Vibration power generation unit and vibration power generation device

Abstract

To provide a vibration power generation unit and a vibration power generation device, in which durability is improved and a pressure applied to a piezoelectric element can be easily adjusted.SOLUTION: A vibration power generation unit 1 includes: a vibrator 40; a guide 50 to guide a movement of the vibrator 40 in a first direction D1; a first piezoelectric element 11 pressed by one end (a lower end 40a) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1; and a second piezoelectric element 21 pressed by the other end (an upper end 40b) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1. Each of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 is curved so as to be raised toward the vibrator 40 side at a central portion pressed by the vibrator 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration power generation unit and a vibration power generation device including the vibration power generation unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method of generating electricity based on vibration or pressure by utilizing the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element has been known.

[0003] For example, a power generation device for a bicycle has been proposed, which includes a diaphragm having piezoelectric elements formed on both surfaces of a metal plate, and generates electricity by applying an impact from both sides of the diaphragm using an impact object (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-described power generation device, since impacts are applied to the diaphragm from both sides, the piezoelectric elements provided on the diaphragm are deformed into both concave and convex states. Therefore, the piezoelectric elements are likely to deteriorate. Further, in the configuration in which impact objects are arranged on both sides of the diaphragm as in the above-described power generation device, it is difficult to adjust the pressure applied to the piezoelectric elements.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration power generation unit and a vibration power generation device that can enhance durability and facilitate adjustment of the pressure applied to the piezoelectric elements.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the vibration power generation unit comprises a vibrator, a guide for guiding the movement of the vibrator in a first direction, a first piezoelectric element pressed by one end of the vibrator in the first direction, and a second piezoelectric element pressed by the other end of the vibrator in the first direction, wherein each of the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element is curved so as to bulge toward the vibrator in the central portion pressed by the vibrator.

[0008] In another embodiment, the vibration power generation device comprises a plurality of vibration power generation units, the plurality of vibration power generation units are arranged in a manner that their orientations are perpendicular to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above embodiment, durability can be increased, and the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element can be easily adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a vibration power generation unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a vibration power generation unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first piezoelectric element module in one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a first piezoelectric element module in one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first piezoelectric element module in a pressed state according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a control configuration diagram showing a vibration power generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a vibration power generation unit according to a first modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a vibration power generation unit according to a second modification of an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a vibration power generation unit according to a third modification of an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a vibration power generation unit and a vibration power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration power generation unit 1.

[0013] FIGS. 3 and 4 are a cross-sectional view and a plan view showing the first piezoelectric element module 10 of the vibration power generation unit 1.

[0014] In addition, the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 to 10 described later are an example when the first direction D1, which is the moving direction of the vibrator 40, is the up-down direction.

[0015] The vibration power generation unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a first piezoelectric element module 10, a second piezoelectric element module 20, a housing 30, a vibrator 40, a guide 50, two first fixing parts 60, two second fixing parts 70, two first support parts 81, two second support parts 82, a first buffer material 91, and a second buffer material 92.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the first piezoelectric element module 10 has a first piezoelectric element 11, a first substrate 12, and a collision plate 13.

[0017] The first piezoelectric element 11 is disposed at the central portion of the upper surface of the first substrate 12 and is pressed by the lower end 40a (an example of one end) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1 which is the vertical direction. As will be described later, the first piezoelectric element 11 is curved upward on the vibrator 40 side together with the first substrate 12 at the central portion pressed by the vibrator 40. The first piezoelectric element 11 includes a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrode layers sandwiching the piezoelectric body. As the first piezoelectric element 11, any configuration can be adopted. For example, the piezoelectric element is a piezoelectric element having a ceramic layer as the piezoelectric body.

[0018] The first substrate 12 is, for example, a glass epoxy substrate and has a rectangular plate shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back direction. The first substrate 12 is curved such that the central portion in the left-right direction bulges upward toward the vibrator 40 under the support of two first support portions 81 described later.

[0019] The collision plate 13 is provided on the central portion of the first piezoelectric element 11 that is pressed by the vibrator 40 described later and directly contacts the vibrator 40.

