Power generation device and power generation method

Abstract

To provide a power generation device and method that enable structural simplification and miniaturization, as well as ensuring weather resistance and reliability of power generation operation when installed outdoors. [Solution] The power generation device is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and at least one generator equipped with a rotor. The generator is equipped with an output shaft, and a single release operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to elastically deform, causing the movable part to rotate in only one direction. This unidirectional rotation of the movable part is transmitted to the output shaft, causing the output shaft to rotate, and the rotation of the rotor generates electricity with the generator.

Description

[[TECHNICAL FIELD]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generator and a power generation method. [[BACKGROUND ART]]

[0002] Self-powered energy harvesting, which can generate electric power using weak kinetic energy (human power, vibration, pressure, etc.) present in the surrounding environment that has conventionally been discarded without being used, has been attracting attention.

[0003] As a power generator that generates electric power by such energy harvesting, Patent Document 1, for example, can be mentioned.

[0004] The power generator described in Patent Document 1 comprises: one power mechanism that performs rotational motion when one wire rope is repeatedly pulled; one unidirectional rotation mechanism that receives the aforementioned rotational motion and converts it into unidirectional rotational motion; one generator that generates electric power upon receiving the unidirectional rotational motion; and a casing that accommodates the above members. In this manner, the generator is driven by manually pulling the wire rope to generate electrical energy. Since the generator receives a continuous unidirectional rotational motion, the electrical energy can be stabilized. [[PRIOR ART DOCUMENT]] [[PATENT DOCUMENT]]

[0005] [[Patent Document 1]] Registered Utility Model Publication No. 3022547 [[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0006] However, in the power generator of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to repeatedly pull the wire rope manually, a structure for winding the wire rope (for example, a winding drum and a spiral spring for winding the wire rope onto the winding drum, etc.) is essential, which complicates the structure of the power generator.

[0007] Furthermore, as the structure of power generation devices becomes more complex, it becomes difficult to ensure weather resistance and reliability of power generation operation when such devices are installed outdoors.

[0008] Furthermore, miniaturizing power generation equipment becomes difficult.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power generation device and power generation method that enable simplification and miniaturization of the structure, weather resistance when installed outdoors, and reliable power generation operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The aforementioned problems are solved by the present invention as described below. Specifically, the power generation device of the present invention is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and at least one generator equipped with a rotor, wherein the generator is equipped with an output shaft, and a single unlocking operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to elastically deform, causing the movable part to rotate in only one direction, and this unidirectional rotation of the movable part is transmitted to the output shaft, causing the output shaft to rotate, which in turn causes the rotor to rotate and generates electricity from the generator.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by a power generation method using a power generation device, wherein the power generation device is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and at least one generator equipped with a rotor, the generator is equipped with an output shaft, and a single unlocking operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to elastically deform, causing the movable part to rotate in only one direction, the rotation of the movable part in only one direction is transmitted to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft, and power is generated by the rotation of the rotor in the generator.

