JP2017216770A - Power generator and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generator which enables downsizing and improvement of the productivity by forming a case of the power generator using a magnetic material, and to provide an electronic device using the power generator.SOLUTION: A power generator 100 includes: a case 1 formed by a magnetic material; a coil assembly 2 including a coil 21; a magnet assembly 3 including a magnet 31 which is provided spaced a predetermined distance away from the coil 21; a magnet assembly holder 4 which rotatably holds the magnet assembly 3; an operation part 6 which causes the magnet assembly holder 4 to be driven and is used to apply external force for rotating the magnet assembly 3 in a first direction; and an elastic member (a coil spring) 5 which stores the external force as elastic energy and releases the stored elastic energy to rotate the magnet assembly 3 in a second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a power generation device and an electronic device using the power generation device, and more specifically, uses a power generation device that generates power using an external force applied via an operation unit, and the power generation device. It relates to electronic devices.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a wireless operation device (for example, a wireless switch) that turns on / off an electronic device such as a lighting device via wireless communication is known. When a wireless operation device is used, the electronic device to be controlled and the operation device can be arranged separately, so that the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the electronic device and the operation device compared to a device in which both are integrated. Becomes higher. For this reason, the wireless operation device has high convenience when there are restrictions on the arrangement positions of the electronic device and the operation device.

  A battery such as a dry battery or a lithium ion battery is generally used as a power source for the wireless operation device. However, when the battery is used as the power source of the wireless operation device, maintenance work such as battery replacement and inspection is required, and the usability and maintainability (maintenability) of the wireless operation device are reduced. For this reason, a battery that improves the usability and maintainability by providing a power generation device in the wireless operating device that generates power using externally supplied energy (kinetic energy, thermal energy, vibration energy, electrical energy, etc.) Less wireless switches have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses that a power generation device that generates power using an external force applied when an operator presses a button is used in a wireless operation device. The power generation device of Patent Document 1 includes a magnet assembly including a plate-shaped magnet and two plate-shaped yokes bonded to both the N-pole side and the S-pole side of the plate-shaped magnet. And a coil disposed below the magnet assembly. In the power generation device of Patent Document 1, the magnetic force density (number of lines of magnetic force) penetrating the coil is determined by rotating the magnet assembly above the coil using the external force applied by the operator pressing the button. It is changing and generating electricity. In such a power generator, a magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) penetrating a coil flows is constituted by a rotating magnet and a yoke.

  In the power generation device of Patent Document 1, a flat magnet is provided between two flat yokes, so that the N pole and S pole of the magnet assembly are positioned at the tip of the yoke. Further, the power generation efficiency is improved by bringing the tip of the yoke, which is the N pole and S pole of the magnet assembly, close to the coil. However, when a configuration such as the power generation device of Patent Document 1 is used, it is necessary to rotate two flat yokes in addition to the flat magnet, which increases the size of the magnet assembly. Furthermore, the rotating mechanism for rotating the magnet assembly is also increased in size, resulting in an increase in the size of the power generator.

  Moreover, in the power generation device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to bring the tip of the rotating yoke close to the coil in order to improve power generation efficiency. In order to bring the tip of the rotating yoke close so as not to collide with the coil, the distance between the tip of the yoke of the magnet assembly and the coil is strictly controlled during production of the power generation device. There is a need. Therefore, it becomes difficult to manage dimensions during production of the power generation device, and the productivity of the power generation device is reduced.

  Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, power is generated by rotating a magnet assembly composed of a flat magnet and two flat yokes bonded to both sides of the flat magnet. When a power generation mechanism that performs the above is used, it is difficult to reduce the size of the power generation device and improve the productivity of the power generation device.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-50844

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power generator that can be reduced in size and improved in productivity by forming a case of the power generator using a magnetic material. An object is to provide an electronic device using the apparatus.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (7) below.
(1) a case made of a magnetic material;
A coil assembly provided in the case and comprising a coil;
A magnet assembly provided at a predetermined distance from the coil, and a magnet assembly provided in the case;
A magnet assembly holder for rotatably holding the magnet assembly;
An operation unit for driving the magnet assembly holder and applying an external force for rotating the magnet assembly in a first direction;
The external force applied via the operation unit is stored as elastic energy, and further, the stored elastic energy is released to drive the magnet assembly holder so that the magnet assembly is moved in the second direction. And an elastic member that rotates
A magnetic circuit that is emitted from the magnet and through which a magnetic flux passes through the coil is configured by the case, the coil assembly, and the magnet assembly.
When the magnet assembly holder is driven by the elastic energy released by the elastic member, the magnet assembly is rotated in the second direction to change the density of the magnetic flux passing through the coil, A power generation apparatus that generates power.

  (2) The magnet assembly holder is configured to rotate the magnet assembly in the first direction when driven by the external force applied through the operation unit. The power generator according to (1) above.

  (3) When the external force is applied, the operation unit presses the magnet assembly holder until the magnet assembly rotates a predetermined amount in the first direction, and the magnet assembly further The power generation device according to (1) or (2), wherein the power generation device is configured to release a pressure on the magnet assembly holder when the predetermined amount of rotation is made in the first direction.

  (4) The elastic member is compressed by the magnet assembly holder when the magnet assembly holder is pressed by the operation unit, stores the external force as the elastic energy, and further, the magnet by the operation unit The power generation device according to (3), wherein when the pressing against the assembly holder is released, the stored elastic energy is released.

  (5) The power generator according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the coil assembly further includes a core portion made of a magnetic material inserted into a central cavity portion of the coil.

  (6) The power generator according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the magnetic material constituting the case has a magnetic permeability of 0.12 mH / m or more.

(7) The power generation device according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
And an electronic circuit driven by the electric power generated by the power generation device.

  According to the present invention, since the case of the power generation device is made of a magnetic material, the number of parts for forming the magnetic circuit can be reduced as compared with the prior art. Therefore, the whole power generator can be reduced in size. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the case is used as a part of the magnetic circuit, the magnet assembly and the core (core) that is inserted into the central cavity of the coil and forms the magnetic circuit are brought close to each other. There is no need. Therefore, it is possible to realize a structure that is resistant to fluctuations in the separation distance between the magnet assembly and the coil (or core portion). Thereby, the dimensional management of the power generation device is facilitated, and the productivity of the power generation device can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the case is used as a component for configuring the magnetic circuit, the number of components of the power generation device can be reduced, and the structure of the power generation device can be further simplified. Therefore, the mechanical design of the power generator is facilitated.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the electric power generating apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the case with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the coil assembly with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is sectional drawing of the coil assembly with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a disassembled perspective view of the magnet assembly with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is sectional drawing of the magnet assembly with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the rack support body with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the rack with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the rack illustrated in FIG. 9 is supported by the rack support illustrated in FIG. 8. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the cover part with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the press part with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the leaf | plate spring with which the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section figure for demonstrating rotation operation of the magnet assembly in the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the magnetic circuit in the electric power generating apparatus shown in FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a power generator of the present invention and an electronic device equipped with the power generator will be described based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-14, the electric power generating apparatus of this invention and each component of this electric power generating apparatus are explained in full detail.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power generator shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the case included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the coil assembly included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a coil assembly included in the power generator shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a magnet assembly included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a magnet assembly provided in the power generation device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the rack support provided in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the rack included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rack shown in FIG. 9 is supported by the rack support shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the lid provided in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of the pressing portion provided in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a perspective view from another viewpoint of a leaf spring included in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the internal structure of the power generator shown in FIG.

