generator

Abstract

To provide a power generator which achieves better generation efficiency than conventional power generators.SOLUTION: A power generator 100 includes: a coil 30; permanent magnets 52; a support member 18 provided above the permanent magnets 52; and a connection member 54 including an elastic member 54a which may expand or contract in a vertical direction (an axial direction of the coil 30) and connecting the permanent magnet 52 with the support member 18; a weight 56 disposed below the permanent magnets 52; and a connection member 58 connecting the permanent magnet 52 with the weight 56. The connection member 58 pulls the permanent magnet 52 downward in conjunction with movement of the weight 56 in a lateral direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a generator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various generators capable of converting vibration energy into electrical energy have been proposed.

[0003] For example, the vibration dynamo device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a non-magnetic cylindrical member, a coil disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical member, and a magnet accommodated in the cylindrical member so as to be able to reciprocate along the extending direction of the cylindrical member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the vibration dynamo device of Patent Document 1, when vibration occurs in the extending direction of the cylindrical member, the magnet reciprocates along the axial direction of the coil, and an alternating current is generated in the coil. That is, power generation is performed. On the other hand, even when vibration occurs in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the cylindrical member (that is, the radial direction of the coil), efficient power generation cannot be achieved.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a generator having higher power generation efficiency than the conventional one.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The gist of the present invention is the following generator.

[0008] (1) A coil wound in a cylindrical shape, A permanent magnet is provided which is positioned inside the coil when viewed from the axial direction of the coil and is movable in the axial direction relative to the coil, A first support member is fixed to the coil so as to be located on one side of the permanent magnet in the axial direction, A first connecting member that includes a first elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction and connects the permanent magnet and the first support member, A weight is provided that is positioned on the other side of the permanent magnet in the axial direction and is movable relative to the coil in the axial direction and radial direction of the coil, A second connecting member connects the permanent magnet and the weight, and pulls the permanent magnet to the other side in the axial direction in conjunction with the outward movement of the weight in the radial direction, It is equipped with.

[0009] (2) The coil is further provided on one side of the coil so as to be located between the permanent magnet and the first support member in the axial direction and has a first through hole that penetrates in the axial direction, The first connecting member has a first linear member provided to pass through the first through hole, Viewed from the axial direction, the first through-hole is located inward from the outer edge of the permanent magnet. In the axial direction, the first elastic member is provided between the first support member and the first guide member. The permanent magnet and the first elastic member are connected via the first linear member. The generator described in (1) above.

[0010] (3) The coil is further provided on the other side of the coil so as to be located between the permanent magnet and the weight in the axial direction and has a second through hole that penetrates in the axial direction, The second connecting member has a second linear member provided to pass through the second through hole, Viewed from the axial direction, the second through-hole is located inward from the outer edge of the permanent magnet. The generator described in (1) or (2) above.

[0011] (4) A second support member fixed to the coil so as to be located on the other side of the weight in the axial direction; A third connecting member that includes a second elastic member that is axially expandable and contracts and connects the weight and the second support member. The generator according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0012] (5) Further comprising a first cylindrical member that houses the permanent magnet, The coil is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the first cylindrical member. The generator according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

[0013] (6) Further comprising a second cylindrical member provided on one side of the first cylindrical member in the axial direction and housing the first elastic member. The generator according to (5) above.

[0014] (7) Further comprising a third cylindrical member provided on the other side of the first cylindrical member in the axial direction and housing the weight. The generator according to (5) or (6) above.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a generator with better power generation efficiency than before can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the generator when vertical vibration occurs. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view showing the generator when lateral vibration occurs.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The following describes a generator according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a generator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Figure 1, the cross-section of the housing 10 of the generator 100 is shown, and the vibration mechanism 50 located inside the housing 10 is shown externally rather than in cross-section.

[0018] (Generator configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the generator 100 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 10, a coil 30 supported by the housing 10, and a vibration mechanism 50 arranged inside the housing 10.

[0019] The housing 10 includes a cylindrical member 12, a cylindrical member 14, a cylindrical member 16, a support member 18, a support member 20, a guide member 22, a guide member 24, and a pair of flange members 26. Each member of the housing 10 is made of a non-magnetic material. In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 12 corresponds to the first cylindrical member, the cylindrical member 14 corresponds to the second cylindrical member, the cylindrical member 16 corresponds to the third cylindrical member, the support member 18 corresponds to the first support member, the support member 20 corresponds to the second support member, the guide member 22 corresponds to the first guide member, and the guide member 24 corresponds to the second guide member.

