Power generator

Abstract

To provide a power generator which can ease an impact force generated in connection with operation of a switch to improve durability.SOLUTION: A power generator includes: a power generation mechanism: a switch; and elasticity providing means. The power generation mechanism comprises a first movable component, a second movable component, torsion coil springs, a power generator, and a housing. The torsion coil springs include first and second torsion coil springs. The first movable component is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable around a first center shaft and the second movable component is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable around a second center shaft. A first wound part of the first torsion coil spring is wound around the first center shaft and includes a first end serving as a free end, and a second end connected to the first movable component. A second wound part of the second torsion coil spring is wound around the first center shaft and includes a first end serving as a free end, and a second end connected to the first movable component. The switch swings with the second center shaft or a shaft connected with the second center shaft set as a supporting point and rotates in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction. The elasticity providing means is a torsion coil spring and includes a first end connected to the second movable component, and a second end fixed to the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Energy harvesting, a self-powered energy generation system that can generate electricity by utilizing weak kinetic energy (human power, vibration, pressure, heat, sunlight, etc.) present in the surrounding environment, which was previously discarded unused, is attracting attention.

[0003] Patent Document 1, for example, is an example of a power generation mechanism and a power generation method that generate power through such energy harvesting.

[0004] In the power generation mechanism and power generation device described in Patent Document 1, the power generation mechanism is formed by at least a first movable part, a second movable part, a torsion coil spring, a generator, and a housing. The first movable part and the second movable part are gears, and the first and second winding parts of the torsion coil spring are wound around a first central shaft in opposite directions. Initial elastic energy ie1 is imparted to the first winding part, and initial elastic energy ie2 is imparted to the second winding part, with the absolute values ​​of ie2 and ie1 set to be equal. Furthermore, a force from outside the power generation mechanism rotates the second movable part from its initial state, meshing the teeth of the first and second movable parts to rotate the first movable part, accumulating elastic energy ie12 in the first winding part. The teeth of the first and second movable parts are disengaged, causing ie12 to rotate the first central shaft in the opposite direction, generating electricity with the generator.

[0005] According to the power generation mechanism or power generation method of Patent Document 1, by including a torsion coil spring, elastic energy i.e., 12 is stored in the first winding portion by torsion of the first winding portion, and then the elastic energy i.e., 12 is released to generate electricity in the generator. Therefore, no matter how slow the force at which the second movable part is rotated and the power generation mechanism operates, a constant amount of power can be secured, enabling reliable switching operation.

[0006] Furthermore, an example of a switch that activates the power generation mechanism of Patent Document 1 is the lever shown in Patent Document 2 (see the reference perspective view in Patent Document 2 showing the names of each part). The vehicle approach alarm shown in Patent Document 2 is composed of a switch power generation mechanism, a fixed part, an axle, a lever, wheels, and a base on which these are placed. The axle is inserted through the switch power generation mechanism, the fixed part, and the lever. Two rotatable wheels are provided on each lever, and the levers are provided so that they can swing around the axle. Both ends of the axle are supported at both ends by fixed parts. Furthermore, for example, the power generation mechanism (switch power generation mechanism) of Patent Document 1 is arranged between the two levers.

