generator

Abstract

To provide a power generator that can be downsized.SOLUTION: A power generator 100 includes: a holding member 20 that has a hollow portion extending in an X direction and is supported swingably about a rotation axis extending in a Y direction; a magnet 30 that is held by the holding member 20; a first magnetic member 60 that is disposed in such a way that the holding member 20 is located between a first end 63 and a second end 65; a coil 50 that is formed in a cylindrical shape to allow the first magnetic member 60 to pass therethrough; a second magnetic member 70 that is mounted on an upper end of the holding member 20 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30; and a third magnetic member 80 that is mounted on a lower end of the holding member 20 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a generator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a generator that generates electricity by generating an induced electromotive force based on an external input operation has been proposed.

[0003] For example, the power generation input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an operating body, a rotating body, a rotating magnet body incorporated inside the rotating body, a support body that rotatably supports the rotating body, a plate-shaped magnetic member, and a coil wound around the magnetic member. The rotating magnet body is disposed so as to be sandwiched between one end and the other end of the magnetic member. The rotating magnet body has a magnet, a N-pole member disposed on the N-pole side of the magnet, and a S-pole member disposed on the S-pole side of the magnet.

[0004] In the power generation input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a magnetic circuit is constituted by a magnet, a N-pole member, a S-pole member, and a magnetic member. When the operating body is operated, the rotating body rotates. As a result, the rotating magnet body is rotationally driven. When the rotating magnet body rotates, the magnetic field received by the magnetic member changes, an induced electromotive force is generated, and an electric current flows through the coil. In this way, power generation is performed in conjunction with the input operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in the power generation input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to hold the magnet, the north pole member, and the south pole member in a manner that surrounds them with a rotating body. In this case, it is difficult to miniaturize the rotating body. Therefore, it is also difficult to miniaturize the power generation input device.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a generator that can be miniaturized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is essentially a generator described below.

[0009] (1) A holding member having a cavity that penetrates in a first direction and is supported so as to be able to swing around a rotation axis that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A magnet that is fitted into the cavity and held by the holding member, A first magnetic member having a first end and a second end that are spaced apart in a third direction intersecting the first direction in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and the holding member being positioned between the first end and the second end, A coil formed in a cylindrical shape such that the first magnetic member passes through the inside, A second magnetic member is provided on one side of the holding member in the first direction so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet, A generator comprising: a third magnetic member provided on the other side of the holding member in the first direction so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet; and a third magnetic member provided on the other side of the holding member in the first direction.

[0010] (2) The holding member, the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member swing integrally around the rotation axis, thereby switching the magnetic connection state between the first end and the second end between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the second magnetic member is connected to the first end and separated from the second end, and the third magnetic member is separated from the first end and connected to the second end. The generator according to (1) above, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is separated from the first end and connected to the second end, and the third magnetic member is connected to the first end and separated from the second end.

[0011] (3) The first end of the first magnetic member has a first connecting surface facing one side in the first direction and a second connecting surface facing the other side in the first direction. The second end of the first magnetic member has a third connecting surface facing one side in the first direction and a fourth connecting surface facing the other side in the first direction. The second magnetic member is connected to the first connection surface or the third connection surface from one side in the first direction. The generator according to (2) above, wherein the third magnetic member is connected to the second connection surface or the fourth connection surface from the other side in the first direction.

[0012] (4) The second magnetic member has a first connecting portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from one side in the first direction, a third end connected to the first end of the first magnetic member in the first state, and a fourth end connected to the second end of the first magnetic member in the second state, The third magnetic member has a second connecting portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from the other side in the first direction, a fifth end connected to the first end of the first magnetic member in the second state, and a sixth end connected to the second end of the first magnetic member in the first state. The generator according to (3) above, wherein in the second direction, the length of the contact portion between the third end and the first end, and the length of the contact portion between the fourth end and the second end are each shorter than the length of the first connection portion, and the length of the contact portion between the fifth end and the first end, and the length of the contact portion between the sixth end and the second end are each shorter than the length of the second connection portion.

[0013] (5) In the first state, the second magnetic member is in line contact with the first connection surface, and the third magnetic member is in line contact with the fourth connection surface. The generator according to (3) above, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is in line contact with the third connection surface, and the third magnetic member is in line contact with the second connection surface.