[0020] In this embodiment, cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16 are arranged coaxially. The housing 10 is installed, for example, so that the axial directions of cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16 substantially coincide in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is installed so that cylindrical member 14 is positioned above cylindrical member 12 and cylindrical member 16 is positioned below cylindrical member 12. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is supported on an installation surface (not shown) via annular rubber feet 28. In this embodiment, the rubber feet 28 function as anti-slip members.

[0021] The diameter of the inscribed circle of the cylindrical member 16 is larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cylindrical member 12. In other words, in the radial direction of the cylindrical member 12, the internal space of the cylindrical member 16 is larger than the internal space of the cylindrical member 12. In this embodiment, the cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16 each have a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the cylindrical member 16 is larger than the diameters of the cylindrical members 12 and 14.

[0022] A pair of flange members 26 are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 12 at intervals in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 12. A coil 30 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 12 between the pair of flange members 26. That is, the coil 30 is provided coaxially with the cylindrical member 12.

[0023] Support members 18 and 20 have a disc shape. Guide member 22 has a hollow disc shape with a through hole 22a formed in its center. Similarly, guide member 24 has a hollow disc shape with a through hole 24a formed in its center. In this embodiment, through hole 22a corresponds to the first through hole, and through hole 24a corresponds to the second through hole.

[0024] In this embodiment, a support member 18 is fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical member 14, and a guide member 22 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the upper end of the cylindrical member 12 and the lower end of the cylindrical member 14. In addition, a support member 20 is fixed to the lower end of the cylindrical member 16, and a guide member 24 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the lower end of the cylindrical member 12 and the upper end of the cylindrical member 16.

[0025] The vibration mechanism 50 includes a permanent magnet 52, a connecting member 54, a weight 56, a connecting member 58, and a connecting member 60. In this embodiment, the connecting member 54 corresponds to the first connecting member, the connecting member 58 corresponds to the second connecting member, and the connecting member 60 corresponds to the third connecting member. In this embodiment, the vibration mechanism 50 has two permanent magnets 52, but the number of permanent magnets 52 may be one, three or more.

[0026] In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 52 has a spherical shape. Each permanent magnet 52 is polarized and magnetized with a north pole and a south pole, each being hemispherical. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 52 is polarized and magnetized in the direction of reciprocating motion (the axial direction of the coil 30). The material of the permanent magnet 52 is not particularly limited, but for example, an Nd-Fe-B sintered magnet can be used.

[0027] The connecting member 54 is provided to connect the permanent magnet 52 and the support member 18. In this embodiment, the connecting member 54 connects the upper permanent magnet 52 of the pair of permanent magnets 52 to the support member 18. In this embodiment, the connecting member 54 includes an elastic member 54a supported by the support member 18, a retaining member 54b bonded to the permanent magnet 52, and a linear member 54c connecting the elastic member 54a and the retaining member 54b. In this embodiment, the elastic member 54a corresponds to a first elastic member, and the linear member 54c corresponds to a first linear member.

[0028] The elastic member 54a is configured to expand and contract in the axial direction (up and down in this embodiment) of the coil 30. As the elastic member 54a, for example, a known spring such as a coil spring can be used. The holding member 54b is made of a magnetic material including iron, for example. In this embodiment, the pair of permanent magnets 52 are held by being sandwiched between the holding member 54b of the connecting member 54 and the holding member 58a of the connecting member 58, which will be described later. The linear member 54c connects the elastic member 54a and the holding member 54b through the through hole 22a of the guide member 22. As the linear member 54c, for example, a thread such as fishing line can be used.

[0029] The weight 56 ​​is made of a non-magnetic material such as lead. The weight 56 ​​is mounted below the pair of permanent magnets 52 so as to be movable in the vertical and horizontal directions. The connecting member 58 is provided to connect the permanent magnets 52 and the weight 56. In this embodiment, the connecting member 58 connects the lower of the pair of permanent magnets 52 to the weight 56. In this embodiment, the connecting member 58 includes a retaining member 58a bonded to the permanent magnet 52 and a linear member 58b connecting the retaining member 58a and the weight 56. In this embodiment, the linear member 58b corresponds to a second linear member.

[0030] Similar to the retaining member 54b, the retaining member 58a is made of a magnetic material containing iron. In this embodiment, the retaining members 54b and 58a function as a yoke. The linear member 58b connects the retaining member 58a and the weight 56 ​​through the through hole 24a of the guide member 24. Similar to the linear member 54c, the linear member 58b can be made of, for example, thread such as fishing line.

[0031] The connecting member 60 is provided to connect the weight 56 ​​and the support member 20. In this embodiment, the connecting member 60 includes an elastic member 60a. In this embodiment, the elastic member 60a corresponds to a second elastic member. The elastic member 60a is configured to expand and contract in the axial direction (up and down in this embodiment) of the coil 30. Similar to the elastic member 54a, a known spring such as a coil spring can be used as the elastic member 60a.

