Vibration power generator

Abstract

To provide a vibration power generator which is excellent in durability, less susceptible to an influence of usage environment, and easy to use.SOLUTION: A vibration power generator 100 comprises: an acoustic implement 10 having an acoustic body 11 that generates sound by being applied with a strike; a magnetostriction power generation unit 20 that generates power by vibration of the acoustic body 11 caused by a strike; and a communication unit 30 for transmitting a signal using a power from the magnetostriction power generation unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration-based power generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices for notifying information have been used. In the device described in Patent Document 1, a light-emitting diode is lit by a voltage generated by striking a power generating unit made of a piezoelectric element. This device can notify the user of rhythm by emitting light.

[0003] This type of device includes a doorbell or bell. Doorbells and bells can notify information by making a sound when struck. In addition, restaurants and other establishments use devices with wireless communication capabilities to call wait staff. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-195373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the device described in Patent Document 1, the power generating unit made of a piezoelectric element is easily damaged by impact from a blow. Doorbells and bells can be difficult to notify information depending on the usage environment. Devices that use wireless communication require batteries, so they are not very user-friendly, considering the hassle of replacing the batteries.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vibration-powered energy generator that is highly durable, less susceptible to the influence of the usage environment, and easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A vibration power generation device comprising: an acoustic tool having a sound-generating body that generates sound when struck; a magnetostrictive power generation unit that generates electricity by the vibration of the sound-generating body caused by the strike; and a communication unit that transmits signals using power from the magnetostrictive power generation unit.

[0008] According to the vibration-powered energy harvester, the magnetostrictive element used in the magnetostrictive power generation unit has high mechanical strength, heat resistance, etc., and is therefore less susceptible to damage. Therefore, the vibration-powered energy harvester is highly durable. The vibration-powered energy harvester can transmit information to a remote terminal through communication via the communication unit. Therefore, the transmission of information is less affected by the usage environment. Because the vibration-powered energy harvester is equipped with a magnetostrictive power generation unit, it does not require a battery. Therefore, work such as battery replacement is not necessary, and it is easy to use.

[0009] [2] The vibration-powered energy generator according to [1], further comprising a power storage unit that stores the power.

[0010] The vibration-powered energy generator can receive power from the power storage unit, and therefore can handle high-speed communications that consume a lot of power. The vibration-powered energy generator can also handle cases where the communication unit transmits a large amount of data.

[0011] [3] The vibration-powered generator according to [1] or [2], wherein the communication unit transmits the signal synchronized with the sound produced by the sound-producing body to an external terminal.

[0012] In the vibration-powered energy generator, the communication unit transmits signals using power from the power generation unit, which generates electricity through vibration, so signals can be sent to an external terminal synchronized with the sound produced by the sound generator, allowing information to be transmitted to the terminal without delay.

[0013] [4] The vibration-to-energy generator according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the signal is an advertising signal.

[0014] In the vibration-powered energy generator, the use of an advertising signal can reduce power consumption in the communication unit.

[0015] [5] The vibration-powered generator according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the magnetostrictive power generation unit is provided inside the sound generating body.

[0016] In the vibration power generator, the magnetostrictive power generation unit is provided inside the sound-generating body, so that it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the outside to the magnetostrictive power generation unit. Because the magnetostrictive power generation unit is provided inside the sound-generating body, it is less likely to become susceptible to adhesion of water, foreign matter (dust, etc.). Because the adverse effects of external vibrations, water, foreign matter (dust, etc.) can be suppressed, the power generation characteristics of the magnetostrictive power generation unit are improved.

[0017] [6] The vibration-powered generator according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the communication unit is provided outside the acoustic device.

[0018] In the vibration-powered energy generator, the influence of the sound generator on communication between the communication unit and the outside can be reduced, resulting in good communication characteristics for the communication unit.

[0019] [7] The vibration-powered energy generator according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the communication unit transmits a signal according to the magnitude of the vibration of the sound device.

[0020] In the vibration-powered energy generator, for example, the light intensity of the light emitting unit provided on the external terminal can be attenuated as the vibration of the sound generator attenuates, thereby visually representing the volume of the sound produced by the sound generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vibration-powered energy generator that is highly durable, less susceptible to the influence of the usage environment, and easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire vibration-powered energy generator of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a vibration-powered energy generator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the entire vibration-powered energy generator of the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a vibration-powered energy generator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a vibration-powered energy generator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the vibration-powered energy generator of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] [Vibration power generation device] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire vibration-powered energy generator 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the vibration-powered energy generator 100.

