JP2014096924A - Power generation element - Google Patents

Abstract

A power generation element capable of generating power by generating axial expansion and contraction in a magnetostrictive rod.
One end of a rigid rod 50 whose axial stiffness is set larger than the axial stiffness of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 is rotatably supported by a first member 2, while the other end of the rigid rod 50 is Supported by the second member 3. Therefore, the second member 3 can be moved relative to the first member 2 around the support point 50a. Since the support point 50a of the rigid rod and the support points 11a and 12a of the magnetostrictive rod are set so that the positions projected on the virtual plane where the first member 2 and the second member 3 before and after the relative movement are located are different. The magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 can be extended or contracted in the axial direction according to the position on the virtual plane. Thereby, it can suppress that the magnetostriction rods 11 and 12 deform | transform so that the change of magnetic flux density may mutually cancel.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generation element that performs vibration power generation using the inverse magnetostriction effect of a magnetostrictive material, and more particularly to a power generation element that enables power generation by generating axial expansion and contraction in a magnetostrictive rod.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation element that performs vibration power generation using the inverse magnetostriction effect of a magnetostrictive material. This power generation element will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18A is a front view of a conventional power generation element 901. In FIG. 18A, illustration of the coil, permanent magnet, and back yoke is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the power generation element 901 includes a pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912, a first yoke 921 that supports one end of the pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912, and a pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912. The second yoke 922 that supports the other end of the magnet, the pair of coils wound around the pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912, and the one end and the other end of the pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 are arranged with different magnetic poles. A pair of permanent magnets, and a back yoke that applies a bias magnetic field to the pair of magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 by connecting the pair of permanent magnets.

  The power generation element 901 is installed in a state where the first yoke 921 is fixed to the vibrating body and the second yoke 922 is a free end, and the first yoke 921 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 as the vibrating body vibrates. By causing the two yokes 922 to perform pendulum movement (free vibration), axial expansion and contraction are generated in one and the other of the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912, respectively. That is, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 are bent and deformed by pendulum movement, so that one (magnetostrictive rod 911) contracts in the axial direction and the other (magnetostrictive rod 912) axially Each directional stretch is generated. As a result, the magnetic flux density changes in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 (inverse magnetostrictive effect), current is generated in the coils wound around the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912, and power generation is performed.

International Publication No. 2011/158473 (paragraph 0078, FIG. 4A, etc.)

  However, the conventional power generation element described above has a problem that it is difficult to generate power in forced vibration. For example, as shown in FIG. 18B (a schematic front view of a conventional power generation element 901), the second yoke 922 is forced to vibrate relative to the first yoke 921 along the arrow X direction (forced translational motion). In this case, the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 are deformed into an S shape. For this reason, in one magnetostrictive rod, an extending portion and a contracting portion are formed, and these cancel out changes in magnetic flux density, so that a change in magnetic flux density necessary for power generation cannot be obtained. In addition, even during power generation in free vibration, the magnetostrictive rods 911 and 912 are likely to be deformed in an S shape, which may make it difficult to change the magnetic flux density necessary for power generation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation element that can generate power by generating axial expansion and contraction in a magnetostrictive rod.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coil is wound around each of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods made of the magnetostrictive material, and one end of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods is fixed to the first member. A second member is disposed apart from the first member, and the other ends of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are fixed to the second member. The plurality of magnetostrictive rods constitute a part of a magnetic loop formed between the first member and the second member, and are expanded or contracted by the relative movement of the second member with respect to the first member. Power generation is performed.

  One end of a rigid rod whose axial stiffness is set to be larger than the axial stiffness of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods is elastically supported or rotatably supported by the first member, while the other end of the rigid rod is supported by the second member Is done. Accordingly, the second member can be moved relative to the first member around the support point at one end of the rigid rod. The support point on one end side of the rigid rod and the support point on one end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are set so that the positions projected on the virtual plane where the first member and the second member before and after the relative movement are located are different. . As a result, when the second member is moved relative to the first member, the magnetostrictive rod is prevented from deforming into an S shape, and a plurality of magnetostrictive rods are extended in the axial direction according to the position on the virtual plane. Or it can be shrunk. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the expansion and contraction of the one magnetostrictive rod and canceling out changes in the magnetic flux density. As a result, a change in magnetic flux density necessary for power generation can be obtained, and there is an effect that power generation can be performed regardless of forced vibration or free vibration.

  According to the power generating element of claim 2, the support point on the other end side of the rigid rod and the support point on the other end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are relative to each other when the second member moves relative to the first member. In a virtual plane where the first member and the second member before and after the movement are located, the position of the first arc whose center is the support point on one end side of the rigid rod and whose radius is the distance from the support point on the other end side of the rigid rod; The positions of the second arcs having a radius from the support point on one end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods and having a radius from the support point on the other end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are set differently.

  Thus, when the second member moves relative to the first member with reference to the support point on one end side of the rigid rod, the other end side of the magnetostrictive rod reached by the first member supported by the rigid rod moves. There is a deviation between the position of the support point and the position of the point on the second arc whose radius is the distance between the support point on one end of the magnetostrictive rod and the support point on the other end of the magnetostrictive rod. The magnetostrictive rod can be extended or contracted in the axial direction by the amount of the deviation. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, there is an effect that the change in magnetic flux density required for power generation can be increased to improve the power generation efficiency.

  According to the power generating element of claim 3, the support point on one end side of the rigid rod and the support point on one end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are before and after relative movement when the second member moves relative to the first member. The first member and the second member are set in one virtual plane where the first member and the second member are located, and in a plane intersecting the one virtual plane. As a result, not only when vibration is input in a direction along one virtual plane, but also when vibration is input in a direction along a plane intersecting the one virtual plane, the magnetostrictive rod is extended in the axial direction. Or it can be shrunk. Thereby, in addition to the effect of Claim 1 or 2, there exists an effect which can aim at the further improvement of power generation efficiency.

  According to the power generating element of claim 4, since the rigid rod is made of a magnetostrictive material, the rigid rod is contracted in the axial direction as the magnetostrictive rod is expanded in the axial direction, and the magnetostrictive rod is in the axial direction. In response to the contraction, the rigid rod is stretched in the axial direction. Since the rigid rod functions as a magnetostrictive rod and the coil is wound, a current is generated in the coil due to the inverse magnetostrictive effect as the rigid rod expands or contracts, and power is generated. 4. In addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, the power generation efficiency is further improved because the axial expansion or contraction of the rigid rod contributes to power generation in addition to power generation by stretching or contracting a plurality of magnetostrictive rods There is an effect that can be achieved.

  According to the power generating element of the fifth aspect, the rigid rod is made of a magnetic material and functions as a back yoke, and includes a magnet that attracts the rigid rod that functions as the back yoke. Thereby, in addition to the effect of any one of Claims 1 to 3, there exists an effect which can aim at the improvement of electric power generation efficiency by utilizing space effectively.

(A) is a top view of the electric power generation element in 1st Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view of the electric power generation element seen from the arrow Ib direction of Fig.1 (a). (A) is a bottom view of the power generation element, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element taken along line IIb-IIb in FIG. 1 (a). A first arc whose center is a support point on one end side of the rigid rod and whose radius is the distance from the support point on the other end side, and a distance between the support point on one end side of the magnetostrictive rod and the support point on the other end side. It is a schematic diagram of the 2nd circular arc which uses as a radius. It is a schematic diagram of the power generation element when the second member is moved relative to the first member. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the stress of the axial direction of a rigid rod and a magnetostrictive rod with respect to the rocking | fluctuation angle of a rigid rod and a magnetostrictive rod. (A) is a top view of the electric power generation element in 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the side view of the electric power generation element seen from the arrow VIb direction of Fig.6 (a). (A) is a bottom view of the power generation element, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element taken along line VIIb-VIIb in FIG. 6 (a). A first arc whose center is a support point on one end side of the rigid rod and whose radius is the distance from the support point on the other end side, and a distance between the support point on one end side of the magnetostrictive rod and the support point on the other end side. It is a schematic diagram of the 2nd circular arc which uses as a radius. It is a schematic diagram of the power generation element when the second member is moved relative to the first member in one direction. It is a schematic diagram of the power generation element when the second member is moved relative to the first member in the other direction. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the stress of the axial direction of a rigid rod and a magnetostrictive rod with respect to the rocking | fluctuation angle of a rigid rod and a magnetostrictive rod. (A) is a top view of the electric power generation element in 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view of the electric power generation element seen from the arrow XIIb direction of Fig.12 (a). (A) is a bottom view of the power generation element, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element taken along line XIIIb-XIIIb in FIG. 12 (a). (A) is a top view of the electric power generation element in 4th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the side view of the electric power generation element seen from the arrow XIVb direction of Fig.14 (a). (A) is a bottom view of the power generation element, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element taken along line XVb-XVb in FIG. 14 (a). It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows typically the electric power generating element in 5th Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a front schematic diagram schematically showing a power generation element, and (b) is a schematic plan view of the power generation element viewed from the direction of arrow XVIIb in FIG. 17 (a). (A) is a front view of the conventional power generation element, (b) is a schematic front view of the power generation element.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the whole structure of the electric power generation element 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the power generation element 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the power generation element 1 viewed from the direction of arrow Ib in FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the power generation element 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element 1 taken along the line IIb-IIb in FIG. 1A. 1 and 2, the coils 31 and 32 are schematically illustrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power generation element 1 is used by being interposed between two members (first member 2 and second member 3) that are relatively moved. Along with the relative movement of the second member 3, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are deformed in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), so that vibration power generation is performed using the inverse magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the first member 2 is a vehicle body frame, and the second member 3 (metal rigid body) is attached to the engine bracket. The first member 2 and the second member 3 are forcibly substantially translated with respect to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X1 or X2 (the vertical direction in FIG. 1A).

