Fluid machine

Abstract

To provide a fluid machine for easily achieving a reduction in weight in a simple construction.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; a plurality of blade bodies 3 each supported by the rotary body 2 to be rotatable around a second axis X2; and 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 each of the rotary body 2. Each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 includes: a pressure receiving part 31 for receiving the pressure of fluid; a first shaft part 32 arranged on a first side L11 with respect to the pressure receiving part 31; and a second shaft part 33 arranged on a second side L12 with respect to the pressure receiving part 31. The linkage mechanism 4 connects the plurality of second shaft parts 33 to one another to be driven. The rotary body 2 includes: a first support part 21 supporting the plurality of first shaft parts 32; a second support part 22 supporting the plurality of second shaft parts 33 and the linkage mechanism 4; and a connection part 23 connecting the first support part 21 and the second support part 22.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] In the fluid machine (1) of Patent Document 1, each of the plurality of blade bodies (400) is provided with a swinging device (600), which results in a complex structure and an increase in weight of the fluid machine (1).

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a fluid machine that has a simple structure and is easy to reduce in weight. [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, a linking mechanism for linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis with the rotation of each of the plurality of blades about the second axis relative to the rotor, A direction parallel to the first axis is defined as an axial direction, one side in the axial direction is defined as an axial first side, and the other side in the axial direction is defined as an axial second side, Each of the plurality of blade bodies includes a pressure receiving portion that receives pressure of the fluid, a first shaft portion that is disposed on a first side in the axial direction with respect to the pressure receiving portion, and a second shaft portion that is disposed on a second side in the axial direction with respect to the pressure receiving portion, The interlocking mechanism is configured to drive-couple the second shaft portions to each other, The rotating body comprises a first support portion that supports the multiple first shaft portions, a second support portion that is arranged spaced apart on the second axial side from the first support portion and supports the multiple second shaft portions and the interlocking mechanism, and a connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0008] According to this characteristic configuration, the interlocking mechanism rotates (revolves) each of the plurality of blade bodies around the first axis in conjunction with the rotation (spinning) of each of the plurality of blade bodies around the second axis relative to the rotor. This makes it easier to simplify the structure and reduce the weight of the fluid machine compared to a case in which a mechanism for controlling the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies is provided for each of the plurality of blade bodies. According to this configuration, the interlocking mechanism is configured to drive-connect the second shaft portions to each other and is supported by the second support portion that supports the second shaft portions, which makes it easier to simplify the support structure of the interlocking mechanism and also makes it easier to reduce the weight of the fluid machine. [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. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a generator, a gearbox, and an engagement device included in a fluid machine according to a first embodiment; [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] Block diagram of the generator, the control device, the flow speed detection unit, and the rotation speed detection unit [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fluid machine according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a generator, a gearbox, and an engagement device included in a fluid machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the revolution phase and the rotation phase of a blade body. 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 body 1, a rotor 2, a plurality of blade bodies 3, and an interlocking mechanism 4.

[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, a direction parallel to the first axis X1 is referred to as a "first axial direction L1". One side of the first axial direction L1 is referred to as a "first side L11", and the other side of the first axial direction L1 is referred to as a "second side L12". A direction perpendicular to the first axis X1 is referred to as a "first radial direction R1". In this embodiment, the first axial direction L1 is a 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. The first axial direction L1 corresponds to the "axial direction", the first side L11 corresponds to the "axial first side", and the second side L12 corresponds to the "axial second side". The first radial direction R1 corresponds to the "radial direction".

[0015] Each of the vanes 3 rotates due to the pressure of the 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 the second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. That is, the vanes 3 are distributed and arranged 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, the rotor 2 is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the direction along the first axis X1, and the vanes 3 are supported at each of the four tips. That is, in this example, the 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. In other words, in this example, the four vanes 3 adjacent to each other are arranged with a phase difference of 90° in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 includes a pressure-receiving portion 31, a first shaft portion 32, and a second shaft portion 33.

