Electrical Equipment

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an electric device that has a simpler structure than the prior art and is capable of driving a load unit by performing self-power generation for converting vibrations, displacement, etc., from external force into power. [Solution] The electric device 100A of the present disclosure comprises: an electromagnetic induction coil 12; an elastic body 20 that contains a magnetized magnetic powder body 22, generates a magnetic field penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12, and exhibits a change in the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when being elastically deformed upon receiving external force; a rectification unit 91 that rectifies an induced current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil 12 due to the change in the magnetic flux density; and a load unit 92 that is operated by receiving power from the rectification unit 91.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to self-powered electrical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Known conventional electrical devices of this type are those that generate power by themselves using a rotating machine that is rotationally driven by an external force (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2012-515860 (Fig. 4, claim 11) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional electrical devices have a complicated structure due to the presence of a rotating machine, which can cause malfunctions. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an electrical device that has a simpler structure than conventional devices and is capable of driving a load by generating electricity by converting vibrations, displacements, etc. from external forces into electricity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is an electrical device including an electromagnetic induction coil, an elastic body containing magnetized magnetic powder, generating a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and changing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when elastically deformed by an external force, a rectifier unit that rectifies an induced current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil by the change in magnetic flux density, and a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Circuit diagram of an electrical device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Perspective view of an electrical device [Figure 3] Side cross-sectional view of electrical equipment [Figure 4] Conceptual diagram of the power generation unit [Figure 5] (A) Schematic diagram showing magnetic powder in a magnetoelastic body, (B) Schematic diagram of a compressed magnetoelastic body [Figure 6] Flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a magnetic elastic body [Figure 7] (A) Schematic diagram showing the magnetization of a magnetic elastic body before compressive deformation. (B) Schematic diagram showing the magnetization and induced current of a magnetic elastic body when compressed. [Figure 8] (A) Conceptual diagram showing the magnetic field and magnetization of a magnetic elastic body before compression deformation, (B) Conceptual diagram showing the induced magnetic field and induced current generated in a coil and circuit when a magnetic elastic body is compressed. [Figure 9] (A) Conceptual diagram showing the magnetic field generated by a magnetic elastic body before compression deformation and the magnetization of the magnetic elastic body. (B) Conceptual diagram showing the induced magnetic field and induced current generated in the two coils and circuit when the magnetic elastic body is compressed. [Figure 10] Circuit diagram of an electrical device according to a second embodiment [Figure 11] (A) A conceptual diagram of an electric device according to a third embodiment, (B) A partially cutaway side view of the electric device attached to a suspension. [Figure 12] Conceptual diagram of an electric device according to a fourth embodiment [Figure 13] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a floor structure including electrical equipment according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view of an electric device according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 15] 13 is a perspective view of an electric device according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 16] (A) A side cross-sectional view of an electric device according to an eighth embodiment, (B) A side cross-sectional view of an electric device that has been bent. [Figure 17] 13 is a perspective view of an electric device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 18] Conceptual diagram of the test equipment [Figure 19] Table showing details and characteristics of the magnetic elastic bodies of each experimental example DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [First embodiment] An electric device 100A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. As shown in Figure 1, the electric device 100A according to this embodiment has a power generation section 10, a rectification section 91, and a load section 92.

[0008] The load unit 92 includes, for example, a wireless module 92A. The wireless module 92A is, for example, a modified RFID, and while an RFID tag receives power wirelessly and modulates an identification number onto a carrier wave for short-range wireless communication each time it receives power, the wireless module 92A receives power via a wire from the power generation unit 10 through the rectifier unit 91 and modulates an identification number onto a carrier wave for a predetermined wireless communication each time it receives power, and transmits the modulated identification number. Examples of the predetermined wireless communication include long-distance wireless communication, Wi-Fi, infrared communication, and short-distance wireless communication.

[0009] In addition, wireless module 92A may modulate information other than the identification number onto a carrier wave and transmit it wirelessly, or it may not modulate information onto a carrier wave and transmit only a radio wave of a specific frequency that does not contain any information, so that the fact that the radio wave has been transmitted is itself information from electrical device 100A.

[0010] The rectifier 91 is, for example, a known voltage doubler rectifier circuit, and has the electromagnetic induction coil 12 (described below) of the power generation unit 10 connected to its input side and the wireless module 92A connected to its output side. The induced current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil 12 is rectified by the rectifier 91 and applied to the wireless module 92A.

[0011] Although a triple voltage rectifier circuit is exemplified as the rectifier unit 91 shown in FIG. 1, an n-fold voltage rectifier circuit according to the desired voltage may be used, and in the second embodiment, a double voltage rectifier circuit is exemplified.

[0012] The power generation unit 10 includes an electromagnetic induction coil 12, an elastic body 20 disposed inside the coil 12, and a telescopic case 30 that houses them. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the telescopic case 30 is configured by fitting together a cylindrical body 31, which has one end closed and the other end open, and a cylindrical body 32, which has a larger outer diameter than the cylindrical body 31 and also has one end closed and the other end open, with their open ends facing each other. The axial lengths of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 are approximately the same, and the open ends of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 are provided with return portions 31A and 32A that engage with each other to prevent separation. The telescopic case 30 can be in a maximum length state in which the return portions 31A and 32A are engaged with each other, or in a minimum length state in which the open end of one cylindrical body 31 abuts against the bottom of the other cylindrical body 32. The telescopic case 30 in its minimum length has an axial length that is, for example, approximately half that of the telescopic case 30 in its maximum length state.

[0013] A circuit case 33 accommodating the rectifying section 91 and the load section 92 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical body 31. The bottom wall end of one cylindrical body 31 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 31B projecting laterally from a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction, and each of the protrusions 31B is formed with a mounting hole 31C. The tip of the other cylindrical body 32 is provided with, for example, an adjustment mechanism 35. The adjustment mechanism 35 includes a support tube 35A protruding from the center of the outer surface of the bottom wall of the cylindrical body 32 and having a female thread 35B on its inner surface, a shaft portion 35D having a male thread 35C on its outer surface that screws into the female thread 35B, and a contact plate 35E rotatably attached to the tip of the shaft portion 35D.

[0014] The telescopic case 30 of this embodiment is made of a non-magnetic material such as resin or stainless steel, but the telescopic case 30 and a spacer 34 described later may be made of a magnetic material such as iron so that the telescopic case 30 forms a magnetic path together with the elastic body 20 described later. Furthermore, the cylindrical bodies 31, 32 of this embodiment are connected via the elastic body 20 described later and are therefore non-rotatable with respect to each other, but a vertically long engaging groove may be provided on one of the cylindrical bodies 31, 32 and a protrusion that engages with the engaging groove may be provided on the other to restrict the relative rotation of the cylindrical bodies 31, 32.

[0015] 3, the electromagnetic induction coil 12 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter and axial length that fit just inside one of the cylindrical bodies 31, and is fixed inside the cylindrical body 31. A pair of lead wires 12A of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 is led out to the side of the cylindrical body 31 through a through-hole 31D that penetrates a side wall of the cylindrical body 31 that is close to the bottom wall. The pair of lead wires 12A are then taken into a circuit case 33 and connected to a rectifier unit 91. The pair of lead wires 12A bend as the extendable case 30 extends and retracts. A notch 32B (see FIG. 2) is formed at the end on the opening side of the cylindrical body 32 to avoid interference with the pair of lead wires 12A.