  In the following description, the Z1 direction side of each figure may be referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the Z2 direction side may be referred to as “lower” or “lower”.

  1 and 2, the power generation device 100 of the present invention is roughly provided with a case 1 made of a magnetic material, a coil assembly 2 including a coil 21, and a predetermined distance from the coil 21. A magnet assembly 3 having a magnet 31, a magnet assembly holder 4 that rotatably holds the magnet assembly 3, a coil spring (elastic member) 5 for driving the magnet assembly holder 4, and an external force is applied. And an operation unit 6 for the purpose.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the pressing portion 61 of the operation portion 6 protrudes upward from an end portion on the upper side (Z1 direction side) of the case 1. A pair of terminals 211 for supplying electric power to an electronic circuit (not shown) provided outside extends from the lower end of the case 1 downward.

  An operator (a user or other device that applies an external force to the power generation apparatus 100) presses the pressing portion 61 protruding from the upper end of the case 1 downward (Z2 direction), thereby generating the power generation apparatus. An external force can be applied to 100. When an external force is applied to the power generation apparatus 100, the power generation apparatus 100 can generate power using the applied external force and supply power to an electronic circuit connected to the pair of terminals 211.

  More specifically, the power generation apparatus 100 uses the external force applied by the operator to rotate the magnet assembly 3, thereby changing the density of the magnetic flux passing through the coil 21, generating power, and generating power. An electronic circuit connected to the pair of terminals 211 can be supplied.

Hereinafter, each component of the power generator 100 will be described in detail.
<Case 1>
The case 1 is made of a magnetic material, and cooperates with the coil assembly 2 and the magnet assembly 3 to form a magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) that passes through the coil 21 flows.

  The magnetic material constituting the case 1 preferably has a magnetic permeability of about 0.12 mH / m or more. If the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material constituting the case 1 is less than the above lower limit value, a magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) that penetrates the coil 21 cannot be sufficiently formed, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation apparatus 100 decreases. There is a case. The upper limit value of the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material constituting the case 1 is preferably about 10 H / m.

  Examples of magnetic materials having such permeability include, for example, ferritic stainless steel (for example, JIS SUS430), martensitic stainless steel (for example, JIS SUS403), pure iron (for example, JIS SUY), and soft iron. , Carbon steel, electromagnetic steel (silicon steel), high-speed tool steel, structural steel (for example, JIS SS400), permalloy, or a combination thereof, and among these, a ferrite type having excellent strength and corrosion resistance It is particularly preferable that the case 1 is made of stainless steel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the case 1 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and houses each component of the power generation apparatus 100 therein. The case 1 includes a bottom plate portion 11 having a substantially circular shape in plan view, and a wall portion 12 provided so as to protrude upward (in the Z1 direction in FIG. 2) from the peripheral portion of the bottom plate portion 11.

  A substantially circular through-hole 111 for receiving and supporting a convex portion 224 (see FIG. 5) of the coil assembly 2 described later is formed at a substantially central portion of the bottom plate portion 11. Further, a terminal hole 112 for inserting a pair of terminals 211 is formed at the end of the bottom plate portion 11. A pair of hole portions 13 are formed on the upper end side of the wall portion 12 so as to face each other. The pair of holes 13 are formed so as to be able to receive the convex portion 439 (see FIG. 11) of the lid portion 43 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the case 1 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, but the shape of the case 1 is limited to this as long as each component of the power generation device 100 can be accommodated therein. Absent. For example, the case 1 may have a bottomed polygonal cylinder shape such as a bottomed square cylinder shape or an octagonal cylinder shape, a bottomed elliptical cylinder shape, or a cylindrical shape having an arbitrary horizontal cross-sectional shape.

  Each component (the bottom plate portion 11 and the wall portion 12) of the case 1 may be an individual component. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of components, preventing adhesion failure between components, and preventing separation, the case 1 Is preferably formed by integral molding.

<Coil assembly 2>
The coil assembly 2 cooperates with the case 1 and the magnet assembly 3 to form a magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) penetrating the coil 21 flows. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the coil assembly 2 includes a coil 21 and a coil holder 22 that holds the coil 21.

  The coil holder 22 is made of a magnetic material and includes a lower plate portion 221, an upper plate portion 222, and a cylindrical core portion 223 that connects the lower plate portion 221 and the upper plate portion 222. The lower plate portion 221 and the upper plate portion 222 have a substantially circular shape in plan view, and are provided so as to face each other concentrically.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the diameter of the lower plate portion 221 is larger than the diameters of the coil 21 and the upper plate portion 222. Therefore, when the lower plate portion 221 is viewed from the upper side (Z1 direction side), the peripheral portion 2211 of the lower plate portion 221 protrudes outward from the upper plate portion 222. In a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled, the coil spring 5 is placed on the peripheral portion 2211 of the lower plate portion 221. Therefore, the lower plate portion 221 can function as a spring placement portion for the coil spring 5.

  Further, a convex portion 224 is formed at a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the lower plate portion 221. The convex portion 224 has a substantially circular plan view shape, and has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the through hole 111 formed in the bottom plate portion 11 of the case 1. In a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled, the convex portion 224 is inserted into the through hole 111 of the case 1 and the coil assembly 2 is supported. Thereby, in the state in which the power generator 100 is assembled, swinging of the coil assembly 2 in the surface direction (X direction and Y direction) inside the case 1 is prevented. In the state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the convex portion 224 is fixed in the through hole 111 of the case 1 by caulking, welding (laser welding, electric welding), an adhesive, or the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a part of the lower plate portion 221 is cut out along the radial direction to form a cutout portion 2212. A pair of end portions of the coil 21 extends downward (Z2 direction) from the coil holder 22 as terminals 211 via the notch portion 2212.

  The upper plate part 222 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the lower plate part 221 and larger than the diameter of the core part 223. In addition, the diameter of the upper plate portion 222 is smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring 5 placed on the peripheral portion 2211 of the lower plate portion 221. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the coil spring 5 is mounted on the peripheral portion 2211 of the lower plate portion 221 with the upper plate portion 222, the core portion 223, and the coil 21 inserted in the central cavity portion of the coil spring 5. Can be placed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the magnet assembly 3 is placed on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 222 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled. Therefore, the magnet assembly 3 is rotatably held between the upper plate portion 222 and an arc-shaped cutout portion 434 of the lid portion 43 described later so as not to swing in the vertical direction (Z direction).

  In the present embodiment, the magnet assembly 3 is placed on the upper plate 222 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the magnet assembly 3 is moved from the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2 to a predetermined position by the magnet assembly holder 4 above the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2. It may be held so as to be separated by a distance.

  When the magnet assembly 3 is placed on the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the portion of the upper plate portion 222 that is in contact with the magnet assembly 3 May be subjected to a sliding process for reducing a friction coefficient, such as application of a lubricant or coating with a fluororesin or silicon resin. As a result, the coefficient of friction of the upper surface of the upper plate portion 222 that contacts the magnet assembly 3 decreases, so that the rotation of the magnet assembly 3 causes the upper surface of the upper plate portion 222, the magnet assembly 3 and Can be prevented from being hindered by friction between the two.

