JP7630775B2 - Power generation module and remote control device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a power generation module and a remote control device.

A power generation module is known that generates electricity by rotating a generator operated by a user (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP 2012-80702 A JP 2018-191402 A JP 2004-211642 A

The power generation modules described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have generators and magnets that rotate when an operating force is input (when energy is stored), which may result in energy loss in the operating force and reduced operability. In addition, the power generation module described in Patent Document 3 cannot generate electricity unless the operating force is released, which may result in reduced operability.

The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a power generation module and remote control device that improves operability for the user.

The first invention is a power generation module comprising an input section, an elastic member capable of storing energy input to the input section, a generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor, a rotating member that rotates the rotor, a transmission section that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member, and a locking section that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission section, and is characterized in that while the input section moves from an initial position to a predetermined position, the locking section restricts the rotation of the rotor, thereby storing energy in the elastic member, and when the input section moves to the predetermined position, the restriction on the rotor by the locking section is released, and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member.

With this power generation module, the generator is not rotated when storing energy, but is rotated when releasing energy, thereby suppressing loss of operating force and improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, when the input section moves to a specified position, the lock on the rotor is released and power can be generated by releasing energy. This improves operability for the user compared to a configuration in which the lock section is released when there is no longer any input to the input section.

The second invention is a power generation module according to the first invention, characterized in that when the input section moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor and the rotating member are moved to a starting position by the magnetic force of the generator.

With this power generation module, after power generation is generated by releasing energy, the magnetic force of the generator moves the rotating member to a specific position (starting position). This allows the rotating member to be stably moved to the position where the next power generation will be performed. In addition, because the magnetic force of the generator can move the rotor and rotating member to the starting position, the power generation module can be used continuously.

The third invention is a power generation module according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole when the input section moves from the specified position to the initial position.

This power generation module reduces the rotation of the rotor after power generation. This allows the generator to reduce cogging torque and generate stable power continuously.

The fourth invention is a power generation module according to the third invention, characterized in that the rotating member has a first wheel rotated by the transmission unit and a second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor, and when the input unit moves to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel, and when the input unit moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to the adjacent pole.

With this power generation module, after power generation, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to the adjacent pole. This allows for continuous and stable power generation.

The fifth invention is a power generation module according to the third invention, characterized in that the rotating member has a first wheel rotated by the transmission unit and a second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor, the first wheel has a disk portion and a gear portion provided on the disk portion, the second wheel has a cylindrical portion, a gear portion provided on the cylindrical portion and meshing with the gear portion of the first wheel, and a block body that is movably provided inside the cylindrical portion and attached to the rotating shaft of the generator, and when the input portion moves to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel, and when the input portion moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and maintains a state of not moving to an adjacent pole.

With this power generation module, after power generation, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to the adjacent pole. This allows for continuous and stable power generation.

The sixth invention is a power generation module according to the third invention, further comprising a retraction section that retracts the transmission section from the rotating member while maintaining a state in which the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole when the input section moves from the predetermined position to the initial position.

This power generation module has a retraction section that retracts the transmission section from the rotating member while maintaining a state in which the rotor remains at the current pole after power generation and does not move to an adjacent pole. This allows for continuous and stable power generation.

The seventh invention is a power generation module according to the first invention, characterized in that the distance traveled by the locking portion before the restriction on the rotor is released is shorter than the distance traveled by the input portion from the initial position to the predetermined position.

This power generation module reduces the effect of frictional forces that occur when the locking section moves until it releases the restriction on the rotor.

The eighth invention is a power generation module according to the first invention, characterized in that it has a locking section operating section that serves as a force point for moving the locking section, the locking section and the locking section operating section rotate about the same pivot point in response to the movement of the input section, and the distance from the pivot point to the locking section operating section is longer than the distance from the pivot point to the locking section.

This power generation module uses the principle of leverage to reduce the effect of frictional forces as the locking portion moves until it releases the restriction on the rotor.

The ninth invention is a remote control device that includes a case, an operation button provided on the case, a link mechanism that moves when the operation button is operated, and a power generation module described in the first invention that is connected to the link mechanism.

According to this remote control device, the power generation module is activated by the link mechanism when the operation button is operated. In this case, the rotor of the generator does not rotate when the operation button is operated, so vibrations caused by cogging torque can be prevented from being transmitted to the user. This makes it possible to provide a remote control device that is easy to operate and use.

The tenth invention is a power generation module comprising a main body, a movable part that moves relative to the main body when energy is input, an elastic member capable of storing the input energy, a generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor, a rotating member that rotates the rotor, a transmission part that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member, and a locking part that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission part, and is characterized in that the transmission part collides with the movable part inside the main body after the energy stored in the elastic member is released to rotate the rotating member.

With this power generation module, the transmission part collides with the movable part inside the main body, so collision noise can be reduced compared to when the transmission part collides with the main body. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal noise.

The eleventh invention is a power generation module according to the tenth invention, characterized in that it includes a first return elastic member that returns the movable part to its original position when the input of energy is released, and the first return elastic member connects the main body part and the movable part.

With this power generation module, the first return elastic member can return the movable part to its initial position after power generation. In addition, the first return elastic member can absorb the collision energy when the transmission part collides with the movable part.

The twelfth invention is a power generation module according to the tenth or eleventh invention, characterized in that the transmission part moves in the same direction as the moving part.

With this power generation module, when the transmission part collides with the movable part, the collision energy of the transmission part can be dissipated in the direction of movement of the movable part. This makes it possible to reduce the collision noise between the transmission part and the movable part.

The thirteenth invention is the power generation module of the twelfth invention, characterized in that the transmission part collides with the movable part while the movable part is moving.

With this power generation module, the transmission part and the movable part collide when the relative speed between them is low. This makes it possible to reduce the collision noise between the transmission part and the movable part.

The fourteenth invention is the power generation module of the tenth invention, further comprising a second return elastic member that returns the transmission part, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member, to its original position when the input of energy is released and the movable part returns to its original position.

With this power generation module, the transmission part can be returned to its original position by the second return elastic member after power generation.

The fifteenth invention is a remote control device that includes a case, an operation button provided on the case, a link mechanism that moves in response to the operation of the operation button, and a power generation module connected to the link mechanism and described in the tenth invention.

This remote control device allows the user to operate the remote control by pressing a control button to generate electricity.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power generation module and a remote control device that improves operability for the user.

1 is a front view of a remote control device including a power generation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical system of the remote control device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a power generation module alone. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 is a front view of the power generation module. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. 13 is a front view showing a state when an input to the input unit is released. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of a stator and a rotor of a generator. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 10 in an exploded state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first wheel and a second wheel. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 17 . 4 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the first wheel and the rear surface of the second wheel. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 24 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 30 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released; 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a transmission unit and a wheel according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 37 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 43 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the generator generates electricity. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input to the input unit is released;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a remote control device equipped with a power generation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The remote control device 1 is installed in a toilet room and is used to remotely control, for example, a toilet device (not shown). The remote control device 1 includes a number of operation buttons 3. Each operation button 3 is, for example, a push button that can be pressed down. The remote control device 1 detects the operation of each operation button 3 and transmits a wireless signal corresponding to the operated operation button 3 to the toilet device. The toilet device receives the wireless signal transmitted from the remote control device 1 and performs an operation corresponding to the wireless signal.

The remote control device 1 comprises a case 2 forming an outer shell, operation buttons 3, a link mechanism 4, and a power generation module 10. The operation buttons 3 are arranged in two vertical rows on the case 2. For example, the upper end of each operation button 3 is a fixed end (fulcrum) that can rotate, and the lower end is a free end that can be pressed down. The operation buttons 3 are, for example, a stop button 3a, a rear cleansing button 3b, a bidet cleansing button 3c, a sound generating button 3d, a small water discharge flow rate button 3e, a large water discharge flow rate button 3f, a small volume button 3g, a large volume button 3h, and a nozzle cleaning button 3i.

The link mechanism 4 is provided inside the case 2. The link mechanism 4 connects between each operation button 3 and the power generation module 10. The link mechanism 4 has a first link 4a located on the upper side and extending in the longitudinal direction of the remote control device 1, a second link 4b located on the lower side (below the first link 4a) and extending in the longitudinal direction of the remote control device 1, and a connecting rod 4c connecting the first link 4a and the second link 4b. When the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 moves (slides) laterally and presses the input section 13a of the power generation module 10.

The power generation module 10 is provided inside the case 2. In this example, the power generation module 10 is mounted on the bottom left of the case 2. The power generation module 10 is connected to each operation button 3 via a link mechanism 4, and generates power when any of the operation buttons 3 is pressed down.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of the remote control device.
As shown in Figure 2, the remote control device 1 has a detection unit 5 that detects the pressing operation of each operation button 3, a power supply unit 6 having a storage element 6a that stores electricity generated by the power generation module 10, and a control unit 7 that operates using the electricity generated by the power generation module 10.

When the voltage of the storage element 6a reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the power supply unit 6 supplies the power stored in the storage element 6a to the control unit 7 to start the control unit 7. The storage element 6a may be, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery. The capacity of the storage element 6a is set to the minimum capacity that can store the power required to start the control unit 7 and transmit wireless signals. This makes it possible to prevent the storage element 6a from becoming too large. It also makes it possible to prevent the control unit 7 from malfunctioning due to excess power remaining in the storage element 6a.

The control unit 7 is electrically connected to each of the multiple detection units 5. The control unit 7 remotely controls the toilet device by transmitting to the toilet device a wireless signal corresponding to the operation button 3 determined based on the detection result of the detection unit 5.

The control unit 7 has, for example, a microcomputer 7a, a high-frequency generating circuit 7b, and a transmitting unit 7c. The microcomputer 7a, for example, identifies the operation button 3 that has been pressed and generates a signal corresponding to the identified operation button 3. The high-frequency generating circuit 7b converts, for example, the signal generated by the microcomputer 7a into a high-frequency signal. The high-frequency generating circuit 7b generates, for example, a high-frequency signal of 2.4 GHz. The transmitting unit 7c includes, for example, an antenna, and converts the high-frequency signal generated by the high-frequency generating circuit 7b into a wireless signal and transmits it to the toilet device.

Next, the power generating module 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a power generation module alone.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the power generation module.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the generator is generating power.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.
Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the stator and rotor of the generator. Fig. 9(a) is an explanatory diagram when the input unit is in the initial position (when there is no input). Fig. 9(b) is an explanatory diagram when the generator generates power. Fig. 9(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the input unit returns to the initial position. Fig. 9(d) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the input unit returns to the initial position.

The power generation module 10 is provided, for example, in the case 2 of the remote control device 1. When the operation button 3 is operated, the power generation module 10 generates power by utilizing the operating force (energy). The power generation module 10 has a main body 12, a moving member 13, a first elastic member 14, a transmission unit 16, a second elastic member 17, a wheel 18, and a generator 19.

In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" of the power generation module 10 refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions, respectively, based on the state in which the input section 13a is positioned on the upper side when viewed from the front of the movable member 13. In this specification, the direction in which the movable member 13 is provided is the "front" direction, and the direction in which the generator 19 is provided is the "rear" direction.

The main body 12 is formed, for example, from a resin material or a metal material. The main body 12 is covered, for example, by a cover (not shown). The main body 12 has a guide portion 12a that slidably guides the moving member 13, a receiving portion 12b on which the first elastic member 14 is provided, and a through hole 12c that penetrates the main body 12 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). The guide portion 12a and the receiving portion 12b are provided on the front side of the main body 12. The through hole 12c penetrates from the front to the rear of the main body 12, and a generator 19 is attached to the rear.

The moving member 13 is formed, for example, from a resin material or a metal material, and is slidably provided on the guide portion 12a of the main body portion 12. The moving member 13 has an input portion 13a that protrudes from the main body portion 12, an intermediate portion 13b that is connected to the input portion 13a and located within the guide portion 12a, and a lock portion 13c that is connected to the intermediate portion 13b and protrudes from the guide portion 12a toward the through hole 12c. The moving member 13 is formed into a concave shape in a front view by the input portion 13a, the intermediate portion 13b, and the lock portion 13c. The moving member 13 is a movable portion that moves relative to the main body portion 12 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input portion 13a.

The input unit 13a is the part where the operating force of the user is input. The input unit 13a is connected to, for example, the second link 4b of the remote control device 1. When the user presses the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1, the second link 4b presses the input unit 13a, causing the moving member 13 to move (slide). The input unit 13a is in its initial position (the state shown in FIG. 3) when it protrudes from the main body 12. In other words, the initial position is a state in which the input unit 13a is not pressed by the second link 4b. In other words, the initial position is a state in which no input is being made to the input unit 13a.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the intermediate portion 13b is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the front. The intermediate portion 13b connects the input portion 13a and the lock portion 13c. That is, the moving member 13 has the input portion 13a on the base end side and the lock portion 13c on the tip end side. The vertical dimension of the intermediate portion 13b is smaller than the vertical dimension of the guide portion 12a. This allows the intermediate portion 13b to slide vertically within the guide portion 12a.

The intermediate portion 13b has an attachment portion 13b1 located below the input portion 13a to which the transmission portion 16 is attached, a stopper 13b2 located to the right of the attachment portion 13b1 to restrict the movement of the transmission portion 16, an engagement portion 13b3 located to the left of the attachment portion 13b1 to which the second elastic member 17 engages, and a pressing portion 13b4 provided opposite the receiving portion 12b.

The stopper 13b2 restricts the downward movement of the transmission part 16. The engagement part 13b3 fixes one end of the second elastic member 17 and contacts the side of the guide part 12a to stabilize the movement of the moving member 13. The pressing part 13b4 supports the first elastic member 14 between itself and the receiving part 12b.

The first elastic member 14 presses the pressing portion 13b4, thereby biasing the moving member 13 upward. That is, the first elastic member 14 biases the input portion 13a in a direction returning it to its initial position. As a result, when pressure is released from the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1, the biasing force of the first elastic member 14 causes the input portion 13a to return to its initial position while pressing the second link 4b. In other words, the first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 13 (movable portion) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input portion 13a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the receiving portion 12b of the main body portion 12 and the pressing portion 13b4 of the moving member 13.

