Electric power generator

Abstract

An electric power generator 100 comprises: a holding member 20 that has a cavity portion penetrating in an X-direction and that is supported so as to be capable of swinging around 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 such that the holding member 20 is positioned between a first end portion 63 and a second end portion 65 thereof; a coil 50 that is formed in a cylindrical shape such that the first magnetic member 60 passes through the inside thereof; a second magnetic member 70 that is attached to an upper end portion of the holding member 20 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30; and a third magnetic member 80 that is attached to a lower end portion of the holding member 20 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet 30.

Description

generator

[0001] The present invention relates to a generator.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been proposed generators that generate electricity by generating induced electromotive force based on an external input operation.

[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 that rotatably supports the rotating body, a plate-shaped magnetic member, and a coil wound around the magnetic member. The rotating magnet body is arranged so as to be sandwiched between one end and the other end of the magnetic member. The rotating magnet body includes a magnet, a north pole member arranged on the north pole side of the magnet, and a south pole member arranged on the south pole side of the magnet.

[0004] In the power generation input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a magnetic circuit is formed by a magnet, a north pole member, a south pole member, and a magnetic member. When the operating body is operated, the rotating body rotates. This causes the rotating magnet body to rotate. When the rotating magnet body rotates, the magnetic field received by the magnetic member changes, generating an induced electromotive force and causing current to flow in the coil. In this way, power is generated in conjunction with the input operation.

[0005] International Publication No. 2015 / 030067

[0006] However, in the power generation input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the magnet, the north pole member, and the south pole member must be held by a rotating body so as to surround them. In this case, it is difficult to reduce the size of the rotating body, and therefore, it is also difficult to reduce the size of the power generation input device.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a generator that can be made smaller.

[0008] (1) A generator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a holding member having a hollow portion penetrating in a first direction and supported so as to be swingable around a rotation axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a magnet fitted into the hollow portion and held by the holding member; a first magnetic member having a first end and a second end arranged spaced apart in a third direction intersecting the first direction in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and arranged so that the holding member is positioned between the first end and the second end; a coil formed in a cylindrical shape so that the first magnetic member passes through the inside; a second magnetic member provided on one 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 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet.

[0009] (2) The holding member, the second magnetic member, and the third magnetic member may swing integrally around the rotation axis, thereby switching the magnetic connection state between the first end and the second end between a first state and a second state, wherein 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, and 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.

[0010] (3) The first end of the first magnetic member has a first connection surface facing one side in the first direction and a second connection surface facing the other side in the first direction; the second end of the first magnetic member has a third connection surface facing one side in the first direction and a fourth connection surface facing the other side in the first direction; the second magnetic member may be connected to the first connection surface or the third connection surface from the one side in the first direction; and the third magnetic member may be connected to the second connection surface or the fourth connection surface from the other side in the first direction.

[0011] (4) The second magnetic member has a first connection portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from one side in the first direction, a third end portion connected to the first end portion of the first magnetic member in the first state, and a fourth end portion connected to the second end portion of the first magnetic member in the second state; the third magnetic member has a second connection portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from the other side in the first direction, a fifth end portion connected to the first end portion of the first magnetic member in the second state, and a sixth end portion connected to the second end portion of the first magnetic member in the first state; and in the second direction, the length of the contact portion between the third end portion and the first end portion and the length of the contact portion between the fourth end portion and the second end portion may each be shorter than the length of the first connection portion, and the length of the contact portion between the fifth end portion and the first end portion and the length of the contact portion between the sixth end portion and the second end portion may each be shorter than the length of the second connection portion.

[0012] (5) In the first state, the second magnetic member may be in line contact with the first connection surface, and the third magnetic member may be in line contact with the fourth connection surface; and in the second state, the second magnetic member may be in line contact with the third connection surface, and the third magnetic member may be in line contact with the second connection surface.

[0013] (6) In the first state, the second magnetic member may be in surface contact with the first connecting surface, and the third magnetic member may be in surface contact with the fourth connecting surface; and in the second state, the second magnetic member may be in surface contact with the third connecting surface, and the third magnetic member may be in surface contact with the second connecting surface.

[0014] (7) The second magnetic member and / or the third magnetic member may be a change-over switch.