[0025] The posture of the vibration-powered energy generator 100 will be provisionally defined based on Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the sound device 10 is oriented with the sounding body 11 facing downward. The gripping part 13 is positioned above the sounding body 11. The central axis C of the sounding body 11 is parallel to the up-down direction. The posture of the vibration-powered energy generator 100 defined here does not limit the posture of the vibration-powered energy generator 100 during use.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration power generator 100 includes an acoustic device 10 (hand bell), a magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, and a communication unit 30.

[0027] The sound tool 10 includes a sound generating body 11, a striking part 12, and a grip part 13 (handle). The sounding body 11 comprises an upper plate portion 14 and a peripheral plate portion 15. The upper plate portion 14 is, for example, circular in shape. The peripheral plate portion 15 descends while widening in diameter from the periphery of the upper plate portion 14. The peripheral plate portion 15 is formed in a skirt shape. The inner peripheral surface 15a of the peripheral plate portion 15 is, for example, shaped like a cone. The sounding body 11 is made of metal. The sounding body 11 produces sound when struck by the striking portion 12.

[0028] The striking section 12 includes a suspending body 17 and a striking body 18 (hammer). The striking section 12 is provided inside the sounding body 11. The suspending body 17 is a rod-shaped body made of metal or the like. The upper end (rotating connecting portion 19) of the suspending body 17 is rotatably connected to the upper plate portion 14. The suspending body 17 extends toward the lower end opening of the sounding body 11.

[0029] The impacting body 18 is attached to the lower part of the suspending body 17. The impacting body 18 is, for example, cylindrical with a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the suspending body 17. The impacting section 12 rotates around the pivoting connecting part 19 as a fulcrum, and the impacting body 18 strikes the sounding body 11.

[0030] The grip portion 13 is provided on the upper plate portion 14. The grip portion 13 extends upward from the upper surface of the upper plate portion 14. A user can hold the vibration-powered energy generator 100 by gripping the grip portion 13.

[0031] 2, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 includes a frame 21, a power generation unit 22, and a weight 23. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided inside the sound generating body 11.

[0032] The frame 21 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The frame 21 has a shape that is bent at a midpoint in the length direction (tip 24b). The frame 21 is attached to the sounding body 11 with one surface (first main surface 21a) facing the inner peripheral surface 15a of the peripheral plate portion 15.

[0033] The frame 21 includes a first extending portion 24 and a second extending portion 25. A base end 24a (lower end) of the first extending portion 24 is a fixed end fixed to the peripheral plate portion 15. The first extending portion 24 extends upward from the base end 24a in a direction approaching the central axis C. The second extending portion 25 starts from a tip end 24b (upper end) of the first extending portion 24 and extends upward in a direction approaching the central axis C. The inclination angle of the second extending portion 25 with respect to the central axis C is smaller than the inclination angle of the first extending portion 24 with respect to the central axis C.

[0034] The second extending portion 25 is, for example, parallel to the maximum inclination line of the inner peripheral surface 15a of the peripheral plate portion 15. A first main surface 25c of the second extending portion 25 faces the inner peripheral surface 15a of the peripheral plate portion 15 at a certain distance. A second main surface 25d of the second extending portion 25 is the surface opposite to the first main surface 25c. A tip end 25b (upper end) of the second extending portion 25 is a free end.

[0035] The first extending portion 24 and the second extending portion 25 are integrally formed. The frame 21 is supported by the sounding body 11 in a form in which the first end (base end 24a) is a fixed end and the second end (tip end 25b) is a free end (i.e., in a cantilever form).

[0036] The frame 21 has bending elasticity. The frame 21 can vibrate by elastic bending. The free end (tip 25b) of the frame 21 can move toward and away from the inner circumferential surface 15a of the sounding body 11.

[0037] The material that constitutes the frame 21 is a material that can impart bending elasticity to the frame 21. The material that constitutes the frame 21 is, for example, metal. The material that constitutes the frame 21 can include, for example, spring steel.

