Water turbine generator

Abstract

A water turbine power generating device that has a simple structure and can generate power efficiently at low cost. [Solution] The weight rotor 3 of the water turbine power plant has a plurality of recesses 20-3 formed at equal intervals on the side of a roughly cylindrical body, and with magnets 30-1 to 30-12 loaded in the recesses, the gravity of the magnets pushes down the recesses, causing the rotor to rotate around the center of the roughly cylindrical body as its axis of rotation. As the weight rotor rotates, the weight supplier moves the magnets connected in a string-like pattern along an inner guide 33 and an outer guide 34, supplying the magnets to the weight rotor and loading them into the recesses. Repulsion magnets 37-1 to 37-4 provided in the weight supplier apply a repulsive force to the magnets as the connected magnets move, promoting their upward movement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a water turbine generator that uses water flow to rotate a water turbine and generates electricity in conjunction with a rotating shaft that rotates together with the water turbine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various types of water turbine power generation devices that generate electricity using a water turbine have been proposed depending on installation conditions, applications, scale, etc. Water turbine power generation devices generate electricity by rotating a water turbine using a water flow and using the force of a rotating shaft that rotates together with the water turbine as a driving source (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The water turbine generator described in Patent Document 1 uses a bounce mechanism to generate electricity by rotating a water turbine via a rotating shaft. Specifically, this water turbine generator rotates the water turbine using a water flow, and applies radial centrifugal force to the rotating shaft via a flywheel provided in the bounce mechanism, while also eccentrically rolling a weight supported by a guide rail, applying the maximum centrifugal force at the position farthest from the rotating shaft.

[0004] As a result, the centrifugal force acting on the rotating shaft is generated not only by the rotation of the water turbine but also by the eccentric rotation of the weight, which increases the centrifugal force and enables the generator connected to the rotating shaft to generate electricity efficiently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-241927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the turbine power generation device of Patent Document 1 mentioned above requires a pair of flywheels and multiple weights to increase the centrifugal force as the turbine rotates, and also requires a large number of components to support the flywheels and weights.

[0007] This resulted in a complex and costly overall structure, and there was also the problem that when the water flow became faster and the water wheel rotated at high speed, the weights might not be able to keep up with the rotation of the water wheel, making it impossible to effectively increase the centrifugal force acting on the rotating shaft.

[0008] Furthermore, when such a water turbine power generating device is installed in a home or the like and generates electricity using tap water, it is desirable to keep the cost of using tap water as low as possible.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a water turbine power generating device that has a simple structure and can generate power efficiently at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the water turbine generator of claim 1 is a water turbine generator that rotates a water turbine using a water flow, thereby rotating a rotating shaft member attached to the rotating shaft of the water turbine, and converts mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft member into electrical energy. The water turbine generator is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a predetermined number of recesses formed at equal intervals on the side of the substantially cylindrical cylinder, and the rotating shaft member is attached to the rotating shaft centered on the center of the substantially cylindrical cylinder as the axis of rotation, and includes a weight rotor, a plurality of weights connected in a string-like manner, a guide that guides the plurality of weights into a predetermined passage, and a magnet that repels a predetermined number of the plurality of weights by causing like poles to repel each other, thereby applying a repulsive force to the weights. and a weight supplying device which has the same number of repulsive magnets as the predetermined number for the weights to be loaded into the recesses, and which supplies each of the plurality of weights to the weight rotating body in order as the plurality of weights move circularly along the guide, and which loads each of the plurality of weights into the recesses, and when each of the plurality of weights is supplied to the weight rotating body and loaded into the recesses, the gravity of the weight pushes the recesses downward, causing the weight rotating body to rotate and the rotating shaft member to rotate, and then when the weight moves and is discharged from the recesses in accordance with the rotation of the weight rotating body, it moves along the guide provided in the weight supplying device, and the movement along the guide is promoted by the repulsive force between the weights and the repulsive magnets.

[0011] Furthermore, the water turbine power generating apparatus of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the water turbine power generating apparatus described in claim 1, the weight supply device further includes a cover for retaining the weights loaded in the recesses of the weight rotating body in the recesses.

[0012] Furthermore, the water turbine power generation apparatus of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the water turbine power generation apparatus of claim 1, the water that rotates the water turbine is tap water, and the tap water is used for any of the following purposes: bathing, showering, laundry, toileting, washing, and cleaning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As described above, according to the present invention, efficient power generation can be achieved with a simple structure and at low cost.

[0014] In particular, by installing the water turbine generator of this invention upstream of facilities such as baths, showers, laundry facilities, and toilets in homes, hospitals, beauty salons, and restaurants, the tap water discharged from the water turbine generator can be used directly in these facilities. In other words, there is no need to prepare tap water exclusively for the water turbine generator, and it is sufficient to prepare tap water shared with these facilities, which allows for efficient use of tap water and reduces usage fees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an outline of an example of the overall configuration of a water turbine power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an outline of an example of the overall configuration of a water turbine power generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of a water turbine body. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of a weight rotor. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view illustrating an example of the appearance of a weight supplier. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are a front view and a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a bead rotator. [Figure 7] (1) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a capsule-type magnet, and (2) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a truncated cone and a cylindrical magnet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The water turbine generator of the present invention includes a water turbine that rotates with the flow of water, a weight rotor that has a substantially cylindrical side with a plurality of equally spaced recesses formed in it, and weights (magnets) loaded in the recesses. The weight rotor rotates around the center of the cylinder as the gravity of the weights pushes the recesses downward, and a weight supplier that supplies the weights to the weight rotor by moving the weights connected in a string-like pattern along a guide as the weight rotor rotates and loads them into the recesses. The weight supplier also includes a repulsive magnet that applies a repulsive force to the weights as they move, promoting their upward movement.

