Power generation device

Abstract

To provide a power generation device capable of stabilizing power output of a generator with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A power generation device 10 comprises: a weight 12 which generates energy of position due to gravity; a weight support section 14 which supports the weight 12 so that the same can be moved up and down; a rotation section 16 which is rotated along with up-and-down movement of the weight 12; a generator 18 which converts energy of rotation of the rotation section 16 to electric energy; and a drive section 22. The drive section 22 suppresses rotation of the rotation section 16 in a positive direction along with downward movement of the weight 12 with a worm gear 48 and allows the rotation section 16 to rotate in the positive direction at a constant rotation speed through rotation force of a drive motor 46. The weight 12 is connected to a linear member 30 wound around a pulley 28 of the weight support section 14. The pulley 28 is rotated in the positive direction with the downward movement of the weight 12 by gravity, and the rotation force of the rotation section 16 is applied to the generator 18. Because the rotation section 16 is rotated at a constantly low rotation speed with the drive section 22, power output of the generator 18 can be stabilized for a long period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device that generates electricity by utilizing the potential energy of an object.

Background Art

[0002] The drive device for power generation disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is an example of a conventional power generation device that generates electricity by utilizing the potential energy due to the elastic force of a spring. This drive device for power generation includes a spring, a rotation amplification device that is rotationally driven by the elastic force of the spring, a generator connected to the rotation axis of the final-stage gear of the rotation amplification device, a worm gear meshed with the final-stage gear of the rotation amplification device, and a motor that rotates the worm gear. When the restoring force of the spring is input to the rotation amplification device, the final-stage gear is rotated, and the rotational force is applied to the generator to generate electricity. At this time, since the final-stage gear is rotated at a speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the worm gear, the rotation speed of the final-stage gear can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the worm gear, and the power generation output of the generator can be controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, the drive device for power generation disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the power generation output of the generator is not stable because the restoring force of the spring is applied to the rotation amplification device. That is, the restoring force of the spring is maximum when it is tightly wound, and decreases as the state is released, so there is a problem that the power generation output of the generator gradually decreases with the passage of time. Further, when a special mechanism is incorporated to solve this problem, the manufacturing cost may increase.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power generation device capable of stabilizing the power generation output of a generator with a simple configuration.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a power generation device according to the present invention is characterized by including a weight that generates potential energy due to gravity, a weight support portion that supports the weight so as to be movable up and down, a rotating portion that is rotated in conjunction with the up and down movement of the weight, a generator that converts the rotational energy of the rotating portion into electrical energy, and a drive portion having a drive motor, the drive portion rotating the rotating portion in the forward direction at a constant rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor while suppressing the forward rotation of the rotating portion accompanying the descent of the weight.

[0007] In this configuration, since the rotating portion is rotated by the gravity acting on the weight, the rotational force of the rotating portion can be kept constant without requiring a special mechanism. Further, the drive portion rotates the rotating portion in the forward direction at a constant rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor while suppressing the forward rotation of the rotating portion accompanying the descent of the weight, so that the generator can be operated at a constant rotational speed for a long time. Therefore, the power generation output of the generator can be stabilized with a simple configuration for a long time.

[0008] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the drive portion includes a worm wheel that is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating portion, and a worm gear that is engaged with the worm wheel and rotated by the drive motor.

[0009] In this configuration, it is possible to transmit the rotational force of the worm gear to the worm wheel, but it is not possible to transmit the rotational force of the worm wheel to the worm gear. Therefore, it is possible to make the worm gear function as a stopper for the rotational operation of the rotating portion, and the rotational speed of the rotating portion can be easily suppressed. Further, by stopping the rotation of the worm gear, the rotation of the rotating portion can be stopped, so that it is possible to prevent the weight in the power generation stop state from descending due to gravity.

[0010] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the drive unit is configured to apply a rotational force in the reverse direction to the rotating unit when raising the weight.

[0011] With this configuration, the weight can be raised by rotating the rotating unit in the reverse direction by the drive unit, so there is no need to provide a special mechanism for raising the weight, and it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0012] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the rotating unit has a clutch that allows transmission of the rotational force to the generator during rotation in the forward direction and blocks transmission of the rotational force to the generator during rotation in the reverse direction.

