Multifunctional device

Abstract

To provide a multi-functional device that can suppress malfunctions caused by the intrusion of liquids, foreign matter, etc. [Solution] The multifunctional device 1 is generally configured to include: an electromotive force unit having at least one electromotive force element that converts light energy into electrical energy and outputs a first power P1; a rechargeable battery unit 3 that charges the first power P1 output from the electromotive force unit; at least one electronic device 4 that functions based on a second power P2 output from the rechargeable battery unit 3; a housing 10 that houses at least the rechargeable battery unit 3 and the electronic device 4 and has an electromotive force element arranged on its back surface 101 side; a work area 13 provided on the front surface 100 of the housing 10 where the user performs tasks; and at least one functional area 14 provided on the front surface 100 where the functions of the electronic device 4 are performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technique, a cutting board with illumination having a light source driven by a battery is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this cutting board with illumination, the battery is configured to be removable from a battery outlet, and the light source supported by an arm is configured to be removable from an arm outlet. Covers are attached to the battery outlet and the arm outlet, respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In such a conventional cutting board with illumination, even if a cover is attached, there is a possibility that liquids, foreign substances, etc. may enter and cause problems in electronic devices such as the light source. <​​​​​​​​One aspect of the present invention provides a multifunctional device comprising: an electromotive force unit having at least one electromotive force element that converts light energy into electrical energy and outputs a first power; a rechargeable battery unit that charges the first power output from the electromotive force unit; at least one electronic device that functions based on a second power output from the rechargeable battery unit; a housing that houses at least the rechargeable battery unit and the electronic device and has an electromotive force element arranged on its back side; a work area provided on the surface of the housing where a user performs tasks; and at least one functional area provided on the surface where the functions of the electronic device are performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, malfunctions caused by the intrusion of liquids, foreign matter, etc., can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a top view showing an example of a multifunctional device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a multifunctional device. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cross section cut along line AA in Figure 1(a) when the multifunctional device according to the first embodiment is placed on a flat surface, viewed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 2(b) is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cross section cut along line AA in Figure 1(a) when the multifunctional device is standing upright, viewed from the direction of the arrow. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is an enlarged view of an example of a connection section of a multifunctional device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3(b) is an example of a block diagram of the multifunctional device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a cross-sectional view of a multifunctional device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the back surface of a multifunctional device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a top view showing an example of a multifunctional device according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 6(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a multifunctional device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The multifunctional device according to this embodiment is generally configured to include: an electromotive force unit having at least one electromotive force element that converts light energy into electrical energy and outputs a first power; a rechargeable battery unit that charges the first power output from the electromotive force unit; at least one electronic device that functions based on a second power output from the rechargeable battery unit; a housing that houses at least the rechargeable battery unit and the electronic device and has an electromotive force element arranged on its back side; a work area provided on the surface of the housing where the user performs tasks; and at least one functional area provided on the surface where the functions of the electronic device are performed.

[0011] This multi-functional device drives the built-in electronic equipment based on the first power output from the electromotive force unit. Compared to cases where liquids or other foreign substances may enter through a port for using an external power source, this device can suppress the ingress of liquids or foreign substances into the electronic equipment, thereby preventing malfunctions of the electronic equipment caused by these substances.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Overview of Multifunctional Device 1) Figure 1(a) is a top view showing an example of a multifunctional device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a multifunctional device. Figure 2(a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cross section cut along line AA in Figure 1(a) when the multifunctional device according to the first embodiment is placed on a flat surface, viewed from the direction of the arrow, and Figure 2(b) is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cross section cut along line AA in Figure 1(a) when the multifunctional device is standing upright, viewed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 3(a) is an enlarged view of an example of a connection part of the multifunctional device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3(b) is an example of a block diagram of the multifunctional device. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the photovoltaic element 20 being tilted relative to the housing 10. Figure 2(b) also shows an example of the multifunctional device 1 being tilted and propped up.

