Remote controller mounting structure and vibration power generation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a mounting structure for a remote controller that can control the ON / OFF state of house lighting, etc., using electricity generated by a vibration power generation device, without requiring buttons to be placed on walls or other surfaces, and also provides a vibration power generation device. [Solution] The remote controller mounting structure is such that the remote controller 1, which includes a vibration power generation device 2 that generates electricity through vibration, and a signal output unit 3 that outputs a control radio signal to a controller 8 (relay device) that controls the lighting device 7 when power is supplied from the vibration power generation device 2, is mounted on the indoor wall 50 of the building.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an attachment structure of a remote controller for controlling devices such as lighting devices and a vibration power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vibration power generation device that can generate high power by utilizing the vibration of a soundproof wall. Patent Document 2 discloses a vibration power generation device that can effectively utilize electrical energy generated by a piezoelectric element. Patent Document 3 discloses a vibration power generation device having a wide power generation frequency band in order to efficiently convert vibration energy existing in a wide frequency band in the natural environment into electrical energy. This vibration power generation device has a structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric bodies are arranged on a metal elastic plate. Patent Document 4 discloses a battery-free remote control device. This battery-free remote control device is equipped with a generator that generates power by receiving the input of mechanical energy by the pushing operation of an operation button, and uses the power generated by this generator as transmission power. In addition, such a battery-free remote control device is also used as a button device for lighting ON / OFF attached to an indoor wall in addition to a toilet seat device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 do not disclose any use of power generated by a vibration power generation device as the driving power for a controller that controls the ON / OFF status of lighting devices in a house. Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 4 and the above-mentioned lighting ON / OFF button device require button operation at the installation location, and in particular, lighting ON / OFF button devices installed on indoor walls have the disadvantage of being difficult to operate for people of short stature, for example.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, this invention aims to provide a mounting structure for a remote controller and a vibration power generation device that can control the ON / OFF of house lighting, etc., using power generated by a vibration power generation device, without having to place buttons on the walls of a corridor or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mounting structure for the remote controller according to this invention is characterized in that the remote controller, which includes a vibration power generation device that generates electricity by vibration and a signal output unit that outputs a control radio signal for directly controlling the equipment or a control radio signal for a controller that controls the equipment when power is supplied from the vibration power generation device, is mounted on the interior wall of a building.

[0007] With the above configuration, the vibration power generator is vibrated by striking the indoor wall of the building, and the power generated by this vibration power generator is supplied to the signal output unit. The signal output unit then outputs the control radio signal, which controls the target device. In other words, without placing buttons on the indoor wall, it is possible to control the ON / OFF of lights in the house using the power generated by the vibration power generator.

[0008] The vibration power generation device and the signal output unit may be provided as an integrated unit. This eliminates the need to separately install the vibration power generation device and the signal output unit.

[0009] The above-mentioned vibration power generation device supports one end of the flat piezoelectric element power generation section in a cantilevered manner, and the piezoelectric element power generation section may face the indoor wall when the vibration power generation device is installed. This makes the flat piezoelectric element power generation section more susceptible to vibrations generated in the indoor wall, thereby improving the efficiency of power generation due to vibrations in the indoor wall.

[0010] The vibration power generation device may include at least two piezoelectric element power generation units, each having a different length from one end to the other. This allows for a certain level of power generation efficiency (response magnification) even when the natural frequency of the indoor wall is unknown, by combining two or more piezoelectric element power generation units of different lengths. In other words, this vibration power generation device can have a wide power generation frequency band, and can generate electricity from the vibration of the indoor wall without having to go to the site to investigate the natural frequency of the mounting surface.

[0011] The above remote controller may be mounted on the inner side of the indoor wall. This eliminates the need for conventional switches that are visible on walls, ceilings, floors, etc., thereby improving the design of the walls and other surfaces.

[0012] In the above mounting structure, a cushioning material may be provided between the board constituting the interior wall and the wall substrate supporting the board. This allows the interior wall of the building to be easily vibrated when it is struck.

[0013] Furthermore, the vibration power generation device of this invention is a vibration power generation device that generates electricity by vibration, wherein one end of a flat piezoelectric element power generation section is cantilevered, and the piezoelectric element power generation section is configured to face the mounting surface when the vibration power generation device is installed, and is characterized by comprising at least two piezoelectric element power generation sections, each having a different length from one end to the other.

[0014] With this configuration, even if the natural frequency of the mounting surface to which the vibration power generation device is attached is unknown, it is possible to achieve a certain level of power generation efficiency (response magnification) through the combination of at least two piezoelectric element power generation sections of different lengths. In other words, this vibration power generation device can have a wide power generation frequency band, and it is generally possible to generate electricity from the vibration of the mounting surface without having to go to the site to investigate the natural frequency of the mounting surface.