[0013] With this configuration, when raising the weight with the rotational force of the drive motor, the transmission of the rotational force from the rotating unit to the generator can be blocked, so the burden on the drive motor can be reduced and the weight can be raised efficiently.

[0014] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that it includes a capacitor that stores the power generated by the generator and supplies the stored power to the drive motor.

[0015] With this configuration, the power generated by the generator can be effectively utilized as the power source for the drive motor.

[0016] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the weight support portion has a pulley that inputs a rotational force to the rotating unit and a linear member wound around the pulley, and the weight is connected to the linear member.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to raise and lower the weight with a simple mechanism using a pulley and a linear member (such as a wire or a string), and the weight support portion can be manufactured at low cost.

[0018] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the weight support portion includes a pinion that inputs a rotational force to the rotating portion, and a rack that is engaged with the pinion and configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the pinion, and the weight is provided on the rack.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to raise and lower the weight using a simple mechanism using a rack and a pinion, and the weight support portion can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, since there is no risk of twisting or cutting like a linear member, it can be stably used for a long time.

[0020] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that two of the racks are integrally formed facing each other, and two of the pinions are provided facing each other with the two racks interposed therebetween.

[0021] With this configuration, since two racks integrally formed facing each other are arranged between two pinions, the lifting and lowering operations of the two racks can be stabilized. In addition, even if one rack or one pinion is damaged, as long as the other rack or the other pinion operates, the rotating portion can be rotated, so that the operating stability can be enhanced.

[0022] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the weight includes a plurality of weight pieces and a housing portion that constitutes a housing space for housing the plurality of weight pieces.

[0023] With this configuration, the weight of the weight can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of weight pieces housed in the housing space.

[0024] Another feature of the power generation device according to the present invention is that the weight includes at least one selected from the group consisting of metal, stone, ceramic, earth, concrete, and water.

[0025] With this configuration, the weight can be manufactured at low cost by appropriately selecting easily available materials.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the power generation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] (Configuration of the Power Generation Device According to the First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the power generation device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view with a partial cross-section showing the configuration of the weight support portion 14 in the power generation device 10.

[0029] The power generation device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a device that generates electricity by utilizing the potential energy due to the gravity acting on the weight 12, and is used in a state where it is installed at a location where a height difference such as a building or a mountain can be secured. That is, when the weight 12 is lifted to a high place such as a building or a mountain, potential energy due to gravity is generated, and when this weight 12 descends to a low place, the potential energy due to gravity is converted into electrical energy and taken out as power generation output.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, the power generation device 10 includes a weight 12 that generates potential energy due to gravity, a weight support portion 14 that supports the weight 12 so as to be movable up and down, a rotating portion 16 that is rotated in conjunction with the up and down movement of the weight 12, a generator 18, a capacitor 20, and a driving portion 22.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the weight 12 is a member formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape from a metal such as iron, and a plurality of guide rollers 24 having a rotating shaft (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction are provided on two side surfaces 12a and 12b located on opposite sides of the weight 12.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the weight support portion 14 has a guide portion 26 that guides the up and down movement of the weight 12, a pulley 28 that inputs a rotational force to the rotating portion 16 (Fig. 1), and a linear member 30 wound around the pulley 28.

[0033] The guide portion 26 is a box-shaped member that constitutes a housing space S for housing the weight 12, and guide surfaces 26a and 26b that come into contact with the guide rollers 24 provided on the weight 12 are provided on the inner surface of the guide portion 26. The pulley 28 is a member that serves as an input portion of the rotating portion 16 (Fig. 1), and is attached to a rotating shaft 32 extending in the horizontal direction above the guide portion 26. That is, the pulley 28 is a component of the weight support portion 14 and at the same time is also a component of the rotating portion 16.

