Power generation device and power generation system

Abstract

Provided is a power generation device that is attached to a wind-receiving body which oscillates due to wind, said power generation device comprising: a rotary part; a wire that is wrapped around the rotary part and that can be let out from the rotary part; and a generator that converts, into electric power, the letting-out rotational force of the rotary part rotating in the letting out direction in which the wire is let out, wherein the wire is let out in the lengthwise direction of the wire from the rotary part by oscillation of the wind-receiving body, and the rotary part rotates in the letting out direction due to the wire being let out from the rotary part.

Description

Power generation equipment and power generation systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-068376, filed on April 19, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In the past, it was difficult to secure a power source for power tools and other equipment during forestry work in mountainous areas or forests where there is no electricity supply. For example, when forestry workers need to power their power tools, they must travel down from the mountainous areas where they are working to a location where electricity is available. Therefore, there is a need for a power generation device that can be installed in mountainous areas or forests where work is carried out.

[0003] Examples of power generation devices used in mountainous regions and forests include solar power generation devices. Power generation devices that generate electricity using vibrations from trees and the like have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-64418 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-70097

[0005] However, if sunlight is blocked by trees or other obstacles and the location of sunlight changes rapidly, solar power generation devices may not be able to stably supply sunlight to the solar panels and may not be able to generate sufficient power. Also, to ensure sufficient power generation, large solar panels must be used, which may be difficult to transport into mountainous areas.

[0006] The power generation device described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a transducer that converts the movement of a wind receiver, such as a swaying tree, into energy such as electricity, as well as a holding frame and support that secure the transducer, around the wind receiver, which can make installation and removal of the power generation device time-consuming.

[0007] The vibration-powered energy generator described in Patent Document 2 requires that the vibration-powered energy generating unit, which converts vibrations into electrical energy, be installed on the branches of a tree, which may be difficult to install on tall trees.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power generation device and a power generation system that can be easily installed and can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0009] A power generating device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a power generating device attached to a wind-receiving body that oscillates with the wind, and comprises a rotating part, a wire wound around the rotating part and capable of being sent out from the rotating part, and a generator that converts the rotational force of the rotating part, which rotates in the direction in which the wire is sent out, into electricity, wherein the wire is sent out from the rotating part in the longitudinal direction of the wire due to the oscillation of the wind-receiving body, and the rotating part rotates in the direction in which the wire is sent out from the rotating part.

[0010] A power generation system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the power generation device described above, a power storage device capable of storing the electricity converted by the generator, and a power supply device capable of supplying the electricity stored in the power storage device to the outside.

[0011] According to the power generation device and power generation system of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power generation device and power generation system that can be easily installed and can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0012] 8 is a side view schematically showing the power generation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the configuration of the power generation device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing the power generation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing the power generation device attached to a swinging wind receiver. FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing the power generation device attached to a swinging wind receiver. FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing the power generation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the power generation device. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a relay section of the power generation device. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is a side view schematically showing the power generation device according to a third embodiment.

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing a power generation device 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the power generation device 100. For ease of explanation, the power generation device 100 shown in Fig. 2 is shown partially in cross section. Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a power generation system 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0015] The power generation system 1 includes a power generation device 100 , a power storage device 200 , and a power supply device 300 .

[0016] The power generation device 100 is attached to wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 that sway with the wind. In this embodiment, the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 are trees that grow in mountainous areas or forests. The wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 may also be roadside trees or garden trees. Furthermore, the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 are not limited to natural objects such as trees, but may also be artificial objects.

[0017] The power generation device 100 includes a power generation device main body 110 and wires 120 .

[0018] 1 , the vertical direction in the power generating device 100 is defined as the "up-down direction A," the vertically upward direction as the "upper side A1" in the vertical direction A, and the vertically downward direction as the "lower side A2" in the vertical direction A. The direction in which the wire 120 extends is defined as the "longitudinal direction B," the side on which the power generating device main body 110 is provided as the "base end side B1" in the longitudinal direction B, and the opposite side as the "tip side B2" in the longitudinal direction B.

[0019] The wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 extend in the vertical direction A. The wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 do not necessarily extend in the vertical direction A strictly.

[0020] The wind receivers T1 and T2 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction B. In the following description, the wind receiver on the base end side B1 will be referred to as the first wind receiver T1, and the wind receiver on the tip end side B2 will be referred to as the second wind receiver T2. The first wind receiver T1 and the second wind receiver T2 do not need to be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction B strictly.

[0021] The power generation unit main body 110 is attached to the first wind-receiving body T1. In this embodiment, the power generation unit main body 110 is attached to the trunk of the first wind-receiving body T1, which is a tree. As shown in FIG. 2 , the majority of the power generation unit main body 110 is located on the tip side B2 of the trunk of the first wind-receiving body T1.

[0022] An end (base end) on the base end side B1 of the wire 120 is connected to the power generation unit main body 110. An end (tip) on the tip side B2 of the wire 120 is attached to the second wind receiving body T2. That is, the wire 120 is stretched across the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2.

