Power generation module

Abstract

To provide a power generation module with a configuration that is advantageous for miniaturization and cost reduction. [Solution] The power generation module 100 has one power generation element 1 and one magnet 10. The power generation element includes a magnetic wire 2 that exhibits a large Barkhausen effect, a coil 4 wound around the magnetic wire, and a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5. The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces have a pair of orthogonal parts 51 and a pair of parallel parts 52. The pair of orthogonal parts of the magnetic flux conducting piece have wire arrangement parts 53 to which both ends of the magnetic wire are magnetically coupled and fixed. The magnet is arranged to reciprocate on a track 7 that extends along the axial direction of the power generation element, facing the pair of parallel parts with an air gap 8 in a predetermined air gap direction 8a, and is magnetized in the air gap direction. The power generation element generates a pulse voltage when the center of the magnet moves along the track.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation module including a power generation element utilizing the large Barkhausen effect. [Background Art]

[0002] A power generation module including a power generation element utilizing the large Barkhausen effect is used for energy harvesting, which obtains energy from the motion of humans or machinery and converts the energy into electric power.

[0003] Examples of such a power generation module are described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2018 / 097110 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 7471519 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a structure is adopted in which one axial end of a magnetic member (20) faces a magnet (40), and the moving direction of the magnet (40) is orthogonal to the axial direction of the magnetic member. Such a structure requires a large width in the moving direction of the magnet (40) and a height corresponding to the length of the magnetic member (20) in the axial direction of the magnetic member (20), so miniaturization is difficult.

[0006] In addition, regarding the characteristics thereof, the following problems are pointed out in Patent Document 2.

[0007] "The magnetic flux from the magnet flows into only one end of the magnetic material and does not spread throughout the entire magnetic material. Therefore, magnetization reversal due to the Great Barkhausen effect cannot be generated throughout the magnetic material, resulting in low power generation." (Patent Document 2, paragraph 0005).

[0008] "As in Patent Document 1, in a configuration where the distance between the magnet and the magnetic member is greater than the distance between the north and south poles in the direction of the magnet's displacement, a closed magnetic path is created in which the magnetic flux emitted from the north pole flows to the south pole without passing through the magnetic member, resulting in a problem where the amount of magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic member is small." (Patent Document 2, paragraph 0043).

[0009] Therefore, in order to obtain sufficient magnetic flux, the distance between the north and south poles must be long, which requires a long magnet. However, since the magnetic flux emanates from the ends of the magnet, both ends of the magnet need to be close to the ends of the power generation element, which presents a problem in that power generation cannot be achieved unless the distance the magnet travels is long. From this perspective as well, the structure of Patent Document 1 is difficult to miniaturize.

[0010] In Patent Document 2, induction yokes (3) are provided at both ends of the power generation element (2), and the magnet (1) is displaced relative to these. The magnet (1) is relatively displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the power generation element (2), and two magnets (11, 12) with different polarities are arranged in the direction of this displacement, with their magnetic poles facing the induction yokes (3) at both ends of the power generation element (2). When the opposing magnets (11, 12) change due to displacement, the direction of the magnetic flux in the magnetic core (21) of the power generation element (2) changes. Since the magnets (11, 12) face each other at both ends of the power generation element (2), a sufficient magnetic flux is obtained.

[0011] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, if the distance between the two magnets (11, 12) is short, the magnetic flux becomes a magnetic flux in a direction that short-circuits the two magnets (11, 12), that is, a magnetic flux in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the power generation element (2). Therefore, it is not possible to distribute sufficient magnetic flux to the magnetic core (21) of the power generation element (2). Consequently, the two magnets (11, 12) must be installed with a spacer (15) that is wider than their width in between. This requires a width greater than the width of the power generation element (2) including the magnetic core (21) and coil (22), and the induction yoke (3), making miniaturization difficult.

[0012] In addition, long magnets (11, 12) are required to face the guide yoke section (3), and since two or more magnets (11, 12) are needed, the cost of the magnets becomes high.

[0013] Therefore, one embodiment of this invention provides a power generation module with a configuration advantageous for miniaturization and cost reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] One embodiment of this invention provides a power generation module having one power generation element and one magnet. The power generation element includes a magnetic wire that exhibits the Great Barkhausen effect, a coil wound around the magnetic wire, and a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces that are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry set at the axial center position of the magnetic wire. The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces comprises a pair of orthogonal portions extending parallel to each other in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axial direction from both ends of the magnetic wire, and a pair of parallel portions extending from the tips of the pair of orthogonal portions along the outer shape of the coil in a direction approaching each other in the axial direction, with their nearest ends facing each other spaced apart in the axial direction. The pair of orthogonal portions of the magnetic flux conducting piece have wire arrangement portions consisting of holes or grooves to which both ends of the magnetic wire are magnetically coupled and fixed. The magnet is positioned to reciprocate on a trajectory extending along the axial direction of the power generation element, facing the pair of parallel portions with a gap in a predetermined air gap direction, and is magnetized in the air gap direction. The power generation element generates a positive pulse voltage when the center of the magnet moves along the trajectory from one side of the plane of symmetry to the other side, and generates a negative pulse voltage when the center of the magnet moves along the trajectory from the other side of the plane of symmetry to the one side.

[0015] In this configuration, the magnet can reciprocate along a trajectory (typically a linear, finite-length trajectory) extending along the axial direction of the magnetic wire, thereby causing the coil of the power generation element to generate a pulsed voltage. Therefore, a power generation module with an easily miniaturized structure can be provided. Moreover, a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces magnetically coupled to both ends of the magnetic wire have a pair of axially parallel portions extending axially from the orthoaxial portions coupled to both ends of the magnetic wire, and this pair of axially parallel portions is interposed between the magnetic wire and the magnet's trajectory. As a result, the magnetic flux from the magnet toward the magnetic wire is shielded by the axially parallel portions and conducted to the ends of the magnetic wire through the axially parallel and orthoaxial portions. Consequently, by the movement of the magnet's magnetic poles along the trajectory over a short distance across a plane of symmetry located at the axial center of the magnetic wire, the magnitude of the magnetic flux within the magnetic wire can be uniformly and significantly varied over almost its entire axial length, and the direction of the magnetic flux can be reversed over almost its entire axial length. As a result, the magnetic wire exhibits the Great Barkhausen effect, generating a pulsed voltage at both ends of the coil. Therefore, there is no need to use a long magnet in the axial direction, nor is there a need to move the magnet over a long stroke length in the axial direction. Furthermore, since the magnetization direction of the magnet is in the direction of the air gap, and the structure is such that one polarity of the magnetic pole of a single magnet faces the magnetic flux conducting piece through the air gap, the size of the magnet in the direction of the air gap can also be reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a power generation module that is easy to miniaturize while being able to generate power efficiently. Moreover, since a large magnet is not required and power generation can be achieved by moving only one magnet along the orbit, it is also advantageous for cost reduction.

