JP6848804B2 - Mechanical electrical converters, chairs, and cushions - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to mechanical electrical converters, chairs, and cushions.

Patent Document 1 discloses a chair having a seating detection sensor and a transmitter that emits a dedicated code signal. Patent Document 2 discloses a chair provided with a pressure sensor that detects the user leaving his / her seat.
Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-170297 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-179422

Electric power is required to drive a load such as a sensor provided on a chair or the like as described above. In order to supply power to the load, work such as wiring to secure the power supply or replacement of the battery may be required.

The mechanical electrical conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a first base. The mechanical electrical converter may include a second base. The mechanical electrical converter may include a first hinge portion. The mechanical electrical converter may include a second hinge portion. The mechanical electric converter is arranged between the first base and the second base so that the first base and the second base can move in the approaching direction and the moving direction away from each other, and one end thereof is first via the first hinge portion. A connecting portion that is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the second base portion via the second hinge portion may be provided. The mechanical electric conversion device is arranged between the first base and the second base, and is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by moving the first base and the second base in an approaching direction or a moving direction away from each other. It may be provided with an electrical conversion unit.

The first hinge portion may have a first hinge shaft. The second hinge portion may have a second hinge shaft. The first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft may be parallel to each other.

The mechanical electric conversion device may include a plurality of mechanical electric conversion units. The plurality of mechanical electrical conversion units may be arranged along a direction parallel to the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.

The mechanical / electrical conversion unit may be arranged on the first surface of the first base unit on the second base side side. The second base portion may have a protrusion portion that protrudes from the second surface on the side of the first base portion toward the mechanical / electrical conversion portion. Mechanical energy may be transmitted to the mechanical electrical converter via the protrusions.

The mechanical electrical conversion device may include an elastic body that urges at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion in a direction in which the first base portion and the second base portion are separated from each other.

The connecting portion may have a first frame that supports the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion. The connecting portion may have a second frame that supports the second hinge shaft of the second hinge portion. The connecting portion may have a third frame that connects one end of the first frame and one end of the second frame. The connecting portion may have a fourth frame that connects the other end of the first frame and the other end of the second frame.

The first base may be a first case accommodating a mechanical / electrical conversion unit. The second base may be a second case that covers the opening of the first case.

The first hinge portion may have a first bearing portion arranged in the peripheral region of the inner bottom surface of the first case. The second hinge portion may have a second bearing portion that is located in the peripheral region of the inner bottom surface of the second case.

The first case may have a first protruding portion that protrudes from the first central region of the inner bottom surface of the first case. The second case may have a second protruding portion protruding from the second central region facing the first central region on the inner bottom surface of the second case. One of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion has a guide hole for guiding the other of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion when the first case and the second case move in the approaching direction and the moving direction away from each other. You can do it.

A first protruding portion and a second protruding portion may be arranged between the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion.

The mechanical electrical conversion device may include an elastic body that urges the first case and the second case in a direction in which the first case and the second case are separated from each other. The second protrusion may have a guide hole that guides the first protrusion. The elastic body may be provided so as to be fitted on the outer periphery of the first protruding portion. One end of the elastic body may urge the peripheral region of the first protrusion on the inner bottom surface of the first case. The other end of the elastic body may urge the peripheral region of the guide hole of the second protrusion.

The plurality of mechanical / electrical conversion units may include a first mechanical / electrical conversion unit and a second mechanical / electrical conversion unit. The first mechanical electric conversion unit and the second mechanical electric conversion unit are arranged in parallel with the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion and the second hinge shaft of the second hinge portion with the first protruding portion in between. May be done.

The outer edge of the first case may be smaller than the outer edge of the second case. The second case may have a stepped portion corresponding to the end of the outer edge of the first case inside the end of the outer edge of the second case. The limit position when the step portion moves in the direction in which the first case and the second case approach each other may be defined.

