Fluid machine

Abstract

To provide a fluid machine for easily enhancing conversion efficiency between the energy of fluid and the rotation energy of a rotary body, regardless of the flowing direction of fluid.SOLUTION: A fluid machine 100 includes: a support 1; a rotary body 2 supported by the support 1 to be rotatable around a first axis X1 with respect to the support 1; and a plurality of blade bodies 3 each supported by the rotary body 2 to be rotatable around a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1 with respect to the rotary body 2, and rotated with the pressure of the fluid. Using the phase around the first axis X1 of the blade body 3 as a revolution phase and using the phase around the second axis X2 of the blade body 3 with respect to the rotary body 2 as a rotation phase, the fluid machine 100 further includes: a linkage mechanism 4 for linking the rotation around the first axis X1 of the rotary body 2 and the rotation around the second axis X2 of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 with respect to the rotary body 2; and a phase change device 5 for changing the rotation phase with respect to the revolution phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid machine comprising a support, a rotating body supported on the support so as to be freely rotatable relative to the support around a first axis, and a number of blade bodies that rotate due to fluid pressure, each of which is supported on the rotating body so as to be freely rotatable relative to the rotating body around a second axis parallel to the first axis. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such a fluid machine is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In the following description of the background art, reference symbols in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the fluid machine (1) of Patent Document 1, the swing range of each of the vanes (400) is restricted by the swing device (600) so that the vanes (400) can swing freely within a predetermined range. Thus, each of the vanes (400) is in a position to receive or to let go of a fluid depending on the phase around the rotation axis of the rotor (700). As a result, the rotor (700) can be rotated regardless of the flow direction of the fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-545019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the fluid machine (1) of Patent Document 1 had a problem in that, depending on the fluid flow direction, the posture of the blade body (400) was not appropriate for the fluid flow direction, resulting in poor conversion efficiency between the energy of the fluid and the rotational energy of the rotating body (700).

[0006] It is therefore desirable to realize a fluid machine that can easily increase the efficiency of conversion between the energy of a fluid and the rotational energy of a rotor, regardless of the direction of flow of the fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, the characteristic configuration of the fluid machine is as follows: A support; a rotor supported by the support so as to be rotatable relative to the support about a first axis; A fluid machine comprising: a plurality of blade bodies each supported by the rotor so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and each blade body rotates due to a pressure of a fluid, The phase of the blade body around the first axis is defined as an orbital phase, and the phase of the blade body around the second axis relative to the rotor is defined as a rotation phase, a linking mechanism linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis and the rotation of each of the plurality of blades about the second axis relative to the rotor; a phase changing device that changes the rotation phase with respect to the revolution phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies.

[0008] According to this characteristic configuration, the interlocking mechanism rotates the rotor around the first axis in conjunction with the rotation of each of the multiple blade bodies around the second axis relative to the rotor. The phase change device can change the rotation phase of each of the multiple blade bodies relative to the revolution phase. This makes it possible to change the orientation of the multiple blade bodies to an appropriate orientation in response to the change in the fluid flow direction, even if the fluid flow direction changes while the rotor is rotating. Therefore, it is easy to increase the conversion efficiency between the energy of the fluid and the rotational energy of the rotor, regardless of the fluid flow direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fluid machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the revolution phase and the rotation phase of a blade body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a generator, a gearbox, and an engagement device; [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment process performed by a phase change device; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment process performed by a phase change device; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fluid machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fluid machine according to a second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1. First embodiment Hereinafter, a fluid machine 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid machine 100 includes a support 1, a rotor 2, a plurality of blades 3, an interlocking mechanism 4, and a phase change device 5. The phase change device 5 is a rotor 2 that rotates in a rotating manner.

[0012] The support 1 is formed in a columnar shape (for example, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular pillar shape, etc.) In this embodiment, the support 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0013] The rotating body 2 is supported by the support 1 so as to be rotatable relative to the support 1 about a first axis X1. Here, the first axis X1 is the axis of the support 1.

[0014] In the following description, the direction along the first axis X1 is referred to as the "first axial direction L1." One side of the first axial direction L1 is referred to as the "first side L11," and the other side of the first axial direction L1 is referred to as the "second side L12." A direction perpendicular to the first axis X1 is referred to as the "first radial direction R1." In this embodiment, the first axial direction L1 is the vertical direction. The first side L11 is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the second side L12 is the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the rotating body 2 includes a cylindrical portion 21, a plurality of first support portions 22, a plurality of second support portions 23, and an output portion 24.