[0016] In one embodiment of this invention, the power generation module further comprises a rectifier circuit connected to the coil of the power generation element for rectifying the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element. The power generation module further comprises an energy storage unit connected to the rectifier circuit for storing the energy of the pulse voltage.

[0017] This configuration allows the power generated by the power generation element to be rectified by a rectifier circuit and stored in the energy storage unit. The power stored in the energy storage unit can then be used as energy to power other circuits.

[0018] In one embodiment of this invention, the power generation module further comprises a wireless transmitter that operates using energy supplied from the energy storage unit.

[0019] This configuration allows signals to be extracted externally without requiring wiring to connect the power generation module to an external source.

[0020] In one embodiment of this invention, the power generation module further comprises a first support for supporting the magnet, a second support for supporting the power generation element, and an elastic body disposed between the first support and the second support.

[0021] In this configuration, when the magnet moves in one direction along the orbit, elastic deformation occurs in the elastic body, accumulating energy, and when the elastic body returns to its original position, the magnet moves in the other direction. This allows the magnet to reciprocate along the orbit using resonance, enabling efficient power generation. Depending on the application, even more efficient power generation is possible by appropriately setting the mass of the moving object, including the magnet and the first support, and the spring constant of the elastic body, so that the natural frequency approximates the vibration frequency applied to the power generation module. The first support may be a back yoke attached to the magnet on the opposite side from the power generation element.

[0022] In one embodiment of this invention, the movable range of the magnet is contained within the space obtained by projecting the power generation element and the magnetic wire in the direction of the air gap. In other words, the movable range of the magnet is limited to the region obtained by projecting the power generation element and the magnetic wire in the direction of the air gap.

[0023] This configuration allows for the realization of an even smaller power generation module, as the range of motion of the magnet is within the projection area of ​​the power generation element and magnetic wire.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power generation module further includes a soft magnetic back yoke attached to the magnet on a side opposite to the power generation element.

[0025] With this configuration, magnetic flux collection efficiency is improved, so the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire can be increased, and power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the soft magnetic back yoke has a pair of extension portions extending to both axial sides beyond both axial side surfaces of the magnet, and a pair of protrusion portions disposed with an axial interval between the both side surfaces of the magnet and extending from the pair of extension portions toward the power generation element. The pair of protrusion portions may be respectively connected continuously to axial end portions of the pair of extension portions. The pair of protrusion portions may extend toward the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces.

[0027] With this configuration, magnetic flux collection efficiency can be further improved, so the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire can be further increased, and power generation efficiency can be improved. Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, a power generation module having a configuration advantageous for size reduction and cost reduction can be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a structure with a front panel removed to illustrate the internal structure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view as seen in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1, showing the internal structure with the front panel removed. [Figure 3A-3C] FIG. 3A is a perspective view for explaining the positional relationship between a power generation element and a magnet, FIG. 3B is a front view thereof, and FIG. 3C is a side view thereof. [Figure 4A-4C] FIGS. 4A to 4C are magnetic simulation results of magnetic flux with respect to magnet positions when a power generation element and a magnet of a comparative example are combined, showing magnetic flux distribution. [Figure 5A-5C] Figures 5A to 5C show the results of magnetic simulations of the magnetic flux with respect to the magnet position when the power generation element and magnet of the comparative example are combined, and indicate the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire. [Figure 6A-6C] Figures 6A to 6C show the results of magnetic simulations of the magnetic flux with respect to the magnet position in a power generation element with an L-shaped core structure, illustrating the magnetic flux distribution. [Figure 7A-7C] Figures 7A to 7C show the results of magnetic simulations of magnetic flux with respect to magnet position for a power generation element with an L-shaped core structure, and indicate the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire. [Figures 8A-8C] Figures 8A to 8C show the results of magnetic simulations of the magnetic flux with respect to the magnet position when a U-shaped back yoke is provided, illustrating the magnetic flux distribution. [Figures 9A-9C] Figures 9A to 9C show the results of magnetic simulations of the magnetic flux with respect to the magnet position when a U-shaped back yoke is provided, and indicate the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a comparison of magnetic flux density in the magnetic wire with and without a back yoke. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration provided on a printed circuit board. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and usage examples of a power generation module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a magnified view of a portion of the configuration near the power generation module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power generation module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the internal structure with the front panel 45 removed. Figure 2 is a front view seen in the direction of arrow II in Figure 1, showing the internal structure with the front panel 45 removed. Figure 3A is a perspective view illustrating the positional relationship between the power generation element 1 and the magnet 10, Figure 3B is its front view, and Figure 3C is its side view.

[0032] The power generation module 100 has one power generation element 1 and one magnet 10.

[0033] The power generation element 1 comprises a magnetic wire 2 that exhibits a large Barkhausen effect, a coil 4 wound around the magnetic wire 2, and a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5. The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 are L-shaped ferrite cores (L-type ferrite cores).

[0034] The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 have substantially the same shape and size. More specifically, the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 are configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry 6 (a hypothetical plane for explaining the geometric arrangement) set at the center position (hereinafter referred to as the "axis center position") 3 in the axial direction x (length direction, wire length direction) of the magnetic wire 2. The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 have a pair of orthogonal parts 51 and a pair of parallel parts 52. The pair of orthogonal parts 51 extend parallel to each other from both ends of the magnetic wire 2 in the orthogonal direction z, which is perpendicular to the axial direction x. The pair of parallel parts 52 extend from the tips of the pair of orthogonal parts 51 along the outer shape of the coil 4 in a direction approaching each other in the axial direction x, and their nearest ends 52a face each other with a gap in the axial direction x.