[0020] The second piezoelectric element module 20 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed to face the first piezoelectric element module 10 in the vertical direction and includes a second piezoelectric element 21, a second substrate 22, and a collision plate 23. Since the second piezoelectric element module 20 can be the same module that is vertically symmetric to the first piezoelectric element module 10, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The second piezoelectric element 21 is disposed at the central portion of the lower surface of the second substrate 22 and is pressed by the upper end 40b (an example of the other end) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1. Further, the second piezoelectric element 21 is curved upward on the vibrator 40 side together with the second substrate 22 at the central portion pressed by the vibrator 40.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 30 has a first part 31, a second part 32, and a third part 33. These first part 31, second part 32, and third part 33 have the same width in the front-to-back direction, and are fixed together by screws (not shown) such that the third part 33 is positioned on top of the first part 31 and the second part 32 is positioned on top of the third part 33. Note that the first part 31, second part 32, and third part 33 may be provided as a single unit. Furthermore, the shape of the housing 30 can be any shape.

[0022] The first part 31 is located at the bottom of the first piezoelectric element module 10 and has a rectangular plate shape with its thickness direction coinciding with the vertical direction. The left and right ends of the first part 31 are provided with upwardly projecting protrusions 31a and 31b. The right protrusion 31b is provided with a wiring hole 31c extending in the left-right direction for passing wiring (not shown) connected to the first substrate 12. This wiring is connected to a control circuit (for example, the control unit 110 shown in Figures 6 and 7, which will be described later).

[0023] The second part 32 can be symmetrical in shape to the first part 31. The second part 32 is positioned on top of the second piezoelectric element module 20 and has a rectangular plate shape with its thickness direction coinciding with the vertical direction. The left and right ends of the second part 32 are provided with downward-projecting protrusions 32a and 32b. The right protrusion 32b is provided with a wiring hole 32c extending in the left-right direction for passing wiring (not shown) connected to the second substrate 22.

[0024] The third part 33 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and in a front view, it forms an H shape, with a recess 33a at the bottom and a recess 33b at the top. In addition, a through hole 33c extending in the vertical direction is provided in the center of the third part 33. This through hole 33c has a large diameter portion 33c-1 at the top and a small diameter portion 33c-2 at the bottom.

[0025] The transducer 40 has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1 (vertical direction). The transducer 40 is made of a metal material such as iron. A weight may be attached to the outer surface of the transducer 40 in an area that does not interfere with the third part 33 of the housing 30 or the guide 50 described later. This makes it possible to adjust the pressure applied to the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element.

[0026] The guide 50 is, for example, a linear bush, and guides the vertical movement (first direction D1) of the vibrator 40 in accordance with the vertical vibration of the vibration power generation unit 1. The guide 50 is mostly located on the large-diameter portion 33c-1, with a portion protruding upward from the large-diameter portion 33c-1. The guide 50 is placed and fixed at the lower end flange portion on the stepped portion between the large-diameter portion 33c-1 and the small-diameter portion 33c-2.

[0027] The two first fixing parts 60 are positioned at the left and right ends of the first substrate 12, and fix the first substrate 12 to the first part 31 of the housing 30 from above, such that the peripheral portions (left and right ends) of the first substrate 12 extend in the left-right direction (perpendicular to the first direction D1). Each of the two first fixing parts 60 has two fixing screws 61 (see Figure 2) and a block 62 that contacts the first substrate 12. The fixing screws 61 pass through the block 62 and the first substrate 12 and are screwed into female screw holes (not shown) of the first part 31. It is preferable that the first substrate 12 has elongated holes in the left-right direction for the fixing screws 61 to allow the position of the fixing screw 61's through-holes to change in the left-right direction between the unpressurized state, which is raised towards the vibrator 40 as shown in Figure 3, and the flat pressed state, which is pressed by the vibrator 40 as shown in Figure 5.

[0028] The first fixing portion 60 on the left side of Figure 1 has a retaining screw 63 that restricts the position of the left end of the first piezoelectric element module 10 at its tip. This retaining screw 63 is inserted from the left side into the left protrusion 31a of the first portion 31.

[0029] The two second fixing parts 70 are positioned at the left and right ends of the second substrate 22, and fix the second substrate 22 to the second part 32 of the housing 30 from below, such that the peripheral portions (left and right ends) of the second substrate 22 extend in the left-right direction (perpendicular to the first direction D1). Each of the two second fixing parts 70 can be provided symmetrically above and below the two first fixing parts 60, and, like the first fixing parts 60, has a fixing screw 71 and a block 72 that contacts the second substrate 22.

