Power generation facility

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a power generation facility having high energy efficiency. [Solution] This power generation facility comprises: a traveling body 1; a travel path 2; and a conveyance device 3. The traveling body includes a power generation mechanism for converting kinetic energy generated during travel into electrical energy. The conveyance device includes a first prime mover rotor 31, a second prime mover rotor 32, and an operative rotor 33 that operates in conjunction with the first and second prime mover rotors. The conveyance device further includes: a weight 36 that applies a load to the prime mover rotors; and a traveling body placement unit 211 that enables placement of the traveling body and that is connected to the operative rotor so as to be capable of rising or falling in response to the linked operation of the prime mover rotors and the operative rotor. During conveyance, the weight is connected to the first prime mover rotor, and the first prime mover rotor and the operative rotor are made to rotate under the weight of the weight to raise the traveling body placement unit whereon the traveling body is placed. During travel, the weight is connected to the second prime mover rotor, and the second prime mover rotor is made to rotate under the dead weight of the traveling body placement unit to lower the traveling body placement unit.

Description

Power generation facilities

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation facility.

[0002] There is a demand for energy-efficient power generation facilities.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation facility in which a wind turbine that can rotate when it receives wind from the vehicle is installed on a running body, and this running body runs on the rails of a roller coaster. Electricity is generated by the rotation of the wind turbine caused by the vehicle's running wind or by operating a generator linked to the wheel axle, and this electricity is extracted via the rails and stored.

[0004] Patent No. 5051676

[0005] However, in the power generation equipment described above, when moving the traveling body from the lowest position to the starting point at a higher position, the traveling body was lifted by a belt conveyor while running on rails, which required a considerable amount of electricity to operate the belt conveyor, and there was room for improvement in terms of energy consumption.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generating facility that eliminates the consumption of electricity when moving a traveling vehicle to a starting point and has higher overall energy efficiency.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 includes a running body, a running path having a starting point and a destination point set lower than the starting point, the running body being able to run from the starting point to the destination point by gravity, and a transport device that transports the running body, which runs on the running path and reaches the destination point, in an up-and-down direction from the destination point to the starting point, the running body having a power generation mechanism configured to be able to convert kinetic energy acquired during running into electrical energy directly or indirectly, the transport device having a first driving rotor and a second driving rotor, and an operating rotor that operates in conjunction with the first and second driving rotors, the running body being able to be placed thereon, the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor being able to be connected to the operating rotor. This power generation facility is characterized in that it includes a running body mounting section connected to the driving rotor and the operating rotor so that it can rise from the destination point to the starting point or fall from the starting point to the destination point in accordance with the coordinated operation of the driving rotor and the operating rotor, and a weight that applies a load to the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor, and when the running body is being transported to the departure point, the weight is connected to the first driving rotor, and the first driving rotor and the operating rotor are rotated by a rotational driving force based on the weight of the weight, thereby raising the running body mounting section on which the running body is placed, and when the running body is traveling, the weight is connected to the second driving rotor, and the second driving rotor is rotated by the weight of the running body mounting section, thereby lowering the running body mounting section.

[0008] In the invention described in claim 2, the first driving rotor is a large diameter gear, the second driving rotor is a small diameter gear larger in diameter than the large diameter gear, and the operating rotor is a medium diameter gear that engages with the large diameter gear and the small diameter gear and has a diameter smaller than the large diameter gear and larger than the small diameter gear.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that it further comprises a transmission gear interposed between the large-diameter gear, the small-diameter gear and the medium-diameter gear, and engaging with the large-diameter gear, the small-diameter gear and the medium-diameter gear.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor are provided on different rotation shafts.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor are provided on the same rotation shaft.

[0012] In the invention described in claim 6, the first driving rotor is a movable pulley, the operating rotor is a fixed pulley that is connectable to the movable pulley via a cord-like body, and the second driving rotor is a fixed pulley that is connected to the operating rotor.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that it further comprises a movable unit configured to be operable to switch the weight between the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor, and a control unit that controls the operation of the movable unit depending on the position of the running body.

[0014] In the invention described in claim 8, the conveying device further includes a guide unit that is arranged between the destination point and the starting point and guides the movement of the running body mounting unit between the destination point and the starting point, and the running body mounting unit has an inclination angle that allows the running body to start free movement when arranged at the starting point.