[0023] The tip of the wire 120 is provided with a tip attachment portion 121 that fixes the tip of the wire 120 to the second wind receiving body T2.

[0024] The tip attachment part 121 is, for example, a belt wound around the trunk of the second wind-receiving body T2, which is a tree. The tip of the wire 120 is connected to the tip attachment part 121.

[0025] The tip attachment part 121 is formed of, for example, leather or resin. Therefore, by using the tip attachment part 121, damage to the second wind receiving body T2 can be suppressed compared to when the wire 120 is directly wound around the second wind receiving body T2. The tip attachment part 121 preferably has a length adjustment mechanism such as a buckle.

[0026] The power generation unit main body 110 includes a first housing portion 10 , a mounting portion 20 , a second housing portion 30 , and a third housing portion 40 .

[0027] The first accommodating unit 10 includes a rotating unit 11, an overload protection device 12, and a first transmission unit 13. The first accommodating unit 10 is, for example, a box that accommodates the rotating unit 11, the overload protection device 12, and the first transmission unit 13 inside.

[0028] The rotating part 11 is a cylindrical rotating member having a central axis O that extends in the vertical direction A. The rotating part 11 is provided in the first accommodation part 10 so as to be rotatable around the axis O as the center of rotation.

[0029] The base end of the wire 120 is connected to the rotating part 11. A portion of the wire 120 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the rotating part 11. The wire 120 is fed and pulled by the rotation of the rotating part 11 about the axis O as the center of rotation.

[0030] In the following description, the rotation direction of the rotating part 11 when the wire 120 is let out from the rotating part 11 is referred to as the "letting-out direction." Also, the rotation direction of the rotating part 11 when the wire 120 is wound around the rotating part 11 is referred to as the "pulling direction." The pulling direction is the direction opposite to the let-out direction.

[0031] When the wire 120 is pulled toward the distal end side B2, the wire 120, with a portion wound around the rotating unit 11, is fed out toward the distal end side B2 from the rotating unit 11. When the wire 120 is fed out, the rotating unit 11 rotates in the feeding direction around the axis O as the center of rotation due to the frictional force generated between the rotating unit 11 and the wire 120.

[0032] The rotating part 11 has an elastic part (not shown) that biases the rotating part 11 in the pulling direction. The elastic part of the rotating part 11 is, for example, a spiral spring with the axis O as its central axis.

[0033] When the wire 120 fed from the rotating unit 11 is relaxed, the wire 120 is biased by the elastic unit and rotates in the pulling direction around the axis O. That is, the wire 120 is wound up by the rotating unit 11, which is biased in the pulling direction by the elastic unit.

[0034] Since the loosened wire 120 is wound up by the biased rotating part 11, the wire 120 stretched across the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2 does not loosen.

[0035] The elastic portion of the rotating portion 11 is not limited to a spiral spring, but may be made of rubber or the like, or may be a biasing mechanism that does not utilize elastic force.

[0036] The overload protection device 12 and the first transmission unit 13 will be described later.

[0037] The attachment portion 20 includes a fixing belt 21 and a connecting portion 22 .

[0038] The fixing belt 21 is a belt wound around the trunk of the first wind-receiving body T1, which may be, for example, a tree. The power generation unit main body 110 is fixed to the first wind-receiving body T1 by the fixing belt 21. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 20 includes two fixing belts 21 spaced apart in the vertical direction A, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0039] The connecting portion 22 is a member that connects the first storage portion 10 and the first wind receiving body T1. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the first storage portion 10 in a plan view from the vertical direction A is rectangular, and the shape of the base end side B1 of the first storage portion 10 is a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction B.

[0040] When the first wind-receiving body T1 is a tree, the trunk of the first wind-receiving body T1 to which the power generation unit main body 110 is attached is often cylindrical and extends in the up-down direction A.

[0041] Therefore, when the first storage unit 10 is fixed directly to the first wind-receiving body T1, the contact area between the first storage unit 10 and the first wind-receiving body T1 is small, so it may be difficult to stably fix the first storage unit 10 to the first wind-receiving body T1.

[0042] The shape of the base end side B1 of the connecting portion 22 is a shape that follows the outer shape of the first wind receiving body T1. For example, the shape of the base end side B1 of the connecting portion 22 is a V-shape or an arc shape that is concave toward the tip end side B2 when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction A. The shape of the tip end side B2 of the connecting portion 22 is a plane that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction B.

[0043] Since the shape of the base end side B1 of the connecting part 22 conforms to the first wind receiving body T1, the connecting part 22 is stably fixed to the first wind receiving body T1. Furthermore, the connecting part 22 and the first storage part 10 are connected by contacting each other at their flat surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction B.