[0014] (6) In the first state, the second magnetic member is in surface contact with the first connection surface, and the third magnetic member is in surface contact with the fourth connection surface. The generator according to (3) above, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is in surface contact with the third connection surface, and the third magnetic member is in surface contact with the second connection surface.

[0015] (7) The generator according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the second magnetic member and / or the third magnetic member is a changeover switch.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a small-sized generator can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the generator. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the generator. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the generator. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the contact portion between the right end portion of the second magnetic member and the upper surface of the front end portion of the first magnetic member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the generator. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the generator. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the generator. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows modified examples of the second and third magnetic members. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows modified examples of the second and third magnetic members. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows modified examples of the second and third magnetic members. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view of the generator, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the generator, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the generator, and Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generator.

[0019] In Figure 1, (a) is a perspective view of the generator from the front, and (b) is a perspective view of the generator from the rear. In Figures 1(b), 3, and 4, the coil 50, which will be described later, is not shown. Figure 3 shows the generator with the case member 12a, which will be described later, removed.

[0020] Figures 1 to 5 include arrows indicating the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions to clarify the positional relationships of each part. In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y direction to the second direction, and the Z direction to the third direction. In this specification, one side in the X direction is considered the upper side, and the opposite side is considered the lower side. Also, one side in the Y direction is considered the front side, and the opposite side is considered the rear side. Furthermore, one side in the Z direction is considered the left side, and the opposite side is considered the right side.

[0021] Note that the vertical (X), horizontal (Y), and horizontal (Z) directions in each diagram are defined to facilitate understanding of the generator's structure and do not indicate the direction in which the generator is used. Therefore, for example, the generator may be used so that the X direction is the horizontal or front-to-back direction.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the generator 100 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10 and a case 12 that holds the main body 10. The case 12 is made of a non-magnetic material. The case 12 has a case member 12a and a case member 12b. In this embodiment, the case member 12a and the case member 12b are provided so as to sandwich the main body 10 from above and below.

[0023] The main body 10 includes a holding member 20, a magnet 30, a bobbin 40, a coil 50, a first magnetic member 60, a second magnetic member 70, and a third magnetic member 80. The holding member 20 and the bobbin 40 are made of non-magnetic material.

[0024] The retaining member 20 has a retaining portion 22 and a pair of shaft portions 24a and 24b. The retaining portion 22 has a cavity portion 22a that penetrates in the vertical direction (X direction). In this embodiment, the cavity portion 22a has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. The shaft portions 24a and 24b each have a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 24a is provided to extend forward from the retaining portion 22, and the shaft portion 24b is provided to extend rearward from the retaining portion 22.

[0025] The retaining member 20 is supported so as to be able to swing around a rotation axis that extends in the front-rear direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, the shaft portions 24a and 24b are rotatably supported by the case members 12a and 12b. That is, in this embodiment, the shaft portions 24a and 24b function as the rotation axis of the retaining member 20. In this specification, when it is said that the cavity penetrates the retaining member in the vertical direction (X direction), it means that the cavity penetrates the retaining member in the vertical direction (X direction) at least when the retaining member is positioned at the central position within the swing range (the state shown in Figure 2).

[0026] The magnet 30 is magnetized in the vertical direction. The magnet 30 is magnetized such that, for example, the upper side is the north pole and the lower side is the south pole. In this embodiment, the magnet 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The magnet 30 is fitted into the cavity 22a of the holding member 20 and is held by the holding member 20. In this embodiment, the magnet 30 is fixed to the holding member 20 (holding part 22) so as to protrude upward and downward from the holding member 20 (holding part 22).

[0027] The bobbin 40 is located behind the holding member 20. The bobbin 40 has a hollow cylindrical portion 42 extending in the left-right direction (Z direction) and a pair of flange portions 44 provided at both ends of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0028] The coil 50 is made of a conductive material and is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the first magnetic member 60 passes inside it. In this embodiment, the coil 50 is wound around a bobbin 40 (cylindrical portion 42). The coil 50 is electrically connected to an external device via, for example, a rectifier (not shown). This allows the external device to be started using the current generated in the coil 50. The current generated in the coil 50 will be described later.

[0029] The first magnetic member 60 is made of, for example, a soft magnetic material. Examples of materials that can be used for the first magnetic member 60 include iron, stainless steel (SUS), high-speed steel (SKH), and ferrite. The same applies to the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80.