[0017] As a result, the centrifugal force (rotational force) acting on the rotation axis of the water turbine and the weight rotor is generated not only by the rotation of the water turbine but also by the rotation of the weight rotor, thereby increasing the rotational force. Furthermore, because the repulsive magnets promote the upward movement of the weights, the force pushing the recesses of the weight rotor downward due to the gravity of the weights loaded in the recesses is maintained, and as a result, the reduction in the rotational force of the weight rotor is suppressed. This allows the generator connected to the rotation axis to generate power efficiently.

[0018] Therefore, the water turbine power generating device of the present invention is configured with a water turbine, a weight rotor, and a weight supplier, so that it can have a simple structure and can realize efficient power generation at low cost.

[0019] [Water turbine generator] First, an example of the overall configuration of a water turbine power generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a front view showing an outline of an example of the overall configuration of a water turbine power generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] This water turbine power generating device 1 is configured to include a water turbine 2, a weight rotor 3, a weight supplier 4, pulleys 5-1 and 5-2, a belt 6, rotating shaft members 7-1 and 7-2, a generator 8, and a fixed leg 9.

[0021] Incidentally, bearings (not shown) are attached near both ends of the rotating shaft member 7-1, and the bearings are set on a predetermined installation surface by fixed legs (not shown). In other words, the rotating shaft member 7-1 is rotated by the bearings.

[0022] The water turbine 2 comprises a water inlet 2a, a water outlet 2b, a housing 2c, and a water turbine main body 2d. The water inlet 2a is a member that supplies water from the outside to the water turbine main body 2d and is provided by penetrating the housing 2c. The water outlet 2b is a member that discharges water from the water turbine main body 2d to the outside and is provided by penetrating the housing 2c. In the following, the water turbine 2 uses tap water, and the water will be described as tap water.

[0023] The housing 2c contains the water turbine main body 2d, with the water inlet portion 2a penetrating the top thereof, the water outlet portion 2b penetrating the bottom thereof, and the rotary shaft members 7-1 and 7-2 penetrating laterally therethrough.

[0024] A gap is provided between the rotating shaft members 7-1, 7-2 and the housing 2c through which the rotating shaft members 7-1, 7-2 pass, allowing the rotating shaft members 7-1, 7-2 to rotate while the housing 2c is fixed. Bearings may be attached between the rotating shaft members 7-1, 7-2 and the housing 2c.

[0025] The waterwheel body 2d is provided with a plurality of cups and the like (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3 described later) that rotate when tap water is supplied. Details of the waterwheel body 2d will be described later.

[0026] Tap water is supplied from the outside to the water turbine body 2d through the water inlet 2a and poured into each of the cups provided on the water turbine body 2d in turn, causing the cups to rotate around the rotating shaft member 7-1 as their rotation axis. The tap water poured into the cups spills out as the cups rotate, and is then discharged to the outside through the water outlet 2b.

[0027] The water turbine 2 is also provided with fixed legs 9, and the water turbine 2 is installed on an installation surface (not shown) by means of the fixed legs 9.

[0028] The weight rotor 3 is provided at a predetermined distance from the water wheel 2. The weight rotor 3 is roughly cylindrical in shape, with a predetermined number of recesses (some of which are shown in Figure 1; see Figure 4, described later) formed at equal intervals on the side of the roughly cylindrical body, and a rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached to the rotation axis, with the center of the roughly cylindrical body as the rotation axis. Figure 1 shows the side of the weight rotor 3.

[0029] When a weight (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIGS. 4 and 6 described later) is placed in a recess formed in the weight rotor 3, the gravity of the weight presses the recess downward, causing the weight rotor 3 to rotate around the rotation axis, and the rotating shaft member 7-1 to rotate. Details of the weight rotor 3 will be described later.

[0030] The weight supplier 4 is provided at a predetermined distance from the weight rotor 3 and has a hollow cylindrical shape. Fig. 1 shows a side view of the weight supplier 4. The area where the weight supplier 4 and the weight rotor 3 overlap is a cover 4b (see Figs. 5 and 6 described below) provided on the weight supplier 4.

[0031] The weight supplier 4 has a plurality of weights (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 6 described later) connected in a string-like fashion. The weight supplier 4 supplies the weights to the weight rotor 3 and loads them into the recesses of the weight rotor 3 by moving the plurality of weights connected in a string-like fashion along a predetermined guide (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 6 described later).

[0032] The multiple weights connected in a string-like fashion are magnets. The weight supplier 4 is equipped with a fixedly installed repulsive magnet (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 6 described later), and this repulsive force is used to promote the movement of the multiple weights connected in a string-like fashion.

[0033] Furthermore, the weight supplier 4 is provided with fixing legs 9, and the weight supplier 4 is installed on an installation surface (not shown) by means of the fixing legs 9. Details of the weight supplier 4 will be described later.