The locking portion 13c restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 by the transmission portion 16. In this example, the locking portion 13c extends upward from the tip of the intermediate portion 13b. The movement distance of the locking portion 13c is the same as the movement distance of the input portion 13a. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking portion 13c protrudes into the through hole 12c when the input portion 13a is in the initial position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the locking portion 13c comes out of the through hole 12c when the input portion 13a moves to a predetermined position.

This predetermined position is, for example, the end position (final position) when a force is applied to the input portion 13a and the input portion 13a (moving member 13) moves. When the input portion 13a is between the initial position and the predetermined position, the lock portion 13c restricts the rotation of the wheel 18 located in the through hole 12c. In other words, the lock portion 13c indirectly restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by restricting the rotation of the wheel 18.

The transmission unit 16 is rotatably attached to the mounting portion 13b1 of the moving member 13. The transmission unit 16 transmits energy stored in the second elastic member 17 (described below) to the wheel 18. The transmission unit 16 has a shaft portion 16a attached to the mounting portion 13b1 and an extension portion 16b extending from the shaft portion 16a toward the through hole 12c.

The shaft portion 16a is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and the mounting portion 13b1 is inserted inside. The shaft portion 16a can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the mounting portion 13b1. The extension portion 16b is located above the stopper 13b2. As shown in FIG. 5, when the input portion 13a is in the initial position, the stopper 13b2 abuts against the underside of the extension portion 16b. In other words, when the input portion 13a is in the initial position, the stopper 13b2 restricts the clockwise rotation of the transmission portion 16.

The tip side of the lower surface of the extension 16b is an abutment surface 16b1 that abuts against the wheel 18 located inside the through hole 12c. The transmission unit 16 rotates the wheel 18 by the abutment surface 16b1 pressing the wheel 18 downward.

When the extension 16b is in contact with the stopper 13b2, the side of the extension 16b forms an inclined surface 16b2 that extends diagonally upward to the left from the contact surface 16b1. When the input unit 13a returns from a predetermined position to the initial position, the inclined surface 16b2 presses against the wheel 18, causing the wheel 18 to rotate clockwise. The relationship between the transmission unit 16 and the wheel 18 will be described in detail later. The extension 16b also has an engagement portion 16b3 at its upper end with which the other end of the second elastic member 17 engages. The engagement portion 16b3 protrudes, for example, from the front surface of the extension 16b.

The second elastic member 17 is provided on the transmission section 16. The second elastic member 17 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The second elastic member 17 is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft section 16a, with one end engaging with the engagement section 13b3 and the other end engaging with the engagement section 16b3. As a result, the second elastic member 17 biases the transmission section 16 in the clockwise direction. The second elastic member 17 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input section 13a.

The wheel 18 is located in the through hole 12c of the main body 12 and is attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. The wheel 18 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the wheel 18. As a result, when the wheel 18 is rotated, the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 can be rotated. In other words, the wheel 18 and the rotating shaft 19c rotate together in the same direction. The wheel 18 rotates due to the pressure of the transmission unit 16 caused by the energy (biasing force) of the second elastic member 17. Note that in this specification, the rotation direction of the wheel and rotor is described as a forward rotation in the direction in which the generator 19 generates electricity, and a reverse rotation in the opposite direction.

The wheel 18 has multiple protrusions 18a1-18a6 (six in this example) that radiate from the center. Each of the protrusions 18a1-18a6 has a notch 18b cut out toward the rear at the radially outer end. In other words, the protrusions 18a1-18a6 are formed in a stepped shape in the front-to-rear direction by a radially outer portion 18c and a radially inner portion 18d.

The notch 18b of the protrusions 18a1 to 18a6 positions the radially outer portion 18c behind the transmission part 16. On the other hand, the radially inner portion 18d of the protrusions 18a1 to 18a6 protrudes forward further than the radially outer portion 18c, so that the protrusions come into contact with the extension 16b of the transmission part 16.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the locking portion 13c is inserted between adjacent protrusions (in this example, between protrusions 18a4 and 18a5). As a result, the locking portion 13c abuts against protrusions 18a1 to 18a6 (in this example, protrusion 18a5) and restricts the rotation of the wheel 18 in the counterclockwise direction (forward rotation).

The generator 19 is located behind the wheels 18 and is provided on the rear surface of the main body 12. The generator 19 is, for example, a stepping motor. As shown in FIG. 9, the generator 19 has a stator 19a, a rotor 19b, and a rotating shaft 19c.

The stator 19a is formed, for example, in a circular ring shape. The stator 19a has a magnetic pole 19a1 around which a coil 19a2 is wound. In this example, the stator 19a has six magnetic poles 19a1 to match the protrusions 18a1 to 18a6 of the wheel 18. The coil 19a2 is connected to the power supply unit 6 of the remote control device 1.

The rotor 19b is located inside the stator 19a. The rotor 19b is a magnetic body having a magnet. In this example, the rotor 19b has six magnetic poles (three north poles and three south poles) to match the protrusions 18a1 to 18a6 of the wheel 18. A rotating shaft 19c is provided at the center of the rotor 19b. In other words, the magnetic poles are arranged in a circumferential line around the rotating shaft 19c.

The generator 19 generates electricity by rotating the rotor 19b. That is, as the rotor 19b rotates, a current flows through the coil 19a2. The power generated by the generator 19 is stored in the storage element 6a of the power supply unit 6. Note that the number of magnetic poles 19a1 of the stator 19a and the number of magnetic poles of the rotor 19b may be an integer multiple of the number of protrusions of the wheel 18.

Thus, the power generation module 10 according to the first embodiment has the configuration described above. Next, the operation of the power generation module 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

Figure 5 shows a state where no force is acting on the input unit 13a. In other words, the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1 is not being operated. In this case, the tip of the input unit 13a is located in an initial position protruding from the main body 12. The wheel 18 is also stationary in the starting position. In this case, as shown in Figure 9(a), the rotor 19b of the generator 19 is stationary in a stable position (starting position).

As shown in FIG. 6, when a force F (operating force) acts on the input portion 13a, the moving member 13 moves (slides) within the guide portion 12a against the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In this case, the wheel 18 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction because the locking portion 13c is in contact with the protruding portion 18a5.

Therefore, the extension 16b of the transmission part 16 is pressed against the protrusion 18a1 of the wheel 18. The transmission part 16 moves in the direction of the arrow A1 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 17. In other words, the transmission part 16 moves relative to the moving member 13. That is, when a force F acts on the input part 13a, the second elastic member 17 is contracted by the transmission part 16 while the lock part 13c restricts the rotation of the wheel 18, and energy (spring force) is accumulated.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a further force F acts on the input portion 13a and the input portion 13a moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 18 by the lock portion 13c is released. As a result, the transmission portion 16 presses the protruding portion 18a1 of the wheel 18 in the direction of the arrow A2 by the biasing force of the second elastic member 17.

As a result, the wheel 18 rotates (forward rotation) in the direction of arrow A3 (counterclockwise). The wheel 18 is restricted from rotating any further as the protrusion 18a2 comes into contact with the transmission unit 16. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates (forward rotation) in the counterclockwise direction together with the wheel 18. This causes a current to flow through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19 (generates electricity).

8, when the input to the input portion 13a is released, the moving member 13 moves in the direction of the arrow A4 due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. That is, the input portion 13a is returned from a predetermined position to the initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In other words, the first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 13 (movable portion) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input portion 13a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the main body portion 12 and the moving member 13. In this case, the wheel 18 rotates (reversely rotates) in the direction of the arrow A5 (clockwise) by being pressed by the transmission portion 16 while the protrusion 18a2 moves along the inclined surface 16b2 of the transmission portion 16. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates (reversely rotates) clockwise against the magnetic force between the rotor 19b and the stator 19a.

When the input unit 13a returns to its initial position, the protrusion 18a2 is positioned below the transmission unit 16. This releases the wheel 18 from the restriction on counterclockwise rotation imposed by the transmission unit 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(d), the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates counterclockwise to a stable position due to magnetic force. This causes the wheel 18 to rotate until it is in the same state as in FIG. 5 (starting position), and waits for the next input to the input unit 13a.

Next, when an input is made to the input unit 13a, the transmission unit 16 presses the protrusion 18a2, causing the wheel 18 and the rotor 19b to rotate. In this example, the wheel 18 rotates once with six operations of the operation button 3 (i.e., six power generation).

According to the power generation module 10 of the first embodiment, while the input part 13a moves from the initial position to a predetermined position, the lock part 13c restricts the rotation of the wheel 18, and energy is stored in the second elastic member 17. Then, when the input part 13a moves to the predetermined position, the restriction on the wheel 18 by the lock part 13c is released, and the energy stored in the second elastic member 17 causes the transmission part 16 to rotate the wheel 18 in the forward direction, thereby rotating the rotor 19b of the generator 19.

As a result, when an input is made to the input unit 13a, the power generation module 10 does not rotate the wheel 18, allowing energy to be stored efficiently. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate while the input unit 13a moves from the initial position to the specified position, so the cogging torque caused by the generator 19 can be suppressed. As a result, the operability of the remote control device 1 can be improved.

In addition, even if the input part 13a rotates in the process of returning from a predetermined position to the initial position, the wheel 18 is returned to the starting position by the generator 19. Therefore, the power generation module 10 can generate power stably.

The transmission unit 16 collides with the movable part (stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13) during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 16 collides with the stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13 inside the main body 12 after the energy stored in the second elastic member 17 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 18). The main body 12 is covered with a cover. Because the transmission unit 16 collides with the moving member 13 inside the main body 12, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 16 collides with the main body 12. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 13 to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 13a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the main body section 12 and the moving member 13. This allows the first elastic member 14 to return the moving member 13 to its initial position after power generation. In addition, the first elastic member 14 can absorb the collision energy when the transmission section 16 collides with the moving member 13.

The transmission unit 16 moves in the same direction as the movement direction of the moving member 13. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 13a, the moving member 13 moves downward. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 18 by the lock unit 13c is released, the transmission unit 16 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 17. In this case, the transmission unit 16 collides with the stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13 after rotating the wheel 18. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 16 can be released in the movement direction of the moving member 13 when the transmission unit 16 collides with the moving member 13. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 16 may collide with the moving member 13 while the moving member 13 is moving. In other words, the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 18 by the lock unit 13c may be released while the moving member 13 is moving. This allows the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 can be reduced.

Next, Figures 10 to 16 show a power generation module 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the power generation module 20 according to the second embodiment, the wheel 21 has a first wheel 22 and a second wheel 30. In the second embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a power generating module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the first wheel and the second wheel.

The wheel 21 of the power generation module 20 has a first wheel 22 and a second wheel 30. The wheel 21 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The first wheel 22 and the second wheel 30 overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The first wheel 22 is a part that receives the energy of the second elastic member 17 from the transmission section 16. The second wheel 30 is located between the first wheel 22 and the generator 19, and is a part that transmits the energy received by the first wheel 22 to the generator 19.

The first wheel 22 is located in front of the second wheel 30. The diameter of the first wheel 22 is smaller than the diameter of the second wheel 30. As shown in FIG. 12, the first wheel 22 has a plurality of (six in this example) first protrusions 23a-23f and second protrusions 24a-24f that protrude from the rear surface 22a toward the second wheel 30.

The first protrusions 23a to 23f are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first wheel 22. The first protrusions 23a to 23f extend radially from the center of the first wheel 22 toward the ends. The first protrusions 23a to 23f are not in contact with the second wheel 30.

The extension 16b of the transmission part 16 abuts against the first protrusions 23a to 23f. In other words, the energy stored in the second elastic member 17 causes the transmission part 16 to press against the first protrusions 23a to 23f, causing the first wheel 22 to rotate counterclockwise (forward rotation).

Each of the second protrusions 24a to 24f is provided adjacent to each of the first protrusions 23a to 23f on the radial inner side (toward the center of the first wheel 22) of each of the first protrusions 23a to 23f. Each of the second protrusions 24a to 24f has a larger protruding dimension from the rear surface 22a than the first protrusions 23a to 23f.

Each of the second protrusions 24a-24f is located between each of the protrusions 31-36 of the second wheel 30. Each of the second protrusions 24a-24f contacts the side of each of the protrusions 31-36 of the second wheel 30. The first wheel 22 transmits the energy transmitted from the transmission unit 16 from the second protrusions 24a-24f to the second wheel 30.

The first wheel 22 also has an insertion hole 25 in the center into which the third elastic member 39 is inserted. This insertion hole 25 has an engagement portion 25a with which one end of the third elastic member 39 engages.

The second wheel 30 is located between the first wheel 22 and the generator 19. The second wheel 30 is rotated by the first wheel 22. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the rear side of the second wheel 30. As a result, when the second wheel 30 rotates, the rotating shaft 19c and rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotate.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second wheel 30 has multiple protrusions 31-36 (six in this example) that radiate from the center. Each of the protrusions 31-36 has a notch 30a cut toward the rear at its radially outer end. In other words, the protrusions 31-36 are formed in a stepped shape in the front-to-rear direction by a radially outer portion 30b and a radially inner portion 30c.

The protrusions 31 to 36 face the first protrusions 23a to 23f of the first wheel 22 in the front-rear direction. In addition, the radially outer portions 30b of the protrusions 31 to 36 face the extension portion 16b of the transmission unit 16 in the front-rear direction. The extension portion 16b of the transmission unit 16 is located between the first wheel 22 and the second wheel 30, and is adapted to abut against the first protrusions 23a to 23f of the first wheel 22.

The radially inner portion 30c of the protrusions 31-36 protrudes further forward than the radially outer portion 30b. The second protrusions 24a-24f of the first wheel 22 abut against the side surface of the radially inner portion 30c. That is, each of the second protrusions 24a-24f is located between adjacent radially inner portions 30c. The second wheel 30 rotates forward when the radially inner portion 30c is pressed against the second protrusions 24a-24f of the first wheel 22.

As shown in Figures 10 and 13, the locking portion 13c is inserted between adjacent protrusions (in this example, between protrusions 34 and 35). As a result, the locking portion 13c abuts against protrusions 31 to 36 (in this example, protrusion 35) and restricts the counterclockwise rotation (forward rotation) of the second wheel 30.