[0013] In each of the figures according to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between the figures may be different from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in FIG. 3(b), the flow of main signals, information, etc. is indicated by arrows. Hereinafter, the outline of the multifunctional device 1 will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 3(b), the multifunctional device 1 includes a power generation unit having at least one power generation element that converts light energy into electrical energy and outputs the first power P1, a rechargeable battery unit 3 that charges the first power P1 output from the power generation unit, at least one electronic device 4 that functions based on the second power P2 output from the rechargeable battery unit 3, a housing 10 that incorporates at least the rechargeable battery unit 3 and the electronic device 4 and has the power generation element disposed on the back surface 101 side, a work area 13 provided on the front surface 100 of the housing 10 where the user performs work, and at least one function area 14 provided on the front surface 100 where the functions of the electronic device 4 are executed, and is schematically configured.

[0015] The power generation element in this embodiment is a photovoltaic element 20 that converts light energy into electrical energy. Also, the power generation unit is a photovoltaic power generation unit 2. Note that the power generation unit may be configured to convert the microwave received by the antenna element as the power generation element into electrical energy.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the photovoltaic power generation unit 2 has a connection portion 21 that supports the photovoltaic element 20 and makes an electrical connection with the rechargeable battery unit 3. The connection portion 21 is configured to enable the angle of the photovoltaic element 20 with respect to the housing 10 to be changed.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the multifunctional device 1 has a transparent container 11 that houses the photovoltaic element 20 on the back surface 101 side of the housing 10.

[0018] Also, as an example, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the multifunctional device 1 includes a control unit 5 that is electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation unit 2, the rechargeable battery unit 3, and the electronic device 4 and controls them.

[0019] The multifunctional device 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a cutting board for cooking, but is not limited thereto. When the multifunctional device 1 is a cutting board for cooking, cutting of vegetables or the like can be performed in the working area 13, and the weight of the cut vegetables or the like can be measured or the cooking time can be measured in the functional area 14.

[0020] (Configuration of the housing 10) As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the housing 10 is provided with a penetrating opening 15 at the upper part. Therefore, the multifunctional device 1 can be propped up so that the opening 15 faces upward, or can be hung on a hook or the like. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the state where the multifunctional device 1 is propped up so that the opening 15 faces upward. In this state, the photovoltaic element 20 is inclined with respect to the housing 10 so that light 9 can easily enter.

[0021] The housing 10 is formed in a rectangular shape using a resin material such as polycarbonate, for example. And a housing 11 for housing the photovoltaic element 20 in a housing space 111 is attached to the back surface 101 side of the housing 10. The housing 10 and the housing 11 are integrated by an adhesive 16 as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0022] The surface 100 of this housing 10 is divided into a working area 13 and a functional area 14 as shown in FIG. 1(a). The working area 13 is the area with the largest area and is the area where the user works.

[0023] The functional area 14 is provided adjacent to the working area 13. The functional area 14 of this embodiment is not limited to the first functional area 14a, the second functional area 14b, and the third functional area 14c.

[0024] The first functional area 14a is the area in the upper right side in the plane of FIG. 1(a). In this first functional area 14a, a first electronic device 4a described later is arranged below.​​​The second functional area 14b is the area in the upper center left of the page in Figure 1(a). Below the second functional area 14b, the second electronic device 4b, which will be described later, is located.

[0026] Furthermore, the third functional area 14c is the upper left area in the diagram of Figure 1(a). Below the third functional area 14c, the third electronic device 4c, which will be described later, is located.

[0027] The housing 11 is formed in a box shape using a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate. Light 9 from the outside enters the photovoltaic unit 2 from the surface 110 of the housing 11. The housing space 111 is configured as a space in which the photovoltaic element 20 can change its angle.

[0028] (Configuration of photovoltaic unit 2) The photovoltaic unit 2 includes, for example, three photovoltaic elements 20 as shown in Figure 1(b), but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the photovoltaic unit 2 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit 22 that rectifies the power output from the photovoltaic elements 20 into DC and outputs it as a first power P1, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0029] The photovoltaic element 20 is, for example, an organic solar cell, a silicon solar cell, a compound solar cell, or an organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell. In this embodiment, the photovoltaic element 20 is, as an example, a perovskite solar cell, which is thin, flexible, and lightweight.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2(a) to 3(a), the photovoltaic element 20 is supported by a connection part 21 that is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery unit 3 located in the housing 10.