[0007] When a vehicle wheel comes into contact with one of the two wheels of the vehicle entry alarm in Patent Document 2, which is positioned above the other by a lever, the wheel of the vehicle entry alarm rotates and the lever swings, pushing one end of the lever that was raised toward the base, causing the shaft to rotate and transmitting that rotation to the switch generator mechanism. The rotation of the shaft causes the spring of the switch generator mechanism to contract and the gears to rotate, which in turn rotates the motor shaft. As the shaft rotates, either the coil or the magnet inside the motor moves, causing the motor to generate its own power through electromagnetic induction. This power operates a radio or other device, which transmits a signal to notify the entry or passage of a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 181341 [Patent Document 2] Design Registration No. 1626196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, with the lever-type switch shown in Patent Document 2, when a vehicle enters or passes, one end of the lever is pushed toward the base while bearing the weight of the vehicle. Therefore, when both ends of the lever alternately move up and down as the lever swings, excessive impact forces are generated in the generator mechanism and the vehicle entry alarm, and repeated impact forces are applied each time a vehicle enters or passes, raising concerns about the durability of the generator mechanism and the vehicle entry alarm.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a power generating device that can reduce the impact force caused by the operation of a switch and improve durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the present invention. That is, the power generating device of the present invention includes at least a power generating mechanism, a switch, and one elasticity imparting means, the power generating mechanism is formed of at least a first movable part, a second movable part, a torsion coil spring, a generator, and a housing; The torsion coil springs are a first torsion coil spring and a second torsion coil spring, a first movable part rotatably supported on a first central shaft, and a second movable part rotatably supported on a second central shaft; a first winding portion that is a winding portion of a first torsion coil spring is wound around a first central shaft, a first end of the first winding portion is a free end, and a second end of the first winding portion is connected to a first movable part; a second winding portion, which is a winding portion of the second torsion coil spring, is wound around the first central shaft in a direction opposite to that of the first winding portion, a first end of the second winding portion is a free end, and a second end of the second winding portion is connected to the first movable part; Furthermore, the free end of the first winding portion is in contact with the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the first winding portion impart initial elastic energy ie1 to the first winding portion, a free end of the second winding portion is in contact with the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the second winding portion impart initial elastic energy ie2 to the second winding portion; The switch is a seesaw type that swings around the second central shaft as a fulcrum or swings around an axis connected to the second central shaft as a fulcrum, and rotates clockwise and counterclockwise with each swing, with both ends moving up and down; the elasticity imparting means is a torsion coil spring having a wound portion wound around the second central shaft, a first end of the elasticity imparting means is connected to the second movable part, and a second end of the elasticity imparting means is fixed to the housing; Due to the wound shape of the elasticity imparting means, initial elastic energy ie31 is imparted to the elasticity imparting means in a state where force is not transmitted from the switch to the second central shaft, The rotation of the switch rotates the second moving part by a certain amount, and the teeth of the first moving part and the teeth of the second moving part mesh and interlock, rotating the first moving part by a certain amount; When the first movable part rotates by a certain amount, the first torsion coil spring is twisted, and elastic energy i.e., 12 due to the torsion is stored in the first torsion coil spring. After the first movable part rotates a certain amount, the teeth of the first movable part and the second movable part disengage from each other, and the elastic energy ie12 rotates the first movable part a certain amount in the opposite direction, causing the first central shaft to rotate, and the rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the shaft of the generator, causing the generator to generate electricity, and By rotating the first movable part in the opposite direction by a certain amount, the free end of the second winding contacts the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the second winding impart an initial elastic energy i.e.2 to the second winding; The first central axis is rotated by the initial elastic energy ie1 and the initial elastic energy ie2, After the first moving part rotates a certain amount, the initial elastic energy ie31 rotates the second moving part in the opposite direction to the certain amount of rotation caused by the rotation of the switch, The reverse rotation of the second movable part also rotates the second central shaft in the reverse direction, and the switch is also rotated in the reverse direction by the same angle, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part come into contact with each other, stopping the reverse rotation of the second movable part. The rotation of the switch in the reverse direction rotates the second movable part a certain amount in the reverse direction, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part mesh and interlock, rotating the first movable part a certain amount in the reverse direction, and the rotation of the second movable part in the reverse direction a certain amount twists the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means, causing elastic deformation of the wound part, and elastic energy i.e.32 due to this elastic deformation is stored in the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means, When the first movable part rotates in the opposite direction by a certain amount, the second torsion coil spring is twisted, and elastic energy ie22 due to the torsion is stored in the second torsion coil spring. After the first movable part rotates a certain amount in the opposite direction, the teeth of the first movable part and the second movable part disengage from each other, and the elastic energy ie22 rotates the first movable part a certain amount, causing the first central shaft to rotate, and the rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the shaft of the generator, causing the generator to generate electricity, and By rotating the first movable part by a certain amount, the free end of the first winding contacts the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the first winding impart an initial elastic energy i.e. to the first winding; The first central axis is rotated by the initial elastic energy ie1 and the initial elastic energy ie2, After the first movable part has rotated a certain amount, the elastic energy ie32 causes the second movable part to rotate further in the opposite direction, and the second central shaft also rotates, and the switch also rotates by the same angle, reducing the upward protruding height of the switch, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part come into contact with each other, stopping the second movable part from further rotating in the opposite direction. Next, the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part are maintained in contact with each other until a force is applied from outside the power generating mechanism, which operates the switch and rotates the second movable part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the power generating device of the present invention, the impact force caused by the operation of the switch can be reduced, and therefore the durability of the power generating device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial explanatory view showing the housing and the switch of the power generating device of FIG. 1 as seen from the rear side, with a cutaway view showing the configuration of the power generating mechanism inside the housing. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view selectively illustrating the first movable part, the first central shaft, the torsion coil spring, and the partition plate in the power generation mechanism of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view of the power generation mechanism of FIG. 2, showing the first movable part, the first central shaft, the torsion coil spring, and the partition plate selectively, from a different angle. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the initial states of the first movable part, the first central shaft, the second movable part, and the second central shaft in the power generation mechanism of FIG. 2, viewed from the switch side of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second movable part and the first movable part are rotated from the state in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first movable part is rotated in the opposite direction by elastic energy ie12 from the state in Figure 6, and the second movable part is further rotated, and also showing the state of the switch connected to the second movable part and the elasticity imparting means. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second movable part and the switch are rotated by the elastic energy of the elasticity imparting means from the state in FIG. 7, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part are in contact with each other. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first movable part, the first central shaft, the second movable part, and the second central shaft extracted from FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second movable part and the first movable part are rotated in opposite directions from the state of FIG. 9, and the teeth of the second movable part and the first movable part are engaged with each other. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second movable part and the first movable part are rotated in opposite directions from the state in FIG. 10, and the teeth of the second movable part and the first movable part are disengaged from each other. FIG. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the first movable part is rotated in the opposite direction by elastic energy ie22 from the state in Figure 11 and the second movable part is further rotated, and also showing the state of the switch connected to the second movable part and the elasticity imparting means. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second movable part and the switch are rotated by the elastic energy of the elasticity imparting means from the state in FIG. 12, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part are in contact with each other. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing only the elasticity imparting means constituting the power generation mechanism or power generation device shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 8, 12, and 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This embodiment is characterized in that the power generating device includes at least a power generating mechanism, a switch, and one elasticity applying means. The power generating mechanism is formed of at least a first movable part, a second movable part, a torsion coil spring, a generator, and a housing. The torsion coil spring is a first torsion coil spring and a second torsion coil spring. The first movable part is rotatably supported on a first central shaft, and the second movable part is rotatably supported on a second central shaft. A first winding portion, which is a winding portion of the first torsion coil spring, is wound around the first central shaft, and a first end of the first winding portion is a free end and a second end is connected to the first movable part. The second winding portion of the second torsion coil spring is wound around the first central axis in the opposite direction to the first winding portion, with a first end of the second winding portion being a free end and a second end being connected to the first movable part. The free end of the first winding portion contacts the housing, and initial elastic energy ie1 is imparted to the first winding portion due to this contact and the winding shape of the first winding portion. The free end of the second winding portion contacts the housing, and initial elastic energy ie2 is imparted to the second winding portion due to this contact and the winding shape of the second winding portion. The switch is a seesaw type that swings around the second central axis or around an axis connected to the second central axis, rotating clockwise and counterclockwise with each swing, with both ends moving up and down. The elasticity imparting means is a torsion coil spring having a wound portion wound around the second central shaft, and a first end of the elasticity imparting means is connected to the second movable part and a second end of the elasticity imparting means is fixed to the housing. Due to the wound shape of the elasticity imparting means, initial elastic energy i.e., 31 is imparted to the elasticity imparting means in a state where no force is transmitted from the switch to the second central shaft.

