Power generation device and switch

Abstract

To provide a power generation device and a switch capable of being reduced in thickness.SOLUTION: A power generation device 10 includes: a power generation unit 60 that has a power generation unit body 62 having a stator 64 and a rotor 65 rotating with respect to the stator 64, and a rotary member 63 provided outside the power generation unit body 62 and connected to the rotor 65 and generates power when the rotary member 63 rotates relative to the power generation unit body 62; a switch member 31 operated at the time of power generation; and a drive force transmission mechanism 90 that transmits force received by the switch member 31 through operation to the rotary member 63 to rotate the rotary member 63. The power generation unit body 62 has a recessed portion 644a that accommodates at least a part of the rotary member 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generating device and a switch. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the power generating device described in Patent Document 1 has a power generating unit provided in a case. The power generating unit has a power generating unit main body fixed to the case, and a driven unit that rotates relative to the power generating unit main body. When the driven unit rotates relative to the power generating unit main body, the coil and magnet rotate relatively within the power generating unit main body to generate power. The case is also provided with a sliding member that slides relative to the case, and a power generating spring that biases the sliding member in one direction. The sliding member and the driven unit are engaged with each other.

[0003] The case is also provided with a rotating pinwheel and a pinwheel spring that urges the pinwheel clockwise. The pinwheel has six protrusions, one of which is pressed against the slide member by being urged by the pinwheel spring. The case is also provided with a switch lever for rotating the pinwheel counterclockwise, and a switch return spring that urges the switch lever to protrude from the case.

[0004] In such a power generating device, power is generated by pushing in the switch lever. Specifically, when the switch lever is pushed in, the pinwheel is biased by the switch lever and rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the pinwheel spring. When the pinwheel rotates, the sliding member is biased by the protrusion of the pinwheel and slides against the biasing force of the power generating spring. At this time, the power generating spring contracts and accumulates elastic force. When the pinwheel further rotates and the protrusion comes off the sliding member, the elastic force accumulated in the power generating spring is released and the sliding member slides with force. When the sliding member slides, the driven part that meshes with it rotates, and power is generated in the power generating part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-080702 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in such a power generating device, the driven part and the power generating unit main body that constitute the power generating unit are arranged to overlap in the thickness direction of the case (the direction along the rotation axis of the power generating device), and the entire driven part protrudes from the power generating unit main body. Therefore, the case becomes thick in order to secure the storage space for the power generating unit, making it difficult to reduce the size of the power generating device, especially to make it thinner.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide a power generating device and a switch that can be made smaller, and in particular thinner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Such an object can be achieved by the present invention as described below in (1) and (2).

[0009] (1) A power generating unit including a power generating unit main body having a stator and a rotor that rotates relative to the stator, and a driven part that is provided outside the power generating unit main body and connected to the rotor, the driven part rotating relative to the power generating unit main body to generate power; An operating member that is operated during power generation; a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits a force received by the operating member through the operation to the driven part and rotates the driven part, The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit body has a recessed portion that accommodates at least a portion of the driven unit.

[0010] (2) The power generating device according to (1) above; and an electronic circuit driven by the power generated by the power generation device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the power generating device and the switch of the present invention, the power generating unit main body has a recessed portion, and at least a part of the driven part is housed in this recessed portion. Therefore, the power generating unit is thinner than in the conventional configuration in which the entire driven part protrudes from the power generating unit main body. Therefore, the power generating device and the switch of the present invention can be made thinner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch according to the preferred embodiment, as viewed from the bottom side. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the inside of the power generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a top view showing how the slide member and the pinwheel engage with each other. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a top view showing engagement between the pinwheel and the pinwheel spring. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 15]FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a top view showing how the power generating device is driven. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a power generating device and a switch according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch according to a preferred embodiment, as viewed from the bottom. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from the top. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the inside of the power generating device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the power generating section. FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the power generating section. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slide member. FIG. 8 is a top view showing how the slide member and the pinwheel engage with each other. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a link. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a switch member. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pinwheel. FIG. 12 is a top view showing how the pinwheel and the pinwheel spring engage with each other. FIGS. 13 to 22 are top views showing how the power generating device is driven.

[0015] For ease of explanation, each figure shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other. In the following, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "X-axis direction", the direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the "Y-axis direction (first direction)", and the direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the "Z-axis direction". The arrow side of each axis will be referred to as the "plus side", and the opposite side as the "minus side". The plus side of the Z-axis will be referred to as the "upper" and the negative side as the "lower".