[0034] The linear member 30 is a member that transmits the gravitational force acting on the weight 12 to the pulley 28 by suspending the weight 12 while being wound around the pulley 28. The linear member 30 of the present embodiment is a wire rope made of metal. One end of the linear member 30 is connected to the pulley 28, and the other end of the linear member 30 is connected to the weight 12. Note that the type of the linear member 30 is not limited to a wire rope made of metal, and for example, a string made of synthetic resin may be used.

[0035] The rotating part 16 shown in FIG. 1 is a part that converts the potential energy due to the gravitational force acting on the weight 12 into rotational energy, and includes the pulley 28 and the rotating shaft 32, a first spur gear 34 attached to the rotating shaft 32, and a second spur gear 36 meshed with the first spur gear 34.

[0036] The pulley 28 and the rotating shaft 32 are rotated in conjunction with the ascending and descending movements of the weight 12. That is, when the weight 12 descends, the pulley 28 and the rotating shaft 32 are rotated in the forward direction, and when the weight 12 ascends, the pulley 28 and the rotating shaft 32 are rotated in the reverse direction.

[0037] The first spur gear 34 incorporates a clutch 38 that allows the transmission of the rotational force to the generator 18 during forward rotation and blocks the transmission of the rotational force to the generator 18 during reverse rotation. That is, the first spur gear 34 of the present embodiment is a spur gear incorporating a one-way clutch. Therefore, when the weight 12 descends, the rotational force of the rotating part 16 is transmitted to the generator 18, but when the weight 12 ascends, the rotational force of the rotating part 16 is not transmitted to the generator 18.

[0038] The second spur gear 36 is a speed-increasing gear that increases the rotational force of the first spur gear 34 and transmits it to the generator 18, and the number of teeth of the second spur gear 36 is determined to be less than the number of teeth of the first spur gear 34.

[0039] The generator 18 shown in FIG. 1 is an electrical device that converts the rotational energy of the rotating part 16 into electrical energy, and includes a housing 40, a stator (not shown) attached to the housing 40, a rotating shaft 42, a rotor (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft 42, and output terminals 44. In the present embodiment, the second spur gear 36 is attached to the rotating shaft 42 of the generator 18.

[0040] The capacitor 20 is an electrical device that stores the electric power generated by the generator 18 and supplies the stored electric power to the drive motor 46, and is electrically connected to the generator 18 and the drive motor 46. Whether to supply the electric power generated by the generator 18 to an external device connected to the output terminals 44 or to store it in the capacitor 20 is selected by the user operating an operation switch (not shown).

[0041] The drive unit 22 is a part that rotates the rotating part 16 in the forward direction at a constant rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor 46 while suppressing the forward rotation of the rotating part 16 as the weight 12 descends. Further, the drive unit 22 is a part that applies a reverse rotational force to the rotating part 16 when raising the weight 12. Specifically, the drive unit 22 includes a drive motor 46, a worm gear 48, a worm wheel 50, a third spur gear 52, a fourth spur gear 54, and a speed reducer 56.

[0042] The drive motor 46 is an electrical device that generates the rotational force applied to the rotating part 16. The capacitor 20 is connected to the drive motor 46, and further, an external power source is connected via the input terminal 58. It is desirable that the external power source is a power generation device that utilizes natural energy such as sunlight, wind power, and hydraulic power.

[0043] Whether to use the capacitor 20 or an external power source as the power supply for the drive motor 46 is selected by the user operating an operation switch (not shown) or by the control device (not shown) executing a control program. Also, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drive motor 46 are selected by the user operating an operation switch (not shown) or by the control device (not shown) executing a control program.

[0044] The worm gear 48 is connected to the rotation shaft (not shown) of the drive motor 46, and the worm wheel 50 is meshed with the worm gear 48. The third spur gear 52 is attached to the rotation shaft 32 of the rotating unit 16, and the fourth spur gear 54 is meshed with the third spur gear 52. The speed reducer 56 is provided between the rotation shaft 50a of the worm wheel 50 and the rotation shaft 54a of the fourth spur gear 54. The speed reducer 56 is configured to be able to decelerate the rotational force of the rotation shaft 50a and transmit it to the rotation shaft 54a.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the pulley 28 and the rotation shaft 32 of the rotating unit 16, and the third spur gear 52, the fourth spur gear 54, the speed reducer 56, and the worm wheel 50 of the drive unit 22 are in a relationship of rotating in conjunction with each other in the forward and reverse directions. On the other hand, the worm gear 48 and the worm wheel 50 are in a relationship where the rotational force of the worm gear 48 can be transmitted to the worm wheel 50, but the rotational force of the worm wheel 50 cannot be transmitted to the worm gear 48.

