Power generation equipment and switch

Abstract

To provide power generation equipment and a switch, each having an excellent quietness.SOLUTION: Power generation equipment 10 includes: a wheel 41 that includes a groove 411 having a power generation portion 60 that generates power; a first groove 411a and a second groove 411b; and a crossing portion 411g in which the first groove 411a and the second groove 411b are crossed; a roller 72 which engages with the first groove 411a, and moves along the groove 411; a coupling mechanism 90 which couples the roller 72 with the power generation portion 60, and drives the power generation portion 60 by the movement of the roller 72; a switching member 31 which is arranged facing the first groove 411a and is displaced to a state where it is in an outside of the first groove 411a and a state where it enters the first groove 411a, and pressurizes the roller 72; a power generation spring 52 which energizes the roller 72 to the side opposite to a direction of a pressure of the switching member 31; and a guide member 43 which guides the roller in such a way that the roller 72 stays in the groove 411.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 part that rotates relative to the power generating unit main body. When the driven part 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 (moves linearly) relative to the case, and a power generating spring that biases the sliding member in one direction. The sliding member and the driven part 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] In such a generator, the sliding member, which slides vigorously due to the elastic force of the power generating spring, hits the case and stops, generating a loud collision noise, making it difficult to reduce the operating noise of the generator.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide a power generating device and a switch that can reduce operation noise. [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 generation unit that generates electricity; a rotating member having a groove including a first groove, a second groove, and an intersection where the first groove and the second groove intersect; a moving body that engages with the first groove and moves along the groove; a connecting mechanism that connects the moving body and the power generation unit; a switch member disposed opposite the first groove and displaceable between a state in which the switch member is retracted from the first groove and a state in which the switch member is inserted into the first groove and presses the movable body; a first biasing portion that biases the movable body in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the switch member; a guide member that guides the moving body so as to stay in the groove, When the switch member enters the first groove and presses the movable body, the movable body moves in the first groove to the intersection portion, and then moves to the second groove, and is biased by the first biasing portion to move in the second groove until it abuts against the guide member; Thereafter, when the switch member is retracted to the outside of the first groove, The power generating device is characterized in that, when biased by the first biasing portion, the movable body moves to a position opposite the switch member while being guided by the guide member and rotating the rotating member, thereby bringing the second groove and the switch member into opposition.

[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 of the present invention, when the switch member retreats outside the first groove, the moving body moves while being guided by the guide member and rotating the rotating member. By configuring the moving body to move while being guided by the guide member in this way, collision noise between the moving body and other members is less likely to occur. This makes it possible to suppress operation noise, resulting in a power generating device with excellent quietness (silence). Furthermore, the switch of the present invention can also enjoy the effects of the power generating device of the present invention, and can exhibit excellent quietness (silence). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a switch according to a preferred embodiment, seen from above. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the bottom side. [Diagram 3] 2 is a top view showing the inside of the switch shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a bottom view showing the inside of the switch shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a bottom view showing the inside of the switch shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6]FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the wheel. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [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. 11 is a top view showing the state in which the wheel rotates slightly before the second power generation. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a modified example of the guide member. 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 above. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the inside of the switch shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and 5 are bottom views showing the inside of the switch shown in FIG. 1, respectively. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the power generating unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slide member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wheel. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the wheel. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a link. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a guide member. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a switch member. FIGS. 13 to 20 are each a top view showing a state in which the power generating device is driven. FIG. 21 is a top view showing a state in which the wheel is slightly rotated before the second power generation. FIG. 22 is a top view showing a modified example of the guide member.

[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 direction will be referred to as the "upper" and the minus side as the "lower". In the figures other than the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the upper surfaces of certain members are shown hatched to make the figures easier to see.

[0016] 1 to 5 is a wireless switch, and includes a power generation device 10 and a circuit board 80 having 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 using the power generated by the power generation device 10.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The power generating device 10 also includes a case 20, a switch member 31 which is an operating member for generating power, a switch return spring 32 which is a second biasing portion which biases the switch member 31, a wheel 41 which is a rotating member which rotates around the Z axis, a link 70 which includes a roller 72 which is a moving body which moves within a groove 411 which the wheel 41 has, a guide member 43 which guides the roller 72, a slide member 51 which is connected to the wheel 41 via the link 70, a power generating spring 52 which is a first biasing portion which biases the slide member 51, and a power generating unit 60 which generates power. In such a power generating device 10, the power generating unit 60 is driven by the force received by the switch member 31 to generate power.

