JP5504830B2 - Windows with power generation function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generation technique using a piezoelectric element, and more particularly to a technique for generating power using vibration of a window. The present invention is practically effective when applied to a window provided on a game surface of a pachinko gaming machine or a window provided on a vehicle wall surface.

  From the standpoint of preventing global warming and protecting the environment, switching to an energy source that replaces oil has become an urgent task. In the field of power generation, geothermal power generation, wind power generation, wave power generation, solar power generation, etc. are in the spotlight, but research on power generation technology using piezoelectric elements is also being made. Piezoelectric elements are elements that generate an electric charge when mechanical deformation is applied, and are attracting attention in the power generation field as elements that convert various mechanical energy into electric energy. Although the power generation amount of a single piezoelectric element is relatively small, it is excellent in that a dynamic phenomenon seen everywhere in daily life can be used for power generation.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are formed in a laminated structure so that bending is caused simultaneously by the action of an external force to increase the amount of power generation. Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for extracting rotational energy existing in the vicinity as electric energy by introducing a mechanism that converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion. Patent Literature 3 discloses rotational motion. A technique for extracting electric energy by converting it into vibration of a leaf spring is disclosed.

  On the other hand, various proposals have also been made regarding specific methods for using such a power generation device using a piezoelectric element in a very general daily life. For example, Patent Document 4 below discloses a device that can incorporate a piezoelectric element into a footboard installed on a floor and generate electric power based on a human walking action. Patent Document 5 proposes a technology for supplying rotational energy of a tire of an automobile to a piezoelectric element and generating electric power during traveling of the automobile. Patent Document 6 attaches a wind receiving plate to the piezoelectric element. A technique for supplying wind energy to a piezoelectric element to generate wind power has been proposed.

JP 2008-311529 A JP 2008-295275 A JP 2009-106104 A JP 2008-258343 A JP 2006-54956 A JP 2008-180118 A

  As described above, various forms of new technology for generating electric power by supplying mechanical energy that can be used in daily life to the piezoelectric element have been proposed. However, both of these techniques have a problem that the introduction cost increases because a dedicated mechanical structure for supplying mechanical energy to the piezoelectric element is required. In addition, a space for installing such a mechanical structure is also required.

  For example, in the technique described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 4, it is necessary to install a tread-type structure on a walking path. In the technique described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 5, rotational energy is converted into pressure fluctuation in the vicinity of the tire. It is necessary to attach a structure to be mounted, and in the technique described in Patent Document 6 described above, it is necessary to install a structure having a wind receiving plate having a sufficient area. In either case, extra cost and extra installation space are required.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation facility using a piezoelectric element that can be introduced at a lower cost and with a smaller space.

(1) A first aspect of the present invention is a plate-shaped window member, a frame member that supports the periphery of the window member, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window member and the frame member, and the piezoelectric element A window having a power generation function is configured by a circuit for taking out the electric charge generated in the battery and a power storage device for accumulating the taken out electric charge,
As a piezoelectric element, it is a plate-like piezoelectric element that has been subjected to polarization treatment that causes a polarization phenomenon in the thickness direction when pressure fluctuation occurs in the thickness direction, and has a plate-like shape that has a concavo-convex structure on the surface. An element is used.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plate-like window member, a frame member supporting the periphery of the window member, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window member and the frame member, and the piezoelectric element A window having a power generation function is configured by a circuit for taking out the electric charge generated in the battery and a power storage device for accumulating the taken out electric charge,
A plurality of n plate-like piezoelectric elements are attached to a support sheet, and a piezoelectric element unit is formed by connecting these n piezoelectric elements in series. The piezoelectric element unit is disposed between a window material and a frame material. It is intended to be placed in.

(3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plate-shaped window member, a frame member that supports the periphery of the window member, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window member and the frame member, and the piezoelectric element. A window having a power generation function is configured by a circuit for taking out the electric charge generated in the battery and a power storage device for accumulating the taken out electric charge,
An embedding groove is dug in the window material support surface of the frame material, a piezoelectric element is embedded in the embedding groove, and a sealing packing is filled between the window material and the frame material.

(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the window having the power generation function according to the first to third aspects described above,
  The frame member has a front frame portion facing the front surface periphery of the window material, a back frame portion facing the back surface periphery of the window material, and an edge frame portion facing the edge surface of the window material, and an edge A structure in which the front frame part and the back frame part are connected by the frame part,
  Piezoelectric elements are arranged between some of the front frame part and the window material, between the back frame part and the window material, and between the edge frame part and the window material. It is.