The connecting portion may have a first frame that supports the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion. The connecting portion may have a second frame that supports the second hinge shaft of the second hinge portion. The connecting portion may have a third frame that connects one end of the first frame and one end of the second frame. The connecting portion may have a fourth frame that connects the other end of the first frame and the other end of the second frame.

The first frame, the second frame, the third frame, and the fourth frame may be arranged along the inner side surface of the first case and the inner side surface of the second case.

The mechanical electric conversion device may include an operation module that operates by utilizing the electric energy from the mechanical electric conversion unit.

The operation module may output the first signal by using the mechanical energy converted by the mechanical electric conversion unit from the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the first base portion and the second base portion in the approaching direction. The operation module may output a second signal by using the mechanical energy converted by the mechanical-electric conversion unit from the mechanical energy caused by the movement of the first base and the second base in the direction away from each other.

The operation module may be a wireless module that wirelessly outputs the first signal and the second signal to the outside.

The chair according to one aspect of the present invention includes a seat portion and the above-mentioned mechanical / electrical conversion device arranged on the seat portion.

The cushion according to one aspect of the present invention includes a seat portion and the mechanical electric conversion device arranged on the seat portion.

The outline of the above invention does not list all the necessary features of the present invention. Sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

This is an example of a perspective view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device as viewed from the front side. This is an example of a perspective view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device as viewed from the back side. It is an example of an exploded perspective view of a mechanical electric converter. This is an example of a perspective view of the upper case viewed from the back side. This is an example of a diagram of the mechanical / electrical converter viewed from directly above. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 5 of the mechanical electric converter. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of a mechanical electric conversion apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of a mechanical electric conversion apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of a mechanical electric conversion apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of a mechanical electric conversion apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the circuit structure of a mechanical electric conversion apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the appearance of the chair provided with a mechanical electric conversion device. It is a figure which shows an example of the appearance of the cushion provided with a mechanical electric conversion device.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the inventions that fall within the scope of the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means of solving the invention.

FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is an example of a perspective view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100. FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view of the upper case 20 as viewed from the back side.

The mechanical electric converter 100 may be provided on a chair, a seat of a cushion, or the like. The mechanical electric converter 100 includes a lower case 10 and an upper case 20. The lower case 10 and the upper case 20 form a housing. The lower case 10 is an example of the first base or the first case. The upper case 20 is an example of the second base or the second case. The lower case 10 houses the power generation module 30, the wireless module 40, and the wiring board 42 inside. The upper case 20 covers the opening of the lower case 10. The lower case 10 and the upper case 20 may have a disk shape, that is, a circular dish shape. The lower case 10 and the upper case 20 may have a rectangular dish shape or a square dish shape. Instead of the lower case 10 and the upper case 20, a circular plate-shaped, rectangular plate-shaped, or square plate-shaped member may be used.

The power generation module 30 is an example of a mechanical / electrical conversion unit. A plurality of power generation modules 30 may be housed in the lower case 10. The power generation module 30 includes a piezoelectric element. Piezoelectric elements convert the mechanical energy that causes deformation into electrical energy. The piezoelectric element is made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramics such as barium titanate and zirconia, and piezoelectric single crystals such as _{lithium tantalate (LiTaO 3).} The power generation module 30 may include a mechanical electric conversion element other than the piezoelectric element. The power generation module 30 may include any mechanical electrical conversion element capable of converting mechanical energy that causes deformation such as strain, bending, compression, and elongation into electrical energy. The power generation module 30 is, for example, an ion conductive polymer composite material (IPMC) in which a metal such as gold (Au) is plated on both sides of an ion conductive polymer film, an ion conductive polymer gel film (ICPF), or an IPMC. Alternatively, an artificial muscle using ICPF may be provided as a mechanical electrical conversion element.