[0016] The cylindrical portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis X1 as its axis. The cylindrical portion 21 is disposed so as to surround the support 1 from the outside in the first radial direction R1.

[0017] The first support parts 22 and the second support parts 23 are provided in the same number as the blade body 3 (four in this example). The first support parts 22 and the second support parts 23 are formed to extend outward from the cylindrical part 21 in the first radial direction R1. The first support parts 22 and the second support parts 23 support the blade body 3 rotatably. The second support parts 23 are disposed on the second side L12 with respect to the first support parts 22. In this embodiment, the first support parts 22 are connected to an end part of the cylindrical part 21 on the first side L11. The second support parts 23 are connected to an end part of the cylindrical part 21 on the second side L12.

[0018] In this embodiment, the second support portion 23 is formed in a box shape including a top plate portion 231 and a bottom plate portion 232. The top plate portion 231 is formed in a plate shape extending outward in the first radial direction R1 from the cylindrical portion 21. The bottom plate portion 232 is disposed on the second side L12 with respect to the top plate portion 231. The bottom plate portion 232 is formed in a plate shape extending outward in the first radial direction R1 from the output portion 24.

[0019] The output portion 24 is disposed on the second side L12 from the cylindrical portion 21. The output portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis X1 as its axis. The output portion 24 is disposed so as to surround the support 1 from the outside in the first radial direction R1.

[0020] Each of the vanes 3 rotates due to the pressure of a fluid F (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the fluid F is air. Each of the vanes 3 is supported by the rotor 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor 2 around a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. That is, the vanes 3 are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 on the outside of the first radial direction R1 relative to the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four vanes 3 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 on the outside of the first radial direction R1 relative to the first axis X1. That is, in this example, adjacent ones of the four vanes 3 are arranged with a phase difference of 90° in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the blade body 3 includes a first shaft portion 31, a second shaft portion 32, a first frame portion 33, a second frame portion , a pair of mounting portions 35, and a pressure-receiving portion .

[0022] Each of the first shaft portion 31 and the second shaft portion 32 is formed in an axial shape with the second axis X2 as its axis. Each of the first shaft portion 31 and the second shaft portion 32 is supported so as to be rotatable around the second axis X2. The first shaft portion 31 is disposed so as to penetrate the first support portion 22 in the first axial direction L1. The first shaft portion 31 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the first support portion 22. The second shaft portion 32 is disposed so as to penetrate the top plate portion 231 of the second support portion 23 in the first axial direction L1. The second shaft portion 32 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the top plate portion 231 and the bottom plate portion 232 of the second support portion 23.

[0023] The first frame portion 33 and the second frame portion 34 are each formed to extend along a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2. The first frame portion 33 is connected to the first shaft portion 31 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The second frame portion 34 is connected to the second shaft portion 32 so as to rotate integrally therewith. In other words, the first frame portion 33 and the second frame portion 34 are disposed at an interval from each other in the first axial direction L1.

[0024] The pair of mounting portions 35 are formed to extend along the first axial direction L1. The pair of mounting portions 35 are arranged to connect the first frame portion 33 and the second frame portion 34. The pair of mounting portions 35 are arranged at an interval from each other in a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2.

[0025] The pressure-receiving portion 36 is attached to the pair of attachment portions 35 so as to receive the pressure of the fluid F. The pressure-receiving portion 36 is configured using a flexible sheet-like member. Note that FIG. 2 and other figures show the pressure-receiving portion 36 in a curved state due to the pressure of the fluid F.

[0026] The interlocking mechanism 4 is configured to interlock the rotation of the rotor 2 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the multiple vane bodies 3 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2. Here, "the rotation of the rotor 2 about the first axis X1 and the rotation of each of the multiple vane bodies 3 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2 are interlocked" refers to maintaining a constant relationship between the revolution period and the rotation period of each of the multiple vane bodies 3.

[0027] In this embodiment, the revolution period and rotation period of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 are set so that the following formula (1) is established. T2 = T1 × N (1)

[0028] In the above formula (1), T2 is the rotation period of the blade body 3, and T1 is the revolution period of the blade body 3. Note that N is an arbitrary positive number. In this example, N is 2.

[0029] In the following description, the phase of the blade body 3 about the first axis X1 is referred to as the "revolution phase", and the phase of the blade body 3 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2 is referred to as the "rotation phase".