[0044] Therefore, the first storage unit 10 can be stably fixed to the first wind-receiving body T1 via the connecting part 22. The connecting part 22 may be any material that can stably fix the first storage unit 10 to the first wind-receiving body T1, and may be, for example, a cushioning material that elastically deforms to fit the shapes of the first storage unit 10 and the first wind-receiving body T1.

[0045] The second housing section 30 includes a reducer 31 and a second transmission section 32. The second housing section 30 is, for example, a box that houses the reducer 31 and the second transmission section 32. In this embodiment, the second housing section 30 is connected to the lower portion A2 of the first housing section 10.

[0046] The reducer 31 transmits the rotational force of the rotating part 11 to a generator 41 (described later). The reducer 31 is a mechanical device that is configured by, for example, a plurality of gears and that amplifies the rotational force by reducing the rotational speed of the rotation transmitted from the rotating part 11 to the reducer 31.

[0047] The rotational force of the rotating part 11 is transmitted to the reducer 31 via the overload protection device 12 and the first transmission part 13 .

[0048] Here, the overload protection device 12 and the first transmission unit 13 will be described.

[0049] The overload protection device 12 is configured to cut off the transmission of the rotational force when the rotational force transmitted from the rotating unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value. The overload protection device 12 is, for example, a torque limiter. The overload protection device 12 is provided below the rotating unit 11 at a position A2.

[0050] The first transmission unit 13 transmits the rotational force transmitted from the rotating unit 11 to the overload protection device 12 to the reducer 31. The first transmission unit 13 transmits only the rotational force of the rotating unit 11 in the forward direction to the reducer 31, and does not transmit the rotational force of the rotating unit 11 in the pulling direction to the reducer 31.

[0051] In the following description, the rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating unit 11 in the delivery direction is referred to as a "delivery rotational force." Also, the rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating unit 11 in the traction direction is referred to as a "traction rotational force."

[0052] The first transmission unit 13 is, for example, a one-way clutch that transmits only the output rotational force to the reducer 31 .

[0053] The output rotational force of the rotating part 11 is transmitted in this order to the overload protection device 12 and the first transmission part 13 , and then from the first transmission part 13 to the reducer 31 .

[0054] When the output torque is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the output torque is blocked by the overload protection device 12 and is not transmitted from the rotating part 11 to the first transmitting part 13 .

[0055] Furthermore, when the rotating part 11 rotates in the traction direction, the traction rotational force of the rotating part 11 is blocked by the first transmission part 13 and is not transmitted from the overload protection device 12 to the reducer 31 .

[0056] The second transmission part 32 transmits the output rotational force of the rotating part 11 from the reducer 31 to the generator 41 .

[0057] The third storage section 40 includes a generator 41 and a wheel unit 42. The third storage section 40 is configured, for example, by a box that houses the generator 41 therein and the wheel unit 42 that is provided on the lower side A2 of the box. In this embodiment, the third storage section 40 is connected to the lower side A2 of the second storage section 30.

[0058] The generator 41 is a machine capable of converting the rotational force transmitted from the reducer 31 into electric power. The generator 41 converts mechanical energy into electric energy by utilizing, for example, electromagnetic induction generated by a coil and a magnet.

[0059] The drive wheel 42 rotates around the axis O as the center of rotation due to the output torque transmitted from the generator 41. When the drive wheel 42 is rotating due to the output torque transmitted from the generator 41, the drive wheel 42 continues to rotate due to inertia even if the transmission of the output torque from the generator 41 to the drive wheel 42 stops.

[0060] The wheel portion 42 rotates due to inertial force, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed due to, for example, air resistance, etc. The wheel portion 42 is, for example, a disk-shaped or annular flywheel having an axis O as its center.

[0061] The output torque of the rotating unit 11 is transmitted in this order through the overload protection device 12, the first transmission unit 13, the reducer 31, and the second transmission unit 32, and then from the second transmission unit 32 to the generator 41. The generator 41 converts the transmitted output torque into electric power.

[0062] The rotational force output from the rotating portion 11 is transmitted from the generator 41 to the driving wheel portion 42, causing the driving wheel portion 42 to rotate.

[0063] For example, when the rotation of the rotating unit 11 in the sending direction stops or when the rotating unit 11 is rotating in the pulling direction, the transmission of the sending torque to the generator 41 stops. At this time, the transmission of the sending torque from the generator 41 to the drive wheel unit 42 also stops.

[0064] The wheel portion 42 rotates due to the torque transmitted from the generator 41, and continues to rotate due to inertia when the transmission of the torque from the generator 41 stops.

[0065] The rotational force of the wheel portion 42, which rotates due to inertial force, is transmitted to the generator 41. The generator 41 converts the rotational force of the wheel portion 42 into electric power.

[0066] Therefore, the generator 41, which converts the output rotational force of the rotating part 11 into electricity, continues to generate electricity by converting the rotational force of the wheel part 42 into electricity when the output rotational force is not being transmitted from the rotating part 11.