[0015] The above vibration power generation device includes a substantially U-shaped support base having opposing surfaces that face each other and a connecting portion that connects these opposing surfaces and is attached to the mounting surface, and two piezoelectric element power generation units of different lengths may be cantilevered at the ends of each of the opposing surfaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] With the mounting structure of the remote controller of the present invention, it is possible to control the ON / OFF of house lights, etc., using power generated by a vibration power generation device, without having to place buttons on a wall or the like. Furthermore, the vibration power generation device of the present invention has the advantage of being able to provide a wide power generation frequency band. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a vibration power generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting structure of the remote controller of the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting structure of the remote controller of the embodiment and the object controlled by this remote controller. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an embodiment, and includes an explanatory diagram showing a horizontal cross-sectional view of an indoor wall and a schematic perspective view of an indoor wall from the front. [Figure 5]FIG. (A) and FIG. (B) are diagrams showing embodiments, and are explanatory diagrams showing that a certain power generation efficiency (response magnification) can be achieved by two piezoelectric element power generation units having different natural frequencies. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a control target by a remote controller. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a control target by a remote controller.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the remote controller 1 includes a vibration power generation device 2 and a signal output unit 3, and is attached to the inner surface side of the building inner wall 5 by a fixing member 51 inserted, for example, from the outer surface side of the building inner wall 5. Note that the remote controller 1 may be attached not only to the inner surface side of the building inner wall 5 but also to the outer surface side of the building inner wall 5.

[0019] The vibration power generation device 2 is a device that generates electricity by vibration. In this embodiment, one end side of two flat piezoelectric element power generation units 21 is supported in a cantilever manner, and in the attached state of the vibration power generation device 2, each piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 faces the inner surface of the building inner wall 5 which is the mounting surface. Further, the vibration power generation device 2 includes a power supply circuit 22 that rectifies an alternating current generated by vibration in the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 and supplies power.

[0020] The two piezoelectric element power generation units 21 each have a structure in which an element portion 21a is sandwiched between two metal plates 21b. The lengths from the above-mentioned cantilever support portions (one end sides) to the other end sides of the two piezoelectric element power generation units 21 are different from each other. Hereinafter, the shorter one is referred to as the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A, and the longer one is referred to as the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B. In this example, the lengths of the element portions 21a of the piezoelectric element power generation units 21A and 21B are the same, and the lengths of the two metal plates 21b are different. Further, each element portion 21a is sandwiched at a position closer to the other end side of the metal plate 21b.

[0021] The width of the element portion 21a may be narrower than the width of the metal plate 21b, or it may be the same width as the metal plate 21b. The thickness of the metal plate 21b is, for example, 0.5 mm or less, and the total thickness including the element portion 21a is, for example, 1 mm or less. The length of the metal plate 21b is selected so that its natural frequency is close to the assumed natural frequency of the indoor wall 5. In the piezoelectric element power generation units 21A and 21B, the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B, which has a longer metal plate 21b, will exhibit greater vibration when subjected to vibration.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, when the signal output unit 3 receives power from the vibration power generator 2, it outputs a control radio signal to the relay device 8 (controller) that controls the lighting device 7.

[0023] The relay device 8 receives power from the building's outlet (electrical outlet connection point) and controls the ON / OFF state of the power supply to the lighting device 7 by electromagnetically operating the relay. The relay device 8 also has an antenna 81, and when the antenna 81 receives the control radio wave signal from the signal output unit 3, it performs a switch operation using the relay. The control radio wave signal uses, for example, radio waves in the frequency band used for keyless entry systems.

[0024] In this embodiment, the remote controller 1 has a structure in which the vibration power generation device 2 and the signal output unit 3 are integrated. The vibration power generation device 2 includes a roughly U-shaped support base 4 having opposing opposing surfaces 41, 41 and a connecting part 42 that connects these opposing surfaces 41, 41 and is attached to the indoor wall 5 which is the mounting surface. Each of the opposing surfaces 41, 41 has a lip portion, and by screwing bolts 43 into screw holes formed in these lip portions, the cantilever support points (one end) of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A and piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B are fixed to the lip portions. The support base 4 is fixed to the gypsum board 50 by screwing the tip of a fixing member 51 into the connecting part 42. The thickness of the gypsum board 50 is, for example, about 15 mm. Also, for example, the height (thickness) of the support base 4 is about 15 mm, and the overall thickness of the remote controller 1 is about 20 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, the bolts 43 are inserted through the substrate 44 on which the circuit section and signal output section 3 of the vibration power generation device 2 are mounted, thereby integrating the entire vibration power generation device 2 and the signal output section 3 on the support base 4. In addition, spacers 45 are inserted between the two metal plates 21b, 21b at the cantilever support points (one end) of the piezoelectric element power generation section 21A and the piezoelectric element power generation section 21B. These spacers 45 maintain the parallelism of the metal plates 21b, 21b, allowing the piezoelectric element power generation sections 21A and 21B to vibrate smoothly.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the interior wall 5 of the building has a partition structure in which gypsum board 50 is screwed to a wall base consisting of vertical and horizontal battens, for example. In this partition structure of the interior wall 5, one remote controller 1 is attached to one section of gypsum board 50 whose four sides are fixed with columns or battens. A buffer material 55 may be provided along the wall base between the gypsum board 50 that constitutes the interior wall 5 and the wall base that supports the gypsum board 50. The buffer material 55 is, for example, a thin rubber sheet about 1 mm to 3 mm thick formed in the shape of a rectangular frame on the wall base.