[0046] Therefore, the drive unit 22 can apply a rotational force in the forward or reverse direction to the rotating unit 16 at a low speed, and the power generation device 10 can take the "power generation stop state", "power generation state", and "power generation standby state" by switching the operation of the drive motor 46.

[0047] (Operation of the power generation device according to the first embodiment) FIG. 1 shows the "power generation stopped state" of the power generation device 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the "power generation state" of the power generation device 10, where (A) is a schematic view seen from the front and (B) is a block diagram. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the "power generation preparation state" of the power generation device 10, where (A) is a schematic view seen from the front and (B) is a block diagram.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the "power generation stopped state" is a state in which the weight 12 is held at a certain height. In the "power generation stopped state", the drive motor 46 is stopped, and the worm gear 48 functions as a stopper for the rotational movement of the rotating part 16. That is, when the rotating part 16 tries to rotate due to the gravitational force acting on the weight 12, the worm wheel 50 of the drive part 22 tries to rotate in conjunction with this movement. However, since the worm wheel 50 meshes with the worm gear 48 and does not rotate, the rotating part 16 does not rotate. As a result, the rotation of the pulley 28 is blocked, and the weight 12 is held at a certain height.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the "power generation state" is a state in which the weight 12 is lowered by gravity to operate the generator 18. In the "power generation state", the rotating part 16 is rotated in the positive direction at a certain rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor 46. Therefore, the rotational force of the rotating part 16 is transmitted to the generator 18, and electric power is generated. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the electric power generated by the generator 18 may be supplied to external devices or stored in the capacitor 20. The drive motor 46 may be driven by the electric power supplied from the capacitor 20 or by the electric power supplied from an external power source.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the "power generation preparation state" is a state in which the weight 12 is being raised to generate potential energy due to gravity. In the "power generation preparation state", the drive motor 46 is rotated in a direction opposite to the "power generation state", and the rotating part 16 is rotated in the reverse direction by the rotational force of the drive motor 46. As a result, the pulley 28 is rotated in the reverse direction, the linear member 30 is wound around the pulley 28, and the weight 12 is raised. In the "power generation preparation state", due to the action of the clutch 38, the rotational force of the rotating part 16 is not transmitted to the generator 18. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the generator 18 is not operated and no power is generated.

[0051] (Effect of the power generation device according to the embodiment) According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved with the above configuration. That is, since the rotating part 16 is rotated by the gravity acting on the weight 12, the rotational force of the rotating part 16 can be kept constant without the need for a special mechanism. Further, the drive unit 22 rotates the rotating part 16 in the forward direction at a constant rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor 46 while suppressing the forward rotation of the rotating part 16 accompanying the descent of the weight 12. Therefore, the generator 18 can be operated at a constant rotational speed for a long time. Thus, the power generation output of the generator 18 can be stabilized for a long time with a simple configuration.

[0052] Although it is possible to transmit the rotational force of the worm gear 48 to the worm wheel 50, it is not possible to transmit the rotational force of the worm wheel 50 to the worm gear 48. Therefore, the worm gear 48 can function as a stopper for the rotational operation of the rotating part 16, and the rotational speed of the rotating part 16 can be easily suppressed. Further, by stopping the rotation of the worm gear 48, the rotation of the rotating part 16 can be stopped, so that the weight 12 in the power generation stop state can be prevented from descending due to gravity.

[0053] Since the weight 12 can be raised by rotating the rotating part 16 in the reverse direction by the drive unit 22, there is no need to provide a special mechanism for raising the weight 12, and it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0054] When raising the weight 12 with the rotational force of the drive motor 46, the clutch 38 can cut off the transmission of the rotational force from the rotating part 16 to the generator 18, so the burden on the drive motor 46 can be reduced, and the weight 12 can be efficiently raised.