The second wheel 30 also has an insertion hole 37 in the center of the front side into which the third elastic member 39 is inserted. This insertion hole 37 has an engagement portion 37a with which the other end of the third elastic member 39 engages. As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, the radially inner portion 30c of the protrusion 34 is cut out toward the rear so that the other end of the third elastic member 39 can engage.

The third elastic member 39 elastically connects the first wheel 22 and the second wheel 30. The third elastic member 39 is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The front side of the third elastic member 39 is inserted into the insertion hole 25 of the first wheel 22, and the rear side is inserted into the insertion hole 37 of the second wheel 30. In this state, one end of the third elastic member 39 is engaged with the engagement portion 25a of the insertion hole 25, and the other end is engaged with the engagement portion 37a of the insertion hole 37. The third elastic member 39 biases the first wheel 22 in the counterclockwise direction (positive rotation direction) relative to the second wheel 30.

The spring constant of the third elastic member 39 is smaller than the magnetic force between the stator 19a and rotor 19b of the generator 19. In other words, the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 is not restricted by the biasing force of the third elastic member 39.

The power generating module 20 according to the second embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.
13 to 16, the first wheel 22 is shown in a transparent manner to show the state of the first wheel 22 and the second wheel 30.

First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input unit 13a is in the initial position, and the first wheel 22, the second wheel 30, and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. In this case, the first protrusions 23a to 23f of the first wheel 22 overlap the protrusions 31 to 36 of the second wheel 30 in the front-to-rear direction, respectively. Also, the second protrusions 24a to 24f of the first wheel 22 abut against the side surfaces of the protrusions 31 to 36 of the second wheel 30, respectively.

When the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input portion 13a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the moving member 13 moves (slides) within the guide portion 12a against the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In this case, the second wheel 30 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction because the protrusion 35 is in contact with the lock portion 13c. Therefore, the first wheel 22 is also restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction. In other words, the lock portion 13c indirectly restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by restricting the rotation of the second wheel 30.

As a result, the extension 16b of the transmission part 16 is pressed against the first protrusion 23a of the first wheel 22. The transmission part 16 rotates counterclockwise around the mounting part 13b1 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 17. In other words, the transmission part 16 moves relative to the moving member 13. That is, when a force acts on the input part 13a, the second elastic member 17 is contracted by the transmission part 16 while the lock part 13c restricts the rotation of the wheel 21, and energy (spring force) is accumulated.

As shown in FIG. 15, when further force acts on the input portion 13a and the input portion 13a moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on rotation of the wheel 21 by the lock portion 13c is released. As a result, the transmission portion 16 presses the first protrusion 23a of the first wheel 22 by the biasing force of the second elastic member 17.

As a result, the first wheel 22 rotates counterclockwise (forward rotation). The second wheel 30 rotates counterclockwise together with the first wheel 22, with the protrusions 31-36 pressed against the second protrusions 24a-24f of the first wheel 22. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates counterclockwise (forward rotation) together with the second wheel 30. This causes a current to flow through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19, generating electricity.

The first wheel 22 is restricted from further rotation by the first protrusion 23b coming into contact with the inclined surface 16b2 of the transmission part 16. Here, the spring force of the third elastic member 39 provided between the first wheel 22 and the second wheel 30 is smaller than the magnetic force of the generator 19. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the magnetic force of the generator 19 causes the second wheel 30 to rotate counterclockwise to the next starting position against the biasing force of the third elastic member 39.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the operation of the operation button 3 is released, the input to the input section 13a is released. Then, the moving member 13 returns due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. That is, the input section 13a is returned from a predetermined position to the initial position due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In other words, the first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 13 (movable section) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 13a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the receiving section 12b of the main body section 12 and the pressing section 13b4 of the moving member 13.

In this case, the first protrusion 23b of the first wheel 22 moves along the inclined surface 16b2 of the transmission part 16. At this time, the first protrusion 23b of the first wheel 22 is pressed by the transmission part 16, and the first wheel 22 rotates clockwise (reverse rotation) against the biasing force of the third elastic member 39. Since the magnetic force of the generator 19 is greater than the spring force of the third elastic member 39, the second wheel 30 does not rotate together with the first wheel 22 and maintains the starting position. In other words, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 is non-rotating when the input part 13a moves from the specified position to the initial position.

When the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b must remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the second wheel 30 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, when the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the second wheel 30 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

When the input unit 13a returns to its initial position, the first protrusion 23b of the first wheel 22 is positioned below the transmission unit 16. This releases the first wheel 22 from the restriction of counterclockwise rotation by the transmission unit 16. Therefore, the first wheel 22 rotates due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 39 until it reaches the same state (start position) as in FIG. 13, and waits for the next input to the input unit 13a. When the next input is made to the input unit 13a, the transmission unit 16 presses the first protrusion 23b of the first wheel 22, causing the second wheel 30 and the rotor 19b to rotate. In this example, the wheel 21 completes one revolution with six operations of the operation button 3 (i.e., six power generation).

According to the power generation module 20 of the second embodiment, the wheel 21 has a first wheel 22 rotated by the transmission unit 16, and a second wheel 30 that transmits the rotation of the first wheel 22 to the rotor 19b. When the input unit 13a moves from the initial position to a predetermined position, the transmission unit 16 rotates the second wheel 30 and the rotor 19b forward via the first wheel 22, causing the generator 19 to generate electricity. When the input unit 13a then moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b remains at the current pole and maintains a state in which it does not move to the adjacent pole. In other words, when the input unit 13a returns to the initial position from the predetermined position after power generation, the second wheel 30 and the rotor 19b reduce the amount of rotation.

Therefore, when the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1 is operated, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate, so the cogging torque of the generator 19 can be suppressed, improving the operability of the remote control device 1. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates less after power generation. Therefore, the power generation module 20 allows the generator 19 to generate power stably.

The transmission unit 16 collides with the movable part (stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13) during power generation. That is, after the energy stored in the second elastic member 17 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 21), the transmission unit 16 collides with the stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13 inside the main body 12. The main body 12 is covered with a cover. Because the transmission unit 16 collides with the moving member 13 inside the main body 12, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 16 collides with the main body 12. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 13 to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 13a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the main body section 12 and the moving member 13. This allows the first elastic member 14 to return the moving member 13 to its initial position after power generation. In addition, the first elastic member 14 can absorb the collision energy when the transmission section 16 collides with the moving member 13.

The transmission unit 16 moves in the same direction as the movement direction of the moving member 13. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 13a, the moving member 13 moves downward. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 21 by the lock unit 13c is released, the transmission unit 16 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 17. In this case, the transmission unit 16 collides with the stopper 13b2 of the moving member 13 after rotating the wheel 21. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 16 can be released in the movement direction of the moving member 13 when the transmission unit 16 collides with the moving member 13. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 16 may collide with the moving member 13 while the moving member 13 is moving. In other words, the rotation restriction of the wheel 18 by the lock unit 13c may be released while the moving member 13 is moving. This allows the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 16 and the moving member 13 can be reduced.

Next, Figures 17 to 23 show a power generation module 40 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the power generation module 40 according to the third embodiment, the wheel 50 has a first wheel 52 and a second wheel 60. In the third embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 17 .
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the first wheel and the rear surface of the second wheel.

The main body 41 has a guide portion 41a that slidably guides the moving member 43, a receiving portion 41b on which the first elastic member 14 is provided, a through hole 41c that penetrates the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the main body 41, and a support portion 41d located on the side of the through hole 41c. The through hole 41c penetrates the main body 41 from the front to the rear, and a generator 19 is attached to the rear. A second wheel 60, which will be described later, is disposed in the through hole 41c. The support portion 41d is provided between the guide portion 41a and the through hole 41c. A first wheel 52, which will be described later, is rotatably attached to the support portion 41d.

The moving member 43 has an input portion 43a that protrudes from the main body portion 41, an intermediate portion 43b that is connected to the input portion 43a and located within the guide portion 41a, and a lock portion 43c that is connected to the intermediate portion 43b and extends from the guide portion 41a toward between the main body portion 41 and the first wheel 52. The moving member 43 is formed into a concave shape in a front view by the input portion 43a, the intermediate portion 43b, and the lock portion 43c. The moving member 43 is a movable portion that moves relative to the main body portion 41 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input portion 43a.

The input section 43a is a portion to which the user's operating force is input, similar to the input section 13a according to the first embodiment. The input section 43a protrudes forward from the intermediate section 43b. A second elastic member 47, which will be described later, is supported on the underside of the input section 43a. As shown in Figs. 17 and 20, the input section 13a is in its initial position when it protrudes from the main body section 12.

The intermediate portion 43b is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the front. The intermediate portion 43b connects the input portion 43a and the lock portion 43c. The vertical dimension of the intermediate portion 43b is smaller than the vertical dimension of the guide portion 41a. This allows the intermediate portion 43b to slide vertically within the guide portion 41a.

The intermediate portion 43b has an attachment portion 43b1 below the input portion 13a to which the transmission portion 16 is attached. The attachment portion 43b1 is a through hole that penetrates the intermediate portion 43b in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) and extends in the up-down direction. The intermediate portion 43b also has a pressing portion 43b2 that engages with the first elastic member 14 at a position opposite the receiving portion 41b.

The locking portion 43c restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 by the transmission portion 45. In this example, the locking portion 43c extends upward from the tip of the intermediate portion 43b. The movement distance of the locking portion 43c is the same as the movement distance of the input portion 43a. As shown in FIG. 20, the locking portion 43c restricts the rotation of the first wheel 52 when the input portion 43a is in the initial position. That is, the locking portion 43c indirectly restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by restricting the rotation of the first wheel 52. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22, the locking portion 43c releases the restriction on the rotation of the first wheel 52 when the input portion 43a moves to a predetermined position.

The transmission part 45 is attached to the mounting part 43b1 of the moving member 43 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The transmission part 45 moves vertically relative to the moving member 43. The transmission part 45 is formed in a concave shape with an opening on the front side. A second elastic member 47 described later is arranged inside the transmission part 45. The transmission part 45 transmits the energy stored in the second elastic member 47 to the wheel 50. The transmission part 45 is inserted between the moving member 43 and the first wheel 52. The lower surface of the transmission part 45 forms an abutment surface 45a that abuts against the first wheel 52. In addition, the side surface of the transmission part 45 on the first wheel 52 side forms a contact surface 45b that contacts the first wheel 52.

The second elastic member 47 is provided on the transmission section 45. The second elastic member 47 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end side (upper end side) of the second elastic member 47 is supported on the upper surface of the mounting section 43b1, and the other end side (lower end side) is supported on the bottom surface of the transmission section 45. As a result, the second elastic member 47 biases the transmission section 45 downward. The second elastic member 47 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input section 43a.

The wheel 50 has a first wheel 52 that is rotated by the transmission unit 45, and a second wheel 60 that transmits the rotation of the first wheel 52 to the rotor 19b. The wheel 50 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The first wheel 52 and the second wheel 60 are aligned in the left-right direction. The first wheel 52 is a part that receives the energy of the second elastic member 47 from the transmission unit 45. The second wheel 60 is located between the first wheel 52 and the generator 19, and is a part that transmits the energy received by the first wheel 52 to the generator 19.

The first wheel 52 is rotatably attached to the support portion 41d of the main body portion 41. The first wheel 52 has a disk portion 53 and a gear portion 55 provided on the disk portion 53. As shown in FIG. 19, the rear surface 53a of the disk portion 53 has a plurality of protrusions 54a to 54f (six in this example) spaced apart in the circumferential direction and protruding rearward. The protrusions 54a to 54f extend radially outward from the center of the rear surface 53a.

The first wheel 52 rotates when the protrusions 54a to 54f are pressed by the transmission unit 45. Also, as shown in Figures 17 and 20, the locking portion 43c is inserted between adjacent protrusions (in this example, between protrusions 54d and 54e). As a result, the locking portion 43c abuts against the protrusions 54a to 54f (in this example, protrusion 54e) to restrict the rotation of the first wheel 52 in the counterclockwise direction (forward rotation).

The gear portion 55 is provided on the side (radially outer end) of the disk portion 53. As shown in FIG. 17, the gear portion 55 is located forward of the transmission portion 45. The gear portion 55 meshes with the gear portion 63 of the second wheel 60.

The second wheel 60 is located between the first wheel 52 and the generator 19. The second wheel 60 is rotated by the first wheel 52. The second wheel 60 has a cylindrical portion 61, a gear portion 63 provided on the cylindrical portion 61 and meshing with the gear portion 55 of the first wheel 52, and a block body 65 movably provided inside the cylindrical portion 61 and attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19.

The cylindrical portion 61 is formed, for example, in a stepped shape. As shown in FIG. 19, the cylindrical portion 61 is a bottomed tube with a sector-shaped space S formed on the rear side. The gear portion 63 is provided on the side (radial outer end) of the cylindrical portion 61. The gear portion 63 meshes with the gear portion 55 of the first wheel 52, so that the cylindrical portion 61 rotates together with the first wheel 52. In this example, the number of teeth of the gear portion 63 of the second wheel 60 is smaller than the number of teeth of the gear portion 55 of the first wheel 52. This allows the rotation angle of the second wheel 60 to be greater than the rotation angle of the first wheel 52.

The block body 65 is provided in the space S of the cylindrical portion 61. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the block body 65. In other words, the block body 65 and the rotating shaft 19c (rotor 19b) of the generator 19 rotate together. Note that the cylindrical portion 61 is not attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. The cylindrical portion 61 is attached to the block body 65.

As shown in FIG. 19, the block body 65 is formed smaller than the space S of the cylindrical portion 61. The block body 65 rotates when pressed against one inner surface 61a of the cylindrical portion 61. Because the block body 65 is formed smaller than the space S of the cylindrical portion 61, the cylindrical portion 61 and the block body 65 can rotate relative to each other.