[0034] The pulley 5-1 is provided at a predetermined distance from the water wheel 2. The pulley 5-1 is substantially cylindrical, and the rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached to the center of the cylinder. A belt 6 is attached to a recess in the side surface of the cylinder. The pulley 5-1 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft member 7-1.

[0035] The pulley 5-2 is provided at a predetermined distance from the water wheel 2. The pulley 5-2 is roughly cylindrical in shape and has a shorter radius than the pulley 5-1. A belt 6 is attached to a recess in the side of the roughly cylindrical pulley 5-2. When the pulley 5-1 rotates, the belt 6 also rotates, and when the belt 6 rotates, the pulley 5-2 rotates. A rotating shaft member 7-2 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the pulley 5-2 is attached to the center of the roughly cylindrical circle of the pulley 5-2.

[0036] By linking the rotation of pulley 5-2 to the rotation of pulley 5-1, pulley 5-2 can be rotated faster than pulley 5-1 due to the difference in diameter, and therefore rotating shaft member 7-2 can be rotated faster than rotating shaft member 7-1, thereby achieving efficient power generation.

[0037] The rotary shaft member 7-1 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the water wheel 2 and the weight rotor 3, and rotates the pulley 5-1 in conjunction with the water wheel 2 and the weight rotor 3.

[0038] The rotary shaft member 7-2 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the pulleys 5-1 and 5-2, and operates the generator 8 in conjunction with the water wheel 2, the weight rotor 3, and the pulleys 5-1 and 5-2.

[0039] The generator 8 generates electricity by converting mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft member 7-2 into electrical energy. The generator 8 has the rotating shaft member 7-2 attached to its center.

[0040] The generator 8 is also provided with fixing legs 9, and the generator 8 is mounted on a mounting surface (not shown) using the fixing legs 9.

[0041] In this way, the waterwheel 2 is rotated by tap water, and the weight rotor 3 is rotated by the gravity of the weights supplied from the weight supplier 4. The rotational force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 caused by the rotation of the waterwheel 2 and the weight rotor 3 is transmitted to the generator 8 via the pulley 5-1, the belt 6, the pulley 5-2 and the rotating shaft member 7-2, and the generator 8 generates electricity.

[0042] The water turbine power generation device 1 shown in Figure 1 has dimensions of approximately 80 cm in width, 100 cm in height, and 80 cm in depth. The water turbine 2 and the weight supplier 4 are made of, for example, stainless steel, and the weight rotor 3, pulleys 5-1 and 5-2, and rotating shaft members 7-1 and 7-2 are made of, for example, iron or stainless steel.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of an example of the overall configuration of the water turbine power generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1, showing an outline of the example configuration as seen from the directions of arrows α and β shown in FIG.

[0044] As shown in the side view (α), the water turbine power generating device 1, as seen from the direction of the arrow α in Fig. 1, is provided with a water turbine 2 having a water inlet 2a for supplying tap water and a water outlet 2b for discharging tap water, and a pulley 5-1 and a generator 8 are provided in front of the water turbine 2. The pulley 5-2, which is linked to the pulley 5-1, is not shown because it is provided between the water turbine 2 and the generator 8.

[0045] A belt 6 is attached to the pulley 5-1 and a pulley 5-2 (not shown), and fixed legs 9 are provided on the water turbine 2 and the generator 8. The pulley 5-1 rotates in the direction of the arrow γ.

[0046] A rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached to the center of the roughly cylindrical pulley 5-1, and multiple forks 5a are provided between the outer periphery of the circle and the inner periphery (not shown) to which the rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached. A rotating shaft member 7-2 is attached to the center of the generator 8.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in the side view (β), the water turbine power generation device 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrow β shown in Figure 1, is provided with a water turbine 2 having a water inlet portion 2a for supplying tap water and a water outlet portion 2b for discharging tap water, a weight rotor 3 is provided in front of the water turbine 2, and a weight supplier 4 is provided in front of the weight rotor 3.

[0048] A rotating shaft member 7-2 passes through the water turbine 2, and a gap (not shown) is provided between the rotating shaft member 7-2 and the casing 2c through which the rotating shaft member 7-2 passes. The rotating shaft member 7-2 rotates through this gap so as not to be affected by the casing 2c of the fixed water turbine 2. A bearing may be attached between the rotating shaft member 7-2 and the casing 2c. In addition, fixing legs 9 are provided on the water turbine 2 and the weight supplier 4.

[0049] The weight supplier 4 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a bead rotator 4a is provided inside the cylinder at a predetermined position in the upper left of the hollow part (see Fig. 5 described later). The hollow part of the weight supplier 4 is hollow except for the part of the bead rotator 4a.

[0050] Furthermore, a rotating shaft member 7-1 passes through the center of the weight supplier 4, and a gap (not shown) is provided between the rotating shaft member 7-1 and the housing of the weight supplier 4 through which the rotating shaft member 7-1 passes. The rotating shaft member 7-1 rotates within this gap so as not to be affected by the fixed housing of the weight supplier 4. A bearing may be attached between the rotating shaft member 7-1 and the housing of the weight supplier 4.

