JP4997528B2 - Power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow - Google Patents
Power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow Download PDFInfo
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- JP4997528B2 JP4997528B2 JP2006240401A JP2006240401A JP4997528B2 JP 4997528 B2 JP4997528 B2 JP 4997528B2 JP 2006240401 A JP2006240401 A JP 2006240401A JP 2006240401 A JP2006240401 A JP 2006240401A JP 4997528 B2 JP4997528 B2 JP 4997528B2
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- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 title claims description 272
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 title claims description 38
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002269 spontaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 240000005561 Musa balbisiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000018290 Musa x paradisiaca Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
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Description
本発明は、液晶流動を利用した発電機構に関する。水晶等のある種の結晶性物質は、ひずみを加えて弾性的な変形を発生させると、その変形に応じた電荷が表面に表われるという性質を有している。液晶においてもひずみを生じさせると、その液晶を挟む壁面間に電位差が生じるという現象（フレクソエレクトリック効果）が知られている。
本発明は、かかる液晶のフレクソエレクトリック効果を利用した発電機構に関する。
The present invention relates to a power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow. Certain crystalline substances, such as quartz, have the property that when an elastic deformation is generated by applying strain, a charge corresponding to the deformation appears on the surface. A phenomenon (flexoelectric effect) is known in which a potential difference is generated between the wall surfaces sandwiching the liquid crystal when the liquid crystal is also distorted.
The present invention relates to a power generation mechanism using the flexoelectric effect of such liquid crystal.
図７に示すように、液晶分子の形は、くさび形のもの（図７（Ａ））と、バナナ形のもの（図７（Ｂ））に類型化できる。
図７（Ａ）に示すように、くさび形の分子の場合には広がり変形をさせることによって自発分極が発生し両壁面間に電位差が生じる。また、図７（Ｂ）に示すように、バナナ形の分子の場合には曲がり変形を生じさせることによって自発分極が発生し両壁面間に電位差が生じる。
そして、両壁面間に発生する電位差は、くさび形分子の場合には両壁面のなす角度θに比例し、バナナ形分子の場合には壁面の曲率半径に反比例する（非特許文献１）。
As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal molecules can be classified into a wedge shape (FIG. 7A) and a banana shape (FIG. 7B).
As shown in FIG. 7A, in the case of a wedge-shaped molecule, spontaneous polarization occurs due to spreading and deformation, and a potential difference is generated between both wall surfaces. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of a banana-shaped molecule, spontaneous polarization is generated by causing bending deformation, and a potential difference is generated between both wall surfaces.
The potential difference generated between both wall surfaces is proportional to the angle θ formed by both wall surfaces in the case of a wedge-shaped molecule, and inversely proportional to the radius of curvature of the wall surface in the case of a banana-shaped molecule (Non-Patent Document 1).
しかるに、上記のごとき変形によって両壁面間に電位差が発生することは知られているものの、この電位差を利用して液晶から外部に電力を供給する技術は現在のところ開発されていない。 However, although it is known that a potential difference is generated between both wall surfaces due to the deformation as described above, a technique for supplying electric power from the liquid crystal to the outside using this potential difference has not been developed at present.
本発明は上記事情に鑑み、液晶におけるフレクソエレクトリック効果を利用して、外部に電力を供給することができる液晶流動を利用した発電機構を提供することを目的とする。 In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow that can supply electric power to the outside using a flexoelectric effect in liquid crystal.
第１発明の液晶流動を利用した発電機構は、液晶と、互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、該液晶拘束手段は、該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、前記液晶分子回転手段は、前記一対の対向面のうち、一の対向面に沿った方向に相対的に移動可能に設けられた前記液晶収容部材の一対の壁と、該一対の壁を、前記一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟んだ状態を保持しつつ、該一対の対向面に沿った方向における相対的な移動速度が異なるように移動させる移動機構とからなり、前記液晶収容部材における一対の壁は、一方の壁が、その移動が固定された固定壁であり、他方の壁が、移動可能に設けられた移動壁であり、前記液晶がタンブリング液晶であり、前記移動機構によって、前記移動壁を一方向に連続して移動させることを特徴とする。
第２発明の液晶流動を利用した発電機構は、液晶と、互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、該液晶拘束手段は、該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、前記液晶分子回転手段は、前記一対の対向面のうち、一の対向面に沿った方向に相対的に移動可能に設けられた前記液晶収容部材の一対の壁と、該一対の壁を、前記一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟んだ状態を保持しつつ、該一対の対向面に沿った方向における相対的な移動速度が異なるように移動させる移動機構とからなり、前記液晶収容部材における一対の壁は、一方の壁が、その移動が固定された固定壁であり、他方の壁が、移動可能に設けられた移動壁であり、前記液晶がアライニング液晶であり、前記移動機構によって、前記移動壁を連続して往復移動させることを特徴とする。
第３発明の液晶流動を利用した発電機構は、第１または２発明において、前記一対の対向面において、一方の面には、該面近傍に位置する液晶分子の回転を固定する回転固定処理が行われており、他方の面には、該面近傍に位置する液晶分子を回転可能に拘束する拘束処理が行われていることを特徴とする。
第４発明の液晶流動を利用した発電機構は、液晶と、互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、該液晶拘束手段は、該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、前記液晶分子回転手段が、前記一対の対向面間に、該一対の対向面に沿った方向の速度成分を有する液晶流動を連続して発生させるものであることを特徴とする。
なお、本明細書において、「相対的に異なる回転速度」とは、回転速度の絶対値の相違だけでなく、回転方向の相違をも含む概念である。
また、本明細書において、「相対的な移動速度が異なる」とは、移動速度の絶対値の相違だけでなく、移動方向の相違をも含む概念である。
A power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a liquid crystal and a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, and the pair of walls are disposed so that the liquid crystal is sandwiched between the pair of opposing surfaces. An accommodation member, an output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal accommodation member, a liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal, and restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces The liquid crystal restraining means, and the liquid crystal restraining means is configured so that when the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of each surface rotate at relatively different rotational speeds. all SANYO constraining the molecules, the liquid crystal molecules rotation means, of the pair of opposing surfaces, a pair of walls of the liquid crystal accommodating member provided relatively movably in a direction along one of the opposed surfaces And the pair of walls A moving mechanism that moves the liquid crystal so that the relative moving speeds in the directions along the pair of facing surfaces are different while holding the liquid crystal sandwiched between the pair of facing surfaces. One wall is a fixed wall whose movement is fixed, the other wall is a movable wall provided to be movable, the liquid crystal is a tumbling liquid crystal, and the moving mechanism The moving wall is continuously moved in one direction .