[0067] Here, the second transmission unit 32, which transmits the output rotational force of the rotating unit 11 from the reducer 31 to the generator 41, does not transmit the rotational force from the generator 41 to the reducer 31. Therefore, the rotational force of the drive unit 42 transmitted from the drive unit 42 to the generator 41 is blocked by the second transmission unit 32 and is not transmitted from the generator 41 to the reducer 31.

[0068] By blocking the rotational force transmitted from the generator 41 to the reducer 31 by the second transmission unit 32, it is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency when the generator 41 converts the rotational force of the drive unit 42 into electricity.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3 , the power storage device 200 includes a charge / discharge control unit 210 , a power storage unit 220 , and a conversion unit 230 .

[0070] The charge / discharge control unit 210 is a charge / discharge controller that controls charging and discharging in the power storage device 200. The electric power generated by the power generation device 100 is output to the power storage unit 220 via the charge / discharge control unit 210.

[0071] The power storage unit 220 is a storage battery that can store the electric power generated by the power generation device 100. The electric power generated by the generator 41 of the power generation device 100 is stored in the power storage unit 220.

[0072] The conversion unit 230 is an inverter that converts the voltage when the power stored in the power storage unit 220 is supplied to the outside. For example, the conversion unit 230 converts the power stored in the power storage unit 220 into electricity with a voltage of 100 V and outputs it to the power supply device 300 described below.

[0073] The power supply device 300 is a power supply device that can externally supply the electric power stored in the power storage device 200. The electric power generated by the power generation device 100 is stored in the power storage device 200 and is supplied from the power supply device 300 to power tools, electronic devices, etc.

[0074] Next, a description will be given of the power generating operation of the power generating device 100. Figures 4 and 5 are side views that schematically show the power generating device 100 attached to the oscillating wind receiving bodies T1 and T2.

[0075] The first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 shown in Figure 4 sway due to the wind and move away from each other in the longitudinal direction B compared to the first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 shown in Figure 1.

[0076] The first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 have, for example, ends of the lower portions A2 fixed to the ground, etc. If the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 are trees, the ends of the lower portions A2 are the roots of the trees growing out of the ground.

[0077] When the first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 are swung by the wind, they swing like a pendulum, for example, with the end of the lower part A2 as a fulcrum.

[0078] The power generating device 100 shown in FIG. 4 has a longer distance in the longitudinal direction B between the power generating device main body 110 and the tip of the wire 120 than the power generating device 100 shown in FIG.

[0079] Here, the power generating device 100 is installed on the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2 with a part of the wire 120 wound around the rotating part 11.

[0080] When the distance in the longitudinal direction B between the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2 becomes longer, the wire 120 wound around the rotating part 11 is pulled by the second wind receiving body T2 and is sent out from the rotating part 11.

[0081] At this time, the rotating part 11 rotates in the delivery direction due to the frictional force between the rotating part 11 and the wire 120 .

[0082] The delivery rotational force of the rotating part 11 rotating in the delivery direction is transmitted to the reducer 31 via the overload protection device 12 and the first transmission part 13 .

[0083] The overload protection device 12 cuts off the transmission of the output torque when the output torque transmitted from the rotating part 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0084] Therefore, for example, if a gust of wind suddenly increases the distance between the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2, and the wire 120 is pulled with great force, generating a large output rotational force in the rotating part 11, the output rotational force can be prevented from being transmitted to the reducer 31, thereby suppressing breakage of the wire 120 and damage to the rotating part 11, reducer 31, etc.

[0085] The output rotational force transmitted to the reducer 31 is amplified by the reducer 31 and transmitted from the reducer 31 to the generator 41 via the second transmission part 32 .

[0086] The generator 41 converts the torque transmitted from the reducer 31 into electric power and generates electricity. The wheel unit 42 is rotated by the torque transmitted from the generator 41.

[0087] The first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 shown in Figure 5 sway due to the wind and move closer to each other in the longitudinal direction B compared to the first wind-receiving body T1 and the second wind-receiving body T2 shown in Figure 1.

[0088] The power generating device 100 shown in FIG. 5 has a shorter distance in the longitudinal direction B between the power generating device main body 110 and the tip of the wire 120 than the power generating device 100 shown in FIG.

[0089] When the distance between the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2 in the longitudinal direction B becomes shorter, the wire 120 becomes loose. When the wire 120 becomes loose, the rotating part 11 is biased by the elastic part and rotates in the pulling direction.

[0090] When the rotating part 11 rotates in the pulling direction, the wire 120 is wound around the rotating part 11. Therefore, even if the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 oscillate in a direction that loosens the wire 120, loosening of the wire 120 can be suppressed.

[0091] For example, if the elastic part that biases the rotating part 11 is a spiral spring, the power generating device 100 can be installed on the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 with the spiral spring approximately half contracted, thereby preventing the wire 120 from loosening due to the oscillation of the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2.