[0051] A rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached to the center of the approximately cylindrical weight rotor 3, and multiple forks 3a are provided between the outer periphery of the circle and the inner periphery (the members are not shown) to which the rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached. The weight rotor 3 rotates in the direction of arrow γ.

[0052] <Waterwheel body 2d> Next, a detailed description will be given of the water turbine body 2d shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of the water turbine body 2d.

[0053] The water turbine body 2d includes an outer frame 11, a cup side frame 12, a cup bottom frame 13, cups 10-1, . . . , 10-16 (collectively referred to as "cups 10"), and a plurality of forks 10a.

[0054] A rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached to the water turbine main body 2d at the rotation axis, with the center of the circle that forms the side of the water turbine main body 2d serving as the rotation axis, and multiple forks 10a are provided between the outer periphery of the circle (where the cup 10 is provided) and the inner periphery to which the rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached (components not shown). The cup 10, cup side frame 12, cup bottom frame 13, multiple forks 10a, and rotating shaft member 7-1 rotate counterclockwise, which is the direction of arrow γ.

[0055] A water inlet 2a and a water outlet 2b are attached to the outer frame 11. A cup side frame 12 that covers the side surface of the cup 10 and a cup bottom frame 13 that covers the bottom surface of the cup 10 are attached to the cup 10, and the outer frame 11 is open.

[0056] Therefore, when tap water is poured directly into the cup 10 through the water inlet portion 2a and its open surface (the open surface facing the outer frame 11 when viewed from the cup 10), the gravity of the tap water poured into the cup 10 causes the cup 10 to rotate counterclockwise, in the direction of arrow γ, together with the cup side frame 12 and the cup bottom frame 13.

[0057] Tap water is supplied from the outside to the water turbine body 2d through the water inlet 2a and poured into each of the cups 10. When the cups 10 into which tap water has been poured rotate in the direction of arrow γ due to gravity and move downward, the tap water poured into the cups 10 spills out of the cups 10 and is discharged to the outside through the outer frame 11 and the water outlet 2b.

[0058] In this way, when tap water is supplied to the water turbine body 2d, it is poured into the cup 10, and the cup 10 rotates due to gravity, which in turn rotates the rotating shaft member 7-1. The rotational force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 caused by the rotation of the water turbine body 2d is transmitted to the generator 8 via the rotating shaft member 7-2, and electricity is generated by the generator 8.

[0059] <Rotating weight 3> Next, the weight rotator 3 shown in Fig. 1 will be described in detail. Fig. 4 is a front view and a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of the weight rotator 3. Note that the pipes 31 and wires 32 are omitted from the magnets (weights, beads) 30-1, ..., 30-4 shown in Fig. 4 (as shown in Fig. 6 described later, the magnets 30-1, ..., 30-12 (collectively referred to as "magnets 30") are connected by the pipes 31 and wires 32). The magnets 30 are used as weights.

[0060] As mentioned above, this weight rotor 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with a predetermined number (16) of recesses 20-1, ..., 20-16 (collectively referred to as "recesses 20") formed at equal intervals on the side of the substantially cylindrical body. Furthermore, the weight rotor 3 has a rotation axis at the center of the substantially cylindrical circle, with a rotating shaft member 7-1 attached to the rotation axis, and multiple forks 3a are provided between the outer periphery of the circle (the thick part where the recesses 20 are formed) and the inner periphery where the rotating shaft member 7-1 is attached (the members are not shown).

[0061] The positions of the 16 recesses 20 correspond to the positions of the 16 cups 10 shown in Fig. 3. The (recesses 20) of the weight rotor 3 shown in Fig. 4, the (cups 10) of the water turbine main body 2d shown in Fig. 3, and the pulley 5-1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 rotate in the same direction with the rotating shaft member 7-1 as the rotation axis.

[0062] 4, a recess 20-1 is formed between a first upper end 21-1 and a second upper end 21-2 on the side surface of the substantially cylindrical shape of the weight rotor 3. This recess 20-1 is composed of a first upper end 21-1, a lower end 22-1, a lower portion 23-1, and a second upper end 21-2.

[0063] Of the first upper end portion 21-1, the lower end portion 22-1, the lower portion 23-1, and the second upper end portion 21-2, the upper end portions 21-1 and 21-2 are located farthest from the rotating shaft member 7-1, and the lower end portion 22-1 is located closest to the rotating shaft member 7-1. The lower portion 23-1 is located between the upper end portions 21-1 and 21-2 and the lower end portion 22-1 in terms of distance from the rotating shaft member 7-1.

[0064] 4, a magnet 30-1 is loaded in recess 20-1 near the area between bottom end 22-1 and top end 21-2 via lower portion 23-1. A magnet 30-2 is loaded in recess 20-2 near the area between bottom end 22-2 and top end 21-3 via lower portion 23-2, and a magnet 30-3 is loaded in recess 20-3 near the area between bottom end 22-3 and top end 21-4 via lower portion 23-3. A magnet 30-4 is loaded in recess 20-4 near the area between bottom end 22-4 and top end 21-5 via lower portion 23-4.

[0065] In other words, the side view and front view of Figure 4 show a state in which four magnets 30-1, ..., 30-4 out of the twelve magnets 30-1, ..., 30-12 connected in a rosary shape as shown in Figure 6 described later are loaded in recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4 formed in the weight rotor 3.

