VIBRATION ENERGY GENERATION DEVICE

Abstract

The object is to provide a miniaturized vibration energy generating device. A vibration energy generating device is provided that includes a substrate having an opening and enclosing an electrical circuit, and a vibration energy generating element, one end of which is fixed to a support portion, with its free end being inserted into the opening upon vibration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration energy generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A vibration energy generating element that converts vibration energy into electrical energy is used to generate power using ambient vibrations.

[0003] When such a vibration energy generating element vibrates, not only the volume of the vibration energy generating element itself is required, but also an additional volume for the vibrations. For installation in a box, the box must therefore be enlarged by the volume for the vibrations.

[0004] On the other hand, when a vibration energy generating element is used in an electronic device such as a sensor, it is necessary to downsize a vibration energy generating device due to the downsizing of modern electronic devices, the mounting of a sensor in a narrow space, or the like.

[0005] Patent Publication No. JP 2023-74649 discloses that flip-chip mounting of a semiconductor element on a base leads to the miniaturization of a vibrating device. Patent Publication No. JP 2022-67813 further describes the miniaturization of a vibrating device achieved by mounting a piezoelectric vibrator on a semiconductor substrate with an integrated circuit and placing a lid on the semiconductor substrate to cover the piezoelectric vibrator. [Overview of the invention][Technical problem]

[0006] However, Patent Publication No. JP 2023-74649 requires that the base, semiconductor element, and vibrator be stacked in this order, requiring a height in the stacking direction. Patent Publication No. JP 2022-67813 further requires sufficient space to be provided in the vibration device to prevent the vibration element from coming into contact with the semiconductor substrate during vibration.

[0007] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a miniaturized vibration energy generating device. [Means of solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the object, a vibration energy generating device of one embodiment according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a substrate having an opening and including an electric circuit, and a vibration energy generating element having one end fixed to a holding portion, the free end of which moves through the opening upon vibration. [Effects of the invention]

[0009] The present invention can provide a downsized vibration energy generating device, particularly a vibration energy generating device in which a length parallel to the vibration direction of a vibration energy generating element is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the figures] Fig. Fig. 1 is an explanatory view of a vibration energy generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 1(a) shows a plan view and Fig. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view along the line Ib-Ib in Fig. 1(a) shows; Fig. Fig. 2 is an explanatory view of a vibration energy generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 2(a) shows a plan view and Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view along the line IIb-IIb in Fig. 2(a) shows; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional vibration energy generating device; and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional cantilever vibration energy generation device. [Forms for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. 1. First embodiment

[0011] Fig. 1(a) shows a plan view of a vibration energy generating device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1(a), the vibration energy generating device 100 includes a substrate 120, a vibration energy generating element 140, and a holding portion 160 for holding the vibration energy generating element 140. The vibration energy generating device 100 may further include a housing 180 for accommodating these components. The components of the vibration energy generating device 100 will be described sequentially below.

[0012] In the present embodiment, as will be described in more detail later, an opening 122 is provided in the substrate 120; therefore, when the vibration energy generating element 140 vibrates, its free end 144 can be inserted into the opening 122, so that the length of the housing 180 in the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 140 can be shortened. (Substrate)

[0013] The substrate 120 is provided with an electrical circuit (not shown) and has the opening 122 located substantially at the center of the substrate 120, as viewed from the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 140. The electrical circuit is electrically connected to the vibration energy generating element 140 described later and may also be, for example, a rectifier circuit for the current generated by the vibration energy generating element 140, a control circuit for the vibration energy generating device 100, and a circuit for monitoring the state of charge. Alternatively, the electrical circuit of the substrate 120 may be connected to an external circuit (not shown) via wiring (not shown).

[0014] In the first embodiment, the opening 122, as shown in Fig. 1(a), formed within the substrate 120 and not connected to the outer edge of the substrate 120.

[0015] The opening 122 allows the free end 144 of the vibration energy generating element 140 to be inserted into the opening 122 during vibration without coming into contact with the substrate 120, as described later. In other words, from the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 140, the vibration energy generating element 140 and the substrate 120 do not overlap. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 122 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vibration energy generating element 140 passing through the opening 122. The opening area of ​​the opening 122 is, for example, at least 110%, preferably 120% or more of the cross section of the passing vibration energy generating element 140. Further preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​an opening 122 is 600% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​a vibration energy generating element 140, since an area for mounting electronic components on the substrate can be ensured.For example, if the vibration energy generating element 140 has a cross-sectional area of ​​6 mm × 2 mm, the area of ​​the opening 122 may be 6 + 2 mm × 2 + 2 mm.

