JP7727883B2 - power generation equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power generation device that has coil springs made of shape memory alloys attached to the left and right sides of one of the partition walls installed in a box-shaped space, and that generates electricity through the expansion and contraction of the coil springs in combination with other components.

Preventing global warming is now a common challenge for all of humanity. To address this issue, the world is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Japanese government has also declared its goal of achieving virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To address this issue, the government has set a goal of first reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, which emit _CO2 . Power generation systems utilizing natural energy sources such as wind, sunlight, geothermal, hydroelectric, and ocean currents have been proposed as a solution. Among these, solar power generation using sunlight is gaining momentum. In contrast to these natural energy-based power generation systems, power generation systems using shape memory alloy springs have been proposed as a more artificial form of power generation, utilizing the expansion and contraction of springs. For example, JP 2009-243456 (Patent Document 1) describes a power generation system that utilizes the expansion and contraction of shape memory alloy springs using the ambient temperature.

JP 2009-243456 A

Patent Document 1 above relates to a power generation device that utilizes the expansion and contraction of shape memory alloy springs, but this expansion and contraction is based on solar heat, the temperature difference between inside and outside a house, underground heat, thermal energy present in nature, and exhaust gases, making it a so-called external temperature expansion and contraction method. This is a method that leaves temperature management to external factors, and there is no thought given to controlling the temperature. If the expansion and contraction of shape memory alloy springs is due to temperature differences, then since the temperature utilization described above is left to chance, there is a risk that distortions will occur in the form of temperature instability during use, resulting in a fundamental defect in the shape memory alloy springs lacking stability in their expansion and contraction.

Furthermore, the generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 generates electricity by rotating the pinion gear as a single shape memory alloy spring attached to the inner shaft expands and deforms. Because the generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with only one shape memory alloy spring, while it is possible to actively rotate the pinion gear to generate electricity when the spring expands and deforms, the expanded spring does not actively contract and deform even when cooled below a threshold temperature, making it impossible to actively adjust the rotation of the pinion gear. In other words, electricity can only be generated when the shape memory alloy spring expands and deforms, and the generator cannot be driven stably and continuously. Furthermore, because temperature regulation of the shape memory alloy spring depends on factors such as the outside air temperature, it is not possible to appropriately adjust the deformation of this spring, resulting in an inability to generate stable and continuous electricity.

Furthermore, the biggest challenge in using shape memory alloy springs is the distortion that occurs during expansion and contraction, which reduces the effectiveness of the shape memory alloy springs, and therefore the biggest challenge is to prevent this distortion. The main cause of distortion in shape memory alloy springs is excessive stretching or contraction during expansion and contraction. This is referred to as distortion (1). Next, there is the deflection that occurs when the shape memory alloy spring expands. The longer the spring is, the more likely it is to deflect, and the distortion caused by this deflection is referred to as distortion (2). Third, there is the distortion that occurs when the shape memory alloy spring does not expand and contract in a timely manner due to temperature changes, which is referred to as distortion (3). The power generator in Patent Document 1 does not take any measures to prevent the distortions (1) to (3) above, and therefore has the disadvantage of not being able to efficiently utilize the properties of the shape memory alloy spring. It has also been pointed out that this shortens the repeated use life of each coil spring made of shape memory alloy.

The invention of claim 1 of the present application is a power generating device capable of generating electricity by driving a rotating shaft of a generator,
a first partition wall provided so as to be reciprocally movable within a sealed tank having a space formed therein;
a first coil spring made of a shape memory alloy, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the sealed tank and the other end of which is connected to the first partition wall, and which elongates and deforms when heated to a predetermined threshold temperature or higher and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature;
a second coil spring, which is positioned on the opposite side of the first partition wall from the first coil spring and is coaxial with the first coil spring, has one end fixed to the inner wall of the sealed tank and the other end connected to the first partition wall, and is made of a shape memory alloy that elongates and deforms when heated to a predetermined threshold temperature or higher and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature;
a reciprocating means connected to the first partition wall and adapted to reciprocate in association with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall;
a rotation transmission mechanism that links the reciprocating means and the rotary shaft and converts the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means into unidirectional rotation of the rotary shaft;
Inside the sealed tank,
the first partition wall that slides back and forth between a first position and a second position; a second partition wall that is fixed to the first partition wall and slides back and forth between the first position and the second position along the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the direction in which the both coil springs extend; and a third partition wall that is located on the opposite side of the second partition wall across the first coil spring and the second coil spring and slides back and forth between the first position and the second position along the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the direction in which the both coil springs extend,
the first to third partition walls are configured to partition the interior of the sealed vessel into a first space maintained at a temperature lower than the threshold temperature and a second space maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (T);
As the first coil spring is expanded and deformed and the second coil spring is weakened and compressed, the first partition wall and the second partition wall move from the first position to the second position, and the third partition wall moves from the second position to the first position, so that the expanded first coil spring is located in the first space and cooled, and the weakened and compressed second coil spring is located in the second space and heated,
As the second coil spring expands and deforms and the first coil spring weakens and compresses, the first partition wall and the second partition wall move from the second position to the first position, and the third partition wall moves from the first position to the second position, so that the expanded second coil spring is located in the first space and the weakened and compressed first coil spring is located in the second space,
The first partition wall slides back and forth between the first position and the second position by alternately expanding and deforming the first coil spring and weakening and compressing the second coil spring, and expanding and deforming the second coil spring and weakening and compressing the first coil spring, and the reciprocating movement means moves back and forth in conjunction with this , and the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating movement means causes the rotating shaft of the rotation transmission mechanism to rotate continuously in the same direction, thereby enabling continuous power generation by the generator.
According to the invention of claim 1, a first coil spring made of a shape memory alloy is positioned in the second space and heated to a temperature above a threshold temperature, and a second coil spring made of a shape memory alloy is positioned in the first space and cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature, while the second coil spring is positioned in the second space and heated to a temperature above the threshold temperature, and the first coil spring is positioned in the first space and cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature.This causes the reciprocating means to reciprocate due to the reciprocating first partition wall, and the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means is converted into continuous rotation in one direction by the rotation transmission mechanism, allowing the generator to rotate continuously, thereby enabling stable and continuous power generation.

The invention of claim 2 of the present application is characterized in that the first space is provided with a first temperature adjusting means for maintaining the air in the first space at a temperature below a threshold temperature and a ceiling fan for forced circulation,
The second space is provided with a second temperature adjusting means for maintaining the air in the second space at a temperature equal to or higher than a threshold temperature and a floor fan for forced circulation,
the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the third partition wall are configured so that the sliding directions between the first position and the second position are opposite to each other;
The second partition wall in the first position is positioned on the first space side of the first coil spring, so that the first coil spring is positioned in the second space, while the third partition wall in the second position is positioned on the second space side of the second coil spring, so that the second coil spring is positioned in the first space,
The second partition wall in the second position is positioned on the first space side of the second coil spring, so that the second coil spring is positioned within the second space, while the third partition wall in the first position is positioned on the second space side of the first coil spring, so that the first coil spring is positioned within the first space .
According to the invention of claim 2, the first temperature adjustment means and the ceiling fan maintain the air in the first space below a threshold temperature, so that the first coil spring and the second coil spring located in the first space can be appropriately cooled below the threshold temperature, while the second temperature adjustment means and the table fan maintain the air in the second space at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, so that the first coil spring and the second coil spring located in the second space can be appropriately heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. This makes it possible to appropriately adjust the temperatures of the first coil spring and the second coil spring made of shape memory alloy, and to appropriately reciprocate the first partition wall and the reciprocating means, thereby enabling stable and continuous operation of the generator.