[0012] The electricity generated by the generator is transmitted through power terminals provided on the generator and used to signal the operation of devices that are optionally installed depending on the application. An example of such an optional device is a trap for capturing animals or birds as a measure against damage caused by animals or birds. The electricity generated by the generator is used to signal when the lid of this trap is closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the power generation device or power generation method of the present invention, the locking and unlocking operation of the locking part is performed only once, thus simplifying the structure and operation of the power generation device. This simplification of the structure and operation of the power generation device makes it possible to miniaturize the power generation device and ensure the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0014] Furthermore, since there is no need to perform any manual repetitive actions during power generation (for example, the repetitive pulling action of the wire rope in the aforementioned Patent Document 1), the structure of the power generation device can be simplified. Consequently, it becomes possible to miniaturize and simplify the power generation device while ensuring the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0015] Furthermore, it becomes possible to realize a power generation device and method that can reliably generate electricity with a minimum of one simple locking / unlocking operation, thus enabling high-probability power generation and notification of the operation of any device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power generation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the power generation device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an excerpt of the power generation device, specifically the pin, pin insertion section, torsion coil spring, spur gear, shaft, pinion, output shaft, and generator. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the power generation device, and is a perspective view showing the state in which the pin insertion part is rotated and the pin is inserted. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a power generation device with pins inserted through pin insertion holes. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the power generation device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the power generation device and is a perspective view showing the pins inserted into the pin insertion section. [Figure 8]It is a perspective view of the configuration of the power generator, showing a state where the pin is pulled out from the pin insertion portion from the state of FIG. 7, and the pin insertion portion is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the power generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an extracted perspective view of a pin, a pin insertion portion, a torsion coil spring, a spur gear, a shaft, a pinion, an output shaft, and a generator in the power generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0017] A first feature of the power generator according to the present embodiment is that the power generator is formed of at least one movable component, a locking portion that locks the movement of the movable component, an elastically deformable component, and at least one generator provided with a rotor; the generator includes an output shaft, and in one unlocking operation of the locking portion, the elastically deformable component is elastically deformed, the movable component rotates only in one direction, the rotation of the movable component only in one direction is transmitted to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft, and the rotation of the rotor causes the generator to generate electric power.

[0018] A second feature of the present embodiment is that the movable component is a spur gear, the locking portion is a pin insertion portion into which a pin is inserted, the elastically deformable component is a torsion coil spring, the output shaft is provided with a pinion, a housing is further provided, the pin insertion portion is connected to the spur gear via a shaft, the spur gear meshes with the pinion, the torsion coil spring has a winding portion, the winding portion is wound around the shaft, a first end of the winding portion is connected to the pin insertion portion, and a second end is fixed to the housing. With the rotation of the pin insertion portion and the shaft, the first end rotationally moves along with the rotation of the pin insertion portion, so that the winding portion is twisted, elastic energy ie generated by the twisting is accumulated in the winding portion, the pin insertion portion is locked by inserting the pin in a state where the elastic energy ie is accumulated, then, by an unlocking operation of pulling the pin out from the pin insertion portion, the pin insertion portion is rotated only in one direction by the elastic energy ie, the rotation causes the spur gear to rotate only in the same one direction, the rotation of the spur gear is transmitted to the output shaft via the pinion, the output shaft rotates, and the rotation of the rotor causes power generation by the generator. This is what is called a power generator.

[0019] A third feature of the present embodiment is that the power generator is formed of at least one movable component, a locking portion that locks the movement of the movable component, an elastically deformable component, and at least one generator provided with a rotor, the generator is provided with an output shaft, a single unlocking operation of the locking portion elastically deforms the elastically deformable component, rotates the movable component only in one direction, transmits the rotation of the movable component only in one direction to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft, and power generation is performed by the generator through rotation of the rotor. This is what is called a power generation method using a power generator.

[0020] A fourth feature of this embodiment is that the movable part is a spur gear, the locking part is a pin insertion part into which a pin is inserted, the elastic deformation part is a torsion coil spring, the output shaft is equipped with a pinion, and a housing is also provided, the pin insertion part is connected to the spur gear via the shaft, the spur gear and the pinion mesh together, a winding part is formed in the torsion coil spring, the winding part is wound around the shaft, the first end of the winding part is connected to the pin insertion part and the second end is fixed to the housing, and by rotating the pin insertion part and the shaft, the first end moves in conjunction with the rotation of the pin insertion part. This is a power generation method in which the rotor is rotated, twisting the winding section and accumulating elastic energy ie in the winding section due to the twisting, the pin insertion section is locked by inserting a pin while the elastic energy ie is accumulated, and then the pin is removed (pulled out) from the pin insertion section in a locking operation, causing the pin insertion section to rotate in only one direction by the elastic energy ie, which in turn causes the spur gear to rotate in the same direction only, the rotation of the spur gear is transmitted to the output shaft via the pinion, the output shaft rotates and the rotor rotates, and thus power is generated by the generator.