[0016] The elastic body 20 has a cylindrical shape that fits within the electromagnetic induction coil 12 via a gap. It is positioned concentrically with the telescopic case 30, and both end faces are fixed to the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32, for example, with an adhesive. A cylindrical spacer 34 with the same outer diameter as the elastic body 20 is placed between one end face of the elastic body 20 and the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 32, as needed, to adjust the compression ratio of the elastic body 20. Specifically, without the spacer 34, the elastic body 20 within the telescopic case 30 is compressed to 1 / 2, similar to the telescopic case 30, when the telescopic case 30 changes from its longest state to its shortest state. In contrast, with the spacer 34, the compression ratio of the elastic body 20 can be increased to any desired compression ratio of 1 / 2 or greater. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates a structure in which the elastic body 20 equipped with the spacer 34 is compressed to 1 / 3.

[0017] The elastic body 20 is slightly compressed between the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 when the telescopic case 30 is in its longest position, thereby preventing rattling between the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 when the telescopic case 30 is not subjected to external force.

[0018] Although the elastic body 20 is fixed to the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 with an adhesive, it does not have to be fixed. In addition, the bottom surfaces of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 and both end surfaces of the elastic body 20 may be provided with recesses and protrusions that fit together to center the elastic body 20 relative to the expandable case 30.

[0019] The elastic body 20 is, for example, a foamed elastomer, and has magnetized magnetic powder 22 dispersed therein. That is, the elastic body 20 is what is called a "magnetic elastic body." In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish between the single elastic body that is the main component of the elastic body 20 into which the magnetic powder 22 is mixed and the elastic body 20 that includes the elastic body and the magnetic powder 22, the entire "elastic body 20" that includes the elastic body and the magnetic powder 22 will be referred to as the "magnetic elastic body 20," and the single elastic body, because it is a foamed elastomer, will be referred to as foamed elastomer 21, thereby clearly distinguishing between the two.

[0020] The foamed elastomer 21 is a polyurethane elastomer foam and has an open-cell or semi-open-cell structure. The foamed elastomer 21 has an expansion ratio of 1.4 to 6. The foamed elastomer 21 may be a rubber foam or a thermoplastic resin foam such as a polyolefin resin. It is preferable that the foamed elastomer 21 has an open-cell or semi-open-cell structure throughout from the viewpoint of moldability and ease of elastic deformation. However, only a portion of the foamed elastomer 21 may have an open-cell or semi-open-cell structure. Having at least a partial open-cell structure in the foamed elastomer 21 can prevent the foamed elastomer 21 from shrinking after molding. The expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer 21 in this embodiment is 1.4 to 6, as described above, but is more preferably 1.7 to 5, and even more preferably 2 to 4. Here, when the expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer 21 is 1.4 times or more, the cushioning properties are particularly good, and when the expansion ratio is 6 times or less, the moldability and durability are particularly good. Furthermore, the expansion ratio does not refer to the expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer 21 containing the magnetic powder 22, but to the expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer 21 alone.

[0021] The magnetic powder 22 is a neodymium-based magnetic powder, and the particle diameter of the magnetic powder 22 is 3 to 200 μm. The magnetic powder 22 is preferably made of a neodymium-based magnetic powder that exhibits strong magnetic force when made into a permanent magnet. However, the magnetic powder 22 is not limited to a neodymium-based magnetic powder, and may be a known hard magnetic material such as a samarium-based magnetic powder, an alnico-based magnetic powder, or a ferrite-based magnetic powder. The shape of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 is not limited, and specific examples include a scale-like, spherical, or needle-like shape. Furthermore, the particle diameter of the magnetic powder 22 in this embodiment is 3 to 200 μm as described above, but is more preferably 5 to 100 μm. By increasing the particle diameter of the magnetic powder 22, the surface magnetic flux density of the magnetic elastic body 20 can be increased. When the magnetic powder 22 is formed by surface-treating magnet particles, increasing the particle size of the magnetic powder 22 increases the proportion of magnetic components in the magnetic powder 22, thereby enabling the surface magnetic flux density of the magnetic elastic body 20 to be further increased. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the moldability and ease of deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20, it is preferable that the particle size of the magnetic powder 22 be 200 μm or less. Furthermore, a particle size of the magnetic powder 22 of 200 μm or less particularly improves moldability and further prevents the magnetic powder 22 from falling off the foamed elastomer 21. Furthermore, since a particle size of the magnetic powder 22 of less than 3 μm reduces workability, it is preferable that the particle size of the magnetic powder 22 be 3 μm or more. The particle size is measured by a sieving test in accordance with JIS Z 8815:1994.

[0022] In the magnetic elastic body 20 of this embodiment, the mass concentration (mass ratio) of the magnetic powder 22 relative to the foamed elastomer 21 is 40 to 80%, and the volume concentration (volume ratio) of the magnetic powder 22 relative to the foamed elastomer 21 is 1.0 to 3.5%. This allows the magnetic elastic body 20 to be easily elastically deformed while increasing the change in magnetic flux density of the magnetic elastic body 20. The magnetic elastic body 20 preferably has a compression set of 30% or less in accordance with JIS K 6262:2013 Method A. The magnetic elastic body 20 also preferably has a repeated compression set of 20% or less when subjected to 50% compression 100,000 times at 1 Hz. These configurations ensure good recovery after elastic deformation of the foamed elastomer 21. This reduces settling of the foamed elastomer 21, making the magnetic elastic body 20 even more suitable for repeated use, even when the magnetic elastic body 20 is used in applications where it is repeatedly compressed.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 5, the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 in the foamed elastomer 21 are magnetized so that their respective magnetic moments (more specifically, the resultant magnetic moment within the particles 23) are aligned with the axial direction of the cylindrical magnetic elastic body 20, so that one end of the magnetic elastic body 20 in the axial direction becomes the north pole and the other end becomes the south pole, as shown in Fig. 4. In more detail, some of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 may have magnetic moments whose direction intersects with the axial direction of the magnetic elastic body 20, but the direction of the resultant magnetic moment obtained by combining the magnetic moments of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 is aligned with the axial direction of the magnetic elastic body 20. In Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B), which will be described later, the magnetization directions of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 are schematically indicated by arrows.

[0024] This completes the description of the structure of the electric device 100A. This electric device 100A is manufactured by the following method. That is, to manufacture the magnetic elastic body 20 as shown in FIG. 6, first, a first liquid is prepared by mixing polyol and isocyanate to form a prepolymer. Here, the first liquid is a prepolymer having an isocyanate group (NCO) at its terminal. Then, magnetic powder 22 is mixed with the first liquid and uniformly dispersed (S11). Also, a second liquid containing a catalyst, a foaming agent, etc. is prepared (S11). Then, the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed to obtain a mixed liquid (S12). Here, the NCO% of the prepolymer having an isocyanate group at its terminal is preferably 3 to 7%, and in this embodiment, it is 6%. This makes it possible to obtain a magnetic elastic body 20 with excellent moldability and durability.