[0015] In the invention described in claim 9, the running path is divided into a plurality of sections having different inclination angles relative to the horizontal direction, and the running body is capable of running on each of the plurality of sections at a constant speed or a predetermined speed.

[0016] In the invention described in claim 10, the running path is composed of a running rail on which the running body runs and a power transmission rail that can output electricity generated by the power generation mechanism to the outside, or a conductive running rail, and the power generation mechanism has an output terminal that is configured to be connectable to and disconnectable from the power transmission rail or the conductive running rail, and is configured to allow the electrical energy converted by the power generation mechanism to be extracted via the running rail.

[0017] In the invention described in claim 11, the conveying device further includes a cord-like body that is attached at one end so that it can be wound around the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor, and has a length adjustment member attached at the other end so that its length can be changed, and the weight can be connected to the corresponding first driving rotor and second driving rotor via the length adjustment member.

[0018] In the invention described in claim 12, the length adjustment member has different dimensions in the vertical and horizontal directions, has a closed shape, and its length can be changed by changing its orientation relative to the extension direction of the cord-like body.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 1, the running object is caused to run along a running path, and the kinetic energy acquired by the running object is converted into electrical energy by a power generation mechanism to generate electricity. After running, the running object can be returned to the starting position by a transport device and power generation can be resumed.

[0020] Here, the moment acting on the operating rotor can be increased by utilizing the lever action between the first driving rotor and the operating rotor, and the running body can be raised by the weight of the weight while placed on the running body mounting section, thereby eliminating the consumption of electricity generated by power generation and the input of other external energy.

[0021] On the other hand, the running body mounting section at the starting point can be lowered to the destination point by switching the weight from the first driving rotor to the second driving rotor. The lever action via the second driving rotor and the operating rotor allows a state in which an appropriate moment acts on the operating rotor to be maintained, so the running body mounting section can be lowered at a safe speed and moved to the destination point.

[0022] In this way, despite the relatively simple configuration using multiple rotating bodies, it is possible to eliminate the power consumption required to move the traveling body from the destination to the starting point, thereby providing a power generation facility that is more energy efficient overall.

[0023] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the conveying device is configured using a plurality of gears having different diameters, thereby making it possible to simplify the configuration.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 3, the rotational directions of the driving gears (large diameter gear, small diameter gear) and the operating gears (medium diameter gear) are aligned, and the distance between the engagement portion where the gears mesh and the attachment portion of the weight to the gears is secured, making it possible to prevent interference in operation.

[0025] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily form an engagement relationship between the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor.

[0026] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by the transport device, thereby promoting further simplification of the configuration.

[0027] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the conveying device is configured using a plurality of pulleys (movable pulleys and fixed pulleys), thereby making it possible to simplify the configuration.

[0028] According to the invention described in claim 7, the weight can be automatically replaced between the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor without manual intervention, so power generation can be continued without the need to deploy special personnel.

[0029] According to the invention described in claim 8, the movement of the running body mounting unit from the terminal point to the starting point and from the starting point to the terminal point can be guided by the guide unit, and the running body mounting unit can be moved smoothly and stably between the terminal point and the starting point.

[0030] Furthermore, by utilizing the inclination angle of the running body placement section at the starting point, it is possible to start the running body moving freely without requiring any special configuration to bias the running body, thereby further improving the efficiency of the entire system.

[0031] According to the invention described in claim 9, by dividing the running path into a plurality of sections with different inclination angles relative to the horizontal direction and allowing the running body to run on each of these sections at a constant or predetermined speed, it becomes possible to actively control the electrical energy obtained by the power generation mechanism on a running path of a certain length, thereby facilitating the realization of stable power generation or power supply by the power generation equipment.

[0032] According to the invention of claim 10, the running path is formed by a running rail on which the running body runs and a power transmission rail that can output electricity generated by the power generation mechanism to the outside, or a conductive running rail, and the power generation mechanism has an output terminal that is configured to be connectable to and disconnectable from the power transmission rail or the conductive running rail, and the electrical energy converted by the power generation mechanism is configured to be extractable via the running rail. Therefore, particularly when the running path is formed by conductive running rails and the output terminal of the power generation mechanism is connectable to and disconnectable from the running rail, and the electrical energy generated by the power generation mechanism is configured to be extractable via the running rail, it becomes possible to extract electrical energy from the running body without providing a power transmission rail in addition to the running rail, and it is possible to simplify the configuration while promoting improved convenience.