[0021] With these configurations or methods, the locking and unlocking operation of the locking part (pin insertion part) is performed with only one pin pulling operation, thus simplifying the structure and operation of the power generator. This simplification of the structure and operation of the power generator makes it possible to miniaturize the power generator and ensure the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0022] Furthermore, since the pin detaches from the power generation device after being removed, there is no need for a storage space for the pin inside the housing, which also allows for miniaturization of the power generation device.

[0023] Furthermore, since there is no need to perform any manual repetitive actions during power generation (for example, the repetitive pulling action of the wire rope in the aforementioned Patent Document 1), the structure of the power generation device can be simplified. Consequently, it becomes possible to miniaturize and simplify the power generation device while ensuring the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0024] Furthermore, it becomes possible to realize a power generation device and method that can reliably generate electricity with a minimum of one operation, and even with a simple locking release operation such as pulling out a pin, thus enabling power generation with a high probability and notification of the operation of any device.

[0025] Examples of the present invention are described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. [Examples]

[0026] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The power generation device 1 of this embodiment is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and one generator 5 equipped with a rotor. In Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8, the movable part is a spur gear 2, the locking part is a pin insertion part 3b into which a pin 3a is inserted, and the elastically deformable part is a torsion coil spring 4. A winding part 4a is formed in the torsion coil spring 4, and the winding part 4a is wound around a shaft 7. The first end of the winding part 4a is connected to the pin insertion part 3b.

[0027] The pin insertion portion 3b is connected to the spur gear 2 via the shaft 7. The pin insertion portion 3b is a cylindrical or disc-shaped component with a through-hole 3c formed within it.

[0028] The generator 5 is equipped with an output shaft 5a, and the output shaft 5a is equipped with a pinion 5b. In the power generation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8, the pinion 5b is made of a spur gear smaller than the spur gear 2. Furthermore, the spur gear 2 and the pinion 5b mesh with each other.

[0029] In this embodiment, both the spur gear 2 and the pinion 5b have involute tooth profiles. The involute tooth profile is preferable because it ensures proper meshing even if the center distance between the gears (the straight-line distance between the center of the shaft 7 and the center of the output shaft 5a) changes slightly, and it is also easy to manufacture and exhibits less slippage. It is also possible to form the tooth profile of either the spur gear 2 or the pinion 5b into a cycloidal tooth profile instead of an involute tooth profile.

[0030] The generator 5 is a motor that includes at least a coil and a magnet (not shown), and is of a type in which either the coil or the magnet rotates as a rotor along with the rotation of the output shaft 5a.

[0031] The power generator 1 is further equipped with a housing 6 which has a hexahedral shape. Inside the housing 6 is a generator 5 which includes at least a pin insertion section 3b, a shaft 7, a torsion coil spring 4, a spur gear 2, a pinion 5b, and an output shaft 5a. In Figures 2 and 6, the illustration of the top housing wall is omitted in order to illustrate the power generator configuration inside the housing 6 of the power generator 1. Also in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the illustration of the housing wall on the top surface, the side facing the pin insertion section 6a, and the front side of each figure is omitted in order to show the configuration of the power generator 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the other end of the winding portion 4a (i.e., the end on the spur gear 2 side), which is the second end 4b, is fixed to the housing 6. To fix the second end 4b to the housing 6, a fixing portion (not shown) can be provided inside any wall of the housing 6, and the second end 4b can be fixed to that fixing portion.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the shaft 7 and the generator 5 are positioned such that the axial direction of the shaft 7 and the axial direction of the output shaft 5a of the generator 5 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the group of components consisting of the pin insertion part 3b, the shaft 7, the torsion coil spring 4, and the spur gear 2 can be arranged in parallel with the group of components consisting of the pinion 5b and the generator 5.

[0034] The materials for the pin 3a, pin insertion part 3b, shaft 7, spur gear 2, pinion 5b, and housing 6 can each be arbitrarily selected; for example, plastic, a lubrication-free sliding resin, stainless steel, or steel may be used.