[0015] The present invention provides a small generator.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the generator. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the generator. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generator. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a contact portion between the right end of the second magnetic member and the upper surface of the front end of the first magnetic member. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a generator. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view of the generator. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing modified examples of the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing modified examples of the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing modified examples of the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member.

[0017] (First embodiment) A generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of the generator, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the generator, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the generator, and Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generator.

[0018] 1A is a perspective view of the generator as seen from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the generator as seen from the rear side. A coil 50, which will be described later, is omitted from FIG. 1B, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows the generator with a case member 12a, which will be described later, removed.

[0019] 1 to 5, arrows indicating the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are used to clarify the positional relationship of each part. In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y direction corresponds to the second direction, and the Z direction corresponds to the third direction. In this specification, one side in the X direction is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side is referred to as the lower side. Furthermore, one side in the Y direction is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side. Furthermore, one side in the Z direction is referred to as the left side, and the opposite side is referred to as the right side.

[0020] In addition, the up-down direction (X direction), the front-back direction (Y direction), and the left-right direction (Z direction) in each figure are defined to make it easier to understand the structure of the generator, and do not indicate the directions when the generator is in use. Therefore, for example, the generator may be used so that the X direction corresponds to the front-back direction or the left-right direction.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the generator 100 according to this embodiment includes 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 members 12a and 12b are arranged to sandwich the main body 10 from above and below.

[0022] The main body 10 has 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 a non-magnetic material.

[0023] The holding member 20 has a holding portion 22 and a pair of shaft portions 24a, 24b. A hollow portion 22a is formed in the holding portion 22, penetrating in the up-down direction (X direction). In this embodiment, the hollow portion 22a has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. The shaft portions 24a, 24b each have a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 24a is provided to extend forward from the holding portion 22, and the shaft portion 24b is provided to extend rearward from the holding portion 22.

[0024] The holding member 20 is supported so as to be swingable around a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, the shafts 24a, 24b are rotatably supported by the case members 12a, 12b. That is, in this embodiment, the shafts 24a, 24b function as the rotation axis of the holding member 20. In this specification, the expression "the cavity penetrates the holding member in the up-down direction (X direction)" means that the cavity penetrates the holding member in the up-down direction (X direction) at least when the holding member is positioned at the center position in its swing range (the state shown in FIG. 2).

[0025] The magnet 30 is magnetized in the vertical direction. For example, the magnet 30 is magnetized so that 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 hollow portion 22a of the holding member 20 and held by the holding member 20. In this embodiment, the magnet 30 is fixed to the holding member 20 (holding portion 22) so as to protrude upward and downward from the holding member 20 (holding portion 22).

[0026] The bobbin 40 is provided 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.

[0027] The coil 50 is made of a conductive material and is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the first magnetic member 60 passes through the inside. In this embodiment, the coil 50 is wound around the bobbin 40 (cylindrical portion 42). The coil 50 is electrically connected to an external device, for example, via a rectifier or the like (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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 leftward 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.

[0030] The second member 64 includes a thick plate portion 64a extending in the front-rear direction and a thin plate portion 64b extending rightward from the rear end of the thick plate portion 64a. The thin plate portion 64b is thinner than the thick plate portion 64a. The thin plate portion 64b is connected to the upper side of the thick plate portion 64a.

[0031] The first magnetic member 60 is disposed so as to pass through the inside of 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 disposed on the thin plate portion 62b. In this embodiment, the thin plate portions 62b and 64b are connected inside the bobbin 40.

[0032] The first member 62 and the second member 64 are held in the case 12 so that the front end 63 of the thick plate portion 62a and the front end 65 of the thick plate portion 64a are spaced apart 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.

[0033] In this embodiment, the front end 63 corresponds to the first end, and the front end 65 corresponds to the second end. Hereinafter, the front end 63 will be referred to as the first end 63, and the front end 65 will be referred to as the second end 65. In this embodiment, the upper surface 63a of the first end 63 corresponds to the first connecting surface, the lower surface 63b of the first end 63 corresponds to the second connecting surface, the upper surface 65a of the second end 65 corresponds to the third connecting surface, and the lower surface 65b of the second end 65 corresponds to the fourth connecting surface.