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 4 constrains the relationship between the rotation phases of the multiple blade bodies 3 so that the rotor 2 rotates in one direction when the fluid F flows along the reference direction D. To explain further, when the fluid F flows along the reference direction D, the interlocking mechanism 4 maintains a constant difference in the rotation phases of the blade bodies 3 adjacent to each other about the first axis X1 so that the angle of attack of each of the multiple blade bodies 3 (here, the angle between the flow direction of the fluid F and the direction in which the pair of mounting portions 35 are arranged) is optimized. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the interlocking mechanism 4 is configured so that the difference in the rotation phases of the blade bodies 3 adjacent to each other about the first axis X1 is 45°.

[0031] The reference direction D is a specific direction among the directions (first radial direction R1) perpendicular to the first axis X1. The reference direction D is determined according to the revolution phase and the rotation phase of each of the multiple blade bodies 3. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the reference direction D is the direction from the blade body 3 located at the bottom side in Fig. 2 to the blade body 3 located at the top side in Fig. 2.

[0032] In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 4 is configured so that the revolution direction (rotation direction around the first axis X1) and the rotation direction (rotation direction around the second axis X2) of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 are opposite to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the revolution direction of the blade body 3 is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction of the blade body 3 is clockwise.

[0033] Here, an example of the revolution phase and the rotation phase of the blade body 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the following description with reference to Fig. 2, "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" refer to the upper, lower, left and right on the paper surface of Fig. 2, and the same applies to the description with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 described later.

[0034] 2, the fluid F flows from bottom to top along the reference direction D. In this case, if the revolution phase and the rotation phase of the blade body 3 located on the left of the revolution trajectory are each 0°, the process in which the blade body 3 rotates once around the second axis X2, that is, the process in which the rotation phase of the blade body 3 changes from 0° to 360°, is as follows. In this example, the rotation phase is based on the direction in which the pair of mounting parts 35 of the blade body 3 are aligned.

[0035] When the blade body 3 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 45°), the rotation phase is 22.5°. When the blade body 3 is located below the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 90°), the rotation phase is 45°. When the blade body 3 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 135°), the rotation phase is 67.5°. When the blade body 3 is located to the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 180°), the rotation phase is 90°. When the blade body 3 is located at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 225°), the rotation phase is 112.5°. When the blade body 3 is located above the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 270°), the rotation phase is 135°. When the blade body 3 is located at the upper left of the revolution trajectory (when the revolution phase is 315°), the rotation phase is 157.5°. When the blade body 3 is again located at the left of the revolution trajectory, that is, when the blade body 3 has completed one revolution around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 360°), the rotation phase is 180°.

[0036] Furthermore, when the blade body 3 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 405°), the rotation phase is 202.5°. When the blade body 3 is located below the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 450°), the rotation phase is 225°. When the blade body 3 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 495°), the rotation phase is 247.5°. When the blade body 3 is located to the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 540°), the rotation phase is 270°. When the blade body 3 is located at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 585°), the rotation phase is 292.5°. When the blade body 3 is located above the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 630°), the rotation phase is 315°. When the blade body 3 is located at the upper left of the revolution trajectory (when the revolution phase is 675°), the rotation phase is 337.5°. When the blade body 3 is again located at the left of the revolution trajectory, that is, when the blade body 3 has made two revolutions around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 720°), the rotation phase is 360°.

[0037] In this way, in this example, the rotation period of the blade body 3 is twice the revolution period of the blade body 3. That is, in this example, N is 2 in the above formula (1).

[0038] In Fig. 2, "V1" is the velocity vector of the fluid F, and "V2" is the peripheral speed vector of the blade body 3 (a vector along the tangent to the revolution trajectory of the second axis X2). "V3" is the resultant vector of the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F and the peripheral speed vector V2 of the blade body 3. "V4" is the vector of lift acting on the blade body 3 according to the resultant vector V3 in a direction perpendicular to the resultant vector V3.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a reaction element 41, a plurality of rotation elements 42, and a plurality of connecting elements 43.

[0040] The reaction element 41 is supported by the support 1. Each of the plurality of rotating elements 42 is configured to rotate integrally with the corresponding blade body 3. Each of the plurality of connecting elements 43 is configured to drivingly connect the corresponding rotating element 42 and the reaction element 41.

[0041] Here, in this application, "driving connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. Note that the transmission members may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engagement devices and meshing engagement devices.