[0035] Next, the power generation method using the power generation device 1 will be explained. First, the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 are manually rotated in any direction. In the example in Figure 4, the arbitrary rotation direction is to manually rotate the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 counterclockwise when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft 7 from the pin insertion part 3b toward the spur gear 2.

[0036] Because the second end 4b is fixed to the housing 6 by the manual rotation of the pin insertion portion 3b and the shaft 7, the movement of the second end 4b is stopped. While the movement of the second end 4b is stopped, the first end rotates along with the rotation of the pin insertion portion 3b, causing the winding portion 4a to twist. This twisting causes elastic deformation in the winding portion 4a, either tightening the winding or loosening it, and elastic deformation energy ie is generated along with this elastic deformation. If the rotation direction of the pin insertion portion 3b is the same as the winding direction of the winding portion 4a toward the first end, the winding portion 4a will elastically deform so that the winding is tightened. On the other hand, if the rotation direction of the pin insertion portion 3b is opposite to the winding direction of the winding portion 4a toward the first end, the winding portion 4a will elastically deform so that the winding is loosened.

[0037] As the manual rotation of the pin insertion section 3b and shaft 7 progresses, torsion also progresses, and elastic energy ie accumulates in the winding section 4a. With the elastic energy ie accumulated, the pin insertion section 3b is locked in place by inserting the pin 3a into the hole 6a and pin insertion hole 3c of the housing 6 (see Figures 5 to 7).

[0038] Next, the power generation operation of the generator 5 due to the release of elastic energy ie will be explained. From the locked state of the pin insertion part 3b (see Figures 5 to 7) described above, a single release operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to elastically deform, and the movable part rotates in only one direction. In the case of the power generation device 1, as shown in Figure 8, the release operation of removing (pulling out) the pin 3a from the pin insertion part 3b and the hole 6a of the housing 6 causes the pin insertion part 3b to rotate in only one direction due to the elastic energy ie. This direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of rotation of the pin insertion part 3b when the elastic energy ie is accumulated in the winding part 4a. That is, when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft 7 from the pin insertion part 3b toward the spur gear 2, the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 rotate clockwise due to the elastic energy ie.

[0039] Next, as the pin insertion part 3b rotates due to the elastic energy ie, the rotation of the movable part in only one direction is transmitted to the output shaft 5a, causing the output shaft 5a to rotate. In other words, in the power generation device 1, the rotation of the pin insertion part 3b due to the elastic energy ie causes the spur gear 2 to rotate in the same direction and only in one direction.

[0040] As the spur gear 2 rotates, the pinion 5b and the output shaft 5a rotate in conjunction with it in the opposite direction to the spur gear 2.

[0041] The rotor rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft 5a. That is, the rotation of the spur gear 2 is transmitted to the output shaft 5a via the pinion 5b, causing the output shaft 5a to rotate. As the output shaft 5a rotates, the rotor (not shown) rotates, generating electricity inside the generator 5 by electromagnetic induction, thus performing power generation.

[0042] The electricity generated by the generator 5 is transmitted through a power terminal (not shown) provided on the generator 5 and used to notify the operation of devices that may be optionally installed depending on the application. An example of an optionally installed device is a cage for capturing animals or birds as a measure against animal or bird damage. The electricity generated by the generator 5 is used to notify when the lid of this cage is closed. In detail, for example, a string or piano wire is tied to a pin 3a, and the string or piano wire is tied to the lid of the cage while the pin insertion part 3b is locked, and the cage is placed in the area where animals or birds pass. Next, when the animal or bird enters the cage and the cage lid is closed, the string or piano wire is pulled along with the movement of the lid, and the pin 3a is pulled out from the pin insertion part 3b and hole 6a, causing the generator 5 to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator 5 is used to activate, for example, a wireless communication device, and the fact that the cage lid has been closed is notified wirelessly.