[0034] The second magnetic member 70 is provided on the upper side of the holding member 20 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 in the left-right direction beyond the holding member 20 (holding portion 22). 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. Note that the second magnetic member 70 may also be in contact with the upper surface of the magnet 30.

[0035] The third magnetic member 80 is provided below the holding member 20 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 in the left-right direction beyond the holding member 20 (holding portion 22). 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. Note that the third magnetic member 80 may be in contact with the lower surface of the magnet 30.

[0036] 5, in the generator 100 according to this embodiment, the holding member 20, the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80 swing integrally about the shafts 24a and 24b as rotation axes, 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 FIG. 5(a) and a second state shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0037] 5A, 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.

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

[0039] 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. Electromagnetic induction based on this change in magnetic flux causes a current to flow in the coil 50. In other words, power is generated.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5A, in the first state, the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 protrudes upward from the case 12 so as to be positioned higher than the right end 70a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the second state, the right end 70a of the second magnetic member 70 protrudes upward from the case 12 so as to be positioned higher than 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 power in the generator 100. That is, in the generator 100 according to this embodiment, power generation can be easily performed by operating the second magnetic member 70 as a selector switch.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the contact portion 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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. 5(b), the lower surface of the left end portion 70b of the second magnetic member 70 is inclined with respect to the upper surface 65a of the second end portion 65 of the first magnetic member 60, and the upper surface of the right end portion 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is inclined with respect to the lower surface 63b of the first end portion 63 of the first magnetic member 60. Therefore, in the second state, the left end portion 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 portion 80a of the third magnetic member 80 is in line contact with the lower surface 63b of the first magnetic member 60.

[0042] Effect of the Present Embodiment In the generator 100 according to the present embodiment, the magnet 30 is provided to vertically penetrate the swingable holding member 20, and the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 are provided to sandwich the holding member 20 and the magnet 30 from above and below. In this case, the holding member 20 can swing the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80 together, thereby reversing the direction of the magnetic flux flowing through the yoke (the first magnetic member 60, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80). In other words, in the present embodiment, the holding member 20 does not need to surround the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80; it is sufficient that the holding member 20 is configured to surround the magnet 30. This allows the holding member 20 to be made smaller. As a result, the generator 100 can be made smaller.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second magnetic member 70 not only functions as a yoke but also as a changeover switch that receives an external force, which reduces the number of parts of the generator 100, thereby enabling the generator 100 to be further miniaturized.

[0044] Furthermore, this embodiment uses a rectangular magnet 30. In this case, compared to when 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, it is easier to reduce the size of the generator 100.

[0045] Furthermore, by using the rectangular magnet 30, the magnetic poles can be more easily fixed in a specific direction than when a spherical magnet is fixed to a holding member, which makes it easier to assemble the generator 100.

[0046] Furthermore, since the rectangular magnets 30 are easier to process than cylindrical or spherical magnets, it is possible to manufacture high-magnetic-force magnets 30 at low cost, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the generator 100.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shafts 24a, 24b protruding in the front-rear direction from the holder 22 can be used as rotation axes to swing the magnet 30, the second magnetic member 70, and the third magnetic member 80 together. In this case, there is no need to form through holes in the magnet 30 to pass the shafts through, which reduces the processing costs of the magnet 30. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the generator 100 can be further reduced.

[0048] 5 and 6 , in the above-described embodiment, the right end 70a and the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 are in line contact with the upper surfaces 63a, 65a of the first magnetic member 60. However, as shown in Fig. 7 , the first magnetic member 60 and the second magnetic member 70 may be configured so that the right end 70a and the left end 70b of the second magnetic member 70 are in surface contact with the upper surfaces 63a, 65a of the first magnetic member 60. Note that by adjusting the contact area between the second magnetic member 70 and the first magnetic member 60, the attractive force generated between the second magnetic member 70 and the first magnetic member 60 can be adjusted.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the right end 80a and the left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 are in line contact with the lower surfaces 63b, 65b of the first magnetic member 60. However, as shown in Fig. 7, the first magnetic member 60 and the third magnetic member 80 may be configured so that the right end 80a and the left end 80b of the third magnetic member 80 are in surface contact with the lower surfaces 63b, 65b of the first magnetic member 60. Note that by adjusting the contact area between the third magnetic member 80 and the first magnetic member 60, the attractive force generated between the third magnetic member 80 and the first magnetic member 60 can be adjusted.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 5( a), the right end 80 a of the third magnetic member 80 may protrude downward from the case 12 so that it is positioned lower than the left end 80 b. Also, in the second state shown in FIG. 5( b), the left end 80 b of the third magnetic member 80 may protrude downward from the case 12 so that it is positioned lower than the right end 80 a. In this case, the third magnetic member 80 can be used as a selector switch that receives an external force. Note that both the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 may function as a selector switch that receives an external force, or only one of the second magnetic member 70 and the third magnetic member 80 may function as a selector switch that receives an external force.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the first magnetic member 60 is described as being composed of multiple members (the first member 62 and the second member 64). However, 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 in the up-down direction (X direction) or the front-back direction (Y direction).