A power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a liquid crystal and a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, and the pair of walls are disposed so that the liquid crystal is sandwiched between the pair of opposing surfaces. An accommodation member, an output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal accommodation member, a liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal, and restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces The liquid crystal restraining means, and the liquid crystal restraining means is configured so that when the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of each surface rotate at relatively different rotational speeds. The liquid crystal molecule rotating means includes a pair of walls of the liquid crystal containing member provided so as to be relatively movable in a direction along one of the pair of opposing surfaces. , The pair of walls A moving mechanism that moves the liquid crystal so that the relative moving speeds in the directions along the pair of facing surfaces are different while holding the liquid crystal sandwiched between the pair of facing surfaces. One wall is a fixed wall whose movement is fixed, the other wall is a movable wall provided so as to be movable, the liquid crystal is an aligning liquid crystal, and by the moving mechanism, The moving wall is continuously reciprocated.
The power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to a third aspect of the present invention is the power generation mechanism according to the first or second aspect, wherein one surface of the pair of opposing surfaces has a rotation fixing process for fixing the rotation of liquid crystal molecules located near the surfaces. The other surface is subjected to a restraining process in which the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the other surface are rotatably restrained.
A power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a liquid crystal and a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, and the pair of walls are disposed so that the liquid crystal is sandwiched between the pair of opposing surfaces. An accommodation member, an output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal accommodation member, a liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal, and restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces The liquid crystal restraining means, and the liquid crystal restraining means is configured so that when the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of each surface rotate at relatively different rotational speeds. The liquid crystal molecule rotating means continuously generates a liquid crystal flow having a velocity component in a direction along the pair of opposed surfaces between the pair of opposed surfaces. Features.
In the present specification, “relatively different rotational speeds” is a concept that includes not only differences in absolute values of rotational speeds but also differences in rotational directions.
Further, in this specification, “the relative moving speeds are different” is a concept including not only a difference in absolute values of moving speeds but also a difference in moving directions.
第１発明によれば、液晶分子がタンブリング液晶であり、固定壁に沿って移動壁を連続して一方向に移動させるので、固定壁と移動壁の間に位置する液晶分子が連続して回転している状況となる。すると、一の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向と他の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向とのなす角を連続して変化させることができるから、一対の壁間に、なす角度の変化量および変化速度に応じた電位差を連続して発生させることができ、その電位差に応じた電力を出力端子から取り出すことができる。しかも、移動壁の移動を調整するだけで、一対の壁間に発生する電位差の変動を調整できるから、発生する電位差の制御が容易になる。
第２発明によれば、液晶分子がアライニング液晶であり、固定壁に沿って移動壁を連続して往復移動させるので、固定壁と移動壁の間に位置する液晶分子が連続して揺動している状況となる。すると、一の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向と他の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向とのなす角を連続して変化させることができるから、一対の壁間に、なす角度の変化量および変化速度に応じた電位差を連続して発生させることができ、その電位差に応じた電力を出力端子から取り出すことができる。しかも、移動壁の移動を調整するだけで、一対の壁間に発生する電位差の変動を調整できるから、発生する電位差の制御が容易になる。
第３発明によれば、一の対向面近傍の液晶分子はその回転が固定されているから、両壁の相対的な移動速度差を調整するだけで、一対の壁間に発生する電位差の変動を調整できるから、発生する電位差の制御が容易になる。
第４発明によれば、一対の対向面間に連続する液晶流動を生じさせれば、壁面近傍を流れる液晶分子は対向面との干渉により回転するので、一の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向と他の対向面近傍の液晶分子の軸方向とのなす角を連続して変化させることができる。すると、一対の壁間に、なす角度の変化量および変化速度に応じた電位差を連続して発生させることができ、その電位差に応じた電力を出力端子から取り出すことができる。しかも、液晶流動の流速に応じて液晶分子の回転速度を変化させることができる。よって、液晶流動の流速を調整するだけで一対の壁間に発生する電位差の変動を調整できるから、発生する電位差の制御が容易になる。
According to the first invention, since the liquid crystal molecules are tumbling liquid crystals and the moving wall is continuously moved in one direction along the fixed wall, the liquid crystal molecules located between the fixed wall and the moving wall are continuously rotated. It becomes the situation that is. Then, the angle formed between the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of one opposing surface and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the other opposing surface can be continuously changed. A potential difference according to the amount and the change speed can be continuously generated, and electric power according to the potential difference can be taken out from the output terminal. In addition, since the fluctuation of the potential difference generated between the pair of walls can be adjusted only by adjusting the movement of the moving wall, the generated potential difference can be easily controlled.
According to the second invention, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned liquid crystals, and the moving wall is continuously reciprocated along the fixed wall, so that the liquid crystal molecules located between the fixed wall and the moving wall continuously swing. It becomes the situation that is. Then, the angle formed between the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of one opposing surface and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the other opposing surface can be continuously changed. A potential difference according to the amount and the change speed can be continuously generated, and electric power according to the potential difference can be taken out from the output terminal. In addition, since the fluctuation of the potential difference generated between the pair of walls can be adjusted only by adjusting the movement of the moving wall, the generated potential difference can be easily controlled.
According to the third aspect of the invention, since the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of one opposing surface is fixed, the potential difference generated between the pair of walls can be changed only by adjusting the relative moving speed difference between both walls. Therefore, it is easy to control the generated potential difference.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention , if a continuous liquid crystal flow is generated between a pair of opposing surfaces, the liquid crystal molecules flowing in the vicinity of the wall surface rotate due to interference with the opposing surface. Ru can be varied continuously angle between the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the direction other opposing surface vicinity. Then, it is possible to continuously generate a potential difference according to the amount of change in the angle formed and the speed of change between the pair of walls, and to extract electric power according to the potential difference from the output terminal. In addition, the rotational speed of the liquid crystal molecules can be changed according to the flow rate of the liquid crystal flow. Therefore, since the fluctuation of the potential difference generated between the pair of walls can be adjusted only by adjusting the flow rate of the liquid crystal flow, the generated potential difference can be easily controlled.