[0016] The opening 122 can have any shape as long as the free end 144 of the vibration energy generating element 140 can be inserted into the opening 122 without coming into contact with the substrate 120. The opening 122 can be formed in any shape, for example, circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or polygonal. The shape of the opening 122 does not necessarily have to be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the vibration energy generating element 140 and can, for example, be circular relative to the vibration energy generating element 140 having a rectangular cross-section. (Vibration energy generating element)

[0017] The vibration energy generating element 140 is a member whose one end is attached to the holding portion 160 and which generates electrical energy when the holding portion 160 is vibrated by ambient vibrations, such as external sound pressure. The term "vibration energy generating element" in the present embodiment should be the element having this function, but it may also be "a packaging element that houses a vibration energy generating element inside." Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b), the vibration energy generating element 140 is a “packaging element that houses a vibration energy generating element therein”.

[0018] The electrical energy generated by the vibration energy generating element 140 is transmitted to the electrical circuit of the substrate 120 via the wiring (not shown) in order to be used, for example, as a sensor signal or to be supplied as electrical power to the outside world of the vibration energy generating device 100.

[0019] Any element can be used as the vibration energy generating element 140 as long as it converts vibration energy into electrical energy. For example, an electrostatic induction type vibration energy generating element having intermeshed electrodes can be used as the vibration energy generating element. Not only an electrostatic induction type vibration energy generating element, but also an electret type energy generating element, a piezo type energy generating element, or an electromagnetic induction type or magnetostriction type energy generating element can be used as the vibration energy generating element 140.

[0020] In the case where an electrostatic induction type vibration energy generating element having intermeshing electrodes is used as the vibration energy generating element 140, the vibration direction of a movable electrode of the vibration energy generating element 140 preferably corresponds to the vibration direction of the holding portion 160. The holding portion 160 of the one embodiment of the present invention in Fig. 1(b) is vibrated in the direction of a double-headed arrow A; therefore, the vibration energy generating element 140 is mounted such that the vibration direction of the movable electrode of the vibration energy generating element 140 also substantially corresponds to the direction of the double-headed arrow A. (holding section)

[0021] The holding portion 160 serves to secure one end (a fixed end 142) of the vibration energy generating element 140 thereto, and is vibrated by ambient vibrations to transmit these vibrations to the vibration energy generating element 140. Ambient vibrations include, for example, vibrations due to sound pressure, mechanical vibrations of a compressor, an engine, or the like, which are operated in a factory, vibrations of a body during the travel of a vehicle, and vibrations of a road or a building caused by the travel of a vehicle or the like. In the holding portion 160 of the Fig. 1 is a plate-shaped member that at least partially includes an elastic portion made of an elastic material having greater flexibility than the housing 180. However, in the other embodiments, the holding portion 160 may have a cantilever shape as long as the free end 144 of the vibration energy generating element 140 can be inserted into the opening 122 during vibration without coming into contact with the substrate 120. That is, an embodiment in which the entire cantilever holding portion 160 is disposed within the opening 122, or an embodiment in which only the free end 144 of the cantilever holding portion 160 is inserted into the opening 122 during vibration can also be used.

[0022] In the embodiment in Fig. 1, it is also possible for the holding portion 160 to have any desired shape. The holding portion 160 may, for example, have a disk shape or a polygonal disk shape. The holding portion 160 is provided with the vibration energy generating element 140 and may therefore also have a shape for holding the vibration energy generating element 140.

[0023] The holding portion 160 may, for example, also include a recessed portion 162 and a support portion (not shown) to obtain a shape suitable for supporting the vibration energy generating element 140. Due to their shape, the recessed portion 162 and the support portion have higher rigidity than the elastic portion, enabling the vibration energy generating element 140 to be stably held. In this case, a plate-shaped portion of the holding portion 160, which is not part of the recessed portion 162 or the support portion (not shown), forms the elastic portion having elasticity.

[0024] The recessed portion 162 has a shape that protrudes beyond the rear side of the holding portion 160. The recessed portion 162 can have any depth as long as it can hold the vibration energy generating element 140. This results in the fixed end 142 of the vibration energy generating element 140 being firmly held at the recessed portion 162. The recessed portion 162 can also have any shape as long as it matches the shape of the vibration energy generating element 140 attached thereto. Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vibration energy generating element 140 has a rectangular shape; therefore, the recessed portion 162 also has a rectangular shape.

[0025] It is also possible for the support portion (not shown) to consist, for example, of two pairs of support portions (not shown) that are formed such that, in the vertical direction opposite to the direction in which the recessed portion 162 protrudes beyond the holding portion 160, they have an inner peripheral surface that is continuous across the recessed portion 162 and that are formed symmetrically relative to the center of the holding portion 160 when viewed from the vertical direction. These support portions can serve to hold a part of the side surface of the vibration energy generating element 140 clamped between them when the vibration energy generating element 140 is mounted in the recessed portion 162.These support portions make it possible to increase the holding length in the vertical direction when holding the vibration energy generating element 140 on the holding portion 160, so that the inclination in the vibration direction during assembly and vibration of the vibration energy generating element 140 can be further suppressed.