[0030] The second fixing portion 70 on the left side of Figure 1 has a retaining screw 73 that restricts the position of the left end of the second piezoelectric element module 20 at its tip. This retaining screw 73 is inserted from the left side into the left protrusion 32a of the second portion 32.

[0031] The two first support parts 81 are, for example, cylindrical members made of metal or resin, and are positioned on the first part 31 of the housing 30 between the first piezoelectric element 11 and the left first fixing part 60 (the left peripheral edge portion of the first piezoelectric element 11), and between the first piezoelectric element 11 and the right first fixing part 60 (the right peripheral edge portion of the first piezoelectric element 11), with their axial direction (longitudinal direction) being the front-to-back direction. The first support parts 81 are preferably fixed in grooves on the first part 31 with adhesive. The left-right position of the first support parts 81 (for example, the ratio of the distance from the block 62 of the first fixing part 60 to the first support part 81 and the distance from the first support part 81 to the central portion of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the first substrate 12) can be adjusted to adjust the degree of curvature of the first substrate 12 and the first piezoelectric element 11, and consequently, the pressure applied to the first piezoelectric element 11.

[0032] The two second support parts 82 are cylindrical members made of metal or resin, and are positioned on the bottom surface of the second part 32 of the housing 30, between the second piezoelectric element 21 and the left second fixing part 70 (the left peripheral edge portion of the second piezoelectric element 21), and between the second piezoelectric element 21 and the right second fixing part 70 (the right peripheral edge portion of the second piezoelectric element 21), with their axial direction (longitudinal direction) being the front-to-back direction. The second support parts 82 are preferably fixed in grooves on the bottom surface of the second part 32 with adhesive. The left-right position of the second support parts 82 (for example, the ratio of the distance from the block 72 of the second fixing part 70 to the second support part 82 to the distance from the second support part 82 to the central portion of the second piezoelectric element 21 and the second substrate 22) can be adjusted to adjust the degree of curvature of the second substrate 22 and the second piezoelectric element 21, and consequently, the pressure applied to the second piezoelectric element 21.

[0033] The first cushioning material 91 is positioned on the first portion 31 of the housing 30 on the side opposite (below) the first piezoelectric element 11 in the central part of the first substrate 12. The first cushioning material 91 is, for example, a rubber sheet. As shown in Figure 5, the first cushioning material 91 contacts the central part of the first substrate 12 when the first piezoelectric element 11 is pressed by the vibrator 40. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the first piezoelectric element 11 is not pressed by the vibrator 40, the first cushioning material 91 is positioned with a gap between it and the central part of the first substrate 12. The first cushioning material 91 contacts the central part of the first substrate 12 at the same location in the first direction D1 as the contact portion between the first support portion 81 and the first substrate 12 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 3).

[0034] The second buffer material 92 is positioned on the bottom surface of the second portion 32 of the housing 30, on the side opposite (upper) of the second piezoelectric element 21 in the central part of the second substrate 22. Although not shown in the figures, the second buffer material 92 contacts the central part of the second substrate 22 when the second piezoelectric element 21 is pressed by the vibrator 40. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, when the second piezoelectric element 21 is not pressed by the vibrator 40, the second buffer material 92 is positioned with a gap between it and the central part of the second substrate 22. The second buffer material 92 contacts the central part of the second substrate 22 at the same position in the first direction D1 as the contact portion between the second support portion 82 and the second substrate 22.

[0035] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic and control diagrams showing the vibration power generation device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the vibration power generation device 100 comprises three vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3, which are an example of multiple vibration power generation units, and a control unit 110. These vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3 are identical to each other, but are arranged with their orientations such that the first direction D1, which is the direction of movement of the vibrator 40 described above, is perpendicular to each other. The vibration power generation device 100 may also comprise two or fewer vibration power generation units, or four or more vibration power generation units. Furthermore, the configurations of vibration power generation units 2 and 3 may not be identical to those of vibration power generation unit 1 described above, but may be partially modified.