The power generation module 30 further includes a pressure receiving unit 32. The pressure receiving unit 32 transmits the received force to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is deformed by changing the force transmitted from the pressure receiving unit 32. Piezoelectric elements convert the mechanical energy that causes deformation into electrical energy. That is, the piezoelectric element generates electric power by deformation. The wiring board 42 has wiring that provides the electrical energy generated by the power generation module 30 to the wireless module 40. The electric power generated by the power generation module 30 is supplied to the wireless module 40 via the wiring board 42. The wireless module 40 receives electric power from the power generation module 30 and executes a predetermined operation. The wireless module 40 receives electric power from the power generation module 30 and wirelessly outputs a predetermined signal. The wireless module 40 is an example of an operating module. The wireless module 40 outputs the first signal to the outside by utilizing the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element by increasing the force applied to the pressure receiving unit 32. The wireless module 40 wirelessly outputs a second signal to the outside by using the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element by reducing the force applied to the pressure receiving unit 32. In the wireless module 40, when the user sits on the upper case 20, the upper case 20 is pressed and the force applied to the pressure receiving unit 32 increases, so that the first signal is generated by utilizing the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element. It may be output to the outside. When the user sitting on the upper case 20 leaves the wireless module 40, the force applied to the pressure receiving unit 32 is reduced, and the power generated by the piezoelectric element is used to wirelessly transmit the second signal. You may output to the outside with. The wireless module 40 may wirelessly communicate with an external terminal according to a predetermined communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The mechanical electrical conversion device 100 further includes a connecting portion 50, a hinge portion 60, and a hinge portion 70. The connecting portion 50 is arranged between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20. One end of the connecting portion 50 is connected to the lower case 10 via the hinge portion 60 and the other end is connected to the lower case 10 via the hinge portion 70 so that the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 can move in the approaching direction and the moving direction away from each other. Connected to 20. The power generation module 30 is arranged between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20, and converts the mechanical energy generated by the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 moving in the approaching direction or the moving direction away from each other into electrical energy.

The hinge portion 60 has a hinge shaft 62 and a bearing portion 64. The hinge shaft 62 is an example of the first hinge shaft. The bearing portion 64 is an example of the first bearing portion. The hinge portion 70 has a hinge shaft 72 and a bearing portion 74. The hinge shaft 72 is an example of the second hinge shaft. The bearing portion 74 is an example of the second bearing portion.

The bearing portion 64 is arranged in the peripheral region 13 of the inner bottom surface 11 of the lower case 10. The bearing portion 64 may be screwed to the peripheral region 13. The lower case 10 has a protrusion 12 protruding from the central region of the inner bottom surface 11 of the lower case 10. The inner bottom surface 11 is an example of the first surface.

The mechanical electrical converter 100 further includes a cover 34 and a cover 44. The cover 34 is a cover that protects the power generation module 30, and has a through hole that exposes the pressure receiving portion 32 at a position corresponding to the pressure receiving portion 32. The cover 44 is a cover that protects the wireless module 40 and the wiring board 42.

The connecting portion 50 is composed of a first frame 51, a second frame 52, a third frame 53, and a fourth frame 54. The first frame 51 supports the hinge shaft 62 of the hinge portion 60. The first frame 51 includes a pair of support portions 55 that rotatably support the hinge shaft 62. A bearing portion 64 is arranged between the pair of support portions 55. The pair of support portions 55 have insertion holes at positions corresponding to the insertion holes into which the hinge shaft 62 of the bearing portion 64 is inserted. The second frame 52 supports the hinge shaft 72 of the hinge portion 70. The second frame 52 includes a pair of support portions 56 that rotatably support the hinge shaft 72. The hinge portion 70 is arranged between the pair of support portions 56. The pair of support portions 56 have insertion holes at positions corresponding to the insertion holes into which the hinge shaft 72 of the bearing portion 74 is inserted.

