HK1149381B - Power generation unit and light emitting tool - Google Patents

Description

Power generation unit and light emitting tool

Scope and background of the invention

The present invention relates to a power generation unit that converts an externally applied force and generates power, and a light emitting tool using the power generation unit.

Conventionally, as a power generation structure using a piezoelectric element, for example, a structure is known in which an external force is directly applied to the piezoelectric element, thereby deforming the piezoelectric element to obtain an electromotive force (see, for example, the first patent document), and a structure is known in which a force such as wind force is directly applied to the piezoelectric element, thereby deforming the piezoelectric element to obtain an electromotive force (see, for example, the second patent document).

Such a conventional piezoelectric element is formed of a flat plate, one end of which is fixed to a mounting surface. The piezoelectric element is free to vibrate relative to the fixed end.

Patent document one: japanese patent application laid-open No.: h7-49418

Patent document two: japanese patent application laid-open No.: h11-303726

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the power obtained by a single piezoelectric element is small. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the size of the piezoelectric elements or increase the number of the piezoelectric elements to obtain necessary power required. Therefore, there is a problem in that the size and weight of a light emitting tool are increased by using a piezoelectric element as a power supply.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a power generation unit that can increase the efficiency of power generation of a piezoelectric element, and a light emitting tool using the power generation unit.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a flexible vibrating plate, a piezoelectric element fixed on at least one surface of the vibrating plate, and a deformation promoting unit for promoting deformation of the piezoelectric element by vibration of the vibrating plate.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the deformation promoting unit is a fixing unit provided at a side of the piezoelectric element at a position where the deformation promoting unit sandwiches the piezoelectric element and the vibration plate, and one end of the vibration plate and one end of the fixing unit are fixed to the same mounting surface.

According to the invention described in claim 3, in the invention described in claim 2, one end of the fixing unit may be the widest portion immediately adjacent to one side of the piezoelectric element with respect to the end fixed to the mounting surface.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 2 or 3, a restricting unit restricts the vibration range of the vibrating plate, the restricting unit being located at one side of the fixing unit.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the deformation promoting unit is a weight body, and the weight body is fixed to a free end of the vibration plate, or the weight body may collide against the free end.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the deformation promoting unit is a wind accommodating unit, and the wind accommodating unit is fixed to a free end of the vibration plate.

According to the invention described in claim 7, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the vibration plate includes a first vibration portion extending along the piezoelectric element, and a second vibration portion intersecting the first vibration portion at a right angle.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the vibration plate, the piezoelectric element, and the deformation promoting unit are provided on a road.

The invention according to claim 9 comprises a body having a hollow portion, and the power generation unit according to any one of claims 1-8 is provided in the hollow portion of the body.

According to the invention of claim 10, in the invention of claim 9, the body is a translucent member and has a shape of a lure, and a light emitting unit that emits light due to an electromotive force generated by the piezoelectric element located in the hollow portion of the body.

The effect achieved by the invention

According to the invention according to claim 1, since the piezoelectric element is deformed by the vibration plate, a larger electromotive force can be obtained from the piezoelectric element, and therefore the efficiency of power generation can be increased. In particular, the deformation promoting means promotes the deformation of the piezoelectric element, and the efficiency of power generation can be further increased.

According to the invention of claim 1, since the deformation promoting unit is provided as the fixing unit, the deformation of the piezoelectric element can be promoted along the periphery of the fixing plate, and therefore the efficiency of power generation can be further increased.

According to the invention of claim 3, since one end of the fixing unit is located in close proximity to the widest portion of one side surface of the piezoelectric element, the deformation of the piezoelectric element can be more promoted, and thus the efficiency of power generation can be more increased.

According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to prevent the vibration plate from being damaged by limiting the vibration range of the vibration plate and to increase the durability of the power generation module.

According to the invention of claim 5, the deformation promoting unit is a weight body fixed to a free end of the vibration plate or against which the weight body can collide. Therefore, the vibration plate can promote its vibration by the weight body, thus promoting the deformation of the piezoelectric element and thus further increasing the efficiency of power generation.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the vibration plate can be vibrated by the wind receiving unit. Therefore, even when there is no vibration, the vibrating plate can vibrate to generate electric power if there is wind.

According to the invention of claim 7, the vibration plate includes a first vibration portion extending along the piezoelectric element, and a second vibration portion intersecting the first vibration portion at right angles. Thus, the vibration plate is vibrated by the two-dimensional vibration, and thus the efficiency of power generation can be more increased.