  The core part 223 connects the lower plate part 221 and the upper plate part 222. The core portion 223 is provided such that the lower end portion of the core portion 223 is in contact with the substantially central portion of the upper surface of the lower plate portion 221 and the upper end portion is in contact with the approximately central portion of the lower surface of the upper plate portion 222. As described above, the diameter of the core portion 223 is smaller than the diameters of the lower plate portion 221 and the upper plate portion 222. Therefore, the coil 21 can be housed in a space defined by the outer peripheral surface of the core portion 223, the upper surface of the lower plate portion 221, and the lower surface of the upper plate portion 222.

  Since the coil holder 22 including the lower plate portion 221, the upper plate portion 222, and the core portion 223 is made of a magnetic material, the coil holder 21 penetrates the coil 21 in cooperation with the case 1 and the magnet assembly 3. A magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (lines of magnetic force) flows can be configured. As the magnetic material constituting the coil holder 22, the same magnetic material as that constituting the case 1 described above can be used, and it is particularly preferable to use an iron-based material such as pure iron having a high magnetic permeability.

  In addition, each component of the coil holder 22 (the lower plate portion 221, the upper plate portion 222, and the core portion 223) may be an individual component, but the number of components can be reduced and adhesion failure between the components can be prevented. From the viewpoint of preventing separation, the coil holder 22 is preferably formed by integral molding.

  The coil 21 is formed by winding a wire around the core part 223 of the coil holder 22. The outer diameter of the coil 21 is smaller than the diameter of the upper plate portion 222 of the coil holder 22. Further, the pair of end portions of the coil 21 serve as a pair of terminals 211 for supplying electric power to an electronic circuit (not shown) provided outside via a notch portion 2212 of the lower plate portion 221 ( Z2 direction). The pair of terminals 211 extends to the outside of the case 1 through the terminal holes 112 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the case 1 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled.

  Since the coil 21 is provided so as to surround the core portion 223 of the coil holder 22, when the density of the magnetic flux flowing in the magnetic circuit, in particular, the core portion 223 of the coil holder 22, changes, Electric power is generated.

  Further, since the core portion 223 of the coil holder 22 made of a magnetic material is inserted into the central cavity portion of the coil 21, the density of magnetic flux passing through the coil 21 can be increased, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation apparatus 100 is increased. Can be improved.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a wire which forms the coil 21, For example, the wire which coat | covered the insulation film which added the fusion | fusion function to the copper base line, the wire which coat | covered the copper base line, and these combinations Can be used. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the wire may be any shape such as a polygon such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, and a hexagon, a circle, and an ellipse.

  The height of the coil 21, the cross-sectional area of the central cavity (the inner diameter of the coil 21), and the number of turns of the wire constituting the coil 21 are the density of magnetic flux generated from the magnet assembly 3 (the number of magnetic lines of force), and the magnet described later. In accordance with the rotational speed of the assembly 3 and the like, the electric power generated in the coil 21 is appropriately set so as to be equal to or higher than the minimum driving electric power (for example, about 200 μJ) for driving an electronic circuit provided outside.

<Magnet assembly 3>
The magnet assembly 3 cooperates with the case 1 and the coil assembly 2 to form a magnetic circuit through which a magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) penetrating the coil 21 flows. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the magnet assembly 3 includes a columnar magnet 31, a first magnet assembly component 32a, and a second magnet assembly component 32b.

  The magnet 31 has a cylindrical shape, with the N pole located on the upper surface side and the S pole located on the lower surface side. Therefore, the magnet 31 has a magnetization direction (magnetization direction) M in the height direction (Z direction).

  In the present embodiment, the magnet 31 has a cylindrical shape, but the N pole and the S pole of the magnet 31 are paired with each other in the height direction (Z direction) at the outermost shell of the magnet 31. Thus, the shape of the magnet 31 is not limited to this. For example, the magnet 31 may have a quadrangular prism shape, a spherical shape, or the like.

  As the magnet 31, for example, an alnico magnet, a ferrite magnet, a neodymium magnet, a samarium cobalt magnet, or a magnet (bond magnet) formed by molding a composite material obtained by pulverizing them and kneading them into a resin material or a rubber material is used. Can do. Among these, it is preferable to use a neodymium magnet having a strong magnetic force or a samarium cobalt magnet having high heat resistance as the magnet 31.

  The first magnet assembly part 32a and the second magnet assembly part 32b are made of a weak magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material, engage with each other, and house the magnet 31 therein. As a constituent material of the first magnet assembly part 32a and the second magnet assembly part 32b, it is preferable to use a light resin material.

  The first magnet assembly part 32a has a substantially hemispherical overall shape, and has a plate-like portion 320 having a substantially circular plan view shape, and protrudes outward from the plate-like portion 320 in a hemispherical shape. A hemispherical protrusion 321, a gear (pinion gear) 322 provided on substantially the center of the surface opposite to the surface of the hemispherical protrusion 321 in contact with the plate-like portion 320, and a hemisphere of the gear 322 And a protrusion 323 provided on a substantially central portion of the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the protrusion 321.

  Further, the surface of the plate-like portion 320 of the first magnet assembly component 32a that faces the second magnet assembly component 32b (the opposite side to the surface on which the hemispherical protrusion 321 of the plate-like portion 320 is provided). On the surface, a magnet storage portion 324, an engagement recess 325, and an engagement projection 326 are formed.

  The magnet storage portion 324 is a recess formed in the plate-like portion 320, and its shape and size (width and height) are appropriately set according to the shape of the magnet 31. The engaging recess 325 is provided on the upper side of the magnet storage portion 324 and has a substantially circular plan view shape. On the other hand, the engaging convex portion 326 is provided below the magnet storage portion 324 and has a substantially cylindrical overall shape.

  The second magnet assembly part 32b has the same configuration as the first magnet assembly part 32a except that the positions of the engaging recess 325 and the engaging protrusion 326 are interchanged.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the magnet 31 is housed in the magnet housing portion 324 of the first magnet assembly part 32a (or the second magnet assembly part 32b), the first magnet assembly part 32a The engaging convex part 326 of the second magnet assembly part 32b is inserted into the engaging concave part 325, and the engagement of the first magnet assembly part 32a is inserted into the engaging concave part 325 of the second magnet assembly part 32b. The magnet assembly 3 is assembled by inserting the convex portion 326.

  Further, in a state where the magnet assembly 3 is assembled, the first magnet assembly part 32a is joined to the second magnet assembly part 32b by adhesion using an adhesive, welding by heat, ultrasonic waves, or the like. .

  In a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the pair of gears 322 of the magnet assembly 3 meshes with and engages with an engagement surface 423 (see FIG. 9) of the rack 42 of the magnet assembly holder 4 described later. When the rack 42 slides in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42 engaged with the gear 322, the magnet assembly 3 moves around an axis perpendicular to the magnetization direction M of the magnet 31. Rotate.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the magnet assembly 3 is placed on the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled. In addition, it is held so as not to swing in the vertical direction (Z direction) between the arcuate cutout portion 434 of the lid portion 43. Since the magnet assembly 3 is placed on the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2, the magnet 31 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the coil 21 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled. .