[0016] In addition, in Fig. 1, the electronic circuit 81 is hatched to make the drawing easier to see. In addition, in Fig. 3, Fig. 8, Fig. 12 to Fig. 22, the top surface of the base 21 is hatched to make the drawing easier to see. In other words, this hatching does not indicate a cross section. In addition, in each of the top views of Fig. 8, Fig. 12 to Fig. 22, at least one of the pinwheel 41 and the slide member 51 is shown in cross section.

[0017] 1 is a wireless switch, and includes a power generation device 10 and a circuit board 80 equipped with an electronic circuit 81. The circuit board 80 is provided below the power generation device 10 so as to overlap the power generation device 10. The power generation device 10 is a device that generates power, and the electronic circuit 81 is driven by the power generated by the power generation device 10.

[0018] The electronic circuit 81 includes a high-frequency communication circuit (not shown) and transmits radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band to electrical equipment such as lighting equipment to turn the electrical equipment on and off. However, as long as the power generation device 10 is driven using the generated power, the configuration, use, arrangement, etc. of the electronic circuit 81 are not particularly limited. Also, the circuit board 80 may be omitted.

[0019] 2 and 3, the power generating device 10 has a case 20, a switch member 31 which is an operation member for generating power, a power generating unit 60 which generates power, and a driving force transmission mechanism 90 which transmits the force received by the switch member 31 to the power generating unit 60. In such a power generating device 10, when the switch member 31 is operated, the force received by the switch member 31 is transmitted to the power generating unit 60 via the driving force transmission mechanism 90, and the power generating unit 60 is driven to generate power.

[0020] In addition, the driving force transmission mechanism 90 has a switch return spring 32 that biases the switch member 31, a pinwheel 41 that rotates by operating the switch member 31, a pinwheel spring 44 that is a pinwheel biasing part that biases the pinwheel 41, a slide member 51 that slides by the rotation of the pinwheel 41, a generator spring 52 that is a slide member biasing part that biases the slide member 51, and a link 70 that connects the slide member 51 and the generator part 60.

[0021] In this embodiment, the pinwheel 41 is located approximately in the center of the case 20, the switch member 31 and the slide member 51 are located on both sides of the pinwheel 41 in the X-axis direction, and the power generating unit 60 is located on the negative side of the pinwheel 41 in the Y-axis direction. This arrangement reduces dead space and allows each unit to be arranged compactly. This allows the power generating device 10 to be made more compact.

[0022] Each of these parts will be explained in turn below.

[0023] <Case 20> First, the case 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The case 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and forms a rectangle that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction. Such a case 20 has a rectangular box-shaped base 21 having an upper recess 211 that opens on the top surface and a lower recess 212 that opens on the bottom surface, and a lid 22 that is fixed to the top surface of the base 21 and closes the opening of the upper recess 211.

[0024] The switch member 31, switch return spring 32, pinwheel 41, pinwheel spring 44, slide member 51, generator spring 52, generator unit 60 and link 70 are each housed in predetermined positions within the upper recess 211, and the circuit board 80 is housed in the lower recess 212 on the opposite side.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 22 is fixed to the base 21 with screws, but the method for fixing the lid 22 to the base 21 is not particularly limited.

[0026] The upper recess 211 is provided with a switch guide portion 231 that guides and slides the switch member 31 in the Y-axis direction, a switch restricting portion 232 that restricts the movement of the switch member 31 in the Y-axis direction positive side, a switch return spring locking portion 233 that locks one end of the switch return spring 32, a pinwheel support shaft 234 that supports the pinwheel 41 rotatably around the Z-axis, a pinwheel spring mounting shaft 235a and a pinwheel spring locking portion 235b that mount the pinwheel spring 44, a slide member guide portion 236 that guides and slides the slide member 51 in the Y-axis direction, a slide member restricting portion 237 that restricts the movement of the slide member 51 in the Y-axis direction negative side, and a generator spring locking portion 238 that locks one end of the generator spring 52. Each of these portions is formed integrally with the base 21.

[0027] The switch guide portion 231 has a pair of guide surfaces 231a, 231b located on both sides in the X-axis direction of the switch member 31. The switch member 31 slides while being guided in the Y-axis direction by the guide surfaces 231a, 231b.

[0028] The switch restricting portion 232 is provided on the Y axis direction positive side of the switch member 31. When the switch member 31 abuts against the switch restricting portion 232, further movement of the switch member 31 in the Y axis direction positive side is restricted.