[0066] The weight rotor 3 has magnets 30-1, ..., 30-4 loaded in recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4, and the gravity of the magnets 30-1, ..., 30-4 pushes the recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4 downward, causing the weight rotor 3 to rotate counterclockwise, in the direction of arrow γ.

[0067] As the weight rotor 3 rotates, the recess 20-16 formed to the right of the recess 20-1 moves toward the position of the recess 20-1, the recess 20-3 formed to the right of the recess 20-4 moves toward the position of the recess 20-4, and the recess 20-4 moves toward the position of the recess 20-5.

[0068] As a result, magnet 30-12 (see Figure 6 described later), which is connected to the right of magnet 30-1, is loaded into the moved recess 20-16, and magnet 30-4, which was loaded into recess 20-4, is removed (carried out, removed) from recess 20-4.

[0069] In this way, the magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern are loaded into the recesses 20 formed on the side of the weight rotor 3, and the gravity of the loaded magnets 30 pushes down the recesses 20, causing the weight rotor 3 to rotate. As the weight rotor 3 rotates, the magnets 30 are loaded in turn into the upper recesses 20 (e.g., recess 20-16), and each time a magnet 30 is removed from the lower recess 20 (e.g., recess 20-4), this operation is repeated, causing the rotating shaft member 7-1 to continue rotating. The rotational force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 resulting from the rotation of the weight rotor 3 is transmitted to the generator 8 via the rotating shaft member 7-2, causing the generator 8 to generate electricity.

[0070] In this case, the rotational force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 is caused not only by the rotation of the turbine body 2d shown in Figure 3 but also by the rotation of the weight rotating body 3, and therefore can be increased compared to when it is caused by the rotation of only the turbine body 2d.

[0071] <Weight supply unit 4> Next, the weight supplier 4 shown in Fig. 1 will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional view illustrating an example of the appearance of the weight supplier 4. The direction of the arrow δ shown in Fig. 5 is the same as the direction of the arrow δ shown in the side view (β) of Fig. 2.

[0072] The weight supplier 4 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and specifically, it is composed of a housing with supplier side portion 4c, which is the curved side of the cylinder, and supplier bottom portions 4d, 4e, which are the two bottom surfaces, and the inside of the cylinder is hollow. The supplier bottom portions 4d, 4e are provided at their centers with holes 4f, 4g through which a rotating shaft member 7-1 (not shown) passes.

[0073] A gap is provided between the rotating shaft member 7-1 (not shown) that passes through the holes 4f and 4g of the weight supplier 4 and the housing of the weight supplier 4. This gap allows the rotating shaft member 7-1 (not shown) to rotate relative to the weight supplier 4. A bearing may be attached instead of the gap.

[0074] The weight supplier 4 has a curved (tile-shaped) bead rotor 4a at the front upper side (front when viewed from the front) inside the supplier side portion 4c, and a cover 4b at a position corresponding to the front upper side bead rotor 4a outside the supplier bottom portion 4e.

[0075] The curved upper and lower surfaces of the bead rotor 4a are referred to as upper surface portion 35a and lower surface portion 35b, the rectangular surface extending perpendicularly between the supplier bottom surfaces 4d, 4e with one side being the generatrix (the straight line perpendicularly connecting the supplier bottom surfaces 4d, 4e) on the supplier side surface portion 4c of the weight supplier 4 is referred to as side surface portions 35c, 35d, the annular sector surface provided in parallel and in contact with the supplier bottom surface 4e of the weight supplier 4 (the end surface on the side with cover 4b) is referred to as side surface portion 35e, and the annular sector surface provided in parallel and in contact with the supplier bottom surface 4d of the weight supplier 4 (the end surface on the side without cover 4b) is referred to as side surface portion 35f. The frames of the upper surface portion 35a, the lower surface portion 35b and the side surfaces 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f form a housing.

[0076] The frame of the upper surface 35a is made of a transparent material (for example, an acrylic plate) so that the user can see the components inside the bead rotor 4a from the outside and understand their condition. Similarly, the cover 4b is made of a transparent material (for example, an acrylic plate) so that the user can see the magnet 30 loaded in the recess 20 of the weight rotor 3 from the outside and understand its condition.

[0077] 5 shows only the overall appearance of the rosary bead rotor 4a, and does not include components such as a magnet 30 and an inner guide 33 shown in Fig. 6, which will be described later. The components of the rosary bead rotor 4a will be described later.

[0078] Openings 35h and 35i are provided on both sides of the side surface 35e of the bead rotor 4a on the cover 4b side. The opening 35h is an entrance / exit for supplying (transporting out) the magnets 30 connected in a beaded shape from the bead rotor 4a of the weight supplier 4 to the weight rotor 3, and the opening 35i is an entrance / exit for returning (transporting in) the magnets 30 connected in a beaded shape from the weight rotor 3 to the bead rotor 4a of the weight supplier 4 (see the front view in Figure 6 described later).

[0079] The cover 4b is a member that covers the loaded magnet 30 in the recess 20 of the weight rotor 3, in order to prevent the magnet 30 from coming out of the recess 20 and going outside (falling) (see the cross-sectional view in Figure 6 described later).