[0031] As an example, the connection portion 21 includes a support 210 and a rotating body 211, as shown in Figure 3(a). The support 210 and the rotating body 211 are made of a conductive metallic material. In a modified example, the connection portion 21 may include wiring for electrical connection between the photovoltaic element 20 and the rechargeable battery unit 3.

[0032] The support body 210 is attached to the back surface 101 of the housing 10 and rotatably supports the rotating body 211. The rotating body 211 rotates relative to the support body 210 so that the angle of the photovoltaic element 20 relative to the back surface 101 can be changed. The directions of rotation are clockwise (arrow B direction) and counterclockwise (arrow C direction) as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0033] Therefore, the multi-functional device 1 does not need to be connected to an external power supply, and thus does not have ports or other means for connecting to an external power supply.

[0034] (Configuration of rechargeable battery unit 3) As an example, the rechargeable battery unit 3 includes a rechargeable battery 30 and a charge control unit 31, as shown in Figure 3(b). The rechargeable battery 30 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The charge control unit 31 is configured to control the charging of the rechargeable battery 30 based on a first power P1 output from the photovoltaic unit 2, and to output a second power P2 output from the rechargeable battery 30 as power for driving the electronic device 4.

[0035] (Configuration of electronic device 4) The electronic devices 4 in this embodiment are, for example, the first electronic devices 4a to the third electronic devices 4c as shown in Figure 3(b), but are not limited thereto. The first electronic device 4a is located in the housing 10 corresponding to the first functional area 14a shown in Figure 1(a). The second electronic device 4b is located in the housing 10 corresponding to the second functional area 14b. Furthermore, the third electronic device 4c is located in the housing 10 corresponding to the third functional area 14c.

[0036] The first electronic device 4a has, for example, the function of measuring the weight of an object on the first functional area 14a. The first electronic device 4a is configured to include, for example, a mass sensor. As shown in Figure 3(b), the first electronic device 4a generates measurement information S1 indicating the measurement result and outputs it to the control unit 5.

[0037] The second electronic device 4b has a display function that displays, for example, the weight of an object, the current time, elapsed time, charging status, and remaining charge in the second functional area 14b. The second electronic device 4b is configured to include a display device that displays the weight, current time, elapsed time, charging status, and remaining charge in the display area 140 based on the display signal S2 output from the control unit 5.

[0038] The third electronic device 4c has, for example, a function to switch the power of the first electronic device 4a and the second electronic device 4b on and off, a function to receive operations on the first electronic device 4a and the second electronic device 4b, and a function to display the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 30. The third electronic device 4c outputs an operation signal S3 to the control unit 5 according to the received operation. The third electronic device 4c is, for example, an operating device equipped with a plurality of touch buttons 141 that receive touch operations.

[0039] As an alternative modification, the functional area 14 may be equipped with an electronic device 4 that has the function of applying heat to the corresponding functional area 14 to defrost the frozen object. Another alternative modification is that the functional area 14 may be equipped with an electronic device 4 that has the function of displaying cooking videos or the like in the display area 140.

[0040] The first electronic devices 4a to the third electronic devices 4c are powered based on the second power P2 charged in the rechargeable battery 30.

[0041] (Configuration of the control unit 5) The control unit 5 is a microcomputer composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, and semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, the program necessary for the control unit 5 to operate. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area to temporarily store calculation results.

[0042] The control unit 5 controls the first electronic device 4a, the second electronic device 4b, and the rechargeable battery unit 3 based on the operation signal S3 output from the third electronic device 4c.

[0043] (Regarding other variations of work area 13 and functional area 14) The multifunctional device 1 may have functions for use in applications other than cooking, such as electronics work, cutting objects, and model making. If the multifunctional device 1 has functions for electronics work or machine repair, for example, the work area 13 may be used for tasks such as soldering the workpiece, cutting parts, and disassembling machines. In the functional area 14, for example, electronic equipment 4 may be arranged that has functions such as displaying circuit diagrams and repair methods, and functions that make it easier to remove adhesive from devices by heating.