The third elastic member 67 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 61 (space S) between the other inner surface 61b of the cylindrical portion 61 and the block body 65. The third elastic member 67 is, for example, a V-shaped leaf spring, and biases the block body 65 toward the inner surface 61a of the cylindrical portion 61. The spring constant of the third elastic member 67 is smaller than the magnetic force between the stator 19a and rotor 19b of the generator 19. In other words, the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 is not restricted by the biasing force of the third elastic member 67.

Thus, the power generating module 40 according to the third embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.
20 to 23 show, in vertical cross section, the operation of the moving member 43, the transmission portion 45, the protrusions 54a to 54f of the first wheel 52, the cylindrical portion 61 of the second wheel 60, and the block body 65. In FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 20, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input portion 43a is in the initial position, and the first wheel 52, the second wheel 60, and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. In this case, the lock portion 43c is located between the protrusions 54d and 54e. In addition, the third elastic member 67 biases the block body 65 toward the inner surface 61a of the cylindrical portion 61.

When the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input portion 43a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, a force F (operation force) acts on the input portion 43a, and the moving member 43 moves (slides) within the guide portion 41a against the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In this case, the first wheel 52 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction because the protrusion 54e is in contact with the lock portion 43c. Therefore, the second wheel 60 is also restricted from rotating in the clockwise direction.

The contact surface 45a of the transmission part 45 is pressed against the protrusion 54a of the first wheel 52. The transmission part 45 moves relative to the moving member 43 in the direction of the arrow B1 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 47. That is, when a force F acts on the input part 43a, the second elastic member 47 is contracted by the transmission part 45 while the lock part 43c restricts the rotation of the wheel 50, and energy (spring force) is accumulated.

As shown in FIG. 22, when a further force F acts on the input portion 43a and the input portion 43a moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on rotation of the first wheel 52 by the lock portion 43c is released. As a result, the transmission portion 45 presses the protruding portion 54a of the first wheel 52 in the direction of the arrow B2 by the biasing force of the second elastic member 47.

As a result, the first wheel 52 rotates (forward rotation) in the direction of arrow B3 (counterclockwise direction). The first wheel 52 is restricted from further rotation by the contact of the protrusion 54b with the contact surface 45b of the transmission part 45. When the first wheel 52 rotates, the second wheel 60 meshed with the gear part 55 of the first wheel 52 rotates (forward rotation) in the direction of arrow B4 (clockwise direction).

In this case, the block body 65 of the second wheel 60 is pressed against the inner surface 61a of the cylindrical portion 61, and rotates clockwise together with the cylindrical portion 61. When the block body 65 rotates, the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 also rotates. As a result, the generator 19 generates electricity by rotating the rotor 19b.

As shown in FIG. 23, when the operation of the operation button 3 is released, the input to the input section 43a is released. Then, the moving member 43 moves in the direction of the arrow B5 due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. That is, the input section 43a is returned from a predetermined position to its initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In other words, the first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 43 (movable section) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 43a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the receiving section 41b of the main body section 41 and the pressing section 43b2 of the moving member 43.

In this case, the protrusion 54b of the first wheel 52 moves along the contact surface 45b of the transmission unit 45. At this time, the protrusion 54b of the first wheel 52 is pressed against the transmission unit 45, and the first wheel 52 rotates (reversely rotates) in the direction of arrow B6 (clockwise direction). Since the magnetic force of the generator 19 is greater than the spring force of the third elastic member 67, only the cylindrical portion 61 of the second wheel 60 reversely rotates in the direction of arrow B7 (clockwise direction) against the biasing force of the third elastic member 67. In other words, when the input portion 43a moves from the specified position to the initial position, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate even if the cylindrical portion 61 of the second wheel 60 rotates.

When the input part 43a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b only needs to remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the block body 65 of the second wheel 60 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, when the input part 43a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the block body 65 of the second wheel 60 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

When the input unit 43a returns to its initial position, the protrusion 54b of the first wheel 52 is positioned below the transmission unit 45. This releases the first wheel 52 from the restriction of counterclockwise rotation by the transmission unit 45. Therefore, the first wheel 52 and the second wheel 60 rotate to the start position due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 67 and wait for the next input to the input unit 43a. When the next input is made to the input unit 43a, the transmission unit 45 presses the protrusion 54b of the first wheel 52 to rotate the second wheel 60 and the rotor 19b. In this example, the first wheel 52 rotates once with six operations of the operation button 3 (i.e., six power generation).

According to the power generation module 40 of the third embodiment, the wheel 50 has a first wheel 52 rotated by the transmission unit 45, and a second wheel 60 that transmits the rotation of the first wheel 52 to the rotor 19b. The first wheel 52 has a disk portion 53 and a gear portion 55 provided on the disk portion 53. The second wheel 60 has a cylindrical portion 61, a gear portion 63 provided on the cylindrical portion 61 and meshing with the gear portion 55 of the first wheel 52, and a block body 65 movably provided inside the cylindrical portion 61 and attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19.

When the input part 43a moves to a predetermined position, the transmission part 45 rotates the second wheel 60 and the rotor 19b in the forward direction via the first wheel 52. When the input part 43a subsequently moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b remains at the current pole and maintains a state in which it does not move to the adjacent pole. In other words, the block body 65 of the second wheel 60 reduces the amount of rotation after power generation due to the third elastic member 67 and the magnetic force of the generator 19.

Therefore, when the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1 is operated, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate, so the cogging torque of the generator 19 can be suppressed, improving the operability of the remote control device 1. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates less after power generation. Therefore, the power generation module 40 allows the generator 19 to generate power stably.

The transmission unit 45 collides with the bottom surface of the mounting portion 43b1 of the moving member 43 during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 45 collides with the movable portion inside the main body portion 41 after the energy stored in the second elastic member 47 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 50). The main body portion 41 is covered by a cover. Since the transmission unit 45 collides with the moving member 43 inside the main body portion 41, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 45 collides with the main body portion 41. This makes it possible to suppress the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving member 43 to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 43a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the main body section 41 and the moving member 43. This allows the first elastic member 14 to return the moving member 43 to its initial position after power generation. In addition, the first elastic member 14 can absorb the collision energy when the transmission section 45 collides with the moving member 43.

The transmission unit 45 moves in the same direction as the movement direction of the moving member 43. That is, when a force F acts on the input portion 43a, the moving member 43 moves downward. Then, when the rotation restriction of the first wheel 52 by the lock portion 43c is released, the transmission unit 45 moves downward by the biasing force of the second elastic member 47. In this case, the transmission unit 45 rotates the first wheel 52 and then collides with the bottom surface of the mounting portion 43b1. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 45 and the moving member 43 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 45 can be released in the movement direction of the moving member 43 when the transmission unit 45 collides with the moving member 43. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 45 and the moving member 43 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 45 may collide with the moving member 43 while the moving member 43 is moving. In other words, the rotation restriction of the first wheel 52 by the lock unit 43c may be released while the moving member 43 is moving. This allows the transmission unit 45 and the moving member 43 to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 45 and the moving member 43 is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 45 and the moving member 43 can be reduced.

Next, Figures 24 to 29 show a power generation module 70 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The power generation module 70 according to the fourth embodiment has a retraction section 75 that retracts the transmission section 80 from the wheel 90. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 24 .

The moving member 72 has an input portion 72a that protrudes from the main body portion 12, an intermediate portion 72b that is connected to the input portion 72a and located within the guide portion 12a, and a lock portion 72c that is connected to the intermediate portion 72b and protrudes from the guide portion 12a toward the through hole 12c. The moving member 72 is formed into a concave shape in a front view by the input portion 72a, the intermediate portion 72b, and the lock portion 72c.

The input section 72a is a portion into which the operating force of the user is input. The input section 72a is connected to, for example, the second link 4b of the remote control device 1. When the user presses the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1, the second link 4b presses the input section 72a, causing the moving member 72 to move (slide). The input section 72a is in its initial position (the state shown in FIG. 24) when it protrudes from the main body 12. In other words, the initial position is a state in which the input section 72a is not pressed by the second link 4b. In other words, the initial position is a state in which no input is being made to the input section 72a.

The input portion 72a is provided with a shaft portion 72d that protrudes forward. A retraction portion 75, which will be described later, is rotatably attached to this shaft portion 72d. The shaft portion 72d may be provided on the intermediate portion 72b. The input portion 72a is also provided with an engagement portion 72e adjacent to the shaft portion 72d, with which one end side of the second elastic member 77 engages. The intermediate portion 72b is provided with a pressing portion 72b1, with which the first elastic member 14 engages, at a position facing the receiving portion 12b.

The locking portion 72c restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 by the transmission portion 80. In this example, the locking portion 72c extends upward from the tip of the intermediate portion 72b. The movement distance of the locking portion 72c is the same as the movement distance of the input portion 72a. As shown in FIG. 26, the locking portion 72c protrudes into the through hole 12c when the input portion 72a is in the initial position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28, the locking portion 72c comes out of the through hole 12c when the input portion 72a moves to a predetermined position.

This predetermined position is, for example, the end position (final position) when a force is applied to the input portion 72a and the input portion 72a (moving member 72) moves. When the input portion 72a is between the initial position and the predetermined position, the lock portion 72c restricts the rotation of the wheel 90 located in the through hole 12c. In other words, the lock portion 72c indirectly restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by restricting the rotation of the wheel 90.

The retraction section 75 is rotatably attached to the shaft section 72d of the moving member 72. The retraction section 75 extends from the input section 72a toward the middle section 72b while attached to the shaft section 72d. The retraction section 75 has a rotating section 75a attached to the shaft section 72d and a hanging section 75b extending downward from the rotating section 75a. The moving member 72 and the retraction section 75 are movable sections that move relative to the main body section 12 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input section 72a.

The rotating portion 75a is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening on the rear side. The rotating portion 75a has an engagement portion 75a1 on the rear side with which the other end side of the second elastic member 77 engages. The retracting portion 75 has the rotating portion 75a as a rotatable fixed end and the hanging portion 75b as a free end. In other words, the retracting portion 75 is suspended from the shaft portion 72d.

The hanging portion 75b is formed with a step in the vertical direction. The hanging portion 75b has an attachment portion 75c to which the transmission portion 80 described below is attached. The attachment portion 75c is a through hole that penetrates the hanging portion 75b in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) and extends in the vertical direction. The hanging portion 75b also has an insertion hole 75d on the side (wheel 90 side) of the attachment portion 75c, through which the extension portion 83 of the transmission portion 80 is inserted. This insertion hole 75d extends in the vertical direction like the attachment portion 75c.

The second elastic member 77 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft portion 72d. One end of the second elastic member 77 is engaged with the engaging portion 72e of the moving member 72, and the other end is engaged with the engaging portion 75a1 of the retracting portion 75. The spring constant of the second elastic member 77 is smaller than the magnetic force between the stator 19a and rotor 19b of the generator 19.

The second elastic member 77 biases the retraction portion 75 in a counterclockwise direction. When the input portion 72a is in the initial position, the lower end of the retraction portion 75 contacts the side surface of the pressing portion 72b1 of the moving member 72, restricting the counterclockwise rotation of the retraction portion 75. The second elastic member 77 is a second return elastic member that returns the transmission portion 80, which has moved in a direction away from the wheel 90, to its original position when the input of energy to the input portion 72a is released and the movable portion returns to its original position.

The transmission unit 80 is provided on the mounting portion 75c of the retraction portion 75 so as to be movable relative to the retraction portion 75. The transmission unit 80 has a support portion 81 formed in a concave shape and supporting the third elastic member 85, and an extension portion 83 extending from the support portion 81 toward the wheel 90. As shown in FIG. 24, the support portion 81 is located within the mounting portion 75c.

The extension portion 83 protrudes from the insertion hole 75d of the retraction portion 75 toward the through hole 12c. The tip side of the lower surface of the extension portion 83 forms an abutment surface 83a that abuts against the wheel 90 located inside the through hole 12c. The transmission portion 80 rotates the wheel 90 by the abutment surface 83a pressing downward against the protrusions 91a to 91f of the wheel 90. In addition, the side surface of the extension portion 83 forms a contact surface 83b with which the protrusions 91a to 91f come into contact when the wheel 90 rotates counterclockwise.

The third elastic member 85 is provided on the transmission unit 80. The third elastic member 85 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end side (upper end side) of the third elastic member 85 is supported on the upper surface of the mounting portion 75c, and the other end side (lower end side) is supported on the bottom surface of the transmission unit 80. As a result, the third elastic member 85 biases the transmission unit 80 downward. The third elastic member 85 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input portion 72a.

The wheel 90 is located in the through hole 12c of the main body 12 and is attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. The wheel 90 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the wheel 90. This allows the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 to rotate when the wheel 90 is rotated. In other words, the wheel 90 and the rotating shaft 19c rotate together in the same direction. The wheel 90 rotates due to the pressure of the transmission unit 80 caused by the energy (biasing force) of the third elastic member 85.

The wheel 90 has multiple protrusions 91a-91f (six in this example) that radiate from the center. The wheel 90 rotates counterclockwise (forward rotation) when each of the protrusions 91a-91f is pressed against the extension 83 of the transmission part 80.

As shown in Figures 24 and 26, while the input portion 72a is moving from the initial position to the predetermined position, the protrusion (in this example, protrusion 91d) abuts against the lock portion 72c. As a result, the lock portion 72c restricts the rotation of the wheel 90 in the counterclockwise direction (forward rotation).

Thus, the power generating module 70 according to the fourth embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input unit.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.
26 to 29 show, in vertical cross-sectional views, the operations of the moving member 72, the transmission portion 80, the retracting portion 75, and the protruding portions 91a to 91f of the wheel 90. FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 26, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input section 72a is in the initial position, and the wheel 90 and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. In this case, the wheel 90 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction because the protrusion 91d is in contact with the lock section 72c.

When the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input portion 72a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27, a force F (operation force) acts on the input portion 72a, and the moving member 72 moves (slides) within the guide portion 12a against the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In this case, the wheel 90 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction by the lock portion 72c.