[0055] The electric power generated by the generator 18 is stored in the capacitor 20 and the stored electric power is supplied to the drive motor 46, so the electric power generated by the generator 18 can be effectively utilized.

[0056] The weight support part 14 can be easily configured using the pulley 28 and the linear member 30, so the weight support part 14 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0057] (Modification example) In carrying out the present invention, it is not limited to the above first embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the object of the present invention. That is, in the above first embodiment, the weight 12 is formed of a metal such as iron, but the material of the weight 12 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of metal, stone, ceramic, earth, concrete and water. In this configuration, the weight 12 can be manufactured at low cost by appropriately selecting easily available materials. Further, in the above first embodiment, the weight 12 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the weight 12 may be spherical, disk-shaped, irregular, etc. In this configuration, the weight 12 can be manufactured at low cost by appropriately selecting an easily moldable shape.

[0058] In the above first embodiment, the weight 12 is formed as a single lump, but the weight 12 may be formed by dividing it into a plurality of weight pieces (not shown), or may have a housing part (not shown) that constitutes a housing space for housing the plurality of weight pieces. In this configuration, the weight of the weight can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of weight pieces housed in the housing space.

[0059] In the first embodiment described above, the clutch 38 incorporated in the first spur gear 34 is used as means for interrupting the transmission of rotational force between the rotating part 16 and the generator 18. However, instead of this clutch 38, a mechanical clutch or an electromagnetic clutch (not shown) may be used.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the weight 12 is lifted by the power of the drive motor 46. However, the weight 12 may be lifted by human power.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the power generation device 60 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the power generation device 70 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view, partially in section, showing the configuration of the weight support part 76 in the power generation device 70 according to the third embodiment.

[0062] In the first embodiment described above, the weight support part 14 having the pulley 28 and the linear member 30 is used as the "weight support part" for supporting the weight 12 in a vertically movable manner. However, the configuration of the "weight support part" may be changed as appropriate. For example, a weight support part 66 having one rack 62 and one pinion 64 may be used as in the power generation device 60 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5. Further, a weight support part 76 having two racks 72a, 72b and two pinions 74a, 74b may be used as in the power generation device 70 according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, in the power generation device 60 according to the second embodiment, the rotating part 16 has a pinion 64 as an input part, and the weight support part 66 has the pinion 64 and a rack 62. The pinion 64 is a part of the rotating part 16 and at the same time is also a part of the weight support part 66. The rack 62 is meshed with the pinion 64 and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the pinion 64, and a weight 12 is provided at the lower end of the rack 62. Therefore, in the "power generation state", the generator 18 is operated by the gravity acting on the weight 12 and the rack 62 causing the pinion 64 to rotate in the positive direction. On the other hand, in the "power generation preparation state", the drive part 22 rotates the pinion 64 in the reverse direction, causing the weight 12 and the rack 62 to rise.

[0064] With this configuration, it is possible to raise and lower the weight 12 with a simple mechanism using the rack 62 and the pinion 64, and the weight support part 66 can be manufactured at low cost. Also, like the linear member 30, there is no risk of being twisted or cut, so it can be stably used over a long period of time. Note that the rack 62 and the weight 12 may be integrally formed with each other.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, in the power generation device 70 according to the third embodiment, the rotating part 16 has two pinions 74a, 74b as input parts, and the weight support part 76 has the two pinions 74a, 74b and two racks 72a, 72b. The two pinions 74a, 74b are parts of the rotating part 16 and at the same time are also parts of the weight support part 76. The two racks 72a, 72b are meshed with the respective two pinions 74a, 74b and are configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the pinions 74a, 74b. And a weight 12 is provided at the lower ends of the two racks 72a, 72b.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, two racks 72a and 72b are integrally formed facing each other, and two pinions 74a and 74b are provided facing each other with the two racks 72a and 72b interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6, worm wheels 51a and 51b of the drive unit 22 are attached to the rotation shafts 78a and 78b of the two pinions 74a and 74b via speed reducers 80a and 80b, and a spur gear 82 attached to the rotation shaft 42 of the generator 18 is meshed with one of the worm wheels 51b.