[0017] The pressure receiving portion 31 is configured to receive the pressure of the fluid F. In this embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 31 is configured using a flexible sheet-like member. For example, a cloth can be used as the sheet-like member. In this case, an auxiliary member made of a synthetic resin or the like may be attached to maintain the shape of the sheet-like member. For example, two linear auxiliary members arranged to intersect each other can be attached to the sheet-like member. Note that FIG. 2 and other figures show the pressure receiving portion 31 in a curved state due to the pressure of the fluid F.

[0018] Each of the first shaft portion 32 and the second shaft portion 33 is formed in an axial shape with the second axis X2 as its axis. The first shaft portion 32 is disposed on the first side L11 with respect to the pressure receiving portion 31. The second shaft portion 33 is disposed on the second side L12 with respect to the pressure receiving portion 31.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 further includes a frame member 34 that supports the pressure-receiving portion 31 and connects the first shaft portion 32 and the second shaft portion 33. The frame member 34 includes a first frame portion 35, a second frame portion 36, and a pair of connecting frame portions 37.

[0020] The first frame portion 35 is disposed on the first side L11 with respect to the pressure receiving portion 31. The first frame portion 35 is fixed to the first shaft portion 32. The first frame portion 35 is formed so as to extend along a direction intersecting the second axis X2. In this example, the first frame portion 35 extends along a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2. Note that the first frame portion 35 may extend along a direction intersecting the second axis X2 but not perpendicular to the second axis X2.

[0021] The second frame portion 36 is disposed on the second side L12 with respect to the pressure-receiving portion 31. The second frame portion 36 is fixed to the second shaft portion 33. The second frame portion 36 is formed so as to extend along a direction intersecting the second axis X2. Note that the second frame portion 36 may extend along a direction intersecting the second axis X2 but not perpendicular to the second axis X2.

[0022] Each of the pair of connecting frame parts 37 is configured to connect the first frame part 35 and the second frame part 36 in the first axial direction L1. The pair of connecting frame parts 37 are arranged at an interval from each other in a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2. That is, the pair of connecting frame parts 37 are arranged separately on both sides of the second axis X2. In this embodiment, the distance from one connecting frame part 37 to the second axis X2 is the same as the distance from the other connecting frame part 37 to the second axis X2. The pair of connecting frame parts 37 are attached to the pressure receiving part 31. In this embodiment, each of the pair of connecting frame parts 37 is formed in a rod shape extending along the first axial direction L1. Then, both ends of the pressure receiving part 31 in a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2 are attached to the pair of connecting frame parts 37.

[0023] The rotating body 2 includes a first support portion 21, a second support portion 22, and a connecting portion 23. In this embodiment, the rotating body 2 further includes an output portion 24.

[0024] The first support portion 21 is configured to support a plurality of first shaft portions 32. More specifically, the first support portion 21 supports each of the plurality of first shaft portions 32 rotatably about the second axis X2. The first support portion 21 is formed to extend along a first radial direction R1.

[0025] The second support portion 22 is configured to support a plurality of second shaft portions 33. More specifically, the second support portion 22 supports each of the plurality of second shaft portions 33 rotatably about a second axis X2. The second support portion 22 supports the interlocking mechanism 4 in addition to the plurality of second shaft portions 33. The second support portion 22 is disposed spaced apart from the first support portion 21 on the second side L12.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second support portion 22 is formed in a box shape including a first plate portion 221 and a second plate portion 222. Each of the first plate portion 221 and the second plate portion 222 is formed in a plate shape extending along the first radial direction R1. The second plate portion 222 is disposed away from the first plate portion 221 on the second side L12.

[0027] The connecting portion 23 is configured to connect the first support portion 21 and the second support portion 22. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is disposed on the inside in the first radial direction R1 with respect to the plurality of blade bodies 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 23 is formed to connect the first support portion 21 and the first plate portion 221 of the second support portion 22.