[0030] The first magnetic member 60 has a substantially U-shape in plan view. In this embodiment, the first magnetic member 60 includes a plate-shaped first member 62 and a plate-shaped second member 64. The first member 62 and the second member 64 each have a substantially L-shape. The first member 62 includes a thick plate portion 62a extending in the front-rear direction and a thin plate portion 62b extending to the left from the rear end of the thick plate portion 62a. The thickness of the thin plate portion 62b is smaller than the thickness of the thick plate portion 62a. The thin plate portion 62b is connected to the lower side of the thick plate portion 62a.

[0031] The second member 64 includes a thick plate portion 64a extending in the front-rear direction and a thin plate portion 64b extending to the right from the rear end of the thick plate portion 64a. The thickness of the thin plate portion 64b is less than the thickness of the thick plate portion 64a. The thin plate portion 64b is connected to the upper side of the thick plate portion 64a.

[0032] The first magnetic member 60 is provided so as to pass inside the bobbin 40 (cylindrical portion 42) and the coil 50. In this embodiment, the thin plate portion 62b of the first member 62 is inserted into the bobbin 40 from the right side, and the thin plate portion 64b of the second member 64 is inserted into the bobbin 40 from the left side. The thin plate portion 64b is provided on the thin plate portion 62b. In this embodiment, the thin plate portion 62b and the thin plate portion 64b are connected within the bobbin 40.

[0033] The first member 62 and the second member 64 are held in the case 12 such that the front end 63 of the thick plate portion 62a and the front end 65 of the thick plate portion 64a are separated in the left-right direction (Z direction) in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (Y direction). The holding member 20 (holding portion 22) is provided between the front end 63 of the thick plate portion 62a and the front end 65 of the thick plate portion 64a.

[0034] In this embodiment, the front end portion 63 corresponds to the first end portion, and the front end portion 65 corresponds to the second end portion. Hereinafter, the front end portion 63 will be referred to as the first end portion 63, and the front end portion 65 will be referred to as the second end portion 65. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface 63a of the first end portion 63 corresponds to the first connecting surface, the lower surface 63b of the first end portion 63 corresponds to the second connecting surface, the upper surface 65a of the second end portion 65 corresponds to the third connecting surface, and the lower surface 65b of the second end portion 65 corresponds to the fourth connecting surface.

[0035] The second magnetic member 70 is provided above the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30 and to swing integrally with the holding member 20 (holding portion 22). The second magnetic member 70 is provided so as to protrude from the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, one end (right end) 70a of the second magnetic member 70 in the left-right direction (Z direction) is positioned above the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the other end (left end) 70b of the second magnetic member 70 in the left-right direction is positioned above the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60. In this embodiment, the second magnetic member 70 is attached to the upper end of the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) so as to cover the magnet 30 from above. The second magnetic member 70 may be in contact with the upper surface of the magnet 30.

[0036] The third magnetic member 80 is provided below the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30 and to swing integrally with the holding member 20 (holding portion 22). The third magnetic member 80 is provided so as to protrude from the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, one end (right end) 80a of the third magnetic member 80 in the left-right direction (Z direction) is positioned below the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the other end (left end) 80b of the third magnetic member 80 in the left-right direction is positioned below the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60. In this embodiment, the third magnetic member 80 is attached to the lower end of the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) so as to cover the magnet 30 from below. The third magnetic member 80 may also be in contact with the upper surface of the magnet 30.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, in the generator 100 according to this embodiment, the holding member 20, magnet 30, second magnetic member 70, and third magnetic member 80 swing integrally around the shafts 24a and 24b as axes of rotation, thereby switching the magnetic connection state between the first end 63 and the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60. In this embodiment, the magnetic connection state between the first end 63 and the second end 65 is switched between a first state shown in Figure 5(a) and a second state shown in Figure 5(b).

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(a), in the first state, the right end 70a of the second magnetic member 70 is connected to the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 is separated from the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60. Furthermore, in the first state, the right end 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is separated from the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 is connected to the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5(b), in the second state, the right end 70a of the second magnetic member 70 is separated from the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 is connected to the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60. Furthermore, in the second state, the right end 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is connected to the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60, and the left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 is separated from the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60.