[0019] In this embodiment, the switch member 31, the wheel 41, and the sliding member 51 are aligned in the Y-axis direction, and the power generating unit 60 is positioned overlapping the sliding member 51. This arrangement reduces dead space and allows each unit to be arranged compactly. As a result, the power generating device 10 can be made more compact.

[0020] Each of these parts will be explained in turn below.

[0021] <Case 20> First, the case 20 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the case 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped and is substantially square in plan view from the Z-axis direction. Such a case 20 has a rectangular box-shaped base 21 having an upper recess 211 opening on the top surface and a lower recess 212 opening on the bottom surface, an upper lid 22 fixed to the top surface of the base 21 while closing the opening of the upper recess 211, and a lower lid 23 fixed to the bottom surface of the base 21 while closing the opening of the lower recess 212. The upper recess 211 and the lower recess 212 are missing their bottoms in places and communicate with each other.

[0022] The wheel 41, slide member 51, link 70, guide member 43 and generator spring 52 are housed at predetermined positions within the upper recess 211, while the switch return spring 32, generator unit 60 and circuit board 80 are housed within the lower recess 212 on the opposite side, and the switch member 31 is housed across the upper recess 211 and the lower recess 212. A part of the generator unit 60 housed within the lower recess 212 (a driven portion 63 described below) is provided so as to extend into the upper recess 211.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper lid 22 and the lower lid 23 are each screwed to the base 21, but the method for fixing the upper lid 22 and the lower lid 23 to the base 21 is not particularly limited.

[0024] The base 21 is further provided with a guide portion 241 that guides the switch member 31 in the Y-axis direction, a restriction portion 242 that restricts the movement of the switch member 31 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, a switch return spring locking portion 243 that locks one end of the switch return spring 32, a wheel spindle 244 that supports the wheel 41 rotatably around the Z-axis, a guide portion 246 that guides the slide member 51 in the Y-axis direction, and a generator spring locking portion 248 that locks one end of the generator spring 52. Each of these portions is formed integrally with the base 21.

[0025] The guide portion 241 has a pair of guide surfaces 241a, 241b located on both sides in the X-axis direction of the switch member 31. The pair of guide surfaces 241a, 241b are provided across the upper recess 211 and the lower recess 212. The switch member 31 slides while being guided in the Y-axis direction by the guide surfaces 241a, 241b.

[0026] The restricting portion 242 is provided on the positive side in the Y axis direction of the switch member 31. The restricting portion 242 is provided across the upper recess 211 and the lower recess 212. When the switch member 31 abuts against the restricting portion 242, further movement in the positive side in the Y axis direction is restricted.

[0027] The switch return spring locking portion 243 is located on the negative side in the Y axis direction of the switch member 31, and has a recess 243a that opens to the positive side in the Y axis direction. The recess 243a is provided in the lower recess 212. The switch return spring 32 is locked to the switch return spring locking portion 243 by having one end portion (the end portion on the negative side in the Y axis direction) inserted into the recess 243a.

[0028] The wheel spindle 244 is a support pillar protruding from the bottom of the upper recess 211. The guide portion 246 is a protruding strip 246a extending in the Y-axis direction. The protruding strip 246a is provided in the upper recess 211 so as to bridge over a portion where the bottom is missing. The sliding member 51 slides while being guided in the Y-axis direction by slidably engaging with the protruding strip 246a.

[0029] The generator spring locking portion 248 is located on the negative Y-axis direction side of the slide member 51, and has a recess 248a that opens to the positive Y-axis direction side. The generator spring 52 is locked to the generator spring locking portion 248 by having one end (the end on the negative Y-axis direction) inserted into the recess 248a.

[0030] The base 21, upper lid 22, and lower lid 23 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, upper lid 22, and lower lid 23 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <Power Generation Unit 60> Next, the power generating unit 60 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the power generating unit 60 has a plate-shaped mount 61, a power generating unit main body 62 provided on the lower surface side of the mount 61, and a driven unit 63 provided on the upper surface side of the mount 61. The power generating unit 60 is housed in the lower recess 212 and is screwed to the base 21 via the mount 61. The driven unit 63 located on the upper surface side of the mount 61 is provided protruding into the upper recess 211 via a portion where the bottom is missing.