(5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the window having the power generation function according to the first to fourth aspects described above,
A frame material is attached to the front surface of the game area of the pachinko gaming machine, and the window material is constituted by a transparent plate arranged on the front surface of the game area so that power generation is performed based on the collision energy of the game ball against the window material.

(6) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the window having the power generation function according to the first to fourth aspects described above,
A frame member is attached to a wall surface of a vehicle, a window of the vehicle is configured by a window member, and power generation is performed based on vibration energy of the window member generated due to traveling of the vehicle.

(7) A seventh aspect of the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine provided with a window having a power generation function according to the fifth aspect described above.
An electrical component incorporated in the pachinko machine body and a power supply device for supplying power to the electrical component are provided.
This power supply device supplies power stored in a power storage device of a window having a power generation function together with power supplied from the outside to an electrical component.

  According to the present invention, the piezoelectric element is arranged between the window material and the frame material, and the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element based on the vibration of the window material is taken out as electric energy. This makes it possible to realize power generation facilities that can be introduced in Japan. In the real world, windows are used in various articles such as buildings, vehicles, furniture, and playground equipment, and all adopt a structure in which a peripheral portion of a window material made of a plate material such as glass is supported by a frame material. Moreover, since the window material constantly vibrates against the frame material due to wind, object collisions, and other factors, this vibration energy is always supplied to the piezoelectric element, and electric energy is generated. Will be. In the present invention, since a piezoelectric element may be disposed between the window material and the frame material, it is not necessary to provide a complicated mechanism for converting dynamic energy, and no special installation space is required.

  In particular, in the embodiment in which the piezoelectric elements are arranged on the front side, the back side, and the edge surface of the window material, the vibration of the window can be efficiently transmitted to the piezoelectric elements, and efficient power generation becomes possible. In addition, when a pressure change occurs in the thickness direction, a piezoelectric element that has undergone a polarization process that causes a polarization phenomenon in the thickness direction can be used to arrange the piezoelectric element in a wide area along the frame material. Efficient power generation becomes possible. Furthermore, if a piezoelectric element having a plate shape having an uneven structure on the surface is used, vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the piezoelectric element through the uneven structure.

  In an embodiment in which a plurality of plate-like piezoelectric elements are attached to a support sheet and these are connected in series, the generated voltages of the individual piezoelectric elements can be integrated and taken out, and handled in units of support sheets. As a result, it is possible to obtain the merit of easy construction.

  According to an embodiment in which an embedded groove is dug in the window material support surface of the frame material, a piezoelectric element is embedded in the embedded groove, and a sealing packing is filled between the window material and the frame material, the window material is There will be no trouble even if it is replaced. On the other hand, in the case of the embodiment in which the piezoelectric element is attached to the surface of the window material, if the piezoelectric element is replaced, there is no problem even when the window material is replaced. In any case, there is no problem because the vibration of the window member is transmitted as pressure fluctuation to the piezoelectric element through the sealing packing.

  The technology according to the present invention is particularly effective when applied to a pachinko gaming machine. A window material such as a glass plate attached to the front surface of a game area of a pachinko gaming machine is always exposed to a collision of game balls during the game, and a large collision energy is applied. Therefore, the power generation efficiency based on the collision energy is extremely high. Moreover, since the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element can be used as it is as electric power for driving the electrical components of the pachinko gaming machine, an effect of reducing the consumption of external power can be obtained.

  The technology according to the present invention is also very effective when applied to a window of a vehicle such as a train. Since the vibration of the vehicle is transmitted as it is to the window of the traveling vehicle, the amount of vibration energy supplied is significantly larger than that of a general building window. For this reason, the power generation efficiency of the piezoelectric element based on the vibration of the vehicle window material is extremely high. Of course, the generated electric power can be used for driving a vehicle and driving electrical components.

It is a front view which shows the basic structure of the window used as the application object of this invention (a hatching shows the surrounding part of the window material hidden with the frame material, and does not show a cross section). It is a fragmentary sectional perspective view which shows the state which applied this invention to the window shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the piezoelectric element embedded in a part of frame material shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the enlarged view (a) of the cross section shown in FIG. 2, and its modification (b). It is a front sectional view showing an example of a plate-like piezoelectric element having an uneven structure on the surface. It is a circuit diagram which shows the wiring state of the piezoelectric element unit used for this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the electric system of the window which has an electric power generation function which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows embodiment which applied this invention to the pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric system of embodiment shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.

