94, the illuminance can be detected based on the light transmitted through the waterproof window 110. . Thereby, since it can waterproof, without impairing the function of an electric equipment, the certainty of operation | movement of an electric equipment can be improved.

  Moreover, the power generators 1, 70, 80, 90 according to the first to fourth embodiments may be disposed at positions other than those described above. FIG. 12 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided in the nozzle. FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the nozzle shown in FIG. Specifically, in the power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the irradiation end portion 16 is attached to the toilet lid 62 of the Western-style toilet 50 with the light emitting portion 42 of the LED chip 40 exposed. You may arrange | position so that 42 may be located in the vicinity of the front-end | tip of the nozzle 120 of the western style toilet bowl 50. FIG. In other words, in recent Western-style toilets 50, a number of nozzles 120 for cleaning the buttocks of the user of the Western-style toilet 50 are provided, but the light emitting unit 42 is positioned near the tip of the nozzle 120. A power generation device 1 may be provided.

  The nozzle 120 will be described. A nozzle body 122 having a jet outlet 124 on the upper side of the tip of the nozzle 120 is provided to be extendable and contractable with respect to the cylinder 126. As a result, the nozzle 120 can be contracted by accommodating most of the nozzle body 122 in the cylinder 126 when not in use, and the entire length of the nozzle 120 can be increased by increasing the portion where the nozzle body 122 is exposed from the cylinder 126 during use. Can be stretched. The nozzle 120 provided in this way is disposed in the toilet seat box 58 of the Western-style toilet 50, and the cylinder 126 side is attached to the toilet seat box 58. For this reason, when the nozzle 120 is expanded and contracted, the relative position of the nozzle body 122 with respect to the toilet seat box 58 and the toilet bowl 52 changes.

  When the nozzle 120 provided in this way is used, the nozzle 124 formed in the nozzle body 122 is supplied with water or hot water supplied from the water supply port 128 formed in the cylinder 126 with the nozzle body 122 extended from the cylinder 126. The user's buttocks can be cleaned by being ejected from.

  The power generation apparatus 1 may be attached in a state in which the light emitting unit 42 is exposed on the lower side of the tip of the nozzle body 122 in the nozzle 120, that is, on the opposite side of the side where the jet outlet 124 is located. In this case, since the light emitting unit 42 faces the inner surface of the toilet bowl 52 regardless of the expansion / contraction state of the nozzle 120, when the LED chip 40 that can emit ultraviolet rays from the light emitting unit 42 is used, Irrespective of the state, that is, regardless of the use state of the Western-style toilet 50, as long as the light emitting part 42 emits light, the inside of the toilet bowl 52 can always be irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, effects such as ultraviolet sterilization by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the light emitting part 42 and decomposition of organic substances by the photocatalyst layer can be obtained more reliably.

  FIG. 14 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided at a corner of a room. Moreover, the electric power generating apparatus 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 may be provided in parts other than the western-style toilet bowl 50, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, may be provided in the corner part of a room. The corner of the room in this case is configured by connecting the glass plate 140 to the end on the corner side of one panel 144 through the packing 146 out of the two panels 144 constituting the corner. . That is, in this case, a corner is formed by the glass plate 140 and the panel 144. A rough surface 142 is formed on the indoor surface of the glass plate 140. The power generation device 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the end on the opposite side of the end on the corner side of the glass plate 140, and the light from the light emitting unit 42 enters the glass plate 140 from the end of the glass plate 140. It arrange | positions so that it can inject. In this case, a photocatalyst coating layer is provided on the interior side surfaces of the glass plate 140 and the panel 144.

  When the power generation device 1 is provided at the corner of the room configured as described above and the ultraviolet ray is irradiated from the light emitting unit 42, the ultraviolet ray from the light emitting unit 42 enters the inside of the glass plate 140. As described above, the ultraviolet light incident on the inside of the glass plate 140 is diffused on the rough surface 142 of the glass plate 140 and is irradiated indoors. In this way, the ultraviolet rays irradiated while diffusing are irradiated to the panel 144 that forms a corner with the glass plate 140. As a result, the photocatalyst on the surface of the panel 144 is activated, and sterilization, mold prevention, and decomposition of attached organic substances are performed, thereby preventing the stain.