[0015] Rotation of the switch rotates the second moving part a certain amount, causing the teeth of the first moving part to mesh with the teeth of the second moving part, rotating the first moving part a certain amount, which in turn twists the first torsion coil spring, and elastic energy i.e.12 due to this torsion is stored in the first torsion coil spring. After the first moving part has rotated a certain amount, the teeth of the first moving part and the second moving part disengage, causing the elastic energy i.e.12 to rotate the first moving part a certain amount in the opposite direction, rotating the first central shaft, and the rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the generator shaft, generating electricity in the generator and generating power. Furthermore, as the first moving part rotates a certain amount in the reverse direction, the free end of the second winding part contacts the housing, and due to this contact and the winding shape of the second winding part, initial elastic energy ie2 is imparted to the second winding part, and the first central shaft is rotated by the initial elastic energy ie1 and the initial elastic energy ie2. After the first moving part has rotated a certain amount, the second moving part is rotated in the opposite direction to the certain amount rotated by the rotation of the switch by the initial elastic energy ie31. The rotation of the second moving part in the reverse direction also rotates the second central shaft in the reverse direction, and the switch is also rotated in the reverse direction by the same angle, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch, and the teeth of the first moving part and the teeth of the second moving part come into contact with each other, stopping the reverse rotation of the second moving part.

[0016] Furthermore, rotation of the switch in the reverse direction rotates the second movable part a fixed amount in the reverse direction, causing the teeth of the first movable part to mesh with the teeth of the second movable part and rotate the first movable part a fixed amount in the reverse direction, and rotation of the second movable part in the reverse direction by a fixed amount twists the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means, elastically deforming the wound portion, and elastic energy i.e.32 due to this elastic deformation is stored in the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means. Rotation of the first movable part in the reverse direction by a fixed amount twists the second torsion coil spring, and elastic energy i.e.22 due to this torsion is stored in the second torsion coil spring. After the first moving part rotates a certain amount in the reverse direction, the teeth of the first moving part and the second moving part disengage, and the elastic energy i.e.22 rotates the first moving part a certain amount, rotating the first central shaft. The rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the generator shaft, generating electricity in the generator and generating power. Further rotation of the first moving part brings the free end of the first winding part into contact with the housing. This contact and the winding shape of the first winding part impart initial elastic energy i.e.1 to the first winding part, and the initial elastic energy i.e.1 and initial elastic energy i.e.2 rotate the first central shaft. After the first moving part rotates a certain amount, the elastic energy i.e.32 further rotates the second moving part in the reverse direction and also rotates the second central shaft, rotating the switch by the same angle, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch. The teeth of the first moving part and the teeth of the second moving part come into contact with each other, stopping further reverse rotation of the second moving part. The teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part are then maintained in contact with each other until a force is applied from outside the power generating mechanism, which operates the switch and rotates the second movable part.

[0017] This configuration can reduce the impact force that accompanies the operation of the switch, thereby improving the durability of the power generating device.

[0018] Furthermore, with this configuration, by rotating the switch until the teeth of the first and second moving parts come into contact, the protruding height of the switch can be further reduced, and the amount of switch movement can also be reduced, thereby mitigating the impact force, thereby further improving the durability of the power generator.

[0019] Furthermore, even in situations where external forces are applied from both the front and rear of the switch as vehicles or people enter or pass through, a single elasticity imparting means can reduce the protruding height of either the left or right end of the switch. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts, thereby reducing the cost of the power generator.

[0020] In the present invention, the "certain amount" of rotation of the first movable part and the second movable part is not necessarily the same, but may differ depending on the direction of rotation, or may include differences in the rotation angle caused by differences in the dimensions of each part.

[0021] The above-described power generating device can be used for switching by a human, for recognizing the placement or removal of luggage or chairs in containers, etc., and as a warning device for vehicle entrance.

[0022] In the present invention, the torque (N·m) imparted to or accumulated in the first winding portion or second winding portion of the torsion coil spring, or the elasticity imparting means, will be referred to as "elastic energy" (mJ) as necessary.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention includes a seesaw type switch that swings around an axis and whose ends can move up and down alternately.

[0024] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to only the following examples. [Example]

[0025] Hereinafter, a power generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 14. As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the power generating device 1 includes at least a power generating mechanism 12 and a switch 9. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the power generating mechanism 12 is formed of at least a first moving part 2a, a second moving part 3a, a torsion coil spring 4, a generator 5, and a housing 6. At least the first moving part 2a, the second moving part 3a, the torsion coil spring 4, and the generator 5 are housed inside the housing 6.

[0026] 3 to 4 and 5 to 11, the first movable part 2a is a gear having a plurality of teeth formed on at least a portion of the outer periphery, and is supported rotatably around a first central shaft 2b. Both ends of the first central shaft 2b are supported inside the housing 6.

[0027] 5 to 11, the second movable part 3a is a gear having teeth formed on at least a portion of its outer periphery, and is rotatably supported around the second central shaft 3b. The other end of the second central shaft 3b (i.e., the end opposite to the end on which the second movable part 3a is supported) passes through a hole in the housing 6 and protrudes to the outside of the housing 6, and is directly or indirectly connected to the switch 9 as shown in FIG.