The third frame 53 connects one end of the first frame 51 and one end of the second frame 52. The fourth frame 54 connects the other end of the first frame 51 and the other end of the second frame 52. The first frame 51, the second frame 52, the third frame 53, and the fourth frame 54 may have a ring shape that is integrally formed and has an opening formed inside.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bearing portion 74 is arranged in the peripheral region 23 of the inner bottom surface 21 of the upper case 20. The bearing portion 74 may be screwed to the peripheral region 23. The bearing portion 74 may be arranged in the peripheral edge region 23 farthest from the peripheral edge region 13 in which the bearing portion 64 is arranged. The bearing portion 64 and the bearing portion 74 may be arranged in the peripheral edge region 13 and the peripheral edge region 23, which are symmetrically positioned with respect to the center of the lower case 10 and the upper case 20, respectively. The upper case 20 has a protrusion 24 that projects from the inner bottom surface 21 toward the power generation module 30. The inner bottom surface 21 is an example of the second surface. Each of the plurality of protrusions 24 is arranged at a position facing each of the pressure receiving portions 32 of the plurality of power generation modules 30. The upper case 20 has a protruding portion 22 protruding from the central region of the inner bottom surface 21 of the upper case 20. The protruding portion 22 is arranged at a position facing the protruding portion 12 of the lower case 10. The protrusion 22 has a guide hole 25 at a position corresponding to the protrusion 12. The guide hole 25 guides the protruding portion 12 when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 move in the approaching direction and the moving direction away from each other. The protrusion 12 may have a guide hole in the protrusion 22 instead of the protrusion 22.

The mechanical electrical converter 100 further includes a spring 80. The spring 80 may urge at least one of the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 in a direction away from the lower case 10 and the upper case 20. The spring 80 may urge the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 in a direction away from the lower case 10 and the upper case 20. The spring 80 is an example of an elastic body. The spring 80 may be arranged so as to fit on the outer periphery of the protrusion 12.

FIG. 5 is an example of a view of the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100 as viewed from directly above. The upper case 20 is drawn transparently. The first frame 51, the second frame 52, the third frame 53, and the fourth frame 54 constituting the connecting portion 50 are arranged along the inner side surface 101 of the lower case 10 and the inner side surface 201 of the upper case 20. A pair of power generation modules 30 are arranged at positions facing the opening of the connecting portion 50. The hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72 are arranged in parallel. The pair of power generation modules 30 are arranged along the parallel direction of the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72 with the protrusion 12 interposed therebetween. The pressure receiving portion 32 of the power generation module 30 is arranged along the direction parallel to the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72. A protrusion 12 and a protrusion 22 are arranged between the bearing portion 64 and the bearing portion 74.

6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 5 of the mechanical electric converter 100. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6 shows a state in which the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are farthest apart. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7 shows a state in which the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are closest to each other. One end of the spring 80 urges the peripheral edge region 14 of the protrusion 12 on the inner bottom surface 11 of the lower case 10, and the other end of the spring 80 urges the peripheral edge region 26 of the guide hole 25 of the protrusion 22.

The outer edge 15 of the lower case 10 may be smaller than the outer edge 28 of the upper case 20. That is, the diameter of the outer edge 15 of the lower case 10 may be smaller than the diameter of the outer edge 28 of the upper case 20. The upper case 20 has a stepped portion 29 corresponding to the end portion 16 of the outer edge 15 of the lower case 10 inside the end portion of the outer edge 28 of the upper case 20. As shown in FIG. 7, a limit position is defined when the step portion 29 comes into contact with the end portion 16 of the outer edge 15 of the lower case 10 and moves in the direction in which the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 approach each other.

According to the mechanical electric converter 100 configured in this way, the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are connected via the hinge portion 60 and the hinge portion 70 so as to be movable in the approaching direction and the moving direction. As a result, when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 move in the approaching direction or the moving direction away from each other, the force on the power generation module 30 arranged between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 is surely changed. Can be done. Therefore, when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 move in the approaching direction or the distant direction via the hinge portion 60 and the hinge portion 70, the power generation module 30 can surely generate electric power.