つぎに、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づき説明する。
図１は本実施形態の液晶流動を利用した発電機構１０の概略説明図である。同図において、符号ＬＣ、ｍはそれぞれ液晶および液晶分子を示している。この液晶ＬＣは、発電機構１０の固定壁ＳＰと移動壁ＭＰに挟まれている。
固定壁ＳＰは、その移動が固定された壁である。
一方、移動壁ＭＰは固定壁ＳＰと対向する位置に設けられており、固定壁ＳＰに対して固定壁ＳＰとの距離を一定に保った状態で、固定壁ＳＰの表面（図１では上面）に沿って移動可能に設けられている。図１では、移動壁ＭＰは、固定壁ＳＰに対して左右方向に移動可能に設けられている。
上記の移動壁ＭＰと固定壁ＳＰとが特許請求の範囲にいう液晶収容部材であり、固定壁ＳＰおよび移動壁ＭＰの互いに対向する面が特許請求の範囲にいう対向面である。
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a
The fixed wall SP is a wall whose movement is fixed.
On the other hand, the moving wall MP is provided at a position facing the fixed wall SP, and the surface of the fixed wall SP (upper surface in FIG. 1) in a state where the distance from the fixed wall SP to the fixed wall SP is kept constant. It is provided so that it can move along. In FIG. 1, the moving wall MP is provided to be movable in the left-right direction with respect to the fixed wall SP.
The moving wall MP and the fixed wall SP are the liquid crystal containing members referred to in the claims, and the opposing surfaces of the fixed wall SP and the moving wall MP are the opposing surfaces referred to in the claims.
なお、移動壁ＭＰは、固定壁ＳＰの対向面と平行に移動する必要はなく、固定壁ＳＰの対向面に沿った方向の速度成分、言い換えれば、固定壁ＳＰの対向面と平行な速度成分を有するように移動できればよい。
さらになお、固定壁ＳＰは必ずしも完全に移動が固定されている必要は無く、移動壁ＭＰに対して相対的に移動が固定されている状況であってもよい。つまり、移動壁ＭＰの移動速度と固定壁ＳＰの移動速度とを比較したときに、固定壁ＳＰの対向面と平行な速度成分が異なっていればよい。「速度成分が異なる」とは、速度成分の絶対値の相違だけでなく、方向の相違をも含む概念である。
Note that the moving wall MP does not need to move in parallel with the facing surface of the fixed wall SP, and the velocity component in the direction along the facing surface of the fixed wall SP, in other words, the speed component parallel to the facing surface of the fixed wall SP. What is necessary is just to be able to move so that it may have.
Furthermore, the movement of the fixed wall SP does not necessarily have to be completely fixed, and the movement may be fixed relative to the moving wall MP. That is, when the moving speed of the moving wall MP and the moving speed of the fixed wall SP are compared, the speed components parallel to the facing surface of the fixed wall SP may be different. “Velocity components are different” is a concept including not only differences in absolute values of velocity components but also differences in direction.
図１に示すように、固定壁ＳＰおよび移動壁ＭＰの対向面には、導電性材料からなる一対の電極Ｅ，Ｅがそれぞれ設けられており、この電極Ｅ，Ｅには、出力端子Ａが接続されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of electrodes E and E made of a conductive material are provided on opposing surfaces of the fixed wall SP and the moving wall MP, respectively, and an output terminal A is provided on the electrodes E and E. It is connected.
また、この一対の電極Ｅ，Ｅの表面には、ポリイミド等からなる一対の配向膜Ｆ，Ｆが設けられている。
固定壁ＳＰの対向面に設けられている配向膜Ｆには、この配向膜Ｆ近傍に位置する液晶分子ｍの回転を固定する回転固定処理が行われている。この回転固定処理とは通常のラビング処理であり、この回転固定処理によって固定壁ＳＰの対向面近傍の液晶分子ｍは配向膜Ｆにアンカリングされる。
A pair of alignment films F, F made of polyimide or the like are provided on the surfaces of the pair of electrodes E, E.
The alignment film F provided on the opposite surface of the fixed wall SP is subjected to a rotation fixing process for fixing the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m located in the vicinity of the alignment film F. This rotation fixing process is a normal rubbing process, and the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the opposing surface of the fixed wall SP are anchored to the alignment film F by this rotation fixing process.
一方、移動壁ＭＰに設けられている配向膜Ｆには、液晶分子ｍを回転可能に拘束する拘束処理が行われている。この拘束処理とは、配向膜Ｆと接する液晶分子ｍがその重心まわりの回転や揺動は可能であるが、移動壁ＭＰが移動すると移動壁ＭＰとともに移動するように拘束する処理である。この拘束処理によって移動壁ＭＰの対向面近傍の液晶分子ｍは配向膜Ｆにウィークアンカリングされるのである。この拘束処理は、例えば、ローラなどを利用してラビング処理を行う場合であれば配向膜Ｆへのローラの押し付け力やローラの回転速度を調整することにより行うことができる。具体的には、配向膜Ｆへのローラの押し付け力を弱くしたり、ローラの回転速度を通常よりも遅くする等すれば、液晶分子ｍを配向膜Ｆにウィークアンカリングする拘束処理を行うことができる。 On the other hand, the alignment film F provided on the moving wall MP is subjected to a restraining process for restraining the liquid crystal molecules m to rotate. The restraining process is a process of restraining the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the alignment film F so as to move together with the moving wall MP when the moving wall MP moves, although the liquid crystal molecules m can rotate and swing around the center of gravity. The liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the facing surface of the moving wall MP are weakly anchored to the alignment film F by this restraining process. For example, when the rubbing process is performed using a roller or the like, the constraint process can be performed by adjusting the pressing force of the roller against the alignment film F or the rotation speed of the roller. Specifically, if the pressing force of the roller to the alignment film F is weakened or the rotation speed of the roller is made slower than usual, a restraining process for weakly anchoring the liquid crystal molecules m to the alignment film F is performed. Can do.
なお、固定壁ＳＰと移動壁ＭＰとの間に位置する液晶ＬＣの液晶分子ｍが回転する方向は、一対の配向膜Ｆ，Ｆによって固定壁ＳＰと垂直かつ移動壁ＭＰの移動方向と平行な面内（図１では紙面と平行な面内）に拘束されている。
さらになお、一対の配向膜Ｆ，Ｆに行う処理は、液晶分子ｍをアンカリング（拘束）する強さ（アンカリング強度）が両配向膜Ｆ間で異なるように処理が行われていればよく、必ずしも固定壁ＳＰ側の配向膜Ｆのアンカリング強度がその配向膜Ｆ近傍に位置する液晶分子ｍの回転を完全に固定する強さとなるようにラビング処理を行わなくてもよい。具体的には、固定壁ＳＰ側の対向面に設けられる配向膜Ｆのアンカリング強度が、移動壁ＭＰ側の対向面に設けられる配向膜Ｆのアンカリング強度よりも強くなるように両配向膜Ｆにラビング処理をしておけばよい。
さらになお、配向膜Ｆは、移動壁ＭＰ側の対向面には設けず、固定壁ＳＰ側の対向面、つまり、液晶分子ｍの回転を固定したり強く拘束したりする側の対向面だけに設けてもよい。すると、移動壁ＭＰ側の対向面近傍の液晶分子ｍは自由に移動できるので、当然にその重心まわりの回転や揺動は可能である。
The direction in which the liquid crystal molecules m of the liquid crystal LC positioned between the fixed wall SP and the moving wall MP rotate is perpendicular to the fixed wall SP by the pair of alignment films F and F and parallel to the moving direction of the moving wall MP. It is constrained within the plane (in the plane parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 1).