  The power generating element 1 includes a pair of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 made of a magnetostrictive material, a first support member 21 that supports one end (left side in FIG. 1A) of the pair of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, A second support member 22 that supports the other axial end of the pair of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 (right side in FIG. 1A), and a pair of coils 31 and 32 wound around the pair of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, respectively. The pair of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 includes a pair of permanent magnets 41 and 42 disposed with different magnetic poles, and a rigid rod 50 that functions as a back yoke that connects the pair of permanent magnets 41 and 42.

  The magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are plate-like bodies having a rectangular section with a thickness dimension (FIG. 1 (b) vertical dimension) larger than the width dimension (FIG. 1 (a) vertical dimension), and the same shape and They are formed to have the same dimensions and are arranged substantially in parallel so that the side surfaces with large areas face each other. In this embodiment, an iron gallium alloy is employed as the magnetostrictive material.

  The first support member 21 and the second support member 22 are members made of a non-magnetic material (in this embodiment, an aluminum alloy), and are disposed (adhered) to the first member 2 and the second member 3, respectively. The That is, the first support member 21 and the second support member 22 are relatively moved in conjunction with the relative movement of the first member 2 and the second member 3. Assuming that the movement direction (arrow X1, X2 direction) of the second support member 22 relative to the first support member 21 is the X axis and the imaginary line SY direction, which will be described later, is the Z axis, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 have one end (see FIG. The other end (FIG. 1 (a) right side) is displaced in the Y-axis direction (FIG. 1 (a) vertical direction in FIG. 1) and the Z axis (FIG. 1 (a) left-right direction in FIG. 1A). In a state in which the rotation around is constrained, it is relatively moved along the X axis.

  Here, the first support member 21 and the second support member 22 arrange (support) the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 in parallel with each other with the virtual line SY as an axis of symmetry. The imaginary line SY is located on a plane passing through the center of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1B), and the second member 3 is relative to the first member 2. It is a straight line orthogonal to the moving direction (arrow X1 or X2 direction).

  The power generation element 1 (the first support member 21 and the second support member 22) is disposed on the first member 2 and the second member 3 so that the origin of the amplitude of the forced vibration is located on the virtual line SY. Therefore, in a state where the amplitude of vibration is at the origin (initial position of the power generation element 1), the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line SY. At the initial position of the power generating element 1, no external force acts on the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and the load is in a no-load state.

  The first support member 21 and the second support member 22 are formed such that the surfaces from which the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 protrude are planes perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. However, these planes may be planes that are non-perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 (for example, planes that are parallel to the free vibration direction (arrow X1, X2 direction)).

  The magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are supported (joined) by the first support member 21 and the second support member 22 in the slits recessed in the first support member 21 and the second support member 22. This is done by inserting the end and filling the gap between the inner surface of the slit and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with an adhesive.

  However, such support (joining) may be performed by compressing and deforming the first support member 21 and the second support member 22 and bringing the inner surface of the slit into close contact with the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, or the first support member 21 and the second support member. A method of fastening and fixing 22 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with fastening screws, or a method of combining them may be used.

  The coils 31 and 32 are coils obtained by winding a wire made of copper wire around the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, respectively. A gap is provided between the coils 31 and 32 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the number of turns of the coils 31 and 32 is the same. However, the number of turns may be different between the coils 31 and 32.

  The permanent magnets 41 and 42 and the rigid rod (back yoke) 50 are members for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and are each formed in a bar shape having a rectangular cross section. The permanent magnets 41 and 42 are magnets that are respectively magnetized to the lower surfaces of one end and the other end of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 (the left side and the right side in FIG. 2A), and are installed between the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. . The rigid rod (back yoke) 50 is made of a magnetic material, is installed between the permanent magnets 41 and 42, and both ends thereof are rotatably supported by the first member 2 and the second member 3 (FIG. 2). (See (b)).

  As described above, the permanent magnet 41 and the permanent magnet 42 are arranged (magnetically attached) to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with their magnetic poles different from each other. That is, the permanent magnet 41 has an N pole on the surface connected to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and an S pole on the surface connected to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50, while the permanent magnet 42 has a magnetostriction. An S pole is arranged on the surface side connected to the rods 11 and 12, and an N pole is arranged on the surface side connected to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50.

  Thereby, a magnetic loop is formed by the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, the permanent magnets 41 and 42, and the rigid rod (back yoke) 50, and a bias magnetic field generated by the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnets 41 and 42 is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. Is granted. As a result, the easy magnetization direction (the direction of magnetization or the direction in which magnetization is likely to occur) of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 is set to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12.

  The permanent magnets 41 and 42 are fixed to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50 and cannot be relatively displaced. On the other hand, the permanent magnets 41 and 42 are magnetically attached to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, so that they can be relatively displaced (slidable). It is said. This prevents the permanent magnets 41 and 42 and the rigid rod (back yoke) 50 from hindering deformation of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 when vibration is input.

  The rigid rod 50 is a rod made of a magnetic material having a rectangular cross section in which the axial stiffness is set to be larger than the axial stiffness of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and is recessed in the first member 2 and the second member 3, respectively. Both ends are pivotally supported by the recesses 2a and 3a. The rigid rod 50 pivotally supported by the first member 2 and the second member 3 by the shafts (support points) 50a and 50b can be rotated (oscillated) in a plane orthogonal to the shafts (support points) 50a and 50b. The In the present embodiment, the rigid rod 50 is set to a length larger than the length of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12.

  Next, the relationship between the trajectory of the second member 3 and the deformation of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 when the second member 3 moves relative to the first member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the power generating element 1, with a support point (axis) 50 a on one end side (first member 2 side) of the rigid rod 50 as a center, and a support point (axis) on the other end side (second member 3 side). The first arc C1 having a radius of 50b and the support points 11a and 12a (one end fixed to the first support member 21) on one end side of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are supported at the other end side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of second arcs C2 and C3 having a radius as a distance from the points 11b and 12b (the other end fixed to the second support member 22). FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the electric power generation element 1 at the time of moving 3 relatively.

  3 and FIG. 4, the second member 3 is within the plane of FIG. 3 and the plane of FIG. 4 (hereinafter referred to as “virtual plane”) with respect to the first member 2 by the rigid rod 50. Oscillate relatively. The virtual plane is a plane on which the first member 2 and the second member 3 are positioned before and after relative movement (before and after relatively swinging).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rigid rod 50 is supported by the first member 2 at one end side by a support point 50a and supported by the second member 3 at the other end side by a support point 50b. The magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are supported by the first member 2 at one end side by support points 11a and 12a, and supported at the second member 3 at the other end side by support points 11b and 12b. Since the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are arranged on both sides of the rigid rod 50 in a plan view (symmetrical with respect to the virtual line SY), the support points 50a of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rod in the first member 2 are arranged. The support points 11a and 12a of 11 and 12 are set so that the positions projected on the virtual plane (the paper surface of FIG. 3) are different. Similarly, the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 and the support points 11b and 12b of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 in the second member 3 are also set so that the positions projected on the virtual plane are different.