According to the invention of claim 8, the vibration plate, the piezoelectric element, and the deformation promoting unit are provided on a road. Therefore, electric power can be generated by vibration of the vehicle traveling on the road, and vibration energy that has been wasted conventionally is effectively utilized here.

According to the invention of claim 9, the power generation unit is located in the hollow portion of the provided body. Therefore, electric power can be generated by utilizing the vibration of the main body, and the vibration energy which has been wasted in the past is effectively utilized.

According to the invention of claim 10, the body is a translucent member, and the shape of the body is that of the lure, and the light emitting unit is located in the hollow portion of the body. Therefore, the light emission of the light emitting unit attracts fish, and thus the effect of fish clustering can be more increased.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an entire power generation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a power generation module incorporated in the power generation unit shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a vertical cross-section of the power generation module in a deformed state.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the power generation module according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a relevant portion of a roadway according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a decoy deletion of partial content according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side view showing a decoy deletion of partial content according to an alternate embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing a decoy deletion of partial content according to another alternative embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a power generation module according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a power generation module according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a ninth embodiment.

Description of reference numerals:

1 power generation unit 16, 36, 42, 52, 53 weight body

10, 31 body 20 road

11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111 electric power 21 surface layer

Generating a module 22 substrate

12, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 vibrating plates 23, 34 hollow

62a, 72a, 82a, 92a, 102a, 112a, the first vibrating portion 30, 40, 50 bait

62b, 72b, 82b, 92b, 102b, 112b second vibrating portion 32 ring

72c, 102c bent part 33 hook

13 piezoelectric element 37LED

14 fixed plate 93 wind-receiving unit

15 braking part 93a windward plate

Detailed description of the embodiments

Embodiments of the power generating unit and the light emitting tool according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Firstly, a common basic concept related to each embodiment is explained; secondly, the specific contents of each embodiment are described next; and finally, variations of the embodiments are described. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The general basic concepts of the embodiments are first described. According to various embodiments, in a power generating unit, a piezoelectric element, which is fixed on a predetermined mounting surface thereof, converts an external force and generates power.

First, general basic concepts related to the embodiments are explained:

the general basic concepts related to the embodiments are first explained. According to an electric power generating unit of various embodiments, a piezoelectric element, which converts an externally applied force and generates electric power, is fixed to a predetermined mounting surface.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, one of the characteristics of the power generation unit is that the piezoelectric element is fixed to the vibration plate and the deformation promoting unit is provided on the power generation unit to promote deformation of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is provided at a portion deformed by vibration of the vibration plate. Such a design can increase the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric element, and can increase the efficiency of power generation, compared to the case where the piezoelectric element vibrates and deforms alone. Further, the deformation promoting unit promotes deformation of the piezoelectric element, which may further increase the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric element and increase the efficiency of power generation.

The specific manner of use of the power generation unit is arbitrary, and the power generation unit can be used with any device or tool that generates power using vibration. In one of the usage modes, the power generation unit is provided under a surface of a road, and the power generation is performed by using vibration generated by a vehicle traveling on the road. Alternatively, the power generation unit is provided in a lighting tool, and the power generation is performed by vibration of a vibrating plate.

Second, detailed description of the embodiments

The following describes the details of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[ first embodiment ]

First, the first embodiment is explained. The present embodiment is a basic mode of the power generation unit.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an entire power generation unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a power generation module incorporated in the power generation unit shown in fig. 1, fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the power generation module in a deformed state, and fig. 4 is a side view illustrating the power generation module according to fig. 2. As shown in fig. 1, the power generation unit 1 is provided with a plurality of power generation modules 11 in a main body 10. A bottom surface of the body 10 corresponds to a mounting surface of the appended claims, and the power generation module 11 is fixed to the bottom surface (shown in fig. 1 and 4, the stopper 15 is omitted for convenience of illustration).

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, each power generation module 11 includes a vibration plate 12, a piezoelectric element 13, a fixing plate 14, and a stopper 15.