[0035] Each pair of orthogonal sections 51 has a wire arrangement section 53 at its base end, to which both ends of the magnetic wire 2 are magnetically coupled and fixed. The wire arrangement section 53 consists of a hole or groove. The hole or groove typically penetrates the orthogonal section 51 along the axial direction x. Figure 1, etc., shows an example in which the wire arrangement section 53 is composed of a groove. Both ends of the magnetic wire 2 are fixed to the orthogonal section 51 in the wire arrangement section 53, with the wires penetrating the orthogonal section 51. More specifically, resin (not shown) is placed in the hole or groove that constitutes the wire arrangement section 53, thereby fixing both ends of the magnetic wire 2 to the orthogonal section 51 and coupling them with each other. As a result, the magnetic wire 2 and the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 are mechanically and magnetically coupled to each other.

[0036] The axial parallel portions 52 of a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 have their nearest ends 52a facing each other across the plane of symmetry 6. That is, their nearest ends 52a face each other with a gap in the axial direction x. The midpoint of this gap in the axial direction x corresponds to the axial direction x position of the axial center position 3, and therefore, the axial distance x from the nearest ends 52a of the pair of axial parallel portions 52 to the plane of symmetry 6 is equal. The axial distance x d of this gap is set to 5% to 50% of the distance D between the pair of orthogonal portions 51 at the coupling position between the magnetic wire 2 and the orthogonal portion 51, and more preferably to 20% to 40%. More specifically, distance D is the axial distance x between the inner surfaces (inner surfaces of the orthogonal portions 51) of the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 that face each other in the axial direction x at the coupling position with the magnetic wire 2.

[0037] The magnet 10 is arranged to reciprocate on a track 7 that extends along the axial direction x of the power generation element 1. The track 7 is a linear track (in this embodiment, a linear track of finite length, i.e., a line segment) that extends along the axial direction x of the power generation element 1, and faces a pair of axial parallel sections 52 with a gap 8 in a predetermined gap direction 8a. The gap direction 8a is the direction in which the axial parallel sections 52 and the track 7 face each other, and in this example, it is parallel to the direction orthogonal to the axis z. The magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is the gap direction 8a. Therefore, one of the two magnetic poles 11, 12 of the magnet 10, the magnetic pole 11 (the N pole in the illustrated example), faces the axial parallel section 52.

[0038] The power generation element 1 generates a positive pulse voltage when the central part 10a of the magnet 10 moves along the orbit 7 from one side to the other on the plane of symmetry 6, and generates a negative pulse voltage when the central part 10a of the magnet 10 moves along the orbit 7 from the other side to the one side on the plane of symmetry 6. The movement of the magnet 10 causes fluctuations in the magnitude and direction of the magnetic flux conducted by the magnetic flux conducting piece 5 and guided to the magnetic wire 2.

[0039] The magnetic wire 2 that exhibits the large Barkhausen effect (large Barkhausen jump) is known as a Wiegand wire or pulsed wire. The magnetic wire 2 comprises a core and a skin surrounding the core. One of the core and skin is a soft magnetic layer where the magnetization direction reverses even with a weak magnetic field, while the other of the core and skin is a hard magnetic layer where the magnetization direction does not reverse unless a strong magnetic field is applied. The power generation element 1 is constructed by winding a coil 4 around such a magnetic wire 2.

[0040] When the hard layer and soft layer are magnetized in the same direction along the wire axis x, if the external magnetic field strength in the opposite direction to the magnetization direction increases and reaches a certain magnetic field strength, the magnetization direction of the soft layer reverses. This reversal of the magnetization direction propagates from a certain point on the magnetic wire 2 to the entire wire, and the magnetization direction of the soft layer reverses simultaneously. At this time, the Great Barkhausen effect occurs, and a pulse voltage is induced in the coil 4 wound around the magnetic wire 2. If the aforementioned external magnetic field strength increases further and reaches a certain magnetic field strength, the magnetization direction of the hard layer reverses.

[0041] In this specification, the magnetic field strength when the magnetization direction of the soft layer is reversed is referred to as the "operating magnetic field," and the magnetic field strength when the magnetization direction of the hard layer is reversed is referred to as the "stabilizing magnetic field."

[0042] In this embodiment, the power generation module 100 includes a printed circuit board 30 on which a power generation element 1 is mounted (more specifically, surface-mounted) on one side. More specifically, the axial parallel portions 52 of a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 are joined to the mounting surface 31, which is one side of the printed circuit board 30. A track 7 is arranged opposite the other side of the printed circuit board 30. Therefore, the printed circuit board 30 is interposed in the air gap 8 between the magnet 10, which is movable on the track 7, and the axial parallel portions 52 of the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5. A processing circuit 60 for processing the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element 1 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 30. Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the processing circuit 60 is mounted on the same side as the power generation element 1, i.e., the mounting surface 31. More specifically, the circuit components constituting the processing circuit 60 are surface-mounted on the same mounting surface 31 as the power generation element 1. In this embodiment, the side of the printed circuit board 30 opposite to the power generation element 1 is a non-mounted surface 32 on which no circuit components are mounted, and therefore exhibits a flat surface.

[0043] In this embodiment, the power generation module 100 includes a case 40. In this embodiment, the case 40 is made of resin. The case 40 is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and contains a housing space 47 for housing the power generation element 1 and the magnet 10. A printed circuit board 30 is also housed in this housing space 47. The printed circuit board 30 is supported by the case 40. The case 40 includes a bottom panel 41 and a top panel 42 that are parallel to each other and arranged opposite each other in the direction z (up and down in Figure 2), a pair of end panels 43 and 44 that are parallel to each other and arranged opposite each other in the direction x (left and right in Figure 2), and a front panel 45 and a rear panel 46 that are parallel to each other and arranged opposite each other in the depth direction (front and back direction) in Figure 2. The front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 are opposite each other in the width direction y that is perpendicular to the axial direction x and the direction z. The bottom panel 41 and the top panel 42 are flat panels perpendicular to the direction z perpendicular to the axis, and therefore parallel to the axial direction x and parallel to the track 7. The pair of end panels 43, 44 are flat panels perpendicular to the axial direction x, and therefore parallel to the direction z perpendicular to the axis and perpendicular to the track 7. The front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 are flat panels perpendicular to the width direction y, and therefore parallel to both the axial direction x and the direction z perpendicular to the axis, and parallel to the track 7.