[0033] According to the invention described in claim 11, by making it possible to connect weights to the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor via a length adjustment member, it becomes possible to easily change the weights between the first and second driving rotors.

[0034] According to the invention described in claim 12, by changing the orientation of the length adjustment member, which has different dimensions in the vertical and horizontal directions, the length of the length adjustment member can be changed, thereby making it possible to easily adjust the length of the cord-like body.

[0035] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a power generation facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a traveling body according to the same embodiment. Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a transport device according to the same embodiment. Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of a transport device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a transport device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration and operation of a length adjustment member.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] 1 , a power generation facility S according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a traveling body 1, a traveling track 2, and a transport device 3. The power generation facility S generates electricity by running the traveling body 1 along the traveling track 2 by gravity, converting the kinetic energy acquired by the traveling body 1 while it is traveling into electrical energy, and outputs the obtained electrical energy (i.e., power).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 includes a pair of wheels 11 at the front and rear, and a generator 12 whose rotating shaft is connected to the central axis of the wheels 11 (i.e., the wheel axle).

[0039] The rotational power of the wheels 11 can drive a generator 12 to generate electricity. The running object 1 further includes a secondary battery 13 and an output device 14, and the generated power can be stored in the secondary battery 13 or output to the outside via the output device 14. The running object 1 includes an output terminal 15 for external output.

[0040] The kinetic energy of the vehicle 1 may be temporarily stored in an energy storage means, and the energy stored in this means may be used to drive the generator 12. The energy storage means may be realized, for example, by a spring. In such a case, the spring is wound up by the wheel axle while the vehicle is traveling, and after the winding is complete, the spring is released to drive the generator 12.

[0041] The track 2 is made up of a spiral rail 21 extending vertically, with a starting point Ps set at the upper end of the rail 21 and a destination point Pe set at the lower end. That is, the destination point Pe is lower than the starting point Ps, and the running body 1 can travel on the rail 21 by gravity from the starting point Ps to the destination point Pe.

[0042] The running track 2 is formed so that its horizontal diameter, i.e., its turning radius, increases from the starting point Ps to the destination point Pe, while its angle with respect to the horizontal, i.e., the inclination angle of the running rails 21, decreases. As a result, the running track 2 has a conical contour as a whole. Due to the change in the inclination angle, the running body 1 can run with greater acceleration as it approaches the starting point Ps.

[0043] The track 2 has a braking section formed near the end point Pe, which applies a braking force to the running body 1, thereby promoting deceleration of the running body 1. For example, the braking section can be formed as a rail section that converges toward the center while reducing its horizontal diameter. The running body 1 decelerates due to energy consumption caused by turning toward the center and friction exerted by the braking section on the wheels 11.

[0044] In addition to the above, the travel path 2 includes a power transmission rail 22 provided parallel to the travel rail 21. While traveling, the travel vehicle 1 can output generated power to the outside by bringing the output terminal 15 into contact with the power transmission rail 22. The power output to the power transmission rail 22 can be stored in the external power storage device 4. The power stored in the external power storage device 4 can be used to operate the transport device 3.

[0045] The transport device 3 transports the running body 1, which has reached the destination point Pe, from the destination point Pe to the departure point Ps. The transport device 3 includes two driving rotors, i.e., a first driving rotor 31 and a second driving rotor 32, and one operating rotor 33 that operates in conjunction with the first and second driving rotors 31, 32, i.e., is rotatable, as well as a running body mounting portion 211 and a weight 36.

[0046] The running body mounting section 211 is capable of mounting the running body 1 and is configured to be able to move the running body 1 up and down between the end point Pe and the start point Ps of the running path 2. In this embodiment, the running body mounting section 211 is configured as an end portion of the running rail 21 close to the end point Pe so as to be detachable from the other portions, and the movement of the running body mounting section 211 is guided by a guide rail 23 that vertically connects the end point Pe and the start point Ps.