The vibration plate 12 is a support body which applies a pressure to the piezoelectric element 13 and functions as a reinforcing material to reinforce a rupture strength of the piezoelectric element 13. The material of the vibrating plate 12 is flexible and durable (for example, metal such as copper and aluminum, or plastic such as vinyl chloride). The material of the vibrating plate 12 is arbitrary, and for example, a stainless steel thin plate is used. The flat surface shape of the vibration plate 12 is arbitrary, and it is preferable that the vibration plate 12 is uniformly deformed in accordance with an external force, and in the first embodiment, the shape of the vibration plate 12 is a longitudinal rectangle. One end of the vibration plate 12 is fixed to the body 10 along its longitudinal direction. The vibration plate 12 vibrates together with the body 10. In particular, it is preferable that the vibration of the vibration plate 12 is larger than the vibration when the piezoelectric element 13 is provided alone. Therefore, the surface of the vibration plate 12 is wider than the piezoelectric element 13, so that the unfixed end of the vibration plate 12 extends to the further outside than the end of the piezoelectric element 13.

A weight ()16 is attached to both sides of the vibration plate 12 at one end not fixed to the body 10. The weight body 16 promotes the vibration of the vibration plate 12, thereby promoting the deformation of the piezoelectric element 13. The weight body 16 is a deformation promoting unit corresponding to the appended claims. The weight body 16 is fixed to the vibration plate 12 by adhesion or a mounting structure. When the weight body 16 shakes, the vibration plate 12 generates vibration, or when the vibration plate 12 vibrates, the vibration plate 12 continues to vibrate due to the inertia of the weight body 16. The weight body 16 may be located at other places than the unfixed end, for example, on one side surface of the vibration plate 12, or a connecting member may be provided between the vibration plate 12 and the weight body 16. To apply a large force to the fixed end of the vibration plate 12, the weight body 16 is preferably provided at the opposite end near the fixed end.

The piezoelectric element 13 is deformed by the pressure and generates electric power. For example, the piezoelectric element 13 is a piezoelectric ceramic such as barium titanate and zirconium oxide, or a piezoelectric single crystal such as lithium tantalate (LiTaO 3). Any material that can generate electricity from an external force (including forces that produce torsion, bending, or compression) can be used as the piezoelectric element 13, or in place of the piezoelectric element 13. For example, Ionic Polymer-metal composites (IMPC) may be used, in which an ion conductive Polymer membrane (glue) is plated on both sides with metal (gold, etc.), an ion conductive Polymer gel membrane (ICPF), or artificial muscle using IPMC or ICPF. The piezoelectric element 13 is in the shape of a sheet and is fixed to both side surfaces of the vibrating plate 12 by adhesion. If the shape of the flat surface of the piezoelectric element 13 is arbitrary, the piezoelectric element 13 preferably has a shape similar to that of the vibration plate 12. In the first embodiment, the flat surface shape of the piezoelectric element 13 is square and smaller in diameter than the vibration plate 12. The position of the piezoelectric element 13 with respect to the vibration plate 12 may be arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, the piezoelectric element 13 is provided near the fixed end of the vibration plate 12. Although not shown, the piezoelectric element 13 is provided with a positive terminal on one surface thereof and a negative terminal on the other surface thereof. A positive lead connected to the positive terminal and a negative lead connected to the negative terminal are pulled out to connect to a load (not shown). With such an arrangement, power is supplied to the load. It should be noted that various electronic components, such as a known bridge circuit, may also be provided between the piezoelectric element 13 and the load. Although the piezoelectric element 13 is fixed to both side surfaces of the vibration plate 12, the piezoelectric element 13 may be fixed to only one side surface of the vibration plate 12.

The fixed plate 14 functions as a fulcrum when the piezoelectric element 13 is deformed. The fixing plate 14 corresponds to the deformation promoting unit and the fixing unit in the appended claims. The fixing plate 14 is provided at the side of the piezoelectric element 13 at a position sandwiching the vibration plate 12 and the piezoelectric element 13 like a sandwich. One end of the fixing plate 14 is fixed to the body 10 along its longitudinal direction. Preferably, the distance between the fixing plate 14 and the piezoelectric element 13 is such that the piezoelectric element 13 can contact the fixing plate 14 when deformed, and the piezoelectric element 13 and the fixing plate 1 can contact each other closely.