[0025] Next, the mixture is poured into a mold whose temperature has been adjusted in advance and foamed and cured to form, for example, a cylindrical foam molded body (S13). In this foam molded body, magnetic powder 22 is dispersed within foamed elastomer 21. Furthermore, in the foam molded body, the magnetic moments of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 are randomly oriented. In the foam curing process of the mixture in the mold, the mixture is cured for a predetermined time (primary curing) in a closed mold state, and then the resulting foam molded body is removed from the mold. The primary curing is performed, for example, at 60 to 120°C for 10 to 120 minutes. The foam molded body removed from the mold after the primary curing is preferably further subjected to secondary curing, for example, at 90 to 180°C for 8 to 24 hours. In this embodiment, the elastic member in which the magnetic powder 22 is dispersed is a polyurethane elastomer, so the time required for the raw material to harden is short, and the raw material can be hardened before the magnetic powder 22 settles within the raw material. This makes it easy to uniformly disperse and arrange the magnetic powder 22. Therefore, even magnetic powder 22 with a particle diameter of 100 μm or more can be easily dispersed within the magnetic elastic body 20, and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic elastic body 20 can be increased.

[0026] In this embodiment, the magnetic powder 22 is mixed into the first liquid and then mixed into the second liquid, so that the magnetic powder 22 can be dispersed more uniformly within the foamed elastomer 21 than when the magnetic powder 22 is mixed into the second liquid and then mixed into the first liquid.

[0027] Next, the foam molded body is magnetized (S14). In this step, the magnetic moments of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 in the foam molded body are aligned by applying an external magnetic field. In this embodiment, the external magnetic field is applied in the axial direction of the cylindrical foamed elastomer 21. Here, magnetization may be performed when the foam molded body is in its natural length state without deformation, or when it is compressed in the axial direction relative to its natural length state (for example, 50% compressed state). In this way, the magnetic elastomer body 20 is obtained from the foam molded body.

[0028] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the magnetic elastic body 20 has a magnetic flux density (surface magnetic flux density) that is 5% or more greater than that in the natural length state when compressed 10% in the axial direction. Such a magnetic elastic body 20 can be manufactured, for example, by compressing a foamed elastomer 21 having magnetic powder 22 dispersed therein (for example, a 50% compressed state) and magnetizing the magnetic powder 22 in the direction of compression.

[0029] The magnetic elastic body 20 manufactured as described above is assembled to the telescopic case 30 as follows. That is, the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 of the telescopic case 30 are prepared in a separated state. Then, the electromagnetic induction coil 12 is fixed to one cylindrical body 31 with the pair of lead wires 12A of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 drawn out from the through-hole 31D. The magnetic elastic body 20, with an adhesive applied to both end surfaces, is placed inside the electromagnetic induction coil 12 and fixed to both bottom surfaces of the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32. At this time, if necessary, a spacer 34 is fixed with an adhesive between one end surface of the magnetic elastic body 20 and the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 32. Then, one cylindrical body 31 is deformed to narrow the open end and is pushed into the other cylindrical body 32, and the one cylindrical body 31 elastically returns to its original shape, engaging the folded portions 31A and 32A of the two cylindrical bodies 31 and 32.

[0030] Next, a pair of lead wires 12A of electromagnetic induction coil 12 is connected to rectifier unit 91, and rectifier unit 91 is connected to load unit 92, and rectifier unit 91 and load unit 92 are housed in circuit case 33. This completes the manufacture of electrical device 100A.

[0031] This completes the description of the manufacturing method for the electric device 100A of this embodiment. Next, the effects of the electric device 100A will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 , the electric device 100A is set in the gap between a pair of opposing members 201, 202 whose distance therebetween can vary, and is used to detect deformation, movement, and the like of the pair of opposing members 201, 202. To this end, the electric device 100A is positioned so that the axial direction of the extendable case 30 (which is also the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 and the magnetic elastic body 20) faces the opposing direction of the pair of opposing members 201, 202. Then, for example, when the distance between the pair of opposing members 201, 202 is in a normal state, the adjustment mechanism 35 is adjusted so that the extendable case 30 is in a desired state. Specifically, to detect both cases where the pair of opposing members 201, 202 move away from and approach each other from the normal state, the adjustment mechanism 35 is adjusted so that the extendable case 30 is in a compressed state that is approximately half of its maximum length. Furthermore, when it is desired to detect only that the pair of opposing members 201, 202 have come closer to each other from the normal state, the adjust mechanism 35 is adjusted so that the extendable case 30 is slightly compressed between the pair of opposing members 201, 202 in the normal state, or the abutment plate 35E of the adjust mechanism 35 is slightly separated from one of the opposing members 202. Furthermore, in order to prevent the electric device 100A from shifting laterally from the pair of opposing members 201, 202, it is preferable to fix the extendable case 30 to one of the magnetic elastic bodies 201, as necessary, for example, by fastening a bolt passed through the mounting hole 31C of the extendable case 30 to a screw hole in one of the magnetic elastic bodies 201.

[0032] As described above, when the distance between the pair of opposing members 201, 202 changes while the electric device 100A is set between the pair of opposing members 201, 202, the magnetic elastic body 20 expands and contracts in the axial direction together with the expandable case 30. This changes the density of the magnetic flux that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil 12 out of the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic elastic body 20, and an induced current I is generated. That is, power is generated in the power generation unit 10.

[0033] The mechanism by which this power generation occurs is considered to be as follows: In other words, in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12, if the magnetic flux density in the magnetic elastic body 20 is Bz, the external magnetic field is Hz, the magnetization of the magnetic elastic body 20 is Mz, and the magnetic permeability of vacuum is μ0, then: Bz=μ0 Hz+Mz (A) Furthermore, regarding the magnetization Mz, if the average value of the magnetic moment of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 is mz, and the number of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 per unit volume of the magnetic elastic body 20 is n, then: Mz=n mz (B) It is known that the relationship

[0034] Here, magnetic elastic body 20 is made by mixing foamed elastomer 21 with magnetic powder 22, so when it is compressed in the axial direction, the bubbles of foamed elastomer 21 collapse, and when it is stretched, the bubbles expand, and it stretches and contracts while suppressing changes in radial size. When magnetic elastic body 20 is compressed in the axial direction of electromagnetic induction coil 12 (FIG. 5(B)), the distribution density of particles 23 of magnetic powder 22 in magnetic elastic body 20 increases (i.e., n in relational formula (B) increases), and it is thought that magnetization Mz increases, and when it is stretched, magnetization Mz decreases.

[0035] In particular, when the magnetic elastic body 20 is magnetized in a compressed state in which it is shrunk relative to its natural length, when the magnetic elastic body 20 is compressed in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12, the direction of the magnetic moment of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 becomes aligned in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 compared to the natural length state, and it is therefore thought that the average value mz of the magnetic moment becomes larger.