[0037] For example, the vibration power generation unit 2 is positioned such that the first direction D1, which is the direction of movement of the vibrator 40 described above, is the left-right direction (second direction D2). The vibration power generation unit 3 is positioned such that the first direction D1 is the front-back direction (third direction D3).

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 110 includes a voltage detection unit 111, a power storage unit 112, and a wireless communication unit 113. In addition, the control unit 110 may include, for example, a processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as a processing unit for controlling the operation of each part of the vibration power generation device 100, and memory. This memory may be, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, or a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read at any time and used as a working memory area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0039] The voltage detection unit 111 is a detector that detects the voltage value generated by the pressing of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 by the vibrator 40, based on the DC current converted from AC current by rectifier elements provided on the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 22 of the vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The voltage detection unit 111 may detect the voltage value in each of the vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3. This detected voltage value takes the value corresponding to the vibration amount of each of the vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3. The voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 111 may be continuously transmitted to a predetermined external device by the wireless communication unit 113. Alternatively, only when the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 111 exceeds a specified value or when a predetermined voltage change corresponding to abnormal vibration occurs may be transmitted to a predetermined external device by the wireless communication unit 113. Note that the voltage detection unit 111 may be placed on the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 22 of the vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

[0040] The power storage unit 112 is, for example, a battery, and stores the electricity generated by the pressing of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 by the vibrator 40. This electricity is used for wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 113, which will be described later, but it may also be used for other purposes, such as an acceleration sensor or an indicator lamp on a moving object on which the vibration power generation device 100 is located. In particular, if an acceleration sensor is provided, the amount of vibration of the vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3 can be detected using the acceleration sensor, so the voltage detection unit 111 may be omitted.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 113 exchanges various types of information with external devices. When using line communication, the wireless communication unit 113 may use the power stored in the power storage unit 112. Even if the power storage unit 112 is omitted, the wireless communication unit 113 may perform wireless communication using power obtained from a capacitor or similar component on the control unit 110's circuit.

[0042] In the embodiment described above, the vibration power generation unit 1 comprises a vibrator 40, a guide 50 that guides the movement of the vibrator 40 in a first direction D1, a first piezoelectric element 11 that is pressed by the lower end 40a (an example of one end) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1, and a second piezoelectric element 21 that is pressed by the upper end 40b (an example of the other end) of the vibrator 40 in the first direction D1. Each of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 is curved so as to bulge toward the vibrator 40 in the central portion that is pressed by the vibrator 40.

[0043] In this configuration, the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 are pressed from only one side by the vibrator 40 in their central portions, which are curved to protrude towards the vibrator 40. Compared to a configuration where they are pressed from both the top and bottom, for example, deterioration of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 due to their reversal operation can be suppressed. Furthermore, by changing the degree of protrusion of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21, the pressure applied to the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 can be easily adjusted. Therefore, according to this embodiment, durability can be increased, and the pressure applied to the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 can be easily adjusted.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration power generation unit 1 includes a first substrate 12 on the side of the central part of the vibrator 40 (upper side) where the first piezoelectric element 11 is arranged, a second substrate 22 on the side of the central part of the vibrator 40 (lower side) where the second piezoelectric element 21 is arranged, two first fixing parts 60 that fix the peripheral edge of the first substrate 12 so that the peripheral edge of the first substrate 12 is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the peripheral edge of the second substrate 22 that fixes the peripheral edge of the second substrate 22 so that the peripheral edge of the second substrate 22 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The system further includes, for example, two second fixing parts 70, for example, two first support parts 81 that support the first substrate 12 between the peripheral part and the central part of the first substrate 12 so as to cause the central part of the first substrate 12 to bulge toward the vibrator 40, and for example, two second support parts 82 that support the second substrate 22 between the peripheral part and the central part of the second substrate 22 so as to cause the central part of the second substrate 22 to bulge toward the vibrator 40.