  In the rigid rod 50, an arc having a center at the support point 50a and a radius of the distance from the support point 50b (rotation locus of the support point 50b) is referred to as a first arc C1, and in the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, the support point 11a. , 12a as a center and an arc whose radius is the distance from the support points 11b, 12b is referred to as second arcs C2, C3. In plan view of the power generating element 1, the first arc C1 and the second arcs C2 and C3 are provided at different positions. In the present embodiment, the axial length of the rigid rod 50 is set to a value larger than the axial length of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. As a result, the curvature of the first arc C1 is smaller than the curvature of the second arcs C2 and C3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, if the rigid rod 50 is assumed to be a complete rigid body, the second member 3 is forcibly vibrated with respect to the first member 2 and swings in one direction (arrow X1 direction) from the initial position of the power generation element 1. When moved, the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 moves on the first arc C1 with the support point 50a as the center and the distance from the support point 50b as the radius. Since the support points 11b and 12b of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are fixed to the second member 3 (rigid body), the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are supported by swinging in one direction (arrow X1 direction) of the second member 3. The support points 11b and 12b are swung in one direction (the direction of the arrow X1) while maintaining the distance from the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50.

  However, since the first arc C1 and the second arcs C2 and C3 are in different positions in the state projected onto the virtual plane (the paper surface of FIG. 4), each of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 accompanying the swing of the second member 3 The positions of the support points 11b and 12b (positions indicated by arrows) deviate from the second arcs C2 and C3. In the power generating element 1, the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are positioned in parallel, and the curvature of the first arc C1 is set to a value smaller than the curvature of the second arcs C2 and C3. The support points 11b and 12b of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 accompanying the swing of the member 3 are located outside the second arcs (circles) C2 and C3. As a result, an axial tensile stress acts on the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and an axial compressive stress acts on the rigid rod 50. Since the axial stiffness of the rigid rod 50 is set to a value larger than the axial stiffness of the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, an axial tensile strain occurs in the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12.

  Similarly, when the second member 3 is forcibly oscillated with respect to the first member 2 and swings in the other direction (arrow X2 direction) from the initial position of the power generating element 1, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are similarly moved in the axial direction. Tensile strain occurs. Accordingly, when the second member 3 is at the position of the imaginary line SY, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are in an unloaded state, and the maximum amplitudes in the arrow X1 direction and the arrow X2 direction are equal starting from this state. As the amplitude increases, the axial strain of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 increases. Therefore, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 can be repeatedly extended by repeated relative movement (vibration) of the second member 3 with respect to the first member 2, and a change in magnetic flux density can be obtained repeatedly.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the axial stress of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with respect to the swing angle of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the swing angle of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 on the lower stage, and the axial stress of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive bars 11 and 12 on the upper stage. The axial stress shown in FIG. 5 is defined as + for tensile stress and − for compressive stress.

  When the second member 3 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X1 (see FIG. 3), the swing angle of the rigid rod 50 with respect to the virtual line SY about the support point 50a is θ1 (FIG. 4). Reference). The curvature of the first arc C1 through which the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 passes is smaller than the curvature of the second arcs C2 and C3 through which the support points 11b and 12b of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 pass. The swing angle θ3 of the magnetostrictive rod 12 is larger than the swing angle θ1 of the rigid rod 50 (see FIG. 5).

  Similarly, when the second member 3 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X2 (see FIG. 3), the swing angles θ2 and θ3 are larger than the swing angle θ1 (θ1 to θ3). The sign of is changed). Therefore, when the second member 3 is alternately moved relative to the first member 2 in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2, the swing angles θ1 to θ3 are 0 each time the support point 50b passes through the virtual line SY. It changes periodically to become.

  On the other hand, when the second member 3 alternately moves relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X1 and the direction of the arrow X2, tensile stress repeatedly acts in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and the shaft of the rigid rod 50 Compressive stress acts repeatedly in the direction. Thereby, in the one magnetostrictive rod 11, 12, the extending part and the contracting part are formed, and it is possible to prevent the changes in the magnetic flux density from canceling each other. As a result, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Further, when the second member 3 swings in the direction of the arrow X1 or the direction of the arrow X2 with respect to the virtual line SY, the power generating element 1 is subjected to axial tensile stress on the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and axially acts on the rigid rod 50. The compressive stress acts. When the imaginary line SY has the support point 50b, it becomes a no-load state, and the axial stress of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid rod 50 becomes zero. As the support point 50b moves away from the imaginary line SY (as the amplitude increases), the axial stress of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid bar 50 increases, and as the imaginary line SY is approached (as the amplitude decreases). The axial stress of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid rod 50 is reduced. Thus, the temporal change in magnetic flux density necessary for power generation is not intermittent and can be continued, so that power generation can be performed stably.

  Further, in the power generating element 1, since the rigid rod 50 also functions as a back yoke, the space can be effectively used as compared with a case where a back yoke is separately provided. Further, by arranging the rigid rod 50 that also functions as a back yoke, the back yoke can generate magnetization in the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with a bias. As a result, even a material having no residual magnetization can be used as a magnetostrictive rod.

  In this embodiment, the case where the rigid rod 50 is assumed to be a complete rigid body has been described. However, when the rigid rod 50 is not a complete rigid body (when the rigid rod 50 is elastically deformed in the axial direction), that rigid rod 50 is used. The axial strain of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 can be reduced by 50 elastic deformations in the axial direction.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the case where the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are arranged in parallel to the rigid rod 50 on both sides of the rigid rod 50 in the no-load state has been described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are disposed obliquely with respect to the rigid rod 50 on both sides of the rigid rod 50 in a no-load state. In addition, about the part same as the part demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the following description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the overall configuration of the power generation element 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6A is a plan view of the power generation element 101 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the power generation element 101 viewed from the direction of the arrow VIb in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the power generation element 101, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element 101 taken along the line VIIb-VIIb of FIG. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate the coils 31 and 32, and FIG. 7B schematically illustrates the shape of the rolling bearing BR and the support structure of the shaft (support point) 111b.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the power generating element 101 is used by being interposed between two members (first member 2 and second member 103) that are relatively forcedly translated (forced vibration). As the first member 2 and the second member 103 are forced to translate, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are deformed in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), thereby utilizing the inverse magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. To generate vibration.

  In the present embodiment, the first member 2 is a vehicle body frame and the second member 103 is an engine bracket. Further, the first member 2 and the second member 103 have the second member 103 in the direction of the arrow X1 or X2 (the vertical direction in FIG. 6A, the vertical direction in FIG. 6B) with respect to the first member 2. Displaces relatively (forces vibration).

  The power generation element 101 includes a plurality of magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 made of a magnetostrictive material, and a first attachment portion attached to one end (left side in FIG. 6A) of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 in the axial direction. 121a, 121b, the second attachment parts 122a, 122b attached to the other axial ends of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 111, 112 (right side in FIG. 6A), and the first attachment parts 121a, 121b rotate. A first support member 121c pivotally supported, a second support member 122c pivotally supported by the second attachment portions 122a and 122b, and a pair wound around the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, respectively. Coils 31 and 32, a pair of permanent magnets 141 and 142 arranged with different magnetic poles in the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and a rigid rod (back yoke) 50 for connecting the pair of permanent magnets 141 and 142. With.

  The magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are plate-like bodies having a rectangular cross section whose height dimension (FIG. 6 (b) vertical dimension) is larger than the thickness dimension (FIG. 6 (b) vertical dimension in the drawing), and have the same shape. In addition to being formed, the side surfaces having large areas are opposed to each other and arranged obliquely with respect to the rigid rod 50 in a plan view and arranged so as to be parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, an iron gallium alloy is employed as the magnetostrictive material.

  The first attachment parts 121a and 121b and the second attachment parts 122a and 122b are members made of a nonmagnetic material (in this embodiment, an aluminum alloy). The magnetostriction rods 111 and 112 are supported (joined) by the first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b. The magnetostriction rods 111 and 112 are formed in slits provided in the attachment portions 121a to 122b. Is inserted, and an adhesive is filled in the gap between the inner surface of the slit and the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112.

  However, such support (joining) may be performed by compressing and deforming the first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b, and by closely contacting the inner surfaces of the slits with the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and the attachment portions. A method of fastening and fixing 121a to 122b and the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with fastening screws, or a method of combining them may be used.