[0028] In this embodiment, the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are both involute teeth. Using an involute tooth profile ensures proper meshing even if the center distance between the gears (the linear distance between the center of the first central shaft 2b and the center of the second central shaft 3b) changes slightly, and is easy to manufacture and causes little slippage, making it preferable. It is also possible to form the teeth of 2a or 3a into a cycloid tooth profile instead of an involute tooth profile.

[0029] 2 to 4, the torsion coil spring 4 is a spring having at least two winding portions, a first winding portion and a second winding portion. The power generation mechanism 12 is provided with two torsion coil springs (first torsion coil spring 4a and second torsion coil spring 4b) in which the first winding portion and the second winding portion are formed separately.

[0030] 3 and 4, the winding portion (first winding portion) of the first torsion coil spring 4a is wound around the first central shaft 2b, and the first end of the first winding portion is the free end 4a1. On the other hand, the second end 4a2 is connected to either the first movable part 2a or the first central shaft 2b, and in this embodiment, it is connected to the first movable part 2a. When viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3, the first winding portion is wound clockwise in the direction toward the second end 4a2 connected to the first movable part 2a.

[0031] Furthermore, the free end 4a1 of the first winding portion is in contact with the side surface of the partition plate 6a that constitutes the housing 6. Due to this contact and the winding shape of the first winding portion, initial elastic energy i.e., 1 (mJ) is imparted to the first winding portion (i.e., the first torsion coil spring 4a) in a state where no force is transmitted from outside the power generation mechanism 12.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the winding portion (second winding portion) of the second torsion coil spring 4b is wound around the first central shaft 2b in the opposite direction to the first winding portion, and the first end of the second winding portion is the free end 4b1. The second end 4b2 is connected to either the first movable part 2a or the first central shaft 2b, and in this embodiment, it is connected to the first movable part 2a. When viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, the second winding portion is wound clockwise toward the free end 4b1. Therefore, when viewed facing each other, the first winding portion and the second winding portion are wound in opposite directions. Note that arrows A in FIGS. 3 and 4 point in the same direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the free end 4b1 of the second winding portion is in contact with the side surface of the partition plate 6a that constitutes the housing 6. Due to this contact and the winding shape of the second winding portion, initial elastic energy i.e., 2 (mJ) is imparted to the second winding portion (i.e., the second torsion coil spring 4b) in a state where no force is transmitted from outside the power generation mechanism 12.

[0034] The absolute value of ie2 is set equal to the absolute value of ie1. With the absolute values ​​of ie2 and ie1 balanced, the first moving part is stationary and held in its initial state.

[0035] 2, 7, 8, 12, and 13, one elasticity imparting means 11 is wound around the second central shaft 3b. The elasticity imparting means 11 is a torsion coil spring having a wound portion 11c (see FIG. 14) wound around the second central shaft 3b, and in FIGS. 7, 8, 12, and 13, it is wound clockwise around the second central shaft 3b as it approaches the second movable part 3a.

[0036] The elasticity imparting means 11 has two ends (11a, 11b) as shown in Figure 14. The first end 11a is fixedly connected to the partition plate 6a that constitutes the housing 6 (see Figure 2). On the other hand, the second end 11b is fixedly connected to a fastening hole 13 in the second movable part 3a. The fastening hole 13 is provided in the bottom surface of a recess 14 provided in the side surface of the second movable part 3a.

[0037] The first end 11a is always fixed to the partition plate 6a, and due to the winding shape of the wound portion 11c wound around the second central axis 3b, initial elastic energy i.e., 31 (mJ) is imparted to the elasticity imparting means 11 in a state where no force is transmitted from the switch 9 to the second central axis 3b.

[0038] Therefore, the first end 11a and the stop hole 13 are rotated by ie31 with the second end 11b fixed to the partition plate 6a as a fulcrum, and in Figures 7 and 8, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the second movable part 3a by ie31.

[0039] The second end 11b of the elasticity imparting means 11 may be fixed anywhere in the housing 6, but in order to impart a counterclockwise rotational force to the second movable part 3a by ie31, it is desirable to pull the end of the torsion coil spring to the right side from the lower peripheral edge of the winding part of the elasticity imparting means 11 in Figures 7 and 8 and fix it to a part of the housing 6 (partition plate 6a in this embodiment) not shown that is located on the right side of the figure.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, the axial direction of the first central shaft 2b and the axial direction of the shaft 5a of the generator 5 are configured to be parallel to each other, and a spur gear 7 is journaled on the first central shaft 2b on the side opposite to the side on which the first moving part 2a is journaled. Meanwhile, a spur gear 8 is journaled on the end of the shaft 5a. Thus, the first central shaft 2b and the shaft 5a of the generator 5 are connected by the two spur gears 7 and 8. Note that Fig. 2 does not show the tooth profiles of the first moving part 2a, the second moving part 3a, the spur gear 7, and the spur gear 8.

[0041] The generator 5 is a motor including at least a coil and a magnet, and is of a type in which either the coil or the magnet rotates as the shaft 5a rotates.

[0042] 2, the housing 6 is a component having an internal space, and a partition plate 6a for fixing the generator 5 is provided in the internal space. This partition plate 6a is also a component of the housing 6. Hereinafter, the housing 6 will be referred to as including the partition plate 6a as necessary.

[0043] The materials for the first movable part 2a, the second movable part 3a, and the spur gears 7 and 8 can be selected arbitrarily, and may be, for example, plastic, resin that can slide without lubrication, stainless steel, steel, or the like.