In particular, to increase the efficiency of power generation, it is preferable that the fixing plate 14 is fixed so that the widest portion of the piezoelectric element 13 is the center of deformation of the piezoelectric element 13. This is because the amount of vibration of the piezoelectric element 13 itself is maximized when the fixing plate 14 is fixed so that the widest portion of the piezoelectric element 13 is the center of the deformation of the piezoelectric element 13 because an electromotive force is generated by the amount of vibration of the element. Specifically, it is preferable that the relative positional relationship between the piezoelectric element 13 and the fixed plate 14 and the shapes of the piezoelectric element 13 and the fixed plate 14 are determined such that one edge of the fixed plate 14 in contact with the piezoelectric element 13 passes through the widest part of one side surface of the piezoelectric element 13 and crosses over the width as wide as possible. For example, preferably, when the piezoelectric element 13 is a sheet-shaped body having a square side surface and is separately located in the vertical direction, an upper edge of the fixing plate 14 is located next to the piezoelectric element 13 along one of the oblique lines of the piezoelectric element 13. Alternatively, it is also preferable that the piezoelectric element 13 is a one-piece body having a circular side surface and is separately located in the vertical direction, and an upper edge of the fixing plate 14 is located next to the piezoelectric element 13 along a horizontal line, which passes through the center of the piezoelectric element 13. As shown in the drawing, in the first embodiment, each piezoelectric element 13 is a sheet-shaped body having a square side surface and is individually located in the vertical direction, each fixing plate 14 is a sheet-shaped body having the same width as the piezoelectric element 13, and an upper edge of the fixing plate 14 is horizontally drawn across the side surface of the piezoelectric element 13. In other shapes, the fixing unit may be a cube provided on one side of the piezoelectric element 13.

The stopper portion 15 limits the vibration range of the vibration plate 12, and it corresponds to a limiting unit in the appended claims. Each stopper 15 is provided on the side of the fixed plate 14 and the side farther from the vibration plate 12 and the piezoelectric element 13, and one end of the stopper 15 is fixed to the body 10 along the longitudinal direction thereof. Preferably, a distance between the stopper 15 and the fixing plate 14 is a distance that allows the vibration plate 12 to be deformed, the distance being determined as a distance that allows the vibration plate 12 to contact the stopper 15 immediately before excessive vibration, the degree of the excessive vibration being such that the vibration plate 12 is plastically deformed. The shape of the stopper 15 is arbitrary, however, the shape of the stopper 15 is preferably similar to the vibration plate 12. In the first embodiment, the stopper portion 15 has a shape of a one-piece body, which is similar to the vibration plate 12. In other shapes, for example, the stopper 15 may be cubic and provided at one side of the fixing body.

In such a structure, when the body 10 receives an external force and vibrates, the piezoelectric element 13 is deformed and generates an electromotive force. In particular, the piezoelectric element 13 can be designed to have a larger deformation by not only vibrating the vibrating plate 12 by vibrating and deforming the vibrating plate 12 but also vibrating the weight body 16 or keeping the vibrating plate 12 vibrating continuously by the inertia of the weight body 16 when the vibrating plate 12 vibrates, and thus deforming the vibrating plate 12. The piezoelectric element 13 of the above-described design can generate a larger electromotive force compared to the deformation using only the piezoelectric element 13, and thus can increase the efficiency of power generation. Further, since a part of one side of the piezoelectric element 13 is fixed by the fixing plate 14, the piezoelectric element 13 is deformed along the periphery of the fixing portion, and a large electromotive force can be generated. The efficiency of power generation can be increased. Further, even when the vibration plate 12 is largely deformed, since the movement thereof is restricted by the stopper 15, the vibration plate 12 can be prevented from being plastically deformed and damaged.

(efficacy of the first embodiment)

According to the first embodiment, by deforming the piezoelectric element 13 by the vibration plate 12, a large electromotive force can be obtained from the piezoelectric element 13, and the efficiency of power generation can be increased. Further, since the deformation of the piezoelectric element 13 is promoted along the periphery of the fixed plate 14, the efficiency of power generation can be further increased. In addition, since the movement of the vibration plate 12 is restricted by the stopper 15, damage to the vibration plate 12 can be prevented and the durability of the power generation module 11 can be increased.