[0038] The shape of frame 21 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 2. Frame 21 may have any shape as long as it allows power generation unit 22 to generate power through vibration. For example, the frame may be U-shaped, curved at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The power generating section 22 includes a magnetostrictive element 27 , a coil 28 , and a magnet 29 . The magnetostrictive element 27 is provided on the second main surface 21b of the frame 21 (the surface opposite to the first main surface 21a). More specifically, the magnetostrictive element 27 is provided on the second main surface 25d of the second extending portion 25. The magnetostrictive element 27 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The magnetostrictive element 27 extends in the length direction of the second extending portion 25. One surface of the magnetostrictive element 27 is superimposed on the second main surface 25d.

[0040] The magnetostrictive element 27 is made of a magnetostrictive material, such as an iron-gallium alloy or an iron-aluminum alloy.

[0041] The coil 28 is made up of a conductive wire that goes around the second extending portion 25 and the magnetostrictive element 27. The coil 28 generates a voltage by the change over time of the magnetic field lines that pass through the magnetostrictive element 27.

[0042] The magnet 29 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 15a of the peripheral plate portion 15. The magnet 29 may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The magnetic field lines from the magnet 29 pass through the magnetostrictor 27.

[0043] When the frame 21 vibrates, the frame 21 alternates between a state in which the free end (tip 25b) is bent toward the peripheral plate portion 15 and a state in which the free end (tip 25b) is bent away from the peripheral plate portion 15. Tensile stress and compressive stress are alternately applied to the magnetostrictive element 27. As a result, the magnetostrictive element 27 alternates between expansion and contraction.

[0044] The magnetic field lines of magnetostrictor 27 repeatedly increase and decrease due to the inverse magnetostriction effect. The magnetic flux density penetrating coil 28 also repeatedly increases and decreases. This change in magnetic flux density over time generates an induced voltage in coil 28. In this way, power generator 22 generates electricity.

[0045] The weight 23 is provided on the second main surface 25d of the second extending portion 25. The weight 23 is provided in a position close to the tip 25b of the second extending portion 25. The weight and attachment position of the weight 23 affect the vibration characteristics of the frame 21. The weight 23 may be detachable from the second extending portion 25.

[0046] The communication section 30 is provided on the outside of the sounding device 10. The communication section 30 is provided on the outer surface of the sounding body 11 (more specifically, on the upper surface of the upper plate section 14 of the sounding body 11).

[0047] The communication unit 30 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 22 via a conductive wire 31. The communication unit 30 can transmit signals using power supplied from the power generation unit 22. The communication unit 30 transmits signals, for example, by wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication formats include BLE communication (BLE: Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) and Wi-Fi communication.

[0048] The communication unit 30 may be capable of transmitting a signal to an external terminal 50 (see FIG. 1). The terminal 50 includes a light-emitting unit 51 such as an LED. The light-emitting unit 51 emits light with an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the signal from the communication unit 30, for example.

[0049] The communication unit 30 can transmit a signal according to, for example, the magnitude of the vibration of the sounding body 11. When the vibration of the sounding body 11 is large, the sound produced is large and the amount of power generated by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is also large. When the vibration of the sounding body 11 is small, the sound produced is small and the amount of power generated by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is also small. When the vibration of the sounding body 11 attenuates, the amount of power generated by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 also attenuates, and therefore the signal sent from the communication unit 30 to the terminal 50 also attenuates.

[0050] The signal transmitted by the communication unit 30 may be an advertising signal.

[0051] [How to use the vibration power generation device] 1, a user grips the gripping portion 13 and swings the vibration-powered generator 100. By moving the striking portion 12 relative to the sounding body 11, the striking body 18 strikes the sounding body 11. The sounding body 11 vibrates and produces sound when struck.

[0052] When sound producing body 11 vibrates, frame 21 vibrates and power generating unit 22 generates electricity. Communication unit 30 transmits a signal using power from power generating unit 22. The signal is sent to, for example, an external terminal 50. Because communication unit 30 transmits a signal using power from power generating unit 22, which generates electricity through vibration, it is possible to send a signal synchronized with the sound produced by sound producing body 11 to terminal 50.

[0053] When the terminal 50 receives a signal from the communication unit 30, the light emitting unit 51 provided in the terminal 50 emits light. The light emitting unit 51 emits light with an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the signal from the communication unit 30, for example.