[0080] In addition, the cover 4b is provided with a cover side portion 35g, which is a member for holding the magnet 30 loaded in the recess 20 of the weight rotor 3 so that it does not come off to the opposite side of the bead rotor 4a when viewed from the weight rotor 3 and go outside (see the cross-sectional view in Figure 6 described below).

[0081] <Bead Rotator 4a> Next, we will explain the components of the rosary bead rotor 4a shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a front view and a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the configuration of the rosary bead rotor 4a.

[0082] This bead rotor 4a operates by rotating each of the magnets 30, which are multiple weights connected in a beaded pattern, counterclockwise in the direction of arrow ε as the weight rotor 3 rotates, moving the magnets, supplying them to the weight rotor 3 in order, and loading them into its recess 20, not shown in Figure 6.

[0083] The bead rotor 4a includes magnets 30 connected in a beaded shape using pipes 31 and wires 32, an inner guide 33, an outer guide 34, shielding plates 36-1, ..., 36-4 (collectively referred to as "shielding plates 36"), repelling magnets 37-1, ..., 37-4 (collectively referred to as "repelling magnets 37"), and a housing consisting of an upper surface 35a, a lower surface 35b, and side surfaces 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f.

[0084] The magnet 30 has a through hole 30a (see Figure 7 described later) through which the wire 32 is passed (penetrating), and a pipe 31 through which the wire 32 is passed (penetrating) is provided between adjacent magnets 30.

[0085] In other words, the magnets 30 connected in a rosary shape are a ring-shaped member formed by passing one wire 32 through the through holes 30a of the 12 magnets 30 and the holes of the 12 pipes 31.

[0086] The inner guide 33 and the outer guide 34, together with the upper surface portion 35a and the lower surface portion 35b, form a passage for moving the magnets 30 within the bead rotor 4a so that the magnets 30, connected in a beaded shape, are supplied (transported) from the bead rotor 4a to the weight rotor 3 as the magnets 30 move in a circular pattern, and are returned (transported) from the weight rotor 3 to the bead rotor 4a. The passage formed by the inner guide 33, the outer guide 34, the upper surface portion 35a and the lower surface portion 35b, together with the passage formed by the weight rotor 3, the cover 4b and the inner guide 33, forms a ring shape. In other words, the magnets 30, connected in a beaded shape, move in a circular pattern along the passage formed in a ring shape.

[0087] 6, the inner guide 33 and the outer guide 34 are fixed to the lower surface 35b of the bead rotor 4a and are in contact with the upper surface 35a. The magnet 30-6 is located in a passage covered by the inner guide 33, the outer guide 34, the upper surface 35a, and the lower surface 35b, and moves along this passage.

[0088] That is, a passage is formed by the inner guide 33, the outer guide 34, the upper surface 35a, and the lower surface 35b between the opening 35i and the opening 35h in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow ε in Fig. 6. The magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern move along this passage.

[0089] In this way, the magnets 30 connected in a beaded shape are guided along the passage formed by the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34 of the bead rotor 4a, and the upper surface portion 35a and lower surface portion 35b, and move along the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34 from opening 35i to opening 35h.

[0090] The openings 35h, 35i of the bead rotor 4a shown in Figure 6 and the cover 4b and weight rotor 3 provided on the left side of the inner guide 33 (the inner guide 33 on the weight rotor 3 side, side portion 35e) show the state in which magnets 30-1, ..., 30-4 are supplied from the bead rotor 4a through the opening 35h and loaded into the recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4 (not shown) of the weight rotor 3.

[0091] 6, the inner guide 33 (side surface portion 35e) is fixed to the lower surface portion 35b of the bead rotor 4a and is in contact with the upper surface portion 35a, as described above. The magnet 30-3 is present in a passage covered by the upper surface and cover side surface portion 35g of the cover 4b, the recess 20-3 of the weight rotor 3, and the inner guide 33 (side surface portion 35e), and moves through this passage while being loaded in the recess 20-3.

[0092] In other words, a passage is formed between opening 35h and opening 35i in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow ε in Fig. 6 by the upper surface of cover 4b, cover side surface 35g, weight rotor 3 (recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4), and inner guide 33 (side surface 35e). The magnets 30, connected in a beaded pattern, move along this passage, and are prevented by cover 4b and inner guide 33 (side surface 35e) from coming off recesses 20-1, ..., 20-4 and going outside.

[0093] In this way, the magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern are guided into a passage formed by the upper surface of the cover 4b, the cover side portion 35g, and the recess 20 and inner guide 33 (side portion 35e) of the weight rotor 3, and the gravity of the magnets 30 pushes the recess 20 downward, causing the weight rotor 3 to rotate and move from opening 35h to opening 35i.

[0094] Therefore, the magnets 30 connected in a beaded shape are guided along a circular passage consisting of a passage formed by the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34 of the bead rotor 4a, and the upper surface 35a and lower surface 35b, and a passage formed by the upper surface and cover side surface 35g of the cover 4b on the weight rotor 3 side, and the recess 20 and inner guide 33 (side surface surface 35e) of the weight rotor 3, and move circularly along the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34.

[0095] The shielding plate 36 and the repelling magnet 37 are fixed to the lower surface portion 35b. The shape of the repelling magnet 37 is the same as the shape of the magnet 30.