[0028] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is formed in a tubular shape extending along the first axis X1. The connecting portion 23 is disposed so as to surround the support body 1 from the outside in the first radial direction R1. In other words, the support body 1 is disposed so as to extend along the first axis X1 on the inside of the connecting portion 23 in the first radial direction R1. In this example, the connecting portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the connecting portion 23 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0029] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is rotatably supported by the support 1 via a first bearing B1 and a second bearing B2. Each of the first bearing B1 and the second bearing B2 is a radial bearing that supports the connecting portion 23 in a first radial direction R1 with respect to the support 1. In this embodiment, the second bearing B2 is disposed on the second side L12 away from the first bearing B1.

[0030] The output portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X1. The output portion 24 is arranged so as to surround the support 1 from the outside in the first radial direction R1. The output portion 24 is arranged spaced apart from the connecting portion 23 on the second side L12. In this embodiment, the output portion 24 is formed so as to extend from the second plate portion 222 of the second support portion 22 to the second side L12.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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)

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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".

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 4 restricts 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 connecting frame portions 37 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°.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the example shown in Fig. 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 connecting frame parts 37 of the blade body 3 are aligned.

[0040] 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°.

[0041] 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°.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 first plate portion 221 and the second plate portion 222 of the second support portion 22 of the rotating body 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0048] 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 33 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 first plate portion 221 and the second plate portion 222 of the second support portion 22 in the rotating body 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0049] 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 first plate portion 221 and the second plate portion 222 of the second support portion 22 of the rotating body 2 in the first axial direction L1.

[0050] Thus, in the interlocking mechanism 4, each of the multiple second sprockets 421 is connected to the corresponding second shaft portion 33 of the blade body 3 so as to rotate integrally with the second sprockets 421, and is also connected to the corresponding first sprocket 411 via the chain 431. In other words, the interlocking mechanism 4 is configured to drivingly connect the multiple second shaft portions 33 to each other.

[0051] 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 rotor 2 further includes a linking mechanism 4 linking the rotation of the rotor 2 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the plurality of blades 3 about a second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2, Each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 includes a pressure receiving portion 31 that receives pressure from a fluid F, a first shaft portion 32 that is disposed on a first side L11 relative to the pressure receiving portion 31, and a second shaft portion 33 that is disposed on a second side L12 relative to the pressure receiving portion 31, The interlocking mechanism 4 is configured to drive and connect the multiple second shaft portions 33 to each other, The rotating body 2 comprises a first support portion 21 that supports a plurality of first shaft portions 32, a second support portion 22 that is arranged spaced apart on the second side L12 from the first support portion 21 and supports a plurality of second shaft portions 33 and the interlocking mechanism 4, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the first support portion 21 and the second support portion 22.

[0052] According to this configuration, the interlocking mechanism 4 causes each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 to rotate (revolve) about the first axis X1 in conjunction with the rotation (spinning) of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2. This makes it easier to simplify the structure of the fluid machine 100 and reduce its weight, compared to a case in which a mechanism for controlling the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 is provided for each of the plurality of blade bodies 3. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the interlocking mechanism 4 is configured to drivingly connect the multiple second shaft portions 33 to each other, and is supported by the second support portion 22 that supports the multiple second shaft portions 33. This makes it easy to simplify the support structure of the interlocking mechanism 4, which also makes it easy to reduce the weight of the fluid machine 100.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of blade bodies 3 further includes a frame member 34 that supports the pressure-receiving portion 31 and connects the first shaft portion 32 and the second shaft portion 33. The frame member 34 includes a first frame portion 35 fixed to the first shaft portion 32 and extending along a direction intersecting the second axis X2 on the first side L11 with respect to the pressure receiving portion 31, a second frame portion 36 fixed to the second shaft portion 33 and extending along a direction intersecting the second axis X2 on the second side L12 with respect to the pressure receiving portion 31, and a pair of connecting frame portions 37 connecting the first frame portion 35 and the second frame portion 36 in the first axial direction L1. The pair of connecting frame portions 37 are arranged on either side of the second axis X2, The pressure-receiving portion 31 is configured using a flexible sheet-like member, and is attached to a pair of connecting frame portions 37.