[0047] When the running body placing section 211 is at the destination point Pe, the placing surface 211a on which the running body 1 is placed is horizontal, and when the running body is at the starting point Pe, the placing surface 211a is inclined downward toward the direction of travel (running body placing section 211'). This inclination allows the running body 1 to start free running from the starting point Ps using gravity without relying on power.

[0048] The weight 36 applies a load to the first and second driving rotors 31 and 32 and is interchangeable between these two driving rotors 31 and 32 .

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a transport device 3A according to this embodiment.

[0050] The conveying device 3A includes a large diameter gear 31, a small diameter gear 32, and a medium diameter gear 33, each having a different diameter, as a first driving rotor, a second driving rotor, and an operating rotor. That is, the diameter r1 of the large diameter gear 31, the diameter r2 of the small diameter gear 32, and the diameter r3 of the medium diameter gear 33 satisfy the relationship r2<r3<r1.

[0051] The conveyance device 3A further includes a transmission gear 34 interposed between the large-diameter gear 31, the small-diameter gear 32, and the medium-diameter gear 33, and the transmission gear 34 engages the large-diameter gear 31 and the medium-diameter gear 33 so as to be able to transmit power between them, and engages the small-diameter gear 32 and the medium-diameter gear 33 so as to be able to transmit power between them. The large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 are provided on different rotation axes, i.e., the rotation axes of the large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 are not coaxial, and are able to rotate in conjunction with each other by engaging with the transmission gear 34. The large-diameter gear 31, the small-diameter gear 32, the medium-diameter gear 33, and the transmission gear 34 are arranged with their rotation axes at the same height, connected by support members 35, and supported on an above-ground structure.

[0052] Depending on the weight relationship between the running body 1, the running body mounting portion 211 and the weight 36, the first driving rotating body, gear 31, and the operating rotating body, gear 33, may have the same diameter (r1 = r3), or the second driving rotating body, gear 32, and gear 33, may have the same diameter (r2 = r3).

[0053] The medium-diameter gear 33 has a cord F3 joined to the gear 33 at one end, and the running body mounting portion 211 is connected to the medium-diameter gear 33 via the cord F3. The medium-diameter gear 33 can wind the cord F3 around its outer circumferential surface 331 or extend the wound cord F3 depending on the direction of rotation, and the winding of the cord F3 raises the running body mounting portion 211, and the extension of the cord F3 lowers it.

[0054] The large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 have cords F1 and F2 joined at one end to the respective gears 31 and 32, and the weight 36 can be connected to the corresponding gears 31 and 32 via the cords F1 and F2. The cords F1 and F2 can be wound around the outer circumferential surfaces 311 and 321 of the corresponding gears 31 and 32.

[0055] By attaching the weight 36 to the cord F1, a load is applied to the large diameter gear 31, and the resulting rotational driving force rotates the medium diameter gear 33 in the direction of winding up the cord F3, thereby lifting the running body mounting portion 211. On the other hand, by attaching the weight 36 to the cord F2, a load is applied to the small diameter gear 32 in the same direction as the large diameter gear 31, lifting the running body mounting portion 211.

[0056] The weight 36 is replaced by the movable arm A. The movable arm A replaces the weight 36 between the large diameter gear 31 and the small diameter gear 32, and can change the orientation of the length adjustment member M when replacing the weight 36. As shown in Figure 6(b), the movable arm A operates in accordance with the position of the traveling body 1 based on an instruction signal from the control unit 37.

[0057] A first detector 38 is provided which outputs a detection signal when the running body 1 is at the starting point Ps, and a second detector 39 which outputs a detection signal when the running body 1 is at the destination point Pe, and the control unit 37 inputs the detection signals from the first and second detectors 38, 39.

[0058] When the running object 1 finishes traveling and reaches the destination point Pe, the control unit 37 detects this through a detection signal from the second detector 39, and in order to return the running object 1 to the starting point Ps, attaches a weight 36 to the cord-like body F1 hanging from the large-diameter gear 31 and connects it to the large-diameter gear 31. The weight of the weight 36 causes the large-diameter gear 31 and the medium-diameter gear 33 to rotate, and the running object mounting unit 211 rises with the running object 1 placed on it.