[0045] This makes it possible to change the degree of protrusion of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 through simple operations such as changing the positions of the first support portion 81 and the second support portion 82, or the fixing area range of the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 22 of the first fixing portion 60 and the second fixing portion 70. Therefore, it becomes even easier to adjust the pressure applied to the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration power generation unit 1 further comprises a first cushioning material 91 positioned on the opposite side of the central portion of the first substrate 12 from the first piezoelectric element 11, and a second cushioning material 92 positioned on the opposite side of the central portion of the first substrate 12 from the second piezoelectric element 21. The central portion of the first substrate 12 contacts the first cushioning material 91 when the first piezoelectric element 11 is pressed by the vibrator, and the central portion of the second substrate 22 contacts the second cushioning material 92 when the second piezoelectric element 21 is pressed by the vibrator 40. The first cushioning material 91 contacts the central portion of the first substrate 12 at a point where its position in the first direction D1 is the same as the contact point between the first support portion 81 and the first substrate 12, and the second cushioning material 92 contacts the central portion of the second substrate 22 at a point where its position in the first direction D1 is the same as the contact point between the second support portion 82 and the second substrate 22.

[0047] As a result, when the first substrate 12 (first piezoelectric element 11) and the second substrate 22 (second piezoelectric element 21) are pressed down to their most compressed state by the vibrator 40, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 22 are planar, and the impact can be mitigated by allowing the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 22 to make surface contact with the first cushioning material 91 or the second cushioning material 92. Furthermore, since the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 do not reverse from a state where they are raised towards the vibrator 40 to a state where they are raised towards the opposite side, the deterioration of the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 can be further suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration power generation device 100 comprises a plurality of vibration power generation units 1, 2, and 3, which are arranged with their orientations such that the first direction D1 is perpendicular to each other.

[0049] This allows the vibration power generation device 100 to generate electricity based on vibrations in multiple directions, especially when it is installed on a moving object that vibrates in multiple directions. Furthermore, when the voltage values ​​output by the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21 are detected using a voltage detection unit 111 or the like, the amount of vibration in multiple directions can be determined based on the detected voltage values.

[0050] Next, the vibration power generation units 201, 301, and 401 according to the first to third modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0051] In the above explanation, an example was used in which a single oscillator 40 presses a total of two piezoelectric elements, the first piezoelectric element 11 and the second piezoelectric element 21. However, in the first to third modifications, an example will be described in which a single oscillator 240, 330, 430 presses six (or four) piezoelectric elements.

[0052] First, in the vibration power generation unit 201 according to the first modified example shown in Figure 8, the piezoelectric elements 211 to 216 are arranged relative to the vibrator 240 as follows: the first piezoelectric element 211 is at the bottom, the second piezoelectric element 212 is at the top, the third piezoelectric element 213 is on the left, the fourth piezoelectric element 214 is on the right, the fifth piezoelectric element 215 is at the front (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 8), and the sixth piezoelectric element 216 is at the rear (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 8). Note that the number of piezoelectric elements in the vibration power generation unit 201 may be four, with one of the first piezoelectric element 211 and the second piezoelectric element 212, the third piezoelectric element 213 and the fourth piezoelectric element 214, and the fifth piezoelectric element 215 and the sixth piezoelectric element 216 being omitted.

[0053] The configuration for holding each piezoelectric element 211 to 216 can be the same as that of the first piezoelectric element module 10, the first part 31 of the housing 30, and the first fixing part 60 shown in Figure 3, but arranged in a different orientation. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0054] The guide 220 has a hollow cubic shape and, by housing the transducer 240, guides the movement of the transducer 240 in the first direction D1 (up and down direction), the second direction D2 (left and right direction), and the third direction D3 (front and back direction). The guide 220 is supported by four guide support members at the top, bottom, left and right corners of the front side, and immovably supported by four guide support members 231-234 (only the four on the rear side are shown) at the top, bottom, left and right corners of the rear side.

[0055] The vibrator 240 has a cubic shape inside the guide 220 and has extensions 241 to 246 (for example, cylindrical extensions 245 and 246 are not shown in Figure 8 and are therefore shown as dashed lines) that extend out of the guide 220 in all directions: up, down, left, right, front, and back. These extensions 241 to 246 press against the first to sixth piezoelectric elements 211 to 216 as the vibrator 240 moves (vibrates).

[0056] In the first modified example described above, the vibration power generation unit 201 includes, in addition to the first piezoelectric element 211 and the second piezoelectric element 212 which are pressed by one end of the vibrator 240 (the tip of the extension portion 241, 242) in the first direction D1, a third piezoelectric element 213 which is pressed by one end of the vibrator 240 (the tip of the extension portion 243) in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and a fourth piezoelectric element 214 which is pressed by the other end of the vibrator 240 (the tip of the extension portion 244) in the second direction D2. The guide 220 guides the movement of the vibrator 240 in the second direction D2 in addition to the movement of the vibrator 240 in the first direction D1.