[0036] In addition to the effect of the change in distribution density of the magnetic powder 22, the change in the average value mz of the magnetic moment is thought to further increase the amount of change in the magnetization Mz. Specifically, when the magnetic elastic body 20 is compressed, the magnetization Mz is thought to become particularly large when it reaches a compression level close to the compression level at which it is magnetized (i.e., the compression level at which the magnetic moment mz of the magnetic powder 22 is most aligned in the axial direction of the magnetic elastic body 20). As the magnetization Mz increases, the magnetic flux density Bz in the magnetic elastic body 20 increases according to the above-mentioned relational expression (A), and thus the magnetic flux penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12 increases. When the magnetic elastic body 20 expands, the opposite phenomenon occurs to when it is compressed. It is thought that an induced current I flows through the electromagnetic induction coil 12 to generate a magnetic field H' in a direction (downward in FIG. 7) that cancels out these changes in magnetic flux. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the induced current I and the magnetic field H' generated by the induced current I are indicated by gray arrows.

[0037] 8(A) and 8(B) show an example in which the size of the portion of the magnetic elastic body 20 that is disposed inside the electromagnetic induction coil 12 changes due to deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20. In this case, as will be explained below, it is considered that the magnetic flux penetrating inside the electromagnetic induction coil 12 changes due to factors other than the change in magnetization of the magnetic elastic body 20.

[0038] In the examples of FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the magnetic elastic body 20 is compressed in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12. In this case, a region R is provided within the electromagnetic induction coil 12 where the magnetic elastic body 20 exists before deformation (FIG. 8(A)), but where the magnetic elastic body 20 no longer exists after deformation (FIG. 8(B)). In this region R, the magnetic flux changes before and after deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20, and it is thought that a magnetic field H" is generated in region R to cancel out this change in magnetic flux. This magnetic field H" can be in the opposite direction to the magnetic field H' caused by the change in distribution density of the particles 23 of the magnetic powder 22 in the magnetic elastic body 20 described above. However, these magnetic fields do not always have the same magnitude during the process of deforming the magnetic elastic body 20, and therefore it is thought that a change in the magnetic flux penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12 occurs, allowing an induced current I to be generated in the electromagnetic induction coil 12. In addition, when magnetic fields H' and H" that are directed in opposite directions are generated in this manner, an electromagnetic induction coil 12V may be placed to surround region R as shown in Figure 9. In this way, by generating the induced current generated by magnetic field H' and the induced current generated by magnetic field H" in separate circuits, it is possible to prevent these induced currents from canceling each other out. The case where magnetic elastic body 20 is expanded is the same as the case where magnetic elastic body 20 is compressed.

[0039] As described above, the induced current I generated in the power generation unit 10 is rectified by the rectifier unit 91 and received by the load unit 92. Then, a wireless signal including information about the identification number is output from the wireless module 92A of the load unit 92. This allows a wireless terminal located away from the electric device 100A to receive the wireless signal from the electric device 100A and monitor the load and behavior of the pair of opposing members 201, 202.

[0040] In addition, by setting up multiple electrical devices 100A of this embodiment in gaps between the bridge girders of an viaduct and the bridge body, gaps under the floor of a building with a seismic isolation structure, gaps under the road surface, etc., and storing the installation location and identification number of each electrical device 100A in association with each other, and monitoring wireless signals from the multiple electrical devices 100A with a monitoring terminal, it is possible to monitor the behavior of viaducts and buildings due to typhoons, earthquakes, etc., and the presence or absence of abnormalities.

[0041] As described above, the electrical device 100A of this embodiment generates power by electromagnetic induction by changing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12 through deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20, and therefore the structure related to power generation can be simplified compared to electrical devices that generate power using conventional rotating machines.

[0042] Furthermore, because the magnetic elastic body 20 is a foamed elastomer, it can expand and contract with a larger stroke than magnetic elastic bodies made of general elastic materials, such as non-foamed elastomers, resins, or metals. Furthermore, because the magnetic elastic body 20 can generate electricity by changing the magnetic flux density through deformation over a large stroke, it can generate more electricity per stroke than a magnetic elastic body that can only change the magnetic flux density over a short stroke. Furthermore, to obtain the same amount of power generation as a magnetic elastic body that can only change the magnetic flux density over a short stroke, it is possible to generate power by reversing the direction of the magnetic flux over a long period. In other words, the power generation unit 10 of the electric device 100A of this embodiment can generate low-frequency AC power, which facilitates impedance matching between the power generation unit 10 and the rectifier unit 91, load unit 92, and other components connected to it. Furthermore, as described above, the magnetic elastic body 20 can suppress changes in radial size due to expansion and contraction, thereby suppressing interference with the electromagnetic induction coil 12, and the clearance between the magnetic elastic body 20 and the electromagnetic induction coil 12 outside it can be narrowed, thereby increasing power generation efficiency.In addition, since the magnetic elastic body 20 is a foamed elastomer, it is less likely to break and is easy to handle.

[0043] [Second embodiment] Electrical device 100B of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 10 , and differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of rectifier 91V and load 92V. Specifically, rectifier 91V is a double-voltage rectifier circuit, and a secondary battery 91A is connected between a pair of output terminals of rectifier 91V. Load 92V includes a detection circuit 92B and a wireless circuit 92C, and a current detection circuit 92D for detecting an induced current flowing through electromagnetic induction coil 12 is connected to load 92V. Detection circuit 92B also includes an A / D converter and a microcomputer. Detection data for identifying an external force applied to electrical device 100B is generated based on the induced current generated by electromagnetic induction coil 12, and the detection data is wirelessly transmitted via wireless circuit 92C. Examples of the detection data include various types, such as FFT data and spectrum data of the induced current, and data on peak values ​​included in the waveform of the induced current.

[0044] In the electric device 100B of this embodiment, detection data for identifying an external force is generated based on the induced current generated in the power generation unit 10 and then wirelessly transmitted, making it possible to collect data at a remote location far from the electric device 100B without being affected by noise due to wireless transmission. Also, the provision of the secondary battery 91A stabilizes the power supply to the load unit 92V.

[0045] [Third embodiment] 11, an electric device 100C according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle 60 to charge a battery 51 of the vehicle 60. Only the configurations that differ from the first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0046] The power generation unit 10 of the electric device 100C of this embodiment is mounted on a suspension 61 of a vehicle 60. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the suspension 61 of the vehicle 60 has a shock absorber 62 and a suspension spring 63. The suspension spring 63 is sandwiched between a flange portion 65T that protrudes outward from a cylinder 65 of the shock absorber 62 and a vehicle body 60B. The magnetic elastic body 20V included in the power generation unit 10 of the electric device 100C has a cylindrical shape and is fitted into a piston rod 64 of the shock absorber 62 to function as a bound stopper. That is, when the shock absorber 62 contracts, the magnetic elastic body 20V is compressed between the cylinder 65 and the vehicle body 60B, thereby suppressing bounding of the vehicle 60.

[0047] Electromagnetic induction coil 12 of power generation unit 10 of electrical device 100C is disposed inside suspension spring 63 so as to surround magnetic elastic body 20V, and has its upper end fixed to vehicle body 60B. When magnetic elastic body 20V expands and contracts, an induced current flows in electromagnetic induction coil 12, generating electricity.

[0048] Rectifier 91W of electrical device 100C boosts the power generated by power generator 10 to a voltage required to charge battery 51. Then, the output of power generator 10 is applied to battery 51, which corresponds to the load of electrical device 100C, through rectifier 91W, thereby charging battery 51.