The invention of claim 3 of the present application provides a rotation transmission mechanism comprising: a first rotating body attached to a rotating shaft so as to be freely rotatable, and linked to a reciprocating means; a second rotating body directly fixed to the rotating shaft at a position adjacent to the first rotating body, and rotating integrally with the rotating shaft; a pinion gear movably provided on the first rotating body and capable of rotating while moving; a recess provided on the second rotating body, into which the pinion gear can be inserted when the reciprocating means moves in a first direction; and a rack gear provided on the second rotating body, with which the pinion gear meshes when the reciprocating means moves in a second direction.
When the reciprocating means moves in the first direction, the pinion gear fits into the recess, causing the second rotating body to rotate in the same first direction as the first rotating body that rotates in the first direction,
When the reciprocating means moves in the second direction, the pinion gear meshed with the rack gear rotates, and the rotational inertia force generated in the pinion gear causes the second rotating body to continuously rotate in the first direction .
According to the invention of claim 3, when the reciprocating means moves in the first direction, the second rotating body rotates in the same first direction as the first rotating body rotating in the first direction, and when the reciprocating means moves in the second direction, the second rotating body rotates in the first direction due to the rotational inertia force of the pinion gear, so that the second rotating body fixed directly to the rotating shaft always rotates continuously in the first direction, enabling continuous power generation by the generator.

The power generation device of the present invention can generate stable, continuous electricity through the expansion and contraction of coil springs made of shape memory alloy, enabling efficient power generation. It is also expected that the repeated use life of each coil spring made of shape memory alloy will be extended.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the operating state of the rotation transmission mechanism of FIG. 2, in which FIG. 3A shows a state in which the first rotating body rotates in a first direction, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which the first rotating body rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 1A is a rear view of the rotation transmission mechanism as seen from the rear, and FIG. 1B is a view of the rotation transmission mechanism as seen from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotor rotation shaft. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second coil spring is elongated and deformed, and the first coil spring is weakened and compressed and shortened by the second coil spring, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first coil spring is elongated and deformed, and the second coil spring is weakened and compressed and shortened by the first coil spring. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the first to third partition walls are fitted into grooves in the front and rear walls of the sealed vessel and move. FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the sealed vessel taken along the right side of the first partition wall, and FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 1A.

Next, the power generation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following examples, the left-right direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the "left-right direction" of the power generation device CU, the direction horizontally perpendicular to this left-right direction will be referred to as the "front-rear direction," and the directions perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction will be referred to as the "up-down direction." Furthermore, the sizes and dimensions of each component illustrated in the following description are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the power generation unit CU of the present invention. The power generation unit CU comprises a first partition wall 4 that is reciprocally movable within a sealed vessel 1 that has an internal space; a first coil spring 2 that is fixed at one end to the inner wall of the sealed vessel 1 and connected at the other end to the first partition wall 4, and is made of a shape memory alloy that expands and deforms when heated above a predetermined threshold temperature T and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature T; and a second coil spring 2 that is located on the opposite side of the first partition wall 4 from the first coil spring 2, and that is fixed at one end to the inner wall of the sealed vessel 1 and connected at the other end to the first partition wall 4. The generator unit CU includes a second coil spring 3 made of a shape memory alloy that expands and deforms when heated above a predetermined threshold temperature T and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature T; a loop belt (reciprocating means) 16 connected to the first partition wall 4 and reciprocates with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall 4; and a rotation transmission mechanism 17 that links the loop belt 16 to a rotor rotation shaft 23 and converts the reciprocating movement of the loop belt 16 into rotation of the rotor rotation shaft 23 in one direction. The generator unit CU alternately expands and deforms the first coil spring 2 and weakens the second coil spring 3, and weakens the first coil spring 2 and expands and deforms the second coil spring 3, thereby causing the first partition wall 4 to reciprocate and the loop belt 16 to reciprocate in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall 4. The rotation transmission mechanism 17 continuously rotates the rotor rotation shaft 23 in the same direction, thereby generating electricity with the generator 20.

That is, the power generation unit CU in Figure 1 is located inside a sealed vessel 1, with a first partition wall 4 as the boundary, and a first coil spring 2 and a second coil spring 3 made of shape memory alloy attached to the left and right sides of this wall. These first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 are alternately stretched and weakened by a small, high-performance electric heater (second temperature control means) 8 that receives electricity from a storage battery 27 installed on the upper surface of the top wall of the sealed vessel 1, an ultra-small, high-performance cooler (first temperature control means) 9, an above-floor fan 28, and a ceiling fan 29. For example, when the compressed first coil spring 2 on the left side is heated and stretches to the right, the stretched second coil spring 3 on the right side is cooled and weakened, so it is compressed by the stretching first shape memory alloy coil spring 2 and shrinks. Additionally, when the second coil spring 3 on the right side, which has been compressed, is heated and expands to the left, the first coil spring 2 on the left side, which has been expanded, is cooled and weakened, so it is compressed by the expanding second coil spring 3 and contracts. These coil springs 2, 3 repeat a series of expansion and contraction operations, ultimately causing the rotor shaft 23 to rotate continuously and generating electricity with the generator 20.

(Regarding sealed tank 1)
First, we will explain the rectangular box-like sealed vessel 1 in Figure 1. The interior of the sealed vessel 1 is divided into a first space R1 and a second space R2 by a first partition wall 4 slidably mounted within the sealed vessel 1, a second partition wall 5 slidably mounted on the first partition wall 4, and a third partition wall 6 slidably mounted within the sealed vessel 1 and in contact with the first partition wall 4. The sealed vessel 1 is a rectangular, insulated, hollow box consisting of a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, a right wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. While the size and materials can be selected arbitrarily, for the present purposes, we will assume that each wall is a 3-cm-thick box made of ultra-strong synthetic resin. For convenience of explanation, its volume is assumed to be 25 cm long (vertical width), 41.6 cm wide (horizontal width), and 24 cm deep (front-to-back width), corresponding to the maximum extension length of the shape memory alloy spring. A first partition wall 4 (e.g., 3 cm long, 3 cm wide, and 24 cm deep) is provided inside the sealed tank 1, dividing the interior of the sealed tank 1 into two left and right regions. This first partition wall 4 serves as a boundary, creating regions in which the first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 expand and contract left and right. The same number of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 are attached, one on each side of the first partition wall 4, at the same horizontal position, and the other is attached to the left or right wall inside the sealed tank 1 at the same horizontal position so as to face the previously attached coil spring.

(Regarding each guide groove 60, 61, 62)
As shown in Fig. 6, the sealed tank 1 has first to third guide grooves 60, 61, 62 formed on the inner wall surfaces of the front and rear walls facing each other in the front-to-rear direction, extending horizontally in the left-to-right direction. The protrusion 4a formed on the front end of the first partition wall 4 fits almost tightly into the first guide groove 60 formed on the front wall, and the protrusion 4a formed on the rear end of the first partition wall 4 fits almost tightly into the first guide groove 60 formed on the rear wall. In other words, the first guide grooves 60, 60 enable the first partition wall 4, with its respective protrusions 4a, 4a at the front and rear ends fitted therein, to slide back and forth stably in the left-to-right direction. The front end of the second partition wall 5 fits almost tightly into the second guide groove 61 formed on the front wall, and the rear end of the second partition wall 5 fits almost tightly into the second guide groove 61 formed on the rear wall. That is, the second guide grooves 61, 61 allow the second partition wall 5, whose front and rear ends are fitted, to slide back and forth in the left and right direction in a stable manner. The front end of the third partition wall 6 fits almost tightly into the third guide groove 62 formed in the front wall, and the rear end of the third partition wall 6 fits almost tightly into the second guide groove 62 formed in the rear wall. That is, the third guide grooves 62, 62 allow the third partition wall 6, whose front and rear ends are fitted, to slide back and forth in the left and right direction in a stable manner. The first to third guide grooves 60, 61, 62 have a depth of 1.0 cm from the inner surface of the front wall or rear wall.

(About coil springs)
The first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 are coil springs made of a shape memory alloy. For example, the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 have a wire diameter of 1.2 mm, an outer diameter of 20 mm, a total number of turns of 30 turns, and a shear strain of 1.0%. The first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 are set to have a characteristic such that, when they reach a predetermined temperature (threshold temperature T) at which their generated force increases, they rapidly expand from their most compressed state (the length of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 in this state is, for example, 3.6 cm), and then expand to their most expanded state (the length of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 in this state is, for example, 35 cm). When they are cooled again below the predetermined temperature (threshold temperature T), their generated force weakens dramatically. As defined in this application, "weakening" means that when the shape memory alloy constituting the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 is cooled to a temperature below a predetermined threshold temperature T (a temperature lower than the threshold temperature T), the shape memory alloy has the characteristics of not actively contracting or deforming by itself, and when a force is applied to the spring from the axial direction, it is compressed with almost no resistance.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, where a pair of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 extend in the left-right direction of the power generation unit CU and are arranged in series in the left-right direction, two pairs of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 are provided spaced apart in the front-rear direction. However, the number of pairs of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 may be one pair, or three or more pairs.