[0059] When the running body 1 returns to the starting point Ps, the running body 1 starts free running under its own weight. At this time, the control unit 37 operates in response to a detection signal from the first detector 38 to operate the movable arm unit A, replace the weight 36 with the cord-like member F2 hanging from the small diameter gear 32, and connect it to the small diameter gear 32. As the medium diameter gear 33 rotates under the own weight of the running body mounting unit 211, the small diameter gear 32 rotates, and the running body mounting unit 211 descends.

[0060] In this manner, in this embodiment, the running object 1 runs along the running path 2, and the kinetic energy acquired by the running object 1 is converted into electrical energy by the power generation mechanism to generate electricity. After running, the running object 1 reaches the destination point Pe, and can be returned to the starting position Ps by the transport device 3, where power generation can be resumed.

[0061] Here, the moment acting on the medium-diameter gear 33 is increased by utilizing the lever action between the large-diameter gear 31, which is the first driving rotor, and the medium-diameter gear 33, which is the operating rotor, and the running body 1 can be raised by the weight of the weight 36 while placed on the running body mounting section 211, thereby eliminating the consumption of electricity generated and the input of external energy.

[0062] On the other hand, the running body mounting portion 211 at the starting point Ps can be lowered to the end point Pe by switching the weight 36 from the large diameter gear 31 to the small diameter gear 32, which is the second driving rotor. The lever action via the small diameter gear 32 and the medium diameter gear 33 makes it possible to maintain a state in which an appropriate moment acts on the medium diameter gear 33, so that the running body mounting portion 211 can be lowered at a safe speed and moved to the end point Pe.

[0063] In this way, despite the relatively simple configuration using multiple rotating bodies 31, 32, and 33, it is possible to eliminate the power consumption when moving the running body 1 from the destination point Pe to the starting point Ps, and to provide a power generation facility S that is more energy efficient overall.

[0064] 4, a conveying device 3B according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a large-diameter gear 31, a small-diameter gear 32, and a medium-diameter gear 33, and these three gears 31, 32, and 33 are mounted on the same rotation axis. That is, the gears 31, 32, and 33 are coaxial and can rotate integrally with one another. As with the conveying device 3A, the traveling body mounting portion 211 is connected to the medium-diameter gear 33 via a cord-like member F3, and the weight 36 can be selectively connected to the large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 via cord-like members F1 and F2.

[0065] 3, the diameters r1, r2, and r3 of the large-diameter gear 31, small-diameter gear 32, and medium-diameter gear 33 satisfy the relationship r2<r3<r1, but it is possible for the gear 31, which is the first driving rotor, and the gear 33, which is the operating rotor, to have the same diameter (r1=r3), or for the gears 32 and 33, which are the second driving rotors, to have the same diameter (r2=r3).

[0066] A conveying device 3C according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a combination of a movable pulley and a fixed pulley, as shown in FIG.

[0067] 5(a), the conveying device 3C includes a movable pulley 31 as the first driving rotor and fixed pulleys 32 and 33 as the second driving rotor and operating rotor. The movable pulley 31 and the fixed pulley 33 can be connected to each other via a cord F3 stretched between them, and the fixed pulleys 32 and 33 are mounted on the same rotation axis and can rotate coaxially and integrally. The fixed pulley 32, which is the driving rotor, has a smaller diameter than the fixed pulley 33, which is the operating rotor.

[0068] The running body mounting portion 211 is connected to the fixed pulley 33 via a rope-like body F3, and the weight 36 can be attached and removed between a rope-like body F1 suspended from the center of the movable pulley 31 and a rope-like body F2 joined to the outer surface 321 of the fixed pulley 32 so as to be retractable.

[0069] 5(b), the transport device 3C' includes fixed pulleys 31 and 32 as the first and second driving rotors, and a movable pulley 33 as the actuating rotor. The movable pulley 33 and the fixed pulley 31 can be connected to each other via a cord-like member F1 stretched between them, and the fixed pulley 31 and the fixed pulley 32 are provided on the same rotation axis and can rotate coaxially and integrally.

[0070] The fixed pulley 32, which is the second driving rotor, has a smaller diameter than the fixed pulley 31, which is the first driving rotor. The running body mounting portion 211 is connected to the moving pulley 33 via a cord F3 suspended from its center, and the weight 36 is interchangeable between the cord F1 and a cord F2 joined to the outer circumferential surface 321 of the fixed pulley 32 so as to be retractable.