Furthermore, the treatment performed on the pair of alignment films F and F only needs to be performed so that the strength (anchoring strength) for anchoring (restraining) the liquid crystal molecules m differs between the alignment films F. The rubbing process may not be performed so that the anchoring strength of the alignment film F on the fixed wall SP side is sufficiently strong to fix the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m positioned in the vicinity of the alignment film F. Specifically, the two alignment films are set so that the anchoring strength of the alignment film F provided on the facing surface on the fixed wall SP side is stronger than the anchoring strength of the alignment film F provided on the facing surface on the moving wall MP side. F should be rubbed.
Furthermore, the alignment film F is not provided on the facing surface on the moving wall MP side, but only on the facing surface on the fixed wall SP side, that is, the facing surface on the side that fixes or strongly restricts the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m. It may be provided. Then, since the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the facing surface on the moving wall MP side can freely move, it is naturally possible to rotate and swing around the center of gravity.
以上のごとき構成であるから、移動壁ＭＰを固定壁ＳＰに対し左右方向に移動させれば、両壁ＭＰ，ＳＰ間の液晶分子ｍは回転または揺動する。このとき、固定壁ＳＰに接触している液晶分子ｍだけは回転も揺動もしないので、移動壁ＭＰに接している液晶分子ｍと固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍの軸方向のなす角θ（図３，図５参照）が変化する。すると、そのなす角θに応じた電位差が固定壁ＳＰと移動壁ＭＰ間に発生するので、出力端子Ａから、その電位差に対応する電力を取り出すことができるのである。 Since the configuration is as described above, when the moving wall MP is moved in the left-right direction with respect to the fixed wall SP, the liquid crystal molecules m between the walls MP and SP rotate or swing. At this time, since only the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the fixed wall SP do not rotate or swing, the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the moving wall MP and the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the fixed wall SP are formed in the axial direction. The angle θ (see FIGS. 3 and 5) changes. As a result, a potential difference corresponding to the angle θ formed is generated between the fixed wall SP and the moving wall MP, so that electric power corresponding to the potential difference can be taken out from the output terminal A.
また、固定壁ＳＰ近傍の液晶分子ｍが回転可能となっている場合でも、一対の配向膜Ｆ，Ｆのアンカリング強度が異なっていれば各対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子ｍ同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転する。すると、移動壁ＭＰに接している液晶分子ｍと固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍの軸方向のなす角θが変化するから、なす角θの変化量および変化速度に応じた電位差を固定壁ＳＰと移動壁ＭＰ間に発生させることができる。 Even when the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the fixed wall SP are rotatable, the liquid crystal molecules m located in the vicinity of the opposing surfaces are relatively relative to each other if the anchoring strengths of the pair of alignment films F and F are different. Rotate at different rotational speeds. Then, the angle θ between the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the moving wall MP and the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the fixed wall SP changes, so that the potential difference corresponding to the amount of change and the change speed of the angle θ is fixed. It can be generated between the wall SP and the moving wall MP.
本発明の発電機機構において使用する液晶ＬＣとしては、タンブリング液晶又はアライニング液晶が適しており、以下、タンブリング液晶ＬＣＴとアライニング液晶ＬＣＡを利用した発電機構について説明する。 As the liquid crystal LC used in the generator mechanism of the present invention, a tumbling liquid crystal or an aligning liquid crystal is suitable. Hereinafter, a power generation mechanism using the tumbling liquid crystal LCT and the aligning liquid crystal LCA will be described.
まず、タンブリング液晶ＬＣＴを利用した発電機構について説明する。
図２はタンブリング液晶ＬＣＴを使用する場合において、発電時における液晶分子ｍの動きを説明した図である。同図において移動壁ＭＰは固定壁ＳＰに対して連続して同一方向、例えば、図２では右方に移動可能に設けられた壁である。この移動壁ＭＰは、固定壁ＳＰに対して同一方向に連続して移動しつつも、固定壁ＳＰとの間にはタンブリング液晶ＬＣＴを挟んだ状態を維持できるように構成されている。
First, a power generation mechanism using the tumbling liquid crystal LCT will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules m during power generation when the tumbling liquid crystal LCT is used. In the figure, the moving wall MP is a wall provided so as to be movable in the same direction, for example, to the right in FIG. 2, with respect to the fixed wall SP. The moving wall MP is configured to maintain a state in which the tumbling liquid crystal LCT is sandwiched between the moving wall MP and the fixed wall SP while moving continuously in the same direction with respect to the fixed wall SP.
そして、移動壁ＭＰを連続して移動させると連続して発電させることができるのであるが、発電中の液晶分子ｍの動きを図２に基づいて説明する。
なお、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ以外の液晶分子ｍは移動壁ＭＰとともに右方に移動しながら回転しており、領域Ｂで同一の液晶分子ｍが回転しているのではないが、図２には、視点を固定壁ＳＰにおける領域Ｂの位置に固定し、この領域Ｂ内に液晶分子ｍが一列に並んだときにおける液晶分子ｍの状態だけを示している。
Then, if the moving wall MP is continuously moved, power can be generated continuously. The movement of the liquid crystal molecules m during power generation will be described with reference to FIG.
The liquid crystal molecules m other than the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the fixed wall SP rotate while moving to the right together with the moving wall MP, and the same liquid crystal molecules m are not rotating in the region B. FIG. 2 shows only the state of the liquid crystal molecules m when the viewpoint is fixed at the position of the region B on the fixed wall SP and the liquid crystal molecules m are arranged in a row in the region B.