[0040] In the generator 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the magnet 30 is magnetized in the vertical direction. Therefore, by switching the magnetic connection state between the first end 63 and the second end 65 between the first state and the second state, the direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnetic member 60 can be reversed. Due to electromagnetic induction based on this change in magnetic flux, an electric current flows in the coil 50. That is, power generation is performed.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5(a), in the first state, the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 protrudes upward from the case 12 so that it is positioned above the right end 70a. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), in the second state, the right end 70a of the second magnetic member 70 protrudes upward from the case 12 so that it is positioned above the left end 70b. In this case, the right end 70a and the left end 70b can be easily operated, making it easier to generate electricity in the generator 100. In other words, in the generator 100 according to this embodiment, electricity can be easily generated by operating the second magnetic member 70 as a changeover switch.

[0042] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the contact area between the right end portion 70a of the second magnetic member 70 and the upper surface 63a of the first end portion 63 of the first magnetic member 60. As shown in Figure 6, in the generator 100 according to this embodiment, in the first state, the lower surface of the right end portion 70a of the second magnetic member 70 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 63a of the first magnetic member 60. Therefore, in the first state, the right end portion 70a of the second magnetic member 70 is in line contact with the upper surface 63a of the first magnetic member 60. Although detailed illustration is omitted, similarly, in the first state shown in Figure 5(a), the upper surface of the left end portion 80b of the third magnetic member 80 is inclined with respect to the lower surface 65b of the second end portion 65 of the first magnetic member 60. Therefore, in the first state, the left end portion 80b of the third magnetic member 80 is in line contact with the lower surface 65b of the first magnetic member 60. Furthermore, in the second state shown in Figure 5(b), the lower surface of the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 65a of the second end 65 of the first magnetic member 60, and the upper surface of the right end 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is inclined with respect to the lower surface 63b of the first end 63 of the first magnetic member 60. Therefore, in the second state, the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 is in line contact with the upper surface 65a of the first magnetic member 60, and the right end 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is in line contact with the lower surface 63b of the first magnetic member 60.

[0043] (Effects of this embodiment) In the generator 100 according to this embodiment, a magnet 30 is provided so as to penetrate vertically through a pivotably mounted holding member 20, and a second magnetic member 70 and a third magnetic member 80 are provided so as to sandwich the holding member 20 and the magnet 30 from above and below. In this case, the holding member 20 can cause the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 to pivot together, thereby reversing the direction of the magnetic flux flowing through the yoke (first magnetic member 60, second magnetic member 70 and third magnetic member 80). In other words, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for the holding member 20 to surround the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80; the holding member 20 only needs to be configured to surround the magnet 30. This makes it possible to miniaturize the holding member 20. As a result, it becomes possible to miniaturize the generator 100.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second magnetic member 70 not only functions as a yoke but also as a changeover switch that receives external forces. In this case, the number of parts in the generator 100 can be reduced, and the generator 100 can be made even smaller.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rectangular magnet 30 is used. In this case, compared to the case where a cylindrical magnet magnetized in the axial direction is used as the magnet 30, the volume of the magnet 30 can be increased without increasing the dimensions in the Y and Z directions. As a result, the generator 100 can be miniaturized more easily.

[0046] Furthermore, by using a rectangular magnet 30, the orientation of the magnetic poles can be easily fixed in a specific direction compared to when a spherical magnet is fixed to the holding member. This simplifies the assembly of the generator 100.

[0047] Furthermore, since the rectangular magnet 30 is easier to process than cylindrical and spherical magnets, high-strength magnets 30 can be manufactured at a low cost. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the generator 100 can be reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shaft portions 24a and 24b protruding in the front-rear direction from the holding portion 22 are used as rotation axes, allowing the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80 to swing together as a single unit. In this case, there is no need to form a through hole in the magnet 30 for the shaft portion to pass through, so the processing cost of the magnet 30 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the generator 100 can be further reduced.