  The magnet assembly 3 is configured such that the distance between the pair of protrusions 323 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the wall portion 12 of the case 1 in a state where the magnet assembly 3 is assembled. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled, the pair of protrusions 323 of the magnet assembly 3 engage with the inner peripheral surface of the wall portion 12 of the case 1, and While preventing the magnet assembly 3 from swinging in the X direction, the rotation axis A of the magnet assembly 3 is defined.

  In addition, each of the first magnet assembly part 32a and the second magnet assembly part 32b may be an individual part, but the number of parts can be reduced, and adhesion failure between parts and prevention of separation can be prevented. From this point of view, each of the first magnet assembly part 32a and the second magnet assembly part 32b is preferably formed by integral molding. Further, the first magnet assembly part 32a and the second magnet assembly part 32b may be integrally formed by insert molding in which a resin material is molded in a state where the magnet 31 is embedded.

<Magnet assembly holder 4>
The magnet assembly holder 4 is made of a weak magnetic material or a non-magnetic material, and holds the magnet assembly 3 rotatably. As a constituent material of the magnet assembly holder 4, it is preferable to use a light weight resin material.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the magnet assembly holder 4 includes a rack support body 41, a rack 42, and a lid portion 43.

<< Rack Support 41 >>
As shown in FIG. 8, the rack support 41 includes a lower plate portion 411, a pair of wall portions 412 provided so as to extend upward from the lower plate portion 411, and a connecting portion 413 that connects the pair of wall portions 412. And.

  The lower plate portion 411 has an annular shape, and an opening having a substantially circular plan view shape is formed at the center thereof. The lower plate portion 411 has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the wall portion 12 of the case 1 and an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the lower surface of the lower plate portion 411 is in contact with the upper end of the coil spring 5 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the rack 42 is supported by the rack support body 41, the lower plate portion 411 receives the lower end portions of the pair of plate-like portions 421 of the rack 42.

  The pair of wall portions 412 are formed to extend upward along the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the lower plate portion 411. In addition, a connecting portion 413 is provided between the pair of wall portions 412, and the pair of wall portions 412 are connected by the connecting portion 413.

  A part of the outer side (the side opposite to the side on which the connecting part 413 is provided) of the upper end part 4121 of each of the pair of wall parts 412 is notched, and an engaging concave part 4122 is formed. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper end portion 4121 of the wall portion 412 engages with the flat surface 4242 of the inclined engagement portion 424 (see FIG. 9) of the rack 42, and the engagement recess portion 4122 of the wall portion 412 It engages with the engaging convex portion 4243 of the inclined engaging portion 424.

  The connecting portion 413 is provided between the pair of wall portions 412 and has an outer peripheral surface on an arc and a flat inner peripheral surface. The connecting portion 413 has a height that is lower than the height of the pair of wall portions 412. A slit 414 is formed on the upper side of the connecting portion 413. The width of the slit 414 is set to be substantially equal to the thickness (the length in the X direction in FIG. 2) of the plate-like portion 432 (see FIG. 11) of the lid portion 43. In a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, one end portion 435 of the plate-like portion 432 of the lid portion 43 is inserted into the slit 414 and the lid portion 43 is supported.

  The rack support body 41 may be configured by bonding or joining individual parts. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts and preventing adhesion failure and separation between the parts, the rack support body 41 is integrated. It is preferable to be constituted by molding.

<< Rack 42 >>
As shown in FIG. 10, when the rack 42 is supported by the rack support 41, the rack 42 forms an assembly having a substantially cylindrical overall shape together with the rack support 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the rack 42 includes a pair of opposing plate-like portions 421 and a connecting portion 422 that connects the pair of plate-like portions 421.

  Each of the pair of plate-like portions 421 has a substantially arcuate plan view shape, an engagement surface 423 formed on a surface opposite to the side on which the connecting portion 422 is provided, and an upper end And an inclined engaging portion 424 provided so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the plate-like portion 421.

  The engaging surface 423 has an uneven shape (rack portion) that can mesh with and engage with the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3, and is formed along the height direction of the plate-like portion 421. In a state where the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3 and the engagement surface 423 of the plate-like portion 421 are engaged and engaged, when the rack 42 slides in the vertical direction, the magnet assembly 3 rotates. The length of the engaging surface 423 (the length in the Z direction in FIG. 2) is such that the magnet assembly 3 can rotate more than half a turn (substantially a half turn in this embodiment) by the sliding movement of the rack 42. Is set.

  The inclined engagement portion 424 has an inclined surface 4241 on the upper surface side and a flat surface 4242 on the lower surface side, and its height gradually decreases from the outside toward the inside. Further, an engaging convex portion 4243 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the flat surface 4242 so as to protrude downward.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the rack 42 is supported by the rack support body 41, the flat surface 4242 of the inclined engagement portion 424 engages with the upper end portion 4121 of the rack support body 41, and the inclined engagement portion 424. The engaging convex portion 4243 is engaged with the engaging concave portion 4122 of the rack support body 41.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 engages with an inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 of the operation portion 6 described later.

  The inclination angle of the inclined surface 4241 of the inclination engagement portion 424 is such that when an external force is applied to the operation portion 6, the inclination engagement portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 pushes down the rack 42, and the inclination angle of the leaf spring 62. The joint portion 623 is set so as to slide downward along the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42. As a result, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 slides downward along the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 by a predetermined amount, and when the magnet assembly 3 rotates by a predetermined amount, the operation portion Thus, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which the engagement between the inclined engagement portion 623 of the sixth leaf spring 62 and the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42 is released.

  The connecting portion 422 is provided between the pair of plate-like portions 421 and has an outer peripheral surface on an arc and a flat inner peripheral surface. The connecting portion 422 has a height that is lower than the height of the pair of plate-like portions 421. A slit 425 is formed above the connecting portion 422. The width of the slit 425 is set to be substantially equal to the thickness of the plate-like portion 432 of the lid portion 43 (the length in the X direction in FIG. 2). In the state where the power generation device 100 is assembled, the other end portion 435 of the plate-like portion 432 of the lid portion 43 is inserted into the slit 425 and the lid portion 43 is supported.

  The rack 42 may be configured by bonding or joining individual components. However, the rack 42 is configured by integral molding from the viewpoint of reducing the number of components and preventing adhesion failure and separation between the components. It is preferable.

<< Cover 43 >>
As shown in FIG. 11, the lid portion 43 includes an upper plate portion 431 having a substantially circular shape in plan view, and a plate-like portion 432 provided so as to extend downward from the upper plate portion 431. An opening 4311 having a substantially quadrangular plan view shape is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper plate portion 431. When the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the operation unit 6 is directed upward from the opening 4311. Projecting from the case 1.

  The upper plate portion 431 has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the wall portion 12 of the case 1, and the lower surface of the upper plate portion 431 is the upper end of the wall portion 12 of the case 1 when the power generation device 100 is assembled. Engage with. Further, the opening 4311 is formed so that the lower surface of the upper plate portion 431 and the hook-shaped portion 613 (see FIG. 12) of the pressing portion 61 are engaged in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled.

  The plate-like portion 432 is configured such that both end portions 435 of the plate-like portion 432 are accommodated in the slit 414 of the rack support body 41 and the slit 425 of the rack 42 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled. .