<<< §1. Basic embodiment of the present invention >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic structure of a window to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, a general window is composed of a plate-like window member 100 made of a material such as glass and a frame member 200 that supports the periphery of the window member 100. A hatched portion in the figure indicates a peripheral portion of the window member 100 hidden by the frame member 200 and does not indicate a cross section. As in the illustrated example, the four sides of the rectangular window member 100 are normally supported by the frame member 200, ie, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side. In the case of a general window, a sealing packing or the like is filled along these sides, but the vibration of the window material 100 cannot be completely removed. In general, even if the sealing packing is filled, the vibration of the window member 100 due to tuning or resonance cannot be prevented.

  FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the present invention is applied to the window shown in FIG. The figure corresponds to what is shown by cutting out a part of the lower side of the frame member 200. The frame member 200 plays a role of supporting the periphery of the window member 100 made of a rectangular plate member. As shown in the figure, in the case of this embodiment, the frame member 200 includes a front frame portion 210 facing the front surface periphery of the window material 100, a back frame portion 220 facing the back surface periphery of the window material 100, and the window material 100. The edge frame portion 230 is opposed to the edge surface, and the front frame portion 210 and the back frame portion 220 are connected by the edge frame portion 230.

  The lower side of the window member 100 is supported in a state of being fitted into a concave portion surrounded by the front frame portion 210, the back frame portion 220, and the edge frame portion 230. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in the figure, piezoelectric elements 310, 320, and 330 are embedded in the front frame portion 210, the back frame portion 220, and the edge frame portion 230, respectively. In other words, the piezoelectric element 310 is disposed between the front frame portion 210 and the window material 100, the piezoelectric element 320 is disposed between the back frame portion 220 and the window material 100, and the piezoelectric element 330 is It is arranged between the edge frame part 230 and the window material 100.

  The space between the window member 100 and the frame member 200 is filled with a sealing packing 400, and the vibration of the window member 100 is transmitted to the piezoelectric elements 310 to 330 via the packing 400. It will be. Although only the lower side portion of the window material 100 is shown in FIG. 2, the upper side portion, the right side portion, and the left side portion of the window material 100 have the same configuration. Eventually, the piezoelectric element is arranged in the hatched area in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the piezoelectric elements 320 and 330 embedded in the back frame portion 220 and the edge frame portion 230 in the frame material 200 shown in FIG. 2. From the configuration shown in FIG. This corresponds to a diagram showing a state in which is removed. In this example, the piezoelectric element 320 embedded in the back frame portion 220 is composed of four plate-like piezoelectric elements 321 to 324, and the piezoelectric element 330 embedded in the edge frame portion 230 is composed of four plates. The piezoelectric elements 331 to 334 are configured.

  Each of the plate-like piezoelectric elements 321 to 324 and 331 to 334 has an electrical characteristic that a polarization phenomenon occurs in the thickness direction when pressure fluctuation occurs in the thickness direction. FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the cross section shown in FIG. In this figure, piezoelectric elements 310 and 320 are plate-like piezoelectric elements arranged so that the plate surfaces face the vertical direction, and when pressure fluctuations occur in the thickness direction, that is, in the horizontal direction in the figure, both left and right sides A polarization process is performed so that one of the electrodes exhibits an electrical property of generating a positive charge and a negative charge on the other. On the other hand, the piezoelectric element 330 is a plate-like piezoelectric element arranged so that the plate surface faces the horizontal direction, and when pressure fluctuations occur in the thickness direction, that is, the vertical direction in the figure, Polarization treatment is performed so that one of them has an electrical property of generating a positive charge and the other a negative charge.

  A plate-like piezoelectric element subjected to such a specific polarization process (a process in which a polarization phenomenon occurs in the thickness direction when a pressure variation occurs in the thickness direction) is suitable for use in the present invention. In other words, since the plate-like piezoelectric element has a small thickness, it is suitable for spreading over a wide area along the surface of the frame member 200 as shown in FIG. In addition, since a polarization phenomenon occurs due to pressure fluctuations in the thickness direction, when the window member 100 vibrates in the horizontal direction in FIG. 4 (a), the vibration is applied to the entire surface of the piezoelectric elements 310 and 320. It is transmitted efficiently and efficient power generation is performed.

  In addition, when the window member 100 vibrates in the vertical direction in the figure, the vibration is efficiently transmitted to the entire surface of the piezoelectric element 330, and efficient power generation is performed. Moreover, since the polarization phenomenon occurs in the thickness direction of each plate-like piezoelectric element, the generated charges are all on the plate surfaces on both sides of the piezoelectric element (for example, in the case of the piezoelectric elements 310 and 320 shown in FIG. 4A). In the case of the piezoelectric element 330, the left and right sides in the figure are gathered on both the upper and lower sides in the figure. Therefore, if electrodes are formed on the plate surfaces on both sides of each piezoelectric element, the generated charges can be easily taken out using the electrodes.