[0092] The first transmission part 13 blocks the tractive torque of the rotating part 11 rotating in the tractive direction, so that the tractive torque is not transmitted to the reducer 31 .

[0093] As described above, the power generating device 100 shown in Fig. 4 generates power using the torque delivered by the rotating part 11. When the power generating device 100 changes from the state shown in Fig. 4 to the state shown in Fig. 5, the transmission of the torque delivered from the rotating part 11 to the generator 41 stops.

[0094] At this time, the wheel section 42 is rotating due to inertial force. The generator 41 converts the rotational force transmitted from the wheel section 42 into electric power to generate electricity.

[0095] Therefore, even if the distance in the longitudinal direction B between the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2 becomes shorter and the rotation direction of the rotating part 11 changes from the sending direction to the pulling direction, the power generation device 100 can generate power.

[0096] By blocking the tractive torque of the rotating part 11 by the first transmission part 13, it is possible to prevent the tractive torque from interfering with the power generation by the torque of the driving wheel part 42.

[0097] When the power generating device 100 changes from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG. 4 and the rotation direction of the rotating unit 11 changes from the traction direction to the delivery direction, the generator 41 generates electricity by converting the delivery rotational force transmitted from the rotating unit 11 into electric power when the delivery rotational force transmitted from the driving wheel unit 42 exceeds the rotational force transmitted from the driving wheel unit 42.

[0098] The electric power generated by the power generation device 100 through the above-described power generation operation is stored in the power storage device 200. A user can supply the electric power stored in the power storage device 200 to an electric tool or the like by connecting the electric tool or the like to the power supply device 300.

[0099] For example, a 50-year-old cedar tree is about 25 meters tall and has a large area of ​​branches and leaves exposed to the wind. When it is a living tree, it has a mass of over 300 kg, and including the branches and leaves, it has a mass of nearly 400 kg. When a tree with a mass of nearly 400 kg sways in the wind, a large force is generated.

[0100] The power generation device 100 can generate electricity by utilizing the force generated when trees sway due to the wind. Therefore, power generation can be more efficiently achieved by selecting old trees that are exposed to strong winds as the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 on which the power generation device 100 is attached.

[0101] The power generation capacity of the generator 41 , the gear ratio of the reducer 31 , the storage capacity of the power storage unit 220 , etc. can be selected appropriately depending on the intended use of the power generation device 100 .

[0102] For example, the power generation system 1 can accommodate various power supplies, such as charging small electronic devices such as smartphones and supplying 100V power, by changing the power generation capacity, gear ratio, storage capacity, etc., and adjusting the acceleration / deceleration of the rotation speed in the transmission direction depending on the purpose of use.

[0103] If the amount of power required is small, it can be installed on a small tree that sways in a light wind to generate power efficiently.

[0104] The power generating device 100 can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation by being attached to appropriate wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 that suit the intended use.

[0105] Furthermore, since the power generation device 100 generates electricity using wires 120 strung across the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2, it can be made smaller than conventional solar power generation devices, and does not require large-scale installation work using heavy machinery, etc.

[0106] The power generating device 100 can generate power by attaching it to the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 using the attachment portion 20 and the tip attachment portion 121, so it can be easily installed.

[0107] Furthermore, by using trees as the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 to which the power generation device 100 is attached, power generation can be performed more efficiently than when artificial objects are used.

[0108] Trees often do not have a constant height or mass, and the direction, period, and amplitude of swaying caused by wind often differ from tree to tree.

[0109] Therefore, by stretching the wire 120 across the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2, which have different shapes such as trees, the wire 120 can be sent out from the rotating part 11 more frequently than when it is attached to the first wind receiving body T1 and the second wind receiving body T2, which have the same shape such as an artificial object, and electricity can be generated more efficiently.

[0110] The power generation device 100 of this embodiment is a power generation device attached to wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 that sway due to the wind, and comprises a rotating part 11, a wire 120 that is wound around the rotating part 11 and can be sent out from the rotating part 11, and a generator 41 that converts the sending rotational force of the rotating part 11, which rotates in the sending direction in which the wire 120 is sent out, into electric power.

[0111] The wire 120 is let out from the rotating part 11 in the longitudinal direction B of the wire 120 by the swinging of the wind receivers T1 and T2. As the wire 120 is let out from the rotating part 11, the rotating part 11 rotates in the let-out direction.

[0112] The power generation system 1 of this embodiment includes a power generation device 100, a power storage device 200 capable of storing the power converted by the generator 41, and a power supply device 300 capable of supplying the power stored in the power storage device 200 to the outside.

[0113] According to the power generating device 100 and the power generating system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide the power generating device 100 and the power generating system 1 that can be easily installed and can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0114] Second Embodiment A power generating device 100A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0115] Fig. 6 is a side view schematically showing the power generating device 100A. Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the power generating device 100A.

[0116] The power generation device 100A includes a power generation device main body 110 and wires 120A. The power generation device 100A is used, for example, connected to a power storage device 200 and a power supply device 300, similarly to the power generation device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0117] The power generation system 100A is attached to three or more wind receiving bodies as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the power generation system 100A is attached to six wind receiving bodies.