[0042] In this embodiment, the reaction element 41 includes a plurality of first sprockets 411. The number of the first sprockets 411 is the same as the number of the blade bodies 3 (four in this example). The plurality of first sprockets 411 are fixed to each other. The plurality of first sprockets 411 are arranged so as to surround the support body 1 from the outside in the first radial direction R1. The plurality of first sprockets 411 are arranged side by side in the first axial direction L1. The plurality of first sprockets 411 are arranged between the top plate portion 231 and the bottom plate portion 232 of each of the plurality of second support portions 23 in the rotating body 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0043] Each of the multiple rotating elements 42 includes a second sprocket 421. The number of the second sprockets 421 is the same as the number of the first sprockets 411 (four in this example). Each of the multiple second sprockets 421 is connected to the second shaft portion 32 of the corresponding blade body 3 so as to rotate integrally. Each of the multiple second sprockets 421 is arranged so as to be aligned with the corresponding first sprocket 411 in the first axial direction L1. In other words, the multiple second sprockets 421 are arranged at different positions in the first axial direction L1 from each other. Each of the multiple second sprockets 421 is arranged between the top plate portion 231 and the bottom plate portion 232 of the corresponding second support portion 23 in the rotor 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0044] Each of the multiple connecting elements 43 includes a chain 431 wound around the corresponding first sprocket 411 and second sprocket 421. Each of the multiple chains 431 is disposed between the top plate portion 231 and the bottom plate portion 232 of the corresponding second support portion 23 of the rotating body 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0045] The phase change device 5 is configured to change the rotation phase relative to the orbital phase of each of the multiple blade bodies 3. To explain further, the phase change device 5 is configured to shift the relative relationship between the origin of the orbital phase and the origin of the rotation phase of each of the multiple blade bodies 3. In this embodiment, the phase change device 5 includes a lock mechanism 51 that fixes the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 and the support body 1 around the first axis X1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 51 is a one-way clutch 53 provided between the reaction element 41 and the support 1. The one-way clutch 53 is configured to allow relative rotation of the reaction element 41 with respect to the support 1 to one side in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 and to restrict relative rotation to the other side in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the one-way clutch 53 allows clockwise rotation of the reaction element 41 with respect to the support 1 and restricts counterclockwise rotation of the reaction element 41 with respect to the support 1.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the phase changer 5 includes a driving source 52. In this embodiment, the driving source 52 is a generator 54. The generator 54 is configured to generate electricity using driving force transmitted from the rotating body 2 side and store the electricity in a power storage device (not shown). In this embodiment, the generator 54 receives power from the power storage device to run, and also functions as an electric motor that transmits driving force to the rotating body 2 side.

[0048] The generator 54 includes a stator 541 and a rotor 542. The stator 541 and the rotor 542 are disposed on a third axis X3. The third axis X3 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the first axis X1. In the following description, the direction along the third axis X3 is referred to as a "second axis direction L2". One side of the second axis direction L2 is referred to as a "third side L21", and the other side of the second axis direction L2 is referred to as a "fourth side L22". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the third axis X3 is referred to as a "second radial direction R2".

[0049] The stator 541 is fixed to a non-rotating member. The rotor 542 is supported rotatably relative to the stator 541. The rotor 542 rotates in conjunction with the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the rotor 542 is disposed on the inside of the stator 541 in the second radial direction R2. The rotor 542 is connected to the rotor shaft 543 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 543. The rotor shaft 543 is disposed on the third axis X3. The rotor shaft 543 is formed to extend along the second axial direction L2.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 further includes a speed increaser 6 and an engagement device 7.

[0051] The speed-up gear 6 is configured to increase the rotation of the rotor 2 and transmit the increased rotation to the generator 54. In this embodiment, the speed-up gear 6 includes a first gear 61, a second gear 62, a third gear 63, a fourth gear 64, a fifth gear 65, and a sixth gear 66.

[0052] The first gear 61 is a gear that rotates integrally with the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the first gear 61 is connected to the output portion 24 of the rotating body 2 in a state in which the first gear 61 protrudes outward in a first radial direction R1 from the outer circumferential surface of the output portion 24. In addition, the first gear 61 is disposed on the first axis X1.