[0096] The repelling magnet 37 has an N pole at the part closest to the shielding plate 36 and an S pole at the part farther away. The magnet 30 rotating counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow ε has an S pole at the part in the direction of travel and an N pole at the opposite part.

[0097] The shielding plate 36 functions to shield the magnetic force from the corresponding repelling magnet 37, and when the magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern are moved to a predetermined position where the shielding plate 36 is in operation, they are not affected by the magnetic force from the repelling magnet 37.

[0098] When the magnets 30 connected in a string shape are moved to a position away from the predetermined position where the shielding plate 36 functions, they are affected by the magnetic force from the repelling magnets 37.

[0099] In Figure 6, due to the repulsive force between the north poles of magnet 30 and repulsive magnet 37, the moving magnet 30 receives a repulsive force from repulsive magnet 37 and moves upward (in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity).

[0100] As a result, the repulsive magnet 37 promotes the upward movement of the magnet 30, so that in the weight rotor 3, the force pressing the recess 20 downward due to the gravity of the magnet 30 is maintained, and it is possible to suppress a reduction in the rotational force of the weight rotor 3. Then, this rotational force of the weight rotor 3 is transmitted to the generator 8, which enables more efficient power generation.

[0101] It is assumed that the moving magnet 30 will stop due to the attractive force between the south pole of the magnet 30 and the north pole of the repelling magnet 37. However, in this case, the rotational force due to gravity of the magnet 30 loaded on the rotating weight body 3 is greater than this attractive force, so the moving magnet 30 will not stop.

[0102] In this way, each of the magnets 30 connected in a beaded fashion is supplied to the weight rotator 3 along the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34, and when loaded into the recess 20 of the weight rotator 3, the gravity of the loaded magnets 30 rotates the weight rotator 3. Thereafter, each of the magnets 30 connected in a beaded fashion moves as the weight rotator 3 rotates, and when ejected from the recess 20, it returns to the bead rotator 4a and moves along the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34, with the repulsive force between the magnets 30 and the repulsive magnet 37 promoting the upward movement of the magnets 30.

[0103] Then, as the magnet 30 moves, the rotation of the weight rotating body 3 continues, so that the rotation force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 can be maintained.

[0104] In this case, the rotational force of the rotating shaft member 7-1 is caused not only by the rotation of the turbine body 2d shown in Figure 3 but also by the rotation of the weight rotating body 3, and therefore can be increased compared to when it is caused by the rotation of only the turbine body 2d.

[0105] <Weights (magnet 30, etc.)> Next, we will explain the magnet 30, which is the weight shown in Figures 4 and 6. Figure 7(1) is a diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a capsule-type magnet, and Figure 7(2) is a diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a truncated cone and a cylindrical magnet.

[0106] As shown in Figure 7(1), a through-hole 30a is formed in the capsule-shaped magnet 30, penetrating between the tip of one curved surface and the tip of the other curved surface. As shown in Figure 6, a wire 32 is passed through this through-hole 30a.

[0107] 7(2), the magnet 30', which is a truncated cone and cylindrical magnet, has one side shaped like a truncated cone with a tapered portion 30b-1 and the other side shaped like a cylinder, and is configured such that the truncated cone and the cylinder are integrated. A through-hole 30a' is formed in the magnet 30', penetrating between the tip of the truncated cone and the tip of the cylinder.

[0108] The through hole 30a' near the tip of the truncated cone has a tapered portion 30b-2 formed so that the diameter gradually increases toward the tip, and the through hole 30a' near the tip of the cylinder also has a tapered portion 30b-3 formed so that the diameter gradually increases toward the tip.

[0109] Furthermore, when magnet 30' is used as a weight connected in a rosary shape, the tip of the truncated cone of magnet 30' is the south pole and the tip of the cylinder is the north pole, and magnet 30' connected in a rosary shape moves upward (towards the truncated cone) as shown in Figure 7 (2).

[0110] As described above, according to the water turbine power generating device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the multiple cups 10 provided on the water turbine body 2d of the water turbine 2 rotate due to the water flow, and the weight rotor 3 has multiple recesses 20 formed at equal intervals on the side of an approximately cylindrical shape, and with magnets 30 serving as weights loaded in the recesses 20, it rotates around the center of the cylinder as its rotation axis due to the gravity of the magnets 30.

[0111] As the weight rotor 3 rotates, the weight supplier 4 moves the magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern along the inner guide 33 and outer guide 34, supplying them to the weight rotor 3 and loading them into the recess 20. In addition, the repulsive magnets 37 provided in the weight supplier 4 apply a repulsive force to the magnets 30 as the magnets 30 connected in a beaded pattern move, thereby promoting the upward movement of the magnets 30.

[0112] As a result, the rotational force acting on the rotation axis of the water turbine body 2d of the water turbine 2 and the weight rotor 3 is generated not only by the rotation of the water turbine body 2d, but also by the rotation of the weight rotor 3, thereby increasing the rotational force.

[0113] Furthermore, the repulsive magnet 37 promotes the upward movement of the magnet 30, so that the force of the gravity of the magnet 30 in the weight rotor 3 pressing the recess 20 downward can be maintained, and reduction in the rotational force of the weight rotor 3 can be suppressed. This allows efficient power generation to be achieved by the generator 8 connected to the rotating shaft.