[0118] The six wind receiving bodies to which the power generation unit 100A is attached are arranged in the following order from the base end side B1: first wind receiving body T1, second wind receiving body T2, third wind receiving body T3, fourth wind receiving body T4, fifth wind receiving body T5, and sixth wind receiving body T6.

[0119] Here, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction A and the longitudinal direction B is defined as the "depth direction C," one side in the depth direction C is defined as the "rear side C1," and the other side is defined as the "front side C2."

[0120] In this embodiment, the six wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 are arranged at different positions in the depth direction C, as shown in Fig. 7. The wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 may also be arranged at the same position in the depth direction C.

[0121] The power generation unit main body 110 is attached to the first wind receiving body T1, similarly to the power generation unit 100 of the first embodiment.

[0122] The tip attachment portion 121 of the wire 120A is attached to the sixth wind receiving body T6.

[0123] The wire 120A includes a relay portion 122 provided in a middle portion in the longitudinal direction B. The middle portion in the longitudinal direction B of the wire 120A refers to a portion located between the power generation device main body 110 and the tip attachment portion 121 in the longitudinal direction B.

[0124] The relay unit 122 is attached to the second wind receiving body T2, the third wind receiving body T3, the fourth wind receiving body T4, and the fifth wind receiving body T5.

[0125] Fig. 8 is a side view showing the relay section 122. Fig. 8 shows the relay section 122 attached to the third wind receiving body T3. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8.

[0126] The relay section 122 includes a protection section 122a and a restriction section 122b.

[0127] The protective portion 122a is, for example, a belt wrapped around the trunk of the third wind-receiving body T3, which is a tree. The protective portion 122a is made of, for example, leather, resin, etc. It is preferable that the protective portion 122a has a length adjustment mechanism such as a buckle.

[0128] For example, if the third wind receiving body T3 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction A, the protective part 122a attached to the third wind receiving body T3 is a belt having a circular ring shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the third wind receiving body T3.

[0129] 8, the width of the protective portion 122a is greater than the width of the wire 120A. The widths of the protective portion 122a and the wire 120A refer to the dimensions in the up-down direction A.

[0130] 9, the wire 120A is provided along the protection portion 122a. The wire 120A is provided to be sandwiched between the protection portion 122a and the restriction portion 122b in the depth direction C.

[0131] The restricting portion 122b is a member that restricts the movement of the wire 120A in a direction away from the protecting portion 122a. The dimension of the restricting portion 122b in the up-down direction A is approximately equal to the width of the protecting portion 122a.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9, the restricting portion 122b is provided in the vicinity of the position where the wire 120A and the protective portion 122a come into contact with each other in the direction along the outer periphery of the protective portion 122a.

[0133] The upper A1 end and the lower A2 end of the restricting portion 122b are fixed to the protecting portion 122a, while the middle portion of the restricting portion 122b in the up-down direction A is not fixed to the protecting portion 122a.

[0134] Therefore, in the middle portion of the relay portion 122 in the up-down direction A, the wire 120A can be passed between the protection portion 122a and the restriction portion 122b.

[0135] Since the wire 120A is sandwiched between the protective portion 122a and the regulating portion 122b in the depth direction C, when the third wind-receiving body T3 sways in the depth direction C due to the wind, the wire 120A moves in the depth direction C together with the third wind-receiving body T3 and the relay portion 122.

[0136] The wire 120A is supported by the relay part 122 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction B. Therefore, the part of the wire 120A supported by the relay part 122 moves in the longitudinal direction B along the third wind receiving body T3 when the rotating part 11 rotates in the sending direction or the pulling direction.

[0137] At this time, the wire 120A slides on the outer peripheral surface of the relay portion 122, and therefore does not damage the third wind receiving body T3.

[0138] In the second wind receiving body T2, the fourth wind receiving body T4 and the fifth wind receiving body T5, the wire 120A is supported by the relay portion 122 in the same manner as in the third wind receiving body T3.

[0139] Therefore, when any of the wind receivers T1 to T6 is swung by the wind, the wire 120A is pulled by the swung wind receiver and is let out from the rotating part 11.

[0140] When the wire 120A is let out, the rotating part 11 rotates in the let-out direction, and the power generating device 100A converts the rotational force of the rotating part 11 into electric power to generate electricity.

[0141] That is, the power generating device 100A can generate power by causing any one of the six wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 to oscillate due to the wind. In addition, by oscillating multiple of the six wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 at different cycles, the length and force of the wire 120A that is let out can be increased.

[0142] As a result, the power generating device 100A can generate power more efficiently by utilizing the wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 that sway due to the wind.

[0143] Furthermore, the power generating device 100A can be easily installed because the number of wind receiving bodies used for power generation can be increased by attaching the relay section 122 to the wind receiving body.