[0053] The second gear 62 is a gear that meshes with the first gear 61. The number of teeth of the second gear 62 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first gear 61. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the first gear 61 is accelerated between the first gear 61 and the second gear 62. The second gear 62 is disposed on the third axis X3. In other words, the second gear 62 and the first gear 61 are gears (for example, bevel gears, screw gears, etc.) that mesh with each other with their axes perpendicular to each other.

[0054] The third gear 63 is a gear that rotates integrally with the second gear 62. The third gear 63 is disposed on the third axis X3. In this embodiment, the third gear 63 is disposed on the fourth side L22 with respect to the second gear 62.

[0055] The fourth gear 64 is a gear that rotates integrally with the rotor 542 of the generator 54. In this embodiment, the fourth gear 64 is disposed on the third axis X3. The fourth gear 64 is connected to the rotor shaft 543 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 543. The fourth gear 64 is disposed on the third side L21 of the rotor 542 and on the fourth side L22 of the third gear 63.

[0056] The fifth gear 65 is a gear that meshes with the third gear 63. In this embodiment, the fifth gear 65 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the third gear 63. The fifth gear 65 is also disposed on a fourth axis X4 that is parallel to the third axis X3.

[0057] The sixth gear 66 is a gear that meshes with the fourth gear 64. The sixth gear 66 is connected to the fifth gear 65 so as to rotate integrally with the fifth gear 65. The sixth gear 66 is disposed on the fourth axis X4. In this embodiment, the sixth gear 66 is formed to have a larger diameter than the fourth gear 64 and the fifth gear 65.

[0058] The number of teeth of the fifth gear 65 is smaller than the number of teeth of the third gear 63. The number of teeth of the fourth gear 64 is smaller than the number of teeth of a sixth gear 66 that rotates integrally with the fifth gear 65. Therefore, the rotation transmitted from the second gear 62 to the third gear 63 is accelerated between the third gear 63 and the fifth gear 65, and then transmitted to the sixth gear 66. The rotation of the sixth gear 66 is accelerated between the sixth gear 66 and the fourth gear 64, and then transmitted to the rotor 542.

[0059] In this manner, in this embodiment, the generator 54 serving as the driving source 52 and the rotating body 2 are drivingly connected via the speed increaser 6.

[0060] Here, in this embodiment, the one-way clutch 53 serving as the lock mechanism 51 restricts the relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 in a torque transmission state during power generation by the generator 54. As a result, the pressure of the fluid F causes the plurality of blade bodies 3 to rotate (spin) about the second axis X2 and rotate (revolve) about the first axis X1. Accordingly, the rotating body 2 rotates in a direction in which the generator 54 can generate power (counterclockwise in the example shown in FIG. 2).

[0061] On the other hand, the one-way clutch 53 allows the relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 in a torque transmission state during power running of the generator 54. In this state, the generator 54 receives power from the power storage device and runs, causing the rotating body 2 to rotate in the opposite direction to the above case (clockwise in the example shown in FIG. 2). At this time, since the one-way clutch 53 is in a state in which the relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 is permitted, the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 rotates relative to the support 1 via the multiple rotating elements 42 and the multiple connecting elements 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4. In this way, the driving source 52 changes the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 around the first axis X1.

[0062] The engagement device 7 is a brake for decelerating the rotation of the rotor 542 of the generator 54. In this embodiment, the engagement device 7 is a friction engagement type brake. The friction engagement type brake is configured to be able to control the engagement state (engaged state / released state) according to the engagement pressure of a pair of friction engagement members.

[0063] As described above, the fluid machine 100 has the following features: Support 1; a rotor 2 supported by the support 1 so as to be rotatable relative to the support 1 about a first axis X1; A fluid machine 100 including a plurality of blade bodies 3 each supported by a rotor 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor 2 about a second axis X2 parallel to a first axis X1, and rotated by pressure of a fluid F, The phase of the blade body 3 about the first axis X1 is defined as the revolution phase, and the phase of the blade body 3 about the second axis X2 with respect to the rotor 2 is defined as the rotation phase. a linkage mechanism 4 linking the rotation of the rotor 2 about a first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the plurality of blades 3 about a second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2; The rotor further includes a phase change device 5 that changes the rotation phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 relative to the revolution phase.