  Rolling bearings BR are disposed on the first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b at positions facing the axial end surfaces of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, respectively. The rolling bearing BR includes an outer ring that is press-fitted into the receiving holes of the attachment portions 121a to 122b, an inner ring that is positioned on the inner periphery of the outer ring and to which the shafts 111a, 111b, 112a, and 112b are fixed, and the inner ring and the outer ring. And a rolling element disposed so as to be capable of rolling therebetween. In the present embodiment, the rolling bearing BR is configured as a ball bearing, and can support both a radial load and an axial load.

  The rolling bearing BR has a first mounting portion 121a, 121b, and a rotating shaft oriented in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 6A) perpendicular to the displacement direction (arrow X1, X2 direction) of forced vibration. They are disposed on the second attachment portions 122a and 122b, respectively, and are positioned on an extension line in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112.

  The first support member 121c and the second support member 122c are members made of a non-magnetic material (in this embodiment, an aluminum alloy). The shafts 111a, 112a, 111b, and 112b are fixed to the shafts 111a. ˜112b is projected from the lower surface. The shafts 111a to 112b are fixed to the inner rings of the rolling bearings BR of the first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b, respectively. Thereby, each attachment part 121a-122b (magnetostrictive rod 111,112) is rotatably supported by the 1st support member 121c and the 2nd support member 22c. The shafts 111 a and 112 a are support points of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with respect to the first member 2, and the shafts 111 b and 112 b are support points of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with respect to the second member 103.

  The first support member 121c and the second support member 122c are disposed (fixed) to the first member 2 and the second member 103, respectively. That is, the first support member 121 c and the second support member 122 c are relatively forcibly vibrated in conjunction with the relative movement of the first member 2 and the second member 103. Therefore, assuming that the substantially straight direction (direction of arrows X1 and X2) of forced vibration is the X axis and the imaginary line SY direction is the Y axis, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 (and both attachment portions 21a to 22b) The other end (FIG. 1 (a) right side) is relative to the Y axis direction (FIG. 6 (a) left and right direction) relative to the X axis while the displacement in the Y axis direction (FIG. 6 (a) left and right direction) is constrained. Go straight on. On the other hand, the rotation around the Z axis (FIG. 6A, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper, that is, the axes 111a and 112a) is not constrained and can be rotated by the rolling bearing BR. That is, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are given only extension or contraction in the axial direction.

  Here, the first support member 121c and the second support member 122c connect the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 (and the first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b) to the virtual line SY in plan view. It is arranged (supported) so as to cross with respect to each other. The imaginary line SY is a plane passing through the center of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 in the height direction (vertical direction in FIG. 7B) and the width direction of the rigid rod 50 in the unloaded state (swing angle θ1 = 0) ( FIG. 6A is an intersection line with a plane passing through the center in the vertical direction.

  The power generation element 101 (the first support member 121c and the second support member 122c) is disposed on the first member 2 and the second member 103 so that the origin of the amplitude of the forced vibration is located on the virtual line SY. In a state where the amplitude of the forced vibration is at the origin (the initial position of the power generation element 101), no external force acts on the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, resulting in a no-load state.

  The first attachment portions 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b are formed such that the surfaces from which the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 protrude are perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. However, these planes may be planes that are non-perpendicular to the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 (for example, planes parallel to the displacement direction (direction of arrows X1 and X2) of forced vibration).

  The permanent magnets 141 and 142 and the back yoke (rigid rod) 50 are members for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and are each formed in a bar shape having a rectangular cross section. The permanent magnets 141 and 142 are magnets that are respectively magnetically attached to the lower surfaces of one end and the other end of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 (the left side and the right side in FIG. 7A), and are installed between the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. . The rigid rod (back yoke) 50 is made of a magnetic material, is laid between the permanent magnets 141 and 142, and both ends are pivotally supported by the first member 2 and the second member 103, respectively.

  As described above, the permanent magnets 141 and 142 are disposed (magnetically attached) to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with different magnetic poles. That is, the permanent magnet 141 has an N pole on the surface connected to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 and an S pole on the surface connected to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50, while the permanent magnet 142 An S pole is disposed on the surface connected to the rods 111 and 112, and an N pole is disposed on the surface connected to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50.

  Accordingly, a magnetic loop is formed by the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, the permanent magnets 141 and 142, and the rigid rod (back yoke) 50, and a bias magnetic field generated by the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnets 141 and 142 is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. Is granted. As a result, the magnetization easy direction (the direction of magnetization or the direction in which magnetization is likely to occur) of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 is set to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112.

  The permanent magnets 141 and 142 are fixed to the rigid rod (back yoke) 50 and cannot be relatively displaced. On the other hand, the permanent magnets 141 and 142 are magnetized to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, so that both can be relatively displaced. (Slidable). Thereby, it is suppressed that the deformation of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 is prevented by the permanent magnets 141 and 142 and the rigid rod (back yoke) 50 when forced vibration is input.

  In the power generation element 101, the first attachment members 121a and 121b and the second attachment portions 122a and 122b attached to one end and the other end of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are connected to the first support member via the rolling bearing BR. 121c and the second support member 122c are pivotally supported by the second support member 122c, so that restraining in the rotational direction (transmission of rotational torque) is suppressed, and accordingly, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are prevented from being deformed into an S shape. it can. Thereby, since cancellation of the change in the magnetic flux density due to the formation of the extending portion and the contracting portion in one magnetostrictive rod can be suppressed, a change in the magnetic flux density necessary for power generation can be obtained.

  Further, in this way, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 (respective attachment portions 121a to 122b) are rotatably supported by the first support member 121c and the second support member 122c via the rolling bearing BR. Accordingly, the force that deforms the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 into an S shape (that is, the force required for deformation that does not contribute to power generation) can be reduced. As a result, since the deformation in the axial direction can be imparted to the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with less force, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Next, the relationship between the trajectory of the second member 103 and the deformation of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 when the second member 103 moves relative to the first member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the power generating element 101, with a support point (axis) 50 a on one end side (first member 2 side) of the rigid rod 50 as a center, and a support point (axis) on the other end side (second member 103 side). The distance between the first arc C1 having a radius of 50b and the support points 111a and 112a (axis) on one end side of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 and the support points 111b and 112b (axis) on the other end side. 9 is a schematic diagram of the second arcs C2 and C3, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the power generating element 101 when the second member 103 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the arrow X1 direction. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the power generating element 101 when the second member 103 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X2.

  8 to 10, the rigid member 50 causes the second member 103 to be relatively within the plane (virtual plane) of each sheet of FIG. 8 to 10 with respect to the first member 2. It shall swing. The virtual plane is a plane on which the first member 2 and the second member 103 are positioned before and after relative movement (before and after relatively swinging).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the rigid rod 50 is supported by the first member 2 at one end side by a support point 50a and supported by the second member 103 at the other end side by a support point 50b. One end side of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 is supported by the first member 2 by the support points 111a and 112a, and the other end side is supported by the second member 103 by the support points 111b and 112b. Since the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are disposed on both sides of the rigid rod 50 in plan view, the support points 50a of the rigid rod 50 and the support points 111a and 112a of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 in the first member 2 are The positions projected on the virtual plane (FIG. 8 paper surface) are set differently. Similarly, the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 and the support points 111b and 112b of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 in the second member 103 are also set so that the positions projected on the virtual plane are different.

  The first arc C1 is an arc (rotation trajectory of the support point 50b) with the radius from the support point 50b as a center in the rigid rod 50, and the second arcs C2 and C3 are the magnetostrictive rod 11. , 12 are arcs with the support points 111a and 112a as the center and the distance from the support points 111b and 112b as the radius. In the plan view of the power generation element 101, the first arc C1 and the second arcs C2 and C3 are provided at different positions. In the present embodiment, the axial length of the rigid rod 50 is set to a value larger than the axial length of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. As a result, the curvature of the first arc C1 is smaller than the curvature of the second arcs C2 and C3.

  As shown in FIG. 9, if the rigid rod 50 is assumed to be a complete rigid body, the second member 103 is forcibly oscillated with respect to the first member 2 and swings in one direction (arrow X1 direction) from the initial position of the power generation element 101. When moved, the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 moves on the first arc C1 with the support point 50a as the center and the distance from the support point 50b as the radius. Since the support points 111b and 112b of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are fixed to the second member 103 (rigid body), the rocking of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 is caused by swinging in one direction (arrow X1 direction) of the second member 103. The support points 111b and 112b are swung in one direction (the direction of the arrow X1) while maintaining the distance from the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50.