[0029] The switch return spring locking portion 233 is located on the negative side in the Y axis direction of the switch member 31, and has a recess 233a that opens to the positive side in the Y axis direction. The switch return spring 32 is locked to the switch return spring locking portion 233 by inserting one end (the end on the negative side in the Y axis direction) into the recess 233a.

[0030] Pinwheel support shaft 234 and pinwheel spring mounting shaft 235a are each a support that protrudes from the bottom of upper recess 211. Pinwheel spring locking portion 235b is an L-shaped hook.

[0031] The slide member guide portion 236 is a protrusion 236a that protrudes from the bottom surface of the upper recess 211 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The slide member 51 slides while being guided in the Y-axis direction by slidably engaging with the protrusion 236a.

[0032] The slide member restricting portion 237 is provided on the negative Y-axis direction side of the slide member 51. When the slide member 51 abuts against the slide member restricting portion 237, further movement in the negative Y-axis direction is restricted.

[0033] The generator spring locking portion 238 is located on the positive side of the Y axis direction of the slide member 51, and has a recess 238a that opens to the negative side of the Y axis direction. The generator spring 52 is locked to the generator spring locking portion 238 by inserting one end (the end on the positive side in the Y axis direction) into the recess 238a.

[0034] The base 21 and the lid 22 are each a resin molded product made of various resin materials such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), PPA (polyphthalamide), POM (polyoxymethylene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PP (polypropylene), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), etc. However, the materials of the base 21 and the lid 22 are not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or various ceramics such as alumina and titania.

[0035] Although the case 20 has been described above, the configuration of the case 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate each part appropriately.

[0036] <Power Generation Unit 60> Next, the power generating unit 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the power generating unit 60 has a plate-shaped mount 61, a power generating unit main body 62 (generator) provided on the upper surface side of the mount 61, and a rotating member 63 serving as a driven unit provided on the upper surface side of the power generating unit main body 62. Such a power generating unit 60 is fixed to the base 21 by screwing the mount 61 to the base 21. In addition, the rotating member 63 is rotated by the force transmitted by the driving force transmission mechanism 90, and power is generated in the power generating unit main body 62.

[0037] 5, the power generating unit body 62 is, for example, a stepping motor, and has a stator 64 fixed to a mount 61 and a rotor 65 that rotates around the Z axis relative to the stator 64, and generates electricity by the rotation of the rotor 65 relative to the stator 64. The power generating unit body 62 has a flattened shape that is crushed in the Z axis direction, i.e., in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotor 65. By making the power generating unit body 62 in this way flat, the thickness (length in the Z axis direction) of the case 20 is reduced, and the power generating device 10 can be made thinner.

[0038] The stator 64 has a cylindrical case 641 with an open top and a closed bottom, a cylindrical bobbin 642 housed in the case 641, a coil 643 wound around the bobbin 642, and a lid 644 that covers the opening of the case 641. The case 641 is a portion that functions as a yoke in which a magnetic path is formed, and is made of a magnetic material such as soft electromagnetic iron or rolled steel plate. In contrast, the bobbin 642 and the lid 644 are resin molded products made of various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, and PBT.

[0039] The bobbin 642 has flanges 642a, 642b at both upper and lower ends to prevent the coil 643 from becoming unwound. The case 641 is joined to the flange 642b on the lower end side, and the lid 644 is joined to the flange 642a on the upper end side. This makes the case 641, bobbin 642, and lid 644 integrated.

[0040] On the other hand, the rotor 65 has a shaft 651 that penetrates the case 641 and the lid 644 in the Z-axis direction. The shaft 651 is supported by the case 641 via a bearing 66, and rotates around the Z-axis relative to the case 641. The rotor 65 also has a cylindrical magnet 653 that is attached to the shaft 651 via a disk-shaped bush 652. The magnet 653 is a permanent magnet, and is magnetized in such a way that the magnetic poles are alternately reversed N, S, N, S along the circumferential direction. Note that, for example, a neodymium magnet, a ferrite magnet, or the like can be used as the magnet 653.

[0041] Here, the bearing 66 functions as a magnetic attraction force generating member by receiving the magnetic force of the magnet 653. Therefore, the rotor 65 is attracted to the bearing 66 side, and unnecessary up and down movement of the rotor 65 is suppressed, resulting in smooth rotation. In addition, a resin washer 67 inserted through the shaft 651 is provided between the case 641 and the bush 652, and this washer 67 prevents metallic contact between the rotor 65 and the bearing 66.