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the generator 100 is described as having one coil 50, but the generator 100 may be provided with two or more coils.

[0053] The configuration of the case 12 is not limited to the above example. For example, in the above embodiment, the bobbin 40, the coil 50, the thin plate portion 62b, and the thin plate portion 64b are not housed in the case 12, but the case may be configured to house these.

[0054] Second Embodiment Fig. 8 is an external perspective view showing a generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the generator. The basic structure and functions of a generator 101 according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the generator 100 described above. Therefore, in the following, of the structure and functions of the generator 101, those structures and functions that are similar to those of the generator 100 described above will be briefly described.

[0055] 1 and the like, arrows indicating the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are used in Figures 8 and 9 to clarify the positional relationships of the various parts. In this embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y direction corresponds to the second direction, and the Z direction corresponds to the third direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction (X direction), the front-back direction (Y direction), and the left-right direction (Z direction) in each figure are defined to make it easier to understand the structure of the generator, and do not indicate the directions when the generator is in use.

[0056] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the generator 101 according to this embodiment includes 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 metallic material. The terminals 93 are made of a metallic material.

[0057] The case 13 is made of a non-magnetic material and has a case member 13a and a case member 13b. In this embodiment, the case members 13a and 13b are provided to sandwich the holding member 21 from the front and rear.

[0058] 9, the holding member 21 has a holding portion 23 and a pair of shaft portions 25a, 25b, similar to the holding member 20 described above. A hollow portion 23a that penetrates the holding portion 23 in the up-down direction (X direction) is formed. In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 23b are formed on the upper end surface of the holding portion 23. In this embodiment, the protrusions 23b are formed at each of the four corners of the upper end surface of the holding portion 23.

[0059] The holding member 21 is supported by the case 13 so as to be swingable about a rotation axis extending 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 axis of the holding member 21.

[0060] The magnet 31 is magnetized in the vertical direction. The magnet 31 is fitted into the hollow portion 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).

[0061] 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 generally U-shape in plan view and is inserted into the case member 13b from the rear. The coil 51 includes a conductive wire 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.

[0062] 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, the end 61a will be referred to as the first end 61a, and the end 61b will be referred to as the second end 61b. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the first end 61a corresponds to the first connecting surface, the lower surface of the first end 61a corresponds to the second connecting surface, the upper surface of the second end 61b corresponds to the third connecting surface, and the lower surface of the second end 61b corresponds to the fourth connecting surface.

[0063] The second magnetic member 71 is provided above the holding member 21 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 in the left-right direction beyond the holding member 21 (holding portion 23). In this embodiment, the right end 71a of the second magnetic member 71 is positioned above the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 71b of the second magnetic member 71 is positioned above the second end 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 contact the magnet 31.

[0064] The third magnetic member 81 is provided below the holding member 21 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 in the left-right direction beyond the holding member 21 (holding portion 23). In this embodiment, the right end 81a of the third magnetic member 81 is positioned below the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 81b of the third magnetic member 81 is positioned below the second end 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 contact the magnet 31.

[0065] 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 so that its right end 91 a protrudes from the case 13 to the right.

[0066] In the generator 101 according to this embodiment, as in the main body 10 described above, the holding member 21, the magnet 31, the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 swing integrally with the shafts 25a and 25b as the rotation axis, 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.

[0067] In the first state, the right end 71 a of the second magnetic member 71 is connected to the first end 61 a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 71 b of the second magnetic member 71 is separated from the second end 61 b ​​of the first magnetic member 61. Furthermore, in the first state, the right end 81 a of the third magnetic member 81 is separated from the first end 61 a of the first magnetic member 61, and the left end 81 b of the third magnetic member 81 is connected to the second end 61 b ​​of the first magnetic member 61.