[0071] 5, the length adjustment member M is attached to the ends of the cords F1 and F2 connected to the first driving rotor 31 and the second driving rotor 32, and adjusts the overall length of the cords F1 and F2, i.e., the reachable range of the cords F1 and F2. A plurality of length adjustment members M of the same shape are provided, and they can be connected to each other in the same or different orientations.

[0072] 6(a), the length adjustment member M has an elliptical shape as a whole, with different dimensions in the longitudinal and lateral directions, and a closed shape. Specifically, the length adjustment member M has a semi-elliptical portion Ma on each side in the major axis direction, and a locking hook portion Mb on each side in the minor axis direction between the pair of semi-elliptical portions Ma.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6 (b), when multiple length adjustment members M are provided, the overall length of the cord-like bodies F1 and F2 will be longest when the long axis direction of all length adjustment members M (M1) is set to the extension direction of the cord-like bodies F1 and F2, and will be shortest when the short axis direction of all length adjustment members M (M2) is set to the extension direction of the cord-like bodies F1 and F2.

[0074] When replacing the weight 36, if the length of the cord-like bodies F1, F2 brought close to the weight 36 is insufficient, the insufficient length can be eliminated by changing the orientation of the length adjustment member M. The orientations of the length adjustment member M are stabilized by hooking the semi-elliptical portions Ma together, hooking the locking hook portions Mb onto the semi-elliptical portions Ma, or hooking the locking hook portions Mb together.

[0075] In the above description, the angle that the traveling path 2 makes with respect to the horizontal direction, i.e., the inclination angle or gradient of the traveling rails 21, is formed so as to decrease uniformly from the starting point Ps to the end point Pe. However, the traveling path 2 may be divided into a plurality of sections with different inclination angles, and the inclination angle for each section may be appropriately set or adjusted so that the traveling body 1 travels at a constant or predetermined speed in each of these plurality of sections.

[0076] For example, the inclination angle of the first section continuing from the starting point Ps is set to a relatively large first angle, and the inclination angle of the following second section is set to a second angle smaller than the first angle. The inclination angle of the third section connecting the second section to the end point Pe is set to a third angle even smaller than the second angle. Here, the first, second, and third angles may each be a constant angle or may fall within a certain range, and fluctuations within each range are allowed.

[0077] As a result, the downward gradient of the roadway 2 is increased in the first section to encourage acceleration of the vehicle 1, the downward gradient is made gentler in the second section to allow the vehicle 1 to travel at a constant speed, and in the third section, the downward gradient is made even gentler to safely decelerate the vehicle 1.

[0078] In this way, by setting the inclination angle of the running track 2 for each section, it is possible to actively control the power generation operation of the generator 12 over a certain length of running track 2, and the smooth and efficient power generation operation of the generator 12 makes it possible to promote the realization of stable power generation or power supply by the power generation equipment S.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above description, the power transmission rails 22 are installed parallel to the traveling rails 21 on the traveling track 2, and the output terminals 15 of the traveling body 1 are brought into contact with the power transmission rails 22 while traveling, thereby enabling the generated power to be output. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the traveling rails 21 may be made conductive and the output terminals 15 may be configured to be connectable and disconnectable to the traveling rails 21, thereby enabling the generated power of the generator 12 to be taken out as needed via the traveling rails 21.

[0080] This makes it possible to extract generated electricity as needed through the running rail 21, which also serves as the running track 2, without installing a power transmission rail 22 parallel to the running rail 21, thereby simplifying the configuration while improving convenience.

[0081] The power transmission rail 22 may be installed parallel to the traveling rail 21 or may be eliminated. When the traveling rail 21 and the power transmission rail 22 are installed side by side, it is possible to switch the connection destination of the generator 12 and the secondary battery 13 via the output device 14 between the traveling rail 21 and the power transmission rail 22, thereby switching the output path when extracting generated power.

[0082] For example, the output terminals 15 are alternately brought into contact between the running rail 21 and the power transmission rail 22, or in addition to the output terminal (first output terminal) 15 that contacts the power transmission rail 22, a second output terminal that contacts the running rail 21 is installed, and the output terminal that enables connection with the output device 14 is switched between the first and second output terminals.