(About shape memory alloys)
The shape memory alloy forming the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 of the embodiment has the following physical properties and characteristics. This shape memory alloy is made of Ti (titanium) and Ni (nickel) and has the physical property of expanding when heated and weakening when cooled. The shape memory alloy of the embodiment has a temperature rise operation completion temperature (Af point) set to 35°C or higher and a temperature fall operation completion temperature (Mf point) set to less than 35°C. Therefore, in the embodiment, the threshold temperature T is 35°C. The threshold temperature T can be adjusted by adjusting the compounding ratio of Ti (titanium), Ni (nickel), etc. in the shape memory alloy. The original size of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 is longer than the expanded state shown in FIG. 5.

The first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 made of such a shape memory alloy actively expand in the axial direction of the spring when the shape memory alloy warms to a temperature above threshold temperature T, and will expand even when an axial force is applied. On the other hand, when the shape memory alloy cools to a temperature below threshold temperature T, it weakens, no longer actively expands or contracts in the axial direction of the spring, and will contract when an axial force is applied. Therefore, in the first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 paired in series in the left-right direction, if the first coil spring 2 warms to a temperature above threshold temperature T and the second coil spring 3 cools to a temperature below threshold temperature T, the first coil spring 2 expands and the second coil spring 3 is pushed by the first coil spring 2, causing it to contract. On the other hand, if the second coil spring 3 warms to a temperature above threshold temperature T and the first coil spring 2 cools to a temperature below threshold temperature T, the second coil spring 3 expands and the first coil spring 2 is pushed by the second coil spring 3, causing it to contract.

Furthermore, since the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 are arranged in the internal space of the rectangular parallelepiped sealed tank 1, it is possible to prevent the distortions (1) to (3) described in paragraph [0006] from occurring in the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3.
First, with regard to the distortion in (1) of paragraph [0006], the expansion and contraction of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 takes place in the internal space of the sealed vessel 1, and therefore, even during this expansion and contraction, they are prevented from expanding or contracting excessively by the left and right walls of the sealed vessel 1 and the first partition wall 4. For example, if the length when expanded is 35 cm and the length when contracted is 15 cm, the width will be 50 cm, but if the thickness of the first partition wall 4 to which the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 are attached is 3 cm, then the sealed vessel will have a width (distance between the left and right inner walls) of 53 cm.
Next, regarding the distortion in (2) of paragraph [0006], when the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 are heated and stretched, not only does the third partition wall 6 move and support the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 from below, rubbing against each other lightly as they stretch, but also the first coil spring 2 or the second coil spring 3 fits into the spring distortion prevention groove 63 (semicircular groove 63 in Figures 6 and 7) formed on the upper surface of the third partition wall 6 as a spring distortion prevention part, causing the first coil spring 2 or the second coil spring 3 to stretch and contract, so not only does no bending occur downward, but bending does not occur to the left or right either.
Furthermore, with regard to the distortion of (3) in paragraph [0006], when the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand and contract within the internal space of the sealed tank 1, the warm air in the second space R2 and the cold air in the first space R1 are blocked by the first to third partition walls 4, 5, and 6, so there is extremely little mixing of the warm air and the cold air within the sealed tank 1. Furthermore, because the ceiling fan 29 rotates vigorously in the first space R1 and the floor fan 28 rotates vigorously in the second space R2, the temperature of the cold air in the first space R1 and the warm air in the second space R2 is almost perfectly controlled (the cold air in the first space R1 is kept at a temperature below the threshold temperature T, and the warm air in the second space R2 is kept at a temperature above the threshold temperature T), so the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand and contract at the right time.
Regarding the points mentioned above, since this is possible for the number of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 that fit within the range of the first to third partition walls 4, 5, and 6 of the sealed tank 1, it is possible to use a large number of first coil springs 2 and second coil springs 3 simultaneously without the distortions of (1) to (3).

(About partition walls)
The sealed tank 1 of this embodiment includes the first partition wall 4, second partition wall 5, and third partition wall 6 described above to divide the interior of the sealed tank 1 into a first space R1 and a second space R2. The first partition wall 4 divides the interior of the sealed tank 1 into left and right spaces. This first partition wall 4 stands vertically at equal positions, for example, 11 cm apart from the upper and lower inner walls of the sealed tank 1. At the middle of the upper and lower sections, the first partition wall 4 is provided with a protrusion 4a, measuring, for example, 2 cm in height, 1 cm in width, and 3 cm in depth, which fits and slides in a first guide groove 60 on the inner walls of the front and rear walls, and can move left and right in response to the elongation and weakening of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3.

The second partition wall 5 moves directly above the vertically standing first partition wall 4, sliding horizontally from side to side together with the first partition wall 4 without any gap (at this time, the surface that contacts the sealed container 1 slides into the second guide groove 61 on the inner wall of the front and rear walls, for example, by 1 cm or more). The second partition wall 5 is a plate-shaped wall, for example, 3 cm in length (thickness), 12.2 cm in width, and 26 cm in depth. When the compressed first coil spring 2 on the left expands to the right, the second partition wall 5 moves, for example, 31.4 cm from left to right, covering the compressed second coil spring 3 on the right from above and leaving a gap of, for example, 30.4 cm above the expanded first coil spring 2 on the left. Conversely, when the compressed second coil spring 3 on the right side expands to the left, it moves, for example, 31.4 cm from right to left, covering the compressed first coil spring 2 on the left side from above and leaving a gap of, for example, 30.4 cm above the expanded second coil spring 3 on the right side. This second partition wall 5 must move integrally with the first partition wall 4, so it must be fixed to the first partition wall 4. Its position is fixed at an equal distance on both sides, with a 3 cm lateral margin at the top of the first partition wall 4 in the middle.

The third partition wall 6 faces the second partition wall 5 from below and slides horizontally from side to side directly below the first partition wall 4 without any gap (at this time, the surface that contacts the sealed container 1 slides into the third guide groove 62 on the inner wall of the front and rear walls by 1 cm or more). The third partition wall 6 is a plate-like wall, for example, 3 cm in length (thickness), 39 cm in width, and 26 cm in depth. When the compressed first coil spring 2 on the left side of the first partition wall 4 expands to the right, the third partition wall 6 slides under the first coil spring 2 expanding to the right, moving 4.6 cm from right to left, covering the expanded left first coil spring 2 from below and creating a gap of, for example, 3.6 cm below the compressed (weakened) second coil spring 3 on the right side. Conversely, when the compressed second coil spring 3 on the right side expands to the left, the third partition wall 6 moves from left to right, for example, by 4.6 cm, covering the expanded second coil spring 3 on the right side from below in exactly the same way as above, while creating a gap of, for example, 3.6 cm below the compressed (weakened) first coil spring 2 on the left side.

(Regarding the spring distortion prevention groove 63)
As shown in FIG. 7 , spring distortion prevention grooves 63 are provided on the upper surface of the third partition wall 6 at positions facing each of the first coil springs 2 and each of the second coil springs 3. These spring distortion prevention grooves 63 extend in the longitudinal direction of the first coil springs 2 and the second coil springs 3 and are recessed downward in a semicircular shape. The spring distortion prevention grooves 63 are provided so as to slide from below, intersecting the extension direction of the spiral first coil springs 2 and the second coil springs 3, when the first coil springs 2 and the second coil springs 3 are in an extended state (the state shown in FIG. 7( a)). When the first coil spring 2 is in an extended state, a portion of the lower portion of the first coil spring 2 fits into the spring distortion prevention groove 63, and when the second coil spring 3 is in an extended state, a portion of the lower portion of the second coil spring 3 fits into the spring distortion prevention groove 63. This prevents the distortion (2) described in paragraph [0006] from occurring. A thin plate 64 made of an aluminum alloy is provided on the concave surface of the spring distortion prevention groove 63, and the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand and contract while contacting this thin plate 64.