[0049] (modified version) In the above-described embodiment, as explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the right end 70a and left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 are in line contact with the upper surfaces 63a and 65a of the first magnetic member 60. However, as shown in Figure 7, the first magnetic member 60 and the second magnetic member 70 may be configured such that the right end 70a and left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 are in surface contact with the upper surfaces 63a and 65a of the first magnetic member 60. The attractive force between the second magnetic member 70 and the first magnetic member 60 can be adjusted by adjusting the contact area between the second magnetic member 70 and the first magnetic member 60.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the right end 80a and left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 are in line contact with the lower surfaces 63b and 65b of the first magnetic member 60. However, as shown in Figure 7, the first magnetic member 60 and the third magnetic member 80 may be configured such that the right end 80a and left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 are in surface contact with the lower surfaces 63b and 65b of the first magnetic member 60. The attractive force generated between the third magnetic member 80 and the first magnetic member 60 can be adjusted by adjusting the contact area between the third magnetic member 80 and the first magnetic member 60.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the case 12 and the third magnetic member 80 are configured so that the third magnetic member 80 does not protrude downward from the case 12. However, the third magnetic member 80 may protrude downward from the case 12. For example, in the first state shown in Figure 5(a), the right end 80a of the third magnetic member 80 may protrude downward from the case 12 so that it is positioned lower than the left end 80b. Also, in the second state shown in Figure 5(b), the left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 may protrude downward from the case 12 so that it is positioned lower than the right end 80a. In this case, the third magnetic member 80 can be used as a changeover switch that receives external force. Note that both the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 may function as a changeover switch that receives external force, or only one of the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 may function as a changeover switch that receives external force.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the first magnetic member 60 is composed of multiple members (first member 62 and second member 64) was explained, but the first magnetic member 60 may be composed of a single member. In this case, the bobbin 40 may be composed of multiple members. For example, the bobbin 40 may be composed of two members so that the first magnetic member 60 can be sandwiched from the vertical direction (X direction) or the front-to-back direction (Y direction).

[0053] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case in which the generator 100 has one coil 50, the generator 100 may have two or more coils.

[0054] The configuration of case 12 is not limited to the example described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, the bobbin 40, coil 50, thin plate portion 62b, and thin plate portion 64b are not housed in case 12, but the case may be configured to accommodate them.

[0055] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the generator. The basic structure and function of the generator 101 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the generator 100 described above. Therefore, the structure and function of the generator 101 that are the same as those of the generator 100 described above will be briefly explained below.

[0056] Similar to Figure 1, Figures 8 and 9 also include arrows indicating the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions to clarify the positional relationships of each part. In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y direction to the second direction, and the Z direction to the third direction. Furthermore, the up-and-down direction (X direction), front-and-back direction (Y direction), and left-and-right direction (Z direction) in each figure are defined to facilitate understanding of the generator's structure and do not indicate the direction in which the generator is used.

[0057] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the generator 101 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 11 and a case 13 that holds the main body 11. The main body 11 includes a holding member 21, a magnet 31, a coil 51, a first magnetic member 61, a second magnetic member 71, a third magnetic member 81, a leaf spring 91, and a pair of terminals 93. The holding member 21 is made of a non-magnetic material. The leaf spring 91 is made of, for example, a metal material. The terminals 93 are made of a metal material.

[0058] The case 13 is made of a non-magnetic material. The case 13 has a case member 13a and a case member 13b. In this embodiment, the case member 13a and the case member 13b are provided so as to sandwich the holding member 21 from the front and back.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, the retaining member 21, like the retaining member 20 described above, has a retaining portion 23 and a pair of shaft portions 25a and 25b. The retaining portion 23 has a cavity 23a that penetrates in the vertical direction (X direction). In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 23b are formed on the upper end surface of the retaining portion 23. In this embodiment, protrusions 23b are formed at each of the four corners of the upper end surface of the retaining portion 23.

[0060] The retaining member 21 is supported by the case 13 so as to be able to swing around a rotation axis that extends in the front-rear direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, the shaft portion 25a is rotatably supported by the case member 13a, and the shaft portion 25b is rotatably supported by the case member 13b. That is, in this embodiment, the shaft portions 25a and 25b function as the rotation axes of the retaining member 21.

[0061] The magnet 31 is magnetized in the vertical direction. The magnet 31 is fitted into the cavity 23a of the holding member 21 and is held by the holding member 21. In this embodiment, the magnet 31 is fixed to the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) so as to protrude upward and downward from the holding member 21 (holding portion 23).