[0042] In the power generating unit main body 62 configured as above, when the rotor 65 rotates relative to the stator 64, the magnet 653 rotates within the coil 643, which changes the magnetic flux passing through the coil 643 and generates power. In other words, an induced electromotive force is generated.

[0043] As described above, the magnet 653 is cylindrical and has an opening 653a on the lid 644 side. The bush 652 is provided at a position recessed from the opening 653a. Therefore, a concave space S is formed in the magnet 653, which opens on the lid 644 side and has the bush 652 as a bottom. Therefore, the lid 644 has a recessed portion 644a formed therein, which is positioned so as to overlap the space S and extends into the magnet 653 from the opening 653a.

[0044] The rotating member 63 is located on the lid 644 side of the power generation unit body 62. The rotating member 63 is inserted into and fixed to the upper end of the shaft 651, and rotates together with the shaft 651 around the Z axis. Therefore, when the rotating member 63 rotates relative to the power generation unit body 62, the rotor 65 rotates relative to the stator 64 to generate electricity. The rotating member 63 is positioned offset from the rotation axis, and has an insertion hole 631 into which the link 70 is inserted.

[0045] The entire rotating member 63 is accommodated in a recessed portion 644a formed in the lid 644. That is, the upper surface of the rotating member 63 is provided in a state where it is flush with the upper surface of the power generation unit main body 62, or is located lower than the upper surface of the power generation unit main body 62. In this embodiment, it is the latter. However, this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least a part (lower end portion) of the rotating member 63 is accommodated in the recessed portion 644a as shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] In this way, by forming the recessed portion 644a in the lid 644 by utilizing the space S present in the power generation unit main body 62, and further by accommodating the rotating member 63 in this recessed portion 644a, it is possible to prevent the rotating member 63 from protruding upwardly of the power generation unit main body 62 without increasing the thickness of the power generation unit main body 62 itself. Therefore, the power generation unit 60 can be made thinner, and the power generation device 10 can be made thinner.

[0047] The power generating unit 60 has been described above, but the configuration of the power generating unit 60 is not particularly limited as long as it generates electricity by rotating the rotor 65 relative to the stator 64, and further, at least a portion of the rotating member 63 is housed in the recessed portion 644a provided in the power generating unit main body 62.

[0048] <Slide member 51> Next, the sliding member 51 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 7 and 8. The sliding member 51 has a main body 511 and a power generating spring insertion portion 512.

[0049] The main body 511 is plate-shaped. The main body 511 has a guide groove 514 that opens on the bottom surface and slidably engages with the protrusion 236a of the slide member guide portion 236. This allows the slide member 51 to slide while being guided in the Y-axis direction by the slide member guide portion 236. The main body 511 also has an insertion hole 516 into which one end of the link 70 is inserted.

[0050] Furthermore, main body 511 has pinwheel entry portion 515 configured as a recess that opens on the bottom surface. Pinwheel entry portion 515 is rectangular, and opens on the side surface of main body 511 on the positive side in the X axis direction and the negative side in the Y axis direction. Pinwheel 41 enters pinwheel entry portion 515 from this opening, and also retreats to the outside of pinwheel entry portion 515. Pinwheel entry portion 515 is configured as an XZ surface facing the negative side in the Y axis direction, and has abutment portion 515a with which pinwheel 41 that enters pinwheel entry portion 515 collides.

[0051] The generator spring insertion portion 512 is a support extending from the main body 511 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged side by side with the generator spring locking portion 238 in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] The slide member 51, like the other members, is a resin molded product made of various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, PBT, etc. However, the material of the slide member 51 is not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or various ceramics such as alumina and titania.

[0053] Although the sliding member 51 has been described above, the configuration of the sliding member 51 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert a similar function.

[0054] <Power generating spring 52> Next, the generator spring 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The generator spring 52 is provided between the slide member 51 and the generator spring locking portion 238. The generator spring 52 is a compression coil spring that expands and contracts in the Y-axis direction, and is locked between the generator spring insertion portion 512 of the slide member 51 and the generator spring locking portion 238 by inserting its end on the negative side in the Y-axis direction into the generator spring insertion portion 512 of the slide member 51 and its end on the positive side in the Y-axis direction into the recess 238a of the generator spring locking portion 238. Therefore, the generator spring 52 biases the slide member 51 in the negative side in the Y-axis direction by its elastic force. As a result, the slide member 51 remains in contact with the slide member restricting portion 237 when the switch member 31 is not operated.