[ second embodiment ]

The second embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the power generation unit according to the first embodiment is disposed below a surface of the road. Unless otherwise specified, the arrangement of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The constituent elements of the second embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a relevant portion of a roadway according to a second embodiment. The road 20 is formed by forming a surface layer 21 on a base layer 22 by asphalt or the like. A hollow portion 23 is formed in the base layer 22, and the power generation unit 1 shown in the first embodiment is provided in the hollow portion 23. An upper surface of the power generation unit 1 is located directly below the base layer 22. When the vehicle travels through the surface layer 21 of the road 20, the vibration of the surface layer 21 is transmitted to the power generation module 11, the vibration is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 13 through the vibration plate 12, and thus an electromotive force is generated. The electromotive force can be arbitrarily utilized and applied to lighting the lamps embedded on one side surface of the road 20.

A road is a concept that includes bridges, tunnels, and highways. The power generating unit 1 may be provided anywhere, not only on one side surface of the road as described above, for example, the power generating unit 1 may be embedded in an upper surface of a tunnel, or in a rail on one side of the road surface.

(efficacy of the second embodiment)

According to the second embodiment, electric power is generated by using the vibration of the vehicle traveling on the surface layer 21 of the road 20. Therefore, the vibration energy that has been wasted conventionally is effectively utilized here.

[ third embodiment ]

The third embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the power generation unit according to the first embodiment is provided in a lure which is a lighting means. The third embodiment is substantially identical in arrangement to the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified. The constituent elements of the third embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 6 is a side view of a lure according to a third embodiment (fig. 6 with some of the contents removed, this also applies to fig. 7 and 8 described below). The lure 30 corresponds to a light emitting means in the appended claims, and the body 31 of the lure 30 is made of a translucent resin, which is in the shape of a fish. A ring 32 for tying a fishing line is fixed to a front end of the body 31, and a hook 33 is fixed to a bottom or rear end of the lure 30.

The body 31 includes a hollow portion 34, and the power generation module 35, the weight 36 and the LED 37 are located in the hollow portion 34.

The power generation module 35 includes only the vibration plate 12 and the piezoelectric element 13. Each vibration plate 12 is fixed so as to protrude downward from an upper surface as a mounting surface of the body 31, and the piezoelectric element 13 is adhesively fixed to one side surface of the vibration plate 12. The vibration plate 12 is vertically disposed, longer in length than the piezoelectric element 13, and a free end of the vibration plate 12 protrudes shorter than the piezoelectric element 13.

Each weight body 36 causes the piezoelectric element 13 to deform by promoting the vibration of the vibration plate 12, and the weight body 36 corresponds to a deformation promoting unit in the appended claims. The weight body 36 is shaped as a sphere. When the body 31 vibrates, the weight body 36 freely moves in the hollow portion 34 and collides with the free end of the vibration plate 12, thereby promoting the vibration of the vibration plate 12 and causing the piezoelectric element 13 to deform.

The LED 37 attracting attention of the fish is fixed at an arbitrary position in the hollow portion 34. The LED 37 is connected to the piezoelectric element 13 through a control circuit (not shown), and the LED 37 emits light due to electromotive force generated by the piezoelectric element 13. The emitted light penetrates through the body 31 and out of the lure 30.

In addition to the designs described above, a variety of different power generation modules may be used in the lure. Fig. 7 is a side view of a lure 40 according to an alternative embodiment. The power generation module 41 includes a vibration plate 12 and a piezoelectric element 13. Each vibration plate 12 is T-shaped with one side thereof facing downward, the piezoelectric element 13 is fixed to both side surfaces of the bottom of each vibration plate 12, and the weight body 42 is fixed to both sides of the bottom end of the vibration plate 12. The weight body 42 promotes the vibration of the vibration plate 12, and may cause the piezoelectric element 13 to deform.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a lure 50 according to another alternative embodiment. The power generation module 51 includes a vibration plate 12 and a piezoelectric element 13. The piezoelectric elements 13 are fixed to both side surfaces of the bottom of each vibration plate 12, and the weight body 52 is fixed to the bottom end of the vibration plate 12. The weight body 53 is located in the hollow portion 34. When the weight body 53 collides with the weight body 52 of the vibration plate 12, the weight body 53 promotes the vibration of the vibration plate 12 and causes the piezoelectric element 13 to deform.

(efficacy of the third embodiment)

According to a third embodiment, electricity is thus generated by utilizing the movement of the body as the lure moves through the water surface or water. Therefore, the vibration energy that has been wasted conventionally is effectively utilized here. Furthermore, the illumination of the LED may draw the attention of the fish and thus increase the fish-luring clustering effect of the lure.