The electric power or current that can be generated by one power generation module 30 may not be enough to secure the electric power or current required to drive the wireless module 40. In such a case, a plurality of power generation modules 30 may be required in order to secure the electric power or current required to drive the wireless module 40. Then, in order to drive the wireless module 40, it is desirable that a plurality of power generation modules 30 generate electric power at the same time. However, since the positions where the upper case 20 is pressed are different, for example, there is a possibility that each of the plurality of protrusions 24 provided on the back side of the upper case 20 cannot press each of the plurality of power generation modules 30 at almost the same time. is there. Even if the position where the upper case 20 is pressed is different, a large number of power generation modules 30 are arranged in the lower case 10 to drive the wireless module 40 in order to surely secure the electric power capable of driving the wireless module 40. It is also conceivable to secure the power to do so. However, when a large number of power generation modules 30 are arranged, the manufacturing cost increases. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, it is preferable to arrange the minimum number of power generation modules 30 that can secure the electric power required to drive the wireless module 40. In this case, the wireless module 40 cannot be driven unless the power generation modules 30 generate electric power substantially at the same time.

According to the mechanical electric converter 100 configured as described above, the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72 are arranged in parallel. Therefore, when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 move in the approaching direction or the moving direction away from each other, even if the positions of the forces applied to the upper case 20 are different, the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 still have the hinge shaft 62 and the upper case 20. It is possible to suppress the relative deviation in the direction parallel to the hinge shaft 72.

Further, a plurality of power generation modules 30 are arranged along the direction parallel to the direction of the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72. As a result, when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 move in the approaching direction or the moving direction away from each other, it is possible to prevent variations in the change in the force applied to each of the plurality of power generation modules 30. For example, even if the upper case 20 is pressed at a different position, the force applied to each of the plurality of power generation modules 30 does not vary. Therefore, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can generate electric power substantially at the same time, and the wireless module 40 can be reliably operated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the user sits on the surface 300 of the upper case 20 above the hinge portion 60, and the upper case 20 is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow 302. In this case, first, the upper case 20 is inclined with respect to the lower case 10, and the hinge portion 60 side of the upper case 20 moves in a direction approaching the lower case 10. Since the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are connected to the hinge portion 60 and the hinge portion 70, the upper case 20 is connected to the hinge portion 60 and the hinge portion 70, and the hinge portion 70 side of the upper case 20 is the lower case. Move in the direction approaching 10. The hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72 are parallel to each other, and the plurality of power generation modules 30 are arranged parallel to the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72. Therefore, even if the upper case 20 moves in a direction approaching the lower case 10 while tilting with respect to the lower case 10, the timing at which the plurality of power generation modules 30 are pressed by the protrusions 24 of the upper case 20 is the same. As a result, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can generate electric power substantially at the same time. Therefore, the wireless module 40 can be reliably driven.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the user sits on the surface 400 of the upper case 20 above the fourth frame 54, and the upper case 20 is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow 402. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, since the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are connected to the hinge portion 60 and the hinge portion 70, the upper case 20 does not incline toward the fourth frame 54 side. The upper case 20 moves in a direction approaching the lower case 10 while maintaining a state in which the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are substantially parallel to each other. As described above, the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72 are parallel, and the plurality of power generation modules 30 are arranged in parallel with the hinge shaft 62 and the hinge shaft 72. Therefore, the timing at which the plurality of power generation modules 30 are pressed by the protrusions 24 of the upper case 20 is the same. As a result, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can generate electric power substantially at the same time. Therefore, the wireless module 40 can be reliably driven. In FIGS. 9 and 11, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, the distance between the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 when the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are located in the direction away from each other is longer than the actual distance. I'm drawing. That is, the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 are drawn apart from each other.