  In general, since the window member 100 constantly vibrates with respect to the frame member 200 due to wind, an object collision, and other factors, this vibration energy is always supplied to the piezoelectric element. Will be generated. Moreover, in the present invention, it is only necessary to use the structure of the existing window as it is and arrange the piezoelectric element between the window material and the frame material, so that it is possible to introduce power generation equipment at a very low cost. Become. In addition, since the piezoelectric element is incorporated in the space between the window member and the frame member, it can be introduced in a space-saving manner.

  In addition, in order to be able to use the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric element as electric power, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. A power storage device that accumulates electric charges is provided (in the drawing, wiring for connecting to such a circuit is omitted). The electric power thus obtained in the power storage device can be used to drive electric equipment owned by the power storage device or may be sold to an electric power company.

  Generally, a piezoelectric element has a property that the polarity of generated charge is reversed between when a pressing force is applied and when a tensile force is applied. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, the window member 100 is formed on the left side surface of the piezoelectric element 310 when the window member 100 moves leftward and a pressing force in the horizontal direction acts on the piezoelectric element 310. It is assumed that a positive charge is generated in the electrode and a negative charge is generated in the electrode formed on the right side surface (the polarity of the generated charge is determined depending on the polarization process performed in the manufacturing process of the piezoelectric element). In this case, conversely, when the window member 100 moves rightward and a tensile force in the horizontal direction acts on the piezoelectric element 310 (the packing 400 adheres to the surface of the piezoelectric element 310 and the surface of the window member 100). If this is the case, such a pulling force is applied), and the polarity of the generated charge is reversed, so that a negative charge is formed on the electrode formed on the left side of the piezoelectric element 310 and an electrode formed on the right side. A positive charge is generated in each.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the circuit for taking out the charges generated in the piezoelectric elements is configured by a circuit that rectifies the piezoelectric elements connected in series or in parallel in consideration of the polarity of the charges generated in the piezoelectric elements. If necessary, stable power storage processing may be performed via an inverter, various converters, a control unit, or the like. In addition, as a power storage device that stores the extracted charge, a general power storage device such as a battery or a capacitor may be used.

<<< §2. Embodiments according to various modifications >>
Here, some modified examples of the basic embodiment described in §1 will be described.

(1) Arrangement of Piezoelectric Elements In the case of the basic embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4A described above, the frame material 200 (front frame portion 210, back frame portion 220, edge frame portion 230). ) Are embedded in the support surfaces (inner surfaces) for supporting the window material 100, and the piezoelectric elements 310, 320, and 330 are embedded in the embedded grooves, and the window material 100 and the frame material 200 are embedded. The sealing packing 400 is filled between the two. Adopting such a structure provides an advantage that the window member 100 can be easily replaced.

  That is, as can be seen from FIG. 4A, the piezoelectric elements 310, 320, and 330 constitute the inner surfaces of the front side frame part 210, the back side frame part 220, and the edge frame part 230, and serve as part of the frame material 200. Since it functions, the structure is the same as that of a conventional general window. Therefore, even when it is necessary to replace the window material 100, such as when the glass is broken, the replacement can be performed by the same operation as that of the conventional window. Of course, if the wiring for each piezoelectric element is formed on the inner surface of the frame member 200, the replacement work of the window member 100 is not hindered by the wiring.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of a modified embodiment. This modification employs a structure in which the piezoelectric elements 310 ′, 320 ′, and 330 ′ are attached to the surface of the window material 100. The point that the sealing packing 400 is filled between the window member 100 and the frame member 200 is the same as in the previous embodiments. The piezoelectric elements 310 ′, 320 ′, and 330 ′ are respectively connected between the front frame portion 210 and the window material 100, between the back frame portion 220 and the window material 100, and between the edge frame portion 230 and the window material 100. The point arrange | positioned between is the same as that of the previous embodiment.

  In this modified example, since the piezoelectric element is attached to the window member 100 side, when it is necessary to replace the window member 100, the piezoelectric element (and its wiring) is once removed and the new window member 100 is removed. Since it is necessary to perform an operation of attaching to the window member, labor is slightly increased in replacing the window member 100. However, it is not necessary to dig a buried groove on the frame member 200 side, and the conventional frame member 200 can be used as it is.