The first partition wall 4, second partition wall 5, and third partition wall 6 are all partition walls that move simultaneously based on the power generated when the first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 expand and contract. For these to move accurately, the mechanism shown in Figure 5 is required. The top (a) drawing of Figure 5 shows the first partition wall 4 moving from left to right. The slack in the string I that forms the loop is such that when the first partition wall 4 moves 31.4 cm from left to right, the second partition wall 5 also moves 31.4 cm from left to right, but the third partition wall 6 can only move 4.6 cm from right to left. This difference is 26.8 cm. Therefore, the string I that forms the loop needs to have 26.8 cm of slack. This is exactly the same method when the second coil spring 3 is expanding from right to left, as shown in the bottom (b) of Figure 5.

Next, we will explain how the first partition wall 4, second partition wall 5, and third partition wall 6 move in opposite directions. Here, the first partition wall 4 and second partition wall 5 are attached and move simultaneously in the same direction, so an explanatory diagram of the second partition wall 5 has been omitted. In the drawing in the upper part of Figure 5 (a), the midpoint of the depth of the first partition wall 4 is set at A, 1 cm above the bottom of the left side of the wall, and at D (for example, 1 cm above the bottom) on the opposite side. The midpoint of the depth of the third partition wall 6 is also set at B and C, for example, 1 cm above the bottom of the wall, forming a loop string connecting the four points A, B, C, and D. In this case, A and D are fixed at points, and mini rollers are installed at B and C. Figure 5(a) shows that when the first partition wall 4 attempts to move 31.4 cm from left to right, the third partition wall 6 is pulled by the movement of fixed point A on string I and attempts to move 4.6 cm in the opposite direction, from right to left.

Next, the bottom row (b) of Figure 5 shows the state when the first partition wall 4 attempts to move from right to left. This time, when the first partition wall 4 attempts to move 31.4 cm from right to left, the third partition wall 6 is pulled by the movement of fixed point D of string I and attempts to move 4.6 cm in the opposite direction, from left to right. When the second coil spring 3 extends 31.4 cm from right to left, the first partition wall 4 and second partition wall 5 also move 31.4 cm from right to left. At this time, the horizontal length of the third partition wall 6 is 39 cm, and it can only move 4.6 cm from left to right. This is due to the size of the third partition wall 6. When the second coil spring 3 is fully extended, the third partition wall 6 needs to insulate it from below, so it needs to completely cover it from below to match the length of its extension, which is why it is this large. The same is true when the first coil spring 2 is fully extended.

When the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand and contract, the air temperature in the second space R2 inside the rectangular sealed tank 1 must always be maintained above a predetermined threshold temperature T, and the air temperature in the first space R1 inside the sealed tank 1 must always be maintained below the predetermined threshold temperature T; therefore, the sealed tank 1 must be sealed. Furthermore, since it is desirable that the air in the first space R1 and the air in the second space R2 do not leak into the other space, the walls separating the two spaces R1 and R2 must also ensure airtightness. Furthermore, the first partition wall 4, the second partition wall 5, and the third partition wall 6 move in response to the expansion and contraction of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3, and are required to efficiently heat and cool the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3, so three walls are required. That is, in the power generating unit CU of this embodiment, the first space R1 of the sealed vessel 1 is maintained at a temperature below the threshold temperature T by an ultra-compact, high-performance chiller (first temperature adjustment means) 9 and a ceiling fan 29, and the second space R2 is maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature T by a small, high-performance electric heater (second temperature adjustment means) 8 and an above-floor fan 28. When the first partition wall 4 is moved to one side (left) of the sealed vessel 1 (the state shown in the upper part (a) of FIG. 5 ), the second coil spring 3 that has been stretched and deformed is located in the first space R1, and the first coil spring 2 that has been weakened, compressed, and shrunk is located in the second space R2. As a result, the second coil spring 3 that has been stretched and deformed due to a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature T is instantly cooled below the threshold temperature T by being located in the cooled first space R1, and is thereby weakened and compressed so that it can be shrunk. Meanwhile, the first coil spring 2, which has been cooled below the threshold temperature T and weakened and compressed, is immediately heated above the threshold temperature T by being placed in the warm second space R2, causing it to expand and deform.

Furthermore, when the first partition wall 4 has moved to the other side (right side) of the sealed tank 1 (the state shown in the lower part of Figure 5 (b)), the first coil spring 2, which has been stretched and deformed, is located in the first space R1. As a result, the first coil spring 2, which has been stretched and deformed due to being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature T, is instantly cooled below the threshold temperature T by being located in the cold first space R1, thereby weakening and compressing, and becoming able to contract. On the other hand, the second coil spring 3, which has been cooled below the threshold temperature T, weakening and compressing, and becoming able to contract, is instantly heated above the threshold temperature T by being located in the warm second space R2, thereby becoming able to stretch and deform.

As a result, the first coil spring 2 is continuously switched from its expanded state to its weakened state and vice versa, and the second coil spring 3 is continuously switched from its weakened state to its expanded state and vice versa. This causes the first partition wall 4 to move back and forth between the position shown in the upper part (a) of Figure 5 and the position shown in the lower part (b) of Figure 5.

(Regarding temperature adjustment)
Next, we will explain the electric heater (second temperature control means) 8 that heats the air in the second space R2 of the sealed tank 1 and the cooler (first temperature control means) 9 that cools the air in the first space R1. First, the electric heater 8 is attached to the center of the upper surface (inner surface) of the bottom wall of the sealed tank 1 and is located within the second space R2. The electric heater 8 is a heater that automatically maintains the set temperature once it is set. The electric heater 8 constantly heats the second space R2 (the sealed space formed by the bottom inner wall of the sealed tank 1 and the three walls, the first through third partition walls 4, 5, and 6). The switches for the floor fan 28 and the electric heater 8 are always kept on (this ensures that warm air is constantly blowing into the second space R2). The sealed tank 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature within the second space R2, and the operation of the electric heater 8 is controlled based on the temperature detected by this temperature sensor.

The chiller 9 is attached to the center of the underside (inner surface) of the upper wall of the sealed tank 1 and is located within the first space R1. The chiller 9 is a cooler that automatically maintains the set temperature once it has been set. The chiller 9 constantly cools the first space R1 (the sealed space formed by the inner wall of the ceiling of the sealed tank 1 and the three walls of the first to third partition walls 4, 5, and 6). The ceiling fan 29 and chiller 9 are always switched on (this ensures that cool air is constantly blowing through the first space R1). The sealed tank 1 is also equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature within the first space R1, and the operation of the chiller 9 is controlled based on the temperature detected by this temperature sensor.

(Regarding round-trip transportation)
Next, the loop belt 16, which is the reciprocating means, will be described. As can be seen from Figure 1, the loop belt 16 is an integrated belt consisting of a chain-like belt 15 and ordinary belts 14 (14A, 14B) connected to both ends of the chain-like belt 15. The loop belt 16 has the ordinary belts 14A, 14B wound around loop rollers 11, 13, with one (left) ordinary belt 14A passing through a hole in the left wall of the sealed tank 1, entering the sealed tank 1 and connected to the left side of the first partition wall 4, and the other (right) ordinary belt 14B passing through a hole in the right wall of the sealed tank 1, entering the sealed tank 1 and connected to the right side of the first partition wall 4, forming a loop. The ordinary belts 14A, 14B of the loop belt 16 are attached to the front and rear centers of the left and right walls of the first partition wall 4, at the same horizontal position aligned with the first and second coil springs 2, 3 across the first partition wall 4. In this way, the loop belt 16 attached to the first partition wall 4 will continue to move left and right in accordance with the continuous reciprocating movement of the first partition wall 4 in the left-right direction due to the expansion and contraction deformation of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3.

1 , the normal belt 14A of the loop belt 16 fixed to the left side of the first partition wall 4 passes through a hole in the left wall of the sealed tank 1 (positioned at the same horizontal position as the attachment position to the opposing first partition wall 4) and is wound around a loop roller 13 installed on the outside of the left wall of the sealed tank 1. The normal belt 14B of the loop belt 16 fixed to the right side of the first partition wall 4 passes through a hole in the right wall of the sealed tank 1 (positioned at the same horizontal position as the attachment position to the opposing first partition wall 4) and is wound around a loop roller 11 installed on the outside of the right wall of the sealed tank 1. The chain-like belts 15 connected to the normal belts 14A and 14B drawn out to the outside of the sealed tank 1 are curved and mesh with the teeth on the outer periphery of the first rotor 41 of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 installed and connected to the rotor rotation shaft 23.