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

[0069] As described above, the magnetic connection state between the first end 61 a and the second end 61 b ​​can be switched between the first state and the second state, thereby reversing the direction of the magnetic flux generated in the first magnetic member 61. Electromagnetic induction based on this change in magnetic flux causes a current to flow in the coil 51. In other words, power is generated.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81. Fig. 10(a) is an enlarged view showing the second magnetic member 71 shown in Fig. 9 turned upside down, and Fig. 10(b) is an enlarged view of the third magnetic member 81 shown in Fig. 9.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10 (a), the right end 71a of the second magnetic member 71 has a connecting surface 73a on the underside that connects to the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state described above, and the left end 71b of the second magnetic member 71 has a connecting surface 73b on the underside that connects to the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state described above.

[0072] Also, as shown in Figure 10 (b), a connection surface 83a is provided on the upper surface of the right end 81a of the third magnetic member 81, which is connected to the first end 61a of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state described above, and a connection surface 83b is provided on the upper surface of the left end 81b of the third magnetic member 81, which is connected to the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state described above.

[0073] The length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of a portion of the right end 71 a (connecting surface 73 a) of the second magnetic member 71 that contacts the first end 61 a of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of a central portion 71 c in the left-right direction of the second magnetic member 71. Furthermore, the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of a portion of the left end 71 b (connecting surface 73 b) of the second magnetic member 71 that contacts the second end 61 b ​​of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the central portion 71 c of the second magnetic member 71. Similarly, the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of a portion of the right end 81 a (connecting surface 83 a) of the third magnetic member 81 that contacts the first end 61 a of the first magnetic member 61 in the second state is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the central portion 81 c in the left-right direction of the third magnetic member 81. Furthermore, the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the portion of the left end 81b (connection surface 83b) of the third magnetic member 81 that contacts the second end 61b of the first magnetic member 61 in the first state is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of a central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81. Note that, in the present embodiment, the length in the front-rear direction of the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71 is longer than the length of the magnet 31 in the front-rear direction. Also, the length in the front-rear direction of the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81 is longer than the length of the magnet 31 in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the central portion 71c of the second magnetic member 71 is connected to the magnet 31 so as to cover the magnet 31 from above, and the central portion 81c of the third magnetic member 81 is connected to the magnet 31 so as to cover the magnet 31 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.

[0074] In this embodiment, in the front-to-rear 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.

[0075] Note that, due to factors such as the dimensional accuracy of each part of the generator 101, it is difficult to simultaneously separate the front and rear ends of the second magnetic member 71 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 so as to peel from the front end side to the rear end side (or from the rear end side to the front end side). Therefore, as the length of the contact portion between the second magnetic member 71 and the first magnetic member 61 increases in the front-to-rear direction, it takes longer to completely separate the second magnetic member 71 from the first magnetic member 61. The same applies to separating the third magnetic member 81 from the first magnetic member 61.

[0076] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the length of the contact portion between the right end 71 a of the second magnetic member 71 and the first end 61 a of the first magnetic member 61 and the length of the contact portion between the left end 71 b of the second magnetic member 71 and the second end 61 b ​​of the first magnetic member 61 are each shorter than the length of the central portion 71 c of the second magnetic member 71, and the length of the contact portion between the right end 81 a of the third magnetic member 81 and the first end 61 a and the length of the contact portion between the left end 81 b of the third magnetic member 81 and the second end 61 b ​​are each shorter than the length of the central portion 81 c 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, the change per unit time of the magnetic flux flowing through the first magnetic member 61 can be increased when switching between the first state and the second state, thereby improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, as described above, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux passing through the contact portions can be increased by shortening the length in the front-rear direction of the contact portions between the second magnetic member 71 and the first magnetic member 61 and the length of the contact portions between the third magnetic member 81 and the first magnetic member 61. This further increases the amount of change per unit time of the magnetic flux flowing through the first magnetic member 61 when switching between the first state and the second state, thereby further improving power generation efficiency.