[0064] According to this configuration, the interlocking mechanism 4 rotates the rotor 2 around the first axis X1 in conjunction with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 around the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2. The phase change device 5 can change the rotation phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 relative to the revolution phase. As a result, even if the flow direction of the fluid F changes while the rotor 2 is rotating, the orientation of the plurality of blade bodies 3 can be changed to an appropriate orientation in response to the change in the flow direction of the fluid F. Therefore, regardless of the flow direction of the fluid F, it is easy to increase the conversion efficiency between the energy of the fluid F and the rotational energy of the rotor 2.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the reaction element 41 supported by the support 1, the rotational elements 42 that rotate integrally with each of the plurality of blade bodies 3, and the connecting elements 43 that drivingly connect each of the plurality of rotational elements 42 to the reaction element 41, The phase change device 5 includes a lock mechanism 51 that fixes the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 around the first axis X1, and a drive source 52 that changes the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 around the first axis X1.

[0066] According to this configuration, by changing the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 around the first axis X1 using the driving source 52, the rotation phase of the blade body 3, which rotates integrally with the rotating element 42, can be changed relative to the orbital phase via the connecting element 43. Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the phase change device 5 does not change the phase, the lock mechanism 51 fixes the positional relationship between the reaction element 41 and the support 1, thereby reducing the load acting on the driving source 52. Therefore, the driving source 52 can be easily made smaller.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, the driving source 52 is a generator 54 having a rotor that rotates in conjunction with the rotating body 2. The lock mechanism 51 is a one-way clutch 53 provided between the reaction element 41 and the support 1. The one-way clutch 53 is configured to restrict the relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 when the torque is being transmitted while the generator 54 is generating electricity, and to allow the relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 when the torque is being transmitted while the generator 54 is powering.

[0068] According to this configuration, when the fluid machine 100 is used for generating electricity, the generator 54 can be used as the driving source 52 of the phase change device 5. In addition, a one-way clutch 53 is provided between the reaction element 41 and the support body 1 as a locking mechanism 51 of the phase change device 5. Therefore, the phase change device 5 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0069] In this embodiment, the phase change device 5 executes an adjustment process for adjusting the rotation phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 relative to the revolution phase so that the reference direction D approaches the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0070] Here, an example of the adjustment process by the phase changer 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] 4, when the state in which the fluid F flows from bottom to top (see FIG. 2) changes to a state in which the fluid F flows from left to right, the reference direction D becomes perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid F. In this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 includes a detection device (not shown) such as a wind direction sensor, and the flow direction of the fluid F can be detected by the detection device.

[0072] In the above state, the generator 54 as the driving source 52 of the phase changer 5 powers the rotor 2 to rotate clockwise. As described above, in this example, the one-way clutch 53 allows the reaction element 41 to rotate clockwise relative to the support 1. Therefore, when the rotor 2 rotates clockwise, each of the multiple vanes 3 revolves clockwise relative to the rotor 2 without rotating on its own axis.

[0073] 5, the generator 54 rotates the rotor 2 so that the reference direction D is aligned with the flow direction of the fluid F. That is, in this example, the generator 54 rotates the rotor 2 by 90° clockwise so that the rotor 2 changes from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG.

[0074] In this manner, in the present embodiment, a specific direction among directions perpendicular to the first axis X1 is set as the reference direction D, the interlocking mechanism 4 restricts the relationship between the rotation phases of the plurality of blade bodies 3 so that the rotor 2 rotates in one direction when the fluid F flows along the reference direction D; The phase change device 5 executes an adjustment process for adjusting the rotation phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 relative to the revolution phase so that the reference direction D approaches the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0075] According to this configuration, the phase change device 5 performs an adjustment process to adjust the orientation of the blades 3 to an appropriate orientation for the rotation of the rotor 2 according to the flow direction of the fluid F. This makes it easier to further increase the conversion efficiency between the energy of the fluid F and the rotational energy of the rotor 2.

[0076] 2. Second embodiment A fluid machine 100 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the configurations of the interlocking mechanism 4 and the phase change device 5 are different from those of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a driven gear 412 and a first bevel gear 413.

[0078] The driven gear 412 is rotatably supported by the support 1 via a bearing 414. The driven gear 412 is an external gear that rotates around the first axis X1.

[0079] The first bevel gear 413 is a bevel gear that rotates around the first axis X1. The first bevel gear 413 is arranged so that the teeth of the first bevel gear 413 face the second side L12. The first bevel gear 413 is connected to the driven gear 412 so as to rotate integrally with the driven gear 412. The first bevel gear 413 is arranged so that the teeth of the first bevel gear 413 are located closer to the second side L12 than the teeth of the driven gear 412.