In other words, when the first partition wall 4 moves to the right as the first coil spring 2 expands and the second coil spring 3 weakens, compresses, and contracts, the normal belt 14A of the loop belt 16 is pulled to the right, causing the chain-like belt 15 to move counterclockwise (moves leftward) in FIG. 1. Also, when the second coil spring 3 expands and the first coil spring 2 weakens, compresses, and contracts, the first partition wall 4 moves to the left as the normal belt 14B of the loop belt 16 is pulled to the left, causing the chain-like belt 15 to move clockwise (moves rightward) in FIG. 1. Therefore, by alternately expanding and deforming the first coil spring 2 and weakening the second coil spring 3 and weakening the first coil spring 2 and expanding and deforming the second coil spring 3, the first partition wall 4 continuously reciprocates, causing the loop belt 16 to continuously and repeatedly move leftward and rightward.

(About the rotation transmission mechanism)
4 and 3 , the rotation transmission mechanism 17 includes a first rotor 41 rotatably mounted on the rotor shaft 23 and rotated alternately in a forward direction and a reverse direction opposite to the forward direction by a loop belt 16 functioning as a drive means, a second rotor 48 fixed to the rotor shaft 23 alongside the first rotor 41 and having a protruding claw 47 and a rack gear 43 on its outer periphery, a lever 42 swingably mounted on a fulcrum shaft 49 fixed to the first rotor 41 and capable of hooking onto the protruding claw 47 of the second rotor 48, and a pinion gear 44 rotatably mounted on the lever 42 and capable of meshing with the rack gear 43. The lever 42 is constantly pushed by a torsion spring (biasing means) 50 so that it either hooks onto the protruding claw 47 of the rack gear 43 or meshes with the rack gear 43. When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction, the pinion gear 44 gets caught on the protruding claw portion 47, causing the second rotating body 48 and the rotor rotating shaft 23 to rotate in the same forward direction as the first rotating body 41. On the other hand, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction, the pinion gear 44 meshed with the rack gear 43 rotates, and the rotation of this pinion gear 44 causes the second rotating body 48 and the rotor rotating shaft 23 to rotate in the forward direction. In other words, the first rotating body 41 rotates alternately in the forward and reverse directions, but the second rotating body 48 and the rotor rotating shaft 23 are configured to always rotate continuously in one direction, the forward direction.

As shown in Figure 3, the rotation transmission mechanism 17 includes a first rotation transmission means 42 that rotates the rotor rotation shaft (rotation shaft) 23 in one direction when the reciprocating means 16 moves in a first direction (Figure 3(a)), and a second rotation transmission means 44 that rotates the rotation shaft 23 in the same direction when the reciprocating means 16 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction (Figure 3(b)). Note that in the following description of the rotation transmission mechanism 17, left rotation of the first rotor 41 and second rotor 48 in Figure 3 will be referred to as forward rotation, and right rotation will be referred to as reverse rotation.

The protruding claws 47 are provided at predetermined intervals around the rotor rotation axis 23 on the outer periphery of the second rotating body 48, and rack gears 43 are provided between each of the protruding claws 47. A plurality of levers 42, each with a pinion gear 44, are provided on the first rotating body 41 so as to surround the second rotating body 48. Therefore, when the first rotating body 41 rotates forward, each pinion gear 44 is caught on the protruding claws 47. When the first rotating body 41 rotates reversely, each pinion gear 44 sequentially meshes with each rack gear 43, rotating simultaneously and continuously. The rotational inertia force generated when each pinion gear 44 rotates causes the second rotating body 48 to rotate forward. This is explained in detail below.

(Regarding the first rotating body 41)
As shown in FIG. 4( a), the first rotor 41 is formed in a disk shape, and a hole 46 through which the rotor shaft 23 is inserted is formed in the center of the first rotor 41 in the thickness direction. The first rotor 41 is attached to the rotor shaft 23 by inserting the rotor shaft 23 into the hole 46. However, before attaching the first rotor 41, as shown in FIG. 4( b), a bearing 70 is attached and fixed to the rotor shaft 23 in contact with a second rotor 48 fixed to the rotor shaft 23, and the first rotor 41 is attached on the bearing 70, thereby enabling free rotation relative to the rotor shaft 23. In other words, the first rotor 41 can smoothly rotate in the forward or reverse direction regardless of the rotation direction of the rotor shaft 23. Furthermore, teeth 40 that mesh with the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16 are formed around the entire outer periphery of the first rotor 41, making the first rotor 41 a so-called sprocket. Furthermore, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) fulcrum shafts 49 are provided at required intervals in the circumferential direction on the side surface of a circle of a predetermined diameter centered on the hole 46 at the end face of the first rotor 41. A lever 42 is attached to the fulcrum shafts 49 so as to be able to swing.

(Regarding lever 42)
Each lever 42 is swingably attached to three fulcrum shafts 49 provided on the end face of the first rotating body 41. As shown in FIG. 2 , each lever 42 is a seesaw type lever formed in a substantially V-shape, with a hole for inserting the fulcrum shaft 49 penetrating the thickness direction at a bent portion located in the middle of the longitudinal direction. The lever 42 is attached to the fulcrum shaft 49 by inserting the fulcrum shaft 49 into the hole, and the position of one tip end 42 a and the other tip end 42 b changes so that they move toward and away from the outer edge of the second rotating body 48. That is, when one tip end 42 a approaches the outer edge of the second rotating body 48, the other tip end 42 b moves away from the outer edge of the second rotating body 48, and when the other tip end 42 b approaches the outer edge of the second rotating body 48, the one tip end 42 a moves away from the outer edge of the second rotating body 48. Pinion gears 44, 44 are rotatably attached to one end 42a and the other end 42b of the lever 42. That is, two pinion gears 44, 44 are attached to one lever 42.

(About torsion spring 50)
A torsion spring 50 serving as a biasing means is attached to each fulcrum shaft 49. The torsion spring 50 has an annular portion attached to the fulcrum shaft 49 and two legs extending from the annular portion, with the tip of one leg fixed to the end face of the first rotating body 41 and the tip of the other leg fixed to the lever 42. The other leg of the torsion spring 50, which is fixed to the lever 42, constantly pushes the lever 42 in a direction in which one tip 42a of the lever 42 approaches the outer edge of the second rotating body 48. Therefore, when the lever 42 swings, at least one of the pinion gears 44 attached to the lever 42 comes into contact with the protruding claw portion 47 or the rack gear 43 of the second rotating body 48. Here, the pushing force of the torsion spring 50 is set to a strength that allows the posture of the lever 42 to change so that, when the pinion gear 44 of the lever 42 is positioned at the protruding claw portion 47 provided on the outer edge of the second rotating body 48, one tip end 42a of the lever 42 moves away from the outer edge of the second rotating body 48 and the other tip end 42b moves closer to the outer edge of the second rotating body 48.

(Regarding pinion gear 44)
Each pinion gear 44, 44 attached to one end 42a and the other end 42b of each lever 42 has teeth of the same module formed on the entire outer periphery as the teeth of the rack gear 43 provided on the second rotor 48, so that it can mesh with this rack gear 43. Since each pinion gear 44 is desired to rotate at high speed, a small diameter of, for example, 10 mm to 20 mm is used. Furthermore, each pinion gear 44 is made of a material with a high specific gravity so that the rotational inertia force increases according to the rotational speed. Here, each pinion gear 44 is preferably made of an ferrous metal such as steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, or cast iron.

(Regarding the second rotating body 48)
As shown in FIG. 4 , the second rotating body 48 is formed in a plate shape with a thickness similar to that of the first rotating body 41. A hole 46 for inserting the rotor shaft 23 is formed through the center of the second rotating body 48 in the thickness direction. The rotor shaft 23 is inserted into the hole 46, so that the second rotating body 48 is fixed to the rotor shaft 23 and cannot freely rotate relative to the rotor shaft 23. In other words, the second rotating body 48 always rotates in the forward direction together with the rotor shaft 23. The outer periphery of the second rotating body 48 is provided with multiple (nine in this embodiment) protruding portions 47 spaced equally circumferentially. The portions between the protruding portions 47 are concavely curved, recessed radially relative to each other. Each concavely curved portion between the protruding portions 47 has a recess 51 formed on one side of the protruding portion 47 (forward rotation direction), and a gently sloping concave curve on the other side of the protruding portion 47 (reverse rotation direction).