  In addition, an arcuate notch 434 cut out on an arc is formed below the plate-like part 432. The arc-shaped cutout portion 434 has a shape corresponding to the plate-like portion 320 of the first and second magnet assembly parts 32 a and 32 b of the magnet assembly 3. Further, the arc-shaped cutout portion 434 has two engaging protrusions 436 that engage with the plate-like portions 320 of the first and second magnet assembly parts 32a and 32b in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled. Is formed. Therefore, in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the magnet assembly 3 is positioned in the arc-shaped notch 434, the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2, the engagement protrusion 436 of the lid portion 43, and the like. Therefore, it is rotatably held so as not to swing in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the Y direction in FIG.

  A substantially rectangular opening 433 is formed on the upper side of the plate-like portion 432. A mounting portion 437 that protrudes outward from the plate-like portion 432 is provided below the opening 433. In addition, a columnar spring mounting shaft 438 provided so as to protrude upward is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the mounting portion 437.

  The mounting portion 437 has a substantially circular shape in plan view, and has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of a coil spring 63 of the operation portion 6 described later. In a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the coil spring 63 of the operation unit 6 inserted through the opening 4311 is mounted on the mounting unit 437. The spring mounting shaft 438 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 437 and the inner diameter of the coil spring 63 of the operation portion 6. Therefore, the spring mounting shaft 438 is inserted into the central cavity portion of the coil spring 63 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled.

  Convex portions 439 that are accommodated in the pair of hole portions 13 of the case 1 are formed on both outer side surfaces of the plate-like portion 432. By inserting the pair of convex portions 439 into the pair of hole portions 13 of the case 1, the lid portion 43 can be fixed to the case 1.

  The lid portion 43 may be configured by bonding or joining individual components. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of components and preventing adhesion failure and separation between the components, the lid portion 43 is formed by integral molding. It is preferable to be configured.

<Coil spring (elastic member) 5>
The coil spring 5 is made of a weak magnetic or nonmagnetic metal material, and is disposed between the coil assembly 2 and the magnet assembly holder 4 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled. The coil spring 5 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the wall portion 12 of the case 1. Therefore, the coil spring 5 is supported by the wall portion 12 of the case 1 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower end portion of the coil spring 5 is in contact with the lower plate portion 221 of the coil assembly 2, and the upper end portion of the coil spring 5 is in contact with the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support 41. .

  Therefore, when the rack 42 and the rack support 41 are slid downward by an external force applied when the operator presses the operation unit 6, the coil spring 5 is compressed by the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support 41. Therefore, the coil spring 5 can store the applied external force as elastic energy.

  As will be described later, a predetermined amount of the rack 42 and the rack support body 41 are moved downward by pressing the leaf spring 62 from the inclined engaging portion 623, and the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the rack 42 are moved. When the engagement with the inclined engagement portion 424 is released, the pressure on the coil spring 5 by the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support 41 is released.

  When the pressure on the coil spring 5 is released, the coil spring 5 releases the stored elastic energy and drives the magnet assembly holder 4, that is, moves the rack 42 and the rack support 41 upward. At this time, due to the action of the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42 and the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3, the magnet assembly 3 has a predetermined amount in the axial direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the magnet 31 (in this embodiment, approximately Rotate half a turn).

  When the magnet assembly 3 rotates in the axial direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the magnet 31 by releasing the elastic energy of the coil spring 5, the density of magnetic flux (number of lines of magnetic force) passing through the coil 21 changes, Electric power is generated. That is, in this embodiment, the coil spring 5 stores the external force applied via the operation unit 6 as elastic energy, and further drives the magnet assembly holder 4 by releasing the stored elastic energy. It functions as an elastic member that rotates the magnet assembly 3.

  The spring constant of the coil spring 5 depends on the number of turns of the coil 21, the cross-sectional area of the central cavity (inner diameter of the coil 21), the number of lines of magnetic force emitted from the magnet 31 (magnetic flux density), the weight of the magnet assembly holder 4, etc. The electric power generated in the coil 21 is appropriately set so as to be equal to or higher than the minimum driving electric power (for example, about 200 μJ) for driving an externally provided electronic circuit (not shown). The spring constant is preferably about 1 to 2 N / mm. If the spring constant of the coil spring 5 is less than the lower limit value, the magnet assembly 3 cannot be rotated at a sufficient speed, and the click feeling of the operation unit 6 may become too soft. On the other hand, when the spring constant of the coil spring 5 exceeds the above upper limit value, an external force required to operate the operation unit 6 increases, and the click feeling of the operation unit 6 may become too hard.

<Operation unit 6>
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation unit 6 includes a pressing unit 61, a leaf spring 62, and a coil spring 63, and the operator presses the pressing unit 61 of the operation unit 6 downward (Z2 direction). As a result, an external force is applied to the power generation apparatus 100.

  The pressing portion 61 is made of a weak magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material and includes an upper plate portion 611 and a pair of opposing plate-like portions 612 connected via the upper plate portion 611 as shown in FIG. ing. As a constituent material of the pressing portion 61, it is preferable to use a resin material that is light in weight.

  The upper plate portion 611 has a substantially rectangular plan view shape, and a pair of plate-like portions 612 are provided at both ends in the X direction in FIG. 2 so as to extend downward. Further, at both ends in the X direction in FIG. 2 of the upper plate portion 611, a hole portion 6111 having a substantially rectangular plan view shape for receiving the protruding portion 6212 (see FIG. 13) of the leaf spring 62 is formed. Yes. Further, a convex portion 6112 having a substantially cross-shaped plan view shape is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 611.

  Two hook-like portions 613 are provided at the lower end portions of the plate-like portions 612 so as to protrude outward. The hook portion 613 has a shape in which the upper surface side is a flat surface, the lower surface side is an inclined surface, and the height gradually increases from the outside toward the inside. As shown in FIG. 14, the upper surface of the hook-shaped portion 613 engages with the lower surface of the upper plate portion 431 of the lid portion 43 in the assembled state of the power generation device 100, and the upward direction of the pressing portion 61 (Z1 direction). Restrict movement to

  Each component of the pressing portion 61 may be an individual component, but the pressing portion 61 is formed by integral molding from the viewpoint of reducing the number of components and preventing adhesion failure between the components and preventing separation. It is preferable.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the leaf spring 62 is an inverted U-shaped spring obtained by bending a single plate-like member by pressure processing or the like, and is made of a weak magnetic or nonmagnetic metal material. ing.

  The plate springs 62 are provided at the lower ends of the upper plate portion 621, a pair of plate-like portions 622 provided so as to extend downward from both side surfaces of the upper plate portion 621, and the pair of plate-like portions 622. And an inclined engaging portion 623.

  The upper plate portion 621 has a substantially rectangular plan view shape, and has a size that can be accommodated in a space defined by the upper plate portion 611 and the pair of plate-like portions 612 of the pressing portion 61. An opening 6211 having a shape corresponding to the convex portion 6112 of the pressing portion 61 is formed in the upper plate portion 621. Further, at both ends in the X direction in FIG. 2 of the upper plate portion 621, protruding portions 6212 that can be inserted into the hole portions 6111 of the pressing portion 61 are formed.

  By inserting the protruding portion 6212 of the upper plate portion 621 into the hole portion 6111 of the pressing portion 61 and inserting the convex portion 6112 of the pressing portion 61 into the opening portion 6211 of the upper plate portion 621, the leaf spring 62 is fixed to the pressing portion 61.