図２（Ａ）に示すように、移動壁ＭＰが移動を開始する前は、全ての液晶分子ｍの軸方向が固定壁ＳＰの表面と平行かつ移動壁Ｍの移動方向と平行に配置されているとする。この状態から移動壁ＭＰを右方に移動させると、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ１は移動しないが、その他の液晶分子ｍ２は移動壁ＭＰとともに移動する。 As shown in FIG. 2A, before the moving wall MP starts moving, the axial directions of all the liquid crystal molecules m are arranged parallel to the surface of the fixed wall SP and parallel to the moving direction of the moving wall M. Suppose that When the moving wall MP is moved to the right from this state, the liquid crystal molecules m1 in contact with the fixed wall SP do not move, but the other liquid crystal molecules m2 move together with the moving wall MP.
このとき、液晶ＬＣがタンブリング液晶であるから、液晶分子ｍは移動壁ＭＰの移動方向に向かって回転（図２では時計回り）しながら移動する（図２（Ｂ））。この回転速度は、移動壁ＭＰの移動速度が大きいほど速くなり、移動壁ＭＰに近いほど速くなる。 At this time, since the liquid crystal LC is a tumbling liquid crystal, the liquid crystal molecules m move while rotating in the moving direction of the moving wall MP (clockwise in FIG. 2) (FIG. 2B). The rotational speed increases as the moving speed of the moving wall MP increases, and increases as the moving wall MP approaches the moving wall MP.
すると、図２に示すように、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ１は回転しないので、固定壁ＳＰの軸方向と、移動壁ＭＰ近傍で回転しながら移動する液晶分子ｍ２の軸方向とがなす角θは、液晶分子ｍ２の回転にともなって連続的に変化する（図３（Ａ））。このため、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間には、液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θの時間変動に応じた電位差が発生する。 Then, as shown in FIG. 2, since the liquid crystal molecules m1 in contact with the fixed wall SP do not rotate, the axial direction of the fixed wall SP and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules m2 that move while rotating in the vicinity of the moving wall MP are obtained. The formed angle θ changes continuously with the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m2 (FIG. 3A). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3B, a potential difference is generated between the pair of walls SP and MP according to the time variation of the angle θ formed by the liquid crystal molecules m1 and the liquid crystal molecules m2.
よって、移動壁ＭＰを連続して移動させれば、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間では、図３（Ｃ）に示すような電位差の変動が発生するのである。
そして、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間の電位差を端子Ａから取り出せば、外部に連続して電力を供給できるのである。
Therefore, if the moving wall MP is continuously moved, a potential difference fluctuation as shown in FIG. 3C occurs between the pair of walls SP and MP.
If the potential difference between the pair of walls SP and MP is taken out from the terminal A, power can be continuously supplied to the outside.
なお、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間に発生する最大の電位差は、例えば、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ移動速度や液晶の種類、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの対向面間の間隔等によって決定される。具体的には、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの相対的な移動速度差が大きくなると液晶分子ｍの回転が速くなるので、図３であれば単位時間当たりにおける液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θの変化量が大きくなり一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間に発生する最大の電位差も大きくなる。また、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの相対的な移動速度差が同じでも、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの対向面間隔が狭くなると単位時間当たりにおける液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θの変化量が大きくなるので最大の電位差も大きくなる。 Note that the maximum potential difference generated between the pair of walls SP and MP is determined by, for example, the pair of walls SP and MP moving speed, the type of liquid crystal, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of walls SP and MP, and the like. Specifically, when the relative movement speed difference between the pair of walls SP and MP increases, the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m becomes faster. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal molecules m1 and m2 per unit time are formed. The amount of change in the angle θ increases and the maximum potential difference generated between the pair of walls SP and MP also increases. Further, even if the relative movement speed difference between the pair of walls SP and MP is the same, the change in the angle θ between the liquid crystal molecules m1 and the liquid crystal molecules m2 per unit time when the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of walls SP and MP becomes narrower. Since the amount increases, the maximum potential difference also increases.
上記のごとく、移動壁ＭＰを固定壁ＳＰに対して同一方向に連続して移動させつつ、固定壁ＳＰとの間にはタンブリング液晶ＬＣＴを挟んだ状態を維持できる構成としては、例えば、図６（Ａ）や図６（Ｂ）のような構成が挙げられる。
図６（Ａ）に示すように、円筒状の空間を有する外部部材ＯＰの内部に、この外部部材ＯＰの円筒状の空間の中心軸（以下、単に中心軸という）周りに回転可能な軸部材ＡＰを設け、両者の間に液晶ＬＣを配置する。そして、外部部材ＯＰの内面および軸部材ＡＰの外面に配向膜Ｆ、電極Ｅを設け、配向膜Ｆには、液晶分子ｍの軸方向が、中心軸を中心とする円周の接線方向を向くように配向処理を行う。すると、外部部材ＯＰ、軸部材ＡＰのいずれか一方、例えば外部部材ＯＰを固定し、軸部材ＡＰを中心軸周りに同一方向に連続的に回転させれば、この軸部材ＡＰの外面は、外部部材ＯＰに対して同一方向に連続して移動しつつも、外部部材ＯＰの内面との間には液晶ＬＣを挟んだ状態を維持できる。
また、図６（Ｂ）に示すように、互いに対向し同じ軸（以下、単に中心軸という）上に中心を有する一対の円盤部材ＵＰ，ＬＰを、その一対の円盤部材ＵＰ，ＬＰが互いに対向する面同士を平行に維持したままその軸周りに回転できるように配置し、両者の間に液晶ＬＣを配置する。そして、一対の円盤部材の互いにおける対向する面に配向膜Ｆ、電極Ｅを設け、配向膜Ｆには、液晶分子ｍの軸方向が、中心軸を中心とする円周の接線方向を向くように配向処理を行う。すると、いずれか一方の円盤部材(例えば、円盤部材ＬＰ)を固定し、他方の円盤部材(例えば、円盤部材ＵＰ)を中心軸周りに同一方向に連続的に回転させれば、一対の円盤部材ＵＰ，ＬＰにおける対向する面の間に液晶ＬＣを挟んだ状態を維持できる。
なお、図６（Ａ）や図６（Ｂ）のような構成の発電機構であっても、配向膜Ｆを対向する一方の面だけに設けてもよいのは、いうまでもない。
As described above, as a configuration that can maintain the state in which the tumbling liquid crystal LCT is sandwiched between the fixed wall SP while continuously moving the movable wall MP in the same direction with respect to the fixed wall SP, for example, FIG. Configurations such as those shown in FIG. 6A and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6A, a shaft member that is rotatable around a central axis (hereinafter simply referred to as a central axis) of the cylindrical space of the external member OP inside the external member OP having a cylindrical space. AP is provided, and a liquid crystal LC is disposed between the two. An alignment film F and an electrode E are provided on the inner surface of the outer member OP and the outer surface of the shaft member AP. In the alignment film F, the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules m faces the tangential direction of the circumference around the central axis. The orientation treatment is performed as described above. Then, if one of the external member OP and the shaft member AP, for example, the external member OP is fixed and the shaft member AP is continuously rotated around the central axis in the same direction, the outer surface of the shaft member AP becomes the external surface. While continuously moving in the same direction with respect to the member OP, it is possible to maintain a state in which the liquid crystal LC is sandwiched between the inner surface of the external member OP.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a pair of disk members UP and LP which are opposed to each other and have a center on the same axis (hereinafter simply referred to as a central axis), and the pair of disk members UP and LP are opposed to each other. The liquid crystal LC is disposed between the two surfaces so that the surfaces to be rotated can be rotated around the axis while maintaining the surfaces in parallel. An alignment film F and an electrode E are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pair of disk members, and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules m faces the tangential direction of the circumference around the central axis. The alignment treatment is performed. Then, if one of the disk members (for example, disk member LP) is fixed and the other disk member (for example, disk member UP) is continuously rotated in the same direction around the central axis, a pair of disk members It is possible to maintain a state in which the liquid crystal LC is sandwiched between the opposing surfaces of UP and LP.