[0044] In this embodiment, the power generation module 100 includes a soft magnetic back yoke (hereinafter simply referred to as "back yoke") 15. The back yoke 15 and the magnet 10 are fixed (more specifically, bonded) to each other. Specifically, the back yoke 15 is attached to the magnetic pole 12 of the magnet 10 opposite to the magnetic flux conducting piece 5. The back yoke 15 is a plate-like body made of a soft magnetic material (for example, iron), and the magnet 10 is attached to one side of it. The back yoke 15 has a contact portion 16 that contacts one side of the magnet 10, a pair of extensions 17 that extend from the contact portion 16 to both sides in the axial direction x beyond both sides 13, 14 of the magnet 10 in the axial direction x, and a pair of protrusions 18 that project from the pair of extensions 17 toward the power generation element 1. In this embodiment, the contact portion 16 of the back yoke 15 is joined to the magnetic pole 12 of the magnet 10 opposite to the magnetic flux conducting piece 5, and covers the entire surface of this magnetic pole 12. In this embodiment, the width of the back yoke 15 in the width direction y is approximately equal to the width of the magnet 10 in the width direction y. The pair of extensions 17 extend continuously in the axial direction x from both ends of the contact portion 16. The pair of projections 18 are connected to the ends of the pair of extensions 17 in the axial direction x, bending along the direction z perpendicular to the axis, and extending toward the magnetic flux conducting piece 5. As a result, the pair of extensions 17 and the pair of projections 18 form a pair of hook shapes. Thus, the back yoke 15 as a whole is configured in a U shape. The pair of projections 18 and the two sides 13 and 14 of the magnet 10 are separated in the axial direction x and face each other. When the central part 10a of the magnet 10 is located on the plane of symmetry 6, the back yoke 15 has a shape symmetric with respect to the plane of symmetry 6. In other words, the back yoke 15 has a shape symmetric with respect to a plane that passes through the central part 10a of the magnet 10 and is perpendicular to the axial direction x.

[0045] The tip of the protrusion 18 faces the printed circuit board 30. The height of the tip of the protrusion 18 may be the same as the height of the upper surface of the magnet 10 (the surface of the magnetic pole 11 facing the printed circuit board 30). That is, the tip of the protrusion 18 may be located in the same plane as the surface of the magnetic pole 11 of the magnet 10 facing the power generation element 1. A sliding material 19 is placed between the tip of the protrusion 18 and the printed circuit board 30. In this embodiment, the sliding material 19 is fixed to the tip of the protrusion 18 and slides on the non-mounted surface 32 of the printed circuit board 30 on the magnet 10 side. The sliding material 19 is a material with a small coefficient of friction with the non-mounted surface 32 of the printed circuit board 30, and is made of, for example, resin. The protrusion 18 and the sliding material 19 are configured to ensure a gap between the surface of the magnet 10 on the power generation element 1 side and the printed circuit board 30. As a result, the back yoke 15 and the magnet 10 can move along the track 7 without the magnet 10 and the printed circuit board 30 coming into contact.

[0046] The magnet 10 and back yoke 15 face the power generation element 1 across the printed circuit board 30. The magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is in the air gap direction 8a, i.e., the direction in which the magnet 10 faces the power generation element 1, and the magnetic pole surface (in this embodiment, a flat surface) of one of the magnetic poles 11 (e.g., the north pole) of the magnet 10 is directed toward the power generation element 1. The magnet 10 is, for example, a neodymium magnet 10, which generates a strong magnetic force. Due to the magnetic force acting between the magnet 10 and the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 (ferrite cores), the magnet 10 and back yoke 15 are attracted and held toward the surface of the printed circuit board 30 (non-mounted surface 32) via the sliding material 19, against gravity. That is, the sliding material 19 is always held in a state of being pressed against the non-mounted surface 32 of the printed circuit board 30. This restricts the displacement of the magnet 10 in the direction z perpendicular to its axis.

[0047] A gap is maintained between the bottom panel 41 of the case 40 and the back yoke 15, so that the bottom panel 41 does not affect the displacement of the back yoke 15. The inner surfaces of the front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 face each other at a distance slightly wider than the width of the back yoke 15 in the width direction y. Thus, the inner surfaces of the front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 restrict the displacement of the back yoke 15 with respect to the width direction y. Therefore, the front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 act as guides that lead the back yoke 15 and the magnet 10 along the track 7 in the axial direction x.

[0048] The width of the back yoke 15 in the width direction y is equal to the width of the power generation element 1 in the width direction y. In this embodiment, the width of the magnet 10 in the width direction y is also equal to the width of the power generation element 1 in the width direction y. The distance (distance in the width direction y) between the front panel 45 and the rear panel 46 of the case 40 is slightly greater than the width of the back yoke 15 and the magnet 10.

[0049] The protrusions 18 at both ends of the back yoke 15 face the inner surfaces of the pair of end face panels 43 and 44 of the case 40. A pair of springs 21 and 22 are positioned between the pair of protrusions 18 and the pair of end face panels 43 and 44. In this embodiment, the springs 21 and 22 are coil springs, which are an example of an elastic body. In this embodiment, one end of the springs 21 and 22 is fixed to the inner surface of the end face panels 43 and 44, and the other end is not connected to the back yoke 15. However, the other end of the springs 21 and 22 may be fixed to the back yoke 15, and one end may not be connected to the inner surface of the end face panels 43 and 44. Alternatively, both ends of the springs 21 and 22 may be connected to the inner surface of the end face panels 43 and 44 and to the back yoke 15, respectively. Note that leaf springs may be similarly arranged instead of the springs 21 and 22, and elastic bodies other than the springs 21 and 22, such as rubber pieces, may also be used.