[0033] The power generating unit main body 62 is, for example, a stepping motor, and has a stator 64 fixed to the 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 main 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 main 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.

[0034] The stator 64 has a cylindrical case 641 with a bottom that is open on the lower side, 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.

[0035] The bobbin 642 has flanges 642a, 642b at both the upper and lower ends to prevent the coil 643 from becoming unwound. The case 641 is joined to the flange 642b on the upper end side, and the lid 644 is joined to the flange 642a on the lower end side. This makes the case 641, bobbin 642, and lid 644 integrated.

[0036] On the other hand, the rotor 65 has a shaft 651 that penetrates the mount 61, 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 a state in which the magnetic poles are alternately reversed N, S, N, S along the circumferential direction. For example, a neodymium magnet, a ferrite magnet, or the like can be used as the magnet 653.

[0037] The bearing 66 receives the magnetic force of the magnet 653 and functions as a magnetic attraction force generating member. 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 is provided between the case 641 and the bush 652, and the shaft 651 is inserted therethrough, and the washer 67 prevents metallic contact between the rotor 65 and the bearing 66.

[0038] In the power generating unit body 62 configured as above, the rotation of the rotor 65 relative to the stator 64 causes the magnet 653 to rotate 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.

[0039] The driven part 63 is located on the upper surface side of the mount 61, and is located inside the upper recess 211. The driven part 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 driven part 63 rotates, the rotor 65 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and power is generated in the power generation part 60. The driven part 63 also has a gear 631 formed on its outer periphery and meshing with the slide member 51.

[0040] Although the power generating section 60 has been described above, the configuration of the power generating section 60 is not particularly limited as long as the rotor 65 rotates relative to the stator 64 to generate electricity.

[0041] <Slide member 51> Next, a description will be given of the slide member 51. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 7, the slide member 51 has a main body 511 and a power generating spring insertion portion 512.

[0042] The main body 511 is plate-shaped. The main body 511 has a guide groove 514 that opens on the lower surface and slidably engages with the protrusion 246a of the guide portion 246. Therefore, the slide member 51 slides in the Y-axis direction while being guided by the guide portion 246. The main body 511 has an insertion hole 515 into which one end of the link 70 (a roller 73 described later) is inserted. The main body 511 has a gear 516 that meshes with a gear 631 of the driven portion 63. Therefore, when the slide member 51 slides in the Y-axis direction, the driven portion 63 rotates in accordance with the movement, and power generation is generated.

[0043] The generator spring insertion portion 512 is a support that protrudes from the main body 511 to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged side by side with the generator spring locking portion 248 in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] <Power generating spring 52> Next, the generator spring 52 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the generator spring 52 is provided between the slide member 51 and the generator spring locking portion 248. The generator spring 52 is a compression coil spring that expands and contracts in the Y-axis direction, and is locked therebetween by inserting its end on the positive side in the Y-axis direction into the generator spring insertion portion 512 of the slide member 51 and its end on the negative side in the Y-axis direction into the recess 248a of the generator spring locking portion 248. Therefore, the generator spring 52 biases the slide member 51 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction by its elastic force.

[0047] 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.

[0048] <Wheel 41> Next, the wheel 41 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the wheel 41 is a disk-shaped member, and is located on the negative side of the Y axis direction of the switch member 31. The wheel 41 is inserted into the wheel support shaft 244, and rotates around the Z axis with respect to the base 21.

[0049] The wheel 41 also has a groove 411 formed on the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 8, the groove 411 has six grooves 411a, 411b, 411c, 411d, 411e, and 411f extending radially from the center of the wheel 41. The grooves 411a to 411f have the same shape and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the wheel 41. The tip end of each of the grooves 411a to 411f opens to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 41. On the other hand, the base end of each of the grooves 411a to 411f intersects with each other to form an intersection 411g. Here, in order to enable smooth operation, the angle θ between two adjacent grooves is preferably less than 90°, more preferably 75° or less, and even more preferably 60° or less. The reason for this will be explained later. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, six grooves 411a to 411f are provided, and the angle θ is set to 60°.