[0026] It is also possible that a thin-walled section is provided in one part of the housing 180 and the holding section 160 is formed integrally with the other part of the housing 180. As in the Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b), a vibration plate, which is a separate component, may alternatively be coupled to the housing 180 as a holding portion 160, whereby a closed space may be defined. A method for coupling the vibration plate is not limited thereto and may be performed, for example, by gluing, welding, screwing, or the like.

[0027] The holding portion 160 may be formed of the same material as or a different material from the housing 180. If the housing 180 and the holding portion 160 are formed of the same material, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic resin, polycarbonate, metal, or the like may be used as the material. If the housing 180 and the holding portion 160 are formed of different materials, they may be made of a combination of the above materials. For example, the housing 180 may be formed of acrylic resin and coupled to the holding portion 160 formed of PET. (Housing)

[0028] The housing 180 accommodates the substrate 120 and the vibration energy generating element 140 attached to the holding portion 160. The housing 180 may be formed of the same material as the holding portion 160 or of a material having higher rigidity than the holding portion 160.

[0029] In the case where the vibration energy generating element generates electrical energy by sound pressure, the housing 180 has an opening that communicates with the holding portion 160 to transmit external sound to the holding portion 160.

[0030] In the first embodiment, as described above, the vibration energy generating element 140 is fixed to the holding portion 160, and when the vibration energy generating element 140 vibrates, its free end 144 can be inserted into the opening 122 of the substrate 120 (in Fig. 1(b)). In contrast, the prior art in Fig. 3, it is necessary to provide sufficient space by means of a spacer 1150 to prevent a vibration energy generating element 1140 attached to a holding portion 1160 from coming into contact with a substrate 1120 during its vibrations.

[0031] That is, in the case where vibration energy generating elements having the same size are used, a length L1, which is parallel to the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element, of the housing 180 of the first embodiment of the present invention may be shorter than a corresponding length L3 (in Fig. 3) a prior art housing 1180, so that a vibration energy generating device that is thinner than a conventional vibration energy generating device can be provided. 2. Second embodiment

[0032] Fig. 2(a) shows a plan view of a vibration energy generating device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2(a), the vibration energy generating device 200 includes a substrate 220, a vibration energy generating element 240, and a holding portion 260 for holding the vibration energy generating element 240. The vibration energy generating device 200 may further include a housing 280 for accommodating these components. The components of the vibration energy generating device 200 will be described sequentially below. However, this section has many similarities to the first embodiment; therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment in terms of structure and operation will be described with reference to figures.

[0033] As described in more detail later, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an opening 222 is connected to an outer edge 224 of the substrate 220. In the present embodiment, the opening 222 is also provided in the substrate 220; therefore, when the vibration energy generating element 240 vibrates, its free end 244 can move through the opening 222, so that the length of the housing 280, which is parallel to the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element, can be shortened. (Substrate)

[0034] The substrate 220 is provided with an electrical circuit (not shown) and has the opening 222, which is connected to the outer edge 224 of the substrate 220, as viewed from the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 240. The entire substrate 220 has a U-shape.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the opening 222, as shown in Fig. 2(a), connected to the outer edge 224 of the substrate 220, wherein the opening 222 has a cutout shape from the outer edge 224 of the substrate 220 toward the center.

[0036] The free end 244 of the vibration energy generating element 240 is inserted into the opening 222 during vibration; therefore, viewed from the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 240, the vibration energy generating element 240 and the substrate 220 do not overlap. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 222 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vibration energy generating element 240 passing through the opening 222. The opening area of ​​the opening 222 is, for example, at least 110%, preferably 120% or more of the cross-sectional area of ​​the passing vibration energy generating element 240. Further, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 222 is preferably 600% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the vibration energy generating element 240, since an area for mounting electronic components on the substrate can be ensured.For example, if the vibration energy generating element 240 has a cross section of 6 mm × 2 mm, the size of the opening 222 may be 6 + 2 mm × 2 + 2 mm.

[0037] The opening 222 can have any shape as long as the free end 244 of the vibration energy generating element 240 can be inserted into the opening 222 without coming into contact with the substrate 220. The opening 222 can be formed in a shape such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or polygonal. For a cantilever vibration energy generating element described later, the opening can also be a rectangular opening adapted thereto. (Vibration energy generating element)

[0038] One end of the vibration energy generating element 240 is fixed to the holding portion 260, and the free end 244 of the vibration energy generating element 240, which is vibrated by ambient vibrations, is inserted into the opening 222 without coming into contact with the substrate 220. In the present embodiment, the opening 222 has a cutout shape; therefore, the vibration energy generating element 240 may have a cantilever shape. Fig. 2(b), the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element 240 corresponds to the direction of a double arrow B.