[0055] Although the power generating spring 52 has been described above, the configuration of the power generating spring 52 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert a similar function, and for example, a leaf spring, a tension coil spring, a torsion spring, etc. may be used. In addition, the sliding member biasing portion is not limited to a spring such as the power generating spring 52, and an elastic body other than a spring may be used.

[0056] <Link 70> Next, the link 70 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 9. The link 70 has an arm 71 and a pair of rollers 72, 73. The arm 71 is rod-shaped and has support shafts 711, 712 protruding from both ends thereof toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The roller 72 is rotatably provided on the support shaft 711, and the roller 73 is rotatably provided on the other support shaft 712. Furthermore, the roller 72 is inserted into the insertion hole 516 of the slide member 51, and the roller 73 is inserted into the insertion hole 631 of the rotation member 63. In this way, the slide member 51 and the rotation member 63 are connected by the link 70.

[0057] Therefore, when the sliding member 51 slides in the Y-axis direction, the force is transmitted to the rotating member 63 via the link 70, causing the rotating member 63 to rotate. By sliding the sliding member 51, the moving speed of the sliding member 51 can be increased, and the rotation speed of the rotating member 63 is increased accordingly, so that power generation is more reliably performed.

[0058] Although the link 70 has been described above, the configuration of the link 70 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform a similar function.

[0059] <Switch component 31> Next, the switch member 31 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 10. The switch member 31 is provided between a pair of guide surfaces 231a, 231b of the switch guide portion 231, and a part of the switch member 31 protrudes from the case 20 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The switch member 31 has an operating portion 311, a flange 312, a pinwheel pressing protrusion 313, and a switch return spring insertion portion 314.

[0060] Operating portion 311 protrudes from case 20 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction and is the portion that is pressed by the user. Flange 312 is located on the negative side of operating portion 311 in the Y-axis direction. Flange 312 is plate-shaped with a thickness in the Y-axis direction and protrudes from operating portion 311 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Then, as flange 312 slides on guide surfaces 231a, 231b, switch member 31 is guided in the Y-axis direction, and as switch member 31 hits switch restricting portion 232, further movement of switch member 31 in the positive side in the Y-axis direction is restricted.

[0061] Furthermore, pinwheel pressing projection 313 and switch return spring insertion portion 314 are each provided to protrude from flange 312 on the negative side in the Y axis direction, and are arranged side by side with each other in the X axis direction.

[0062] The pinwheel pressing protrusion 313 is a part that presses the pinwheel 41, and its tip portion faces the pinwheel 41, in particular the pin 421 (described later) that faces the 2 o'clock direction. Therefore, when the switch member 31 is pressed toward the negative side in the Y axis direction, the pinwheel pressing protrusion 313 presses the above-mentioned pin 421 toward the negative side in the Y axis direction, causing the pinwheel 41 to rotate clockwise around the Z axis. On the other hand, the switch return spring insertion portion 314 is a support for inserting the switch return spring 32, and is provided alongside the switch return spring locking portion 233 in the Y axis direction.

[0063] The switch member 31, like the other members, is a resin molded product made of various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, PBT, etc. However, the material of the switch member 31 is not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or various ceramics such as alumina and titania.

[0064] Although the switch member 31 has been described above, the configuration of the switch member 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert a similar function.

[0065] <Switch return spring 32> Next, the switch return spring 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The switch return spring 32 is provided between the switch member 31 and the switch return spring locking portion 233. The switch return spring 32 is a compression coil spring that expands and contracts in the Y-axis direction, and is locked between the switch return spring insertion portion 314 of the switch member 31 at its positive end in the Y-axis direction and the switch return spring locking portion 233 at its negative end in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the switch return spring 32 biases the switch member 31 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction by its elastic force. As a result, when the switch member 31 is not operated, the switch member 31 is maintained in abutment against the switch restricting portion 232.

[0066] Although the switch return spring 32 has been described above, the configuration of the switch return spring 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert a similar function, and for example, a leaf spring, a tension coil spring, a torsion spring, etc. may be used. Moreover, instead of the switch return spring 32, an elastic body other than a spring may be used.

[0067] <Pinwheel 41> Next, pinwheel 41 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 11. Pinwheel 41 is located between switch member 31 and slide member 51, and transmits the force received by switch member 31 to slide member 51. Pinwheel 41 is inserted into pinwheel support shaft 234, and rotates around the Z axis relative to base 21.

[0068] The pinwheel 41 has a first pinwheel 42 located on the upper side and a second pinwheel 43 located on the lower side. The first pinwheel 42 and the second pinwheel 43 overlap each other in the Z-axis direction and are integrally formed.