[0050] Among the grooves 411a to 411f, the groove 411 facing the 12 o'clock direction and facing the switch member 31 is the "first groove" of the present invention, and the groove adjacent to the first groove facing the 10 o'clock direction is the "second groove." In the illustrated example, the groove 411a is the first groove and the groove 411b is the second groove, but as the wheel 41 rotates, the grooves 411a to 411f become the first groove and the second groove, respectively.

[0051] The wheel 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 wheel 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.

[0052] Although the wheel 41 has been described above, the configuration of the wheel 41 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the same function. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the wheel 41 may have five grooves 411a to 411e provided at equal intervals (72° intervals).

[0053] <Link 70> Next, the link 70 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 10, the link 70 has a rod-shaped arm 71 and a pair of rollers 72, 73. The roller 72 is provided at the tip of the arm 71 so as to be rotatable around the Z axis, and the roller 73 is provided at the base end of the arm 71 so as to be rotatable around the Z axis. The roller 72 on the tip side is inserted into the groove 411a of the wheel 41, and the roller 73 on the base end side is inserted into the insertion hole 515 of the slide member 51. In this way, the slide member 51 and the wheel 41 are connected by the link 70.

[0054] Roller 72 can move within groove 411 while sliding or rotating relative to groove 411, moving from groove 411a to other grooves 411b-411f via intersection 411g. A thickness T of roller 72 is greater than a depth D of groove 411. Therefore, an upper end of roller 72 protrudes upward from groove 411, and its outer circumferential surface abuts against guide member 43.

[0055] As described above, the slide member 51 is biased in the positive Y-axis direction by the generator spring 52. Therefore, the link 70, particularly the roller 72, is also biased in the positive Y-axis direction by the generator spring 52.

[0056] The arm 71, 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 arm 71 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.

[0057] The rollers 72 are made of a material having a suitable elasticity, such as various rubber materials and various elastomers. This reduces the contact noise (friction noise due to sliding) with the wheels 41 and the guide member 43, resulting in a quieter power generation device 10. However, the material of the rollers 72 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, PBT, etc., like the other members, or may be various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, various ceramics such as alumina and titania, etc.

[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] <Guide member 43> Next, the guide member 43 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 11, the guide member 43 is disposed so as to overlap the wheel 41, and is provided above the wheel 41 with a gap therebetween so as not to impede the rotation of the wheel 41. The guide member 43 also has a guide surface 431 provided from groove 411b to groove 411a, in other words, from the 9 o'clock direction to the 1 o'clock direction. The guide surface 431 is a surface curved in a substantially arc shape. Note that the arc is not limited to a perfect circle, and includes, for example, an oval, an ellipse, or an arc similar to these.

[0060] The outer circumferential surface of roller 72 abuts against guide surface 431. Therefore, roller 72 moves while being guided by guide surface 431. Note that apex 431a of guide surface 431, which is located at the 12 o'clock position, is located furthest on the positive side in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] The guide member 43 is a resin molded product made of various resin materials such as ABS, PC, PPA, POM, PMMA, PP, and PBT, as with the other members. However, the material of the guide member 43 is not particularly limited, and may be made of various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, or various ceramics such as alumina and titania. The guide member 43 may be provided on the upper lid 22 and positioned above the wheel 41 by fixing the upper lid 22 to the base 21. In this case, the guide member 43 may be formed integrally with the upper lid 22 or may be formed separately. For example, the guide member 43 may be formed integrally with the base 21 as long as it does not interfere with the placement of the wheel 41.

[0062] Although the guide member 43 has been described above, the configuration of the guide member 43 is not particularly limited as long as it can exert the same function. For example, the shape of the guide surface 431 is not particularly limited, and may be a shape that extends linearly from the groove 411b to the groove 411a. In addition, in this embodiment, the roller 72 is directly guided by the guide surface 431 by the roller 72 abutting against the guide surface 431, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the roller 72 may be indirectly guided by the guide surface 431 by the arm 71 abutting against the guide surface 431.

[0063] <Switch component 31> Next, the switch member 31 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 12, the switch member 31 is provided between a pair of guide surfaces 241a, 241b of the guide portion 241, and further, a part of the switch member 31 protrudes from the case 20 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Such a switch member 31 has an operating portion 311, a flange 312, a roller pressing protrusion 313, and a switch return spring insertion portion 314.