[0044] The switch 9 is a component whose axis is supported at both ends by two fixed components (10, 10) described below. It is a seesaw-type switch that swings around the axis as a fulcrum, rotating clockwise and counterclockwise with each swing, with both ends moving up and down. The axis of the switch 9 is the second central axis 3b or an axis connected to the second central axis 3b. The switch 9 comes into contact with vehicle wheels, people's feet, luggage, and chairs. Therefore, in order to absorb the impact when a vehicle, person, luggage, chair, etc. runs over the switch 9 or when a vehicle or person passes by, it is preferable that the switch 9 be made of rubber that is elastic and capable of shrinking and deforming.

[0045] The fixed part 10 is a rubber platform, and two fixed parts (10, 10) support the shaft of one switch 9 at both ends. The fixed part 10 is a step part that comes into contact with vehicle wheels, human feet, or luggage or chairs. Therefore, it is preferable that the fixed part 10 be made of rubber that is contractible and elastic, in order to absorb the impact when a vehicle, human, luggage, chair, etc., drives onto the switch 9 or when a vehicle or human passes by. Furthermore, the fixed part 10 has two slopes at the front and rear to smoothly transition contact when driving onto or passing by, and is provided with two bolt fastening portions 10a for fixing to a mounting surface such as a road surface with bolts. Furthermore, the surface of the fixed part 10 may be provided with unevenness to prevent wheels, feet, etc., from slipping when driving onto or passing by.

[0046] The housing 6 is also preferably made of rubber like the fixed part 10, and is provided with two bolt fastening parts 6c at the front and rear for fastening to an installation surface such as a road surface with bolts.

[0047] Next, we will explain the operation of the power generation device 1 of this embodiment. When a force such as human power from outside the power generation mechanism 12 or a pressing force from an object to generate power for each use is applied to the seesaw-type switch 9, the switch 9 moves (oscillates) by coming into contact with the switch 9, and the movement (oscillation) of the switch 9 rotates the second central shaft 3b.

[0048] As the second central shaft 3b rotates, a force is transmitted from the outside of the power generation mechanism 12 to the second movable part 3a via the second central shaft 3b, and the second movable part 3a rotates and moves by a certain amount in this embodiment (approximately 19° to 20° clockwise in FIGS. 5 and 6). Therefore, the second movable part 3a functions as a switch part within the power generation mechanism 12 and is a part that moves due to a switching operation.

[0049] Before the rotation of the second movable part 3a is transmitted to the first movable part 2a, the first movable part 2a is held in a position where ie2 and ie1 are balanced. Next, when the second movable part 3a rotates, the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a mesh together, and interlocking begins.

[0050] While the force continues to be transmitted to the second movable part 3a and the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are engaged with each other, the first movable part 2a continues to rotate and the rotation of the second movable part 3a is transmitted to the first movable part 2a. Therefore, the first movable part 2a is rotated by a certain amount (in the case of this embodiment, this is a counterclockwise rotation of approximately 120° to 121° in FIGS. 5 and 6) until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are disengaged from each other.

[0051] As the first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount, the first central shaft 2b and the first winding portion also rotate a certain amount in conjunction with the first movable part 2a. However, the free end 4a1 of the first winding portion is initially in contact with the side surface of the housing 6, and is therefore stopped from moving. Meanwhile, the other end of the first winding portion is connected to the first movable part 2a, and therefore rotates in conjunction with the certain amount of rotation of the first movable part 2a. As a result, the first winding portion is twisted, and elastic energy i.e., 12 (mJ) is accumulated in the first winding portion due to the torsion caused by the meshing of the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a.

[0052] The torsion of the first winding portion is maintained while the force continues to be transmitted to the second movable part 3a and the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are engaged with each other. Therefore, the elastic energy i.e.12 of the first winding portion reaches its maximum just before the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a disengage from each other. In this embodiment, the elastic energy i.e.12 reaches its maximum when the first movable part 2a and the first central shaft 2b rotate approximately 120° to 121°.

[0053] Furthermore, as the second movable part 3a rotates by a certain amount, the second end 11b of the elasticity imparting means 11 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the second movable part 3a as shown in Figure 14, as indicated by the downward arrow in Figure 14. On the other hand, the first end 11a does not move because it is fixed to the partition plate 6a.

[0054] After the first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount, the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a disengage from each other, as shown in FIG. 6. This releases the deformation caused by the twisting of the first winding part, releasing the deformation of the first winding part. The first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount in the reverse direction by ie12, with the free end 4a1 of the first winding part, which had been stopped by contact with the side surface of the housing 6, as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, this is a clockwise rotation of approximately 120° to 121° (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In other words, ie12 is converted into a certain amount of reverse rotation of the first movable part 2a.

[0055] As the first movable part 2a rotates in the reverse direction by a certain amount, the first central shaft 2b also rotates in the reverse direction by a certain amount, and the spur gear 7 rotates in conjunction with it, and further, the shaft 5a is rotated by a certain amount and at a certain speed via the spur gear 8.

[0056] Note that the "certain amount" of rotation of the first movable part 2a and the first central shaft 2b and the "certain amount" of rotation of the shaft 5a of the generator 5 differ depending on the gear ratio of the spur gears 7 and 8. By rotating the shaft 5a by a certain amount and at a certain speed, electricity is generated inside the generator 5, and power is generated. In other words, the rotation of the first central shaft 2b is transmitted to the generator 5, causing the shaft 5a of the generator 5 to rotate, and power is generated in the generator 5, thereby generating power.