Since the rotation of the wheel 90 is restricted, the contact surface 83a of the transmission unit 80 is pressed by the protruding portion 91a of the wheel 90. The transmission unit 80 moves relative to the moving member 72 in the direction of the arrow C1 against the biasing force of the third elastic member 85. In other words, when a force F acts on the input portion 72a, the third elastic member 85 is contracted by the transmission unit 80 while the lock portion 72c restricts the rotation of the wheel 90, and energy (spring force) is accumulated.

As shown in FIG. 28, when a further force F acts on the input portion 72a and the input portion 72a moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on rotation of the wheel 90 by the lock portion 72c is released. As a result, the transmission portion 80 presses the protruding portion 91a of the wheel 90 in the direction of the arrow C2 by the biasing force of the third elastic member 85.

As a result, the wheel 90 rotates (forward rotation) in the direction of arrow C3 (counterclockwise). Further rotation of the wheel 90 is restricted by the contact of the protrusion 91b with the contact surface 83b of the transmission part 80. The rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates as the wheel 90 rotates. As a result, current flows through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19 (generates electricity). After the generator 19 generates electricity, the wheel 90 and rotor 19b are located at the starting position.

As shown in FIG. 29, when the input to the input portion 72a is released, the moving member 72 moves in the direction of the arrow C4 due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. That is, the input portion 72a is returned from a predetermined position to its initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 14. In other words, the first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the moving portion (moving member 72 and retracting portion 75) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input portion 72a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the receiving portion 12b of the main body portion 12 and the pressing portion 72b1 of the moving member 72 that constitutes the moving portion.

Here, the spring force of the second elastic member 77 biasing the retraction portion 75 is smaller than the magnetic force of the generator 19. Therefore, the retraction portion 75 moves in the direction of arrow C5 (away from the wheel 90) as the extension portion 83 of the transmission portion 80 is pressed by the protrusion portion 91b of the wheel 90. In other words, when the input portion 72a returns from a predetermined position to its initial position, the extension portion 83 of the transmission portion 80 moves in a direction that avoids the protrusion portions 91a to 91f of the wheel 90. That is, the wheel 90 and the rotor 19b of the generator 19 are non-rotating when the input portion 72a moves from a predetermined position to its initial position.

When the input part 72a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b only needs to remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to the adjacent pole. In other words, the wheel 90 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to the adjacent pole. In other words, when the input part 72a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the wheel 90 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

When the input unit 72a returns to its initial position, the protrusion 91b of the wheel 90 is positioned below the extension 83. This causes the wheel 90 to wait for the next input to the input unit 72a. When the next input is made to the input unit 72a, the transmission unit 80 presses the protrusion 91b of the wheel 90, causing the wheel 90 and the rotor 19b to rotate. In this example, the wheel 90 completes one rotation with six operations of the operation button 3 (i.e., six power generation).

The power generation module 70 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a retraction section 75 that retracts the transmission section 80 from the rotating member (wheel 90) when the input section 72a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, while maintaining a state in which the rotor 19b remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the wheel 90 reduces the amount of rotation after power generation due to the retraction section 75, the second elastic member 77, and the magnetic force of the generator 19.

Therefore, when the operation button 3 of the remote control device 1 is operated, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate, so the cogging torque of the generator 19 can be suppressed, improving the operability of the remote control device 1. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates less after power generation. Therefore, the power generation module 40 allows the generator 19 to generate power stably.

The transmission unit 80 collides with the bottom surface of the mounting portion 75c of the retraction portion 75 during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 80 collides with the movable portion (retraction portion 75) inside the main body portion 12 after the energy stored in the third elastic member 85 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 90). The main body portion 12 is covered with a cover. Since the transmission unit 80 collides with the movable portion inside the main body portion 12, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 80 collides with the main body portion 12. This makes it possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user by abnormal sounds.

The first elastic member 14 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable part (moving member 72 and retracting part 75) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input part 72a is released. The first elastic member 14 (first return elastic member) connects the main body part 12 and the moving member 72. This allows the first elastic member 14 to return the movable part to its initial position after power generation. The first elastic member 14 can also absorb the collision energy when the transmission part 16 collides with the movable part.

The transmission unit 80 moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the movable unit. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 72a, the moving member 72 and the retracting unit 75 move downward together. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 90 by the locking unit 72c is released, the transmission unit 80 moves downward due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 85. In this case, after rotating the wheel 90, the transmission unit 80 collides with the retracting unit 75 constituting the movable unit. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 80 and the retracting unit 75 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 80 can be released in the movement direction of the retracting unit 75 when the transmission unit 80 and the retracting unit 75 collide. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 80 and the retracting unit 75 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 80 may collide with the movable part while the movable part is moving. That is, the restriction on rotation of the wheel 90 by the locking part 72c may be released while the movable part (moving member 72 and retracting part 75) is moving. This allows the transmission unit 80 and the movable part to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 80 and the movable part is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 80 and the movable part can be reduced.

The power generation module 70 further includes a second return elastic member (second elastic member 77) that returns the transmission unit 80, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 90), to its original position when the input of energy to the input unit 72a is released and the movable unit (moving member 72 and retracting unit 75) returns to its original position. The transmission unit 80 moves in a direction away from the wheel 90 together with the retracting unit 75. The second elastic member 77 returns the contact surface 83a of the transmission unit 80, which has been pressed by the wheel 90 and moved in a direction away from the wheel 90, to between the protruding parts of the wheel 90. This allows the second elastic member 77 to return the transmission unit 80 to its original position after power generation.

Next, Figures 30 to 35 show a power generation module 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the power generation module 100 according to the fifth embodiment, a locking portion 150 restricts movement of the transmission portion 140. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 30 .

The main body 110 has a guide portion 111 that guides the movable member 120 so that it can slide, a support portion 112 to which the first wheel 162 is attached, a shaft portion 113 to which the rod portion 130 is attached, and a mounting portion 114 to which the lock portion 150 is attached. In this example, the generator 19 is provided inside the main body 110. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the generator 19 is covered by a cover 116. In this case, the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 protrudes forward from the cover 116.

The moving member 120 is attached to the guide portion 111 of the main body portion 110 so as to be able to slide vertically. The moving member 120 has an attachment portion 122 to which the rod portion 130 is attached, and a recessed portion 124 to which the transmission portion 140 is attached. The moving member 120 is formed in a recessed shape that is open at the front.

The rod portion 130 is located above the generator 19 and the moving member 120 and is provided inside the main body portion 110. One end of the rod portion 130 is rotatably attached to the shaft portion 113. The other end of the rod portion 130 serves as an input portion 132, which is attached to the attachment portion 122 of the moving member 120. The input portion 132 of the rod portion 130 is connected to, for example, the second link 4b of the remote control device 1. The rod portion 130 moves the moving member 120 by being pressed with the one end side as a pivot point. The moving member 120 and the rod portion 130 are movable portions that move relative to the main body portion 110 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input portion 132.

A first elastic member 135 is provided between the rod portion 130 and the shaft portion 113. The first elastic member 135 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft portion 113. One end of the first elastic member 135 is engaged with the main body portion 110, and the other end is engaged with the inner surface of the rod portion 130. The first elastic member 135 biases the rod portion 130 upward (from a predetermined position to an initial position). The first elastic member 135 is a return spring that returns the input portion 132 from a predetermined position to an initial position when the input to the input portion 132 is released. In other words, the first elastic member 135 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable portion (moving member 120 and rod portion 130) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input portion 132 is released. The first elastic member 135 (first return elastic member) connects the main body 110 and the rod portion 130 that constitutes the movable portion.

The transmission unit 140 is attached to the recess 124 of the moving member 120 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The transmission unit 140 has a first member 142 and a second member 145 rotatably attached to the first member 142. The first member 142 has a receiving portion 143 that protrudes forward from the vertical center. The receiving portion 143 supports the lower end side of the second elastic member 147 with its upper surface. The second member 145 is provided below the receiving portion 143. While the input unit 132 moves from the initial position to the specified position, the lower surface 142a of the first member 142 abuts against the abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150.

The second elastic member 147 has its lower end supported by the receiving portion 143 of the transmission unit 140 and its upper end supported by the upper surface of the recess 124 of the moving member 120. The second elastic member 147 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The second elastic member 147 biases the transmission unit 140 downward. The second elastic member 147 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input portion 132. The transmission unit 140 (second member 145) transmits the energy accumulated in the second elastic member 147 to the first wheel 162.

The second member 145 is rotatably attached to the first member 142. The second member 145 is located forward of the locking portion 150. The lower end 145a of the second member 145 is located within the tooth groove of the first wheel 162.

Between the second member 145 and the first member 142, a third elastic member 148 is provided. The third elastic member 148 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, one end of which is engaged with the inner surface of the second member 145 and the other end of which is engaged with the receiving portion 143. The third elastic member 148 biases the second member 145 in a counterclockwise direction. The spring constant of the third elastic member 148 is smaller than the magnetic force between the stator 19a and the rotor 19b of the generator 19. The second member 145 also serves as a retracting portion that retracts from the first wheel 162 when the input portion 132 moves from a predetermined position to an initial position. The third elastic member 148 is a second return elastic member that returns the transmission portion 140, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (first wheel 162), to its original position when the input of energy to the input portion 132 is released and the movable portion returns to its original position.

The locking part 150 is located between the moving member 120 and the generator 19, and its upper end is attached to the mounting part 114 of the main body part 110. The locking part 150 extends in the vertical direction along the moving member 120, with its upper end being a rotatable fixed end and its lower end being a free end. The locking part 150 has a mounting part 151 located at the upper end and attached to the mounting part 114, an extension part 152 extending downward from the mounting part 151, an abutment part 154 abutting against the lower surface 142a of the first member 142, and an inclined part 156 inclined from the lower end of the extension part 152 downward from the moving member 120. The locking part 150 restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b of the generator 19 by the transmission part 140.

The abutment portion 154 protrudes from the vertical center of the extension portion 152. The abutment portion 154 restricts the movement of the transmission portion 140 by abutting against the lower surface 142a of the first member 142 while the input portion 132 moves from the initial position to the specified position. The lock portion 150 restricts the movement of the transmission portion 140, thereby restricting the transmission portion 140 from rotating the wheel 160. Therefore, the lock portion 150 indirectly restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b.

The inclined portion 156 has an inclined surface 156a (locking portion operating portion) that abuts against the lower end of the moving member 120. The inclined surface 156a extends diagonally downward to the left from the side surface of the extension portion 152. As a result, when the inclined surface 156a is pressed downward by the moving member 120, the locking portion 150 rotates counterclockwise with the attachment portion 151 as the rotation fulcrum. In this case, the locking portion 150 rotates to a position where the abutting portion 154 is disengaged from the lower surface 142a of the first member 142. The position where the abutting portion 154 is disengaged from the lower surface 142a of the first member 142 occurs when the input portion 132 reaches a predetermined position.

A fourth elastic member 158 is provided between the locking portion 150 and the main body portion 110. The fourth elastic member 158 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, with one end engaged with the inner surface of the locking portion 150 and the other end engaged with the main body portion 110. The fourth elastic member 158 biases the locking portion 150 in a clockwise direction. When the input portion 132 moves from a predetermined position to an initial position, the biasing force of the fourth elastic member 158 causes the locking portion 150 to rotate so that the abutment portion 154 enters below the first member 142.

The wheel 160 has a first wheel 162 and a second wheel 164 that meshes with the first wheel 162. The first wheel 162 and the second wheel 164 constitute the rotating member of the present invention. The first wheel 162 is located forward of the cover 116 and the locking portion 150, and is rotatably attached to the support portion 112 of the main body portion 110. The first wheel 160 has a gear portion 162a on the outer periphery.

The second wheel 164 is rotatably attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. That is, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates together with the second wheel 164. The second wheel 164 has a gear portion 164a on the outer periphery. The gear portion 164a of the second wheel 164 meshes with the gear portion 162a of the first wheel 162.

Thus, the power generating module 100 according to the fifth embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input section.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.

First, as shown in FIG. 32, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input section 132 is in the initial position, and the wheel 160 and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. Then, when the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input section 132. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, a force F (operation force) acts on the input section 132, and the rod section 130 presses the moving member 120 against the biasing force of the first elastic member 135.

In this case, the lower surface 142a of the first member 142 constituting the transmission unit 140 abuts against the abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150. As a result, the transmission unit 140 moves upward relative to the moving member 120 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 147. In other words, when the input portion 132 presses the moving member 120, the transmission unit 140 does not move from its current position, and only the moving member 120 moves in the direction of arrow D1 (downward). As a result, the second elastic member 147 contracts and accumulates energy (spring force).

As shown in FIG. 33, the inclined portion 156 of the locking portion 150 is pressed by the moving member 120. This causes the locking portion 150 to rotate counterclockwise against the biasing force of the fourth elastic member 158. As the moving member 120 moves in the direction of the arrow D1, the abutment portion 154 moves in a direction away from the lower surface 142a of the first member 142.

As shown in FIG. 34, when a further force F acts on the input portion 132 and the input portion 132 moves to a predetermined position, the abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150 disengages from the lower surface 142a of the first member 142. In other words, when the input portion 132 moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on the movement of the transmission portion 140 is released. As a result, the transmission portion 140 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 147. The abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150 abuts against the side surface of the first member 142, and thus the movement in the clockwise direction is restricted.

The lower end 145a of the second member 145 constituting the transmission unit 140 presses the gear portion 162a of the first wheel 162. As a result, the first wheel 162 rotates in the direction of arrow D2 (counterclockwise). The second wheel 164 rotates in the direction of arrow D3 (clockwise) due to the rotation of the first wheel 162. As a result, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 rotates due to the rotation of the second wheel 164. As a result, a current flows through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19 (generates electricity).

As shown in FIG. 35, when the input to the input portion 132 is released, the lever portion 130 moves in the direction of the arrow D4 due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 135. That is, the input portion 132 is returned from a predetermined position to its initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 135. Since the attachment portion 122 of the moving member 120 is engaged with the input portion 132, the moving member 120 is pulled up in the direction of the arrow D4 by the input portion 132.

The spring force of the third elastic member 148 is weaker than the magnetic force of the generator 19. As a result, when the transmission part 140 moves upward, the lower end part 145a of the second member 145 is pressed against the gear part 162a of the first wheel 162 and rotates in the clockwise direction. In other words, when the input part 132 returns from the specified position to the initial position, the second member 145 moves so as to retreat from the first wheel 162.