[0064] Operating portion 311 protrudes from case 20 on the positive side in the Y axis direction and 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, flange 312 is guided by guide surfaces 241a, 241b, causing switch member 31 to slide in the Y axis direction, and when it hits restricting portion 242, further movement of switch member 31 in the positive side in the Y axis direction is restricted.

[0065] The roller pressing protrusion 313 and the switch return spring insertion portion 314 are each provided to protrude from the flange 312 to the negative side in the Y axis direction, and are arranged side by side in the Z axis direction. The roller pressing protrusion 313 is located in the upper recess 211, and the switch return spring insertion portion 314 is located in the lower recess 212.

[0066] The roller pressing protrusion 313 faces the groove 411a of the wheel 41 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the switch member 31 slides to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the roller pressing protrusion 313 enters the groove 411a and presses the roller 72 to the negative side in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the roller pressing protrusion 313 has a guide surface 313a on its tip surface that is inclined to the negative side in the X-axis direction, and when pressed, this guide surface 313a abuts against the side surface of the roller 72. Therefore, the roller 72 is guided to the negative side in the X-axis direction by the guide surface 313a.

[0067] Although the inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 313a with respect to the X-axis is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it is less than the inclination angle (=30°) of the groove 411b with respect to the X-axis. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is set to 25°. The reason for this will be described later.

[0068] The switch return spring insertion portion 314 is a support for inserting the switch return spring 32, and is provided side by side with the switch return spring locking portion 243 in the Y-axis direction.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] <Switch return spring 32> Next, the switch return spring 32 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the switch return spring 32 is provided between the switch member 31 and the switch return spring locking portion 243. 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 and the switch return spring locking portion 243 by inserting the end on the positive side in the Y-axis direction into the switch return spring insertion portion 314 of the switch member 31 and the end on the negative side in the Y-axis direction into the recess 243a of the switch return spring locking portion 243. 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 a state where it abuts against the restricting portion 242.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The above has described the configuration of the power generating device 10. In such a power generating device 10, the arm 71, the slide member 51, and the driven part 63 form a connecting mechanism 90 that connects the roller 72 and the power generating part 60. With such a simple configuration, the force received by the switch member 31 can be transmitted to the power generating part 60 to generate power.

[0074] Next, the operation of the power generating device 10 will be described.

[0075] First, FIG. 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 direction positive direction by the switch return spring 32 and abuts against the restricting portion 242. The slide member 51 is biased in the Y-axis direction positive direction by the generator spring 52, and the roller 72 connected to the slide member 51 is also biased in the Y-axis direction positive direction. Then, with the roller 72 positioned at the apex 431a of the guide surface 431, these positions are maintained. In this way, by the roller 72 being positioned at the apex 431a of the guide surface 431, the wheel 41 automatically assumes a position in which the groove 411a with which the roller 72 engages faces the 12 o'clock direction, that is, a position facing the roller pressing protrusion 313.

[0076] When the switch member 31 is pressed in the negative Y-axis direction from the pre-operation state, the tip of the roller pressing protrusion 313 enters the groove 411a and the guide surface 313a comes into contact with the side surface of the roller 72, as shown in FIG.

[0077] When the switch member 31 is pushed further into the negative Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 15, the roller 72 is pressed by the roller pressing protrusion 313 and moves in the negative Y-axis direction, and in conjunction with this movement, the slide member 51 moves in the negative Y-axis direction, and the driven part 63 rotates counterclockwise around the Z axis.

[0078] When the switch member 31 is further pushed in the negative Y-axis direction, the roller 72 reaches the intersection 411g as shown in Fig. 16. Then, the roller 72 is guided toward the negative X-axis direction by the guide surface 313a and biased toward the positive Y-axis direction by the generator spring 52, so that the roller 72 moves from the groove 411a (first groove) to the groove 411b (second groove) as shown in Fig. 17. As described above, the angle θ between the grooves 411a and 411b is less than 90° and the roller 72 extends obliquely toward the positive Y-axis direction. Therefore, the roller 72 that has moved to the groove 411b moves in the groove 411b toward the outer periphery of the wheel 41 due to the bias of the generator spring 52. The roller 72 then collides with the guide surface 431 of the guide member 43 and stops.