[0043] The amount of rotation and speed of the output shaft 5a can be arbitrarily set according to the maximum value of the elastic energy ie stored in the winding section 4a and the tooth ratio of the spur gear 2 and the pinion 5b. Therefore, the amount of rotation and speed of the output shaft 5a can be set to any arbitrary constant amount depending on the structure of the torsion coil spring 4, spur gear 2, and pinion 5b provided in the power generation device 1. Therefore, the amount of power generated by the generator 5 can also be set to any arbitrary constant value. Thus, it is possible to reliably start any arbitrarily installed device. In Embodiment 1, when the number of teeth of the spur gear 2 was set to 80, the number of teeth of the pinion 5b to 12, and the rotation angle of the torsion coil spring 4 was set to 270°, the amount of electricity generated by the generator 5 was 168 mJ.

[0044] Furthermore, by using gears (spur gear 2 and pinion 5b) as forming components of the power generation device 1, the teeth of the spur gear 2 and pinion 5b can mesh with each other to operate the power generation device 1. Therefore, since the occurrence of operational losses can be suppressed or prevented, a constant amount of power can be secured in any application or usage situation, enabling reliable and highly dependable power generation and startup operations, which is preferable.

[0045] Furthermore, the power generation device 1 is formed using only simple parts such as a pin 3a, a pin insertion part 3b, a shaft 7, gears (spur gear 2 and pinion 5b), a torsion coil spring 4, a generator 5, and a housing 6. Therefore, the structure of the power generation device 1 can be simplified, and with this simplification, the reliability of the power generation operation when the power generation device 1 is installed outdoors is excellent, ensuring a constant amount of power generation and reliable starting operation in any application or usage situation. This is particularly preferable for the aforementioned animal damage control or bird damage control applications, where there is a possibility of installing the power generation device 1 outdoors.

[0046] Furthermore, by housing the components forming the power generation device 1 (pin insertion part 3b, shaft 7, gears (spur gear 2, pinion 5b), torsion coil spring 4, generator 5) in the housing 6, in addition to the aforementioned effects, it becomes possible to ensure dustproof and waterproof properties in the transmission section between the spur gear 2 and the pinion 5b, as well as in each component. Rust prevention is also achieved for the gear portion. Therefore, the weather resistance and reliability of the power generation device 1 can be improved, further enhancing the reliability of the power generation operation. It is preferable to use a weather-resistant material such as ASA resin for the housing 6.

[0047] Furthermore, by arranging the component group consisting of the pin insertion part 3b, shaft 7, torsion coil spring 4, and spur gear 2 in parallel with the component group consisting of the pinion 5b and generator 5, the spatial efficiency of the arrangement of each formed component inside the housing 6 can be improved. In addition, by configuring the axial direction of the shaft 7 and the axial direction of the output shaft 5a of the generator 5 to be parallel to each other, and connecting the shaft 7 with the spur gear 2, in addition to the above effects, it becomes possible to eliminate the use of axial conversion parts such as bevel gears. Consequently, a margin is created in the tolerances of the power generation device 1, improving the yield of the power generation device 1 and the reliability of the power generation operation. As a result of the above, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed and the spatial efficiency of the arrangement of formed components inside the housing 6 is improved, making it possible to miniaturize the power generation device.

[0048] Furthermore, in addition to the effects described above, the unlocking operation of the locking part (pin insertion part 3b) is performed by only one pin 3a removal operation, which simplifies the structure and operation of the power generation device 1. This simplification of the structure and operation of the power generation device 1 makes it possible to miniaturize the power generation device 1 and ensure the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the power generation device 1 and the power generation method of this embodiment, the pin 3a falls out of the main body of the power generation device 1 after being removed, so there is no need for a storage space for the pin 3a in the internal space of the housing 6, and in this respect as well, it is possible to miniaturize the power generation device 1.