Needless to say, the alignment film F may be provided only on one of the opposing surfaces even in the power generation mechanism configured as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
つぎに、アライニング液晶ＬＣＡを利用した発電機構について説明する。
図４はアライニング液晶ＬＣＡを使用する場合において、発電時における液晶分子ｍの動きを説明した図である。同図において移動壁ＭＰは固定壁ＳＰに対して連続して往復移動、例えば、図４（Ａ）では左右方向に沿って往復移動可能に設けられた壁である。この移動壁ＭＰは、固定壁ＳＰに対して往復移動しつつも、固定壁ＳＰとの間には液晶ＬＣを挟んだ状態を維持できるように構成されている。
例えば、図６（Ａ）のような構成を有する発電機構であれば、軸部材ＡＰまたは外部部材ＯＰを中心軸周りに正転逆転させれば、上記のごとき状態を実現することができる。また、図６（Ｂ）のような構成を有する発電機構でも、一対の円盤部材ＵＰ，ＬＰを中心軸周りに正転逆転させれば、上記のごとき状態を実現することができる。
Next, a power generation mechanism using the aligning liquid crystal LCA will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules m during power generation when the aligning liquid crystal LCA is used. In the figure, the moving wall MP is a wall provided so as to be continuously reciprocated with respect to the fixed wall SP, for example, reciprocating along the left-right direction in FIG. The moving wall MP is configured to maintain a state in which the liquid crystal LC is sandwiched between the moving wall MP and the fixed wall SP while reciprocating with respect to the fixed wall SP.
For example, in the case of the power generation mechanism having the configuration as shown in FIG. 6A, the state as described above can be realized by rotating the shaft member AP or the external member OP forward and backward around the central axis. Further, even in the power generation mechanism having the configuration as shown in FIG. 6B, the above-described state can be realized by rotating the pair of disk members UP and LP forward and backward around the central axis.
図４（Ａ）に示すように、この移動壁ＭＰと固定壁ＳＰの間には、アライニング液晶ＬＣＡが配置されており、移動壁ＭＰを移動させると、連続して発電させることができる。
以下、発電中の液晶分子ｍの動きを図４に基づいて説明する。
なお、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ以外の液晶分子ｍは移動壁ＭＰとともに右方に移動しながら揺動しており、領域Ｂで同一の液晶分子ｍが揺動しているのではないが、図４には、視点を固定壁ＳＰにおける領域Ｂの位置に固定し、この領域Ｂ内に液晶分子ｍが一列に並んだときにおける液晶分子ｍの状態だけを示している。
As shown in FIG. 4A, an aligning liquid crystal LCA is disposed between the moving wall MP and the fixed wall SP. When the moving wall MP is moved, power can be generated continuously.
Hereinafter, the movement of the liquid crystal molecules m during power generation will be described with reference to FIG.
The liquid crystal molecules m other than the liquid crystal molecules m in contact with the fixed wall SP are swung while moving to the right together with the moving wall MP, and the same liquid crystal molecules m are swung in the region B. Although not shown in FIG. 4, only the state of the liquid crystal molecules m when the viewpoint is fixed at the position of the region B on the fixed wall SP and the liquid crystal molecules m are arranged in a line in the region B is shown.
図４（Ａ）に示すように、移動壁ＭＰが移動を開始する前は、全ての液晶分子ｍの軸方向が固定壁ＳＰの表面と平行かつ移動壁Ｍの移動方向と平行に配置されているとする。この状態から移動壁ＭＰを右方に移動させると、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ１は移動しないが、その他の液晶分子ｍ２は移動壁ＭＰとともに移動する。 As shown in FIG. 4A, before the moving wall MP starts to move, the axial directions of all the liquid crystal molecules m are arranged in parallel with the surface of the fixed wall SP and in parallel with the moving direction of the moving wall M. Suppose that When the moving wall MP is moved to the right from this state, the liquid crystal molecules m1 in contact with the fixed wall SP do not move, but the other liquid crystal molecules m2 move together with the moving wall MP.
このとき、液晶ＬＣがアライニング液晶ＬＣＡであるから、液晶分子ｍは移動壁ＭＰの移動方向に向かって回転（図４（Ｂ）では時計回り）しながら移動する。この回転速度は、移動壁ＭＰの移動速度が大きいほど速くなり、移動壁ＭＰに移動壁ＭＰに近いほど速くなる。 At this time, since the liquid crystal LC is the aligning liquid crystal LCA, the liquid crystal molecules m move while rotating in the moving direction of the moving wall MP (clockwise in FIG. 4B). The rotational speed increases as the moving speed of the moving wall MP increases, and increases as the moving wall MP is closer to the moving wall MP.
すると、図４（Ｂ）に示すように、固定壁ＳＰに接している液晶分子ｍ１は回転しないので、固定壁ＳＰの軸方向と、移動壁ＭＰ近傍で回転しながら移動する液晶分子ｍ２の軸方向とがなす角θは、液晶分子ｍ２の回転にともなって連続的に変化する（図５（Ａ））。 Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, since the liquid crystal molecules m1 in contact with the fixed wall SP do not rotate, the axis direction of the fixed wall SP and the axis of the liquid crystal molecules m2 that move while rotating in the vicinity of the moving wall MP. The angle θ formed by the direction continuously changes as the liquid crystal molecules m2 rotate (FIG. 5A).