[0069] The first pinwheel 42 has five pins 421 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Similarly, the second pinwheel 43 has five pins 431 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Moreover, each pin 431 of the second pinwheel 43 is formed to have a shorter protruding length than each pin 421 of the first pinwheel 42.

[0070] When the switch member 31 is pushed in, a predetermined pin 421 of the pinwheel 41 is pressed by the switch member 31 and rotates clockwise around the Z axis. This rotation causes the other pins 421 to press the contact portions 515a of the slide member 51, thereby biasing the slide member 51, and the slide member 51 moves toward the positive side in the Y axis direction against the biasing force of the generator spring 52. When the pinwheel 41 further rotates and the biasing force of the slide member 51 by the pins 421 is released, the slide member 51 moves toward the negative side in the Y axis direction due to the biasing force of the generator spring 52. In this way, by using the pinwheel 41, it is possible to reciprocate the slide member 51 in the Y axis direction using the force received by the switch member 31 with a simple configuration.

[0071] The pinwheel 41, like the other members, is a resin molded product made of various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, PBT, etc. However, the material of the pinwheel 41 is not particularly limited, and may be made of, for example, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or various ceramics such as alumina and titania.

[0072] Although the pinwheel 41 has been described above, the configuration of the pinwheel 41 is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the same function.

[0073] <Pinwheel spring 44> Next, the pinwheel spring 44 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 12. The pinwheel spring 44 is a torsion spring (torsion coil spring) and has a coil portion 441, a tip arm 442 extending from one end of the coil portion 441, and a base arm 443 extending from the other end of the coil portion 441. The pinwheel spring 44 is provided in a tensioned state with the tip arm 442 and the base arm 443 spread apart, the coil portion 441 is inserted into the pinwheel spring mounting shaft 235a, and the base arm 443 is engaged with the pinwheel spring engaging portion 235b. The tip arm 442 is pressed against the pinwheel 41 by elastic force.

[0074] The distal arm 442 is L-shaped with a bent portion 442c in the middle, and has a straight proximal end 442a located on the proximal side of the bent portion 442c, and a straight distal end 442b located on the distal side of the bent portion 442c. The proximal end 442a is pressed against a pin 431 facing about the 5 o'clock direction of the second pinwheel 43. This biases the pinwheel 41 to rotate clockwise around the Z axis. Then, the pin 421 facing the 9 o'clock direction collides with the abutment portion 515a of the slide member 51, so that the rotation of the pinwheel 41 stops, and this state is maintained when the switch member 31 is not operated.

[0075] In this embodiment, the switch member 31 comes into contact with the pin 421 of the first pinwheel 42, and the pinwheel spring 44 comes into contact with the pin 431 of the second pinwheel 43, so that the switch member 31 and the pinwheel spring 44 can be shifted in the Z-axis direction and arranged three-dimensionally, thereby suppressing interference between them and allowing each part to be arranged compactly.

[0076] The above describes the configuration of the power generating device 10. Next, the operation of the power generating device 10 will be described.

[0077] 13 shows a "pre-operation state" before the switch member 31 is operated. In the pre-operation state, the switch member 31 is biased in the Y-axis positive direction by the switch return spring 32 and abuts against the switch restricting portion 232. The pinwheel 41 is biased in the Z-axis clockwise direction by the pinwheel spring 44 pressed against the pin 431 (431a) facing in the 5 o'clock direction, and the pin 421 (421a) facing in the 9 o'clock direction abuts against the abutment portion 515a of the slide member 51, thereby stopping its rotation. In this state, another pin 421 (421b) of the first pinwheel 42 faces in the 2 o'clock direction, and its tip portion is located on the Y-axis negative side with respect to the pinwheel pressing protrusion 313 of the switch member 31.

[0078] Furthermore, the slide member 51 is biased in the negative Y-axis direction by the generator spring 52, and abuts against the slide member restricting portion 237. The force with which the pinwheel 41 biases the slide member 51 in the positive Y-axis direction is sufficiently weaker than the force with which the generator spring 52 biases the slide member 51 in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0079] When the switch member 31 is pushed in the negative Y-axis direction from this pre-operation state, the tip of the pinwheel pressing protrusion 313 comes into contact with the tip of the pin 421b facing in the 2 o'clock direction clockwise, as shown in FIG.