(Regarding the recess 51)
As shown in FIG. 3 , each recess 51 is configured to receive the pinion gear 44 provided on one end 42 a of the lever 42. The pinion gear 44 provided on the other end 42 b of the lever 42 is not configured to receive the pinion gear 44. As is clear from FIG. 2 , each recess 51 opens toward the reverse direction of the second rotor 48 and has an arc-shaped undercut shape recessed toward the forward rotation direction of the second rotor 48. Each recess 51 is formed in a shape and size that allows the pinion gear 44 provided on one end 42 a of the lever 42 provided on the first rotor 41 to receive the pinion gear 44. As a result, when the first rotor 41 rotates in the forward rotation direction relative to the second rotor 48, the pinion gear 44 provided on one end 42 a of the lever 42 moves toward the recess 51 and receives the pinion gear 44. When the pinion gear 44 is fitted in the recess 51 ( FIG. 3( a) ), the rotation of the first rotating body 41 in the forward direction is restricted from becoming faster than the rotation of the second rotating body 48 in the forward direction, and the second rotating body 48 and the first rotating body 41 can rotate in sync in the forward direction. Furthermore, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction relative to the second rotating body 48 while the pinion gear 44 is fitted in the recess 51, the pinion gear 44 comes out of the recess 51 in the reverse direction, allowing the first rotating body 41 to rotate in the reverse direction.

(Regarding rack gear 43)
Each rack gear 43 has the same tooth arrangement as the module of the pinion gear 44 provided on each lever 42, and the pinion gear 44 can mesh with it. The rack gear 43 is formed on a concave curved portion between each of the protruding claw portions 47 on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotor 48. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , depending on the relative positional relationship between the first rotor 41 and the second rotor 48, when the pinion gear 44 provided on one end 42a of the lever 42 meshes with the rack gear 43 of the second rotor 48, the pinion gear 44 provided on the other end 42b moves away from the second rotor 48. When the pinion gear 44 provided on one end 42a of the lever 42 is positioned at the protruding claw portion 47 of the second rotor 48, the posture of the lever 42 is displaced, and the pinion gear 44 provided on the other end 42b moves closer to the second rotor 48 and meshes with the rack gear 43. Furthermore, when the pinion gear 44 provided on the other tip 42b of the lever 42 is positioned at the protruding claw portion 47 of the second rotating body 48, the posture of the lever 42 is changed, and the pinion gear 44 provided on one tip 42a approaches the second rotating body 48 and comes into mesh with the rack gear 43. When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction (clockwise) relative to the second rotating body 48 while meshed with the rack gear 43, each pinion gear 44 rotates clockwise in FIG.

(Regarding application of rotational force in the forward direction of the second rotating body 48 by the pinion gear 44)
As described above, each pinion gear 44 is made of a material with a high specific gravity, and therefore generates a rotational inertia force when it rotates clockwise at high speed in FIG. 3B . When rotational inertia force is generated in each pinion gear 44 by rotating clockwise at high speed, a force is generated in each pinion gear 44 that kicks out the teeth of the meshing rack gear 43. In other words, when each pinion gear 44 kicks out the rack gear 43, a forward rotation (counterclockwise rotation) is imparted to the second rotating body 48. In other words, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction (clockwise rotation) relative to the second rotating body 48, a force is generated in each pinion gear 44 that causes the teeth of each pinion gear 44 to kick out the teeth of the rack gear 43, thereby rotating the second rotating body 48 in the forward rotation direction (counterclockwise rotation).

In the rotation transmission mechanism 17 configured as described above, the first rotating body 41, which is rotatably mounted on the rotor rotation shaft 23, and the second rotating body 48, which is fixed to the rotor rotation shaft 23, are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the rotor rotation shaft 23. The first rotating body 41 continuously rotates alternately in the forward and reverse directions relative to the rotor rotation shaft 23 in conjunction with the leftward and rightward movement of the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16.

(When the first rotating body 41 rotates in the normal direction)
3(a), in the rotation transmission mechanism 17 configured as described above, when the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16 moves leftward, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction (counterclockwise), and the pinion gear 44 provided at one end 42a of each lever 42, pressed by the torsion spring 50, fits into the recess 51 of the second rotating body 48. The pinion gear 44 fitted into the recess 51 cannot come out of the recess 51 while the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction. As a result, the second rotating body 48 is pushed by the first rotating body 41 rotating in the forward direction, and rotates in sync at the same rotational speed in the forward direction, and the rotor rotation shaft 23 to which the second rotating body 48 is fixed continuously rotates in one direction (forward direction).

(When the first rotor 41 rotates in the reverse direction)
3(b), when the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16 moves to the right, the rotation transmission mechanism 17 causes the first rotating body 41 to rotate in the reverse direction (rotate right), and the pinion gear 44 provided at one end 42a of each lever 42 pressed by the torsion spring 50 comes into mesh with the rack gear 43 of the second rotating body 48. Then, as the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction (rotates right) relative to the second rotating body 48, each pinion gear 44 meshing with the rack gear 43 rotates right at high speed, and the rack gear 43 is kicked out by each pinion gear 44 rotating at high speed. Furthermore, when the pinion gear 44 provided at one tip 42a of the lever 42 is positioned at the protruding claw portion 47 during the process of the first rotating body 41 rotating in the reverse direction relative to the second rotating body 48, the posture of the lever 42 is changed, causing the pinion gear 44 provided at the other tip 42b to mesh with the rack gear 43 and rotate at high speed. As a result, the second rotating body 48 on which the rack gear 43 is formed rotates in the forward direction due to the rotational inertia force of the pinion gears 44, 44, and the rotor rotation shaft 23 to which this second rotating body 48 is fixed rotates continuously in one direction (forward direction).

In this way, in the rotation transmission mechanism 17 of this embodiment, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction, the second rotating body 48 rotates continuously in the forward direction, and when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction, the second rotating body 48 rotates continuously in the forward direction, so that the rotor rotating shaft 23 to which this second rotating body 48 is fixed always rotates continuously in one direction in the forward direction. In other words, even if the first rotating body 41 rotates alternately in the forward and reverse directions, the second rotating body 48 always rotates continuously in one direction in the forward direction, and the rotor rotating shaft 23 also rotates continuously in one direction in the forward direction, thereby achieving continuous power generation by the generator 20.

(Regarding generator 20)
The generator 20 used is a known one that is already in practical use, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. As shown in Figure 1, the generator 20 is composed of a rotor shaft 23, a rotor 21 fixed to the rotor shaft 23, and a coil layer 19 that surrounds the rotor 21 and is installed on a bearing 26 that is fixed to the rotor shaft 23. This structure is the same as that of a bicycle magnet generator, and when the rotor 21, which is the magnet layer, rotates, electricity is generated in the coil layer 19 that surrounds it.

Function of the Example

We will now explain how the power generation unit CU of the embodiment configured as described above actually operates to generate power.

In its initial state (non-operating state), the power generating unit CU is in the state shown in Figure 5(a), for example. Specifically, the first coil spring 2 is compressed, and the second coil spring 3 is expanded. As a result, the first partition wall 4 is stopped near the left wall of the sealed vessel 1, and the second partition wall 5 is stopped in contact with the left wall. Furthermore, the third partition wall 6 is stopped in contact with the right wall. The expanded second coil spring 3 is located within the first space R1 of the sealed vessel 1, and the compressed first coil spring 2 is located within the second space R2. Note that in the initial state, both the first space R1 and the second space R2 are maintained at temperatures below the threshold temperature T. The second coil spring 3 remains expanded and weakened, and the first coil spring 2 remains compressed and weakened, and no expansion force is generated in the first coil spring 2 or the second coil spring 3.

When the main switch (not shown) of the power generation unit CU, which is initially stopped, is turned ON, electricity is supplied from the pre-charged storage battery 27 to the electric heater 8, chiller 9, floor fan 28, and ceiling fan 29. As a result, the air in the first space R1 of the sealed tank 1 is convected by the ceiling fan 29 and gradually cooled by the chiller 9. After a required time, the air in the first space R1 becomes cold air cooled to a temperature below threshold temperature T, and the entire first space R1 is maintained below threshold temperature T. Meanwhile, the air in the second space R2 of the sealed tank 1 is convected by the floor fan 28 and gradually warmed by the electric heater 8. After a required time, the air in the second space R2 becomes warm air heated to a temperature above threshold temperature T, and the entire second space R2 is maintained at a temperature above threshold temperature T.