  Of course, the arrangement of the piezoelectric elements in carrying out the present invention is not limited to FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). The basic concept of the present invention is to generate electricity using a window having a plate-like window material and a frame material that supports the periphery of the window material, and a piezoelectric element based on the vibration of the window material. The charge generated in the process is taken out as electric energy. Therefore, it is sufficient that the piezoelectric element is disposed in the space between the window material and the frame material.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, all are between the front frame portion 210 and the window material 100, between the back frame portion 220 and the window material 100, and between the edge frame portion 230 and the window. Piezoelectric elements are respectively disposed between the members 100, but the piezoelectric elements are not necessarily disposed at all of these positions, and may be disposed only at a part thereof.

(2) Sealing packing A piezoelectric element is an element that generates an electric charge based on fluctuations in pressure applied to both sides. Even if the piezoelectric element itself is simply vibrated, the vibration energy is directly converted into electric energy. I don't mean. Therefore, in implementing the present invention, it is necessary to efficiently transmit the vibration of the window member 100 as a pressure fluctuation with respect to the piezoelectric element. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4A, the vibration of the window member 100 is transmitted as pressure fluctuation to the piezoelectric elements 310, 320, and 330 via the packing 400. On the other hand, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 4B, the piezoelectric elements 310 ′, 320 ′, and 330 ′ vibrate together with the window material 100. However, since the packing 400 is filled, Pressure fluctuations occur in the piezoelectric element.

  As described above, in any case, the vibration energy of the window member 100 is transmitted as pressure fluctuation to the piezoelectric element through the sealing packing 400, and is converted into electric energy. If the packing 400 is made of a material having high elasticity, the vibration energy of the window member 100 is absorbed by the packing 400, and sufficient pressure fluctuation cannot be transmitted to the piezoelectric element. . Therefore, in practice, it is preferable to use a material that absorbs as little vibration as possible for the packing 400. Natural rubber, rubber sponge, synthetic rubber, etc. are used as packing for general window frames, but among these materials, synthetic rubber such as styrene butadiene rubber enables the most efficient power generation. It is considered as a packing.

  In the case of a window that does not need to be sealed (for example, a window for furniture, a window for an indoor partition fitting, a window for a pachinko game machine described in Section 3), the packing 400 can be omitted. If the packing 400 is not filled, air is filled instead of the packing, but it is difficult to transmit the vibration of the window material to the piezoelectric element as pressure fluctuation through the air. However, if the space between the window member and the frame member is narrowed and the pressure vibration is directly transmitted to the piezoelectric element by the vibration of the window member, there is no problem in the implementation of the present invention.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 (a), even if the space filled with the packing 400 is filled with air, if the amplitude of the window member 100 is sufficiently large (in other words, the space is filled with air). If the space is sufficiently small), the window member 100 comes into direct contact with the piezoelectric elements 310, 320, and 330, so that an electric charge is generated by the impact. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4B as well, even if the space filled with the packing 400 is filled with air, the piezoelectric elements 310 ′, 320 ′, and 330 ′ are framed by the vibration of the window material 100. Since it is in direct contact with 200, an electric charge is generated by the impact. Since the impact caused by such direct contact is rather larger than the impact through the packing 400, in an environment where it is not necessary to seal and generation of vibration noise of the window material is not a problem, the packing 400 is It is preferred to omit filling.

(3) Formation of concavo-convex structure on piezoelectric element FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing an example of a plate-like piezoelectric element having a concavo-convex structure on the surface. A plate-like piezoelectric element 340 shown in FIG. 5 (a) is an example in which a concavo-convex structure is formed by providing protrusions 341 on the upper surface at a predetermined pitch. A plate-like piezoelectric element 350 shown in FIG. In this example, the concavo-convex structure is formed by digging the groove portions 351 at a predetermined pitch. Both are plate-like piezoelectric elements subjected to a polarization process in which a polarization phenomenon occurs in the thickness direction when pressure fluctuation occurs in the thickness direction.

  When a plate-like piezoelectric element having a concavo-convex structure on the surface is used in this manner, stress concentrates on the convex portion, and thus vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the piezoelectric element. That is, even if the same pressure fluctuation is applied as a whole, a large deflection occurs in the convex portion, and the power generation efficiency can be increased. Although FIG. 5 shows an example in which the concavo-convex structure is formed on the upper surface, of course, the concavo-convex structure may be formed on both the upper and lower surfaces.

(4) Configuration of Piezoelectric Element Unit FIG. 3 shows an example in which eight independent piezoelectric elements 321 to 324 and 331 to 334 are fitted in embedded grooves formed in the frame member 200, respectively. Practically, a plurality of n plate-like piezoelectric elements are attached to a support sheet, and a piezoelectric element unit is formed by connecting these n piezoelectric elements in series. It is preferable to arrange | position between materials.