[0080] When the switch member 31 is pushed further into the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the pinwheel 41 starts to rotate clockwise around the Z-axis, as shown in Fig. 15. As a result, the slide member 51 is biased by the pin 421a that is in contact with the abutment portion 515a, and starts to move in the positive Y-axis direction against the biasing force of the generator spring 52, and in conjunction with this movement, the rotation member 63 rotates clockwise around the Z-axis. At this time, as shown in Fig. 16, the pin 431b that overlaps with the pin 421b slides against the tip portion 442b of the pinwheel spring 44, pushing the pinwheel spring 44 apart.

[0081] 17, when the switch member 31 is further pushed in the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the pin 431b climbs over the bent portion 442c of the pinwheel spring 44. As a result, the pinwheel 41 is again biased in the Z-axis clockwise direction by the pinwheel spring 44.

[0082] When the switch member 31 is pushed further into the negative Y-axis direction, the pin 421a that is colliding with the contact portion 515a comes off the contact portion 515a at approximately the 11 o'clock position, and the biasing force of the pin 421a is released, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. At that moment, as shown in Figure 20, the sliding member 51 moves vigorously in the negative Y-axis direction due to the biasing force of the power generation spring 52, and the rotating member 63 rotates, generating electricity in the power generation unit 60. Since the elastic force of the power generation spring 52 can be used to move the sliding member 51 at a higher speed, power generation in the power generation unit 60 is more reliably performed.

[0083] In addition, in parallel with the power generation described above, as shown in FIG. 21, the pinwheel 41 rotates clockwise around the Z axis due to the biasing force of the pinwheel spring 44, and stops when the pin 421 (421c) facing in the 1 o'clock direction collides with the side of the pinwheel pressing protrusion 313.

[0084] Then, when the operation of the switch 1 is completed and the pressing of the switch member 31 is finished, the biasing force of the switch return spring 32 moves the switch member 31 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 22, and it hits the switch restricting portion 232 and stops. At this time, the pinwheel pressing protrusion 313 is disengaged from the pin 421c, and the pinwheel 41 again rotates in the Z-axis clockwise direction due to the biasing force of the pinwheel spring 44, and this time the pin 421 (421d) facing the 9 o'clock direction hits the abutment portion 515a and stops. This returns the state before the operation.

[0085] In this way, by biasing the pinwheel 41 using the pinwheel spring 44, it is possible to more reliably return to the pre-operation state after the operation is completed. Also, rattling of the pinwheel 41 in the pre-operation state is suppressed. Therefore, the switch 1 can perform stable operation (power generation) every time.

[0086] The power generating device 10 and the switch 1 have been described above. As described above, the power generating device 10 has the power generating unit 60, which includes the power generating unit body 62 having the stator 64 and the rotor 65 that rotates relative to the stator 64, the rotating member 63 that is a driven unit provided outside the power generating unit body 62 and connected to the rotor 65, and generates power when the rotating member 63 rotates relative to the power generating unit body 62, the switch member 31 that is an operating member operated during power generation, and the driving force transmission mechanism 90 that transmits the force received by the switch member 31 by the operation to the rotating member 63 and rotates the rotating member 63. The power generating unit body 62 has a recessed portion 644a that accommodates at least a part of the rotating member 63. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the rotating member 63 from the power generating unit body 62. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the power generating device 10.

[0087] As described above, the power generating unit body 62 has a flattened shape that is crushed in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotor 65. With this configuration, the power generating device 10 can be made thinner.

[0088] As described above, the rotor 65 has a cylindrical magnet 653 with an opening 653a on the rotating member 63 side, and the recessed portion 644a enters the magnet 653 from the opening 653a. With this configuration, the recessed portion 644a can be formed by utilizing the space S present in the power generation unit main body 62, without increasing the thickness of the power generation unit main body 62 itself. Therefore, the power generation device 10 can be made thinner more effectively.

[0089] As described above, the driving force transmission mechanism 90 has the slide member 51 that slides in the Y-axis direction, which is a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (Z-axis) of the rotor 65, and the link 70 that connects the slide member 51 and the rotating member 63, and the rotating member 63 rotates as the slide member 51 moves in the Y-axis direction. By configuring the slide member 51 to slide in this way, the moving speed of the slide member 51 can be increased, and the rotation speed of the rotating member 63 increases accordingly, so that power generation is more reliably performed.

[0090] As described above, the driving force transmission mechanism 90 has a pinwheel 41 that is located between the switch member 31 and the slide member 51 and transmits the force received by the switch member 31 to the slide member 51, the pinwheel 41 having a plurality of pins 421 protruding from its outer periphery, and rotates when a specific pin 421 is pressed by the switch member 31, and the other pins 421 come into contact with and bias the slide member 51, thereby moving the slide member 51 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. With this simple configuration, the force received by the switch member 31 can be transmitted to the slide member 51.