[0144] The power generation device 100A of this embodiment can be easily installed and can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0145] In this embodiment, the embodiment in which the power generating device 100A is attached to six wind receiving bodies T1 to T6 has been described, but the number of wind receiving bodies to which the power generating device 100A is attached may be five or less, or seven or more. The number of relay portions 122 that the wire 120A has can be appropriately determined depending on the number of wind receiving bodies to which the power generating device 100A is attached.

[0146] Third Embodiment A power generating device 100B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components common to those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0147] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the power generating device 100B.

[0148] The power generation device 100B includes a power generation device main body 110B, a wire 120B, and a guide portion 130. The power generation device 100B is used, for example, connected to a power storage device 200 and a power supply device 300, similar to the power generation device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0149] The power generation unit main body 110B is attached to the first wind-receiving body T1 as shown in Fig. 10. The power generation unit main body 110B includes a first housing section 10, a mounting section 20, a second housing section 30, and a third housing section 40, similar to the power generation unit main body 110 of the first embodiment.

[0150] A wire 120B connected to the power generation device main body 110B extends upward A1 from the power generation device main body 110B.

[0151] Compared to the power generation unit body 110 of the first embodiment, the power generation unit body 110B is attached to the first wind receiving body T1 with the axis O shown in Figure 2 rotated by 90 degrees and aligned with the longitudinal direction B.

[0152] That is, the power generation unit main body 110B and the power generation unit main body 110 of the first embodiment are different in the mounting angle relative to the first wind receiving body T1.

[0153] The power generation unit main body 110B is formed by rotating the power generation unit main body 110 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2 90 degrees to the base end side B1, and connecting the mounting portion 20 to the surface of the first storage portion 10 opposite to the side to which the second storage portion 30 is connected.

[0154] The wire 120B extends upward A1 from the rotating part 11 of the power generating unit main body 110B, passes through the guide part 130, whereby the extending direction is changed to the longitudinal direction B, and is connected to the second wind receiving body T2.

[0155] The guide section 130 is provided at a position A1 above the power generation unit main body 110B. The guide section 130 is attached to the first wind receiving body T1.

[0156] The guide portion 130 guides the wire 120B extending in the vertical direction A from the rotating portion 11 to the guide portion 130 in a direction different from the vertical direction A (here, the longitudinal direction B).

[0157] The guide unit 130 is, for example, a pulley device having passively rotating rollers.

[0158] The wire 120B extending from the power generation unit main body 110B to the guide portion 130 is arranged in the longitudinal direction B between the roller of the guide portion 130 and the first wind receiving body T1.

[0159] The wire 120B extends from the rotating portion 11 to the guide portion 130, bends along a quadrant on the outer peripheral surface of the roller of the guide portion 130, and extends from the guide portion 130 to the tip side B2.

[0160] When the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 oscillate due to the wind, and the wire 120B is let out or pulled, the rollers of the guide unit 130 rotate due to the frictional force between the rollers and the wire 120B. Therefore, the wire 120B can be prevented from breaking due to contact with the guide unit 130.

[0161] The guide unit 130 is not limited to a pulley device having rollers, and may be configured by, for example, a member made of resin having high slidability.

[0162] By forming the portion of guide portion 130 that comes into contact with wire 120B from a material with high slidability, it is possible to prevent wire 120B from breaking without using a roller or the like that rotates in conjunction with wire 120B.

[0163] When the wind-receiving bodies T1 and T2 are swung by the wind, they swing like a pendulum with the end of the lower part A2 as a fulcrum, and therefore the amount of movement due to the swing increases as they approach the end of the upper part A1.

[0164] Therefore, by bridging the wire 120B over the portion near the end of the upper portion A1 of the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2, the amount of wire 120B sent out can be increased, and power generation can be performed efficiently.

[0165] By using the guide portion 130, the power generating unit 100B can be arranged such that the position where the wire 120B is stretched across the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2 is spaced apart in the vertical direction A from the power generating unit main body 110B.

[0166] Therefore, the wire 120B can be placed at a sufficient height so as to be stretched across the wind receiving bodies T1 and T2, and the power generating unit main body 110B can be placed at a height within reach of the user.

[0167] As a result, the installation and maintenance of the power generation unit main body 110B can be easily performed, and a sufficient amount of power can be generated.

[0168] For example, when installing the power generation unit 100B in a mountainous region or forest in a location prone to damage by wild animals such as deer or wild boars, the installation height of the power generation unit main body 110B can be changed to an appropriate height, such as placing it at a height that makes installation work easy while avoiding damage from wild animals.

[0169] The power generation device 100B of this embodiment can be easily installed and can ensure a sufficient amount of power generation.

[0170] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments and include design modifications within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components shown in the above-described embodiments and the modified examples shown below can be configured in any suitable combination.