[0044] Furthermore, the multi-functional device 1 may also have an electronic device 4 located below the functional area 14 that connects to a wireless network and has functions such as using a connected telephone, responding to a connected intercom, and displaying SNS (Social Networking Service), etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the multi-functional device 1 may also include an electronic device 4 equipped with a wireless charging function for wirelessly charging a multi-functional mobile phone or the like, located below the functional area 14.

[0046] (Effects of the first embodiment) The multi-functional device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress malfunctions caused by the ingress of liquids, foreign matter, etc. Specifically, since the multi-functional device 1 drives the built-in electronic equipment 4 based on the first power P1 output from the photovoltaic unit 2, it can suppress the ingress of liquids, foreign matter, etc. into the electronic equipment 4, and thus suppress malfunctions of the electronic equipment 4 caused by these.

[0047] Since the multi-functional device 1 is equipped with a rechargeable battery 30, it can drive the electronic equipment 4 even if the photovoltaic unit 2 does not output sufficient first power P1, compared to a configuration that does not employ this setup.

[0048] In the multi-functional device 1, the angle of the photovoltaic element 20 changes, so compared to the case where it does not change, the amount of incident light can be increased and the amount of power generated can be increased.

[0049] In the multi-functional device 1, the electrical connection between the photovoltaic unit 2 and electronic equipment 4 is made by a connection part 21 that changes the angle of the photovoltaic element 20. Compared to a configuration that does not employ this approach, wiring is not required, and the structure can be simplified.

[0050] Since the photovoltaic element 20 of the multifunctional device 1 is built into the housing 10, compared to when it is exposed, it does not get in the way during work, improving work efficiency and suppressing malfunctions of the photovoltaic element 20.

[0051] Since the photovoltaic unit 2, rechargeable battery unit 3, and electronic equipment 4 are built into the housing 10 of the multi-functional device 1, its water resistance can be enhanced compared to devices with ports for external connections. Furthermore, because the multi-functional device 1 is highly water-resistant, it can be cleaned using a dishwasher or the like.

[0052] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the photovoltaic element is integrated with the back surface of the housing.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of a cross-sectional view of a multifunctional device according to the second embodiment. This cross-sectional view is a part of the area corresponding to the cross-section cut along line AA in Figure 1(a). In the embodiments described below, parts having the same function and configuration as the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the photovoltaic element 20 is configured to fit inside the housing 10 when it is parallel to the back surface 101 of the housing 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the multifunctional device 1 has a connection portion 21 provided on the opposing wall 112 of the housing space 111, and the photovoltaic element 20 is supported so as to rotate around the shaft portion 212 of the connection portion 21. When the multifunctional device 1 is propped up, the photovoltaic element 20 rotates around the shaft portion 212 so that a portion of it is located outside the housing 10.

[0056] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the photovoltaic element 20 is configured to fit within the housing space 111, that is, inside the housing 10, when placed on a flat surface with its surface 100 facing upwards.

[0057] (Effects of the second embodiment) In this embodiment, the multi-functional device 1 tilts when it is upright, and when the photovoltaic element 20 is parallel to the back surface 101 of the housing 10, the photovoltaic element 20 is housed in the housing 10. Compared to a configuration that does not employ this arrangement, the photovoltaic element 20 does not get in the way, improving work efficiency and suppressing failure of the photovoltaic element 20.

[0058] Furthermore, since the photovoltaic element 20 is exposed to the outside in the multi-functional device 1, the amount of light incident on the photovoltaic element 20 can be increased compared to when it is covered with a cover or the like, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0059] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that the photovoltaic element is integrated with the back surface of the housing.

[0060] Figure 5 shows an example of the back surface of a multifunctional device according to the third embodiment. In the multifunctional device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the photovoltaic element 20 is arranged on the back surface 101 of the housing 10. In other words, the photovoltaic element 20 is integrated with the back surface 101 and, unlike the above embodiment, is configured so as not to change its angle with respect to the housing 10.