[0080] 6 and 7, in this embodiment, each of the multiple rotating elements 42 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a second bevel gear 422. Each of the multiple second bevel gears 422 is a bevel gear that rotates around the second axis X2. Each of the multiple second bevel gears 422 is arranged such that the teeth of the second bevel gear 422 face the first side L11. Each of the multiple second bevel gears 422 is connected to the second shaft portion 32 of the corresponding blade body 3 so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft portion 32.

[0081] In this embodiment, each of the multiple connecting elements 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a third bevel gear 432, a fourth bevel gear 433, and a connecting shaft 434.

[0082] 7, each of the third bevel gears 432 is a bevel gear that rotates around an axis along the first radial direction R1. Each of the third bevel gears 432 meshes with the first bevel gear 413. The number of third bevel gears 432 is the same as the number of vanes 3 (four in this example).

[0083] 6 and 7, each of the multiple fourth bevel gears 433 is a bevel gear that rotates around an axis along the first radial direction R1. Each of the multiple fourth bevel gears 433 meshes with the corresponding second bevel gear 422. The number of the fourth bevel gears 433 is the same as the number of the third bevel gears 432 (four in this example). Each of the multiple fourth bevel gears 433 is connected to the corresponding third bevel gear 432 via a connecting shaft 434 extending along the first radial direction R1 so as to rotate integrally with the corresponding third bevel gear 432.

[0084] 7, in this embodiment, the driving source 52 of the phase changer 5 is an adjustment actuator 55. The actuator 55 is fixed to the support 1. In this example, the actuator 55 is an electric motor. Note that, as the actuator 55, for example, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or the like can also be used.

[0085] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the actuator 55 is connected to the drive gear 56 so as to rotate integrally with the drive gear 56. The drive gear 56 meshes with the driven gear 412.

[0086] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 51 allows the drive gear 56 to rotate due to the torque output by the actuator 55. On the other hand, the locking mechanism 51 restricts the rotation of the drive gear 56 due to the torque transmitted from the blade body 3 side via the interlocking mechanism 4. Such a locking mechanism 51 can be configured by, for example, a self-locking mechanism of the actuator 55.

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, the driving source 52 is an adjustment actuator 55, The locking mechanism 51 is configured to permit relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 due to torque transmitted from the actuator 55 to the reaction element 41, and to restrict relative rotation between the reaction element 41 and the support 1 due to torque transmitted from the rotating element 42 to the reaction element 41 via the connecting element 43.

[0088] According to this configuration, it becomes easy to change the rotation phase of the blade body 3 with respect to the revolution phase, regardless of the state of the rotor 2. In this embodiment, since the driving source 52 is not the generator 54, it is possible to change the rotation phase of the blade body 3 with respect to the revolution phase even during power generation by the generator 54.

[0089] 3. Other embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which the fluid F is air. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and it is also possible to adopt a fluid other than air, such as steam, water, or oil, as the fluid F.

[0090] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the rotor 2 includes a plurality of first support portions 22 and a plurality of second support portions 23 that support the plurality of blade bodies 3 from both sides in the first axial direction L1, and the plurality of first support portions 22 and the plurality of second support portions 23 are formed to extend outward in the first radial direction R1 from the cylindrical portion 21. However, the invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, such that the rotor 2 includes a pair of support portions each formed in a disk shape, and the pair of support portions support the plurality of blade bodies 3 from both sides in the first axial direction L1.

[0091] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the blade body is provided with four blade bodies 3. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the blade body may be provided with three or less blade bodies 3, or may be provided with five or more blade bodies 3.

[0092] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a detection device is provided for detecting the flow direction of the fluid F in the adjustment process for adjusting the rotation phase relative to the revolution phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, to include a tail fin for rotating the rotor 2 by the pressure of the fluid F in the adjustment process.

[0093] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration including a detection device for detecting the flow direction of the fluid F has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in a configuration in which the fluid machine 100 floats on the water surface, the fluid machine 100 is fixed on the upstream side using a rope or the like so that the fluid machine 100 automatically follows the flow of the fluid F. This makes it possible to grasp the flow direction of the fluid F without using a detection device.