[0050] As the back yoke 15 moves in one direction along the trajectory 7 together with the magnet 10, one protrusion 18 of the back yoke 15 strikes one of the springs 21(22), and its inertial force compresses the spring 21(22). The restoring force of the compressed spring 21(22) is transmitted to the back yoke 15, causing the back yoke 15 and the magnet 10 to reverse their direction of movement and move in opposite directions along the trajectory 7. Then, the other protrusion 18 of the back yoke 15 strikes the other spring 22(21), and is repelled by its restoring force. Through the repetition of this motion, the central part 10a of the magnet 10 moves linearly back and forth along the trajectory 7, crossing the plane of symmetry 6. By adjusting the strength of the springs 21 and 22 and the mass of the back yoke 15, small vibrations can be made to resonate, and a large amount of energy can be obtained.

[0051] The pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 provided in the power generation element 1 are configured to correct the magnetic field formed by the magnet 10 and the back yoke 15 in the space including the magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 into a magnetic field in the axial direction x and apply it to the magnetic wire 2.

[0052] More specifically, the magnetic flux conducting piece 5, made of soft magnetic material, has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped orthogonal portion 51 and a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped axial parallelepiped portion 52 connected to the tip of the orthogonal portion 51, which is the end facing the magnet 10. It has an L-shape (L-shaped core structure) where it is bent at a right angle at the joint between the orthogonal portion 51 and the axial parallelepiped portion 52. The axial parallelepiped portion 52 extends along the axial direction x so as to cover the magnetic wire 2, that is, to shield the space between the magnetic wire 2 and the magnet 10. The axial parallelepiped portions 52 of the pair of symmetrical magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 extend toward the axial center of the magnetic wire 2, and their nearest ends 52a face each other with a gap in between near the axial center position 3 of the magnetic wire 2. The nearest ends 52a form a plane perpendicular to the axial direction x, and the two planes forming the two nearest ends 52a are parallel to each other and face each other in the axial direction x. The axial distance x d between the two nearby ends 52a is the distance between the two planes that form the two nearby ends 52a.

[0053] The magnetic flux conducting piece 5 and coil 4, which are made of soft magnetic material, may be fixed to a case 40 (not shown) that covers them by adhesive resin, fitting, or other appropriate fastening means. As described above, both ends of the magnetic wire 2 are fixed to a wire arrangement section 53, which consists of two through holes or grooves, with resin (not shown). Therefore, the power generation element 1 is constructed by a structure in which a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5, coil 4, and magnetic wire 2 are fixed to each other and integrated.

[0054] Figures 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C show the results of magnetic simulation of the magnetic flux with respect to the magnet position when the comparative example power generation element 1C and magnet 10 are combined. The comparative example is a power generation element 1C that does not have an L-shaped core structure, and specifically, it is a power generation element in which a pair of I-shaped ferrite cores 5C are coupled to both ends of a magnetic wire 2. The I-shaped ferrite core 5C has a structure in which the axially parallel portion 52 is omitted and only the axially orthogonal portion 51 remains in the aforementioned L-shaped magnetic flux conducting piece 5 (L-shaped ferrite core).

[0055] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show the distribution of magnetic flux at different magnet positions. Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show the magnetic flux density at different positions in the axial direction x within the magnetic wire 2, corresponding to the arrangement of magnets 10 in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, respectively. Magnet 10 is magnetized in the direction of the air gap with the power generation element 1C, with its north pole side facing the power generation element 1C. In Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, the magnet position when the center 10a of magnet 10 is on the plane of symmetry 6 is represented as 0 mm. Similarly, in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, the axial direction x position within the magnetic wire 2 is also represented with the position on the plane of symmetry 6, i.e., the axial center position 3, as 0 mm (reference).

[0056] The magnetic wire 2 has a total length L (see Figure 3B) of 10 mm (-5 mm to +5 mm), with the -3.5 mm to 3.5 mm range being the portion sandwiched between the ferrite cores 5C, i.e., the portion between the pair of I-type ferrite cores 5C, and the -5 mm to -3.5 mm range and the 3.5 mm to 5 mm range being covered by the ferrite cores 5C.

[0057] The vertical axis of the graphs in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C represents magnetic flux density. Magnetic flux density is expressed in arbitrary units, with the stabilizing magnetic field set to 1 and the operating magnetic field being approximately half of that, or 0.5.

[0058] The magnetic flux passing through the magnetic wire 2 splits into left and right directions at the center 10a of the magnet 10. Therefore, as the magnet 10 moves, magnetization reversal occurs within the magnetic wire 2 near the center of the magnet, but this reversal occurs only locally. Consequently, it is not possible to generate magnetization reversal along the entire length of the magnetic wire 2 by the axial x-movement of the magnet 10, and therefore it is not possible to output a voltage pulse from the power generation element 1C.

[0059] Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C show the results of magnetic simulation of magnetic flux with respect to magnet position for the aforementioned power generation element 1 having an L-shaped core structure. Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show the distribution of magnetic flux at different magnet positions. Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C show the magnetic flux density at different positions in the axial direction x within the magnetic wire 2, corresponding to the arrangement of magnets 10 in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, respectively. Magnet 10 is magnetized in the direction 8a of the air gap with power generation element 1, with its N-pole side facing power generation element 1. In Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the magnet position when the center 10a of magnet 10 is on the plane of symmetry 6 is represented as 0 mm. Similarly, in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, the axial direction x position within the magnetic wire 2 is also represented with the position on the plane of symmetry 6, i.e., the axial center position 3, as 0 mm (reference).

[0060] The magnetic wire 2 has a total length L (see Figure 3B) of 10 mm (-5 mm to +5 mm), with the -3.5 mm to 3.5 mm range being the portion sandwiched between the ferrite core, i.e., the portion between the axis orthogonal portions 51 of the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5, and the -5 mm to -3.5 mm range and the 3.5 mm to 5 mm range being covered by the ferrite core (axis orthogonal portions 51 of the magnetic flux conducting pieces 5).

[0061] The vertical axis of the graphs in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C represents magnetic flux density. Magnetic flux density is expressed in arbitrary units, with the stabilizing magnetic field set to 1 and the operating magnetic field being approximately half of that, or 0.5.