[0057] This power can activate a wireless communication device such as infrared light (not shown) that is separately provided as a resin part 6b that can be fitted into the housing 6 depending on the application of the power generation device 1. When the wireless communication device is activated, a wireless signal is transmitted, making it possible to notify, for example, the entry or passage of a vehicle or person, or the placement or removal of a chair or luggage. Note that a separate sheet or the like may be draped over the power generation device 1 to prevent dust.

[0058] The amount of rotation and speed of the shaft 5a vary depending on the maximum value of the amount of rotation of the first moving part 2a in the reverse direction, i.e., ie12, and the gear ratio of the spur gears 7 and 8. ie12 can be set to any constant amount according to the arc length of the pitch circle where the teeth of the first moving part 2a and the second moving part 3a mesh with each other. Meanwhile, the gear ratio of the spur gears 7 and 8 can also be set to any constant amount. Therefore, since the amount of rotation of the shaft 5a can also be set to any constant amount according to the specifications of each power generation mechanism 12, the amount of power generated by the generator 5 can also be set to a constant value regardless of the speed of the external force transmitted to the second moving part 3a.

[0059] After the first movable part 2a rotates in the opposite direction a certain amount, the elastic energy i.e.12 is attenuated. At the same time, as the first central shaft 2b rotates in the opposite direction, the free end 4b1 of the second winding portion also moves with that rotation, and the free end 4b1 of the second winding portion comes into contact with the side surface of the housing 6, stopping the movement of the free end 4b1. Due to the contact of the free end 4b1 with the housing 6 and the winding shape of the second winding portion of the second torsion coil spring 4b, initial elastic energy i.e.2 is imparted to the second winding portion.

[0060] Meanwhile, the other end of the second winding portion is connected to the first movable part 2a, and therefore rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first movable part 2a in the reverse direction by a certain amount. Therefore, when the movement of the free end 4b1 stops, the second winding portion is twisted, and this twisting causes further elastic energy to start accumulating in the second winding portion.

[0061] However, since the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are no longer meshed with each other at this point, the torsion of the second winding part is not maintained and is immediately released. Therefore, no elastic energy other than ie2 is stored in the second winding part at this point.

[0062] Meanwhile, the first central shaft 2b rotates only by ie1 and ie2, with the free end 4b1 of the second winding portion, which was stopped in contact with the side surface of the housing 6, as a fulcrum, and is held at a rotational position where ie1 and ie2 become equal and balanced. This rotation of the first central shaft 2b returns the first movable part 2a to its initial state (the state before the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a meshed).

[0063] After the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a disengage and rotate a certain distance in the reverse direction, the initial elastic energy i.e., 31 imparted to the elasticity imparting means 11 applies a rotational force to the second movable part 3a in the direction opposite to the rotational direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 7 and 8 ), causing the second movable part 3a to rotate. This reverse rotation also rotates the second central shaft 3b in the reverse direction, causing the switch 9 to rotate in the reverse direction by the same angle. This reverse rotation of the switch 9 positions the entire switch 9 more horizontally, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch 9 (the protrusion height of the left end of the switch 9 in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Reducing the protrusion height also reduces the amount of operation of the switch 9 (the amount of rotation associated with the swing of the switch 9), thereby reducing the impact force generated when the switch 9 is pushed toward the fixed part 10. Therefore, the impact force associated with the operation of the switch 9 can be reduced, thereby improving the durability of the power generator 1.

[0064] The initial elastic energy i.e., ie, 31, causes the second movable part 3a to rotate in the reverse direction until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a come into contact with each other, as shown in Figure 8, and the second movable part 3a stops rotating in the reverse direction. By rotating the switch 9 in the reverse direction until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a come into contact with each other, the protruding height of the switch 9 can be reduced to its deepest position, which reduces the amount of operation of the switch 9 and further mitigates the impact force. This makes it possible to further improve the durability of the power generator 1.

[0065] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figures 8 and 9, a force such as human force from outside the power generation mechanism 12 or a pressing force from the power generation target for each use is applied to the switch 9, causing the switch 9 to move (swing), and a certain amount of rotation in the opposite direction to Figures 5 to 7 occurs in the second center axis 3b.

[0066] Due to the rotation of the second central shaft 3b in the reverse direction, a force is transmitted from outside the power generation mechanism 12 to the second movable part 3a via the second central shaft 3b, and the second movable part 3a rotates a certain amount in the reverse direction in this embodiment (approximately 19° to 20° clockwise in FIGS. 9 to 11). When the second movable part 3a rotates, the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a mesh again, and interlocking begins.

[0067] While the force continues to be transmitted to the second movable part 3a and the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are engaged with each other, the first movable part 2a continues to rotate and the rotation of the second movable part 3a is transmitted to the first movable part 2a. Therefore, the first movable part 2a is rotated a certain amount in the reverse direction until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are disengaged from each other (in the case of this embodiment, this is a clockwise rotation of about 120° to 121° in FIGS. 9 to 11).

[0068] As the first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount, the first central shaft 2b and the second winding part also rotate a certain amount in the opposite direction in conjunction with the first movable part 2a. However, the free end 4b1 of the second winding part is stopped because it is in contact with the side surface of the housing 6. Meanwhile, the other end of the second winding part is connected to the first movable part 2a, so it rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first movable part 2a in the opposite direction by a certain amount. As a result, the second winding part is twisted, and elastic energy i.e., 22 (mJ) is accumulated in the second winding part due to the torsion caused by the meshing of the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a.

[0069] The torsion of the second winding portion is maintained while the force continues to be transmitted to the second movable part 3a and the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are engaged with each other. Therefore, the elastic energy i.e.22 of the second winding portion reaches its maximum just before the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are disengaged from each other. In this embodiment, the elastic energy i.e.22 reaches its maximum when the first movable part 2a and the first central shaft 2b have rotated approximately 120° to 121°.