[0050] Furthermore, since there is no need to perform any manual repetitive actions (for example, the repetitive pulling of the wire rope in the aforementioned Patent Document 1) during power generation, the structure of the power generation device 1 can be simplified. Therefore, it becomes possible to miniaturize and simplify the power generation device 1 and ensure the reliability of the power generation operation.

[0051] Furthermore, since a power generation device 1 and power generation method can be realized that can reliably generate power with a minimum of one operation and a simple locking release operation of pulling out pin 3a, it becomes possible to generate power with a high probability and notify the operation of any device.

[0052] Since the pin insertion hole 3c only needs to be partially inserted into the pin 3a, it can be changed from a through-hole to a stop-hole.

[0053] Furthermore, the second end 4b of the torsion coil spring 4 only needs to be held in place without moving during the twisting of the winding portion 4a, and is not limited to being fixed to the housing 6 in advance. For example, the second end 4b may be left as a free end without being fixed to the housing 6, and the movement of the second end 4b may be stopped by rotating it in conjunction with the manual rotation of the pin insertion portion 3b and shaft 7, causing it to come into contact with the housing 6. In this configuration, in order to avoid the second end 4b coming into contact with the housing 6 twice when the pin insertion portion 6a rotates 360°, it is desirable to set the rotation angle of the pin insertion portion 3b and shaft 7 to less than 360°.

[0054] Furthermore, the unlocking operation of the locking part is not limited to the pulling-out operation of pin 3a, as in the power generation device 1. It is not particularly limited as long as the locking part (pin insertion part 3b in this embodiment) is locked in a state in which it is rotated by elastic energy ie with each unlocking operation.

[0055] Alternatively, the spur gear 2 and pinion 5a may be replaced with pulleys, but as mentioned above, it is more preferable to use gears (spur gear 2 and pinion 5b) as forming components of the power generation device 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the external shape of the housing 6 is not limited to a hexahedron as in this embodiment, but can be modified as appropriate according to the design.

[0057] Furthermore, the generator 5 is not limited to a motor, as it is a device that generates electricity by including at least a coil and a magnet.

[0058] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The description and illustrations of Embodiment 2 will differ from those of Embodiment 1, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0059] The difference between the power generation device 9 of this embodiment and the power generation device 1 of Embodiment 1 is that it is formed with two generators (5, 8). The two generators (5, 8) each have a rotor and have the same structure and dimensions. Furthermore, both have output shafts (5a, 8a), and each output shaft (5a, 8a) is equipped with one pinion (5b, 8b). In power generation device 9, the pinions (5b, 8b) are made of spur gears smaller than the spur gear 2. Furthermore, the spur gear 2 and the pinions (5b, 8b) mesh with each other. In addition, the pitch circle diameter, number of teeth, tip circle diameter, and tooth width of the two pinions (5b, 8b) are the same.

[0060] In this embodiment, both the spur gear 2 and the pinions (5b, 8b) have involute tooth profiles. However, it is also possible to form the tooth profiles of the spur gear 2 or the pinions (5b, 8b) into cycloidal tooth profiles instead of involute tooth profiles.

[0061] Both generators (5, 8) are motors that include at least a coil and a magnet (not shown), and are of a type in which either the coil or the magnet rotates as a rotor along with the rotation of each output shaft (5a, 8a).

[0062] In the power generator 9, a generator (5, 8) is housed inside the housing 6, comprising at least a pin insertion section 3b, a shaft 7, a torsion coil spring 4, a spur gear 2, pinions (5b, 8b), and output shafts (5a, 8a). Note that in Figure 9, the illustration of the power generator configuration inside the housing 6 of the power generator 9 is shown, and the illustration of the top housing wall is omitted.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the shaft 7 and the generators (5, 8) are arranged such that the axial direction of the shaft 7 and the axial directions of the output shafts (5a, 8a) of the generators (5, 8) are parallel to each other. Therefore, the group of components consisting of the pin insertion part 3b, the shaft 7, the torsion coil spring 4, and the spur gear 2 can be arranged in parallel with the group of components consisting of the pinions (5b, 8b) and the generators (5, 8).