[0062] The magnetic flux conducting piece 5 with an L-shaped core structure shields the magnetic flux directed toward the center of the magnetic wire 2, and most of the magnetic flux is guided to both ends of the magnetic wire 2 through the magnetic flux conducting piece 5. As a result, the magnetic flux density in the area sandwiched between the perpendicular portions 51 of the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5 becomes uniform overall.

[0063] When the magnet's center position is 0 mm, the magnetic flux density is 0. When magnet 10 is moved to the left, the magnetic flux in the magnetic wire 2 increases in the rightward direction. When magnet 10 is moved to the right, the magnetic flux in the magnetic wire 2 increases in the leftward direction.

[0064] Figures 8A-8C and 9A-9C show the results of magnetic flux simulations with respect to magnet position when a U-shaped back yoke 15 is added to the structure shown in Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7C. Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C show the distribution of magnetic flux at different magnet positions. Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show the magnetic flux density at different positions in the axial direction x within the magnetic wire 2, corresponding to the arrangement of magnets 10 in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, respectively. The magnet 10 is magnetized in the direction 8a of the air gap with the power generation element 1, with the N-pole side facing the power generation element 1. The U-shaped back yoke 15 is attached to the S-pole side. The rest is the same as in Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7C.

[0065] The magnetic flux emanating from the back side (the south pole side) of the magnet 10 is directed towards the L-shaped core (magnetic flux conducting piece 5) of the power generation element 1 through the back yoke 15, thus reducing the amount of magnetic flux leaking to the back side. As a result, the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire 2 increases.

[0066] Figure 10 shows a comparison of magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire 2 with and without the back yoke 15. The vertical axis of the graph shows the magnetic flux density at the center of the magnetic wire 2. The magnetic flux density is expressed in arbitrary units, with the stabilizing magnetic field set to 1 and the operating magnetic field being approximately half of that, 0.5. The horizontal axis of the graph shows the position of the center 10a of the magnet 10 (Magnet position), with the position of the symmetry plane 6, i.e., the axis center position 3, as the reference (0 mm). The dotted line (Magnet only) and the solid line (Magnet with yoke) correspond to the case without the back yoke 15 and the case with the back yoke 15, respectively, and represent the change in magnetic flux density with respect to the position of the magnet 10.

[0067] In the case without the back yoke (magnet 10 alone) (dotted line), the magnetic flux density reaches a stable magnetic field (magnetic flux density = 1) with a displacement of 1.5 mm. On the other hand, with the back yoke 15 (solid line), the magnetic flux density reaches a stable magnetic field (magnetic flux density = 1) with a displacement of approximately half, 0.75 mm. Therefore, it can be seen that by providing the back yoke 15, a larger change in magnetic flux density can be obtained with a smaller displacement. Thus, it can be seen that power generation is possible with small motion / vibration even without the back yoke 15, and that by providing the back yoke 15, efficient power generation is possible with even smaller motion / vibration.

[0068] The back yoke 15 has the following functions (1), (2), and (3).

[0069] (1) Magnetic collection and induction function: Collects magnetic flux and induces it in the power generation element 1. This contributes to improving power generation efficiency.

[0070] (2) Shielding function: Reduces magnetic flux leakage to the outside.

[0071] (3) Mass / Inertia Increase Function: In conjunction with the magnet 10, it increases mass / inertia and increases kinetic energy. A certain amount of mass is necessary to move against the attractive force of the magnet 10 due to changes in the direction of gravity or acceleration.

[0072] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the circuit configuration provided on the printed circuit board 30.

[0073] In this example, the processing circuit 60 includes a rectifier circuit 61 connected to the coil 4 of the power generation element 1, and a power storage unit 62 connected to the rectifier circuit 61. The rectifier circuit 61 rectifies the positive or negative polarity voltage pulses generated by the power generation element 1. The power storage unit 62 is charged by the rectified current. A full-wave rectifier circuit is preferable for the rectifier circuit 61, but a half-wave rectifier circuit may be used depending on the application. A passive rectifier circuit using a diode or an active rectifier circuit using an FET (field-effect transistor) may also be used. The power storage unit 62 includes a capacitor, a secondary battery, etc. The power storage unit 62 has the role of storing and smoothing the energy of the voltage pulses. An appropriate power storage element is selected depending on the energy retention time. A capacitor is used when the energy of a single voltage pulse is to be held for a relatively short time, and a secondary battery is used when multiple voltage pulses are to be accumulated and held for a relatively long period of time.

[0074] The processing circuit 60 includes a power supply circuit 63 that generates a predetermined DC voltage stabilized by receiving power stored in the energy storage unit 62. The power supply circuit 63 converts the fluctuating voltage of the energy storage unit 62 into a stable voltage suitable for electronic circuit operation. Depending on the application, a step-down converter circuit, a step-up converter circuit, a step-up / step-down converter circuit, etc., may be used.

[0075] The processing circuit 60 further includes an electronic circuit that operates using a DC voltage from the power supply circuit 63. In this example, the electronic circuit includes a detection circuit 64, a signal processing circuit 65, and a wireless transmitter 66. The detection circuit 64 may include sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, a position sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The detection circuit 64 may also include an operation switch that detects user input. The signal processing circuit 65 processes the output signal from the detection circuit 64 and provides the processed detection signal to the wireless transmitter 66. The wireless transmitter 66 radiates a modulated radio wave from the antenna 67, based on the signal received from the signal processing circuit 65.

[0076] The power generation module 100 has a structure that can generate power with small movements / vibrations, so no power wiring is required, and no battery replacement or charging maintenance is needed. Therefore, it can be used as a power source for the detection circuit 64, which operates on low power. In the example in Figure 11, the detection circuit 64 is incorporated into the power generation module 100. Furthermore, in this example, a wireless transmitter 66 is provided, and the detection signal from the detection circuit 64 is transmitted wirelessly, so no wiring for transmitting the detection result is required.

[0077] If an operation switch that detects human operation is provided as the detection circuit 64, it can be used in remote controls for home appliances or key fobs for car keyless entry systems.

[0078] The detection circuit 64 is not necessarily required, and the system may be configured to always transmit the same information. For example, the power generation module 100 can be used in monitoring tags for children, the elderly, pets, etc. More specifically, the system may be configured to wirelessly transmit a signal (for example, by transmitting a fixed-period signal at regular intervals) when power is generated by motion / vibration.