[0091] As described above, the driving force transmission mechanism 90 has the power generating spring 52, which is a slide member biasing unit that biases the slide member 51 in the negative Y-axis direction. When the pinwheel 41 further rotates and the bias of the pin 421 to the slide member 51 in the positive Y-axis direction is released, the power generating spring 52 moves the slide member 51 in the negative Y-axis direction, and the power generating unit 60 generates electricity during this movement.

[0092] As described above, the driving force transmission mechanism 90 has the pinwheel spring 44, which is a pinwheel biasing part that biases the pinwheel 41 and maintains the state in which the pin 421 is in contact with the slide member 51. This suppresses wobbling of the pinwheel 41 and stabilizes the pre-operation state. This allows stable power generation every time.

[0093] As described above, the switch 1 includes the power generating device 10 and the electronic circuit 81 that is driven by the power generated by the power generating device 10. Therefore, the effects of the power generating device 10 can be obtained, and the switch 1 can be made thinner.

[0094] Although the power generating device and the switch of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. In addition, any other configuration may be added to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...switch 10...power generating device 20...case 21...base 211...upper recess 212...lower recess 22...lid 231...switch guide portion 231a...guide surface 231b...guide surface 232...switch restricting portion 233...switch return spring locking portion 233a...recess 234...pinwheel support shaft 235a...pinwheel spring mounting shaft 235b...pinwheel spring locking portion 236...slide member guide portion 236a...projection 237...slide member restricting portion 238...power generating spring locking portion 238a...recess 31...switch member 311...operation portion 312...flange 313...pinwheel pressing protrusion 314...switch return spring insertion portion 32...switch return spring 41...pinwheel 42...first pinwheel 421...pin 421a...pin 421b...pin 421c...pin 421d...pin 43...second pinwheel 431...pin 431a...pin 431b...pin 44...pinwheel spring 441...coil portion 442...tip arm 442a...base end portion 442b...tip portion 442c...bent portion 443...base arm 51...slide member 511...main body 512...power generator spring insertion portion 514...guide groove 515...pinwheel insertion portion 515a...contact portion 516...insertion hole 52...power generator spring 60...power generator 61...mount 62...power generator main body 63...rotating member 631...insertion hole 64...stator 641...case 642...bobbin 642a...flange 642b...flange 643...coil 644...lid 644a: recessed portion 65: rotor 651: shaft 652: bushing 653: magnet 653a: opening 66: bearing 67: washer 70: link 71: arm 711: support shaft 712: support shaft 72: roller 73: roller 80: circuit board 81: electronic circuit 90: driving force transmission mechanism S: space

Claims

1. a power generating unit including a power generating unit main body having a stator and a rotor that rotates relative to the stator, and a driven part that is provided outside the power generating unit main body and connected to the rotor, the driven part rotating relative to the power generating unit main body to generate power; An operating member that is operated during power generation; a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits a force received by the operating member through the operation to the driven part and rotates the driven part, The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit body has a recessed portion that accommodates at least a portion of the driven unit.

2. The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the power generating unit body has a flattened shape that is crushed in a direction along the rotation axis of the rotor.

3. The rotor has a cylindrical magnet having an opening on the driven part side, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the recessed portion extends into the magnet from the opening.

4. the driving force transmission mechanism includes a slide member that slides in a first direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotor, and a link that connects the slide member and the driven part, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the driven part rotates when the sliding member moves in the first direction.

5. the driving force transmission mechanism has a pinwheel located between the operating member and the sliding member, the pinwheel transmitting a force received by the operating member to the sliding member, 5. The power generation device according to claim 4, wherein the pinwheel has a plurality of pins protruding from its outer periphery, and rotates when certain of the pins are pressed by the operating member, and moves the sliding member to one side in the first direction by contacting and biasing the other pins with the sliding member.

6. the driving force transmission mechanism has a slide member biasing portion that biases the slide member to the other side in the first direction, 6. The power generating device of claim 5, wherein when the pinwheel further rotates and the pin releases the force exerted on the sliding member toward one side in the first direction, the sliding member is moved toward the other side in the first direction by the sliding member force exerting portion, and power is generated by the power generating portion during the movement.

7. 6. The power generating device according to claim 5, wherein the driving force transmission mechanism has a pinwheel biasing portion that biases the pinwheel and maintains a state in which the pin is in contact with the slide member.

8. A power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and an electronic circuit driven by the power generated by the power generation device.

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