As described above, according to the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100, even if an arbitrary position of the upper case 20 is pressed, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can generate electric power substantially at the same time. In addition to being completely simultaneous, the term “simultaneous” is a concept that includes the case where the timing at which each of the plurality of power generation modules 30 generates electric power is shifted to the extent that the wireless module 40 can be driven.

FIG. 12 is an example of the circuit configuration of the power generation module 30 and the wireless module 40. The power generation module 30a is connected to the wireless module 40 via the bridge diode 310a. The power generation module 30b is connected to the wireless module 40 via the bridge diode 310b. The wireless module 40 may be a microcomputer. The wireless module 40 has a plurality of ports. The wireless module 40 includes a Vcc port 411, a GND port 412, a first input port 413, and a second input port 414. The power generation module 30a has an output terminal 33a and an output terminal 35a. The power generation module 30b has an output terminal 33b and an output terminal 35b.

In the bridge diode 310a, four diodes D1, D2, D3, and D4 are bridge-connected. The cathode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D2 are connected. The cathode of the diode D2 and the cathode of the diode D4 are connected. The anode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D3 are connected. Further, the cathode of the diode D3 and the anode of the diode D4 are connected. The connection point between the cathode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D2 is the input terminal 311a of the bridge diode 310a. Further, the connection point between the cathode of the diode D3 and the anode of the diode D4 is the input terminal 312a of the bridge diode 310a. The connection point between the cathode of the diode D2 and the cathode of the diode D4 is the output terminal 313a of the bridge diode 310a. Further, the connection point between the anode of the diode D1 and the anode of the diode D3 is the output terminal 314a of the bridge diode 310a.

In the bridge diode 310b, four diodes D7, D8, D9, and D10 are bridge-connected. The cathode of the diode D7 and the anode of the diode D8 are connected. The cathode of the diode D8 and the cathode of the diode D10 are connected. The anode of the diode D7 and the anode of the diode D9 are connected. Further, the cathode of the diode D9 and the anode of the diode D10 are connected. The connection point between the cathode of the diode D7 and the anode of the diode D8 is the input terminal 311b of the bridge diode 310b. The connection point between the cathode of the diode D9 and the anode of the diode D10 is the input terminal 312b of the bridge diode 310b. The connection point between the cathode of the diode D8 and the cathode of the diode D10 is the output terminal 313b of the bridge diode 310b. Further, the connection point between the anode of the diode D7 and the anode of the diode D9 is the output terminal 314b of the bridge diode 310b.

The output terminal 33a of the power generation module 30a is connected to the input terminal 311a of the bridge diode 310a. The output terminal 33a of the power generation module 30a is also connected to the first input port 413 of the wireless module 40 via the diode D5 and the resistor R1. The output terminal 35a of the power generation module 30a is connected to the input terminal 312a of the bridge diode 310a. The output terminal 35a of the power generation module 30a is also connected to the second input port 414 of the wireless module 40 via the diode D6 and the resistor R2.

The output terminal 33b of the power generation module 30b is connected to the input terminal 311b of the bridge diode 310b. The output terminal 33b of the power generation module 30b is also connected to the first input port 413 of the wireless module 40 via the diode D11 and the resistor R1. The output terminal 35b of the power generation module 30b is connected to the input terminal 312b of the bridge diode 310b. The output terminal 35b of the power generation module 30b is also connected to the second input port 414 of the wireless module 40 via the diode D12 and the resistor R2.

For example, when the user sits on the upper case 20 and the power generation module 30a and the power generation module 30b generate power, the currents from the output terminal 33a of the power generation module 30a and the output terminal 33b of the power generation module 30b are input to the Vcc port of the wireless module 40. Will be done. Further, the current from the output terminal 33a of the power generation module 30a and the output terminal 33b of the power generation module 30b is input to the first input port 413 of the wireless module 40.