[0067] In this configuration, since the two racks 72a and 72b integrally formed facing each other are arranged between the two pinions 74a and 74b, the lifting and lowering operations of the two racks 72a and 72b can be stabilized. Further, even when one of the racks 72a or one of the pinions 74a is damaged, as long as the other rack 72b or the other pinion 74b operates, the rotating part 16 (FIG. 6) can be rotated, so that the stability of the operation can be enhanced. Note that the racks 72a and 72b and the weight 12 may be integrally formed with each other.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the power generation device 84 according to the fourth embodiment. In each of the above embodiments, the drive unit 22 has the worm wheel 50 and the worm gear 48, but the configuration of the "drive unit" may be appropriately changed. For example, a drive unit 88 having a ball screw 86 may be used as in the power generation device 84 shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, in the power generation device 84 according to the fourth embodiment, a weight support portion 66 having a rack 62 and a pinion 64 is used. A screw shaft 86a of the ball screw 86 is provided so as to be parallel to the rack 62, and a nut 86b that is screwed onto the screw shaft 86a is attached to a side surface of the weight 12 provided at the lower end portion of the rack 62. A rotation shaft 90a of a drive motor 90 is connected to the lower end portion of the screw shaft 86a.

[0070] In this configuration, since a general-purpose ball screw can be used as the ball screw 86, the drive unit 88 can be manufactured at low cost. Further, since the rotating unit 16 and the drive unit 88 are separated, these configurations can be simplified and maintenance work can be easily performed.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 10, 60, 70, 84… power generation device, 12… weight, 14, 66, 76… weight support part, 16… rotating part, 18… generator, 20… capacitor, 22, 88… drive part, 24… guide roller, 26… guide part, 28… pulley, 30… linear member, 34… first spur gear, 36… second spur gear, 38… clutch, 46, 90… drive motor, 48… worm gear, 50… worm wheel, 52… third spur gear, 54… fourth spur gear, 56… speed reducer, 62, 72a, 72b… rack, 64, 74a, 74b… pinion, 86… ball screw.

Claims

1. a weight that generates potential energy due to gravity; a weight support portion that supports the weight so as to be movable up and down; a rotating portion that is rotated in conjunction with the up and down movement of the weight; a generator that converts the rotational energy of the rotating portion into electrical energy; a power generation device comprising a drive motor, and a drive unit that rotates the rotating portion in a positive direction at a constant rotational speed by the rotational force of the drive motor while suppressing the positive rotation of the rotating portion accompanying the descent of the weight.

2. The drive unit has a worm wheel that is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating portion, and a worm gear that is engaged with the worm wheel and rotated by the drive motor, the power generation device according to claim 1.

3. The drive unit is configured to apply a reverse rotational force to the rotating portion when raising the weight, the power generation device according to claim 2.

4. The rotating portion has a clutch that allows transmission of a rotational force to the generator during rotation in the positive direction and blocks transmission of a rotational force to the generator during rotation in the reverse direction, the power generation device according to claim 3.

5. The power generation device according to claim 4, further comprising a capacitor that stores the power generated by the generator and supplies the stored power to the drive motor.

6. The weight support portion has a pulley that inputs a rotational force to the rotating portion and a linear member wound around the pulley, wherein the weight is connected to the linear member, the power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The weight support portion has a pinion that inputs a rotational force to the rotating portion and a rack that is engaged with the pinion and configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the pinion, wherein the weight is provided on the rack, the power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The power generation device according to claim 7, wherein two of the racks are integrally formed facing each other, and two of the pinions are provided facing each other with the two racks interposed therebetween.

9. The weight has a plurality of weight pieces and a housing portion that constitutes a housing space for housing the plurality of weight pieces, the power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The weight includes at least one selected from the group consisting of metal, stone, ceramic, earth, concrete, and water, the power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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