[0079] At this time, the roller 72 attempts to move along the guide surface 431 toward the vertex 431a while further rotating the wheel 41 clockwise around the Z axis, but since the roller pressing protrusion 313 is inserted into the groove 411a, the rotation of the wheel 41 is restricted, and the wheel 41 stops in the state shown in Figure 17.

[0080] In conjunction with the movement of the roller 72, the slide member 51 moves in the positive direction in the Y-axis direction, and the driven part 63 rotates to generate power. In the following, power generation generated by the movement of the roller 72 in the groove 411b is also referred to as "first power generation." In the first power generation, the roller 72 moves while rotating against the side surface of the groove 411b, so that the noise (friction noise) of the groove 411b and the roller 72 rubbing against each other can be reduced. Therefore, the operation noise is kept low, resulting in a power generation device 10 with excellent quietness (silence).

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 313a is less than 30°. In other words, the inclination angle θ1 is smaller than the inclination angle of the groove 411b with respect to the X-axis. With this configuration, the movement distance of the roller 72 during the first power generation is extended, and the amount of power generation during the first power generation is increased accordingly.

[0082] When the pressing of the switch member 31 is finished and the biasing force in the negative Y-axis direction by the user is released, the biasing force of the switch return spring 32 moves the switch member 31 in the positive Y-axis direction, and the roller pressing protrusion 313 retreats to the outside of the groove 411a, as shown in Fig. 18. This releases the engagement between the roller pressing protrusion 313 and the groove 411a, allowing the wheel 41 to rotate. Therefore, at the next moment, as shown in Fig. 19, the roller 72 rotates relative to the guide surface 431, causing the wheel 41 to rotate clockwise in the Z-axis direction due to the biasing force of the power generating spring 52, and moves along the guide surface 431 to the apex 431a. This returns the state before the operation.

[0083] In addition, the slide member 51 moves in the positive direction in the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the roller 72, and the driven part 63 rotates to generate power. Note that, hereinafter, power generation generated by the roller 72 moving toward the apex 431a while rotating the wheel 41 is also referred to as "second power generation." Note that, in this embodiment, due to the shape of the guide surface 431, the amount of rotation of the driven part 63 during the second power generation is larger than the amount of rotation of the driven part 63 during the first power generation. Therefore, the amount of power generation during the second power generation is greater than the amount of power generation during the first power generation.

[0084] In such second power generation, the roller 72 moves along the guide surface 431 to the apex 431a, so that collision noise between the members is substantially not generated. In particular, in this embodiment, the roller 72 moves while rotating relative to the guide surface 431, so that the noise (friction noise) of the guide surface 431 and the roller 72 rubbing against each other can also be reduced. Therefore, the operation noise is kept low, and the power generation device 10 has excellent quietness (silence).

[0085] Here, as described above, since the roller pressing protrusion 313 has the guide surface 313a, as shown in FIG. 21, the wheel 41 rotates slightly before the roller pressing protrusion 313 is completely removed from the groove 411a, and the movement amount of the roller 72 in the second power generation is reduced accordingly, and the amount of power generation may decrease. The larger the inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 313a, the longer the guide surface 313a is formed in the Y-axis direction, so that the rotation of the wheel 41 before the second power generation as described above is more likely to occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 313a is set to less than 30° as described above. This allows the length of the guide surface 313a in the Y-axis direction to be kept sufficiently small, making it difficult for the wheel 41 to rotate before the second power generation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the amount of power generation in the second power generation.

[0086] When the next power generating operation is performed from the pre-operation state shown in FIG. 20, groove 411b becomes the "first groove" and groove 411c becomes the "second groove."

[0087] The above describes the operation of the power generating device 10. According to such a power generating device 10, it is possible to effectively reduce the collision noise caused by members colliding with each other, particularly in the second power generation. Therefore, the power generating device 10 has excellent quietness (silence).

[0088] Moreover, according to the power generating device 10, a first power generation occurs when the switch member 31 is pressed in, and a second power generation occurs when the switch member 31 is released and returns to its original position. In this way, power can be generated both when the switch member 31 is pressed in and when the switch member 31 returns to its original position, resulting in a power generating device 10 with a greater power generating capacity.