When the first space R1 inside the sealed tank 1 is cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature T, the second coil spring 3 located in the expanded first space R1 remains cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature T, and is maintained in a weakened state without generating any expansion force. On the other hand, when the second space R2 inside the sealed tank 1 is heated to a temperature above the threshold temperature T, the first coil spring 2 located in the second space R2 in a shrunk and weakened state is heated to a temperature above the threshold temperature T, and begins to generate an expansion force.

This weakens the second coil spring 3, allowing it to contract, allowing the first coil spring 2 to expand. The expansion deformation of the first coil spring 2 and the accompanying compression deformation of the second coil spring 3 push the first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 to the right, causing them to slide to the right along the first and second guide grooves 60, 61.

As the first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 slide to the right along the guide grooves 60 and 61, the third partition wall 6 remains in contact with the right wall of the sealed tank 1 until the aforementioned string I forming the loop is stretched. After the string I is stretched, the third partition wall 6 moves to the left along the third guide groove 62. The first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 stop when the second partition wall 5 comes into contact with the right wall of the sealed tank 1, and the third partition wall 6 stops when it comes into contact with the left wall of the sealed tank 1. This substantially maintains the partitioning of the first space R1 and the second space R2 by the first through third partition walls 4, 5, and 6.

When the second partition wall 5 comes into contact with the right wall of the sealed vessel 1 and the third partition wall 6 comes into contact with the left wall of the sealed vessel 1 (Figure 5(b)), the first coil spring 2, which had been heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the threshold temperature T, is now located within the first space R1, which has been cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature T, and is therefore rapidly cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature T and weakened. On the other hand, the second coil spring 3, which had been cooled to a temperature below the threshold temperature T, is now located within the second space R2, which has been heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the threshold temperature T, and is therefore rapidly heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the threshold temperature T, generating an elongating force.

This weakens the first coil spring 2, allowing it to contract, and allows the second coil spring 3 to expand. The expansion deformation of the second coil spring 3 and the resulting compression deformation of the first coil spring 2 push the first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 to the left, causing them to slide leftward along the first and second guide grooves 60, 61.

As the first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 slide leftward along the guide grooves 60 and 61, the third partition wall 6 remains in contact with the left wall of the sealed tank 1 until the aforementioned string I forming the loop is stretched. After string I is stretched, the third partition wall 6 moves rightward along the third guide groove 62. The first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 stop when the second partition wall 5 comes into contact with the left wall of the sealed tank 1, and the third partition wall 6 stops when it comes into contact with the right wall of the sealed tank 1. This substantially maintains the partitioning of the first space R1 and the second space R2 by the first through third partition walls 4, 5, and 6.

Therefore, in the power generation unit CU of the embodiment, by maintaining the temperature within the first space R1 of the sealed tank 1 at a temperature below the threshold temperature T and maintaining the temperature within the second space R2 at or above the threshold temperature T, expansion deformation of the first coil spring 2 and compression deformation of the second coil spring 3, and expansion deformation of the second coil spring 3 and compression deformation of the first coil spring 2, occur alternately and continuously, thereby causing the first partition wall 4 and the second partition wall 5 to continuously move back and forth alternately in the left and right directions within the sealed tank 1.

When the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand or contract, their lower portions are substantially fitted into the corresponding spring distortion prevention grooves 63, 63 on the underside, restricting the intermediate portions of these coil springs 2, 3 from bending downward, forward, or backward, intersecting the direction of expansion or contraction. Therefore, the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 expand or contract while restricting the occurrence of distortion (2) described in paragraph [0006].

As the first partition wall 4 slides back and forth left and right due to the alternating expansion and contraction deformation of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3, the loop belt 16 connected to the first partition wall 4 and wound around the loop rollers 11 and 13 moves counterclockwise and clockwise, and the chain-like belt 15 alternately and continuously moves left and right. In other words, when the first partition wall 4 slides rightward within the sealed tank 1, the loop belt 16 moves counterclockwise (moves left), and when the first partition wall 4 slides leftward within the sealed tank 1, the loop belt 16 moves clockwise (moves right).

As the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16 moves left and right, the first rotating body 41 around which the loop belt 16 is wound in the rotation transmission mechanism 17 provided on the rotor rotation shaft 23 of the generator 20 continuously alternates between rotating in the forward direction and rotating in the reverse direction around the rotor rotation shaft 23. That is, when the loop belt 16 moves counterclockwise, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction, which is counterclockwise in FIG. 3(a), and when the loop belt 16 moves clockwise, the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction, which is clockwise in FIG. 3(b).

In the rotation transmission mechanism 17, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the forward direction in conjunction with the leftward movement of the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16, the pinion gear 44 provided at one end 42a of each lever 42 provided on the first rotating body 41 fits into one of the recesses 51 provided on the second rotating body 48. As a result, the second rotating body 48 is pushed by the first rotating body 41 and rotates in the forward direction at the same rotational speed as the first rotating body 41, causing the rotor rotation shaft 23 to which the second rotating body 48 is fixed to rotate in the forward direction.

On the other hand, when the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction in conjunction with the rightward movement of the chain-like belt 15 of the loop belt 16, either the pinion gear 44 provided at one end 42a of each lever 42 provided on the first rotating body 41 or the pinion gear 44 provided at the other end 42b meshes with the rack gear 43 provided on the second rotating body 48. As the first rotating body 41 rotates in the reverse direction, the second rotating body 48 rotates in the forward direction relative to the first rotating body 41, and at this time, each pinion gear 44 meshing with the rack gear 43 rotates at high speed, generating a rotational inertia force. As a result, each rack gear 43 meshing with the pinion gear 44 rotates at high speed, pushing the second rotating body 48 in the forward direction, thereby maintaining the second rotating body 48's forward rotation.

In other words, in the rotation transmission mechanism 17, the second rotating body 48 rotates continuously in the forward direction (continuously in one direction) whether the first rotating body 41 is rotating in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and therefore the rotor rotating shaft 23 rotates continuously in one direction. The continuous rotation of the rotor rotating shaft 23 in one direction drives the generator 20 continuously, generating continuous electricity.

A portion of the electricity generated by the operation of the generator 20 is supplied to the storage battery 27, which is constantly charged while the power generation unit CU is operating. This ensures that the supply of electricity to the electric heater 8, cooler 9, floor fan 28, and ceiling fan 29 is not interrupted while the power generation unit CU is operating, ensuring appropriate temperature management of the first space R1 and second space R2 of the sealed tank 1 and allowing the first and second coil springs 2, 3 to alternately expand and contract appropriately, resulting in appropriate, continuous power generation by the generator 20.

In this way, the power generating unit CU of the embodiment maintains the first space R1 of the sealed vessel 1 at a temperature below the threshold temperature T and the second space R2 at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature T, thereby generating continuous expansion and contraction deformation of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3. This allows the generator 20 to operate continuously via the loop belt 16 and the rotation transmission mechanism 17, thereby enabling stable and continuous power generation. In particular, the temperature of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 can be appropriately adjusted, allowing the first partition wall 4 and the loop belt 16 to appropriately and continuously reciprocate, thereby driving the generator 20 stably and continuously. Furthermore, the rotation transmission mechanism 17 can appropriately convert the reciprocation of the loop belt 16 into continuous rotation of the rotor rotation shaft 23 in the same direction. Furthermore, since distortion caused by deformation of the expanding and contracting first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 can be restricted, the repeated use life of each coil spring 2, 3 can be expected to be extended.