[0032] (Effects and Benefits) In the generator 100 according to this embodiment, the permanent magnet 52 is positioned inside the coil 30 when viewed from the axial direction of the coil 30, and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction (axial direction of the coil 30). The permanent magnet 52 is connected to the support member 18 via a connecting member 54 which includes an elastic member 54a that can expand and contract in the vertical direction (axial direction of the coil 30). The support member 18 is fixed to the coil 30 so as to be positioned above the permanent magnet 52. In this embodiment, the support member 18 is fixed to the coil 30 via a cylindrical member 14, a guide member 22, and a cylindrical member 12. In this embodiment, the weight 56 ​​is provided below the permanent magnet 52 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (axial direction of the coil 30) and the left-right direction (radial direction of the coil 30) relative to the coil 30.

[0033] In the above configuration, when vertical vibration occurs in the generator 100, the permanent magnet 52 reciprocates vertically relative to the coil 30 while expanding and contracting the elastic member 54a, as shown in Figure 2. This generates an alternating current in the coil 30.

[0034] Furthermore, if vibration occurs in the left-right direction relative to the generator 100, the weight 56 ​​reciprocates in the left-right direction relative to the coil 30, as shown in Figure 3. The connecting member 58 pulls the permanent magnet 52 downward in conjunction with the outward movement of the weight 56 ​​in the radial direction of the coil 30. Therefore, as the weight 56 ​​reciprocates in the left-right direction, the elastic member 54a expands and contracts, and the permanent magnet 52 reciprocates in the up-down direction relative to the coil 30. This generates an alternating current in the coil 30.

[0035] As described above, the generator 100 according to this embodiment can generate electricity by utilizing both vibrations generated in the vertical direction (axial direction of the coil 30) and vibrations generated in the horizontal direction (radial direction of the coil 30). This allows for more efficient power generation compared to conventional generators designed to generate electricity based on vibrations in one direction. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the coil 30 may be connected to, for example, a rectifier and a charger, or to communication equipment.

[0036] In this embodiment, a guide member 22 is provided between the permanent magnet 52 and the support member 18. The elastic member 54a is provided between the support member 18 and the guide member 22, and the linear member 54c is provided so as to pass through the through hole 22a of the guide member 22. In the standard state of the generator 100 (the state shown in Figure 1, where no force is acting on the generator 100 from the outside), the through hole 22a is located inside the outer edge of the permanent magnet 52 when viewed from the axial direction of the coil 30. When the generator 100 is in the standard state, the permanent magnet 52 and the weight 56 ​​are located on the axis of the coil 30 when viewed from the axial direction of the coil 30.

[0037] With the above configuration, when vibration occurs in the generator 100 in the left-right direction, the linear member 54c comes into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 22a, thereby preventing the permanent magnet 52 from vibrating excessively in the left-right direction. As a result, when vibration occurs in the generator 100 in the left-right direction, the permanent magnet 52 can be appropriately reciprocated in the up-down direction, enabling efficient power generation. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing wear of the linear member 54c, it is preferable that the upper and lower edges of the through hole 22a are chamfered.

[0038] In this embodiment, a guide member 24 is provided between the permanent magnet 52 and the weight 56. The linear member 58b is provided so as to pass through the through hole 24a of the guide member 24. Viewed from the axial direction of the coil 30, the through hole 24a is located inward from the outer edge of the permanent magnet 52. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 3, when vibration occurs in the left-right direction in the generator 100, the linear member 58b contacts the inner surface of the through hole 24a, thereby preventing the permanent magnet 52 from vibrating excessively in the left-right direction while allowing the weight 56 ​​to vibrate appropriately in the left-right direction. As a result, when vibration occurs in the left-right direction in the generator 100, it becomes possible to make the permanent magnet 52 reciprocate appropriately in the up-down direction, enabling efficient power generation. It is preferable that the upper and lower edges of the through hole 24a are chamfered in order to suppress wear of the linear member 58b.

[0039] In this embodiment, the weight 56 ​​is connected to the support member 20 via a connecting member 60 which includes an elastic member 60a that can expand and contract in the vertical direction (axial direction of the coil 30). The support member 20 is fixed to the coil 30 so as to be located below the weight 56. In this embodiment, the support member 20 is fixed to the coil 30 via a cylindrical member 16, a guide member 24, and a cylindrical member 12.