[0094] (6) In the above first embodiment, an example was described in which the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a plurality of first sprockets 411, each of the plurality of rotating elements 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a second sprocket 421, and each of the plurality of connecting elements 43 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a chain 431 wound around the corresponding first sprocket 411 and second sprocket 421. In the second embodiment, the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the driven gear 412 and the first bevel gear 413, each of the multiple rotating elements 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the second bevel gear 422, and each of the multiple connecting elements 43 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the third bevel gear 432 meshing with the first bevel gear 413, the fourth bevel gear 433 meshing with the corresponding second bevel gear 422, and the connecting shaft 434 connecting the third bevel gear 432 and the fourth bevel gear 433. However, without being limited to such a configuration, for example, the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 may include multiple first pulleys, each of the multiple rotating elements 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a second pulley, and each of the multiple connecting elements 43 of the interlocking mechanism 4 may include a belt wound around the corresponding first pulley and second pulley.

[0095] (7) In the above second embodiment, the lock mechanism 51 allows the drive gear 56 to rotate due to the torque output by the actuator 55, and restricts the drive gear 56 from rotating due to the torque transmitted from the blade body 3 via the interlocking mechanism 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the lock mechanism 51 may be configured with a worm gear, for example. Specifically, the drive gear 56 may be a worm, and the driven gear 412 may be a worm wheel.

[0096] (8) In the above second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the first bevel gear 413, each of the multiple rotating elements 42 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the second bevel gear 422, and each of the multiple connecting elements 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes the third bevel gear 432 meshing with the first bevel gear 413, the fourth bevel gear 433 meshing with the second bevel gear 422, and the connecting shaft 434 connecting the third bevel gear 432 and the fourth bevel gear 433. However, without being limited to such a configuration, for example, a configuration in which the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a sun gear, each of the multiple rotating elements 42 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a first pinion gear, and each of the multiple connecting elements 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a second pinion gear meshing with the sun gear and the first pinion gear may be used.

[0097] (9) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The technology disclosed herein can be utilized in a fluid machine including a support, a rotating body supported on the support so as to be freely rotatable relative to the support about a first axis, and a number of blade bodies that rotate due to fluid pressure and are each supported on the rotating body so as to be freely rotatable relative to the rotating body about a second axis parallel to the first axis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100: fluid machine, 1: support, 2: rotor, 3: blade, 4: interlocking mechanism, 41: reaction element, 42: rotor element, 43: connecting element, 5: phase change device, 51: lock mechanism, 52: driving source, 53: one-way clutch, 54: generator, 55: actuator, X1: first axis, X2: second axis, D: reference direction

Claims

1. A support; a rotor supported by the support so as to be rotatable relative to the support about a first axis; a plurality of blade bodies supported by the rotor so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and rotated by a pressure of a fluid, The phase of the blade body about the first axis is defined as an orbital phase, and the phase of the blade body about the second axis relative to the rotor is defined as a rotation phase, a linking mechanism linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis and the rotation of each of the plurality of blades about the second axis relative to the rotor; The fluid machine further comprises a phase changing device that changes the rotation phase with respect to the revolution phase of each of the plurality of blade bodies.

2. A specific direction among directions perpendicular to the first axis is set as a reference direction, the interlocking mechanism constrains a relationship between the rotation phases of the plurality of blade bodies so that the rotor rotates in one direction when the fluid flows along the reference direction, The fluid machinery according to claim 1 , wherein the phase change device executes an adjustment process for adjusting the rotation phase of the plurality of blade bodies relative to the revolution phase so that the reference direction approaches a flow direction of the fluid.

3. the interlocking mechanism includes a reaction element supported by the support body, a rotation element that rotates integrally with each of the plurality of blade bodies, and a connection element that drivingly connects each of the plurality of rotation elements to the reaction element, The fluid machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the phase change device comprises: a locking mechanism that fixes a positional relationship between the reaction element and the support body around the first axis; and a driving source that changes the positional relationship between the reaction element and the support body around the first axis.

4. the driving source is a generator having a rotor that rotates in conjunction with the rotating body, the lock mechanism is a one-way clutch provided between the reaction element and the support body, The fluid machine according to claim 3, wherein the one-way clutch is configured to restrict relative rotation between the reaction element and the support body in a torque transmission state during power generation of the generator, and to allow relative rotation between the reaction element and the support body in a torque transmission state during power generation of the generator.

5. the drive source is an actuator for adjustment, The fluid machine described in claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to allow relative rotation between the reaction element and the support body due to torque transmitted from the actuator to the reaction element, and to restrict relative rotation between the reaction element and the support body due to torque transmitted from the rotating element to the reaction element via the connecting element.

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