[0062] The first magnetic member 61, the second magnetic member 71, and the third magnetic member 81 are made of, for example, a soft magnetic material. The first magnetic member 61 has a substantially U-shape in plan view and is inserted into the case member 13b from the rear. The coil 51 includes a conductor and an insulating coating and is wound around the portion of the first magnetic member 61 that is exposed from the case 13. The coil 51 is electrically connected to an external device via a pair of terminals 93 attached to the case member 13b. This allows the external device to be started using the current generated in the coil 51.

[0063] In this embodiment, one end 61a of the first magnetic member 61 corresponds to the first end, and the other end 61b corresponds to the second end. Hereinafter, end 61a will be referred to as the first end 61a, and end 61b will be referred to as the second end 61b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the first end 61a corresponds to the first connection surface, the lower surface of the first end 61a corresponds to the second connection surface, the upper surface of the second end 61b corresponds to the third connection surface, and the lower surface of the second end 61b corresponds to the fourth connection surface.

[0064] The second magnetic member 71 is provided above the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 31 and to swing integrally with the holding member 21 (holding portion 23). The second magnetic member 71 is provided so as to protrude from the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the right end portion 71a of the second magnetic member 71 is positioned above the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end portion 71b of the second magnetic member 71 is positioned above the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61. In this embodiment, the second magnetic member 71 is attached to the upper end of the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) so as to be in contact with the magnet 31.

[0065] The third magnetic member 81 is provided below the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 31 and to swing integrally with the holding member 21 (holding portion 23). The third magnetic member 81 is provided so as to protrude from the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the right end portion 81a of the third magnetic member 81 is positioned below the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end portion 81b of the third magnetic member 81 is positioned below the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61. In this embodiment, the third magnetic member 81 is attached to the lower end of the holding member 21 (holding portion 23) so as to be in contact with the magnet 31.

[0066] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the leaf spring 91 is attached to the second magnetic member 71. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 91 is attached to the second magnetic member 71 such that its right end portion 91a protrudes to the right from the case 13.

[0067] In the generator 101 according to this embodiment, similar to the main body 10 described above, the holding member 21, magnet 31, second magnetic member 71, and third magnetic member 81 swing integrally around the shafts 25a and 25b as axes of rotation, thereby switching the magnetic connection state between the first end 61a and the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61 between a first state and a second state.

[0068] In the first state, the right end 71a of the second magnetic member 71 is connected to the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 71b of the second magnetic member 71 is separated from the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61. Furthermore, in the first state, the right end 81a of the third magnetic member 81 is separated from the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 81b of the third magnetic member 81 is connected to the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61.

[0069] In the second state, the right end 71a of the second magnetic member 71 separates from the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 71b of the second magnetic member 71 connects to the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61. Furthermore, in the second state, the right end 81a of the third magnetic member 81 connects to the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 81b of the third magnetic member 81 separates from the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61.

[0070] As described above, by switching the magnetic connection state between the first end 61a and the second end 61b between the first state and the second state, the direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnetic member 61 can be reversed. Due to electromagnetic induction based on this change in magnetic flux, an electric current flows in the coil 51. In other words, power is generated.

[0071] Figure 10 shows the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81. Figure 10(a) is an enlarged view of the second magnetic member 71 shown in Figure 9, inverted vertically, and Figure 10(b) is an enlarged view of the third magnetic member 81 shown in Figure 9.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10(a), the right end portion 71a of the second magnetic member 71 has a connection surface 73a on its lower surface that connects to the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state described above, and the left end portion 71b of the second magnetic member 71 has a connection surface 73b on its lower surface that connects to the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state described above.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(b), the upper surface of the right end portion 81a of the third magnetic member 81 is provided with a connecting surface 83a that connects to the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state described above, and the upper surface of the left end portion 81b of the third magnetic member 81 is provided with a connecting surface 83b that connects to the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state described above.

[0074] Of the right end portion 71a (connecting surface 73a) of the second magnetic member 71, the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the portion that contacts the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state is shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71 in the left-to-right direction. Similarly, of the left end portion 71b (connecting surface 73b) of the second magnetic member 71, the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the portion that contacts the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state is shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71. Likewise, of the right end portion 81a (connecting surface 83a) of the third magnetic member 81, the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the portion that contacts the first end portion 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state is shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81 in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the portion of the left end portion 81b (connecting surface 83b) of the third magnetic member 81 that contacts the second end portion 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state is shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81. In this embodiment, the length in the front-to-back direction of the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71 is longer than the length in the front-to-back direction of the magnet 31. Also, the length in the front-to-back direction of the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81 is longer than the length in the front-to-back direction of the magnet 31. In this embodiment, the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71 is connected to the magnet 31 so as to cover it from above, and the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81 is connected to the magnet 31 so as to cover it from below. In this embodiment, the central portion 71c corresponds to the first connection portion, the right end portion 71a corresponds to the third end portion, the left end portion 71b corresponds to the fourth end portion, the central portion 81c corresponds to the second connection portion, the right end portion 81a corresponds to the fifth end portion, and the left end portion 81b corresponds to the sixth end portion.