  However, since the first arc C1 and the second arcs C2 and C3 are in different positions in the state projected onto the virtual plane (the paper surface of FIG. 9), each of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 accompanying the swing of the second member 103 The positions of the support points 111b and 112b (positions indicated by arrows) deviate from the lines of the second arcs C2 and C3. Since the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are inclined in the direction of arrow X2 from the first member 2 toward the second member 103, each support of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 accompanying the swing of the second member 3 in the direction of arrow X1. The points 111b and 112b are located inside the second arcs (circles) C2 and C3. As a result, axial compressive stress acts on the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and axial tensile stress acts on the rigid rod 50. Since the axial stiffness of the rigid rod 50 is set to a value larger than the axial stiffness of the magnetostrictive rods 111, 112, axial compressive strain occurs in the magnetostrictive rods 111, 112.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the second member 3 is forcibly vibrated with respect to the first member 2 and swings in the other direction (arrow X2 direction) from the initial position of the power generating element 1, the arrow X2 of the second member 103. The support points 111b and 112b of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are positioned outside the second arcs (circles) C2 and C3 with the swing in the direction. As a result, an axial tensile stress acts on the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and an axial compressive stress acts on the rigid rod 50. Since the axial stiffness of the rigid rod 50 is set to a value larger than the axial stiffness of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, an axial tensile strain occurs in the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112.

  Therefore, when the second member 103 is at the position of the imaginary line SY, the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are in an unloaded state, and when the second member 103 moves relative to the direction of the arrow X1 starting from this state, the amplitude increases. As it becomes, the compressive strain in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 increases. Further, when the second member 103 is relatively moved in the direction of the arrow X2 with the second member 103 at the position of the virtual line SY, the tensile strain in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 increases as the amplitude increases. Become. Therefore, the repetitive relative movement (vibration) of the second member 103 with respect to the first member 2 allows the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 to be repeatedly expanded and compressed, and a change in magnetic flux density can be obtained repeatedly.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the axial stresses of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 with respect to the swing angles of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the swing angle of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 on the lower stage, and the axial stress of the rigid rod 50 and the magnetostrictive bars 111 and 112 on the upper stage. In the axial stress shown in FIG. 11, + is tensile stress and-is compressive stress.

  The swing angle of the rigid rod 50 with respect to the virtual line SY centered on the support point 50a when the second member 103 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X1 (see FIG. 9) is θ1. The curvature of the first arc C1 through which the support point 50b of the rigid rod 50 passes is smaller than the curvature of the second arcs C2 and C3 through which the support points 111b and 112b of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 pass. The swing angle θ3 of the magnetostrictive rod 112 is larger than the swing angle θ1 of the rigid rod 50 (see FIG. 11).

  Similarly, when the second member 103 is moved relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X2 (see FIG. 10), the swing angles θ2 and θ3 are larger than the swing angle θ1 (θ1 to θ3). The sign of is changed). Therefore, when the second member 103 is alternately moved relative to the first member 2 in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2, the swing angles θ1 to θ3 are 0 each time the support point 50b passes through the virtual line SY. It changes periodically to become.

  On the other hand, when the second member 103 alternately moves relative to the first member 2 in the direction of the arrow X1 and the direction of the arrow X2, tensile stress / compression stress repeatedly acts in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112, and the rigid rod Compressive stress and tensile stress act repeatedly in the 50 axial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the extension and contraction of the one magnetostrictive rod 111, 112 from canceling out changes in the magnetic flux density. As a result, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in the power generating element 101, when the second member 103 swings alternately in the direction of the arrow X1 and the direction of the arrow X2 with respect to the virtual line SY, axial compressive stress and tensile stress act alternately on the magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112. . Therefore, the temporal change in magnetic flux density necessary for power generation is not intermittent and can be continued, so that power generation can be performed stably.

  The power generation element 1 described in the first embodiment generates tensile stress in the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 due to vibration, whereas the power generation element 101 described in the second embodiment has the magnetostrictive rod 111 due to vibration. , 112 alternately generate tensile stress and compressive stress. In the initial position in the no-load state, the power generation element 1 described in the first embodiment has the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 arranged in parallel to the rigid rod 50, whereas the power generation element described in the second embodiment. In the element 101, magnetostrictive rods 111 and 112 are inclined with respect to the rigid rod 50. As described above, the power generation mode can be varied by changing the angle of the magnetostrictive rod with respect to the rigid rod 50.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the rigid rod 50 has the function of a back yoke and both ends are pivotally supported by the first member 2 and the second members 3 and 103 has been described. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a case where the rigid bar 250 is configured as a member that simply mechanically couples the first member 202 and the second member 203 will be described. In addition, about the part same as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the following description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 12A is a plan view of the power generation element 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a side view of the power generation element 201 viewed from the direction of arrow XIIb in FIG. 13A is a bottom view of the power generation element 201, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element 201 along the line XIIIb-XIIIb in FIG. 12A.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the power generating element 201 is used by being interposed between two members (first member 202 and second member 203) that are relatively forcedly vibrated. In addition, when the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are deformed in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) along with the forced vibration of the second member 203, vibrational power generation is performed using the inverse magnetostrictive effect of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212. The first member 202 is a structure attached to the body frame of the automobile, and the second member 203 is a structure attached to the engine bracket. The first member 202 and the second member 203 are made of a nonmagnetic material such as an aluminum alloy.

  The power generating element 201 includes a plurality of magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 made of a magnetostrictive material, and a first support member 221 that supports one end (left side in FIG. 12A) of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 in the axial direction. A second support member 222 that supports the other axial end of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 (right side in FIG. 12A), coils 31 and 32 wound around the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212, respectively, And a rigid rod 250 that elastically couples the first member 202 and the second member 203. Furthermore, the power generation element 201 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 241 and 242 that are disposed on the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 with different magnetic poles, and a back yoke 260 that connects the plurality of permanent magnets 241 and 242. Yes.

  The magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are plate-like bodies having a rectangular cross section whose height dimension (FIG. 12B vertical dimension) is larger than the thickness dimension (FIG. 12B vertical dimension). In addition to being formed, the side surfaces having large areas are opposed to each other and arranged in a letter C shape when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, an iron gallium alloy is employed as the magnetostrictive material constituting the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212.

  The first support member 211 and the second support member 222 are members made of a magnetic material such as iron, and are disposed (fixed) to the first member 202 and the second member 203, respectively. The first support member 221 and the second support member 222 are relatively forcibly vibrated in conjunction with the relative movement of the first member 202 and the second member 203. Assuming that the straight direction of forced vibration (arrow X1, X2 direction) is the X axis and the imaginary line SY direction is the Y axis, the magnetostrictive rods 211, 212 have the other end (on the left side in FIG. 12 (a)) FIG. 12 (a) right side shows the X axis in a state where displacement in the Y axis direction (FIG. 12 (a) left and right direction) and rotation around the Z axis (FIG. 12 (a) vertical direction in FIG. 12) are constrained. Is relatively displaced along.

  Here, the first support member 221 and the second support member 222 arrange (support) the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 in a C-shape in a top view that is symmetric with respect to the virtual line SY. The imaginary line SY is located on a plane passing through the center of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 in the height direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 12B), and the second member 203 is relative to the first member 202. It is a straight line orthogonal to the direction of displacement (direction of forced vibration, arrow X1 or X2 direction).

  The power generation element 201 (the first support member 221 and the second support member 222) is disposed on the first member 202 and the second member 203 so that the origin of the amplitude of the forced vibration is located on the virtual line SY. Therefore, in a state where the amplitude of the forced vibration is at the origin (initial position of the power generation element 201), the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line SY. At the initial position of the power generating element 201, no external force acts on the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212, and the load is in an unloaded state.

  The magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are supported (joined) by the first support member 221 and the second support member 222 by the end portions of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 in the slits recessed in the first support member 221 and the second support member 222. Is inserted, and the gap between the slit inner surface and the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 is filled with an adhesive. However, such support (joining) may be performed by compressing and deforming the first support member 221 and the second support member 222 and bringing the inner surfaces of the slits into close contact with the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212, and the support members 221 and 212 and the magnetostrictive rod 211. , 212 can be fastened and fixed with fastening screws.

  The permanent magnets 241 and 242 and the back yoke 260 are members for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212, and are each formed in a bar shape having a rectangular cross section. The permanent magnets 241 and 242 are magnets that are magnetically attached to the lower surfaces of one end and the other end (the left side and the right side in FIG. 12B) of the magnetostrictive rod 212, respectively. The permanent magnet 241 is connected to one end of the magnetostrictive rod 212 and the first support member 221, and the permanent magnet 242 is connected to the other end of the magnetostrictive rod 212 and the second support member 222. The back yoke 260 is made of a magnetic material and is installed between the permanent magnets 241 and 242.