[0089] Furthermore, by changing the shape of the guide surface 431 of the guide member 43, the amount of power generated in the first power generation and the amount of power generated in the second power generation can be adjusted. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, by widening the guide surface 431 in the X-axis direction with respect to this embodiment, the moving distance of the roller 72 during the first power generation increases, and the amount of power generated in the first power generation increases accordingly. On the other hand, the moving distance of the roller 72 during the second power generation decreases, and the amount of power generated in the second power generation decreases accordingly. Therefore, for example, by appropriately changing the shape of the guide surface 431 according to the use of the switch 1, the switch 1 can be made to perform more suitable operations. For example, if it is desired to transmit radio waves when the switch member 31 is released, it is configured so that the amount of power generated in the second power generation is greater than the amount of power generated in the first power generation, as in this embodiment, and conversely, if it is desired to transmit radio waves when the switch member 31 is pressed, it is sufficient to configure so that the amount of power generated in the first power generation is greater than the amount of power generated in the second power generation, as in the example shown in FIG. 22.

[0090] The above describes the power generating device 10 and the switch 1. As described above, the power generating device 10 includes the power generating section 60 that generates power, the wheel 41 that is a rotating member having the groove 411 that includes the groove 411a that is a first groove, the groove 411b that is a second groove, and the intersection 411g where the groove 411a and the groove 411b intersect, the roller 72 that is a moving body that engages with the groove 411a and moves along the groove 411, the connecting mechanism 90 that connects the roller 72 and the power generating section 60, the switch member 31 that is disposed opposite to the groove 411a and displaces between a state where it is retracted outside the groove 411a and a state where it enters the groove 411a and presses the roller 72, the power generating spring 52 that is a first biasing section that biases the roller 72 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the switch member 31, and the guide member 43 that guides the roller 72 to stay in the groove 411. When the switch member 31 enters the groove 411a and presses the roller 72, the roller 72 moves in the groove 411a to the intersection 411g, then moves to the groove 411b, and moves in the groove 411b until it abuts against the guide member 43 by being biased by the generator spring 52. Furthermore, when the switch member 31 retreats to the outside of the groove 411a, the roller 72 moves to a position facing the switch member 31 while rotating the wheel 41 while being guided by the guide member 43 by being biased by the generator spring 52, so that the groove 411b and the switch member 31 face each other. With this configuration, in particular, after the switch member 31 retreats to the outside of the groove 411a, the roller 72 moves while being guided by the guide member 43, so that the collision sound generated by the collision between the members can be effectively reduced. Therefore, the power generating device 10 has excellent quietness (silence).

[0091] As described above, the grooves 411a and 411b extend radially from the center of the wheel 41, and the angle θ between the grooves 411a and 411b is less than 90°. Therefore, the roller 72 that has moved to the groove 411b can be moved toward the guide member 43 more reliably.

[0092] As described above, the switch member 31 has the guide surface 313a that comes into contact with the roller 72 and guides the roller 72 toward the groove 411b. By having such a guide surface 313a, the roller 72 can be moved more reliably into the groove 411b.

[0093] As described above, the inclination angle θ1 of the guide surface 313a is smaller than the inclination angle of the groove 411b. In other words, the angle between the guide surface 313a and the groove 411a is larger than the angle between the groove 411a and the groove 411b. This makes it possible to lengthen the moving distance of the roller 72 from the intersection 411g to the groove 411b and until it abuts against the guide member 43. This makes it possible to increase the amount of power generation in the first power generation. In addition, it is possible to suppress unnecessary rotation of the wheel 41 after the first power generation ends and before the second power generation starts, and to effectively suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation in the second power generation.

[0094] As described above, the guide member 43 has the guide surface 431 that comes into contact with the roller 72, and the guide surface 431 is curved in an arc shape. This allows the roller 72 to move smoothly, and makes it possible to more effectively reduce the collision noise caused by the members colliding with each other. This results in the power generation device 10 having superior quietness (silence).

[0095] As described above, the apex 431a of the guide surface 431, which is the position where the apex 431a overlaps with the groove 411a, is located closest to the switch member 31. This allows the groove 411a and the switch member 31 to naturally face each other in the pre-operation state.