  In this way, if a piezoelectric element unit in which a plurality of n plate-like piezoelectric elements are attached to a support sheet is prepared, it can be handled in units of support sheets. The merit that the construction when attaching the element becomes easy is obtained. Further, if a piezoelectric element unit is configured by connecting n piezoelectric elements in series, it is possible to integrate and take out the voltage generated by each piezoelectric element in n stages, and the generated voltage can be increased. . Since the number n of stages connected in series is a parameter that determines the magnitude of the electromotive force, in practice, the number n of stages is appropriately adjusted so that a desired electromotive force can be obtained.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example in which the piezoelectric element unit 500 is configured by connecting four sets of piezoelectric elements 301 to 304 in series. In this case, the four sets of piezoelectric elements 301 to 304 are affixed on the same support sheet, and can be handled as one sheet-like member. In addition, considering the polarity of the charges generated by each piezoelectric element, four sets of piezoelectric elements are connected in series. Polarity signs +, − shown in the figure indicate the polarities of charges generated in each piezoelectric element when the window member 100 moves in a specific direction. When the direction of the applied force is reversed, such as when the window material 100 moves in the opposite direction, these polarities are reversed.

  In general, the polarity of charge generated in each piezoelectric element depends on the polarization process applied to each piezoelectric element during the manufacturing process and the direction of the force applied to each piezoelectric element (whether it is a pressing force or a pulling force). As shown in the figure, if the window material 100 moves in a certain direction, and the series connection is made such that the generated charges are integrated, the wiring terminals T1, T1 shown in the figure are obtained. The voltage generated during T2 is always the sum of the voltages generated by the four piezoelectric elements.

  In practice, a plurality of sets of such piezoelectric element units 500 are arranged, and these are connected in series or in parallel as appropriate, and the generated charges of all the piezoelectric elements are integrated and led to the power storage device via the rectifier circuit. It is preferable to construct a simple circuit.

  FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of such a circuit configuration. Each of the illustrated blocks 511 to 543 is a piezoelectric element unit 500 as shown in FIG. 6, and has a configuration in which four sets of piezoelectric elements are connected in series. In the example shown in FIG. 7, three sets of piezoelectric element units 500 are connected in series in each row. For example, the units 511, 512, and 513 shown in the first row of the circuit diagram are all the same components as the piezoelectric element unit 500 shown in FIG. 6, and as a result, the circuit in the first row has 12 sets of piezoelectric elements. It is the structure which connected the element in series. Of course, the series connection is a connection that takes into account the polarity so that the voltage generated in each unit is added.

  Similarly, the circuits in the second row, the third row, and the fourth row shown in FIG. 7 are obtained by connecting three sets of piezoelectric element units in series in consideration of the polarity. These four rows of circuits are connected in parallel to each other, and both ends thereof are connected to the rectifier circuit 600. As described above, each of the four rows of circuits has a function of adding and outputting the voltages generated by the 12 sets of piezoelectric elements, but the polarity is reversed depending on the movement state of the window plate 100. Therefore, eventually, the power generated by the vibration of the window plate 100 becomes AC power. The rectifier circuit 600 functions to rectify such AC power and supply it to the power storage device 700. Therefore, direct-current power is stored in the power storage device 700, and the direct-current power stored in the power storage device 700 can be supplied to some device (not shown) and used as necessary.

<<< §3. Application to pachinko machines, etc. >>>
In the present invention, power is generated by applying pressure fluctuations to the piezoelectric element based on wind energy transmitted to the window material, collision energy of the object against the window material, or vibration energy of the base body to which the frame material is attached. Therefore, the present invention is a technique that can be widely applied to windows used in various articles such as buildings, furniture, playground equipment, and vehicles. However, in the case of a general window used for a building or furniture, the window material vibrates due to wind or the like, but the vibration energy due to the wind is not so great and the amount of power generation is not so great. Here, a specific application example capable of performing efficient power generation using the present invention will be described.

  The application object that the present inventor thinks is most suitable for using the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine. As shown in the figure, a general pachinko gaming machine has a structure in which a game board 20 is arranged in the upper part of the pachinko machine main body 10 and a transparent plate 30 (usually a glass plate) is attached in front of the game board 20. . The game area P is a field provided on the game board 20 and game parts such as a prize opening A, a big prize opening B, an out opening C, and a display D are arranged therein. The periphery of the transparent plate 30 is attached to the pachinko machine main body 10 by a frame 40. On the other hand, a game ball tray 50 is provided in the lower part of the pachinko machine main body 10 to accommodate a large number of metal game balls. The game balls in the game ball tray 50 are bounced upward and guided to the game area P by operating the hitting ball handle 60.