[0057] As a result, the single oscillator 240 moves not only in the first direction D1 but also in the second direction D2. Therefore, in addition to the effects of using the vibration power generation unit 1 of the above embodiment, namely the effect of being able to increase durability and easily adjust the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element, it is also possible to obtain the effect of being able to generate electricity based on vibrations in multiple directions with a simple configuration.

[0058] Furthermore, the vibration power generation unit 201 further includes a fifth piezoelectric element 215 pressed by one end (the tip of the extension 245) of the vibrator 240 in a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D and the second direction D2, and a sixth piezoelectric element 216 pressed by the other end (the tip of the extension 246) of the vibrator 240 in the third direction D3. The guide 220 also guides the movement of the vibrator 240 in the third direction D3.

[0059] As a result, a single oscillator 240 moves not only in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 but also in the third direction D3, which allows for power generation based on vibrations in three or more directions with a simple configuration.

[0060] In the vibration power generation unit 301 according to the second modified example shown in Figure 9, the piezoelectric elements 311 to 316 are arranged similarly to the vibration power generation unit 201 shown in Figure 8, with the first piezoelectric element 311 at the bottom of the vibrator 330, the second piezoelectric element 312 at the top, the third piezoelectric element 313 on the left, the fourth piezoelectric element 314 on the right, the fifth piezoelectric element 315 at the front (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 9), and the sixth piezoelectric element 316 at the rear (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 9).

[0061] The configuration for holding each piezoelectric element 311 to 316 can be the same as that of the first piezoelectric element module 10, the first part 31 of the housing 30, and the first fixing part 60 shown in Figure 3, but arranged in a different orientation. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0062] The oscillator 330 is guided to move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 by four guides located at the top, bottom, left, and right corners on the front side of the vibration space, and four guides 321-324 located at the top, bottom, left, and right corners on the rear side of the vibration space (only the four on the rear side are shown). These guides 321-324 have three guide surfaces located on either side of the corners of the vibration space.

[0063] The oscillator 330 has a cubic shape and has hemispherical projections 331 to 336 in each direction (up, down, left, right, front, and back) (projections 335 and 336 are not shown in Figure 9 and are therefore shown as dashed lines). The oscillator 330 moves freely in the vibration space and presses the first to sixth piezoelectric elements 311 to 316 with its projections 331 to 336.

[0064] This second modification, like the first modification described above, provides the effect of generating electricity based on vibrations in multiple directions with a simple configuration.

[0065] The piezoelectric elements 411 to 416 of the vibration power generation unit 401 according to the third modified example shown in Figure 10 are arranged similarly to the vibration power generation units 201 and 301 shown in Figures 8 and 9, with the first piezoelectric element 411 at the bottom of the vibrator 430, the second piezoelectric element 412 at the top, the third piezoelectric element 413 on the left, the fourth piezoelectric element 414 on the right, the fifth piezoelectric element 415 at the front (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 10), and the sixth piezoelectric element 416 at the rear (shown as a dashed-dot line, as it is not shown in Figure 10).

[0066] The configuration for holding each piezoelectric element 411 to 416 can be the same as that of the first piezoelectric element module 10, the first part 31 of the housing 30, and the first fixing part 60 shown in Figure 3, but arranged in a different orientation. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0067] The oscillator 430 is guided to move in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 by four guides located at the top, bottom, left, and right corners on the front side of the vibration space, and four guides 421-424 located at the top, bottom, left, and right corners on the rear side of the vibration space (only the four on the rear side are shown). These guides 421-424 have three guide surfaces located on either side of the corners of the vibration space.

[0068] The oscillator 430 is spherical in shape and presses the first to sixth piezoelectric elements 411 to 416 at each of its ends (up, down, left, right, front, and back).