  Each of the plate-like portions 622 is bent outward with the bent portion 6221 positioned above the plate-like portion 622 as the center, and the distance between the pair of plate-like portions 622 is lower than the bent portion 6221. It gradually increases in the direction. When an external force is applied to the leaf spring 62 from above and the leaf spring 62 is pressed against the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42, each of the plate-like portions 622 is elastically deformed inward. On the other hand, when the external force from the upper side with respect to the leaf spring 62 is released, each of the plate-like portions 622 is elastically restored to the outside. Therefore, the leaf spring 62 can function as an elastic member having an elastic force in the vertical direction.

  The inclined engagement portion 623 is provided at the lower end portion of the plate-like portion 622 and extends downward and inward from the plate-like portion 622. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower surface of the inclined engaging portion 623 engages with the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled.

  When an external force is applied to the operation unit 6 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled, the inclined engagement portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 pushes down the rack 42 and the pair of plate-like portions 622 faces inward. And elastically deforms. As a result, as the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 slide downward, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 slides downward on the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42.

  When the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 slides downward on the inclined engaging portion 424 by a predetermined distance and the magnet assembly 3 rotates by a predetermined amount, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 is rotated. Reaches the inner side from the end of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42, and the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released. As a result, when the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 slides downward on the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 by a predetermined amount (that is, when the magnet assembly 3 rotates by a predetermined amount). The engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 of the operation portion 6 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released, and the pressure on the rack 42 (magnet assembly holder 4) is released. Can be realized.

  The coil spring 63 is made of a weak magnetic or nonmagnetic metal material. As shown in FIG. 15, the coil spring 63 is disposed between the mounting portion 437 of the lid portion 43 and the upper plate portion 621 of the leaf spring 62 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled.

  Therefore, when the operator applies an external force by pressing the pressing portion 61 downward (Z2 direction), the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move downward, and as a result, the coil spring 63 is compressed. . Therefore, the coil spring 63 can store the external force applied by the operator as elastic energy. Thereafter, when the operator cancels the application of the external force to the pressing portion 61, the elastic energy stored in the coil spring 63 is released, and the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 are moved upward (Z1 direction). The upward movement of the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 is restricted by the hook portion 613 of the pressing portion 61 engaging the upper plate portion 431 of the lid portion 43.

  The spring constant of the coil spring 63 is appropriately set according to the weight of the operation unit 6, but the spring constant of the coil spring 63 is preferably about 20 to 40% of the spring constant of the coil spring 5. More preferably, it is about 30% of the constant. If the spring constant of the coil spring 63 is less than the lower limit value, the click feeling of the operation unit 6 may be too soft. On the other hand, when the spring constant of the coil spring 63 exceeds the above upper limit value, the external force required to operate the operation unit 6 increases, and the click feeling of the operation unit 6 may become too hard.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of the power generation device 100 in a state where the power generation device 100 is assembled. In FIG. 14, case 1 is omitted for the purpose of explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the coil spring 5 is positioned between the lower plate portion 221 of the coil assembly 2 and the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support 41 in a state where the power generation apparatus 100 is assembled.

  The lower ends of the pair of plate-like portions 421 of the rack 42 are engaged with the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support body 41. Further, the flat surfaces 4242 of the pair of inclined engaging portions 424 of the rack 42 engage with the upper end portions 4121 of the rack supporting body 41, and the engaging convex portions 4243 of the inclined engaging portion 424 are engaged with the rack supporting body 41. The mating recess 4122 is engaged.

  Further, one end 435 of the plate-like portion 432 of the lid portion 43 is inserted into the slit 414 of the rack support body 41, and the other end 435 of the plate-like portion 432 is inserted into the slit 425 of the rack 42. Has been.

  Further, the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is engaged with the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62. Therefore, when an external force is applied by the operator pressing the pressing portion 61 of the operating portion 6, the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is pressed downward by the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62, and the rack 42 and the rack support 41 slide and move downward. At this time, since the coil spring 5 is compressed, the applied external force is stored in the coil spring 5 as elastic energy.

  On the other hand, when the rack 42 and the rack support 41 are slid downward by a predetermined distance, the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released, and the coil spring The elastic energy stored in 5 is released. At that time, the lower plate portion 411 of the rack support body 41 is rapidly pushed up from below by the coil spring 5, and the rack 42 and the rack support body 41 slide upward.

  The magnet assembly 3 is rotatably supported between the upper plate portion 222 of the coil assembly 2 and the arc-shaped cutout portion 434 of the lid portion 43. Further, the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3 is engaged with and engaged with the engaging surface 423 of the rack 42. Therefore, when the rack 42 slides in the vertical direction, the magnet assembly 3 is axially perpendicular to the magnetization direction M of the magnet 31 by the action of the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3 and the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42. It rotates around (clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 14). That is, when the rack 42 slides downward, the magnet assembly 3 rotates in the clockwise direction (first direction) in FIG. 14, and when the rack 42 slides upward, the magnet assembly 3 , It rotates in the counterclockwise direction (second direction) in FIG.

  The coil spring 63 is located between the placement portion 437 of the lid portion 43 and the upper plate portion 621 of the plate spring 62. Therefore, when an external force is applied by the operator pressing the pressing portion 61 of the operating portion 6, the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move downward, and the coil spring 63 is compressed. As a result, the applied external force is stored as the elastic force of the coil spring 63. Thereafter, when the application of the external force to the pressing portion 61 by the operator is released, the coil spring 63 releases the elastic energy and pushes the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 upward. The upward movement of the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 is restricted by the hook portion 613 of the pressing portion 61 engaging the lower surface of the upper plate portion 431 of the lid portion 43.

  Next, the operation of the power generation apparatus 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the power generation device shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the rotation operation of the magnet assembly in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the power generation device shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the power generation device shown in FIG.

<Applying external force>
FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the power generation device 100 in a natural state in which the power generation device 100 is assembled and no external force is applied to the operation unit 6. FIG. 16 shows an operation in which the magnet assembly 3 rotates in the first direction by the downward sliding movement of the rack support body 41 and the rack 42. In FIG. 16, the left half of the power generation apparatus 100 is shown as a cross-sectional view in order to show the rotation operation of the magnet 31.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in a natural state where no external force is applied to the pressing portion 61 of the operation portion 6, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 is engaged with the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42. Match.

  When the pressing portion 61 of the operating portion 6 is pressed downward (Z2 direction) by an operator and an external force is applied, the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move downward. Further, as the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move downward, the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 is elastically deformed toward the inner direction (the direction toward the center of the case 1), and the leaf spring. 62 inclined engaging portions 623 slide and move downward on the inclined engaging portions 424 of the rack 42.

  At this time, the coil spring 63 is compressed by the upper plate portion 621 of the plate spring 62 by the downward movement of the pressing portion 61 and the plate spring 62. That is, while the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 are moving downward, the coil spring 63 stores the applied external force as elastic energy.

  Further, when the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move downward, the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is pressed downward by the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62. When the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42 is pressed downward, the magnet assembly holder 4 is driven, that is, the rack support 41 and the rack 42 slide downward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, due to the action of the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3 and the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42, the magnet assembly 3 rotates around the axis A direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction M of the magnet 31. In the first direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 16).