[0064] The materials for the pinions (5b and 8b) can be arbitrarily selected; for example, plastic, a non-lubricating, sliding resin, stainless steel, or steel can be used.

[0065] Next, the power generation method using the power generation device 9 will be explained. First, the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 are manually rotated in any direction. For example, as in Figure 4, the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 are manually rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft 7 moving from the pin insertion part 3b toward the spur gear 2.

[0066] Because the second end 4b is fixed to the housing 6 by the manual rotation of the pin insertion portion 3b and the shaft 7, the movement of the second end 4b is stopped. While the movement of the second end 4b is stopped, the first end rotates along with the rotation of the pin insertion portion 3b, causing the winding portion 4a to twist. This twisting causes elastic deformation in the winding portion 4a, either tightening the winding or loosening it, and elastic deformation energy ie is generated along with this elastic deformation. If the rotation direction of the pin insertion portion 3b is the same as the winding direction of the winding portion 4a toward the first end, the winding portion 4a will elastically deform so that the winding is tightened. On the other hand, if the rotation direction of the pin insertion portion 3b is opposite to the winding direction of the winding portion 4a toward the first end, the winding portion 4a will elastically deform so that the winding is loosened.

[0067] As the manual rotation of the pin insertion section 3b and shaft 7 progresses, torsion also progresses, and elastic energy ie accumulates in the winding section 4a. With the elastic energy ie accumulated, the pin insertion section 3b is locked by inserting the pin 3a into the hole 6a and pin insertion hole 3c of the housing 6, as in Figures 5 to 7.

[0068] Next, the power generation operation in the generators (5, 8) due to the release of elastic energy ie will be explained. From the locked state of the pin insertion part 3b described above, a single release operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to deform elastically, and the movable part rotates in only one direction. In the case of the power generation device 9, the release operation of removing (pulling out) the pin 3a from the pin insertion part 3b and the hole 6a of the housing 6 causes the pin insertion part 3b to rotate in only one direction due to the elastic energy ie. This direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of rotation of the pin insertion part 3b when the elastic energy ie is stored in the winding part 4a. That is, when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft 7 from the pin insertion part 3b toward the spur gear 2, the pin insertion part 3b and the shaft 7 rotate clockwise due to the elastic energy ie, as in Figure 8.

[0069] Next, as the pin insertion part 3b rotates due to the elastic energy ie, the rotation of the movable part in only one direction is transmitted to the output shafts (5a, 8a), causing the output shafts (5a, 8a) to rotate. In other words, in the power generation device 9, the rotation of the pin insertion part 3b due to the elastic energy ie causes the spur gear 2 to rotate in the same direction and only in one direction.

[0070] As the spur gear 2 rotates, the pinions (5b, 8b) and output shafts (5a, 8a) rotate in the opposite direction to the spur gear 2.

[0071] As the output shafts (5a, 8a) rotate, each rotor rotates. That is, the rotation of the spur gear 2 is transmitted to the output shafts (5a, 8a) via the pinions (5b, 8b), causing the output shafts (5a, 8a) to rotate. As each output shaft (5a, 8a) rotates, rotors (not shown) also rotate, generating electricity within each generator (5, 8) through electromagnetic induction.

[0072] The electricity generated by each generator (5, 8) is transmitted through power terminals (not shown) provided on each generator (5, 8) and used to notify the operation of devices that may be optionally provided depending on the application. An example of an optionally provided device is the same device as in Embodiment 1.

[0073] The amount of rotation and speed of each output shaft (5a, 8a) can be arbitrarily set according to the maximum value of the elastic energy ie stored in the winding section 4a and the tooth ratio of the spur gear 2 and each pinion (5b, 8b). Therefore, the amount of rotation and speed of each output shaft (5a, 8a) can be set to any fixed amount depending on the structure of the torsion coil spring 4, spur gear 2, and pinions (5b, 8b) provided in the power generation device 9. In Example 2, when the number of teeth of the spur gear 2 was set to 80, the number of teeth of each pinion (5b, 8b) was set to 12 each, and the rotation angle of the torsion coil spring 4 was set to 270°, the total amount of electricity generated by the generators (5, 8) was 234 mJ, which is approximately 1.4 times the amount of electricity that can be generated by the two generators (5, 8) compared to Example 1.