[0040] In the above configuration, when vibrations occur in the generator 100 in the vertical and horizontal directions, the weight 56 ​​vibrates in the vertical and horizontal directions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, the restoring force of the elastic member 60a acts on the weight 56, returning it to its reference position. This allows the weight 56 ​​to vibrate efficiently in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, the permanent magnet 52 can be vibrated efficiently in the vertical direction, improving power generation efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cylindrical member 12 is provided to house the permanent magnet 52, and a coil 30 is provided to cover the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 12. In this case, the cylindrical member 12 can be used as a bobbin for winding the coil 30 while protecting the permanent magnet 52 with the cylindrical member 12.

[0042] Furthermore, a cylindrical member 14 is provided to house the elastic member 54a, and a cylindrical member 16 is provided to house the weight 56. This protects the elastic member 54a and the weight 56. In this embodiment, the internal space of the cylindrical member 16 is larger than the internal space of the cylindrical member 12 in the radial direction of the coil 30. Therefore, when vibration occurs in the left-right direction of the generator 100, the weight 56 ​​can be vibrated over a sufficient range in the left-right direction. As a result, the permanent magnet 52 can be vibrated over a sufficient range in the up-down direction, enabling efficient power generation.

[0043] (modified version) In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the generator 100 includes cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16 was explained, but the generator 100 does not necessarily have to include cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16. If cylindrical members 12, 14, and 16 are not provided, for example, an air-core coil made of self-fusing wire can be used as the coil 30. In this case, the support member 18, support member 20, guide member 22, and guide member 24 can be fixed to the coil 30 via some kind of member.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the generator 100 is installed so that the axial direction of the coil 30 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction, with the permanent magnet 52 hanging down from the support member 18, was explained. However, the method of installing the generator 100 is not limited to the above example. For example, the generator 100 shown in Figure 1 may be used upside down, or the generator 100 may be installed so that the axial direction of the coil 30 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which a spherical permanent magnet 52 is used was explained, but the shape of the permanent magnet is not limited to a spherical shape, and other shapes such as cylindrical permanent magnets may also be used. [Industrial applicability]

[0046] According to the present invention, power can be efficiently generated by utilizing both vibrations generated in the axial direction of the coil and vibrations generated in the radial direction of the coil. Therefore, the generator according to the present invention can be suitably used, for example, to generate power from earthquake vibrations to drive communication equipment and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 cabinets 12, 14, 16 Cylindrical members 18,20 Support members 22,24 Guide members 22a,24a through hole 26 Flange member 28 rubber feet 30 coils 50 Vibration mechanism 52 Permanent Magnets 54, 58, 60 Connecting members 56 Weight 54a, 60a Elastic members 54b, 58a Retaining member 54c, 58b Linear members 100 generators

Claims

1. A coil wound into a cylindrical shape, A permanent magnet is provided which is positioned inside the coil when viewed from the axial direction of the coil and is movable in the axial direction relative to the coil, A first support member is fixed to the coil so as to be located on one side of the permanent magnet in the axial direction, A first connecting member that includes a first elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction and connects the permanent magnet and the first support member, A weight is provided that is positioned on the other side of the permanent magnet in the axial direction and is movable relative to the coil in the axial direction and radial direction of the coil, A second connecting member connects the permanent magnet and the weight, and pulls the permanent magnet to the other side in the axial direction in conjunction with the outward movement of the weight in the radial direction, A generator equipped with the following features.

2. The coil is further provided on one side of the coil so as to be located between the permanent magnet and the first support member in the axial direction, and has a first through hole that penetrates in the axial direction, The first connecting member has a first linear member provided to pass through the first through hole, Viewed from the axial direction, the first through-hole is located inward from the outer edge of the permanent magnet. In the axial direction, the first elastic member is provided between the first support member and the first guide member. The permanent magnet and the first elastic member are connected via the first linear member. The generator according to claim 1.

3. The coil is further provided on the other side of the coil so as to be located between the permanent magnet and the weight in the axial direction, and has a second through-hole that penetrates in the axial direction, The second connecting member has a second linear member provided to pass through the second through hole, Viewed from the axial direction, the second through-hole is located inward from the outer edge of the permanent magnet. The generator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A second support member is fixed to the coil so as to be located on the other side of the weight in the axial direction, The device further includes a second elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction and a third connecting member that connects the weight and the second support member. The generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system further comprises a first cylindrical member that houses the aforementioned permanent magnet, The coil is provided so as to cover the outer circumference of the first cylindrical member. The generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further comprises a second cylindrical member provided on one side of the first cylindrical member in the axial direction and housing the first elastic member. The generator according to claim 5.

7. The system further comprises a third cylindrical member provided on the other side of the first cylindrical member in the axial direction and for housing the weight. The generator according to claim 5 or 6.

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