[0054] [Uses of vibration power generation equipment] Since the sound tool 10 functions as a handbell, the vibration-powered energy generator 100 can also be used as a musical instrument. The light-emitting unit 51 of the terminal 50 can emit light in response to the sound produced by the sound generator 11. The light-emitting unit 51 emits light in response to, for example, the volume, pitch, or tone of the sound produced by the sound generator 11. For example, the light-emitting unit 51 can emit light with an intensity in response to the volume of the sound produced by the sound generator 11. The light-emitting unit 51 can emit light of a color in response to the pitch or tone of the sound produced by the sound generator 11. Therefore, for example, when the light-emitting unit 51 is used as a lighting fixture, it is possible to light up the device in synchronization with the performance of the vibration-powered energy generator 100.

[0055] [Effects of the vibration power generation device according to the embodiment] The vibration power generation device 100 comprises an acoustic device 10 having a sound-generating body 11, a magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 that generates power by vibration of the sound-generating body 11, and a communication unit 30 that transmits signals using power from the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20. The magnetostrictive element 27 used in the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 has high mechanical strength, heat resistance, etc., and is therefore not easily damaged. Therefore, the vibration power generation device 100 has high durability. The vibration power generation device 100 is easy to maintain.

[0056] The vibration-to-energy generator 100 can transmit information to a remote terminal 50 through communication by the communication unit 30. Therefore, the transmission of information is less affected by the usage environment (for example, the distance from the information source to the information destination). The vibration-powered energy generator 100 does not require a battery because it includes the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20. This eliminates the need for battery replacement and makes it easy to use. The vibration-powered energy generator 100 also has the advantage of reducing standby power consumption.

[0057] In the vibration-powered energy generator 100, the communication unit 30 transmits signals using power from the power generation unit 22, which generates power through vibration, and therefore can send signals synchronized with the sound produced by the sound generator 11 to the external terminal 50. This allows information to be transmitted to the terminal 50 without delay.

[0058] The signal sent by the communication unit 30 may be an advertising signal. By using the advertising signal, power consumption in the communication unit 30 can be reduced.

[0059] The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided inside the sounding body 11. This makes it possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the outside to the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20. Because the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided inside the sounding body 11, it is less likely to become soiled with water, foreign matter (dust, etc.). Because the adverse effects of external vibrations, water, foreign matter (dust, etc.) can be suppressed, the power generation characteristics of the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 are excellent.

[0060] The communication section 30 is provided outside the sound generator 11. This reduces the effect of the sound generator 11 on communication between the communication section 30 and the outside world. This results in good communication characteristics for the communication section 30.

[0061] The communication unit 30 can transmit a signal according to the magnitude of the vibration of the sound producing body 11. Therefore, for example, the light intensity of the light emitting unit 51 can be attenuated as the vibration of the sound producing body 11 attenuates. This makes it possible to visually express the magnitude of the sound produced by the sound producing body 11.

[0062] [Vibration power generation device] (Second embodiment) Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the entire vibration-powered energy generator 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the vibration-powered energy generator 200. The same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0063] 3, the vibration-powered energy generator 200 includes an acoustic device 10, a magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, a communication unit 130, and a power storage unit 40. The vibration-powered energy generator 200 differs from the vibration-powered energy generator 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes the power storage unit 40.

[0064] The power storage unit 40 is, for example, a secondary battery. An example of the power storage unit 40 is a lithium ion battery. The power storage unit 40 is provided in the grip part 13.

[0065] The power storage unit 40 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 22 via a conductive wire 41. The power storage unit 40 stores the electric power obtained by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20.

[0066] The communication unit 130 is provided at the upper end of the grip unit 13. The communication unit 130 is electrically connected to the power storage unit 40 via a conductive wire 42. The communication unit 130 can transmit signals using power supplied from the power storage unit 40.

[0067] [Effects of the vibration power generation device according to the embodiment] The vibration-powered energy generator 200 has the same effects as the vibration-powered energy generator 100 of the first embodiment, and also has the following effects. The vibration-powered energy generator 200 can handle high-speed communication that consumes a lot of power because it can receive power from the power storage unit 40. The vibration-powered energy generator 200 can also handle cases where the communication unit 130 transmits a large amount of data.

[0068] The signal sent by the communication unit 130 may be an advertising signal. By using the advertising signal, power consumption in the communication unit 130 can be reduced, and therefore the power supplied from the power storage unit 40 can be used efficiently.

[0069] [Vibration power generation device] (Third embodiment) Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a vibration-powered energy generator 300 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the vibration-powered energy generator 300. Components common to other embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vibration power generator 300 includes an acoustic device 210, a magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, and a communication unit 30.