[0070] Furthermore, as the second movable part 3a rotates in the opposite direction by a certain amount, the second end 11b of the elasticity imparting means 11 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the second movable part 3a, as shown in FIG. 14, as indicated by the upward arrow in FIG. 14. The first end 11a, on the other hand, is fixed to the partition plate 6a and does not move. The rotation of the second end 11b in the direction indicated by the upward arrow is opposite to the winding direction of the wound part 11c. Therefore, the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means 11 is twisted, and elastic deformation occurs in the elasticity imparting means 11, causing the wound shape of the wound part 11c to unwind. Elastic energy i.e. 32 resulting from this elastic deformation is stored in the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means 11.

[0071] After the first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount in the reverse direction, the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a disengage from each other, as shown in FIG. 11. This releases the second winding part from its deformation due to torsion, releasing the deformation of the second winding part, and the first movable part 2a rotates a certain amount by ie22, with the free end 4b1 of the second winding part, which had been stopped by contact with the side surface of the housing 6, as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, this is a rotation of approximately 120° to 121° in the counterclockwise direction (see FIGS. 11 and 12). In other words, ie22 is converted into a certain amount of rotation of the first movable part 2a.

[0072] As the first movable part 2a rotates by a fixed amount, the first central shaft 2b also rotates by a fixed amount, and the spur gear 7 rotates in conjunction with it, and further, the shaft 5a is rotated by a fixed amount and at a fixed speed via the spur gear 8. By rotating the shaft 5a by a fixed amount and at a fixed speed, electricity is generated inside the generator 5, and power is generated. In other words, the rotation of the first central shaft 2b is transmitted to the generator 5, causing the shaft 5a of the generator 5 to rotate, and power is generated in the generator 5, thereby generating power.

[0073] After the first movable part 2a has rotated a certain amount, the elastic energy i.e.22 is attenuated. At the same time, as the first central shaft 2b rotates, the free end 4a1 of the first winding portion also moves with that rotation, and the free end 4a1 of the first winding portion comes into contact with the side surface of the housing 6, stopping the movement of the free end 4a1. Due to the contact of the free end 4a1 with the housing 6 and the winding shape of the first winding portion of the first torsion coil spring 4a, initial elastic energy i.e.1 is imparted to the first winding portion.

[0074] Meanwhile, the other end of the first winding portion is connected to the first movable part 2a, and so it rotates in accordance with a certain amount of rotation of the first movable part 2a. Therefore, when the movement of the free end 4a1 stops, the first winding portion is twisted, and this twisting causes further elastic energy to start accumulating in the first winding portion.

[0075] However, since the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a are no longer meshed with each other at this point, the twist of the first winding part is not maintained and is immediately released. Therefore, no elastic energy other than ie1 is stored in the first winding part at this point.

[0076] Meanwhile, the first central shaft 2b rotates only by ie1 and ie2, with the free end 4a1 of the first winding portion, which was stopped in contact with the side surface of the housing 6, as a fulcrum, and is held at a rotational position where ie1 and ie2 become equal and balanced. This rotation of the first central shaft 2b returns the first movable part 2a to its initial state (the state before the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a meshed).

[0077] After the first movable part rotates a certain amount, the elastic energy i.e., 32 stored in the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means 11 further imparts a rotational force in the reverse direction (clockwise in FIGS. 12 and 13 ) to the second movable part 3a, causing the second movable part 3a to rotate. This rotation in the reverse direction also rotates the second central shaft 3b, causing the switch 9 to rotate by the same angle. As the switch 9 rotates, the entire switch 9 is positioned more horizontally, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch 9 (the protrusion height of the right end of the switch 9 in FIGS. 12 and 13 ). Reducing the protrusion height also reduces the amount of operation of the switch 9 (the amount of rotation associated with the swing of the switch 9), thereby reducing the impact force generated when the switch 9 is pushed toward the fixed part 10. Therefore, the impact force associated with the operation of the switch 9 can be reduced, thereby improving the durability of the power generator 1.

[0078] The rotation of the second movable part 3a due to the elastic energy i.e. 32 continues until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a come into contact with each other, as shown in Figure 13, and further rotation in the reverse direction of the second movable part 3a stops. By rotating the switch 9 until the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a come into contact with each other, the protruding height of the switch 9 can be reduced to its deepest position, which reduces the amount of operation of the switch 9 and further mitigates the impact force. This makes it possible to further improve the durability of the power generator 1.

[0079] Furthermore, even in a situation where an external force is applied from both the front and rear directions of the switch 9 as vehicles or people enter or pass through in both directions, it is possible to reduce the protruding height of either the left or right end of the switch 9 using a single elasticity imparting means 11. Therefore, the cost of the power generator can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Note that a situation where an external force is applied from both directions of the switch 9 refers to a situation where an external force is applied to the right end or the left end of the switch 9.

[0080] The teeth of the first movable part 2a and the teeth of the second movable part 3a come into contact with each other, stopping the rotation of the second movable part 3a, and then the contact state between the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part is maintained until a force is applied to the switch 9 from outside the power generation mechanism 12, causing the switch 9 to move and the second movable part 3a to rotate.

[0081] As explained in this embodiment and its modified examples, the "certain amount" of rotation of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a is not necessarily the same. As in this embodiment and its modified examples, the "certain amount" may differ depending on the direction of rotation of each part. Also, differences in the dimensions of each part (2a, 3a) will result in differences in the rotation angle.

[0082] 5 to 13, the torsion coil spring 4 is omitted from the illustration in order to make it easier to see the meshing state of the teeth of the first movable part 2a and the second movable part 3a.

[0083] The maximum moment of the elasticity imparting means 11 in this embodiment was 322 (N·m).