When the lower end 145a of the second member 145 passes over the gear portion 162 of the first wheel 162, the second member 145 rotates counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 148. As a result, the lower end 145a of the second member 145 is positioned within the tooth groove of the first wheel 162.

The abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150 also disengages from the side surface of the first member 142. This causes the locking portion 150 to rotate clockwise due to the biasing force of the fourth elastic member 158. As a result, the abutment portion 154 of the locking portion 150 enters below the first member 142, and the inclined portion 156 enters below the moving member 120. Then, the input portion 132 of the power generation module 100 returns to its initial position, and the power generation module 100 waits for the next input to the input portion 132.

When the input unit 132 moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b only needs to remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the wheel 160 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, when the input unit 132 moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the wheel 160 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

In the power generation module 100 according to the fifth embodiment, similar to the power generation module 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheel 160 and the rotor 19b do not rotate while the input unit 132 moves from the initial position to the specified position, so energy can be efficiently stored in the second elastic member 147. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate while the input unit 132 moves from the initial position to the specified position, so the cogging torque caused by the generator 19 can be suppressed. As a result, the operability of the remote control device 1 can be improved.

Here, when the input section 132 is pressed, the second elastic member 147 contracts and energy is stored. At this time, a reaction force (biasing force) of the second elastic member 147 acts on the abutment section 154 of the lock section 150. When the abutment section 154 moves in a direction away from the first member 142, this reaction force generates a frictional force between the abutment section 154 and the first member 142. Therefore, the operating force of the input section 132 (operation button 3) is the sum of the reaction force of the second elastic member 147 and the frictional force of the abutment section 154 of the lock section 150.

The distance from the mounting part 151, which serves as the pivot point, to the inclined surface 156a (locking part operation part) of the locking part 150 is longer than the distance from the mounting part 151 to the abutment part 154. In other words, the abutment part 154 is provided closer to the mounting part 151 (the pivot point side) than the inclined surface 156a. As a result, the distance that the abutment part 154 of the locking part 150 moves before releasing the restriction on the rotor 19b is shorter than the distance that the input part 132 moves from the initial position to the specified position.

In other words, due to the principle of leverage, the distance traveled by the contact portion 154 of the locking portion 150 until the restriction on rotation of the wheel 160 is released is shorter than the distance traveled by the input portion 132. As a result, when the operation button 3 is operated, the effect of the frictional force between the contact portion 154 of the locking portion 150 and the first member 142 of the transmission portion 140 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 140 collides with the bottom surface of the recess 124 of the moving member 120 during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 140 collides with the moving part (moving member 120) inside the main body unit 110 after the energy stored in the second elastic member 147 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 160). The main body unit 110 is covered with a cover. Since the transmission unit 140 collides with the moving part inside the main body unit 110, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 140 collides with the main body unit 110. This makes it possible to suppress the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The first elastic member 135 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable part (moving member 120 and rod part 130) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input part 132 is released. The first elastic member 135 (first return elastic member) connects the main body part 110 and the rod part 130. This allows the first elastic member 135 to return the movable part to its initial position after power generation. The first elastic member 135 can also absorb the collision energy when the transmission part 140 collides with the movable part.

The transmission unit 140 moves in the same direction as the movement direction of the movable unit. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 132, the moving member 120 moves downward. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 160 by the lock unit 150 is released, the transmission unit 140 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 147. In this case, the transmission unit 140 collides with the moving member 120 after rotating the wheel 160. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 140 can be released in the movement direction of the moving member 120 when the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 collide. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 140 may collide with the movable part while the movable part is moving. In other words, the rotation restriction of the wheel 160 by the lock unit 150 may be released while the movable part is moving. This allows the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 140 and the moving member 120 can be reduced.

The power generation module 100 further includes a second return elastic member (third elastic member 148) that returns the transmission part 140, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 160), to its original position when the input of energy to the input part 132 is released and the movable part (moving member 120 and rod part 130) returns to its original position. The third elastic member 148 returns the lower end part 145a of the transmission part 140, which has been pressed by the first wheel 162 and moved in a direction away from the first wheel 162, to between the teeth of the first wheel 162. This allows the third elastic member 148 to return the transmission part 140 to its original position after power generation.

In the first embodiment described above, the wheel 18 has six protrusions 18a1 to 18a6, and the wheel 18 rotates once in six power generation cycles. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of protrusions may be more or less than six. In other words, the number of protrusions and gears is set arbitrarily based on the size of the power generation module 10 and the amount of power generation required by the generator 19. The same applies to the second to fifth embodiments.

Figure 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transmission unit and the wheel according to a modified example of the present invention. Figure 36(a) shows a state in which the input unit 13a is in the initial position and the transmission unit 170 is not pressing the wheel 172. Figure 36(b) shows a state in which the transmission unit 170 presses the wheel 172 and generates electricity by rotating the wheel 172. Figure 36(c) shows a case in which the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, causing the transmission unit 170 to move. Figure 36(d) shows a state in which the input unit 13a returns to the initial position and the wheel 172 moves to the starting position due to the magnetic force of the generator 19.

In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the transmission unit 16 presses the wheel 18 to rotate the wheel 18 in the reverse direction when the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 36, the wheel 172 does not have to rotate in the reverse direction when the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position.

For example, if the contact surface 170a of the transmission unit 170 with the wheel 172 is formed vertically, as shown in Figures 36(b) and (c), when the input unit 13a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the transmission unit 170 slides along the wheel 172. That is, the wheel 172 is not pressed by the transmission unit 170. In other words, the transmission unit 170 does not cause the wheel 172 to rotate in the reverse direction. Then, as shown in Figure 36(d), when the transmission unit 170 comes off the wheel 172, the magnetic force of the generator moves the wheel 172 to the starting position.

Next, Figures 37 to 42 show a power generation module 200 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The power generation module 200 according to the sixth embodiment shows a case in which the movement distance of the input section 221a is different from the movement distance of the lock section 243. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 37 .

The main body 210 has a guide portion 211 that guides the movable member 220 so that it can slide, and an attachment portion 213 to which the rod-shaped body 240 is attached. In this example, the generator 19 is provided inside the main body 210. As shown in Figures 37 and 38, the generator 19 is covered by a cover 215. In this case, the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 protrudes forward from the cover 215.

The moving member 220 is attached to the guide portion 211 of the main body portion 210 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The moving member 220 has a first member 221 that moves along the guide portion 211, and a second member 223 that is rotatable relative to the first member 221. The first member 221 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the vertical direction. The first member 221 has an input portion 221a that protrudes from the main body portion 210.

The second member 223 has a recess 223a located in front of the first member 221. The recess 223a penetrates the second member 223 in the front-rear direction (thickness direction). A second elastic member 236, which will be described later, is provided in this recess 223a. The second member 223 is attached at its upper end to be rotatable relative to the first member 221 via a shaft portion 225. In other words, the upper end of the second member 223 is a rotatable fixed end, and the lower end is a free end.

A first elastic member 227 is provided between the first member 221 and the second member 223. The first elastic member 227 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft portion 225. One end of the first elastic member 227 is engaged with the first member 221, and the other end is engaged with the second member 223. The first elastic member 227 biases the second member 223 in a clockwise direction. The first elastic member 227 is a second return elastic member that returns the transmission portion 230, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 250), to its original position when the input of energy is released and the movable portion (moving member 220 and rod-shaped body 240) returns to its original position.

The transmission part 230 is located in front of the moving member 220 and is attached to the moving member 220 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The transmission part 230 has an attachment part 231 attached to the moving member 220 and an extension part 233 extending from the attachment part 231 toward the wheel 250 described below. The attachment part 231 has a receiving part 231a that supports the lower end side of the second elastic member 236. The receiving part 231a is located on the lower end side of the recess 223a of the second member 223.

The extension 233 has an abutment portion 234 that abuts against the protrusions 250a to 250h of the wheel 250. The abutment portion 234 is located between the protrusions of the wheel 250. The abutment portion 234 has a pressing surface 234a that presses against the protrusions 250a to 250h when the locking portion 243 described below is released, and an inclined surface 234b that is pressed against the protrusions 250a to 250h when the input to the input portion 221a is released.

A second elastic member 236 is provided between the second member 223 of the moving member 220 and the transmission unit 230. The second elastic member 236 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end side (upper end side) of the second elastic member 236 is supported on the upper surface of the recess 223a of the second member 223, and the other end side (lower end side) is supported on the receiving portion 231a of the transmission unit 230. As a result, the second elastic member 236 biases the transmission unit 230 downward. The second elastic member 236 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input portion 221a. The transmission unit 230 transmits the energy accumulated in the second elastic member 236 to the wheel 250.

The rod-shaped body 240 is attached to the attachment portion 213 of the main body 210 with the shaft portion 241 as a pivot point. The rod-shaped body 240 is located below the wheel 250 and the moving member 220 and extends in the left-right direction within the main body 210. The rod-shaped body 240 has a lock portion 243 that is located within adjacent protrusions 250a to 250h of the wheel 250 and restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by the transmission portion 230, and a lock portion operating portion 245 that abuts against the underside of the moving member 220. The moving member 220 and the rod-shaped body 240 are movable portions that move relative to the main body 210 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input portion 221a.

The locking portion 243 is located between the shaft portion 241 and the locking portion operating portion 245. While the input portion 221a moves from the initial position to a predetermined position, the locking portion 243 abuts against the protruding portions 250a to 250h of the wheel 250, restricting the rotation of the wheel 250. When the input portion 221a moves to the predetermined position, the locking portion 243 disengages from the protruding portions 250a to 250h of the wheel 250, and releases the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 250.

The locking section operation part 245 is the part that is pressed by the moving member 220. In other words, the locking section operation part 245 is the point of force for moving the locking section 243. The locking section operation part 245 abuts against the lower surface of the first member 221 of the moving member 220. When the locking section operation part 245 is pressed downward by the moving member 220, the rod-shaped body 240 rotates clockwise around the shaft part 241 as the rotation fulcrum. In other words, the locking section 243 and the locking section operation part 245 rotate around the same rotation fulcrum as the input part 221a moves.

A third elastic member 247 is provided between the rod-shaped body 240 and the main body 210. The third elastic member 247 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft 241. One end of the third elastic member 247 is engaged with the rod-shaped body 240, and the other end is engaged with the main body 210. The third elastic member 247 biases the rod-shaped body 240 in a counterclockwise direction. That is, when the input to the input portion 221a of the rod-shaped body 240 is released, the locking portion operating portion 245 presses the moving member 220 upward due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 247. In other words, the third elastic member 247 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable portion (moving member 220 and rod-shaped body 240) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input portion 221a is released. The third elastic member 247 (first return elastic member) connects the main body 210 and the rod-shaped body 240 that constitutes the movable part.

The wheel 250 is located inside the main body 210 and is attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. The wheel 250 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the wheel 250. This allows the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 to rotate when the wheel 250 is rotated. In other words, the wheel 250 and the rotating shaft 19c rotate together in the same direction. The wheel 250 rotates due to the pressure of the transmission section 230 caused by the energy (biasing force) of the second elastic member 236.

The wheel 250 has multiple protrusions 250a-250h (eight in this example) that radiate from the center. The wheel 250 rotates in a clockwise direction (forward rotation) when each of the protrusions 250a-250h is pressed against the abutment portion 234 of the transmission portion 230. The number of protrusions 250a-250h may be more or less than eight.

As shown in FIG. 37, while the input portion 221a is moving from the initial position to the predetermined position, the protrusion (in this example, the protrusion 250c) abuts against the lock portion 243. As a result, the lock portion 243 restricts the rotation of the wheel 250 in the clockwise direction (forward rotation).

Thus, the power generating module 200 according to the sixth embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input section.
FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.

First, as shown in FIG. 39, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input portion 221a is in the initial position, and the wheel 250 and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. Then, when the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input portion 221a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 40, a force F (operation force) acts on the input portion 221a, and the moving member 220 moves downward.

The input to the input portion 221a is transmitted to the transmission portion 230 via the second elastic member 236. The transmission portion 230 presses the protruding portion 250a of the wheel 250 with the abutting portion 234. At this time, the locking portion 243 of the rod-shaped body 240 abuts against the protruding portion 250c of the wheel 250, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel 250. As a result, the transmission portion 230 moves upward relative to the moving member 220 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 236. In other words, even if the input portion 221a is pressed and the moving member 220 moves downward, the transmission portion 230 does not move from its current position, and only the moving member 220 moves in the direction of the arrow E1 (downward). As a result, the second elastic member 236 is contracted and energy (spring force) is accumulated.

When the input portion 221a of the moving member 220 is pressed, it presses the locking portion operating portion 245 of the rod-shaped body 240 downward. This causes the rod-shaped body 240 to rotate clockwise around the shaft portion 241 as a pivot point. As the rod-shaped body 240 rotates, the locking portion 243 moves downward (in the direction of coming off the wheel 250).

As shown in FIG. 41, when a further force F acts on the input portion 221a and the input portion 221a moves to a predetermined position, the rod-shaped body 24 moves further downward, causing the lock portion 243 to disengage from the wheel 250. In other words, when the input portion 221a moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 250 is released. As a result, the transmission portion 230 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 236, causing the wheel 250 to rotate in the clockwise direction.

The wheel 250 rotates in the direction of the arrow E2 (clockwise), causing the rotor 19b of the generator 19 to rotate. This causes a current to flow through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19 (generating electricity).

As shown in FIG. 42, when the input to the input portion 221a is released, the rod-shaped body 240 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 241 as a pivot point due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 247. As a result, the locking portion operating portion 245 of the rod-shaped body 240 presses the moving member 220 in the direction of the arrow E3 (upward). That is, the input portion 221a is returned from a predetermined position to its initial position by the biasing force of the third elastic member 247. In addition, the locking portion 243 is inserted between the protrusions 250b and 250c of the wheel 250.