[ fourth embodiment ]

The fourth embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibrating plate is changed according to the power generating unit of the first embodiment. The arrangement of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified. The constituent elements of the fourth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a fourth embodiment (for convenience of illustration, the main body 10 and the braking portion 15 shown in fig. 9 and fig. 10-14 are omitted). The power generation module 61 according to the fourth embodiment includes a vibrating plate 62. The vibrating plate 62 includes a first vibrating portion 62a connected to a second vibrating portion 62b, the first vibrating portion 62a being oriented in the illustrated Z direction and extending along the piezoelectric element 13, and the second vibrating portion 62b being oriented in the illustrated X direction and perpendicular to the Z direction such that vibrating portions of the two intersect each other at a right angle. The weight body 16 is fixed to a free end of the second vibrating portion 62 b. According to this structure, when vibration occurs in the Z direction, the second vibration portion 62b vibrates, and when vibration occurs in the X direction, the first vibration portion 62a vibrates. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 13 can be deformed by vibration, and electric power can be generated by vibration in two dimensions of the Z direction and the X direction.

The specific connection structure between the first vibration part 62a and the second vibration part 62b may be arbitrary. For example, the first vibration part 62a and the second vibration part 62b may be a continuous flat plate, and then the second vibration part 62b is bent to be connected to the first vibration part 62a to intersect at a right angle, or the first vibration part 62a and the second vibration part 62b may be separated from each other and then joined to each other in a known connection method (including welding).

The power generation module 61 formed in this way, instead of using the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, and 51 of the first to third embodiments, or using the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, and 51 together in a matched manner, can further increase the efficiency of power generation.

(efficacy of the fourth embodiment)

According to the fourth embodiment, since the electric power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of generating the electric power can be further increased.

[ fifth embodiment ]

The fifth embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibration plate of the power generation module is changed according to the fourth embodiment. The arrangement of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment, unless otherwise specified. The constituent elements of the fifth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a fifth embodiment. The power generation module 71 according to the fifth embodiment includes a vibration plate 72. The vibrating plate 72 includes a first vibrating portion 72a connected to a second vibrating portion 72b, the first vibrating portion 72a extending along the piezoelectric element 13 in the Z direction, and the second vibrating portion 72b extending in the X direction, and being perpendicular to the Z direction by a bent portion 72 c. The weight body 16 is fixed to a free end of the second vibrating portion 72 b.

The specific connection structure of the first vibrating portion 72a, the second vibrating portion 72b, and the bent portion 72c may be arbitrary. For example, the first vibrating portion 72a, the second vibrating portion 72b, and the bent portion 72c may be a continuous flat plate, and then the second vibrating portion 72b is gently bent with respect to the first vibrating portion 72a, thereby forming the bent portion 72 c.

When the power generation module 71 formed in this way is used instead of the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51 and 61 of the first to fourth embodiments, or can be used together with the power generation modules 11, 35, 41 and 51, the efficiency of power generation can be further increased.

(efficacy of the fifth embodiment)

According to the fifth embodiment, since the power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of power generation can be further increased.

[ sixth embodiment ]

The sixth embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibration plate of the power generation module is changed according to the fourth embodiment. If not otherwise specified, the arrangement of the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The constituent elements of the sixth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a power generation module according to a sixth embodiment. The power generation module 81 according to the sixth embodiment includes a vibration plate 82. The vibrating plate 82 includes a first vibrating portion 82a connected to a second vibrating portion 82b, the first vibrating portion 82a extends along the piezoelectric element 13 in the Z direction, and the second vibrating portion 82b is oriented at an angle α intersecting the Z direction. The weight body 16 is fixed to a free end of the second vibrating portion 82 b.

The specific connection structure between the first vibration part 82a and the second vibration part 82b may be arbitrary. For example, the first vibration portion 82a and the second vibration portion 82b may be a continuous flat plate, and then the second vibration portion 82b is bent to make an angle α with the angle between the first vibration portion 82a, thereby forming the vibration plate 82.

When the power generation module 81 formed in this way is used instead of the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, and 71 of the first to fifth embodiments, or may be used together with the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, and 71, the efficiency of power generation may be further increased.

(efficacy of the sixth embodiment)

According to the sixth embodiment, since the electric power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of generating the electric power can be further increased.