[0079] Depending on the application and the configuration of the detection circuit 64, one or more of the rectifier circuit 61, energy storage unit 62, and power supply circuit 63 may be omitted. For example, the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element 1 may be supplied directly to the detection circuit 64 to operate it.

[0080] As described above, the power generation module 100 of this embodiment has a configuration comprising one power generation element 1 and one magnet 10. The magnet 10 is able to reciprocate along a track 7 (a finite-length straight track in this embodiment) extending along the axial direction x of the magnetic wire 2, thereby causing the coil 4 of the power generation element 1 to generate a pulse voltage. Therefore, a power generation module 100 with a structure that is easily miniaturized can be provided.

[0081] Furthermore, the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5, which are magnetically coupled to both ends of the magnetic wire 2, have a pair of axial parallel pieces 52 extending in the axial direction x from the axial orthogonal pieces 51 coupled to both ends of the magnetic wire 2, and this pair of axial parallel pieces 52 is interposed between the magnetic wire 2 and the track 7 of the magnet 10. Therefore, the magnetic flux from the magnet 10 toward the magnetic wire 2 is shielded by the axial parallel pieces 52 and conducted to the end of the magnetic wire 2 through the axial parallel pieces 52 and the axial orthogonal pieces 51. As a result, the magnetic poles 11 of the magnet 10 move along the track 7 over a short distance across the plane of symmetry 6 located at the axial center position 3 of the magnetic wire 2, thereby uniformly and significantly varying the magnitude of the magnetic flux in the magnetic wire 2 over almost its entire length in the axial direction x, and reversing the direction of the magnetic flux over almost its entire length in the axial direction x.

[0082] As a result, the magnetic wire 2 exhibits a large Barkhausen effect, generating a pulse voltage across both ends of the coil 4. Therefore, there is no need to use a magnet that is long in the axial direction x, nor is there any need to move the magnet 10 over a long stroke length in the axial direction x. Furthermore, since the magnetization direction of the magnet 10 is in the air gap direction 8a, and the structure is such that one polarity of the magnetic pole 11 of a single magnet 10 faces the magnetic flux conducting piece 5 through the air gap 8, the size of the magnet 10 in the air gap direction 8a can also be reduced. This makes it possible to provide a power generation module 100 that is easy to miniaturize while being capable of efficient power generation. Moreover, since a large magnet 10 is not required, and power generation can be achieved by moving only one magnet 10 on the track 7, it is also advantageous for cost reduction.

[0083] Furthermore, the power generation module 100 of this embodiment includes a rectifier circuit 61 connected to the coil 4 of the power generation element 1, which rectifies the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element 1, and a power storage unit 62 connected to the rectifier circuit 61, which stores the energy of the pulse voltage. This allows the power generated by the power generation element 1 to be rectified by the rectifier circuit 61 and stored in the power storage unit 62. Using the power stored in the power storage unit 62, an appropriate DC voltage is generated by the power supply circuit 63, and this DC voltage can operate other circuits such as the detection circuit 64, the signal processing circuit 65, and the wireless transmitter 66.

[0084] Furthermore, since the power generation module 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a wireless transmitter 66 that operates using energy supplied from the energy storage unit 62, signals can be taken out externally without requiring wiring to connect the power generation module 100 to an external source.

[0085] Furthermore, the power generation module 100 of this embodiment has a structure comprising a first support for supporting the magnet 10, a second support for supporting the power generation element 1, and an elastic body disposed between the first support and the second support. In this embodiment, an example of the first support is a back yoke 15, and an example of the second support is a case 40. An example of the elastic body is springs 21 and 22. When the magnet 10 moves in one direction on the track 7, elastic deformation occurs in the springs 21 and 22 (elastic body), accumulating energy, and when the springs 21 and 22 (elastic body) return to their original state, the magnet 10 moves in the other direction. As a result, the magnet 10 can be made to reciprocate on the track 7 by utilizing resonance, enabling efficient power generation. In particular, depending on the application, even more efficient power generation is possible by appropriately setting the mass of the moving object, including the magnet 10 and the back yoke 15, and the spring constant of the elastic body so that they have a natural frequency that approximates the vibration frequency applied to the power generation module 100.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable range of the magnet 10 is contained within the space (region) projected in the air gap direction 8a of the power generation element 1 and the magnetic wire 2, and is limited to this space (region). This makes miniaturization even easier.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a soft magnetic back yoke 15 is provided attached to the magnet 10 on the opposite side from the power generation element 1. This improves the magnetic collection efficiency and increases the magnetic flux density within the magnetic wire 2, thereby improving the power generation efficiency.

[0088] Furthermore, the soft magnetic back yoke 15 has a pair of extensions 17 that extend beyond the axial x sides 13 and 14 of the magnet 10 in the axial x direction, and a pair of protrusions 18 that are connected to the pair of extensions 17 so as to extend toward the power generation element 1 and are spaced apart in the axial x direction between them and the axial x sides 13 and 14 of the magnet 10. This further improves the magnetic collection efficiency, making it easier to increase the magnetic flux density in the magnetic wire 2 and thus improving the power generation efficiency.

[0089] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and usage example of a power generation module 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the power generation module 200. In Figures 12 and 13, the corresponding parts of the power generation module 200 shown in Figures 1 to 11 above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0090] The power generation module 200 of this embodiment includes one power generation element 1 and one magnet 10. The power generation element 1 comprises a magnetic wire 2 that exhibits a large Barkhausen effect, a coil 4 wound around the magnetic wire 2, and a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces 5. The power generation module 200 further includes a printed circuit board 30 on which the power generation element 1 is mounted (more specifically surface mounted) on one side, and a processing circuit 60 for processing the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element 1 is mounted on the printed circuit board 30.

[0091] Unlike the embodiments described above, the power generation module 200 does not have a case that houses both the power generation element 1 and the magnet 10. However, it may have a first case 71 that houses the power generation element 1 and the printed circuit board 30. It may also have a second case 72 that houses the magnet 10 and the back yoke 15. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power generation module 200 does not have a spring (elastic body) for resonating the magnet 10.