On the other hand, when the user sitting on the upper case 20 stands and the power generation module 30a and the power generation module 30b generate power, the current from the output terminal 35a of the power generation module 30a and the output terminal 35b of the power generation module 30b is applied to the wireless module 40. Is input to the Vcc port of. Further, the current from the output terminal 35a of the power generation module 30a and the output terminal 35b of the power generation module 30b is input to the second input port 414 of the wireless module 40.

When a current is input to the Vcc port 411 and a current is input to the first input port 413, the wireless module 40 wirelessly transmits a first signal indicating that power is generated by pressing the power generation module 30. Output to the outside. On the other hand, when the current is input to the Vcc port 411 and the current is input to the second input port 414, the wireless module 40 generates power because the force pressing the power generation module 30 is released. The second signal indicating is output to the outside wirelessly.

The receiving terminal that receives the first signal and the second signal can detect, for example, whether the user is seated or absent based on the first signal and the second signal.

The mechanical / electrical conversion device 100 configured as described above may be provided, for example, in the seat portion 502 of the chair 500 as shown in FIG. The mechanical electric converter 100 may be incorporated inside the seat 502. Alternatively, the mechanical electrical conversion device 100 may be provided on the seat portion 602 of the cushion 600 as shown in FIG. The mechanical electric converter 100 may be incorporated inside the seat portion 602.

By arranging the mechanical / electrical conversion device 100 on a seat such as a chair as described above, the power generation module 30 can generate power when the user sits down or leaves the seat. Moreover, even if the position of the upper case 20 that is pressed when the user sits down or the position of the upper case 20 that is pressed until the user leaves the seat is different, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can be used substantially at the same time. It can generate electricity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plurality of power generation modules 30 from generating power separately or some of the power generation modules 30 from not generating power due to the difference in how the user sits or leaves the seat. Therefore, when the user is seated or left, the plurality of power generation modules 30 can be reliably generated, and the wireless module 40 can be reliably operated with the electric power from the plurality of power generation modules 30.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of each process such as operation, procedure, step, and step in the device, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is particularly "before" and "prior to". It should be noted that it can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Even if the scope of claims, the specification, and the operation flow in the drawings are explained using "first", "next", etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It's not a thing.

10 Lower case 11 Inner bottom surface 12 Protruding part 13 Peripheral area 14 Peripheral area 15 Outer edge 16 End part 20 Upper case 21 Inner bottom surface 22 Protruding part 23 Peripheral area 24 Protruding part 25 Guide hole 26 Peripheral area 28 Outer edge 29 Steps 30, 30a, 30b Power generation module 32 Pressure receiving part 34 Cover 40 Wireless module 42 Wiring board 44 Cover 50 Connecting part 51 1st frame 52 2nd frame 53 3rd frame 54 4th frame 55,56 Support part 60,70 Hinge part 62,72 Hinge shaft 64,74 Bearing 80 Spring 100 Mechanical electrical converter 33a, 33b Output terminal 35a, 35b Output terminal 310a, 310b Bridge diode 311a, 311b Input terminal 312a, 312b Input terminal 313a, 313b Output terminal 314a, 314b Output terminal 411 Vcc port 412 GND port 413 1st input port 414 2nd input port 500 Chair 502 Seat 600 Cushion 602 Seat

Claims (18)