[0075] In this embodiment, in the front-to-back direction, the length of the contact portion between the right end 71a and the first end 61a, the length of the contact portion between the left end 71b and the second end 61b, the length of the contact portion between the right end 81a and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left end 81b and the second end 61b are shorter than the length of the magnet 31.

[0076] Furthermore, due to the influence of the dimensional accuracy of each part of the generator 101, it is difficult to separate the front and rear ends of the second magnetic member 71 simultaneously when separating it from the first magnetic member 61. For example, when separating the second magnetic member 71 from the first end 61a, the second magnetic member 71 may separate from the first end 61a by peeling away from the front end to the rear end (or from the rear end to the front end). Therefore, if the length of the contact area between the second magnetic member 71 and the first magnetic member 61 in the front-rear direction increases, the time required to completely separate the second magnetic member 71 from the first magnetic member 61 increases. The same applies when separating the third magnetic member 81 from the first magnetic member 61.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, in the front-to-back direction, the length of the contact portion between the right end 71a of the second magnetic member 71 and the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the length of the contact portion between the left end 71b of the second magnetic member 71 and the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61 are made shorter than the length of the central part 71c of the second magnetic member 71. Similarly, the length of the contact portion between the right end 81a of the third magnetic member 81 and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left end 81b of the third magnetic member 81 and the second end 61b are made shorter than the length of the central part 81c of the third magnetic member 81. This allows the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 to be separated from the first magnetic member 61 in a short time. In this case, when switching between the first state and the second state, the amount of change per unit time of the magnetic flux flowing through the first magnetic member 61 can be increased, thus improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, as described above, by shortening the length of the contact area between the second magnetic member 71 and the first magnetic member 61, and the length of the contact area between the third magnetic member 81 and the first magnetic member 61, in the front-to-back direction, the magnetic flux density passing through the contact area can be increased. This makes it possible to further increase the amount of change per unit time of the magnetic flux flowing through the first magnetic member 61 when switching between the first and second states, thereby further improving power generation efficiency.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 23b are formed on the upper end surface of the holding portion 23. When the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 are attached to the holding portion 23 by the attractive force of the magnet 31, the plurality of protrusions 23b are deformed so as to be crushed by the second magnetic member 71. This prevents the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 from rattling relative to the holding portion 23. In this case, when switching between the first state and the second state, the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 can be smoothly separated from the first magnetic member 61. As a result, power generation efficiency is improved. Note that a plurality of protrusions may also be formed on the lower end surface of the holding portion 23.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a leaf spring 91 is attached to the second magnetic member 71, the second magnetic member 71 can be oscillated by pressing the leaf spring 91. In this case, since the second magnetic member 71 can be oscillated using the elastic force of the leaf spring 91, the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 can be quickly separated from the first magnetic member 61 when switching between the first state and the second state. As a result, the power generation efficiency is improved.

[0080] In this embodiment, case members 13a and 13b are provided so as to sandwich the retaining member 21 from the front and back. Furthermore, the shaft portion 25a is rotatably supported by case member 13a, and the shaft portion 25b is rotatably supported by case member 13b. The first magnetic member 61 is supported by case 13 by being inserted into case 13 (case member 13b) from the rear. In this case, compared to the case configuration where the shaft portions 25a, 25b and the first magnetic member 61 are sandwiched from above and below, it is easier to prevent rattling of the retaining member 21 and the first magnetic member 61 relative to case 13. As a result, power generation efficiency is improved.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the case described was that in the front-to-back direction, the length of the contact portion between the right ends 71a, 81a and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left ends 71b, 81b and the second end 61b are each shorter than the length of the magnet 31. However, in the front-to-back direction, it is sufficient that the length of the contact portion between the right ends 71a, 81a and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left ends 71b, 81b and the second end 61b are each shorter than the length of the central portions 71c, 81c. Therefore, in the front-to-back direction, the length of the contact portion between the right ends 71a, 81a and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left ends 71b, 81b and the second end 61b are each greater than or equal to the length of the magnet 31 and less than the length of the central portions 71c, 81c.