(Example of change)
(1) In the embodiment, specific dimensions and sizes of the sealed vessel 1 etc. are shown, but these dimensions and sizes are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.
(2) The number of pairs of the first coil springs 2 and the second coil springs 3 is not limited to two pairs as shown in the embodiment, but may be one pair or three or more pairs.
(3) The shape memory alloy forming each of the coil springs 2, 3 is not limited to the physical properties exemplified in the embodiment, and shape memory alloys with various physical properties can be used.
(4) The installation mode of the pair of first coil spring 2 and second coil spring 3 is not limited to horizontal, but may be vertical or inclined at a required angle, provided that the internal structure of the sealed tank 1 is changed.
(5) The rotation transmission mechanism 17 is not limited to the configuration exemplified in the embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as it can convert reciprocating movement into rotational movement in one direction.
(6) The third partition wall 6 may be configured to slide using a fluid pressure actuator or a motor that is controlled by the operation of the fluid pressure actuator or a motor. In this case, the connecting structure using the string I can be omitted.
(7) The reciprocating means 16 is not limited to the loop belt having the chain-like belt shown in the embodiment. For example, if the first rotating body 41 of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 is a toothed pulley having teeth on the entire outer circumference, the reciprocating means 16 can be a toothed belt having teeth formed on the inner circumference that mesh with the teeth of the first rotating body 41.
(8) The reciprocating means 16 may be in the form of an elongated rack gear that does not elastically deform, with one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the first partition wall 4 and extending outward from an opening provided in the wall of the sealing layer 1, and may reciprocate in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall 4. In this form, the first rotating body 41 of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 is a spur gear (spur gear) that meshes with the rack gear of the reciprocating means 16 that extends outward from the sealing layer 1, and this first rotating body 41 is meshed with the reciprocating means 16. Even in this form, the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means 16 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall 4 causes the first rotating body 41 of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 to rotate reciprocally in the forward and reverse directions, and an effect equivalent to that of the embodiment can be obtained.
(9) The spring distortion prevention groove 63 as a spring distortion prevention portion provided on the upper surface of the third partition wall 6 is not limited to the groove-like shape illustrated in the drawings and the above embodiment. For example, instead of providing a groove along the spring on the upper surface of the third partition wall 6, two protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 may be provided on both sides of the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 in the short direction. The spring distortion prevention groove 63 as a spring distortion prevention portion in this modified example surrounds the first coil spring 2 and the second coil spring 3 by the upper surface of the third partition wall 6 and the outer surfaces of the two protrusions, thereby preventing distortion of these springs 2 and 3.
(10) The generator 20 is not limited to the structure shown in the embodiment, and various known forms can be adopted.
(11) A speed increasing mechanism may be provided between the rotor rotating shaft 23 of the rotation transmission mechanism 17 and the generator 20 to increase the rotation speed of the generator 20 to be faster than the rotation speed of the rotor rotating shaft 23.

If the power generation unit CU can be constructed in an extremely compact manner and generate more than 10kW of power, it may be possible to mount this power generation unit in a car and realize the dream of an electric vehicle.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Sealed vessel 2 First coil spring 3 Second coil spring 4 First partition wall 5 Second partition wall 6 Third partition wall 8 Electric heater (second temperature adjustment means)
9 Cooler (first temperature adjustment means)
16 Loop belt (reciprocating means)
17 Rotation transmission mechanism 20 Generator 23 Rotor rotating shaft (rotating shaft)
41 First rotating body 48 Second rotating body CU Power generation device R1 First space R2 Second space T Threshold temperature

Claims (3)

A power generating unit (CU) capable of generating electricity by driving a rotating shaft (23) of a generator (20),
a first partition wall (4) provided so as to be reciprocally movable within a sealed tank (1) having a space formed therein;
a first coil spring (2) made of a shape memory alloy, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the sealed tank (1) and the other end of which is connected to the first partition wall (4), and which elongates and deforms when heated to a predetermined threshold temperature (T) or higher and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature (T);
a second coil spring (3) positioned on the opposite side of the first partition wall (4) from the first coil spring (2) and coaxial with the first coil spring (2), one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the sealed tank (1) and the other end of which is connected to the first partition wall (4), and made of a shape memory alloy that elongates and deforms when heated to a predetermined threshold temperature (T) or higher and weakens when cooled below the threshold temperature (T);
a reciprocating means (16) connected to the first partition wall (4) and reciprocating with the reciprocating movement of the first partition wall (4);
a rotation transmission mechanism (17) that links the reciprocating means (16) and the rotating shaft (23) and converts the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means (16) into unidirectional rotation of the rotating shaft (23);
Inside the sealed tank (1),
the first partition wall (4) that slides back and forth between a first position and a second position;
a second partition wall (5) fixed to the first partition wall (4) and slidably moved between a first position and a second position along the first coil spring (2) and the second coil spring (3) in the direction in which the first coil spring (2) and the second coil spring (3) extend;
a third partition wall (6) that is located on the opposite side of the second partition wall (5) with the first coil spring (2) and the second coil spring (3) interposed therebetween, and that slides back and forth between a first position and a second position along the first coil spring (2) and the second coil spring (3) in the direction in which the first coil spring (2) and the second coil spring (3) extend;
These first to third partition walls (4, 5, 6) are configured to divide the interior of the sealed tank (1) into a first space (R1) maintained at a temperature lower than the threshold temperature (T) and a second space (R2) maintained at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (T);
As the first coil spring (2) expands and deforms and the second coil spring (3) weakens and compresses, the first partition wall (4) and the second partition wall (5) move from the first position to the second position, and the third partition wall (6) moves from the second position to the first position, so that the expanded first coil spring (2) is positioned in the first space (R1) and cooled, and the weakened and compressed second coil spring (3) is positioned in the second space (R2) and heated.
As the second coil spring (3) expands and deforms and the first coil spring (2) weakens and compresses, the first partition wall (4) and the second partition wall (5) move from the second position to the first position, and the third partition wall (6) moves from the first position to the second position, so that the expanded second coil spring (3) is located in the first space (R1) and the weakened and compressed first coil spring (2) is located in the second space (R2);
The power generating device is configured such that the first partition wall (4) slides back and forth between the first position and the second position by alternately extending and deforming the first coil spring (2) and weakening and compressing the second coil spring (3) and extending and deforming the second coil spring (3) and weakening and compressing the first coil spring (2), and the reciprocating movement means (16) moves back and forth in conjunction with this , and the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating movement means (16) causes the rotating shaft (23) of the rotation transmission mechanism (17) to rotate continuously in the same direction, thereby causing the generator (20) to generate continuous power. The first space (R1) is provided with a first temperature adjusting means (9) for maintaining the air in the first space (R1) at a temperature lower than a threshold temperature (T) and a ceiling fan (29) for forced circulation;
In the second space (R2), a second temperature adjusting means (8) for maintaining the air in the second space (R2) at a temperature equal to or higher than a threshold temperature (T) and an above-floor fan (28) for forced circulation are provided,
The first partition wall (4), the second partition wall (5), and the third partition wall (6) are configured so that the sliding directions between the first position and the second position are opposite to each other;
The second partition wall (5) in the first position is located on the first space (R1) side of the first coil spring (2), so that the first coil spring (2) is located in the second space (R2), while the third partition wall (6) in the second position is located on the second space (R2) side of the second coil spring (3), so that the second coil spring (3) is located in the first space (R1);
2. The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second partition wall (5) in the second position is located on the first space (R1) side of the second coil spring (3), thereby positioning the second coil spring (3) in the second space (R2), while the third partition wall (6) in the first position is located on the second space (R2) side of the first coil spring (2), thereby positioning the first coil spring (2) in the first space (R1) . The rotation transmission mechanism (17)
a first rotor (41) attached to a rotary shaft (23) so as to be freely rotatable and connected to a reciprocating means (16);
a second rotating body (48) that is directly fixed to the rotating shaft (23) at a position adjacent to the first rotating body (41) and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft (23);
a pinion gear (44) movably provided on the first rotor (41) and capable of rotating while moving;
a recess (51) provided in the second rotor (48), in which the pinion gear (44) can be received when the reciprocating means (16) moves in the first direction;
a rack gear (43) provided on the second rotor (48), with which the pinion gear (44) meshes when the reciprocating means (16) moves in the second direction;
When the reciprocating means (16) moves in the first direction, the pinion gear (44) fits into the recess (51), thereby rotating the second rotating body (48) in the same first direction as the first rotating body (41) that rotates in the first direction,
3. The power generating device according to claim 1, wherein, when the reciprocating means (16) moves in the second direction, the pinion gear (44) meshing with the rack gear (43) rotates, and a rotational inertia force is generated in the pinion gear (44), causing the second rotating body (48) to continuously rotate in the first direction .