  The permanent magnets 241 and 242 are arranged (magnetically attached) to the magnetostrictive rod 212 with different magnetic poles. That is, the permanent magnet 241 has an N pole on the surface connected to the magnetostrictive rod 212 and the first support member 221 and an S pole on the surface connected to the back yoke 260, while the permanent magnet 242 The S pole is disposed on the surface connected to the rod 212 and the second support member 222, and the N pole is disposed on the surface connected to the back yoke 260.

  As a result, a magnetic loop is formed by the magnetostrictive rod 212, the permanent magnets 241 and 242 and the back yoke 260, and a bias magnetic field generated by the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnets 241 and 242 is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212. As a result, the easy magnetization direction (the direction of magnetization or the direction in which magnetization is likely to occur) of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 is set to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212.

  The rigid bar 250 is a bar made of a metal material having higher axial rigidity than the magnetostrictive bars 211 and 212, and both ends thereof are fixed to the first member 202 and the second member 203, respectively. Both ends of the rigid rod 250 are fixed to recesses 202a and 203a (see FIG. 13B) formed in the first member 202 and the second member 203, respectively, via rubber elastic members (not shown). And elastically supported.

  Since the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are inclined with respect to the virtual line SY, the power generating element 201 moves the second member 203 relative to the first member 202 in the direction of the arrow X1 and the direction of the arrow X2 by the amount of the inclination. The external force to be applied is loaded in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212. As a result, it is possible to impart deformation in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) to the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212, respectively. That is, since the deformation of one magnetostrictive rod (the magnetostrictive rod 211 and the magnetostrictive rod 212) as a whole can be expanded or contracted in the axial direction, a change in magnetic flux density necessary for power generation can be obtained.

  In the power generation element 201, the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are arranged in a letter C shape across the virtual line SY. Therefore, by the input of forced vibration, the second support member 222 moves from the initial position (state of FIG. 12A) to the first support member 221 in one direction (arrow X1 direction, upward direction of FIG. 12A). When relatively moved, the power generating element 201 expands one of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 and contracts the other magnetostrictive rod 211, and conversely with respect to the first support member 221. When the second support member 222 is relatively moved from the initial position in the other direction (arrow X2 direction, downward direction in FIG. 12A), the deformation direction of the magnetostrictive rods 211, 212 is reversed, and the magnetostrictive rods 211, 212 are reversed. One of the magnetostrictive rods 212 is contracted and the other magnetostrictive rod 211 is expanded. Thereby, since the time change of the magnetic flux density required for power generation is not intermittent and can be continued, power generation can be performed stably.

  Furthermore, according to the power generation element 201, the C-shapes of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line SY, and the position of the virtual line SY is the origin of the amplitude of the forced vibration ( That is, no load is applied at the position of the virtual line SY, and the maximum amplitudes in the directions of the arrow X1 and the arrow X2 are equal to each other starting from this state. Stress) can be made the same. Therefore, the deformation mode of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 can be made uniform to generate power stably. Moreover, the load (maintenance cycle) can be equalized by making the loads of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 the same.

  The rigid rod 250 is elastically supported by the first member 202 at one end and elastically supported by the second member 203 at the other end. The magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are also supported at one end side by the first member 202 and at the other end side by the second member 203. Since the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 are disposed in opposite sides of the rigid rod 250 in plan view, both sides of the support point of the rigid rod 250 (one end portion of the rigid rod 250) in the first member 202 are provided. The support points of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 (one end portions of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212) are positioned (see FIG. 12A). That is, the support point on one end side of the rigid rod 250 and the support point on one end side of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212 (support point in the first member 202) are positioned on the first member 201 and the second member 202 before and after relative movement. The positions projected on the virtual plane (FIG. 12 (a) paper surface) are set differently.

  Further, in the plan view of the power generating element 201, the first arc C1 (the locus of the support point on the other end side of the rigid rod 250) and the second arcs C2 and C3 (the support points on the other end side of the magnetostrictive rods 211 and 212) are Since the centers of the arcs (support points on the first member 202) are different, they are provided at different positions. Therefore, when the second member 203 is relatively moved (vibrated) with respect to the first member 202, the magnetostrictive rod 211, as the rigid rod 250 swings, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. A tensile stress or a compressive stress can be applied in the axial direction of 212. Since the axial stiffness of the rigid rod 250 is set to a value larger than the axial stiffness of the magnetostrictive rods 211, 212, the magnetostrictive rods 211, 211, 212 are caused by the axial tensile stress or compressive stress acting on the magnetostrictive rods 211, 212. 212 can be deformed in the axial direction. Thereby, the change of the magnetic flux density required for electric power generation can be obtained efficiently.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the rigid bar 50 has the function of a back yoke has been described. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, a case where the rigid bar 350 has a function of a magnetostrictive bar will be described. In addition, about the part same as either of 1st Embodiment to 3rd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the following description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 14A is a plan view of the power generation element 301 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14B is a side view of the power generation element 301 viewed from the direction of arrow XIVb in FIG. 15A is a bottom view of the power generation element 301, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element 301 taken along the line XVb-XVb in FIG. 14A.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the power generation element 301 is used by being interposed between two members (first member 202 and second member 203) that are relatively forcedly vibrated. As in the third embodiment, the first member 202 is a structure that is attached to the body frame of the automobile, and the second member 203 is a structure that is attached to the engine bracket. The first member 202 and the second member 203 are made of a nonmagnetic material such as an aluminum alloy.

  The power generation element 301 includes a plurality of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 made of a magnetostrictive material, a first support member 321 that supports one end (left side in FIG. 14A) of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 in the axial direction, A second support member 322 for supporting the other axial end of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 (right side in FIG. 14A), coils 31 and 32 wound around the plurality of magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, respectively, The first support member 321 and the second support member 322 are provided with a rigid bar 350 supported at both ends, and a coil 351 wound around the rigid bar 350. Furthermore, the power generation element 301 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 341 and 342 disposed on the magnetostrictive rod 12 with different magnetic poles, and a back yoke 360 that connects the plurality of permanent magnets 341 and 342.

  The first support member 321 and the second support member 322 are members made of a magnetic material such as iron, and are disposed (fixed) to the first member 202 and the second member 203, respectively. The first support member 321 and the second support member 322 are relatively forcibly vibrated in conjunction with the relative movement of the first member 202 and the second member 203. Assuming that the straight direction of forced vibration (arrow X1, X2 direction) is the X axis and the imaginary line SY direction is the Y axis, the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 have the other end (on the left side in FIG. 14A) FIG. 14 (a) right side shows the X axis in a state where displacement in the Y axis direction (FIG. 14 (a) left and right direction) and rotation around the Z axis (FIG. 14 (a) vertical direction in FIG. 14) are constrained. Is relatively displaced along.

  Here, the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 arrange (support) the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 so as to be line-symmetric and parallel to each other with the virtual line SY as the axis of symmetry. The imaginary line SY is located on a plane passing through the center of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 in the height direction (vertical direction in FIG. 15B), and the second member 203 is relative to the first member 202. It is a straight line orthogonal to the direction of displacement (direction of forced vibration, arrow X1 or X2 direction). The power generating element 301 is disposed on the first member 202 and the second member 203 so that the origin of the amplitude of the forced vibration is located on the virtual line SY, and the rigid bar 350 is disposed along the virtual line SY. .

  The magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are supported (joined) by the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 in the slits recessed in the first support member 321 and the second support member 322. Is inserted, and the gap between the inner surface of the slit and the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 is filled with an adhesive. However, such support (joining) may be performed by compressing and deforming the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 and bringing the inner surfaces of the slits into close contact with the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and the support members 321 and 312 and the magnetostrictive rod 11. , 12 can be fastened and fastened with fastening screws.

  The permanent magnets 341 and 342 and the back yoke 360 are members for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, and are each formed in a bar shape having a rectangular cross section. The permanent magnets 341 and 342 are magnets that are respectively magnetized to the lower surfaces of one end and the other end of the magnetostrictive rod 12 (left side and right side in FIG. 14B). The permanent magnet 341 is connected to one end of the magnetostrictive rod 12 and the first support member 321, and the permanent magnet 342 is connected to the other end of the magnetostrictive rod 12 and the second support member 322. The back yoke 360 is made of a magnetic material and is installed between the permanent magnets 341 and 342.