[0049] In the above embodiment, an automobile is exemplified as the vehicle 60, but the present invention may also be applied to the suspension of a motorcycle, a train, etc. Furthermore, examples of the automobile include electrically powered vehicles such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0050] [Fourth embodiment] 12, an electric device 100D of the fourth embodiment has a power generating unit 10 similar to that of the electric device 100C of the third embodiment, a rectifying unit 91V similar to that of the electric device 100B of the second embodiment, and a detection circuit 92B as a load. Detection data generated by the detection circuit 92B is provided to a control device 86 of a vehicle 60. Based on the provided detection data, the control device 86 determines whether or not there is an abnormality, such as an overload of the vehicle 60 or a malfunction of the suspension 61, and if an abnormality is detected, turns on a warning light 85 to notify the driver of the abnormality.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 60 is provided with the electrical device 100D, and the configuration is such that abnormalities related to the vehicle 60 are detected. However, for example, the configuration may be such that the electrical device 100D is provided in tanks or piping in a factory plant, and abnormalities in the tanks or piping are detected.

[0052] [Fifth embodiment] An electric device 100E of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), and is incorporated into a floor structure 71 of a building or vehicle. Specifically, this floor structure 71 has a structure in which a floor panel 73 is laid on a base 72, and a plurality of cushioning materials 78 are laid between the base 72 and the floor panel 73. When a load is applied to the floor panel 73, the cushioning materials 78 elastically deform. One or a plurality of the cushioning materials 78 is a magnetic elastic body 20W, and an electromagnetic induction coil 12 is provided to surround the magnetic elastic body 20W. The electric device 100E also has a rectifier unit and a wireless module similar to those of the first embodiment housed in a circuit case 33.

[0053] [Sixth embodiment] The electric device 100F of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 14 , and the magnetic elastic body 20 is configured to be twisted and deformed when subjected to an external force. Specifically, the electric device 100F has a structure in which the adjustment mechanism 35 is removed from one cylindrical body 32 of the extendable case 30 of the electric device 100A of the first embodiment, and a twist case 30V having a plurality of protrusions 31B similar to those of the other cylindrical body 32 is provided with the magnetic elastic body 20 and electromagnetic induction coil 12 having the same shapes as those of the magnetic elastic body 20 and electromagnetic induction coil 12 of the electric device 100A of the first embodiment. The twist case 30V is then attached to a pair of relatively rotating members or a shaft that receives load torque. As a result, when subjected to an external force as load torque, the pair of cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 rotate relative to each other, and the magnetic elastic body 20 is twisted. Moreover, the magnetic elastic body 20 is, for example, in a torsionally deformed state, placed in a magnetic field oriented in the axial direction of the magnetic elastic body 20, and the magnetic powder 22 is magnetized. The other structures are the same as those of the electric device 100A of the first embodiment. In this electric device 100F, when the magnetic elastic body 20 is twisted in one direction, the direction of the magnetic moment of the magnetic powder 22 is aligned in the direction of penetration through the electromagnetic induction coil 12, and when the magnetic elastic body 20 is twisted in the other direction, the direction of the magnetic moment of the magnetic powder 22 is aligned or varies in a direction different from the direction of penetration through the electromagnetic induction coil 12. As a result, the density of the magnetic flux penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12 changes as the magnetic elastic body 20 is twisted, causing power generation in the power generation unit 10, and a wireless signal is transmitted from the wireless module 92A of the load unit 92 in response to that power.

[0054] [Seventh embodiment] 15, the electric device 100G of this embodiment includes a twist case 30W in which a screwing mechanism is added to the twist case 30V of the electric device 100F of the sixth embodiment. Specifically, the outer surface of one cylindrical body 31 of the twist case 30W is provided with an engaging portion 31M having a spirally extending groove structure or ridge structure, and the inner surface of the other cylindrical body 32 is provided with an engaging portion (not shown) that screws into the engaging portion 31M. As a result, when the cylindrical bodies 31 and 32 of the twist case 30W rotate relative to each other, the magnetic elastic body 20 is twisted and expanded / contracted. This induces an induced current in the electromagnetic induction coil 12.

[0055] [Eighth embodiment] An electric device 100H of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 16. As shown in Fig. 16(A), the power generation unit 10 of the electric device 100H includes a cylindrical magnetic elastic body 20 that fits exactly on a shaft 203, which is a target for detecting bending deformation, and an electromagnetic induction coil 12 that fits around the magnetic elastic body 20. As shown in Fig. 16(B), the magnetic elastic body 20 and the electromagnetic induction coil 12 bend and deform together with the shaft 203. The electric device 100H also includes, for example, a rectifier unit 91 and a wireless module 92A that are similar to those of the electric device 100A of the first embodiment, housed in a circuit case 33. As the magnetic elastic body 20 bends and deforms in response to bending deformation of the shaft 203, the density of the magnetic flux penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil 12 changes, causing the power generation unit 10 to generate power. A wireless signal is transmitted from the wireless module 92A of the load unit 92 in response to the power generation.

[0056] [Ninth embodiment] 17(A), an electric device 100I of this embodiment has a structure in which a pair of non-magnetic disks 39 are arranged facing each other, and a plurality of magnetic elastic bodies 20 are connected in parallel between the pair of disks 39. Specifically, the plurality of magnetic elastic bodies 20 are, for example, cylindrical, and the central axes of the magnetic elastic bodies 20 are arranged inward from the outer edges of the pair of disks 39 at positions that equally divide an imaginary circle that is concentric with the central axis of the pair of disks 39, and each magnetic elastic body 20 is fixed to the pair of disks 39 with an adhesive applied to both end faces of each magnetic elastic body 20. A plurality of mounting holes 39A are formed in the outer edges of the pair of disks 39.

[0057] Additionally, an electromagnetic induction coil 12 is fitted onto the outside of each magnetic elastic body 20. A plurality of rectifier units 91 and wireless modules 92A described in the first embodiment are provided corresponding to the plurality of electromagnetic induction coils 12 and housed in a circuit case 33. Each time an induced current of a predetermined magnitude or greater flows through each electromagnetic induction coil 12, a wireless signal including information on a unique identification number is transmitted from the wireless module 92A corresponding to each electromagnetic induction coil 12.

[0058] Electric device 100I of this embodiment is used with a pair of disks 39 fixed to a detection target. Electric power is generated in multiple electromagnetic induction coils 12 in response to behaviors such as the pair of disks 39 moving closer to and away from each other, the behavior of one disk 39 tilting in any direction relative to the other disk 39, and the behavior of one disk 39 rotating around its central axis relative to the other disk 39, and a wireless signal corresponding to the power generation state is output.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(B), an additional part 38 is prepared in which a support 38A rises from the center of a disk 38C and has a mass 38B at its tip, and the disk 38C of the additional part 38 is placed on and fixed to one of the disks 39 of the electrical device 100I, and the other disk 39 is fixed to a building, vehicle, the ground, etc., thereby making it possible to detect vibrations, etc., received by the electrical device 100I.

[0060] [Confirmation experiment] It was confirmed through experiments that power generation was performed by the electromagnetic induction coil 12 and the magnetic elastic body 20 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the induced electromotive force generated in the electromagnetic induction coil 12 was confirmed as a substitute value for the induced current I.