[0061] (Effects of the third embodiment) In this embodiment, the multifunctional device 1 has no cover or anything on top of the photovoltaic element 20, and is exposed to the outside. Compared to cases where this configuration is not adopted, the amount of incident light can be increased, and the power generation efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the multifunctional device 1 can have a larger surface area, which can increase the amount of power generated.

[0062] [Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that light is also incident on the photovoltaic element from the surface side of the housing.

[0063] Figure 6(a) is a top view showing an example of a multifunctional device according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 6(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a multifunctional device.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6(a), the multifunctional device 1 of this embodiment has a work area 13 made of transparent resin, and a photovoltaic element 20 positioned below it is configured to allow light to enter. As shown in Figure 6(b), the multifunctional device 1 is also configured so that the photovoltaic element 20 on the back surface 101 can take in light.

[0065] In this embodiment, the photovoltaic element 20 on the front surface 100 and the photovoltaic element 20 on the back surface 101 are identical. In other words, the multifunctional device 1 is constructed, for example, with the front and back surfaces of the same photovoltaic element 20 exposed, but is not limited to this, and different photovoltaic elements 20 may be arranged on the front surface 100 and the back surface 101. Furthermore, the photovoltaic elements 20 on the front surface 100 and the back surface 101 may have different shapes.

[0066] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, the multifunctional device 1 can generate power not only on the back surface 101 but also on the front surface 100, as the photovoltaic element 20 is exposed on both surfaces. Therefore, compared to the case where the element is placed on only one surface, power can be generated even during operation.

[0067] In another embodiment, the multifunctional device 1 is configured to include a drive unit that drives the photovoltaic element 20 so that the angle of the photovoltaic element 20 relative to the housing 10 changes according to the orientation of the housing 10. This multifunctional device 1 may further include a sensor that measures the amount of light and be configured to drive the photovoltaic element 20 so that the amount of light is maximized.

[0068] This drive unit is, for example, a motor, which is attached to the rotating body 211 of the connection part 21 and rotates the photovoltaic element 20.

[0069] According to the multifunctional device 1 of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress malfunctions caused by the intrusion of liquids, foreign matter, etc.

[0070] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Moreover, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1…Multifunctional device, 2…Photovoltaic unit, 3…Rechargeable battery unit, 4…Electronic equipment, 4a~4c…First electronic equipment to third electronic equipment, 5…Control unit, 9…Light, 10…Housing, 11…Housing, 13…Work area, 14…Functional area, 14a~14c…First functional area to third functional area, 15…Opening, 16…Adhesive, 20…Photovoltaic element, 21…Connection part, 22…Rectifier circuit, 30…Rechargeable battery, 31…Charging control unit, 100…Front surface, 101…Back surface, 110…Front surface, 111…Housing space, 112…Wall, 140…Display area, 141…Touch button, 210…Support, 211…Rotating body, 212…Shaft

Claims

1. An electromotive force unit having at least one electromotive force element that converts light energy into electrical energy and outputs a first power, A rechargeable battery unit that charges the first power output from the electromotive force unit, At least one electronic device that functions based on a second power output from the rechargeable battery unit, A housing that incorporates at least the rechargeable battery unit and the electronic equipment, and has the electromotive force element arranged on its back side, A work area is provided on the surface of the aforementioned housing, where the user performs tasks, The surface is provided with at least one functional area on which the functions of the electronic device are performed, A multi-functional device equipped with [unspecified features].

2. The electromotive force unit has a connection portion that supports the electromotive force element and makes an electrical connection with the rechargeable battery unit. The multifunctional device according to claim 1.

3. The connection portion allows for changing the angle of the electromotive force element relative to the housing. The multifunctional device according to claim 2.

4. When the electromotive force element is parallel to the back surface of the housing, it fits inside the housing. The multifunctional device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The housing has a transparent housing on the back side for housing the electromotive force element, The multifunctional device according to claim 2 or 3.

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