ここで、アライニング液晶ＬＣＡの場合、タンブリング液晶ＬＣＴと異なり、液晶分子ｍ２が90度以上回転できない。このため、移動壁ＭＰに最も近い液晶分子ｍ２が90度となるまで移動すると、移動壁ＭＰの右方への移動を停止し、左方への移動に移動方向を転換させる。すると、液晶分子ｍは、今度は、左方に移動しながら反時計周りに回転する。そして、移動壁ＭＰが元の位置まで戻ると、液晶分子ｍは元の状態、つまり、その軸方向が固定壁ＳＰの表面と平行な状態になる（図４（Ｃ））。 Here, in the case of the aligning liquid crystal LCA, unlike the tumbling liquid crystal LCT, the liquid crystal molecules m2 cannot rotate 90 degrees or more. For this reason, when the liquid crystal molecules m2 closest to the moving wall MP move to 90 degrees, the movement of the moving wall MP to the right is stopped and the movement direction is changed to the left movement. Then, the liquid crystal molecules m are rotated counterclockwise while moving leftward. When the moving wall MP returns to the original position, the liquid crystal molecules m are in the original state, that is, the axial direction thereof is parallel to the surface of the fixed wall SP (FIG. 4C).
移動壁ＭＰが元の位置まで戻ってからもさらに移動壁ＭＰが左方に移動すると、液晶分子ｍの反時計周りの回転は継続する。そして、移動壁ＭＰに最も近い液晶分子ｍ２が90度となるまで移動壁ＭＰが移動すると（図４（Ｄ））、移動壁ＭＰの左方への移動を停止し、右方への移動に移動方向が転換させる。すると、液晶分子ｍは、再び、右方に移動しながら時計周りに回転する。 Even when the moving wall MP returns to the original position, when the moving wall MP further moves to the left, the counterclockwise rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m continues. When the moving wall MP moves until the liquid crystal molecule m2 closest to the moving wall MP reaches 90 degrees (FIG. 4D), the moving wall MP stops moving to the left and moved to the right. Change the direction of movement. Then, the liquid crystal molecules m again rotate clockwise while moving to the right.
上記のごとく、移動壁ＭＰが左右に往復移動を繰り返すと、固定壁ＳＰの軸方向と、移動壁ＭＰ近傍で回転しながら移動する液晶分子ｍ２の軸方向とがなす角θが、液晶分子ｍ１の回転にともなって連続的に変化する（図５（Ａ））。このため、タンブリング液晶ＬＣＴの場合と同様に、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間には、液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θに応じた電位差が発生する（図５（Ｂ））。
よって、移動壁ＭＰを連続して往復移動させれば、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間では、図５（Ｃ）に示すような電位差の変動が発生するのである。
そして、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間の電位差を端子Ａから取り出せば、外部に連続して電力を供給できるのである。
As described above, when the moving wall MP repeats reciprocating left and right, the angle θ formed by the axial direction of the fixed wall SP and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules m2 that move while rotating in the vicinity of the moving wall MP is the liquid crystal molecule m1. Changes continuously with the rotation of (Fig. 5A). For this reason, as in the case of the tumbling liquid crystal LCT, a potential difference corresponding to the angle θ formed between the liquid crystal molecules m1 and the liquid crystal molecules m2 is generated between the pair of walls SP and MP (FIG. 5B).
Therefore, if the moving wall MP is continuously reciprocated, a potential difference fluctuation as shown in FIG. 5C occurs between the pair of walls SP and MP.
If the potential difference between the pair of walls SP and MP is taken out from the terminal A, power can be continuously supplied to the outside.
なお、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰ間に発生する最大の電位差は、タンブリング液晶の場合と同様に、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの移動速度や液晶の種類、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの対向面間隔等によって、決定される。具体的には、一対の壁ＳＰの振動数が大きくなると液晶分子ｍの回転が速くなるので、図３であれば単位時間当たりにおける液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θの変化量が大きくなるので最大の電位差も大きくなる。また、一対の壁ＳＰの振動数が同じでも、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＭＰの対向面間隔が狭くなると単位時間当たりにおける液晶分子ｍ１と液晶分子ｍ２とのなす角θの変化量が大きくなるので最大の電位差も大きくなる。 Note that the maximum potential difference generated between the pair of walls SP and MP is similar to the case of the tumbling liquid crystal, such as the moving speed of the pair of walls SP and MP, the type of liquid crystal, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of walls SP and MP, and the like. Determined by. Specifically, since the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m increases as the frequency of the pair of walls SP increases, the amount of change in the angle θ between the liquid crystal molecules m1 and the liquid crystal molecules m2 per unit time is shown in FIG. Since it increases, the maximum potential difference also increases. Even if the frequency of the pair of walls SP is the same, the amount of change in the angle θ between the liquid crystal molecules m1 and the liquid crystal molecules m2 per unit time increases as the facing distance between the pair of walls SP and MP decreases. The potential difference becomes larger.
また、発電機構は、以下のごとき構成としてもよい。
図８に示すように、一対の壁ＳＰ，ＳＰをいずれも移動が固定された固定壁とし、両者の間に液晶ＬＣを流す、つまり、一対の壁Ｐ，Ｐ間に液晶流動を発生させた場合でも、流動する液晶と一対の壁Ｐ，Ｐとの干渉によって液晶分子ｍが回転する。すると、一対の配向膜Ｆ，Ｆのアンカリング強度が異なっていれば、一対の壁Ｐ，Ｐ近傍に位置する液晶分子ｍの回転速度に差ができるから、一対の壁Ｐ，Ｐ間に電位差を発生させることができる。この場合、液晶流動の速度を変化させれば発生する電位差を変化させることができ、流速が速くなると発生する電位差が大きくなり、流速が遅くなると発生する電位差が小さくなる。
なお、液晶流動を発生させる方法はとくに限定されず、どのような手段を用いてもよい。例えば、ポンプ等の使用して流動を発生させてもよい。
Further, the power generation mechanism may be configured as follows.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pair of walls SP and SP are both fixed walls with fixed movement, and the liquid crystal LC flows between them, that is, the liquid crystal flow is generated between the pair of walls P and P. Even in this case, the liquid crystal molecules m rotate due to the interference between the flowing liquid crystal and the pair of walls P and P. Then, if the anchoring strengths of the pair of alignment films F and F are different, the rotational speed of the liquid crystal molecules m located in the vicinity of the pair of walls P and P can be different. Can be generated. In this case, the generated potential difference can be changed by changing the flow rate of the liquid crystal, and the generated potential difference increases as the flow rate increases, and the generated potential difference decreases as the flow rate decreases.