[0061] I. Configuration of the electromagnetic induction device The electromagnetic induction coil 12 was made of copper wire and had a coil winding diameter (inner diameter) of 36 mm (36Φ), an axial length of 70 mm, a wire diameter of 0.5 mm, 1,395 turns, and a resistance of 13 Ω. The magnetic elastic body 20 was made of polyurethane foam elastomer 21 with neodymium-based magnetic powder dispersed therein. The neodymium-based magnetic powder used had different particle sizes (5 μm and 100 μm). The magnetic elastic body 20 was cylindrical, with a diameter of 23 mm and an axial length of 23 mm. The magnetic elastic body 20 was magnetized at 8 tesla for 3 seconds. The magnetic elastic body 20 was magnetized in both its natural length state and a 50% axially compressed state. In this experiment, the magnetic elastic body 20 was positioned coaxially with the electromagnetic induction coil 12, and its center was aligned with that of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 when in its natural length state. The magnetic elastic body 20 is entirely contained within the electromagnetic induction coil 12, and is arranged so that its axial direction is in the up-down direction. The magnetic elastic body 20 is elastically deformed by being compressed from one end side in the axial direction (from below).

[0062] II. Details of the magnetic elastic body in each experimental example The details of the raw material of the magnetic elastic body 20 are as follows.

[0063] (1) 1st liquid Polyol: Polyester polyol (molecular weight: 2000, functionality: 2, hydroxyl value: 56 mg KOH / g, product name: "Polylite OD-X-102", manufactured by DIC Corporation) Isocyanate: 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate (NCO%: 40%, product name: "Cosmonate ND", manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) Neodymium-based magnetic powder: (1) MQFP (5 μm), manufactured by Magnequench Co., Ltd., (2) MQFP (100 μm), manufactured by Magnequench Co., Ltd.

[0064] (2)Second liquid Catalyst: Amine catalyst, product name: "Addocat PP", manufactured by Rhein Chemie Japan Foaming agent: A mixture of castor oil and water, product number: "Advade SV" (castor oil and water weight ratio 50:50), manufactured by Rhein Chemie Japan

[0065] In addition, in this experiment, magnetic elastic bodies 20 with different expansion ratios of the foamed elastomer 21, compounding ratios and particle diameters of the neodymium-based magnetic powder, and magnetization methods were used (Experimental Examples 1 to 5). The magnetization conditions and characteristic values ​​of the magnetic elastic bodies 20 in each experimental example are as shown in FIG. 19.

[0066] FIG. 19 shows the details and characteristics of the foamed elastomers of Experimental Examples 1 to 5. In Experimental Example 1, the foamed elastomer 21 was magnetized in its natural length state with an expansion ratio of 2x, and the particle diameter of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was 5 μm, the mass ratio was 50 mass%, and the volume ratio was 3.3 vol%. In Experimental Example 2, the foamed elastomer 21 was magnetized in its natural length state with an expansion ratio of 4x, and the volume ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was 1.6 vol%, but the rest was the same as Experimental Example 1. In Experimental Example 3, the mass ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was 60 mass%, and the volume ratio was 3.9 vol%, but the rest was the same as Experimental Example 1. In Experimental Example 4, the foamed elastomer was magnetized in a 50% compressed state in the axial direction, but the rest was the same as Experimental Example 3. In Experimental Example 5, the particle diameter of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was 100 μm, but the rest was the same as Experimental Example 3.

[0067] III. Test Method (1) Density and expansion ratio of foamed elastomer The expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer 21 was calculated by preparing a test sample of a cylindrical magnetic elastomer 20 having a diameter of 23 mm and an axial length (thickness) of 23 mm from the first liquid and the second liquid that did not contain neodymium-based magnetic powder, measuring the density based on JIS K6268:1998, and calculating the expansion ratio from this density.

[0068] (2) Mass ratio and volume ratio of neodymium-based magnetic powder The mass ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was determined by measuring the mass of the neodymium-based magnetic powder relative to the mass of the first liquid using a balance. The volume ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was calculated using the following formula from the mass ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder, the density of the neodymium-based magnetic powder, and the density of the foamed elastomer 21. Here, the density of the neodymium-based magnetic powder was 7.6 g / cm. 3 It was decided. Volume ratio of neodymium-based magnetic powder (%) = (mass ratio of neodymium-based magnetic powder × density of foamed elastomer) / (density of neodymium-based magnetic powder)

[0069] (3) Compression set The compression set was measured by preparing a test sample of the magnetic elastic body 20 having a diameter of 13 mm and a thickness of 6.3 mm, in accordance with JIS K 6262:2013 Method A (small test piece, 70°C x 22 hours, 25% compression).

[0070] (4) Repeated compression strain The repeated compression strain was calculated using the following formula by compressing a test sample of the magnetic elastic body 20, 23 mm in diameter and 23 mm in axial length (thickness), 100,000 times at 1 Hz (1 time / second) by 50% in the axial direction relative to its natural length (original thickness), measuring the change in thickness before and after the repeated compression test. Note that this measurement was performed at room temperature (23°C). Repeated compression strain (%) = (thickness before compression test - thickness after compression test) / (thickness before compression test) × 100

[0071] (5) Surface magnetic flux density The surface magnetic flux density was obtained by preparing a test sample of the magnetic elastic body 20 having a diameter of 23 mm and an axial length (thickness) of 23 mm, measuring the magnetic flux density at the center of the upper and lower surfaces, which are both end surfaces in the axial direction, 10 times each (20 times in total) using a gauss meter (MG-601, manufactured by Magna), and calculating the average value. The surface magnetic flux density was also measured for the magnetic elastic body 20 in its natural length state and in compressed states compressed 10%, 25%, and 50% from its natural length in the axial direction, and the rate of change in the surface magnetic flux density for each compressed state relative to the natural length state was calculated.

[0072] (6) Power generation amount The amount of power generation was evaluated by measuring the voltage across the electromagnetic induction coil 12 while vibrating and deforming the magnetic elastic body 20 so that it repeatedly compressed and restored in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 using a test device 40 shown in Fig. 18. The conditions for the vibration deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20 were nine, consisting of combinations of three levels of compression ratio (stroke amount) and three levels of frequency, and the voltage was measured for each condition. Specifically, the amplitude levels were 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm (displacement amount), and the frequency levels were 1 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz.

[0073] Details of the test device 40 are as follows. The test device 40 has a piston 41 and a fixed member 42 inside the electromagnetic induction coil 12, which sandwich the magnetic elastic body 20 in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12. The piston 41 receives power from a drive source 43 and vibrates in the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12, causing vibrational deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20. The distance between the fixed member 42 and the piston 41 is set so that it is the same as the natural length of the magnetic elastic body 20 when the piston 41 is farthest from the fixed member 42 during the vibration stroke. That is, in this experiment, the fixed member 42 and the piston 41 are always in contact with the magnetic elastic body 20.

[0074] Both ends of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 are connected to an oscilloscope 44, which displays the induced electromotive force generated in the electromagnetic induction coil 12. Furthermore, the test device 40 is provided with a laser displacement meter 45 for detecting the vibration of the piston 41. The laser displacement meter 45 outputs signals related to the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the piston 41 to the oscilloscope 44 via an amplifier unit 46, so that the amplitude and frequency of the vibration of the piston 41 can be confirmed on the oscilloscope 44.