[0071] The sound tool 210 includes a sound generating body 211 , a striking part 212 , an operating part 213 , and a support part 214 . The sounding body 211 has a curved shape that is convex upward. The sounding body 211 is, for example, hemispherical. The sounding body 211 is made of metal. An insertion hole 211a is formed in the center of the sounding body 211. The sounding body 211 produces sound when struck by the striking part 212. The sounding body 211 is supported by a support 225. The sounding body 211 is located higher than the base 224.

[0072] The striking section 212 includes a receiving section 216, an extending section 217, and an striking body 218. The striking section 212 is provided inside the sound generating body 211. The receiving section 216 and the extending section 217 are connected perpendicular to each other. The connecting section (rotating connecting section 219) between the receiving section 216 and the extending section 217 is rotatably supported by a support 225. The striking body 218 is provided at the tip of the extending section 217. The striking section 212 rotates around the rotating connecting section 219 as a fulcrum, and the striking body 218 strikes the sound generating body 211 (see FIG. 6).

[0073] The operating unit 213 includes a head portion 221 and an extension portion 222. The operating unit 213 is movable up and down. The head portion 221 is provided outside the sound generating body 211. The extension portion 222 extends downward from the head portion 221. The extension portion 222 is inserted into the insertion hole 211a of the sound generating body 211.

[0074] The support portion 214 includes a base 224 and a support pillar 225. The support pillar 225 extends upward from the center of the base 224.

[0075] The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 includes a frame 21, a power generation unit 22, and a weight (not shown). The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided inside the sound generating body 211. The base end of the frame 21 is a fixed end that is fixed to the sound generating body 211. The tip end of the frame 21 is a free end.

[0076] The power generating section 22 has a magnetostrictive element 27, a coil (not shown), and a magnet 29. The magnetostrictive element 27 is provided on the frame 21. The magnet 29 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the sound generating body 211. The communication section 30 is provided on the outer surface of the sound generating body 211 .

[0077] [How to use the vibration power generation device] The user presses the head portion 221 to move the operation portion 213 downward. The extension portion 222 presses down on the receiving portion 216 to rotate the striking portion 212. The striking body 218 strikes the sound producing body 211. The sound producing body 211 vibrates and produces sound when struck.

[0078] When sound generating body 211 vibrates, frame 21 vibrates and power generation unit 22 generates power. Communication unit 30 uses the power from power generation unit 22 to transmit signals.

[0079] [Uses of vibration power generation equipment] The vibration power generation device 300 can be used, for example, as a desk bell (call bell device) for calling wait staff in a store such as a restaurant.

[0080] [Effects of the vibration power generation device according to the embodiment] The vibration-powered energy generator 300 is highly durable due to the high mechanical strength and heat resistance of the magnetostrictive element 27. The vibration-powered energy generator 300 is less susceptible to the influence of the usage environment because it can transmit information via the communication unit 30. The vibration-powered energy generator 300 is equipped with the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, eliminating the need for battery replacement and other operations, making it easy to use.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment described with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, although it is desirable that the communication unit be capable of transmitting signals by wireless communication, it may also be configured to be capable of transmitting signals by wired communication.

[0082] 1 uses a handbell as the sound device 10, but the vibration-powered energy generator of the embodiment can also be applied to other sound devices. Examples of sound devices include percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, and triangles. Examples of sound devices include hanging bells such as temple bells used in temples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10,210... acoustic device, 11,211... sound-generating body, 20... magnetostrictive power generation unit, 30,130... communication unit, 40... power storage unit, 50... terminal, 100,200,300... vibration power generation device

Claims

1. a sounding tool having a sounding body that produces sound when struck; a magnetostrictive power generation unit that generates electricity by the vibration of the sound generating body caused by the striking; a communication unit that transmits signals using power from the magnetostrictive power generation unit; A vibration power generation device comprising:

2. Further comprising a power storage unit that stores the power. The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

3. The communication unit transmits the signal synchronized with the sound produced by the sound producing body to an external terminal. The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

4. the signal is an advertising signal; The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

5. The magnetostrictive power generation unit is provided inside the sound generating body. The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

6. The communication unit is provided outside the acoustic device. The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

7. The communication unit transmits a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration of the sound device. The vibration power generation device according to claim 1.

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