[0096] As described above, the connecting mechanism 90 has the driven part 63 that rotates together with the rotor 65 of the power generation unit 60, the sliding member 51 that meshes with the driven part 63, and the arm 71 that connects the sliding member 51 and the roller 72, and the roller 72 moves in the groove 411 to slide the sliding member 51 and rotate the driven part 63. The connecting mechanism 90 configured in this way can transmit the force received by the switch member 31 to the power generation unit 60 and generate power with a simple configuration.

[0097] As described above, the roller 72 rotates relative to the arm 71. As a result, the roller 72 moves while rotating relative to the side surface of the groove 411 and the guide surface 431, so that the noise (friction noise) of these members rubbing against each other can be reduced. This results in the power generation device 10 having superior quietness (silence).

[0098] As described above, the switch return spring 32 is a second biasing portion that biases the switch member 31 in a direction to retract from the groove 411a. This allows the second power generation to be automatically performed when the switch member 31 is released. This simplifies the operation of the power generation device 10.

[0099] The switch 1 also includes the power generating device 10 and an electronic circuit 81 that is driven by the power generated by the power generating device 10. This allows the switch 1 to enjoy the effects of the power generating device 10 described above, resulting in an excellent quietness (silence).

[0100] 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]

[0101] 1...switch 10...power generating device 20...case 21...base 211...upper recess 212...lower recess 22...upper lid 23...lower lid 241...guide portion 241a...guide surface 241b...guide surface 242...regulating portion 243...switch return spring engaging portion 243a...recess 244...wheel support shaft 246...guide portion 246a...projection 248...power generating spring engaging portion 248a...recess 31...switch member 311...operation portion 312...flange 313...roller pressing protrusion 313a...guiding surface 314...switch return spring insertion portion 32...switch return spring 41...wheel 411...groove 411a...groove 411b...groove 411c...groove 411d...groove 411e...groove 411f...groove 411g...intersection 43...guide member 431...guide surface 431a...apex 51...slide member 511...main body 512...power generating spring insertion portion 514...guide groove 515...insertion hole 516...gear 52...power generating spring 60...power generating unit 61...mount 62...power generating unit main body 63...driven unit 631...gear 64...stator 641...case 642...bobbin 642a...flange 642b...flange 643...coil 644...lid 65...rotor 651...shaft 652...bush 653...magnet 66...bearing 67...washer 70...link 71...arm 72...roller 73...roller 80...circuit board 81...electronic circuit 90...connection mechanism D...depth T...thickness θ…Angle θ1…Inclination angle

Claims

1. A power generation unit that generates electricity; a rotating member having a groove including a first groove, a second groove, and an intersection where the first groove and the second groove intersect; a moving body that engages with the first groove and moves along the groove; a connecting mechanism that connects the moving body and the power generation unit; a switch member disposed opposite the first groove and displaceable between a retracted state outside the first groove and a state in which the switch member enters the first groove and presses the movable body; a first biasing portion that biases the movable body in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the switch member; a guide member that guides the moving body so as to stay in the groove, When the switch member enters the first groove and presses the movable body, the movable body moves in the first groove to the intersection portion, and then moves to the second groove, and is biased by the first biasing portion to move in the second groove until it abuts against the guide member, Thereafter, when the switch member is retracted to the outside of the first groove, The power generating device is characterized in that, when biased by the first biasing portion, the movable body moves to a position opposite the switch member while being guided by the guide member and rotating the rotating member, thereby bringing the second groove and the switch member into opposition.

2. the first groove and the second groove extend radially from a center of the rotating member, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein an angle between the first groove and the second groove is less than 90°.

3. The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the switch member has a guide surface that comes into contact with the moving body and guides the moving body toward the second groove.

4. The power generating device according to claim 3 , wherein an angle between the guide surface and the first groove is larger than an angle between the first groove and the second groove.

5. the guide member has a guide surface that comes into contact with the moving body, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide surface is curved in an arc shape.

6. The power generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the guide surface is arranged so that a position overlapping with the first groove is located closest to the switch member.

7. the coupling mechanism includes a driven part that rotates together with the rotor, a slide member that meshes with the driven part, and an arm that couples the slide member and the moving body, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sliding member slides and the driven part rotates when the movable body moves within the groove.

8. The power generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the movable body rotates relative to the arm.

9. The power generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second biasing portion that biases the switch member in a direction to retract from the first groove.

10. A power generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an electronic circuit driven by the power generated by the power generation device.

Images