Energy converting device

摘要

PCT No. PCT/JP86/00418 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 2, 1987 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 2, 1987 PCT Filed Aug. 14, 1986 PCT Pub. No. WO87/01249 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 26, 1987.An energy converting device utilizes a plurality of variable capacitors each having a pair of electrodes and arranged at a predetermined spacing. An actuator is arranged to be slidable relative to the electrodes in the sliding direction. The actuator has a dielectric permittivity that varies periodically in the sliding direction to change the capacitance of the capacitors, during the sliding movement. A detector detects the position of capacitors relative to the actuator and a controller operates to charge or discharge the capacitors via the electrodes according to the detection of the capacitor position. The movement of the actuator produces a change in capacitance due to the displacement relative to the capacitors, and by charging/discharging the capacitors at a predetermined timing, electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be converted into mechanical energy or vice versa.