In this case, the inclined surface 234b of the contact portion 234 of the transmission portion 230 is pressed against the protruding portion 250h of the wheel 250. As a result, the transmission portion 230 and the second member 223 of the moving member 220 rotate in the direction of arrow E4 (counterclockwise direction) relative to the first member 221 against the biasing force of the first elastic member 227. When the contact portion 234 overcomes the protruding portion 250h of the wheel 250, the transmission portion 230 and the second member 223 rotate in the clockwise direction due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 227. As a result, the contact portion 234 is inserted between the protruding portion 250h and the protruding portion 250g of the wheel 250. Then, the input portion 221a of the power generation module 200 returns to the initial position and waits for the next input to the input portion 221a.

When the input section 221a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b only needs to remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the wheel 250 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, when the input section 221a moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the wheel 250 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

In the power generation module 200 according to the sixth embodiment, similar to the power generation module 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheel 250 and the rotor 19b are not rotated while the input section 221a moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, so that energy can be efficiently stored in the second elastic member 236. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate while the input section 221a moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, so that the cogging torque caused by the generator 19 can be suppressed. As a result, the operability of the remote control device 1 can be improved.

Here, when the input section 221a is pressed, the second elastic member 236 contracts and stores energy. At this time, a reaction force (biasing force) of the second elastic member 236 acts on the lock section 243. When the lock section 243 moves in a direction away from the wheel 250, this reaction force generates a frictional force between the lock section 243 and the wheel 250. Therefore, the operating force of the input section 221a (operation button 3) is the sum of the reaction force of the second elastic member 236 and the frictional force of the lock section 243.

As shown in FIG. 39, the rod-shaped body 240 has a locking portion 243 and a locking portion operating portion 245. The locking portion 243 and the locking portion operating portion 245 rotate about the same pivot point (shaft portion 241) in accordance with the movement of the input portion 221a. The distance L1 from the pivot point (shaft portion 241) to the locking portion operating portion 245 is longer than the distance L2 from the pivot point (shaft portion 241) to the locking portion 243.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 41, the distance L3 that the locking section 243 moves before releasing the restriction on the rotor 19b is shorter than the distance L4 that the input section 221a moves from the initial position to a predetermined position. The locking section operating section 245 is located directly below the input section 221a. Therefore, the movement distance of the locking section operating section 245 is the same as the movement distance L4 of the input section 221a.

The locking section 243 is provided closer to the pivot point than the locking section operating section 245. As a result, due to the principle of leverage, the rod-shaped body 240 has a shorter distance L3 until the locking section 243 releases the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 250 than the distance L4 that the input section 221a and the locking section operating section 245 move. As a result, the effect of the frictional force between the locking section 243 and the wheel 250 can be reduced when the operating button 3 is operated.

The transmission unit 230 collides with the bottom surface of the recess 223a of the moving member 220 during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 230 collides with the moving part (moving member 220) inside the main body unit 210 after the energy stored in the second elastic member 236 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 250). The main body unit 210 is covered with a cover. Since the transmission unit 230 collides with the moving part inside the main body unit 210, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 230 collides with the main body unit 210. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The third elastic member 247 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable part (moving member 220 and rod-shaped body 240) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input part 221a is released. The third elastic member 247 (first return elastic member) connects the main body part 210 and the rod-shaped body 240. This allows the movable part to be returned to its initial position by the third elastic member 247 after power generation. In addition, the third elastic member 247 can absorb the collision energy when the transmission part 230 collides with the movable part.

The transmission unit 230 moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the movable unit. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 221a, the moving member 220 and the rod-shaped body 240 move downward together. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 250 by the lock unit 243 is released, the transmission unit 230 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 236. In this case, the transmission unit 230 collides with the moving member 220 constituting the movable unit after rotating the wheel 250. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 230 and the moving member 220 are the same direction (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 230 can be released in the movement direction of the moving member 220 when the transmission unit 230 and the moving member 220 collide with each other. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 230 and the moving member 220 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 230 may collide with the movable unit while the movable unit is moving. In other words, the rotation restriction of the wheel 250 by the lock unit 243 may be released while the movable unit (moving member 220) is moving. This allows the transmission unit 230 and the movable unit to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 230 and the movable unit is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 230 and the movable unit can be reduced.

The power generation module 200 further includes a second return elastic member (first elastic member 227) that returns the transmission unit 230, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 250), to its original position when the input of energy to the input unit 221a is released and the movable unit (moving member 220 and rod-shaped body 240) returns to its original position. The transmission unit 230 moves in a direction away from the wheel 250 together with the second member 223. The first elastic member 227 returns the abutment portion 234 of the transmission unit 230, which has been pressed by the wheel 250 and moved in a direction away from the wheel 250, to between the protruding portions of the wheel 250. This allows the first elastic member 227 to return the transmission unit 230 to its original position after power generation.

Next, Figures 43 to 48 show a power generation module 300 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The power generation module 300 according to the seventh embodiment shows a case in which the movement distance of the input section 342 is different from the movement distance of the lock section 343. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing a power generation module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view showing the power generation module in FIG. 43 .

The main body 310 has a guide portion 311 that guides the movable member 320 so that it can slide, and an attachment portion 313 to which the plate-shaped body 340 is attached. In this example, the generator 19 is provided inside the main body 310. As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the generator 19 is covered by a cover 315. In this case, the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 protrudes forward from the cover 315.

The moving member 320 is attached to the guide portion 311 of the main body portion 310 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The moving member 320 moves along the guide portion 311. The moving member 320 is attached to the upper end side so as to be rotatable relative to the plate-like body 340 described below via the shaft portion 325. The moving member 320 has a recess 320a. A second elastic member 336 described below is provided in this recess 320a.

A first elastic member 327 is provided between the moving member 320 and the plate-like body 340. The first elastic member 327 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft portion 325. One end of the first elastic member 327 is engaged with the moving member 320, and the other end is engaged with the plate-like body 340. The first elastic member 327 biases the moving member 320 in a clockwise direction. The first elastic member 327 is a second return elastic member that returns the transmission portion 330, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 350), to its original position when the input of energy is released and the movable portion (moving member 320 and plate-like body 340) returns to its original position.

The transmission unit 330 is located in front of the moving member 320 and is attached to the moving member 320 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The transmission unit 330 has an attachment portion 331 attached to the moving member 320 and an extension portion 333 extending from the attachment portion 331 toward the wheel 350 described below. The attachment portion 331 has a receiving portion 331a that supports the lower end side of the second elastic member 336. The receiving portion 331a is located on the lower end side of the recess 320a of the moving member 320.

The extension 333 has an abutment portion 334 that abuts against the protrusions 350a to 350h of the wheel 350. The abutment portion 334 is located between the protrusions of the wheel 350. The abutment portion 334 has a pressing surface 334a that presses against the protrusions 350a to 350h when the locking portion 343 described below is released, and an inclined surface 334b that is pressed against the protrusions 350a to 350h when the input to the input portion 342 is released.

A second elastic member 336 is provided between the moving member 320 and the transmission unit 330. The second elastic member 336 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end side (upper end side) of the second elastic member 336 is supported on the upper surface of the recess 320a of the moving member 320, and the other end side (lower end side) is supported on the receiving portion 331a of the transmission unit 330. As a result, the second elastic member 336 biases the transmission unit 330 downward. The second elastic member 336 is an elastic member that accumulates the energy of the force input to the input portion 342. The transmission unit 330 transmits the energy accumulated in the second elastic member 336 to the wheel 350.

The plate-shaped body 340 is attached to the mounting portion 313 of the main body 310 with the shaft portion 341 as a pivot point. The plate-shaped body 340 is formed in a C-shape that surrounds the wheel 350. The plate-shaped body 340 has an input portion 342 that is pressed by the link mechanism 4, and a lock portion 343 that is located within the adjacent protrusions 350a to 350h of the wheel 350 and restricts the rotation of the rotor 19b by the transmission portion 330. The moving member 320 and the plate-shaped body 340 are movable portions that move relative to the main body 310 when an operating force (energy) is input to the input portion 342.

The input section 342 protrudes from the main body section 310. The moving member 320 is attached below the input section 342. The plate-shaped body 340 extends from the input section 342 downward from the moving member 320 so as to surround the periphery of the wheel 350. The input section 342 also serves as a lock section operating section, which is a point of force for moving the lock section 343. When the input section 342 (lock section operating section) is pressed by the link mechanism 4, the plate-shaped body 340 rotates clockwise around the shaft section 341 as a rotation fulcrum. In other words, the input section 342 and the lock section 343 rotate around the same rotation fulcrum.

A third elastic member 347 is provided between the plate-shaped body 340 and the main body 310. The third elastic member 347 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and is wound around the outer periphery of the shaft 341. One end of the third elastic member 347 is engaged with the plate-shaped body 340, and the other end is engaged with the main body 310. The third elastic member 347 biases the plate-shaped body 340 in a counterclockwise direction. That is, when the input to the input section 342 is released, the plate-shaped body 340 pulls up the moving member 320 due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 347. In other words, the third elastic member 347 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable part (moving member 320 and plate-shaped body 340) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input section 342 is released. The third elastic member 347 (first return elastic member) connects the main body 310 and the plate-shaped body 340 that constitutes the movable part.

The wheel 350 is located inside the main body 310 and is attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19. The wheel 350 constitutes the rotating member of the present invention. The rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 is attached to the center of the wheel 350. This allows the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19 to rotate when the wheel 350 is rotated. In other words, the wheel 350 and the rotating shaft 19c rotate together in the same direction. The wheel 350 rotates due to the pressure of the transmission section 330 caused by the energy (biasing force) of the second elastic member 336.

The wheel 350 has multiple protrusions 350a-350h (eight in this example) that radiate from the center. The wheel 350 rotates in a clockwise direction (forward rotation) when each of the protrusions 350a-350h is pressed against the abutment portion 334 of the transmission portion 330. The number of protrusions 350a-350h may be more or less than eight.

As shown in FIG. 43, while the input portion 342 is moving from the initial position to the predetermined position, the protrusion (in this example, protrusion 350e) abuts against the lock portion 343. As a result, the lock portion 343 restricts the rotation of the wheel 350 in the clockwise direction (forward rotation).

Thus, the power generating module 300 according to the seventh embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Next, the operation of the power generating module 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when no input is being made to the input section.
FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when an input is made to the input unit.
FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the generator generates power.
FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the input to the input unit is released.

First, as shown in FIG. 45, when the operation button 3 is not operated, the input unit 342 is in the initial position, and the wheel 350 and the rotor 19b are in the starting position. Then, when the operation button 3 is operated, the link mechanism 4 presses the input unit 342. As a result, as shown in FIG. 46, a force F (operation force) acts on the input unit 342, and the plate-shaped body 340 rotates in the direction of the arrow G1 (clockwise direction) with the shaft unit 341 as the rotation fulcrum. Also, the moving member 320 moves downward while tilting in the direction of the arrow G2.

The input to the input section 342 is transmitted to the transmission section 330 via the second elastic member 336. The transmission section 330 presses the protruding section 350a of the wheel 350 with the abutting section 334. At this time, the locking section 343 of the plate-shaped body 340 abuts against the protruding section 350e of the wheel 350, thereby restricting the rotation of the wheel 350. As a result, the transmission section 330 moves upward relative to the moving member 320 against the biasing force of the second elastic member 336. That is, even if the input section 342 is pressed and the moving member 320 moves downward, the transmission section 330 does not move downward, and only the moving member 320 moves downward. As a result, the second elastic member 336 is contracted and energy (spring force) is accumulated. In addition, the locking section 343 moves in a direction away from the wheel 350 as the plate-shaped body 340 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 47, when a further force F acts on the input portion 342 and the input portion 342 moves to a predetermined position, the plate-shaped body 340 rotates further, causing the lock portion 343 to disengage from the wheel 350. In other words, when the input portion 342 moves to a predetermined position, the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 350 is released. As a result, the transmission portion 330 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 336, causing the wheel 350 to rotate in a clockwise direction.

The wheel 350 rotates in the direction of the arrow G3 (clockwise), causing the rotor 19b of the generator 19 to rotate. This causes a current to flow through the coil 19a2 of the generator 19 (generating electricity).

As shown in FIG. 48, when the input to the input portion 342 is released, the plate-shaped body 340 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 341 as a pivot point due to the biasing force of the third elastic member 347. As a result, the input portion 342 of the plate-shaped body 340 returns to its initial position from a predetermined position, and the moving member 320 is pulled up. In addition, the locking portion 343 is inserted between the protrusions 350d and 350e of the wheel 350.

In this case, the inclined surface 334b of the contact portion 334 of the transmission portion 330 is pressed against the protrusion 350h of the wheel 350. As a result, the transmission portion 330 and the moving member 320 rotate in the direction of arrow G4 (counterclockwise direction) against the biasing force of the first elastic member 327. When the contact portion 334 overcomes the protrusion 350h of the wheel 350, the transmission portion 330 and the moving member 320 rotate in the clockwise direction due to the biasing force of the first elastic member 327. As a result, the contact portion 334 is inserted between the protrusions 350h and 350g of the wheel 350. Then, the input portion 342 of the power generation module 300 returns to the initial position and waits for the next input to the input portion 342.

When the input unit 342 moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor 19b only needs to remain at the current pole and maintain a state in which it does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, the wheel 350 and the rotor 19b are allowed to move (rotate) within a range in which the rotor 19b does not move to an adjacent pole. In other words, when the input unit 342 moves from a predetermined position to the initial position, the wheel 350 and the rotor 19b may rotate slightly in the opposite direction.

In the power generation module 300 according to the seventh embodiment, similar to the power generation module 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheel 350 and the rotor 19b are not rotated while the input unit 342 moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, so energy can be efficiently stored in the second elastic member 336. In addition, the rotor 19b of the generator 19 does not rotate while the input unit 342 moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, so the cogging torque caused by the generator 19 can be suppressed. As a result, the operability of the remote control device 1 can be improved.

Here, when the input section 342 is pressed, the second elastic member 336 contracts and stores energy. At this time, a reaction force (biasing force) of the second elastic member 336 acts on the lock section 343. When the lock section 343 moves in a direction away from the wheel 350, this reaction force generates a frictional force between the lock section 343 and the wheel 350. Therefore, the operating force of the input section 342 (operation button 3) is the sum of the reaction force of the second elastic member 336 and the frictional force of the lock section 343.