  Furthermore, when the magnet assembly holder 4 is driven and the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 slide and move downward, the coil spring 5 is compressed by the lower plate portion 221 of the coil assembly 2. That is, while the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 are slidingly moved downward, the coil spring 5 stores the applied external force as elastic energy.

  The above-described downward movement of the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62, compression of the coil spring 63, sliding movement of the rack support 41 and the rack 42 downward, and compression of the coil spring 5 are performed by the rack support 41 and the rack 42. Moves downward by a predetermined distance (that is, the magnet assembly 3 rotates by a predetermined rotation amount), and the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is increased. Continue until the match is released.

  In addition, when the magnet assembly 3 rotates in the first direction, the density of the magnetic flux penetrating the coil 21 (number of lines of magnetic force) changes, but the rotation speed of the magnet assembly 3 due to the external force applied by the operator is slow. Moreover, since it is not stable, the electric power generated in the coil 21 due to this rotational movement is very small. Therefore, the electric power generated in the coil 21 when the magnet assembly 3 rotates in the first direction does not substantially contribute to the power generation amount of the power generation apparatus 100.

<Disengagement & power generation>
As the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 move downward, the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 is elastically deformed toward the inside direction (direction toward the center of the case 1), and further, the leaf spring. 62 inclined engaging portions 623 slide and move downward on the inclined engaging portions 424 of the rack 42. Therefore, when the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 are moved downward by a predetermined distance and the magnet assembly 3 is rotated by a predetermined rotation amount, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 is moved to the inclined engaging portion of the rack 42. The engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released from the inside of the end portion of 424. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the power generation apparatus 100 in a state where the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released.

  When the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released, the elastic energy stored in the coil spring 5 is released, and the magnet assembly holder 4 is driven. That is, the rack support 41 and the rack 42 are rapidly pushed upward by the coil spring 5. At this time, due to the action of the gear 322 of the magnet assembly 3 and the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42, the magnet assembly 3 is moved in the second direction around the axis A direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction M of the magnet 31 (see FIG. 16 in the counterclockwise direction).

  When the magnet assembly holder 4 is driven by the elastic energy stored in the coil spring 5 and the magnet assembly 3 is rapidly rotated in the second direction, the density of magnetic flux (number of lines of magnetic force) penetrating the coil 21 is abruptly increased. The electric power is generated in the coil 21.

  The upward movement of the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 by the elastic energy stored in the coil spring 5 stops when the rack 42 contacts the lower surface of the upper plate portion 431 of the lid portion 43. The amount of rotation of the magnet assembly 3 until the upward movement of the rack support body 41 and the rack 42 stops depends on the length of the engagement surface 423 of the rack 42. The power generation apparatus 100 is configured such that the amount of rotation of the magnet assembly 3 is greater than or equal to half rotation (in this embodiment, approximately half rotation), and the rotation of the magnet assembly 3 causes the N pole and S pole of the magnet 31 to be rotated. Flip upside down.

  When the engagement between the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 and the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 is released, the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 is moved outward (the center portion of the case 1). Elastic recovery in the direction away from The elastic recovery of the leaf spring 62 in the outward direction of the plate-like portion 622 is such that the distance between the tip portions of the pair of plate-like portions 622 is a predetermined distance (between the tip portions of the pair of plate-like portions 622 in the natural state). Stop at the distance.

  As described above, the power generation apparatus 100 generates power by driving the magnet assembly holder 4 and rotating the magnet assembly 3 using the elastic energy of the coil spring 5. That is, the power generation apparatus 100 stores the external force applied by the operator as elastic energy of the coil spring 5 and rotates the magnet assembly 3 using the stored elastic energy of the coil spring 5 to generate power.

  The elastic energy stored in the coil spring 5 does not depend on the magnitude or speed of the external force with which the operator presses the pressing portion 61 of the operation unit 6 but depends only on the spring constant and the compression amount of the coil spring 5. The power generation amount of the power generation apparatus 100 does not vary depending on the magnitude and speed of the external force applied to the operation unit 6. Therefore, the power generation apparatus 100 can stably generate the minimum driving power required for driving an electronic circuit provided outside.

<Release external force application>
After the rotation of the magnet assembly 3 in the second direction is completed and the upward movement of the rack support 41 and the rack 42 is stopped, an external force is applied to the pressing portion 61 of the operation unit 6 by the operator. Is released. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the power generation device 100 in a state where the application of external force to the pressing portion 61 of the operation unit 6 is released.

  When the application of the external force to the pressing portion 61 of the operation portion 6 is released, the elastic energy stored in the coil spring 63 is released, and the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 are pushed upward. Further, when the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 are pushed upward, the outer surface of the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 (the surface far from the center portion of the case 1) is in contact with the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42. Engage.

  As the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 move upward, the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 moves upward while being engaged with the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42. At this time, the plate-like portion 622 of the leaf spring 62 is elastically deformed in the inner direction (direction toward the center portion of the case 1) by the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42.

  When the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 are moved upward by a predetermined distance, the inclined engaging portion 623 of the leaf spring 62 reaches the upper side of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 and the plate-like portion of the leaf spring 62 is reached. The engagement between the outer surface of 622 and the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42 is released. When the engagement between the outer surface of the plate-like portion 622 of the plate spring 62 and the inclined engagement portion 424 of the rack 42 is released, the plate-like portion 622 of the plate spring 62 moves outward (the center of the case 1). Elastic recovery in the direction away from the part). It should be noted that the elastic restoration of the plate spring 62 in the outward direction of the plate-like portion 622 is performed by engaging the inclined engaging portion 623 of the plate-like portion 622 with the inclined surface 4241 of the inclined engaging portion 424 of the rack 42 or a pair of them. When the distance between the tip portions of the plate-like portion 622 reaches a predetermined distance, the plate-like portion 622 stops.

  The upward movement of the pressing portion 61 and the leaf spring 62 is stopped when the hook portion 613 of the pressing portion 61 engages with the upper plate portion 431 of the lid portion 43, and the power generation apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. Return to the natural state (initial state).

  Next, a magnetic circuit in the power generation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a magnetic circuit in the power generation device shown in FIG. 1. For simplification of description, components other than the case 1, the coil assembly 2 (the coil 21 and the coil holder 22), and the magnet assembly 3 (the magnet 31) constituting the magnetic circuit are omitted from FIG. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the magnetic flux passing through the coil 21 is generated from the N pole side of the magnet 31, passes through the coil holder 22 and the case 1 of the coil assembly 2, and returns to the S pole side of the magnet 31. That is, the magnetic circuit in the power generation apparatus 100 includes the case 1, the coil assembly 2 (coil holder 22), and the magnet assembly 3 (magnet 31).

  In the power generation device 100 having such a magnetic circuit, the magnet assembly holder 4 is driven by the elastic energy released by the coil spring 5, and the magnet assembly 3 is rotated halfway around an axis perpendicular to the magnetization direction M of the magnet 31. As described above (in this embodiment, approximately half rotation), it rotates rapidly. At this time, the magnet 31 is rotated halfway, the N pole and S pole of the magnet 31 are turned upside down, and the direction of the lines of magnetic force is opposite. Until the magnet 31 makes a half rotation, the density of magnetic flux (number of lines of magnetic force) penetrating the coil 21 changes greatly. As a result, electric power is generated in the coil 21.