[ seventh embodiment ]

The seventh embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibration plate of the power generation module is changed according to the fourth embodiment. The arrangement of the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment, unless otherwise specified. The constituent elements of the seventh embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a seventh embodiment. The power generation module 91 according to the seventh embodiment includes a vibration plate 92. The vibration plate 92 includes a first vibration portion 92a connected to a second vibration portion 92b, the first vibration portion 92a extending in the illustrated Z direction along the piezoelectric element 13, and the second vibration portion 92b extending in the illustrated X direction perpendicular to the Z direction such that vibrating portions of the two intersect each other at a right angle. The specific connection structure between the first vibration part 92a and the second vibration part 92b may be arbitrary, and for example, the first vibration part 92a and the second vibration part 92b may be the same connection structure as that between the first vibration part 62a and the second vibration part 62b as described in the fourth embodiment.

A wind accommodating unit 93 is fixed to a free end of the second vibrating portion 92 b. The wind receiving unit 93 is a technical means for receiving wind force, and vibrates the vibration plate 92 by the wind force. The wind accommodating unit 93 includes a plurality of windward plates 93a (three are shown in fig. 12) connected to each other at a predetermined angle (intersecting each other at a right angle at an angle). In this way, the wind receiving unit 93 is provided, and the vibration plate 92 can be vibrated by the wind force even if there is no vibration. Further, by providing the weight body to the wind accommodating unit 93 as appropriate, the wind accommodating unit 93 can achieve the same function as the weight body 16 of the fourth embodiment, and can obtain the effect of promoting vibration. By providing the windward plates 93a in different directions, the wind forces blowing from different directions can be utilized. The windward plates 93a may have any of various shapes, and connection angles with each other may be varied, for example, four or more windward plates 93a may be connected to each other at an angle in which the windward plates 93a do not meet at a right angle.

When the power generation module 91 formed in this way is used instead of the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, and 81 of the first to sixth embodiments, or may be used together with the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, and 81, the efficiency of power generation may be further increased.

(efficacy of the seventh embodiment)

According to the seventh embodiment, since the electric power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of generating the electric power can be further increased. In particular, the vibrating plate 92 can be vibrated by wind power, and can generate electric power even when there is no vibration.

[ eighth embodiment ]

The eighth embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibration plate of the power generation module is changed according to the fourth embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the eighth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The constituent elements of the eighth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to an eighth embodiment. The power generation module 101 according to the eighth embodiment includes a pair of vibration plates 102. Each of the vibrating plates 102 includes a first vibrating portion 102a connected to a second vibrating portion 102b, the first vibrating portion 102a extending in the illustrated Z direction along the piezoelectric element 13, and the second vibrating portion 92b extending in the illustrated Y direction and perpendicular to the Z direction by a bent portion 102 c. The weight body 16 is fixed to a free end of the second vibrating portion 102 b. With this structure, when vibration is generated in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction (X direction in the figure), the first vibration portion 102a vibrates, and when vibration is generated in the Z direction, the second vibration portion 102b vibrates, and the piezoelectric element 13 is deformed by the vibration. Therefore, electric power can be generated by using vibration in two dimensions of the X direction and the Z direction.

The specific connection structure of the first vibrating portion 102a, the second vibrating portion 102b, and the bent portion 102c may be arbitrary. For example, the first vibrating portion 102a, the second vibrating portion 102b, and the bent portion 102c may have the same connecting structure as the first vibrating portion 72a, the second vibrating portion 72b, and the bent portion 72c described in the fifth embodiment. Portions of the pair of vibration plates 102 may be integrated together, or a pair of second vibration portions 102b may be connected to a common first vibration portion 102 a.

When the power generation module 101 formed in this way is used instead of the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91 of the first to seventh embodiments, or may be used together with the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91, the efficiency of power generation may be further increased.

(efficacy of the eighth embodiment)

According to the eighth embodiment, since the electric power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of generating the electric power can be further increased.