It is a mechanical electrical converter
1st base and
2nd base and
1st hinge part and
The second hinge part and
The first base portion is arranged between the first base portion and the second base portion, and one end thereof is movable via the first hinge portion so that the first base portion and the second base portion can move in the approaching direction and the moving direction. A connecting portion that is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the second base portion via the second hinge portion.
Mechanical electrical conversion that is arranged between the first base and the second base and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by moving the first base and the second base in a direction toward or away from each other. With a department ,
The first hinge portion has a first hinge shaft and has a first hinge shaft.
The second hinge portion has a second hinge shaft.
The first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are parallel to each other.
The mechanical electric conversion device includes a plurality of the mechanical electric conversion units.
Said plurality of respective electromechanical conversion unit, a piezoelectric element, the first Ru are disposed along the hinge axis and the second hinge axis parallel to the direction, electromechanical conversion device. The mechanical / electrical conversion unit is arranged on the first surface of the first base unit on the side of the second base unit.
The second base portion has a protrusion portion that protrudes from the second surface on the side of the first base portion toward the mechanical electrical conversion portion.
The mechanical electrical conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical energy is transmitted to the mechanical electrical conversion unit via the protrusion. The mechanical electrical conversion device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising an elastic body that urges at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion in a direction in which the first base portion and the second base portion are separated from each other. The connecting portion includes a first frame that supports the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion, a second frame that supports the second hinge shaft of the second hinge portion, one end of the first frame, and the first frame. One of claims 1 to 3 , which has a third frame that connects one end of the two frames and a fourth frame that connects the other end of the first frame and the other end of the second frame. The mechanical electrical converter described. The first base is a first case for accommodating the mechanical / electrical conversion unit.
The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second base is a second case that covers the opening of the first case. The first hinge portion has a first bearing portion arranged in a peripheral region of the inner bottom surface of the first case.
The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to claim 5 , wherein the second hinge portion has a second bearing portion arranged in a peripheral region of the inner bottom surface of the second case. The first case has a first protruding portion that protrudes from the first central region of the inner bottom surface of the first case.
The second case has a second protruding portion protruding from a second central region facing the first central region on the inner bottom surface of the second case.
One of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is the other of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion when the first case and the second case move in the approaching direction and the distant direction. The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to claim 6 , which has a guide hole for guiding. The mechanical electrical conversion device according to claim 7 , wherein the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are arranged between the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion. An elastic body for urging the first case and the second case in a direction away from the first case and the second case is further provided.
The second protrusion has the guide hole for guiding the first protrusion.
The elastic body is provided so as to be fitted on the outer periphery of the first protruding portion.
One end of the elastic body urges the peripheral region of the first protrusion on the inner bottom surface of the first case, and the other end of the elastic body urges the peripheral region of the guide hole of the second protrusion. The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to claim 7 or 8, which is urged. The plurality of mechanical / electrical conversion units include a first mechanical / electrical conversion unit and a second mechanical / electrical conversion unit.
The first mechanical electric conversion unit and the second mechanical electric conversion unit sandwich the first protrusion and the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion and the second hinge of the second hinge portion. Arranged parallel to the axis,
The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The outer edge of the first case is smaller than the outer edge of the second case.
The second case has a step portion corresponding to the end of the outer edge of the first case inside the end of the outer edge of the second case.
The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 5 to 10 , which defines a limit position when the step portion moves in a direction in which the first case and the second case approach each other. The connecting portion includes a first frame that supports the first hinge shaft of the first hinge portion, a second frame that supports the second hinge shaft of the second hinge portion, one end of the first frame, and the first frame. One of claims 5 to 11 , which has a third frame that connects one end of the two frames, and a fourth frame that connects the other end of the first frame and the other end of the second frame. The mechanical electrical converter described. 12. The twelfth aspect of claim 12, wherein the first frame, the second frame, the third frame, and the fourth frame are arranged along the inner side surface of the first case and the inner side surface of the second case. Mechanical electrical converter. The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , further comprising an operation module that operates by utilizing the electrical energy from the mechanical / electrical conversion unit. The operation module is
The mechanical energy generated by the movement of the first base portion and the second base portion in the approaching direction is output as a first signal by using the electrical energy converted by the mechanical electric conversion unit.
14. According to claim 14, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the first base portion and the second base portion in a direction away from each other is output as a second signal by using the electrical energy converted by the mechanical electric conversion unit. The mechanical electrical converter described. The mechanical / electrical conversion device according to claim 15 , wherein the operation module is a wireless module that wirelessly outputs the first signal and the second signal to the outside. With the seat
A chair provided on the seat with the mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 16. With the seat
A cushion provided on the seat with the mechanical / electrical conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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