  The game board 20 and the transparent plate 30 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined distance slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the game led out to the game area P by the operation of the hitting ball handle 60. The ball falls in the gap space between the game board 20 and the transparent board 30 and finally enters the winning opening A, the big winning opening B, the out opening C, etc., and is discharged to the back surface of the gaming board 20. Is done. The game ball led out to the zenith portion of the game area P falls while colliding with an obstacle such as a pin arranged on the game area P. There will be a collision. Usually, since there are a plurality of game balls remaining on the game area P, the transparent plate 30 constantly vibrates in response to collision energy from the plurality of game balls.

  The transparent plate 30 (glass plate) and the base frame 40 of this pachinko gaming machine are none other than the components corresponding to the window material 100 and the frame material 200 of the window described so far. That is, the frame material 200 according to the basic embodiment described in §1 is a frame 40 attached to the front surface of the game area P of the pachinko gaming machine, and the window material 100 is disposed on the front surface of the game area P. Therefore, if the present invention is applied to this pachinko gaming machine, it is possible to generate power based on the collision energy of the game ball against the window material 100 (transparent plate 30).

  The periphery of the transparent plate 30 is fitted into the underframe 40, and the structure of this fitting portion is basically the same as the structure shown in FIG. That is, the underframe 40 includes a front frame portion that opposes the front surface periphery of the transparent plate 30, a back frame portion that opposes the back surface periphery of the transparent plate 30, and an edge frame portion that opposes the edge surface of the transparent plate 30. The front frame portion and the back frame portion are connected by the edge frame portion. Therefore, if the piezoelectric element is disposed between the frame 40 and the transparent plate 30, more specifically, between the front frame portion and the transparent plate 30, between the back frame portion and the transparent plate 30, an edge. If it is arranged between the frame portion and the transparent plate 30 (may be a part of them), a charge is generated in the piezoelectric element due to the vibration of the transparent plate 30. If a circuit for taking out and a power storage device for accumulating the taken out charge are provided, it can be used as a power generation device.

  As described above, the transparent plate 30 attached to the front surface of the game area P of the pachinko gaming machine is always exposed to a collision of game balls during the game, and receives a large collision energy. Therefore, the power generation efficiency based on the collision energy is extremely high. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine, it is not necessary to seal and the generation of vibration sound of the transparent plate 30 is not a problem, and therefore the filling of the packing 400 can be omitted.

  In general pachinko machines that are currently popular, various electrical components are built on the premise that they are driven by electric power. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, the hitting mechanism based on the display D and the hitting handle 60 is an electrical component that is driven by electric power. In addition, lamps and ringing devices attached on the game board 20 are electric parts that are driven by electric power. Thus, a pachinko gaming machine having an electrical component incorporated in the pachinko machine main body requires a power supply device for supplying power to the electrical component. Usually, the power supply device has a function of transforming and rectifying commercial AC power supplied from the outside, converting it to DC power, and supplying this to each electrical component.

  In the case of applying the present invention to such a general pachinko gaming machine, as an electrical system, after providing a circuit for taking out the charges generated by the piezoelectric elements and a power storage device for storing the taken out charges, It is preferable that the power supply device supplies power stored in the power storage device together with power supplied from the outside to the electrical component. Then, since the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element can be used as it is as electric power for driving the electrical components of the pachinko gaming machine, an effect of reducing the consumption of external power can be obtained.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of such an embodiment. The piezoelectric element unit 500, the rectifier circuit 600, and the power storage device 700 shown in the figure are, for example, the same elements as the constituent elements shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 7, and convert vibration energy of the transparent plate 30 into electrical energy and store it. Fulfills the function of On the other hand, the power supply device 800 functions to convert the AC power supplied from the external AC power source 750 into DC power and supply it to the pachinko electrical component 900, and to use the power stored in the power storage device 700 for pachinko. It fulfills the function of supplying the electrical component 900.

  In other words, in the electrical system shown in FIG. 9, two systems of power are supplied to the pachinko electrical component 900. The first system is supplied power from the external AC power source 750, and the second system is supplied power from the power storage device 700. Here, the power supplied from the power storage device 700 is based on the vibration energy of the transparent plate 30 generated by the gaming action, and is energy that was originally wasted.

  The control operation of the power supply device 800 is similar to the power supply control to the electrical components of the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has a power generation function based on engine power, and has a function of storing generated power in a battery. When the accumulated power is sufficient, the motor is driven by the power to rotate the wheel to suppress the fuel consumption of the engine. When the accumulated power is insufficient, the fuel is supplied to the engine. Will be controlled.