[0084] The generator 5 is not limited to a motor, as long as it includes at least a coil and a magnet and generates electricity. When a motor is used for the generator 5, the gear ratio (ratio of the number of teeth of the spur gear 7 to the number of teeth of the spur gear 8) can be set low if the motor's inertia is low, and high if the motor's inertia is high.

[0085] It should be noted that a one-way clutch may be used in place of the gear of the first movable part 2a or the second movable part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Power generating equipment 2a 1st moving part 2b 1st central axis 3a 2nd moving part 3b 2nd central axis 4 Torsion coil spring 4a First torsion coil spring 4a1 First end of the winding of the first torsion coil spring 4a2 second end of the wound portion of the first torsion coil spring 4b Second torsion coil spring 4b1 First end of the winding portion of the second torsion coil spring 4b2 second end of the winding portion of the second torsion coil spring 5. Generator 5a shaft 6. Housing 6a Partition 6b Resin part 6c, 10a bolted part 7, 8 Spur gear 9 Switch 10 Fixing parts 11 Elasticity imparting means 11a First end of elastic means 11b Second end of elastic means 11c Winding portion of elasticity imparting means 12 Power generation mechanism 13 Blind Hole 14 Recess

Claims

[Claim 1] The power generating device includes at least a power generating mechanism, a switch, and one elasticity imparting means, the power generating mechanism is formed of at least a first movable part, a second movable part, a torsion coil spring, a generator, and a housing; the torsion coil springs are a first torsion coil spring and a second torsion coil spring, a first movable part rotatably supported on a first central shaft, and a second movable part rotatably supported on a second central shaft; a first winding portion that is a winding portion of a first torsion coil spring is wound around a first central shaft, a first end of the first winding portion is a free end, and a second end of the first winding portion is connected to a first movable part; a second winding portion, which is a winding portion of the second torsion coil spring, is wound around the first central shaft in a direction opposite to that of the first winding portion, and a first end of the second winding portion is a free end and a second end is connected to the first movable part; Furthermore, the free end of the first winding portion is in contact with the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the first winding portion impart initial elastic energy ie1 to the first winding portion, a free end of the second winding portion is in contact with the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the second winding portion impart initial elastic energy i.e. to the second winding portion; the switch is a seesaw type that swings around the second central shaft as a fulcrum or swings around a shaft connected to the second central shaft as a fulcrum, rotates clockwise and counterclockwise with each swing, and both left and right ends move up and down; the elasticity imparting means is a torsion coil spring having a wound portion wound around the second central shaft, a first end of the elasticity imparting means is connected to the second movable part, and a second end of the elasticity imparting means is fixed to the housing; Due to the wound shape of the elasticity imparting means, initial elastic energy ie31 is imparted to the elasticity imparting means in a state where force is not transmitted from the switch to the second central shaft, The rotation of the switch rotates the second movable part by a certain amount, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part mesh with each other and interlock, causing the first movable part to rotate by a certain amount; When the first movable part rotates by a certain amount, the first torsion coil spring is twisted, and elastic energy i.e., 12 due to the torsion is stored in the first torsion coil spring. After the first movable part rotates a certain amount, the teeth of the first movable part and the second movable part disengage from each other, and the elastic energy ie12 rotates the first movable part a certain amount in the opposite direction, causing the first central shaft to rotate, and the rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the shaft of the generator, causing the generator to generate electricity, and By rotating the first movable part in the opposite direction by a certain amount, the free end of the second winding contacts the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the second winding imparts initial elastic energy i.e. to the second winding; The first central axis is rotated by the initial elastic energy ie1 and the initial elastic energy ie2, After the first moving part has rotated a certain amount, the second moving part is rotated in the opposite direction to the certain amount of rotation caused by the rotation of the switch by the initial elastic energy ie31, The rotation of the second movable part in the reverse direction causes the second central shaft to rotate in the reverse direction, and the switch to rotate in the reverse direction by the same angle, reducing the upward protrusion height of the switch, and causing the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part to come into contact with each other, stopping the rotation of the second movable part in the reverse direction. The rotation of the switch in the reverse direction rotates the second movable part a certain amount in the reverse direction, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part mesh and interlock, rotating the first movable part a certain amount in the reverse direction, and the rotation of the second movable part in the reverse direction by a certain amount twists the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means, causing elastic deformation of the wound portion, and elastic energy i.e.32 due to this elastic deformation is stored in the torsion coil spring of the elasticity imparting means, When the first movable part rotates in the opposite direction by a certain amount, the second torsion coil spring is twisted, and elastic energy i.e.22 due to the torsion is stored in the second torsion coil spring. After the first movable part rotates a certain amount in the opposite direction, the teeth of the first movable part and the second movable part disengage from each other, and the elastic energy ie22 rotates the first movable part a certain amount, causing the first central shaft to rotate, and the rotation of the first central shaft is transmitted to rotate the shaft of the generator, causing the generator to generate electricity, and a certain amount of rotation of the first movable part causes the free end of the first winding to contact the housing, and this contact and the winding shape of the first winding impart an initial elastic energy i.e. to the first winding; The first central axis is rotated by the initial elastic energy ie1 and the initial elastic energy ie2, After the first movable part has rotated a certain amount, the elastic energy ie32 causes the second movable part to rotate further in the opposite direction, and the second central shaft also rotates, and the switch also rotates by the same angle, reducing the upward protruding height of the switch, and the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part come into contact with each other, stopping the second movable part from further rotating in the opposite direction. The power generating device maintains contact between the teeth of the first movable part and the teeth of the second movable part until a force is applied from outside the power generating mechanism to operate the switch and rotate the second movable part.

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