[0074] Other effects possessed by power generator 1 are also possessed by power generator 9.

[0075] Furthermore, the generator 8 is not limited to a motor, as it is a device that generates electricity by including at least a coil and a magnet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1.9 Power generation equipment 2 Spur gears 3a pin 3b Pin insertion section 3c Pin insertion hole 4. Torsion coil spring 4a Winding section 4b The second end of the winding portion of the torsion coil spring 5.8 Generators 5a, 8a output shaft 5b, 8b pinion 6 Housing 6a Hole in the housing 7 shafts

Claims

1. The power generation device is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and at least one generator equipped with a rotor. The aforementioned generator is equipped with an output shaft, A single release operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to elastically deform, causing the movable part to rotate in only one direction. The rotation of the movable part in only one direction is transmitted to the output shaft, causing the output shaft to rotate. A power generation device in which the generator generates electricity as the rotor rotates.

2. The movable part is a spur gear, the locking part is a pin insertion part into which a pin is inserted, the elastically deformable part is a torsion coil spring, the output shaft is equipped with a pinion, and furthermore, a housing is provided. The pin insertion portion is connected to the spur gear via a shaft, and the spur gear and the pinion mesh together. The torsion coil spring has a winding portion, the winding portion is wound around the shaft, the first end of the winding portion is connected to the pin insertion portion, and the second end is fixed to the housing. As the pin insertion portion and the shaft rotate, the first end rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the pin insertion portion, causing the winding portion to twist, and elastic energy ie due to this twisting is accumulated in the winding portion. With the elastic energy ie accumulated, the pin insertion portion is locked in place by inserting the pin. Next, the release operation, which involves removing the pin from the pin insertion portion, causes the pin insertion portion to rotate in only one direction due to the elastic energy ie. As a result of that rotation, the spur gear rotates in the same direction and only in that one direction. The rotation of the spur gear is transmitted to the output shaft via the pinion, causing the output shaft to rotate. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the generator generates electricity as the rotor rotates.

3. The power generation device is formed from at least one movable part, a locking part that locks the movement of the movable part, an elastically deformable part, and at least one generator equipped with a rotor. The aforementioned generator is equipped with an output shaft, A single unlocking operation of the locking part causes the elastically deformable part to be elastically deformed, thereby rotating the movable part in only one direction. The rotation of the movable part in only one direction is transmitted to the output shaft to rotate the output shaft. A method of generating electricity using a power generation device, wherein the generator generates electricity by the rotation of the rotor.

4. The movable part is a spur gear, the locking part is a pin insertion part into which a pin is inserted, the elastically deformable part is a torsion coil spring, the output shaft is equipped with a pinion, and further equipped with a housing, The pin insertion portion is connected to the spur gear via the shaft, and the spur gear and the pinion are meshed together. A winding portion is formed in the torsion coil spring, the winding portion is wound around the shaft, the first end of the winding portion is connected to the pin insertion portion, and the second end is fixed to the housing. By rotating the pin insertion portion and the shaft, the first end is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the pin insertion portion, twisting the winding portion, accumulating elastic energy ie due to the twisting in the winding portion, and locking the pin insertion portion by inserting the pin while the elastic energy ie is accumulated. Next, the release operation, which involves removing the pin from the pin insertion portion, causes the pin insertion portion to rotate in only one direction due to the elastic energy ie. This rotation causes the spur gear to rotate in the same direction only in that one direction. The rotation of the spur gear is transmitted to the output shaft via the pinion, causing the output shaft to rotate. The power generation method according to claim 3, wherein power is generated by the generator by rotating the rotor.

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