  The power supply device 800 shown in FIG. 9 does not use the power supplied from the external AC power supply 750 when the power consumption of the pachinko electrical component 900 can be sufficiently covered by the power supplied from the power storage device 700. If the power supplied from the power storage device 700 is insufficient, control using the power supplied from the external AC power source 750 is performed. Therefore, the power consumption from the external AC power source 750 can be reduced in the same way as the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle is improved.

  The example in which the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but a glass with a so-called underframe such as a gaming machine such as a smart ball or a revolving gaming machine such as a slot machine. It can be widely applied to gaming machines having a structure that supports a transparent plate such as.

  The present invention is also very effective when applied to a window of a vehicle such as a train. If the frame material attached to the wall surface of the vehicle such as a train and the window material constituting the window of the vehicle fitted in the frame material are used as the frame material 200 and the window material 100 described in §1, the vehicle It is possible to perform power generation based on the vibration energy of the window material generated due to traveling. Since the vibration of the vehicle is transmitted as it is to the window of the traveling vehicle, the amount of vibration energy supplied is significantly larger than that of a general building window. For this reason, the power generation efficiency of the piezoelectric element based on the vibration of the vehicle window material is extremely high. The electric power generated in this way can be supplied to a vehicle driving motor and electrical parts in the same manner as the pachinko game machine described above.

10: Pachinko machine body 20: Game board 30: Transparent board 40: Base frame 50: Game ball tray 60: Hitting ball handle 100: Window material 200: Frame material 210: Front side frame part 220: Back side frame part 230: Edge frame part 301-304: Piezoelectric elements 310, 310 ': Piezoelectric elements 320, 320', 321-324: Piezoelectric elements 330, 330 ', 331-334: Piezoelectric elements 340: Plate-shaped piezoelectric elements 341: Protruding portions 350: Plate-shaped piezoelectric elements Element 351: Groove 400: Sealing packing 500: Piezoelectric element units 511 to 543: Piezoelectric element unit 600: Rectifier circuit 700: Power storage device 750: External AC power supply 800: Power supply device 900: Pachinko electrical component A: Award opening B: Grand prize opening C: Out port D: Display P: Game area T1, T2: Terminal for wiring

Claims (7)

A plate-shaped window material, a frame material that supports the periphery of the window material, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window material and the frame material, a circuit that extracts charges generated by the piezoelectric element, and an extraction A power storage device that accumulates the stored charge ,
The piezoelectric element is a plate-like piezoelectric element that has been subjected to a polarization process that causes a polarization phenomenon in the thickness direction when pressure fluctuation occurs in the thickness direction, and has a plate-like shape having a concavo-convex structure on the surface. A window having a power generation function. A plate-shaped window material, a frame material that supports the periphery of the window material, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window material and the frame material, a circuit that extracts charges generated by the piezoelectric element, and an extraction A power storage device that accumulates the stored charge ,
And adhering a plurality n of sheets of plate-shaped piezoelectric element on the support sheet, these n pieces of piezoelectric element to the piezoelectric element unit are connected in series, and the piezoelectric element unit and said window member and said frame member A window having a power generation function, characterized by being arranged between the windows. A plate-shaped window material, a frame material that supports the periphery of the window material, a piezoelectric element disposed between the window material and the frame material, a circuit that extracts charges generated by the piezoelectric element, and an extraction A power storage device that accumulates the stored charge ,
Buried trench window material supporting surface of the frame member is dug, the embedded piezoelectric element is embedded in the groove, characterized in that the packing for sealing is filled between the frame member and the window material Windows with power generation function. In the window in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
The frame material has a front side frame portion facing the front surface periphery of the window material, a back side frame portion facing the back surface periphery of the window material, and an edge frame portion facing the edge surface of the window material, A structure in which the front frame portion and the back frame portion are connected by an edge frame portion,
Piezoelectric elements are disposed between the front frame portion and the window material, between the back frame portion and the window material, between the edge frame portion and the window material, in part or in whole. A window having a power generation function. In the window in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
The frame material is attached to the front surface of the game area of the pachinko gaming machine, the window material is made of a transparent plate disposed on the front surface of the game area, and generates power based on the collision energy of the game ball against the window material. Windows with power generation function. In the window in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
The frame member is attached to the wall surface of the vehicle, the window member forms a window of the vehicle, and has a power generation function characterized by performing power generation based on the vibration energy of the window member generated due to the traveling of the vehicle. window. A pachinko gaming machine comprising a window having a power generation function according to claim 5,
An electrical component incorporated in the pachinko machine main body, and a power supply device for supplying power to the electrical component ,
The pachinko gaming machine, wherein the power supply device supplies power stored in a power storage device of a window having the power generation function together with power supplied from outside to the electrical component.

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