[0092] In this embodiment, a power generation module 200 is used to detect the opening and closing of the window unit 75 (sash). The window unit 75 has a window frame 76 and a sash 80 that can move back and forth linearly within the window frame 76. The closed state is when the vertical frame 81 of the sash 80 is in contact with the vertical frame 77 of the window frame 76, and the open state is when the vertical frame 81 is separated from the vertical frame 77. A linear rail 79 is provided on the upper surface of the lower frame 78 of the window frame 76. A roller 83 that rolls on the rail 79 is attached to the lower rail 82 of the sash 80. As a result, the sash 80 can move back and forth linearly along the lower frame 78, guided by the rail 79, and the window can be opened and closed accordingly.

[0093] A power generation element 1 is attached to either the lower frame 78 of the window frame 76 or the lower rail 82 of the sash 80, and a magnet 10 is attached to the other of them. Figures 12 and 13 show an example in which the power generation element 1 and printed circuit board 30 are attached to the lower frame 78 (window frame 76), and the magnet 10 and back yoke 15 are attached to the lower rail 82 (sash 80). When the sash 80 is moved to open and close the window, the relative position of the power generation element 1 and the magnet 10 changes. Specifically, the magnet 10 moves relative to the power generation element 1 along a straight track 7 parallel to the rail 79. That is, in this embodiment, the rail 79 has the function of a guide that guides the magnet 10 along the track 7.

[0094] The power generation element 1 and the printed circuit board 30 are mounted on the lower frame 78 (window frame 76) such that the axial direction x of the magnetic wire 2 is parallel to the direction of the rail 79. The magnet 10 and the back yoke 15 are mounted on the lower rail 82 (sash 80) such that the magnetic pole 11 of the magnet 10 (the magnetic pole opposite to the back yoke 15) faces the magnetic flux conducting piece 5 of the power generation element 1 with an air gap between them.

[0095] Regarding the direction of track 7 (the direction of rail 79), the relative position between the power generation element 1 and the magnet 10 is set so that a voltage pulse is generated from the power generation element 1 when the magnet 10 passes a specific position due to the opening and closing of the window. The polarity of the voltage pulse changes depending on the direction of motion. For example, the position of the sash 80 when the window is completely closed is set to 0 mm (reference position), and the magnet 10 is positioned so that the center 10a of the magnet 10 lies on the plane of symmetry 6 of the power generation element 1 when the sash 80 is opened 2 mm in the opening direction. Then, a positive pulse is generated when the sash 80 moves 2.5 mm in the opening direction from the closed state. On the other hand, when the sash 80 moves in the closing direction from the open state and reaches a position of 1.5 mm, a pulse voltage of negative polarity is generated. By transmitting the polarity information of the pulse voltage to a separate receiving unit 90 via the wireless transmitter 66 each time a pulse voltage is generated, the opening and closing of the window can be detected. In this way, a security system that does not require power wiring can be constructed. Moreover, there is no need to provide a power source such as a battery in the window unit 75.

[0096] Since the power generation module 200 can be installed in a space the width of the power generation element 1, it is easy to attach it to the window unit 75 or to embed it within the components of the window unit 75.

[0097] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above, this invention can be implemented in other forms as well, and various design modifications can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1: Power generation element 2: Magnetic wire 3: Axis center position 4: Coil 5: Magnetic flux conducting piece 6: Plane of Symmetry 7: Orbit 8 :Void 8a: Gap direction 10: Magnet 10a: Center 11:Magnetic pole 12:Magnetic pole 13,14: Side view 15: Back yoke 17 :Extension part 18:Protrusion 19:Sliding material 21,22: Spring 30: Printed circuit board 40: Case 51: Axis perpendicular section 52: Axis parallel part 52a: Proximity terminal 53: Wire arrangement section 60: Processing Circuit 61: Rectifier circuit 62: Energy Storage Unit 63: Power supply circuit 64: Detection Circuit 65: Signal Processing Circuits 66: Wireless Transmitter 100: Power generation module 200: Power generation module

Claims

1. A power generation module having one power generation element and one magnet, The power generation element includes a magnetic wire that exhibits a large Barkhausen effect, a coil wound around the magnetic wire, and a pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces that are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry set at the axial center of the magnetic wire, wherein the pair of magnetic flux conducting pieces comprises a pair of orthoaxial portions extending parallel to each other in an orthoaxial direction perpendicular to the axial direction from both ends of the magnetic wire, and a pair of parallel portions extending from the tips of the pair of orthoaxial portions along the outer shape of the coil in a direction approaching each other in the axial direction, with their nearest ends facing each other spaced apart in the axial direction. The pair of orthogonal portions of the magnetic flux conducting piece have wire arrangement portions consisting of holes or grooves, to which both ends of the magnetic wire are magnetically coupled and fixed. The magnet is positioned to reciprocate on a trajectory extending along the axial direction of the power generation element, facing the pair of axially parallel portions with a gap in a predetermined air gap direction, and is magnetized in the air gap direction. The power generation element is a power generation module that generates a positive pulse voltage when the center of the magnet moves along the trajectory from one side of the plane of symmetry to the other side, and generates a negative pulse voltage when the center of the magnet moves along the trajectory from the other side of the plane of symmetry to the one side.

2. A rectifier circuit connected to the coil of the power generation element, which rectifies the pulse voltage generated by the power generation element, A power storage unit connected to the rectifier circuit and storing the energy of the pulse voltage, The power generation module according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The power generation module according to claim 2, further comprising a wireless transmitter that operates using energy supplied from the energy storage unit.

4. A first support that supports the magnet, A second support body that supports the power generation element, An elastic body disposed between the first support and the second support, A power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. The power generation module according to claim 4, wherein the movable region of the magnet is contained within the space obtained by projecting the power generation element and the magnetic wire in the direction of the gap.

6. The power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a soft magnetic back yoke attached to the magnet on the opposite side from the power generation element.

7. The power generation module according to claim 6, wherein the soft magnetic back yoke has a pair of extensions that extend axially beyond both sides of the magnet in the axial direction, and a pair of projections that are spaced apart in the axial direction between the two sides of the magnet and the pair of extensions that extend toward the power generation element.

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