[0027] With the mounting structure of the remote controller 1 as described above, the vibration power generator 2 is vibrated by striking the indoor wall 5 of the building, and the power generated by the vibration power generator 2 is supplied to the signal output unit 3. Then, the signal output unit 3, which receives this power, outputs a control radio signal, which can control the target equipment (lighting device 7, etc.). In other words, without placing buttons on the wall or elsewhere, the ON / OFF of the lights in the house can be controlled using the power generated by the vibration power generator 2.

[0028] If the vibration power generation device 2 and the signal output unit 3 are provided as an integrated unit, the labor involved in separately installing the vibration power generation device 2 and the signal output unit 3 can be eliminated.

[0029] One end of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 is cantilevered, and when the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 faces the mounting surface (indoor wall 5) in the installed state of the vibration power generation device 2, the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 becomes more susceptible to vibration in response to vibrations generated on the mounting surface, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21.

[0030] The length of the metal plate 21b is selected, for example, so that its natural frequency is close to the assumed natural frequency of the indoor wall 5. However, the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 varies depending on how the battens are installed in the indoor wall 5 and the arrangement of the screws that fix the gypsum board 50.

[0031] In the mounting structure of the remote controller 1 of this embodiment, the vibration power generation device 2 comprises piezoelectric element power generation section 21A and piezoelectric element power generation section 21B, each having different lengths from the cantilever support point (one end) to the other end, and each having a different natural frequency.

[0032] For example, suppose the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A, which has a short length from one end to the other end of the cantilever support, has a natural frequency of 50 Hz, and the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B, which has a long length from one end to the other end of the cantilever support, has a natural frequency of 35 Hz. Also, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the response magnification is set to "5" when the ratio of the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 to the natural frequency of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 is "1".

[0033] When the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 is 40 Hz, the ratio of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A is 40 Hz / 50 Hz = 0.8, as shown in Figure 5(A), and the response magnification is approximately 3. The ratio of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B is 40 Hz / 35 Hz = 1.4, as shown in Figure 5(B), and the response magnification is approximately 4. It can be expected that vibration power generation can be performed at approximately 7 times the amount of vibration generated when the indoor wall 5 is struck.

[0034] On the other hand, if the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 is 35 Hz, the ratio of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A will be 35 Hz / 50 Hz = 0.7, as shown in Figure 5(A), and the response magnification will be approximately 2.5. The ratio of the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B will be 35 Hz / 35 Hz = 1.0, as shown in Figure 5(B), and the response magnification will be approximately 5. Therefore, it can be expected that vibration power generation can be performed at approximately 7.5 times the amount of vibration generated when the indoor wall 5 is struck.

[0035] Assuming that the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 is 35 Hz, and the natural frequencies of both piezoelectric element power generation units are 50 Hz, the ratio of each piezoelectric element power generation unit 21 would be 35 Hz / 50 Hz = 0.7, resulting in a response magnification of approximately 2.5. This means that vibration power generation can only be achieved at about five times the amount of vibration generated when the indoor wall 5 is struck.

[0036] As described above, the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A and the piezoelectric element power generation unit 21B have different lengths and different natural frequencies. Therefore, even when the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5 is unknown, a certain level of power generation efficiency (response ratio) can be achieved by combining these piezoelectric element power generation units 21A and 21B. In other words, the vibration power generation device 2 can have a wide power generation frequency band, and it is possible to generate electricity from the vibration of the indoor wall 5 without having to go to the site to investigate the natural frequency of the indoor wall 5. On the other hand, since the natural frequency of the indoor wall of a house is within a certain range, for example, 30Hz to 60Hz, it is also acceptable to adopt a specification in which the natural frequencies of all of the piezoelectric element power generation units 21 of the vibration power generation device 2 built into the remote controller 1 are all set to 45Hz.