[ ninth embodiment ]

The ninth embodiment is explained next. In this embodiment mode, the shape of the vibration plate of the power generation module is changed according to the eighth embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the arrangement of the ninth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the eighth embodiment. The constituent elements of the ninth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the eighth embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals and/or element names, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relevant portion of a power generation module according to a ninth embodiment. The power generation module 111 according to the ninth embodiment includes a pair of vibration plates 112. The vibrating plate 112 includes a disk-shaped first vibrating portion 112a fixed in a direction (the illustrated Z direction) along which the piezoelectric element 13 extends, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) second vibrating portions 112b extending outward in a radiation direction with respect to the first vibrating portion 112 a. The weight body 16 is fixed to the free end of the second vibrating portion 112 b. A part of the body 10 is a sheet-shaped body, the bottom of which is open, and the power generation module 111 is sandwiched and fixed in the sheet-shaped body 10. According to this structure, when vibration in the X direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction occurs, the first vibration portion 112a vibrates, and when vibration perpendicular to the Z direction occurs, the second vibration portion 112b vibrates, and the piezoelectric element 13 is deformed by the vibration. Therefore, electric power can be generated by using vibration in two dimensions of the X direction and the Z direction. The number and connection angle of the second vibration part 112b and the first vibration part 112a facing each other may be arbitrarily changed.

The specific connection structure of the first vibration part 112a and the second vibration part 112b may be arbitrary. For example, a plate may be pressed into the first vibration part 112a and the second vibration part 112b as a single member, or the first vibration part 112a and the second vibration part 112b may be different members, and then bonded to each other in a known connection manner (including welding).

When the power generation module 111 formed in this way is used instead of the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, and 101 of the first to seventh embodiments, or may be used together with the power generation modules 11, 35, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, and 101, the efficiency of power generation may be further increased.

(efficacy of the ninth embodiment)

According to the ninth embodiment, since the electric power can be generated by using the two-dimensional vibration in the Z direction and the X direction, the efficiency of generating the electric power can be further increased.

Third, variations of the embodiments

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration and technical means of the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modified variations are described below.

(problems to be solved by the invention and effects achieved by the invention)

The problems to be solved by the present invention and the effects achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned matters, and the present invention can also solve the problems not described and achieve other effects. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to solve only a part of the problems and achieve only a part of the effects.

(specific application of Power Generation Module)

In the above embodiments, although the power generation module is located on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the body 10, the power generation module may also be located on the side surface of the body 10. The shapes and positions of the piezoelectric element 13, the vibration plate 12, the fixing plate 14, the stopper 15, and the weight body 16 may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

Industrial applicability

The power generation unit according to the present invention can be applied to a power generation unit that converts an externally applied force and generates power. Especially, the power generation unit is useful to efficiently transmit the vibration of the piezoelectric element 13 to obtain a high power generation capability.

Claims (8)

1. A power generation unit comprising:

a flexible vibration plate having two surfaces;

two piezoelectric elements directly and completely fixed on two surfaces of the vibration plate, respectively; and

a deformation promoting unit which causes the piezoelectric elements to deform due to the vibration of the vibrating plate,

the surface of each piezoelectric element is smaller than each surface of the vibration plate,

the deformation promoting unit is a plate-shaped fixing unit and has a surface smaller than that of each of the piezoelectric elements,

each of the piezoelectric elements is fixed to the vibration plate so that a surface of each of the piezoelectric elements is in contact with each surface of the vibration plate,

the deformation promoting unit is arranged at one side of the piezoelectric element and is positioned between the piezoelectric element and the vibrating plate in a sandwich manner, and

the deformation promoting unit is fixed to the piezoelectric element so that a surface of the deformation promoting unit can contact a surface of the piezoelectric element.

2. The power generating unit according to claim 1, wherein an end of the deformation promoting unit is located immediately adjacent to a widest portion of a side surface of the piezoelectric element with respect to being fixed to the mounting surface.

3. The power generating unit according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit further comprises a limiting unit that limits a vibration range of the vibrating plate, the limiting unit being located at one side of the deformation promoting unit.

4. The power generation unit according to claim 3, wherein the restriction unit is isolated from the vibration plate when the vibration plate is not deformed, and the vibration plate contacts the restriction unit immediately before the vibration plate excessively vibrates to reach plastic deformation.

5. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the vibration plate includes a first vibration portion extending along the piezoelectric element, and a second vibration portion intersecting the first vibration portion at a right angle.

6. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the vibration plate, the piezoelectric element, and the deformation promoting unit are provided on a road.

7. A light emitting tool comprising a body having a hollow portion, wherein the power generating unit according to claim 1 is provided in the hollow portion of the body.

8. The lighted implement of claim 7, wherein

The body is a translucent member and is in the shape of a lure, an

And the light emitting unit emits light by virtue of electromotive force generated by the piezoelectric element positioned in the hollow part of the body.