  FIG. 15 is a modified example of the power generation device according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram when the power generation device is provided at a corner of a room. Moreover, when providing the electric power generating apparatus 1 in the corner of a room, as shown in FIG. 15, you may provide so that both the two panels 144 which comprise a corner can be irradiated with an ultraviolet-ray. In this case, the glass plate 140 is formed in an L shape so that the corners can be formed by the glass plate 140, and the glass plate 140 is provided with both ends of the glass plate 140 via packing 146. Two panels 144 are connected. Further, a rough surface 142 is provided on both surfaces of the glass plate 140 on the indoor side. In this case, a reflective layer 148 is preferably provided on the outdoor surface.

  The power generation apparatus 1 is arranged in the vicinity of both end portions of the glass plate 140 that forms the corners in this manner so that light from the light emitting unit 42 can enter the glass plate 140. As a result, when the ultraviolet ray is irradiated from the light emitting unit 42, the ultraviolet ray incident on the glass plate 140 is diffused by the rough surface 142 of the glass plate 140 and irradiated into the room. In this case, since the ultraviolet rays directed to the surface opposite to the rough surface 142 are reflected by the reflection layer 148, most of the ultraviolet rays incident on the glass plate 140 are irradiated into the room. Thereby, since the photocatalyst is activated on the surfaces of the two panels 144 near the corners, the corners can be prevented from being stained.

  As described above, the LED chip 40 that can irradiate ultraviolet rays is used as an electric device, and the irradiation end portion 16 is likely to generate mold and odor, for example, a place where high humidity is easily maintained in a bathroom, a shoe box, etc. By being installed, the mold and odor can be prevented by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting unit 42 without using electricity from an external power source.

  Further, in the power generation devices 1, 80, and 90 according to the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the optical fiber 4 is used as the light guide member, and in the power generation device 70 according to the second embodiment, the optical duct 72 is used as the light guide member. Although being used, the light guide member may be other than the optical fiber 4 and the optical duct 72, for example, using a light guide. Moreover, in the power generators 1, 70, and 80 according to the first to third embodiments, the LED chip 40 is used as an electric device, and in the power generator 90 according to the fourth embodiment, the environment sensor 94 and the communication module 96 are used as the electric devices. Although used, electrical devices other than this may be used. As the light guide member and the electric device, those used in Embodiments 1 to 4 and the modifications described above may be appropriately combined, or those other than those described above may be used. Spherical power generation that can generate power regardless of the direction of the received light by providing a spherical power generation section such as the spherical solar cell 20 inside the light guide member that guides light regardless of the configuration or form of the light guide member or electrical equipment. The part can be easily disposed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 70, 80, 90 Power generation device 4 Optical fiber 6 Core 8 Cladding 10 Interface 12 Covering 14 Incidence edge 16 Irradiation edge 20 Spherical solar cell 30 Boosting IC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 LED chip 42 Light emission part 50 Western style toilet 62 Toilet lid 72 Optical duct 74 Reflective surface 82 Electric storage element 92 Equipment side edge part 94 Environmental sensor 96 Communication module 100 Reflector 110 110 Waterproof window

Claims (9)

A light guide member that guides light incident from an incident end that is an end on which light is incident, to a non-incident end that is an end opposite to the incident end;
A spherical power generation unit that is disposed inside the light guide member and generates power when the outer surface receives light; and
A power generation device comprising: The light guide member is formed of a transparent member, and has a core that guides the light incident from the incident end to the counter incident end.
The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the spherical power generation unit is disposed in the core.   The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the core also serves as a fixing member of the spherical power generation unit.   A reflection member that reflects the light incident from the incident end toward the spherical power generation unit is provided between the position where the spherical power generation unit is disposed in the light guide member and the counter incident end. The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power generator is provided.   The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein a power storage unit that stores electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit is disposed inside the light guide member.   6. The power generation according to claim 1, wherein an electric device that operates with electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit is provided at the anti-incident end of the light guide member. apparatus. The electrical device includes a light emitting means for emitting light by electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit,
The power generation device according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting unit is provided so as to be able to irradiate light from the light incident member to the outside of the light guide member from the light incident end.   The electrical apparatus includes a state detection unit that detects a state outside the light guide member, and a communication unit that can transmit a detection result detected by the state detection unit to a communication device outside the light guide member. The power generator according to claim 6, wherein Inside the light guide member, a boosting unit that boosts electricity generated by the spherical power generation unit is disposed,
The power generator according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the electric device is operated by electricity boosted by the boosting unit.

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