[0171] (Variation 1) In each of the above embodiments, the power generation unit main body 110, 110B and the ends of the wires 120, 120A, 120B of the power generation unit 100, 100A, 100B are attached to a wind-receiving body that sways due to the wind, but the configuration of the power generation unit is not limited to this. The power generation unit main body or the ends of the wires may be attached to a building, the ground, etc.

[0172] For example, in a power generation device in which the power generation device main body is attached to a building and the tip of the wire is attached to a wind-receiving body, even if the building to which the power generation device main body is attached does not sway in the wind, the wind-receiving body to which the tip of the wire is attached will sway in the wind, and the wire can be let out to generate a rotational force, thereby generating electricity.

[0173] Furthermore, in a power generation device in which the power generation device main body is attached to a wind-receiving body and the tip of the wire is attached to a building, even if the building to which the tip of the wire is attached does not sway in the wind, the wind-receiving body to which the power generation device main body is attached will sway in the wind, generating a rotational force by letting out the wire, thereby generating electricity.

[0174] (Modification 2) In each of the above embodiments, the power generation system 1 includes one of the power generation devices 100, 100A, and 100B, but the configuration of the power generation system is not limited to this. The power generation system may include multiple power generation devices and be configured to be able to store the electric power generated by the multiple power generation devices in a power storage device.

[0175] (Variation 3) In each of the above embodiments, the reducer 31 amplifies the rotational force by reducing the rotational speed of the rotation transmitted to the reducer 31, but the configuration of the reducer is not limited to this. The reducer may also accelerate the rotational speed of the rotation transmitted from the rotating part 11.

[0176] For example, if the generator 41 is small, the power generation efficiency can be improved by accelerating the rotation speed using a reducer.

[0177] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Power generation system 100, 100A, 100B Power generation device 110, 110B Power generation device main body 11 Rotating section 12 Overload protection device 13 First transmission section 31 Reducer 32 Second transmission section 41 Generator 42 Drive section 120, 120A, 120B Wire 122 Relay section 130 Guide section 200 Power storage device 300 Power supply device A Vertical direction A1 Upward A2 Downward B Longitudinal direction B1 Base end side B2 Tip side T1 First wind receiver (wind receiver) T2 Second wind receiver (wind receiver) T3 Third wind receiver (wind receiver) T4 Fourth wind receiver (wind receiver) T5 Fifth wind receiver (wind receiver) T6 Sixth wind receiver (wind receiver)

Claims

1. A power generating device attached to a wind-receiving body that oscillates with the wind, comprising: a rotating part; a wire wound around the rotating part and capable of being let out from the rotating part; and a generator that converts the rotational force of the rotating part, which rotates in the direction in which the wire is let out, into electricity, wherein the wire is let out from the rotating part in the longitudinal direction of the wire as the wind-receiving body oscillates, and the rotating part rotates in the direction in which the wire is let out from the rotating part.

2. The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating part is connected to the base end of the wire, and the rotating part and the tip end of the wire are attached to different wind receiving bodies.

3. The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating part has an elastic part that urges the rotating part in a pulling direction opposite to the feeding direction, and when the wire is relaxed, the rotating part is urged by the elastic part to rotate in the pulling direction and wind up the wire.

4. The power generating device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic portion is a spiral spring.

5. The power generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a reducer that transmits the output rotational force of the rotating part to the generator, wherein the reducer accelerates or decelerates the rotational speed of the rotating part.

6. The power generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a first transmission unit that transmits the delivery rotational force from the rotating unit to the reducer, and the first transmission unit does not transmit the traction rotational force of the rotating unit that rotates in a traction direction opposite to the delivery direction to the reducer.

7. The power generating device according to claim 5, further comprising an overload protection device that cuts off the transmission of the output torque from the rotating part to the reducer when the output torque of the rotating part exceeds a predetermined value.

8. The power generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a wheel unit that rotates due to the output torque transmitted from the generator, wherein when the transmission of the output torque from the generator to the wheel unit is stopped while the wheel unit is rotating due to the output torque, the wheel unit rotates due to inertial force, and the generator converts the torque of the wheel unit into electric power.

9. The power generating device according to claim 8, further comprising a second transmission section that transmits the output rotational force from the reducer to the generator, wherein the second transmission section does not transmit the rotational force of the wheel section from the generator to the reducer.

10. A power generating device as described in claim 2, further comprising a relay section provided in the middle of the wire in the longitudinal direction and supporting the wire so that it can slide in the longitudinal direction, and the rotating section, the relay section and the tip of the wire are attached to different wind receiving bodies.

11. A power generation device as described in claim 2, further comprising a guide portion provided above the rotating portion in the vertical direction in which the wind receiving body extends, the guide portion being attached to the wind receiving body to which the rotating portion is attached, and guiding the wire extending in the vertical direction from the rotating portion to the guide portion in a direction different from the vertical direction.

12. A power generation system comprising: a power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a power storage device capable of storing the power converted by the power generator; and a power supply device capable of supplying the power stored in the power storage device to an external device.

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