  The permanent magnets 341 and 342 are disposed (magnetically attached) on the magnetostrictive rod 12 with different magnetic poles. That is, the permanent magnet 341 has an N pole on the surface side connected to the magnetostrictive rod 12 and the first support member 321 and an S pole on the surface side connected to the back yoke 360, while the permanent magnet 342 has a magnetostriction. The south pole is disposed on the surface connected to the rod 12 and the second support member 322, and the north pole is disposed on the surface connected to the back yoke 360.

  As a result, a magnetic loop is formed by the magnetostrictive rod 12, the permanent magnets 341 and 342, and the back yoke 360, and a bias magnetic field due to the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnets 341 and 342 is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12. As a result, the easy magnetization direction (the direction of magnetization or the direction in which magnetization is likely to occur) of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 is set to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12.

  The rigid rod 350 is a rod made of a magnetostrictive material having axial rigidity greater than that of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12, has a function as a magnetostrictive rod, and is a fixing member 323 (FIGS. 15A and 15B). )) And the second support member 322 are fixed at both ends. The rigid rod 350 is fixed by inserting an end portion into a slit recessed in the fixing member 323 and compressing and deforming the fixing member 323 to bring the inner surface of the slit into close contact with the rigid rod 350. The fixing member 323 is accommodated in a recess 321a provided in the first support member 321 and is moved around the axis AX (support point) fixed to the first support member 321 through the rolling bearing BR in the recess 321a. It is pivotally supported so that it can swing.

  The coil 351 is a coil obtained by winding a wire made of copper wire around a rigid rod 350. A gap is provided between the coil 351 and the rigid rod 350. In the present embodiment, the coil 351 has the same number of turns as that of the coils 31 and 32. However, the number of turns of the coil 351 may be different from the number of turns of the coils 31 and 32. Since the coil 351 is wound around the rigid rod 350 made of a magnetostrictive material, when the rigid rod 350 is deformed in the axial direction, the magnetic flux density changes in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rigid rod 350. As a result, electric power can be generated by generating current in the coil 351.

  When the second member 203 moves relative to the first member 202 (forced vibration), the rigid rod 350 swings around the rolling bearing BR (axis AX). When the second member 203 moves in the arrow X1 direction or the arrow X2 direction with respect to the first member 202, the axial strain is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 due to the axial stiffness of the rigid rod 350, as in the first embodiment. Stress acts, and axial compression stress acts on the rigid rod 350. Since the rigid rod 350 is made of a magnetostrictive material, the rigid rod 350 is deformed in the axial direction by a compressive stress acting on the rigid rod 350, and a change in magnetic flux density is caused by the deformation. As a result, a current can be generated in the coil 351 using the deformation of the rigid rod 350.

  As in the description of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the lengths of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid rod 350 are changed, or the angles of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 with respect to the rigid rod 350 are changed. As a result, the direction of stress acting in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid rod 350 can be appropriately set.

  As described above, since the rigid bar 350 is made of a magnetostrictive material, deformation of the rigid bar 350 can contribute to power generation, so that space can be used effectively and power generation efficiency can be improved. Further, when the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are deformed in the axial direction, the rigid rod 350 is also deformed in the axial direction, so that an excessive load on the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 can be suppressed. Thereby, the life (maintenance cycle) of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 can be improved as compared with the case where the rigid rod 350 does not have the function of the magnetostrictive rod. Further, since one end of the rigid rod 350 is rotatably supported by the first member 202 by the rolling bearing BR, the rigid rod 350 is input to the rigid rod 350 as compared with the case where the rigid rod 350 is elastically supported by the first member 202. Therefore, the amount of deformation in the axial direction of the rigid bar 350 can be increased by preventing the applied external force from being elastically buffered. As a result, the power generation efficiency by the rigid rod 350 can be improved.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first to fourth embodiments, the power generating elements 1, 101, 101, the second members 3, 103, 203, 403 are relatively movable in one plane with respect to the first members 2, 202, 402. 201 and 301 have been described. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, a power generation element 401 in which the second member 403 is movable relative to the first member 402 in a plurality of planes will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a power generation element 401 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a schematic front view schematically showing the power generation element 401. FIG. ) Is a schematic plan view of the power generation element 401 viewed from the direction of the arrow XVIIb in FIG. 16 and 17, the outer shapes of the first member 402 and the second member 403 are indicated by two-dot chain lines for convenience.

  In the present embodiment, the first member 402 on which the power generation element 401 is disposed is a vehicle body frame, and the second member 403 is a knuckle that supports a front wheel (not shown) in a steerable manner. 16 and 17, an arm member such as an upper arm and a lower arm that supports the second member 403 with respect to the first member 402, a suspension device that connects the first member 402 and the second member 403, A support member, a coil, a permanent magnet, and a back yoke that are fixed to the first member 402 and the second member 403 and support both ends of the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 are not shown. In FIG. 16, the second member 403 (knuckle that supports the left front wheel) disposed on the left side (in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 16) toward the first member 402, and the second member 403 and the first member. The illustration of the power generation element 401 interposed between them is omitted. Note that arrows UD, LR, and FB in FIGS. 16 and 17 indicate the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction of the first member 402 (body frame), respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the power generation element 401 includes four magnetostrictive rods 411 to 414 and a rigid rod 450 that are interposed between the first member 402 and the second member 403. The rigid rod 450 is disposed in the left-right direction (arrow LR direction in FIG. 16) of the first member 402 along an axle (not shown) that rotatably supports the second member 403 with respect to the first member 402. One end of the support member 450 is swingably supported by the first member 402 and the other end of the support point 450b is swingably supported by the second member 403.

  The magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 are supported by the first member 402 so that one end of the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 is swingable by support points 411a and 412a positioned below the support point 450a of the rigid rod 450 in the vertical direction (arrow UD direction in FIG. 16). The other end is extended toward the second member 403. The magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 are arranged so as to descend toward the second member 403 and incline backward (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 16), and in the vertical direction of the support point 450b of the rigid rod 450 (in the direction of arrow UD in FIG. 16). Direction) The other end of the second member 403 is swingably supported by the support points 411b and 412b located below.

  The magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 are supported by the first member 402 so that one end of the magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 is swingable by support points 413a and 414a located above the support point 450a of the rigid rod 450 (in the arrow UD direction in FIG. 16). The other end is extended toward the second member 403. The magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 are arranged so as to descend toward the second member 403 and tilt forward (in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 16), and in the vertical direction of the support point 450b of the rigid rod 450 (in the direction of arrow UD in FIG. 16). The other end of the second member 403 is swingably supported by the support points 413b and 413b located in the upper direction.

  The magnetostrictive rods 411, 412, 413, 414 and the rigid rod 450 are connected by ball joints at the respective support points 411a, 412a, 413a, 414a, 411b, 412b, 413b, 414b, 450a, 450b. As a result, each of the magnetostrictive rods 411, 412, 413, 414 and the rigid rod 450 has three translational degrees of freedom in the arrow LR direction, the arrow UD direction, and the arrow FB direction in FIG. R, 3 degrees of freedom of rotation around each of the arrows UD and FB. The magnetostrictive rods 411, 412, 413, and 414 form a magnetic loop between the first member 402 and the second member 403 by a permanent magnet and a back yoke (both not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the power generation element 401, the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413 are arranged on both the upper and lower sides (in the direction of the arrow UD) of the rigid rod 450 in the front view, and the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413 are It inclines downward (arrow D direction) from the first member 402 toward the second member 403. When the second member 403 swings up and down (arrow UD direction) with respect to the first member 402, the rigid rod 450 swings around the support point 450a. Then, the support points 411b and 413b of the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413 swing up and down (in the direction of the arrow UD) while maintaining a certain distance from the support point 450a.

  Since the rigid rod 450 is longer in the axial direction than the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413, the curvature of the arc (first arc) of the support point 450b around the support point 450a of the rigid rod 450 is the support point of the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413. It is smaller than the curvature of the arc (second arc) of the support points 411b and 413b centering on 411a and 413a. Then, stress is applied to the oscillating magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413 in the direction in which the support points 411b and 413b are deviated from the second arc, so that the axial direction is applied to the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 413 as in the second embodiment. Tensile stress or compressive stress acts.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the power generating element 401 has magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 and magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 arranged on both sides of the rigid rod 450 in the front and rear direction (in the direction of the arrow FB) in plan view. The magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 are inclined backward (in the direction of arrow B) from the first member 402 toward the second member 403. In addition, the magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 are inclined forward (in the direction of arrow F) from the first member 402 toward the second member 403.