[0039] Like the vibration energy generating element 140, the vibration energy generating element 240 may also be a “packaging element that houses a vibration energy generating element inside.” Fig. 2(a) and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2(b), the vibration energy generating element 240 is built directly into the housing 280 and is deformable by ambient vibrations. (holding section)

[0040] The holding portion 260 serves to secure one end (a fixed end 242) of the vibration energy generating element 240, allowing vibration of the vibration energy generating element 240. If the vibration energy generating element 240 has flexibility, the holding portion 260 may have rigidity. In other embodiments, the holding portion 260 may have a plate shape and at least partially include an elastic portion to secure the vibration energy generating element 240, as long as the free end 244 of the vibration energy generating element 240 can be inserted into the opening 222 during vibration without coming into contact with the substrate 220.

[0041] The holding portion 260 may further be electrically conductive to transmit current generated by the vibration energy generating element 240. In this case, the current generated by the vibration energy generating element 240 is transmitted to the substrate 220 via the holding portion 260, with wiring not shown. (Housing)

[0042] The housing 280 accommodates the substrate 220 and the vibration energy generating element 240 attached to the holding portion 260.

[0043] In the second embodiment, as described above, the fixed end 242 of the vibration energy generating element 240 is fixed to the holding portion 260, and when the vibration energy generating element 240 vibrates, its free end 244 can be inserted into the opening 222 of the substrate 220 (in Fig. 2(b)). In contrast, the prior art in Fig. 4, it is necessary to provide sufficient space by means of a spacer 1250 to prevent a vibration energy generating element 1240 attached to a holding portion 1260 from coming into contact with a substrate 1220 during its vibrations.

[0044] That is, in the case where vibration energy generating elements having the same size are used, a length L2, which is parallel to the vibration direction of the vibration energy generating element, of the housing 280 of the second embodiment of the present invention may be shorter than a corresponding length L4 (in Fig. 4) a prior art housing 1280, so that a vibration energy generating device that is thinner than a conventional vibration energy generating device can be provided.

[0045] According to the embodiments described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0046] (1) A vibration energy generating device is characterized by comprising a substrate having an opening and including an electric circuit, and a vibration energy generating element having one end fixed to a holding portion and a free end thereof inserted into the opening upon vibration.

[0047] This structure makes it possible to provide a downsized vibration energy generating device, particularly in the vibration direction of a vibration energy generating element.

[0048] (2) The vibration energy generating device further comprises a casing that accommodates the substrate and the vibration energy generating element.

[0049] This structure makes it possible to provide a miniaturized vibration energy generation device.

[0050] (3) The holding section has an elastic section.

[0051] This structure enables the vibration energy generating element to efficiently generate electrical energy.

[0052] (4) The opening is formed within the substrate.

[0053] This structure makes it possible to provide a miniaturized vibration energy generation device.

[0054] (5) The opening is connected to an outer edge of the substrate.

[0055] This structure makes it possible to provide a miniaturized vibration energy generation device.

[0056] (6) The electrical circuit is electrically connected to the vibration energy generating element.

[0057] This structure allows a circuit for rectifying or the like the current of the vibration energy generating element to be provided near the vibration energy generating element.

[0058] Various embodiments and modifications have been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other embodiments that are conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] In addition, one or more of the embodiments and modifications described above may be combined in a suitable manner. [List of reference symbols] 100 Vibration energy generation device 120 substrate 122 Opening 140 Vibration energy generating element 142 fixed end 144 free end 160 stopping section 180 housings 200 Vibration energy generation device 220 substrate 222 Opening 224 outer edge 240 Vibration energy generating element 242 fixed end 244 free end 260 stopping section 280 housings 1000 Vibration Energy Generation Device 1120 Substrat 1140 Vibration energy generating element 1142 fixed end 1144 free end 1150 spacers 1160 stopping section 1180 housing 1200 Vibration energy generation device 1220 substrate 1240 Vibration energy generating element 1242 fixed end 1244 free end 1250 spacers 1260 stopping section 1280 housing QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-74649 [0005, 0006] JP 2022-67813 [0005, 0006]

Claims

[1] Vibration energy generating device comprising: a substrate having an opening and comprising an electrical circuit; and a vibration energy generating element having one end fixed to a holding portion, and its free end being inserted into the opening upon vibration. [2] The vibration energy generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a casing that houses the substrate and the vibration energy generating element. [3] The vibration energy generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding portion has an elastic portion. [4] A vibration energy generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening is formed within the substrate. [5] The vibration energy generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening is connected to an outer edge of the substrate. [6] A vibration energy generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical circuit is electrically connected to the vibration energy generating element.

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