The method for generating the liquid crystal flow is not particularly limited, and any means may be used. For example, a flow may be generated using a pump or the like.
液晶流動を利用した発電機構は、回転運動や往復運動を行う機構を利用して電力を発生させる発電機、とくに、非常に微小な機構から微小な電力を発生させる発電機等に適している。 The power generation mechanism using the liquid crystal flow is suitable for a generator that generates electric power using a mechanism that performs a rotational motion and a reciprocating motion, in particular, a generator that generates minute electric power from a very small mechanism.
ＬＣ 液晶
ＬＣＡ アライニング液晶
ＬＣＴ タンブリング液晶
ｍ 液晶分子
ＭＰ 移動壁
ＳＰ 固定壁
Ａ 出力端子
LC liquid crystal LCA aligning liquid crystal LCT tumbling liquid crystal m liquid crystal molecule MP moving wall SP fixed wall A output terminal
Claims (4)
互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、
該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、
前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、
前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、
該液晶拘束手段は、
該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、
前記液晶分子回転手段は、
前記一対の対向面のうち、一の対向面に沿った方向に相対的に移動可能に設けられた前記液晶収容部材の一対の壁と、
該一対の壁を、前記一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟んだ状態を保持しつつ、該一対の対向面に沿った方向における相対的な移動速度が異なるように移動させる移動機構とからなり、
前記液晶収容部材における一対の壁は、
一方の壁が、その移動が固定された固定壁であり、
他方の壁が、移動可能に設けられた移動壁であり、
前記液晶がタンブリング液晶であり、
前記移動機構によって、前記移動壁を一方向に連続して移動させる
ことを特徴とする液晶流動を利用した発電機構。 Liquid crystal,
A liquid crystal containing member provided with a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, the pair of walls being disposed so as to sandwich the liquid crystal between the pair of opposing surfaces;
An output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal housing member;
Liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal;
The liquid crystal restraining means for restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces,
The liquid crystal restraining means is
When the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecules rotation means state, and are not constraining the liquid crystal molecules to rotate the liquid crystal molecules are relatively different rotational speeds, located on each side near the
The liquid crystal molecule rotating means includes:
Of the pair of facing surfaces, a pair of walls of the liquid crystal housing member provided to be relatively movable in a direction along one facing surface;
And a moving mechanism that moves the pair of walls so that the relative moving speeds in the directions along the pair of facing surfaces are different while holding the liquid crystal sandwiched between the pair of facing surfaces. ,
The pair of walls in the liquid crystal housing member are
One wall is a fixed wall whose movement is fixed,
The other wall is a movable wall provided movably,
The liquid crystal is a tumbling liquid crystal;
A power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow, wherein the moving mechanism moves the moving wall continuously in one direction .
互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、A liquid crystal containing member provided with a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, the pair of walls being disposed so as to sandwich the liquid crystal between the pair of opposing surfaces;
該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、An output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal housing member;
前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、Liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal;
前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、The liquid crystal restraining means for restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces,
該液晶拘束手段は、The liquid crystal restraining means is
該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、When the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, the liquid crystal molecules are constrained so that the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of each surface rotate at relatively different rotational speeds,
前記液晶分子回転手段は、The liquid crystal molecule rotating means includes:
前記一対の対向面のうち、一の対向面に沿った方向に相対的に移動可能に設けられた前記液晶収容部材の一対の壁と、Of the pair of facing surfaces, a pair of walls of the liquid crystal housing member provided to be relatively movable in a direction along one facing surface;
該一対の壁を、前記一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟んだ状態を保持しつつ、該一対の対向面に沿った方向における相対的な移動速度が異なるように移動させる移動機構とからなり、And a moving mechanism that moves the pair of walls so that the relative moving speeds in the directions along the pair of facing surfaces are different while holding the liquid crystal sandwiched between the pair of facing surfaces. ,
前記液晶収容部材における一対の壁は、The pair of walls in the liquid crystal housing member are
一方の壁が、その移動が固定された固定壁であり、One wall is a fixed wall whose movement is fixed,
他方の壁が、移動可能に設けられた移動壁であり、The other wall is a movable wall provided movably,
前記液晶がアライニング液晶であり、The liquid crystal is an aligning liquid crystal;
前記移動機構によって、前記移動壁を連続して往復移動させるThe moving wall is continuously reciprocated by the moving mechanism.
ことを特徴とする液晶流動を利用した発電機構。A power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow.
一方の面には、該面近傍に位置する液晶分子の回転を固定する回転固定処理が行われており、
他方の面には、該面近傍に位置する液晶分子を回転可能に拘束する拘束処理が行われている
ことを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の液晶流動を利用した発電機構。 In the pair of facing surfaces,
One surface is subjected to a rotation fixing process for fixing rotation of liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the surface,
3. The power generation mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to claim 1 , wherein the other surface is subjected to a restraining process in which liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the surface are rotatably restrained.
互いに対向する対向面を有する一対の壁を備え、該一対の壁が一対の対向面間に前記液晶を挟むように配置された液晶収容部材と、
該液晶収容部材における一対の壁に接続された出力端子と、
前記液晶の液晶分子を回転させる液晶分子回転手段と、
前記一対の対向面近傍に位置する液晶分子の運動を拘束する液晶拘束手段とからなり、
該液晶拘束手段は、
該液晶分子回転手段によって液晶分子が回転されたときに、各面近傍に位置する液晶分子同士が相対的に異なる回転速度で回転するように液晶分子を拘束するものであり、
前記液晶分子回転手段が、
前記一対の対向面間に、該一対の対向面に沿った方向の速度成分を有する液晶流動を連続して発生させるものである
ことを特徴とする液晶流動を利用した発電機構。 Liquid crystal,
A liquid crystal containing member provided with a pair of walls having opposing surfaces facing each other, the pair of walls being disposed so as to sandwich the liquid crystal between the pair of opposing surfaces;
An output terminal connected to a pair of walls in the liquid crystal housing member;
Liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal;
The liquid crystal restraining means for restraining the movement of the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the pair of opposed surfaces,
The liquid crystal restraining means is
When the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, the liquid crystal molecules are constrained so that the liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of each surface rotate at relatively different rotational speeds,
The liquid crystal molecule rotating means comprises:
It said pair of between the facing surfaces, power generation mechanism utilizing a liquid crystal flow you characterized in that to generate continuously a liquid crystal flow with a direction of the velocity components along the said pair of opposing faces.
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