[0083] It should be noted that appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention of this patent application, and the invention is not limited to the specific configuration of the above embodiment.

[0084] S...power generation equipment 1...traveling body 11...wheel 12...generator 13...secondary battery 14...output device 15...output terminal 2...traveling path 21...traveling rail 211...traveling body mounting section 22...power transmission rail 23...guiding section 3, 3A, 3B, 3C...conveying device 31...first driving rotor, large diameter gear 32...second driving rotor, small diameter gear 33...actuating rotor, medium diameter gear 34...transmission gear 4...external power storage device 36...weight 37...controller 38...first detector 39...second detector F1, F2, F3...cord-like body M...length adjustment member A...movable arm section

Claims

1. A system comprising: a running body; a running path having a starting point and a destination point set lower than the starting point, the running body being configured to be able to run from the starting point to the destination point by gravity; and a transport device which transports the running body, which runs on the running path and reaches the destination point, in an up and down direction from the destination point to the starting point; the running body being equipped with a power generation mechanism configured to directly or indirectly convert kinetic energy acquired during running into electrical energy; the transport device being equipped with a first driving rotor and a second driving rotor, and an operating rotor which operates in conjunction with the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor, the system being equipped with a running body mounting section on which the running body can be mounted and which is connected to the operating rotor so as to be able to rise from the destination point to the starting point or to fall from the starting point to the destination point in accordance with the operating rotor and the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor; and a weight which applies a load to the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor; When the running body is being transported to the starting point, the weight is connected to the first driving rotor, and the first driving rotor and the working rotor are rotated by a rotational driving force based on the weight of the weight, thereby lifting the running body support part on which the running body is placed, while when the running body is traveling, the weight is connected to the second driving rotor, and the second driving rotor is rotated by the weight of the running body support part, thereby lowering the running body support part.

2. The power generation equipment described in claim 1, characterized in that the first driving rotor is a large diameter gear, the second driving rotor is a small diameter gear smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear, and the operating rotor is a medium diameter gear that engages with the large diameter gear and the small diameter gear and has a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear and a larger diameter than the small diameter gear.

3. The power generating equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission gear interposed between said large diameter gear, said small diameter gear and said medium diameter gear, and engaging with said large diameter gear, said small diameter gear and said medium diameter gear.

4. The power generating facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the first prime mover rotor and the second prime mover rotor are provided on different rotating shafts.

5. The power generating facility according to claim 1, wherein the first prime mover rotor and the second prime mover rotor are mounted on the same rotating shaft.

6. The power generation facility described in claim 1, characterized in that the first driving rotor is a movable pulley, the operating rotor is a fixed pulley connected to the movable pulley via a rope-like body, and the second driving rotor is a fixed pulley rotatably connected to the operating rotor.

7. A power generation facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a movable part configured to be operable to switch the weight between the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor; and a control unit that controls the operation of the movable part depending on the position of the running body.

8. The power generation facility described in claim 1, characterized in that the transport device further comprises a guide section arranged between the end point and the starting point and guiding the movement of the running body mounting section between the end point and the starting point, and the running body mounting section has an inclination angle that allows the running body to start free movement when arranged at the starting point.

9. A power generation facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the running path is divided into a plurality of sections having different inclination angles with respect to the horizontal direction, and the running body is capable of running on each of the plurality of sections at a constant speed or a predetermined speed.

10. The power generation facility described in claim 1, characterized in that the running path is composed of a running rail on which the running body runs and a power transmission rail capable of outputting electricity generated by the power generation mechanism to the outside, or a conductive running rail, the power generation mechanism has an output terminal configured to be connectable to and disconnectable from the power transmission rail or the conductive running rail, and the electrical energy converted by the power generation mechanism is configured to be extractable via the running rail.

11. The power generation facility described in any one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that the conveying device further comprises a cord-like body that is attached at one end so as to be able to be wound around the first driving rotor and the second driving rotor, and has a length adjustment member attached at the other end so that the length can be changed, and the weight is connectable to the corresponding first driving rotor and second driving rotor via the length adjustment member.

12. The power generation facility described in claim 11, characterized in that the length adjustment member has different dimensions in the vertical and horizontal directions, has a closed shape, and its length can be changed by changing its orientation relative to the extension direction of the cord-like body.

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