[0075] IV. Test Results In all of Experimental Examples 1 to 5, the foamed elastomer 21 was made of polyurethane elastomer, and therefore the compression set was 21 to 25% and the repeated compression set was 13 to 18%, which was a good result.

[0076] The surface magnetic flux densities in the natural length state of Experimental Examples 1 to 3 were 9.2 mT, 4.6 mT, and 10.3 mT, respectively, and the surface magnetic flux density increased as the volume ratio of the neodymium-based magnetic powder increased.The surface magnetic flux densities in the natural length state of Experimental Examples 3 and 5 were 10.3 mT and 14.6 mT, respectively, and it can be seen that the surface magnetic flux density increased as the particle diameter of the neodymium-based magnetic powder increased. The surface magnetic flux densities of Experimental Examples 3 and 4 in the natural length state were 10.3 mT and 9.2 mT, respectively, with Experimental Example 3 being higher, but the surface magnetic flux densities when compressed by 10%, 25%, and 50% were 10.5 mT and 9.9 mT, 10.7 mT and 10.6 mT, and 10.9 mT and 12.6 mT, respectively, with the percentage change being 1.9% and 7.6%, 3.9% and 15.2%, and 5.8% and 37.0%, respectively. When compressed by 50%, Experimental Example 4 had a higher surface magnetic flux density. This is thought to be because, when compressed, the distribution density of the neodymium-based magnetic powder increases, and the magnetic moments of the neodymium-based magnetic powder become more aligned than in the natural length state. This increases both the number n of neodymium-based magnetic powder particles per unit volume and the average magnetic moment mz in the above relational expression (B). This increases the magnetization Mz and the rate of change compared to the natural length state. The increased magnetization Mz is thought to result in an increased magnetic flux density Bz (see relational expression (A)). Furthermore, in Experimental Example 3, even with 50% compression, the rate of change in surface magnetic flux density compared to the natural length state was 5.8%, while in Experimental Example 4, the rate of change compared to the natural length state was 7.6% with 10% compression. This means that even with a small degree of elastic deformation, the change in surface magnetic flux density (magnetic flux density) can be increased.

[0077] Comparing the amounts of electricity generated in Experimental Examples 1 and 3, it can be seen that the amount of electricity generated increases when the mass ratio (volume ratio) of neodymium-based magnetic powder is larger. It can also be seen that the amount of electricity generated increases when the compression ratio (amount of displacement) and frequency are larger.

[0078] [Other embodiments] (1) As a device for detecting the behavior of a component by utilizing the change in magnetic flux density accompanying the elastic deformation of the magnetic elastic body 20, a configuration in which a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element, a TMR element (tunneling magnetoresistance element), a GMR element (giant magnetoresistance element), or an AMR element (anisotropic magnetoresistance element) is arranged opposite the magnetic elastic body 20 can be considered.

[0079] (2) All of the electrical devices 100A to 100I described above are designed to operate using power generated by the power generation unit 10. However, the power generation unit 10 may not be used as a power generation unit, and power may be secured from a battery or an external power source (e.g., a commercial power source). The power generation unit 10 may be used only as a detection unit that detects external forces, deformation of components, etc., and may not be provided with a load unit.

[0080] (3) Just as the electric device 100I of the ninth embodiment can be used for twisting, bending, and expanding / contracting deformation, all of the electric devices 100A to 100I described above may be used in other ways. In addition, the electric load included in the load section of the electric devices 100A to 100I may be changed as appropriate.

[0081] (4) In the first embodiment, the magnetic elastic body 20 is arranged inside the electromagnetic induction coil 12. However, the magnetic elastic body 20 may be arranged outside the electromagnetic induction coil 12 as long as the magnetic field generated by the magnetic powder 22 of the magnetic elastic body 20 penetrates the inside of the electromagnetic induction coil 12.

[0082] (5) In the above embodiment, the magnetization direction of the magnetic elastic body 20 is the same as the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12, but it may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil 12.

[0083] (6) In the above embodiment, the magnetic elastic body 20 is cylindrical, but is not limited thereto and may be rectangular or spherical. Also, it may be in the shape of a product such as the bound stopper described above (see FIG. 11(B)).

[0084] (7) In the above embodiment, the electromagnetic induction coil 12 and the magnetic elastic body 20 are arranged coaxially, but the central axes of the electromagnetic induction coil 12 and the magnetic elastic body 20 may be arranged parallel to each other with a shift from each other, or may be inclined from each other.

[0085] (8) The magnetic elastic body 20 has a structure in which magnetic powder 22 is dispersed in foamed elastomer 21, so it can be easily cut into any shape, and the cut body also becomes a magnet with a north pole and a south pole, so the magnetic elastic body 20 may be used for toys. In addition, since the magnetic elastic body 20 is lighter than ferrite magnets, etc., it can also be used to levitate using the magnetic force of other magnets, etc.

[0086] (9) In the above embodiment, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI) is used as the isocyanate raw material of the magnetic elastic body 20, but diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) may also be used.

[0087] <Additional Notes> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from the above embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, their effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the following will appropriately indicate corresponding configurations in the above embodiments in parentheses, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses, etc.

[0088] [Feature A1] an elastic body containing magnetized magnetic powder, generating a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil and changing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when elastically deformed by an external force; a rectifier unit that rectifies an induced current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil by the change in magnetic flux density; and a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates.

[0089] The electrical device of Feature A1 has an elastic body containing magnetized magnetic powder that generates a magnetic field that penetrates an electromagnetic induction coil. When such an elastic body is elastically deformed by an external force, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil changes, causing self-power generation through electromagnetic induction. The induced current flowing through the electromagnetic induction coil is then rectified and applied to a load, driving the load. In this way, the electrical device of Feature A1 can generate self-power using an elastic body with a simpler structure than the rotating machines of conventional electrical devices.

[0090] [Feature A2] The electric device according to feature A1, wherein the load unit includes a wireless circuit that outputs a wireless signal in response to power received from the rectifier unit.

[0091] The electrical device with feature A2 generates its own power and is equipped with a wireless circuit, so it has a high degree of freedom in where it can be installed.

[0092] [Feature A3] The electrical device according to feature A2, wherein the wireless circuit outputs a wireless signal each time power is received from the rectification unit to notify that the elastic body has received an external force.

[0093] The electrical device of feature A3 can be installed in a location that is subject to external force, and the status of the external force can be monitored from a remote location.

[0094] [Features A4] An electrical device described in any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the load section includes a detection circuit that generates detection data for identifying the external force based on the induced current, and a wireless circuit that wirelessly transmits the detection data.

[0095] The electrical device of Feature 4 generates detection data for identifying external forces based on induced currents and then transmits it wirelessly, making it possible to collect data at remote locations far from the electrical device that is less susceptible to noise caused by wireless transmission.

[0096] [Feature A5] The electric device according to any one of Features A1 to A4, wherein the rectifier unit includes a secondary battery that is charged by the induced current and can supply power to the load unit.

[0097] Feature 5 is that the inclusion of a secondary battery stabilizes power supply to the load section.

[0098] [Feature A6] An electrical device according to any one of features A1 to A5, wherein the orientation of the magnetic moment of the magnetic powder changes with elastic deformation of the elastic body, thereby changing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field penetrating the electromagnetic induction coil.