[0077] 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 attraction force of the magnet 31, the plurality of protrusions 23b are deformed by being 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 be formed on the lower end surface of the holding portion 23.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the leaf spring 91 is attached to the second magnetic member 71, so that the second magnetic member 71 can be oscillated by pressing the leaf spring 91. In this case, the elastic force of the leaf spring 91 can be used to oscillate the second magnetic member 71, so that 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, power generation efficiency is improved.

[0079] In this embodiment, case members 13a and 13b are provided to sandwich holding member 21 from the front and rear. Furthermore, shaft 25a is rotatably supported by case member 13a, and shaft 25b is rotatably supported by case member 13b. First magnetic member 61 is supported by case 13 (case member 13b) by being inserted into case 13 from the rear. This configuration makes it easier to prevent rattling of holding member 21 and first magnetic member 61 relative to case 13, compared to a configuration in which shafts 25a, 25b and first magnetic member 61 are sandwiched between the case and shafts 25a, 25b and first magnetic member 61 from above and below. As a result, power generation efficiency is improved.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the length of the contact portion between the right end portion 71a, 81a and the first end portion 61a and the length of the contact portion between the left end portion 71b, 81b and the second end portion 61b in the front-to-rear direction are each described as being shorter than the length of the magnet 31. However, it is sufficient that the length of the contact portion between the right end portion 71a, 81a and the first end portion 61a and the length of the contact portion between the left end portion 71b, 81b and the second end portion 61b in the front-to-rear direction are each shorter than the length of the central portions 71c, 81c. Therefore, the length of the contact portion between the right end portion 71a, 81a and the first end portion 61a and the length of the contact portion between the left end portion 71b, 81b and the second end portion 61b in the front-to-rear direction may each be equal to or greater than the length of the magnet 31 and shorter than the length of the central portions 71c, 81c.

[0081] The shapes of the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 are not limited to the shapes shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, it is sufficient that the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the portions of the right end portions 71a, 81a (connecting surfaces 73a, 83a) and the left end portions 71b, 81b (connecting surfaces 73b, 83b) that come into contact with the first magnetic member 61 is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the central portions 71c, 81c. Therefore, the second magnetic member 71 and the third magnetic member 81 may have shapes such as those shown in Figs. 11 to 13.

[0082] Although detailed explanation is omitted, the shapes of the first end 61a and the second end 61b may be changed so that 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 in the front-to-rear direction are shorter than the lengths of the central portions 71c, 81c.

[0083] According to the present invention, a small generator can be obtained.

[0084] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10, 11 Main body 12, 13 Case 20, 21 Holding member 30, 31 Magnet 40 Bobbin 50, 51 Coil 60, 61 First magnetic member 70, 71 Second magnetic member 80, 81 Third magnetic member 100, 101 Generator

Claims

1. A generator comprising: a holding member having a hollow portion penetrating in a first direction and supported so as to be swingable around a rotation axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a magnet fitted into the hollow portion and held by the holding member; a first magnetic member having a first end and a second end positioned at a distance in a third direction intersecting the first direction in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, the first end and the second end being positioned so that the holding member is positioned between the first end and the second end; a cylindrical coil through which the first magnetic member passes; a second magnetic member provided on one 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 so as to be magnetically connected to the magnet.

2. The generator described in claim 1, wherein the magnetic connection state between the first end and the second end is switched between a first state and a second state by the holding member, the second magnetic member, and the third magnetic member swinging integrally around the rotation axis, wherein 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, and 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 generator described in claim 2, wherein the first end of the first magnetic member has a first connection surface facing one side in the first direction and a second connection surface facing the other side in the first direction, the second end of the first magnetic member has a third connection surface facing one side in the first direction and a fourth connection 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 the one side in the first direction, and 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 generator described in claim 3, wherein the second magnetic member has a first connection portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from one side in the first direction, a third end portion connected to the first end portion of the first magnetic member in the first state, and a fourth end portion connected to the second end portion of the first magnetic member in the second state; the third magnetic member has a second connection portion connected to the magnet so as to cover the magnet from the other side in the first direction, a fifth end portion connected to the first end portion of the first magnetic member in the second state, and a sixth end portion connected to the second end portion of the first magnetic member in the first state; and 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. The generator of claim 3, wherein 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, and 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.

6. The generator according to claim 3, wherein 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, and 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.

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

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