[0114] Therefore, the water turbine power generating device 1 of this invention is configured with the water turbine 2, the weight rotor 3, and the weight supplier 4, and therefore can realize efficient power generation at low cost with a simple structure.

[0115] In particular, the water turbine power generation system 1 is installed upstream of facilities such as baths, showers, laundry, toilets, washing, and cleaning, rather than drinking or cooking facilities, in homes, hospitals, beauty salons, restaurants, etc., so that the tap water discharged from the water turbine power generation system 1 can be used directly in these facilities.

[0116] In other words, the tap water used in the water turbine power generation system 1 does not need to be distinguished from the tap water used in facilities such as baths, showers, laundry, toilets, washing, cleaning, etc., and can be shared. Therefore, by installing the water turbine power generation system 1 upstream of these facilities, tap water can be used efficiently and usage fees can be reduced.

[0117] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the technical concept thereof.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the water turbine power generating device 1 is provided with a pair of members consisting of the weight rotor 3 and the weight supplier 4, but it may also be provided with multiple pairs of members each consisting of a weight rotor 3 and a weight supplier 4. This makes it possible to realize even more efficient power generation.

[0119] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the magnet 30 rotating counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow ε has an S pole in the direction of movement and an N pole in the opposite direction. However, the magnet 30 may have an N pole in the direction of movement and an S pole in the opposite direction. The same applies to the magnet 30' shown in Fig. 7(2).

[0120] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the weight supply device 4 is provided with fixing legs 9, and the weight supply device 4 is set up on an installation surface (not shown) by the fixing legs 9. However, the weight supply device 4 may be set up on the water turbine 2 using a plurality of support members.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water used in the water turbine power generating device 1 is described as tap water, but the water does not necessarily have to be tap water, and may be, for example, river water or mountain water.

[0122] In addition, in the above embodiment, the magnet 30 is described as being of a capsule type shown in Figure 7(1) and a truncated cone and cylindrical type shown in Figure 7(2), but the shape is not limited to these types and may be of other shapes.

[0123] 6, the magnets 30 are connected by the pipe 31 and the wire 32, but multiple beads may be used instead of the pipe 31. In this case, the magnets 30 are connected in a beaded pattern by passing the wire 32 through the through-hole 30a of the magnet 30 and the through-holes of the multiple beads. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Water turbine generator 2 Waterwheel 2a Water inlet 2b Water outlet 2c case 2d Waterwheel body 3 Rotating weight body 3a, 5a, 10a fork 4 Weight supply 4a Bead Rotator 4b cover 4c Side part of feeder 4d,4e Feeder bottom part 4f, 4g holes 5-1,5-2 pulleys 6 Belt 7-1, 7-2 Rotating shaft members 8. Generator 9 Fixed legs 10, 10-1, 10-16 cups 11 Outer Frame 12 Cup side frame 13 Cup bottom frame 20, 20-1, , 20-8, , 20-16 recess 21-1,...,21-8,... Upper end 22-1,...,22-8,... Bottom end 23-1, 23-8, bottom 30, 30', 30-1, ···, 30-12 Magnets (weights, beads) 30a, 30a' through holes 30b-1, 30b-2, 30b-3 Tapered section 31 Pipe 32 wires 33 Inner guide 34 Outer guide 35a Top part 35b Bottom part 35c,35d,35e,35f Side part 35g Side of cover 35h,35i opening 36,36-1,36-2,36-3,36-4 Shielding plate 37, 37-1, 37-2, 37-3, 37-4 Repulsion magnets

Claims

1. A water turbine power generation device in which a water turbine is rotated by a water flow, thereby rotating a rotating shaft member attached to a rotating shaft of the water turbine, and mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft member is converted into electrical energy, a weight rotor having a substantially cylindrical shape, with a predetermined number of recesses formed at equal intervals on a side surface of the substantially cylindrical shape, with the rotation shaft member attached to a location on the rotation shaft that is centered on the circle of the substantially cylindrical shape; a weight supplier comprising: a plurality of weights connected in a string-like fashion; a guide for guiding the plurality of weights to a predetermined path; and a weight supplier including the same number of repulsive magnets as a predetermined number of the plurality of weights, each of the plurality of weights being a magnet, for applying a repulsive force to a predetermined number of the plurality of weights by causing like poles to repel each other, the plurality of weights moving in a circular fashion along the guide, and supplying each of the plurality of weights in turn to the weight rotor and loading them into the recess; Each of the plurality of weights is When a weight is supplied to the weight rotor and loaded into the recess, the gravity of the weight pushes the recess downward, rotating the weight rotor and the rotating shaft member, and then when the weight moves and is discharged from the recess as the weight rotor rotates, it moves along the guide provided in the weight supplier, and the repulsive force between the weight and the repulsive magnet promotes its movement along the guide.

2. The water turbine power generating apparatus according to claim 1, The weight supplier is The water turbine power generating apparatus further comprises a cover for holding the weights loaded in the recesses of the weight rotor in the recesses.

3. The water turbine power generating apparatus according to claim 1, A water turbine power generation device characterized in that the water that rotates the water turbine is tap water, and the tap water is used for any of the following purposes: bathing, showering, laundry, toileting, washing, and cleaning.

Images