  Thus, in the power generation device 100 of the present invention, since the case 1 is made of a magnetic material, the magnetic circuit through which the magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) penetrating the coil 21 flows is the case 1, the coil assembly 2 (coil holder 22). And the magnet assembly 3 (magnet 31). Therefore, compared with the prior art, the number of parts for configuring the magnetic circuit can be reduced, and the power generation apparatus 100 can be reduced in size.

  Furthermore, in the power generation device 100 of the present invention, the magnetic circuit is constituted by the case 1, the coil assembly 2 (coil holder 22), and the magnet assembly 3 (magnet 31). It is not necessary to bring the core portion 223 inserted into the central cavity portion of the coil 21 and constituting the magnetic circuit close to each other. Therefore, it is possible to realize a structure that is resistant to fluctuations in the separation distance between the magnet assembly 3 and the coil 21 (core portion 223). As a result, dimensional management during production of the power generation device 100 is facilitated, and the productivity of the power generation device 100 can be improved.

  Further, since the case 1 is used as a component constituting the magnetic circuit, the number of components of the power generation device 100 can be reduced, and the structure of the power generation device 100 can be further simplified. Therefore, the mechanical design of the power generation device 100 is facilitated. Furthermore, since the case 1 covers the periphery of the magnet assembly 3, the case 1 can absorb the magnetic flux (line of magnetic force) generated and diffused from the magnet 31, and the magnetic flux generated from the magnet 31 ( Electric power can be generated by efficiently using magnetic field lines).

  Moreover, in the magnetic circuit of the electric power generating apparatus 100 of this invention, the components comprised with the magnetic body do not exist above the magnet 31. FIG. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which both side surfaces on the N-pole side and S-pole side of the magnet 31 are sandwiched between parts made of a magnetic material as in the prior art, the power generator 100 of the present invention has a space above the magnet 31. Can be utilized. Therefore, the design freedom of the rotation mechanism for rotating the magnet assembly 3 can be improved.

  The power generation apparatus 100 has been described above as one aspect of the present invention. In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention is an electronic device including the above-described power generation device 100 and an electronic circuit (not shown) driven by the power generated by the power generation device 100.

  The electronic circuit is provided outside the power generation apparatus 100 and is connected to a terminal 211 extending from the case 1 of the power generation apparatus 100. The electronic circuit performs an arbitrary function by using power supplied from the power generation device 100 via the terminal 211.

  The function performed by the electronic circuit is not particularly limited. For example, the electronic circuit may execute a wireless transmission function that wirelessly transmits a signal for turning on / off an external device such as a lighting device using the power supplied from the power generation device 100. In this case, the electronic circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to an external device using a small amount of power (for example, about 200 μJ) generated by the power generation apparatus 100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the electronic circuit of the electronic device of the present invention is provided outside the power generation apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic circuit may be provided inside the power generation apparatus 100. In this case, the terminal 211 of the power generation device 100 is connected to an electronic circuit in the case 1.

  As mentioned above, although the electric power generating apparatus and electronic device of this invention were demonstrated based on embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this, Each structure shall be the arbitrary things which can exhibit the same function. It can be replaced, or an arbitrary configuration can be added.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the coil spring is used as the elastic member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an elastic mechanism using a spring, rubber, air cylinder, or the like having another configuration can be used as the elastic member. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the first direction and the second direction, which are rotation directions of the magnet assembly 3, are directions facing each other on the same track, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the first direction and the second direction may be the same direction on the same track, or may be different directions on different tracks.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Power generation device 1 ... Case 11 ... Bottom plate part 111 ... Through-hole 112 ... Terminal hole 12 ... Wall part 13 ... Hole part 2 ... Coil assembly 21 ... Coil 211 ... Terminal 22 ... Coil holder 221 ... Lower plate part 2211 ... Peripheral part 2212 ... Notch part 222 ... Upper plate part 223 ... Core part 224 ... Convex part 3 ... Magnet assembly 31 ... Magnet 32a ... First magnet assembly part 32b ... Second magnet assembly part 320 ... Plate shape 321 ... Hemispherical protrusion 322 ... Gear 323 ... Projection 324 ... Magnet housing part 325 ... Engagement recess 326 ... Engagement protrusion 4 ... Magnet assembly holder 41 ... Rack support 411 ... Lower plate part 412 ... Wall part 4121 ... Upper end portion 4122 ... Engaging recess 413 ... Connection portion 414 ... Slit 42 ... Rack 421 ... Plate-like 422 ... Connecting part 423 ... Engaging surface 424 ... Inclined engaging part 4241 ... Inclined surface 4242 ... Flat surface 4243 ... Engaging convex part 425 ... Slit 43 ... Lid part 431 ... Upper plate part 4311 ... Opening part 432 ... Plate-like part 433 ... opening 434 ... arc-shaped notch 435 ... end 436 ... engagement protrusion 437 ... placement part 438 ... spring mounting shaft 439 ... convex part 5 ... coil spring 6 ... operation part 61 ... pressing part 611 ... upper plate Portion 6111 ... Hole 6112 ... Protruding part 612 ... Plate-like part 613 ... Hook-like part 62 ... Leaf spring 621 ... Upper plate part 6211 ... Opening part 6212 ... Projection part 622 ... Plate-like part 6221 ... Bending part 623 ... Inclined engagement Part 63 ... Coil spring A ... Rotating axis M ... Magnetization direction X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2 ... Direction

Claims (7)

A case made of magnetic material;
A coil assembly provided in the case and comprising a coil;
A magnet assembly provided at a predetermined distance from the coil, and a magnet assembly provided in the case;
A magnet assembly holder for rotatably holding the magnet assembly;
An operation unit for driving the magnet assembly holder and applying an external force for rotating the magnet assembly in a first direction;
The external force applied via the operation unit is stored as elastic energy, and further, the stored elastic energy is released to drive the magnet assembly holder so that the magnet assembly is moved in the second direction. And an elastic member that rotates
A magnetic circuit that is emitted from the magnet and through which a magnetic flux passes through the coil is configured by the case, the coil assembly, and the magnet assembly.
When the magnet assembly holder is driven by the elastic energy released by the elastic member, the magnet assembly is rotated in the second direction to change the density of the magnetic flux passing through the coil, A power generation apparatus that generates power.   The magnet assembly holder is configured to rotate the magnet assembly in the first direction when driven by the external force applied through the operation unit. The power generator described in 1.   When the external force is applied, the operation unit presses the magnet assembly holder until the magnet assembly rotates a predetermined amount in the first direction, and the magnet assembly further includes the first magnet assembly. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation device is configured to release the pressure on the magnet assembly holder when the predetermined amount of rotation is made in the direction of.   The elastic member is compressed by the magnet assembly holder when the magnet assembly holder is pressed by the operation unit, stores the external force as the elastic energy, and further, the magnet assembly holder by the operation unit The power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the stored elastic energy is released when the pressure on the is released.   The said coil assembly is a power generator in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 further provided with the core part comprised from the magnetic material penetrated in the center cavity part of the said coil.   The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the magnetic material constituting the case has a magnetic permeability of 0.12 mH / m or more. A power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
And an electronic circuit driven by the electric power generated by the power generation device.

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