  When the second member 403 swings back and forth (in the direction of arrow FB) with respect to the first member 402, the rigid rod 450 swings around the support point 450a. Then, the support points 411b and 412b of the magnetostrictive rods 411 and 412 swing back and forth (in the direction of the arrow FB) while maintaining a certain distance from the support point 450a. Similarly, the support points 413b and 414b of the magnetostrictive rods 413 and 414 also swing back and forth (in the direction of the arrow FB) while maintaining a certain distance from the support point 450a. In this case as well, axial tensile stress or compressive stress acts on the magnetostrictive rods 411 to 414 in the same manner as described above.

  Since the axes of the magnetostrictive rods 411 to 414 are inclined with respect to the axis of the rigid rod 450, an external force that rotates the second member 403 around the axis of the rigid rod 450 is input to the second member 403. Also, tensile stress or compressive stress can be applied in the axial direction of the magnetostrictive rods 411-414. Thereby, since the input direction of the external force that enables power generation (the relative displacement direction of the second member 403 with respect to the first member 402) can be increased, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  As described above, the second member 403 moves relative to the first member 402 at the support point 450a on one end side of the rigid rod 450 and the support points 411a, 412a, 413a, and 414a on one end side of the magnetostrictive rods 411 to 414. When the first member 402 and the second member 403 before and after relative movement are located in one virtual plane (FIG. 17 (a) paper surface) and a plane intersecting with the one virtual plane (FIG. 17 (b)). It is set so as to be located within the paper. Thereby, not only when the vibration is input in the direction along the one virtual plane (arrow UD direction), but also in the direction along the plane intersecting the one virtual plane (arrow BF direction). Also in the case of input, the magnetostrictive rods 411 to 414 can be expanded or contracted in the axial direction. Thereby, the further improvement of power generation efficiency can be aimed at.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be easily guessed.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the first support members 21, 221, and 321 are formed as one member has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and a portion that supports the magnetostrictive rods 11, 111, and 211 The part which supports the magnetostriction stick | rod 12,112,212 may be formed from the two members made into a different body. The same applies to the second support members 22, 222, and 322.

  In the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the case where the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual line SY has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the magnetostrictive rod is not limited to this. 11 and 12 may be asymmetric with respect to the virtual line SY (including the case where the inclination direction of the magnetostrictive rod 11 with respect to the virtual line SY is the same as the inclination direction of the magnetostrictive rod 12 with respect to the virtual line SY). In other words, if the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 are arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the virtual line SY (that is, a line orthogonal to the straight line direction of forced vibration (the direction of arrows X1 and X2 in FIG. 1A)), respectively. good.

  In the above embodiment, the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 411, 412, 413, 414 are in an unloaded state at the initial position (the state at the origin of the forced vibration amplitude). Although the case where the power generating elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 are configured (used) has been described, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212 are not necessarily limited to the initial positions. , 411, 412, 413, 414, the power generating elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 may be used in a state where a constant load is applied. That is, in the state where the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 411, 412, 413, 414 are contracted in the axial direction (compressive stress is applied in the axial direction), the power generating elements 1, 101, 201 , 301, 401 may be configured (used).

  In the above embodiment, the description is omitted, but the automobile is exemplified as the application target of the power generation elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and it is not limited to this. It may be a moving object, a fixed object such as a factory facility (for example, a press), a human body, or the like. That is, the form is not limited as long as it generates at least forced vibration due to the movement, drive, and movement.

  Moreover, although the vehicle body frame and engine bracket or the vehicle body frame and knuckle of the automobile are illustrated as the targets to which the power generation elements 1, 101, 201, 301, and 401 are attached, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the body frame and suspension arm of an automobile, the body frame and door of an automobile, and the like may be used. In any case, the power generating elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 need not be directly disposed on the body frame and the engine bracket, for example. That is, since the vehicle body frame and the engine bracket do not necessarily generate only forced vibration, a structure including two members that are forcedly vibrated with the relative movement of the engine bracket with respect to the vehicle body frame is provided, and two members of the structure ( The power generating elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 are preferably disposed between the first member and the second member.

  Although explanation is omitted in the above embodiment, it is naturally possible to suspend the second member 3, 103, 203, 403 from the first member with the second member 3, 103, 203, 403 as a weight. It is. In this case, it is possible to freely vibrate the second member (weight) with respect to the first member. Further, it is possible to make the second member stationary by using the inertia of the suspended second member (weight) and to force the first member to vibrate with respect to the second member. When the first member is forced to vibrate with respect to the second member, at least the second member (weight) is pivotally supported by the rigid rod or elastically supported by the rigid rod.

  In the above embodiments, the axial lengths of the rigid rods 50, 250, 350, 450 are larger than the axial lengths of the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 411, 412, 413, 414. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the axial length of the rigid rod is set to a smaller value than the axial length of the magnetostrictive rod, or the axial direction of a plurality of rigid rods. It is naturally possible to set the length to a different value. These can be set as appropriate.

  For example, in the first embodiment, when the axial length of the magnetostrictive rod 12 is set to a value larger than the axial lengths of the magnetostrictive rod 11 and the rigid rod 50, the second member 3 is attached to the first member 2. The relative strain can be set so that the magnetostrictive rod 11 and the rigid rod 50 are given tensile strain and the magnetostrictive rod 12 is given compressive strain. Thus, by appropriately setting the axial lengths of the magnetostrictive rods 11 and 12 and the rigid rod 50, the direction of strain (tensile or compression) applied to each rod can be appropriately set according to the required characteristics of power generation. .

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the back yoke (rigid rod) 50 or the back yokes 260 and 360 is provided, and the magnetostrictive rods 11, 12, Although the case where bias magnetization is applied to 111, 112, 211, 212, 411, 412, 413, 414 has been described, it is not necessarily limited to this, and it is naturally possible to use an electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet. It is. Further, if the magnetic flux from the outside of the power generation elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 is generated in the magnetic circuit, a magnet is disposed outside the power generation elements 1, 101, 201, 301, 401. It is possible to adopt a configuration or a configuration in which the back yoke is omitted.

1, 101, 201, 301, 401 Power generation element 2, 202, 402 First member 3, 103, 203, 403 Second member 11, 12, 111, 112, 211, 212, 411, 412, 413, 414 Magnetostrictive rod 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 111a, 112a, 111b, 112b, 411a, 412a, 413a, 414a, 411b, 412b, 413b, 414b Support points 31, 32, 351 Coils 41, 42, 141, 142, 241, 242 , 341,342 Permanent magnet (magnet)
50, 250, 350, 450 Rigid rod 50a, 50b, 450a, 450b Support point AX axis (support point)
C1 first arc C2, C3 second arc

Claims (5)

A plurality of magnetostrictive rods composed of a magnetostrictive material;
A coil wound around each of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods,
One end of each of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods is fixed to the first member, and the other end is fixed to a second member spaced apart from the first member, and the second member and the first member A part of a magnetic loop formed between the first member and the power generating element that generates power by being expanded or contracted by the relative movement of the second member with respect to the first member,
One end is elastically supported or rotatably supported by the first member, while the other end is supported by the second member, and the axial rigidity is set larger than the axial rigidity of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods. With a rigid rod,
The support point on one end side of the rigid rod and the support point on one end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are different in positions projected on the virtual plane on which the first member and the second member before and after relative movement are located. A power generating element characterized by being set.   The support point on the other end side of the rigid rod and the support point on the other end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are the first member before and after relative movement when the second member moves relative to the first member. And in a virtual plane where the second member is located, a position of a first arc having a radius from a support point on one end side of the rigid rod as a center and a support point on the other end side of the rigid rod; The position of the second arc having a radius from the support point on one end of each of the magnetostrictive rods and having a distance from the support points on the other end of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods is set to be different. The power generating element according to claim 1.   The support point on one end side of the rigid rod and the support point on one end side of the plurality of magnetostrictive rods are the first member before and after relative movement when the second member moves relative to the first member, and 3. The power generation element according to claim 1, wherein the power generation element is set so as to be located in one virtual plane in which the second member is located and in a plane intersecting with the one virtual plane.   The power generating element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rigid rod is made of a magnetostrictive material and functions as a magnetostrictive rod, and a coil is wound around the rigid rod.   4. The rigid rod is made of a magnetic material and functions as a back yoke, and includes a magnet that attracts the rigid rod that functions as a back yoke. The power generating element described in 1.

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