[0082] The shapes of the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 are not limited to those shown in Figure 10. Specifically, the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the portions of the right end 71a, 81a (connecting surfaces 73a, 83a) and the left end 71b, 81b (connecting surfaces 73b, 83b) that contact the first magnetic member 61 should be shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the central portions 71c, 81c. Therefore, the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 may have shapes as shown in Figures 11 to 13.

[0083] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the shapes of the first end 61a and the second end 61b may be modified so that, in the front-to-back direction, the length of the contact portion between the right end 71a and the first end 61a, the length of the contact portion between the left end 71b and the second end 61b, the length of the contact portion between the right end 81a and the first end 61a, and the length of the contact portion between the left end 81b and the second end 61b are shorter than the lengths of the central portions 71c and 81c. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] According to the present invention, a small generator can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10,11 Main body 12, 13 cases 20,21 Retaining member 30,31 Magnets 40 bobbins 50, 51 coils 60,61 First magnetic member 70,71 Second magnetic member 80,81 Third magnetic member 100,101 Generators

Claims

1. A holding member having a cavity penetrating in a first direction and supported so as to be able to swing around a rotation axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A magnet that is fitted into the cavity and held by the holding member, A first magnetic member having a first end and a second end that are spaced apart in a third direction intersecting the first direction in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and the holding member being positioned between the first end and the second end, The coil is formed in a cylindrical shape such that the first magnetic member passes through the inside, A second magnetic member is provided on one side of the holding member in the first direction so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet, The holding member comprises a third magnetic member provided on the other side in the first direction of the holding member so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet, The generator comprises a holding member having a holding portion in which the cavity is formed, and a pair of shaft portions extending from the holding portion to one side and the other side in the second direction, respectively, and the pair of shaft portions is supported so as to be able to swing with respect to the axis of rotation.

2. As the holding member, the second magnetic member, and the third magnetic member swing integrally around the rotation axis, the magnetic connection state between the first end and the second end is switched between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the second magnetic member is connected to the first end and separated from the second end, and the third magnetic member is separated from the first end and connected to the second end. The generator according to claim 1, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is separated from the first end and connected to the second end, and the third magnetic member is connected to the first end and separated from the second end.

3. The first end of the first magnetic member has a first connecting surface facing one side in the first direction and a second connecting surface facing the other side in the first direction. The second end of the first magnetic member has a third connecting surface facing one side in the first direction and a fourth connecting surface facing the other side in the first direction. The second magnetic member is connected to the first connection surface or the third connection surface from one side in the first direction. The generator according to claim 2, wherein the third magnetic member is connected to the second connection surface or the fourth connection surface from the other side in the first direction.

4. The second magnetic member has a first connecting portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from one side in the first direction, a third end connected to the first end of the first magnetic member in the first state, and a fourth end connected to the second end of the first magnetic member in the second state. The third magnetic member has a second connecting portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from the other side in the first direction, a fifth end connected to the first end of the first magnetic member in the second state, and a sixth end connected to the second end of the first magnetic member in the first state. The generator according to claim 3, wherein in the second direction, the length of the contact portion between the third end and the first end, and the length of the contact portion between the fourth end and the second end are each shorter than the length of the first connection portion, and the length of the contact portion between the fifth end and the first end, and the length of the contact portion between the sixth end and the second end are each shorter than the length of the second connection portion.

5. In the first state, the second magnetic member is in line contact with the first connecting surface, and the third magnetic member is in line contact with the fourth connecting surface. The generator according to claim 3, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is in line contact with the third connecting surface, and the third magnetic member is in line contact with the second connecting surface.

6. In the first state, the second magnetic member is in surface contact with the first connecting surface, and the third magnetic member is in surface contact with the fourth connecting surface. The generator according to claim 3, wherein in the second state, the second magnetic member is in surface contact with the third connecting surface, and the third magnetic member is in surface contact with the second connecting surface.

7. The generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second magnetic member and / or the third magnetic member is a changeover switch.

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