As shown in FIG. 45, the plate-shaped body 340 has a locking section 343 and a locking section operation section (input section 342). The locking section 343 and the locking section operation section rotate about the same pivot point (shaft section 341) as the input section 342 moves. The distance L5 from the pivot point (shaft section 341) to the locking section operation section (input section 342) is longer than the distance L6 from the pivot point (shaft section 341) to the locking section 343.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 47, the distance L7 that the locking portion 343 moves before releasing the restriction on the rotor 19b is shorter than the distance L8 that the input portion 342 moves from the initial position to the specified position.

The locking section 343 is provided closer to the pivot point than the locking section operation section. As a result, due to the principle of leverage, the plate-shaped body 340 has a shorter distance L7 until the locking section 343 releases the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 350 than the distance L8 that the locking section operation section (input section 342) moves. As a result, the effect of friction between the locking section 343 and the wheel 350 can be reduced when the operation button 3 is operated.

The transmission unit 330 collides with the bottom surface of the recess 320a of the moving member 320 during power generation. That is, the transmission unit 330 collides with the moving part (moving member 320) inside the main body unit 310 after the energy stored in the second elastic member 336 is released to rotate the rotating member (wheel 350). The main body unit 310 is covered with a cover. Since the transmission unit 330 collides with the moving part inside the main body unit 310, the collision sound can be reduced compared to when the transmission unit 330 collides with the main body unit 310. This makes it possible to suppress the user from feeling uncomfortable due to abnormal sounds.

The third elastic member 347 is a first return elastic member that returns the movable part (moving member 320 and plate-like body 340) to its original position when the energy (input) to the input part 342 is released. The third elastic member 347 (first return elastic member) connects the main body part 310 and the plate-like body 340. This allows the movable part to be returned to its initial position by the third elastic member 347 after power generation. In addition, the third elastic member 347 can absorb the collision energy when the transmission part 330 collides with the movable part.

The transmission unit 330 moves in the same direction as the moving member 320 constituting the movable part. That is, when a force F acts on the input unit 342, the moving member 320 moves downward. Then, when the rotation restriction of the wheel 350 by the lock unit 343 is released, the transmission unit 330 moves downward due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 336. In this case, the transmission unit 330 collides with the moving member 320 constituting the movable part after rotating the wheel 350. In this way, since the movement directions of the transmission unit 330 and the moving member 320 are the same (downward), the collision energy of the transmission unit 330 can be released in the moving direction of the moving member 320 when the transmission unit 330 and the moving member 320 collide with each other. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 330 and the moving member 320 can be reduced.

The transmission unit 330 may collide with the movable unit while the movable unit is moving. In other words, the rotation restriction of the wheel 350 by the lock unit 343 may be released while the movable unit (moving member 320) is moving. This allows the transmission unit 330 and the movable unit to collide with each other when the relative speed between the transmission unit 330 and the movable unit is low. Therefore, the collision sound between the transmission unit 330 and the movable unit can be reduced.

The power generation module 300 further includes a second return elastic member (first elastic member 327) that returns the transmission unit 330, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member (wheel 350), to its original position when the input of energy to the input unit 342 is released and the movable unit (moving member 320 and plate-shaped body 340) returns to its original position. The transmission unit 330 moves in a direction away from the wheel 350 together with the moving member 320. The first elastic member 327 returns the abutment portion 334 of the transmission unit 330, which has been pressed by the wheel 350 and moved in a direction away from the wheel 350, to between the protruding portions of the wheel 350. This allows the first elastic member 327 to return the transmission unit 330 to its original position after power generation.

In the above-mentioned third embodiment, an example was described in which the rotor 19b of the generator 19 is maintained in a non-rotating state when the input portion 43a returns from a predetermined position to the initial position by using the block body 65 and the third elastic member 67 of the second wheel 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the retraction portion 75 shown in the fourth embodiment may be used instead of the block body 65 and the third elastic member 67. In other words, the cylindrical portion 61 of the second wheel 60 may be attached to the rotating shaft 19c of the generator 19, and the retraction portion 75 shown in the fourth embodiment may be used.

In the above embodiment, the rotating member is a wheel. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotating member may be a member that converts piston motion into rotational motion, such as in a reciprocating engine. In other words, the rotating member may be any mechanism that can rotate the rotor of the generator.

In the above-described embodiment, the power generation module 10, 20, 40, 70, 100, 200, 300 is applied to the remote control device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power generation module according to the present invention may be applied to an IoT device. Examples of IoT devices include a sensor provided in the IoT device, a transmission means for transmitting the state of the IoT device, and a notification means for notifying the state of the sensor provided in the IoT device. More specifically, there are devices in which the power generation module generates power when a door is opened or closed, the open/closed state of the door is detected by a sensor, and the open/closed state is notified/transmitted to a user or a manager by the transmission means or the notification means. In addition, there are devices in which, when a user uses a paper roll holder, the user rotates the paper roll, and the power generation module generates power in accordance with the rotation, thereby notifying/transmitting the presence or absence of paper to a manager.

The embodiment may include the following features.
(Configuration 1)
An input unit;
an elastic member capable of accumulating energy input to the input portion;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
While the input portion moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, the lock portion restricts the rotation of the rotor, thereby storing energy in the elastic member,
A power generation module characterized in that, when the input portion moves to the specified position, the restriction on the rotor by the lock portion is released, and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member.
(Configuration 2)
When the input unit moves from the predetermined position to the initial position,
The power generating module according to configuration 1, characterized in that the rotor and the rotating member are moved to a starting position by a magnetic force of the generator.
(Configuration 3)
The power generating module of configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to the adjacent pole when the input portion moves from the specified position to the initial position.
(Configuration 4)
The rotating member is
A first wheel rotated by the transmission unit;
A second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor;
having
When the input unit has moved to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel,
A power generating module described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the input portion moves from the specified position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole.
(Configuration 5)
The rotating member is
A first wheel rotated by the transmission unit;
A second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor;
having
The first wheel has a disk portion and a gear portion provided on the disk portion,
the second wheel has a cylindrical portion, a gear portion provided on the cylindrical portion and meshing with the gear portion of the first wheel, and a block body provided movably inside the cylindrical portion and attached to a rotation shaft of the generator,
When the input unit has moved to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel,
A power generating module described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the input portion moves from the specified position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole.
(Configuration 6)
A power generation module described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a retraction section that retracts the transmission section from the rotating member while maintaining a state in which the rotor remains at its current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole when the input section moves from the specified position to the initial position.
(Configuration 7)
The power generation module described in configuration 1, characterized in that the distance traveled by the lock portion before releasing the restriction on the rotor is shorter than the distance traveled by the input portion from the initial position to the specified position.
(Configuration 8)
A lock unit operating portion that serves as a force point for moving the lock unit,
the lock portion and the lock portion operation portion rotate about the same rotation fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the input portion,
The power generating module according to configuration 1, wherein a distance from the pivot point to the lock section operation section is longer than a distance from the pivot point to the lock section.
(Configuration 9)
Case and
An operation button provided on the case;
A link mechanism that moves in response to the operation of the operation button;
A power generation module according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, connected to the link mechanism;
A remote control device comprising:
(Configuration 10)
A main body portion,
a movable portion that moves relative to the main body portion when energy is input thereto;
An elastic member capable of storing input energy;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
A power generation module, characterized in that the transmission part collides with the movable part inside the main body part after energy stored in the elastic member is released to rotate the rotating member.
(Configuration 11)
a first return elastic member that returns the movable portion to its original position when the input of energy is released,
The power generating module according to configuration 10, wherein the first return elastic member connects the main body portion and the movable portion.
(Configuration 12)
The power generating module according to configuration 10 or 11, wherein the transmission part moves in the same direction as the moving part.
(Configuration 13)
The power generating module according to configuration 12, wherein the transmission part collides with the movable part while the movable part is moving.
(Configuration 14)
A power generation module described in any one of configurations 10 to 13, further comprising a second return elastic member that returns the transmission part, which has moved in a direction away from the rotating member, to its original position when the input of energy is released and the movable part returns to its original position.
(Configuration 15)
Case and
An operation button provided on the case;
A link mechanism that moves in response to the operation of the operation button;
A power generation module according to any one of configurations 10 to 14, connected to the link mechanism;
A remote control device comprising:

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, and arrangement of each element of the power generation module and remote control device are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, each element of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 remote control device 2 case 3 operation button 4 link mechanism 10 power generation module 12 main body 13 moving member (movable part)
13a: input portion 13c: lock portion 14: first elastic member 16: transmission portion 17: second elastic member 18: wheel (rotating member)
18a1 to 18a6 protrusions 19 generator 19a stator 19b rotor 19c rotating shaft 20 power generation module 21 wheel (rotating member)
22 First wheel 23a to 23f First protrusions 24a to 24f Second protrusions 30 Second wheel 31 to 36 Protruding portion 39 Third elastic member 40 Power generation module 41 Main body portion 43 Moving member (movable portion)
43a: input portion 43c: lock portion 45: transmission portion 47: second elastic member 50: wheel (rotating member)
52 First wheel 53 Disc portion 54a to 54f Protruding portion 55 Gear portion 60 Second wheel 61 Cylindrical portion 63 Gear portion 65 Block body 67 Third elastic member 70 Power generation module 72 Moving member (movable portion)
72a: input portion; 72c: lock portion; 75: retraction portion (movable portion)
77 Second elastic member 80 Transmission part 85 Third elastic member 90 Wheel (rotating member)
91a to 91f: protrusions 100: power generation module 120: moving member (movable part)
130 Rod part (movable part)
132 Input portion 140 Transmission portion 147 Second elastic member 150 Lock portion 160 Wheel (rotating member)
170 Transmission part 172 Wheel (rotating member)
200 Power generation module 220 Moving member (moving part)
221a Input section 230 Transmission section 236 Second elastic member 240 Rod-shaped body (movable section)
241 Axis (rotation fulcrum)
243 Locking portion 245 Locking portion operating portion 250 Wheel (rotating member)
300 Power generation module 320 Moving member (moving part)
330 Transmission part 336 Second elastic member 340 Plate-shaped body (movable part)
341 Axis (rotation fulcrum)
342 Input section (lock section operation section)
343 Locking portion 350 Wheel (rotating member)

Claims (14)

An input unit;
an elastic member capable of accumulating energy input to the input portion;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
While the input portion moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, the lock portion restricts the rotation of the rotor, thereby storing energy in the elastic member,
When the input portion moves to the predetermined position, the restriction on the rotor by the lock portion is released, and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member .
When the input unit moves from the predetermined position to the initial position,
A power generating module, characterized in that the rotor and the rotating member are moved to a starting position by the magnetic force of the generator . An input unit;
an elastic member capable of accumulating energy input to the input portion;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
While the input portion moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, the lock portion restricts the rotation of the rotor, thereby storing energy in the elastic member,
When the input portion moves to the predetermined position, the restriction on the rotor by the lock portion is released, and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member .
A power generating module, characterized in that the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole when the input portion moves from the specified position to the initial position . An input unit;
an elastic member capable of accumulating energy input to the input portion;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
While the input portion moves from the initial position to the predetermined position, the lock portion restricts the rotation of the rotor, thereby storing energy in the elastic member,
When the input portion moves to the predetermined position, the restriction on the rotor by the lock portion is released, and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member .
A lock unit operating portion that serves as a force point for moving the lock unit,
the lock portion and the lock portion operation portion rotate about the same rotation fulcrum in accordance with the movement of the input portion,
A power generation module, characterized in that the distance from the pivot point to the lock section operation section is longer than the distance from the pivot point to the lock section . The rotating member is
A first wheel rotated by the transmission unit;
A second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor;
having
When the input unit has moved to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel,
The power generating module according to claim 2 , characterized in that when the input portion moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole. The rotating member is
A first wheel rotated by the transmission unit;
A second wheel that transmits the rotation of the first wheel to the rotor;
having
The first wheel has a disk portion and a gear portion provided on the disk portion,
the second wheel has a cylindrical portion, a gear portion provided on the cylindrical portion and meshing with the gear portion of the first wheel, and a block body provided movably inside the cylindrical portion and attached to a rotation shaft of the generator,
When the input unit has moved to the predetermined position, the transmission unit rotates the second wheel and the rotor via the first wheel,
The power generating module according to claim 2 , characterized in that when the input portion moves from the predetermined position to the initial position, the rotor remains at the current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole. The power generation module described in claim 2, further comprising a retraction portion that retracts the transmission portion from the rotating member while maintaining a state in which the rotor remains at a current pole and does not move to an adjacent pole when the input portion moves from the specified position to the initial position. The power generation module described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distance that the locking portion moves before releasing the restriction on the rotor is shorter than the distance that the input portion moves from the initial position to the specified position. Case and
An operation button provided on the case;
A link mechanism that moves in response to the operation of the operation button;
A power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , which is connected to the link mechanism;
A remote control device comprising: A main body portion,
a movable portion that moves relative to the main body portion when energy is input thereto;
An elastic member capable of storing input energy;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating a rotor;
A rotating member that rotates the rotor;
a transmission unit that transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotating member;
a lock portion that restricts the rotation of the rotor by the transmission portion;
Equipped with
A power generation module, characterized in that the transmission part collides with the movable part inside the main body part after energy stored in the elastic member is released to rotate the rotating member. a first return elastic member that returns the movable portion to its original position when the input of energy is released,
The power generating module according to claim 9 , wherein the first returning elastic member connects the main body portion and the movable portion. The power generating module according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the transmission part moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the movable part. The power generating module according to claim 11 , wherein the transmission part collides with the movable part while the movable part is moving. The power generation module as described in claim 9, further comprising a second return elastic member that returns the transmission part that has moved in a direction away from the rotating member to its original position when the input of energy is released and the movable part returns to its original position. Case and
An operation button provided on the case;
A link mechanism that moves in response to the operation of the operation button;
A power generation module according to claim 9 connected to the link mechanism;
A remote control device comprising:

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