[0099] To change the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field, the distribution density of the magnetic powder that generates the magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil may be changed by deforming the elastic body, or, as in Feature 6, the orientation of the magnetic moment of the magnetic powder may be changed between being aligned with the axial direction of the electromagnetic induction coil and being not aligned.

[0100] [Feature A7] The electrical device according to any one of Features A1 to A6, wherein the electromagnetic induction coil is wound to form a ring or a cylinder having a space inside to receive the elastic body, and the electrical device is provided with an expansion / contraction support mechanism that transmits the external force so as to expand and contract the elastic body in the winding axis direction of the electromagnetic induction coil.

[0101] According to Feature 7, it is possible to generate electricity efficiently with a compact structure.

[0102] [Feature A8] The electric device according to any one of Features A1 to A6, further comprising a torsion support mechanism that transmits the external force so that the elastic body can be twisted around the winding axis of the electromagnetic induction coil.

[0103] Feature 8 is that power can be generated by utilizing the external rotating force.

[0104] [Feature A9] The electrical device according to any one of Features A1 to A8, wherein the elastic body is a foamed elastomer.

[0105] The elastic body of feature A9 is a foam elastomer, so the bubbles collapse when compressed and expand when stretched. This reduces the change in size in the direction perpendicular to the direction of expansion and contraction that accompanies expansion and contraction deformation, and reduces interference between the elastic body and surrounding parts.

[0106] [Feature A10] The electric device according to Feature A9, wherein the foamed elastomer is a polyurethane elastomer, and the particle diameter of the magnetic powder is 3 to 200 μm.

[0107] In Feature A10, the elastomer is a polyurethane elastomer, which allows the raw material of the elastomer to harden quickly. For example, if the elastomer is non-foamed silicone rubber, the elastomer takes a long time to harden, which can lead to the magnetic powder settling during hardening, resulting in uneven dispersion of the magnetic powder within the elastomer. In contrast, in Feature A10, the raw material of the elastomer can be hardened before the magnetic powder settles, allowing the magnetic powder to be uniformly dispersed within the elastomer. This makes it possible to easily disperse magnetic powder with a particle diameter of 100 μm or more, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density of the elastomer. Furthermore, from the perspective of the moldability and ease of deformation of the elastomer, it is preferable that the particle diameter of the magnetic powder be 200 μm or less.

[0108] [Feature A11] The electrical device according to Feature A9 or Feature A10, wherein the foamed elastomer has an expansion ratio of 1.4 to 6 times and has at least a portion with an open-cell structure.

[0109] In Feature A11, the foamed elastomer has an expansion ratio of 1.4 to 6 times and has at least an open-cell structure, which makes it easy to mold the elastic body and elastically deform it, and makes it easy to change the magnetic flux density of the elastic body. As a result, it becomes easier to generate induced current in the circuit. Furthermore, because the foamed elastomer has at least a portion with an open-cell structure, it is possible to prevent the foamed elastomer from shrinking after molding. Note that the expansion ratio refers to the expansion ratio of the foamed elastomer alone, not the expansion ratio of the elastomer body.

[0110] [Feature A12] The electrical device according to any one of Features A9 to A11, wherein the magnetic powder is made of a hard ferromagnetic material, the mass concentration of the magnetic powder relative to the foamed elastomer is 40 to 80%, and the volume concentration of the magnetic powder relative to the foamed elastomer is 1.0 to 3.5%.

[0111] Feature A12 makes it possible to easily elastically deform the elastic body while increasing the change in magnetic flux density of the elastic body.

[0112] [Feature A13] The electrical device according to any one of Features A1 to A12, wherein the elastic body has a compression set of 30% or less in accordance with JIS K 6262:2013 Method A.

[0113] [Feature A14] The electrical device according to any one of Features A1 to A13, wherein the elastic body has a repeated compressive strain of 20% or less when subjected to 50% compression repeated 100,000 times at 1 Hz.

[0114] According to Features A13 and A14, the foamed elastomer has good recovery after elastic deformation, which reduces settling of the foamed elastomer even when the elastic body is used in an application where it is repeatedly compressed, making the elastic body more suitable for repeated use.

[0115] [Feature A15] A manufacturing method for manufacturing the electrical device according to any one of Features A1 to A14, comprising dispersing the magnetic powder in the elastic body, and magnetizing the magnetic powder in the compression direction of the elastic body while the elastic body is elastically deformed.

[0116] According to the manufacturing method of feature A15, it is possible to easily manufacture an elastic body that exhibits a large change in magnetic flux density when compressed.

[0117] Although the present specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the scope of the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples, and also includes parts of the specific examples taken out alone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 Power Generation Department 12,12V electromagnetic induction coil 20, 20V, 20W Magnetic elastic body (elastic body) 21 Foam elastomer 22 Magnetic powder 35 Adjustment mechanism 91,91V,91W rectifier 91A secondary battery 92.92V load section 100A~100I Electrical Equipment

Claims

1. An electromagnetic induction coil; an elastic body that contains magnetized magnetic powder, generates a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and changes the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when elastically deformed by an external force; a rectifier that rectifies an induction current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil due to a change in the magnetic flux density; a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates; a case that accommodates the electromagnetic induction coil and the elastic body and is expandable and contractible together with the elastic body; Electrical equipment comprising:

2. An electromagnetic induction coil; an elastic body that contains magnetized magnetic powder, generates a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and changes the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when elastically deformed by an external force; a rectifier that rectifies an induction current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil due to a change in the magnetic flux density; a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates; a case including a pair of cylindrical bodies partially fitted together, the case accommodating the electromagnetic induction coil and the elastic body, and the case being expandable and contractible together with the elastic body; Electrical equipment comprising:

3. An electromagnetic induction coil; an elastic body containing magnetized magnetic powder, generating a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and changing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when twisted and deformed by an external force; a rectifier that rectifies an induction current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil due to a change in the magnetic flux density; a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates; a case including a pair of cylindrical bodies partially fitted together, the case accommodating the electromagnetic induction coil and the elastic body, the pair of cylindrical bodies being rotatable relative to one another as the elastic body is twisted; Electrical equipment comprising:

4. An electromagnetic induction coil; an elastic body that contains magnetized magnetic powder, generates a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and changes the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field when elastically deformed by an external force; a rectifier that rectifies an induction current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil due to a change in the magnetic flux density; a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates; a case including a pair of cylindrical bodies, the portions of which are fitted together in a state in which rotation is restricted, the case accommodating the electromagnetic induction coil and the elastic body, and the case being expandable and contractible together with the elastic body; Electrical equipment comprising:

5. An electromagnetic induction coil; an elastic body that contains magnetized magnetic powder, generates a magnetic field that penetrates the electromagnetic induction coil, and is sandwiched between a pair of members, and whose magnetic flux density of the magnetic field changes when it expands or contracts as the pair of members approach or move away from each other; a rectifier that rectifies an induction current induced in the electromagnetic induction coil due to a change in the magnetic flux density; a load unit that receives power from the rectifier unit and operates; an adjustment mechanism that is sandwiched between one of the pair of members and the elastic body and is capable of adjusting the length; Electrical equipment comprising:

Images