[0069] This third modification, like the first and second modifications described above, provides the effect of generating electricity based on vibrations in multiple directions with a simple configuration.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments described above. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1-3 Vibration power generation unit 10. First piezoelectric element module 11. First piezoelectric element 12 First board 13 Collision plate 20. Second piezoelectric-related module 21 Second piezoelectric element 22 Second board 23 Collision plate 30 cabinets 31 Part 1 31a, 31b protrusions 31c Wiring hole 32 Part 2 32a, 32b protrusions 32c wiring hole 33 Part 3 33a, 33b recesses 33c through hole 33c-1 Large diameter section 33c-2 Small diameter section 40 transducers 40a bottom end 40b top end 50 Guides 60 1st fixed part 61 Fixing screws 62 blocks 63 Retaining screw 70 Second fixed part 71 Fixing screws 72 blocks 73 Retaining screw 81 1st support part 82 Second support part 91 1st buffer material 92 Second buffer material 100 Vibration power generation device 110 Control Unit 111 Voltage detection unit 112 Energy Storage Unit 113 Wireless Communication Section 201 Vibration Power Generation Unit 211 First piezoelectric element 212 Second piezoelectric element 213 Third piezoelectric element 214 Fourth piezoelectric element 215 Fifth piezoelectric element 216 Sixth piezoelectric element 220 Guide 231-234 Guide support members 240 transducers 241~246 Extension part 301 Vibration Power Generation Unit 311 First piezoelectric element 312 Second piezoelectric element 313 Third piezoelectric element 314 Fourth piezoelectric element 315 Fifth piezoelectric element 316 Sixth piezoelectric element Guides 321-324 330 transducer 331~336 Protrusion 401 Vibration Power Generation Unit 411 First piezoelectric element 412 Second piezoelectric element 413 Third piezoelectric element 414 Fourth piezoelectric element 415 Fifth piezoelectric element 416 Sixth piezoelectric element Guides 421-424 430 transducer D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction

Claims

1. The oscillator and, A guide that guides the movement of the oscillator in the first direction, A first piezoelectric element pressed by one end of the vibrator in the first direction, A vibration power generation unit comprising a second piezoelectric element pressed by the other end of the vibrator in the first direction, Each of the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element is curved so as to bulge toward the vibrator in the central portion that is pressed by the vibrator, The vibration power generation unit is A first substrate on which the first piezoelectric element is arranged on the vibrator side of the central portion, A second substrate on which the second piezoelectric element is arranged on the vibrator side of the central portion, A first fixing part that fixes the peripheral edge portion of the first substrate so that the peripheral edge portion is perpendicular to the first direction, A second fixing part that fixes the peripheral edge portion of the second substrate so that the peripheral edge portion of the second substrate is perpendicular to the first direction, Between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the first substrate, a first support portion supports the first substrate such that the central portion of the first substrate is raised toward the vibrator, The second substrate further comprises a second support portion that supports the second substrate between the peripheral portion of the second substrate and the central portion of the second substrate, such that the central portion of the second substrate is raised towards the vibrator. A vibration power generation unit characterized by the following features.

2. A first buffer material is positioned on the opposite side of the central portion of the first substrate from the first piezoelectric element, The second substrate further comprises a second buffer material positioned on the opposite side of the central portion of the second piezoelectric element from the second piezoelectric element, The central portion of the first substrate is in contact with the first cushioning material in a pressed state when the first piezoelectric element is pressed by the vibrator. The central portion of the second substrate is in contact with the second cushioning material in a pressed state when the second piezoelectric element is pressed by the vibrator. The first cushioning material contacts the central portion of the first substrate at a point where the contact portion between the first support portion and the first substrate is the same as the position in the first direction. The second cushioning material contacts the central portion of the second substrate at the same location in the first direction as the contact portion between the second support portion and the second substrate. The vibration power generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vibration power generation unit.

3. A third piezoelectric element pressed by one end of the vibrator in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The system further comprises a fourth piezoelectric element pressed by the other end of the vibrator in the second direction, The guide further guides the movement of the oscillator in the second direction. The vibration power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. A fifth piezoelectric element pressed by one end of the vibrator in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, The system further comprises a sixth piezoelectric element pressed by the other end of the vibrator in the third direction, The guide further guides the movement of the oscillator in the third direction. The vibration power generation unit according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

5. A plurality of vibration power generation units according to claim 1 or 2 are provided, The plurality of vibration power generation units are arranged with their orientations such that the first direction is perpendicular to each other. A vibration power generation device characterized by the following features.

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