[0037] When the remote controller 1 is installed on the inner side of the indoor wall 5, it eliminates the need for conventional switches that are visible on walls, ceilings, floors, etc., thereby improving the design of the walls and other surfaces.

[0038] Furthermore, if a buffer material 55 is provided between the gypsum board 50 that constitutes the interior wall 5 and the wall substrate that supports the gypsum board 50, the interior wall 5 of the building can be easily made to vibrate when it is struck.

[0039] Furthermore, in the vibration power generation device 2 of the above embodiment, as described above, one end of the two flat piezoelectric element power generation sections 21A and 21B is cantilevered, and the piezoelectric element power generation sections 21A and 21B are configured to face the mounting surface when the vibration power generation device 2 is installed, and the lengths from one end to the other end are different from each other. With such a vibration power generation device 2, not only is it possible to supply power to the remote controller 1, but even when the natural frequency of the mounting surface to which the vibration power generation device 2 is installed is unknown, it is possible to have a certain level of power generation efficiency (response magnification) by combining two or more piezoelectric element power generation sections 21A and 21B of different lengths. In other words, with this vibration power generation device 2, a wide power generation frequency band can be achieved, and power can be generated by the vibration of the mounting surface without having to go to the site and investigate the natural frequency of the mounting surface. The example vibration power generation device 2 is equipped with two piezoelectric element power generation units 21A and 21B, but is not limited to this. For example, four piezoelectric element power generation units 21 may be arranged in a cross shape, and the lengths from one end to the other end of at least two of these four piezoelectric element power generation units 21 may be different from each other.

[0040] Furthermore, while the example remote controller mounting structure involves the remote controller 1 transmitting a control radio signal to the relay device 8, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the remote controller 1 may transmit a control radio signal to the wireless router 8A. In addition to the lighting device 7, an electric lock 7A may also be connected to the wireless router 8A. The electric lock 7A would be operated by tapping another indoor wall 5 to which another remote controller 1 is mounted. The wireless router 8A may also be controlled, for example, by application software on a pad-shaped electronic device 8B.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above example, the signal output unit 3 of the remote controller 1 output a control radio signal to a controller (relay device 8, wireless router 8A) that controls the equipment (lighting device 7, etc.), but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 7, when the receiver 71 built into the lighting device 7 directly receives the control radio signal from the remote controller 1, the lighting device 7 may be turned ON / OFF by the operation of this receiver 71. In other words, the signal output unit 3 may output a control radio signal that directly controls the lighting device 7, etc.

[0042] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, this invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as this invention, or within the scope of equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1: Remote controller 2: Vibration power generation device 3: Signal output section 4: Support part 5: Indoor walls 7: Lighting equipment 7A: Electric lock 8: Relay device 8A: Wireless router 21: Piezoelectric element power generation unit 21A: Piezoelectric element power generation section 21B: Piezoelectric element power generation unit 21a: Element section 21b: Metal plate 22:Power supply circuit 41: Opposing surface part 42: Connecting part 43: Bolt 44: Circuit board section 45: Spacer 50: Board 51: Fixing member 55: Cushioning material 71: Receiver 81: Antenna

Claims

1. A remote controller mounting structure characterized in that a remote controller comprising a vibration power generation device that generates electricity through vibration, and a signal output unit that outputs a control radio signal for directly controlling equipment or a control radio signal for a controller that controls equipment when power is supplied from the vibration power generation device, is mounted on the interior wall of a building.

2. The mounting structure for a remote controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration power generation device and the signal output unit are provided integrally.

3. The mounting structure for a remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the vibration power generation device is cantilevered to support one end of a flat piezoelectric element power generation section, and the piezoelectric element power generation section faces the indoor wall when the vibration power generation device is mounted.

4. The mounting structure for a remote controller according to claim 3, wherein the vibration power generation device comprises at least two piezoelectric element power generation units, the lengths from one end to the other end being different from each other.

5. The mounting structure for a remote controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the remote controller is mounted on the inner surface side of the indoor wall.

6. The remote controller mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a cushioning material is provided between the board constituting the indoor wall and the wall substrate supporting the board.

7. A vibration power generation device that generates electricity by vibration, wherein one end of a flat piezoelectric element power generation section is cantilevered, and the device is configured such that the piezoelectric element power generation section faces the mounting surface when the vibration power generation device is installed, and the device comprises at least two piezoelectric element power generation sections, each having a different length from one end to the other.

8. A vibration power generation device according to claim 7, comprising a substantially U-shaped support base having opposing surfaces facing each other and a connecting portion that connects these opposing surfaces and is attached to the mounting surface, wherein two piezoelectric element power generation units of different lengths are cantilevered at the end sides of each of the opposing surfaces.

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