[0054] According to this configuration, the sheet-like member constituting the pressure-receiving portion 31 is deformed under the pressure of the fluid F so as to have a shape recessed toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the fluid F. This allows the pressure-receiving portion 31 to efficiently receive the pressure of the fluid F. In particular, even if the pressure-receiving portion 31 is inverted with respect to the flow direction of the fluid F due to the rotation (rotation) of each of the multiple vane bodies 3 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 2, the sheet-like member constituting the pressure-receiving portion 31 can have a shape recessed toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the fluid F. This makes it easy to improve the conversion efficiency between the energy of the fluid F and the rotational energy of the rotor 2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the output portion 24 is rotatably supported by the support 1 via a third bearing B3 and a fourth bearing B4. The third bearing B3 is a radial bearing that supports the output portion 24 in the first radial direction R1 relative to the support 1. The fourth bearing B4 is a thrust bearing that supports the output portion 24 in the first axial direction L1 relative to the support 1. In this embodiment, the fourth bearing B4 is disposed between the end face of the second side L12 of the output portion 24 and a step surface facing the first side L11 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support 1 in the first axial direction L1. In this embodiment, the third bearing B3 is disposed on the second side L12 away from the first bearing B1 and the second bearing B2. Also, the fourth bearing B4 is disposed on the second side L12 away from the third bearing B3.

[0056] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X1 on the inner side of the plurality of blade bodies 3 in the first radial direction R1, The support 1 is disposed on the inside of the connecting portion 23 in the first radial direction R1 and extending along the first axis X1, The rotating body 2 is supported by the support body 1 via a plurality of bearings B1, B2, B3, and B4 that are arranged in a dispersed manner in the first axial direction L1.

[0057] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately support the plurality of blade bodies 3 by the rotor 2 while avoiding interference between the rotor 2 and the plurality of blade bodies 3. Moreover, with this configuration, the rotor 2 can be appropriately supported rotatably relative to the support 1 while avoiding interference between the rotor 2 and the blades 3 and the support 1.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 further includes a phase change device 5. The phase change device 5 is configured to change the rotation phase relative to the revolution 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 revolution 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the phase change device 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 an electricity storage device (not shown). In this embodiment, the generator 54 receives power from the electricity storage device to run, and also functions as an electric motor that transmits driving force to the rotating body 2 side. As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid F is air. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 is used for wind power generation.

[0061] The generator 54 includes a stator 541 and a rotor 542. The stator 541 and the rotor 542 are disposed on the third axis X3. The third axis X3 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the first axis X1. In the following description, a direction parallel to 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, a direction perpendicular to the third axis X3 is referred to as a "second radial direction R2".

[0062] 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.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 further includes a speed increaser 6 and an engagement device 7.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Here, an example of the adjustment process by the phase changer 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 further includes a flow velocity detection unit 8, a rotational speed detection unit 9, and a control device 10.

[0082] The flow velocity detection unit 8 is configured to detect the flow velocity of the fluid F flowing around the plurality of blade bodies 3. As the flow velocity detection unit 8, an existing flow velocity sensor can be used.

[0083] The rotation speed detection unit 9 is configured to detect the rotation speed of the rotating body 2. An existing rotation sensor can be used as the rotation speed detection unit 9. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the rotor 542 may be detected by a rotation sensor provided in the generator 54, and the rotation speed of the rotating body 2 may be calculated based on the rotation speed and the gear ratio of the speed increaser 6.

[0084] The control device 10 is a device that controls the generator 54. The control device 10 controls the torque of the generator 54 so that the circumferential speed of the second axis X2 around the first axis X1 according to the rotation speed of the rotor 2 detected by the rotation speed detection unit 9 is lower than the flow speed of the fluid F detected by the flow speed detection unit 8. To explain further with reference to FIG. 2, the control device 10 controls the torque of the generator 54 so that the circumferential speed vector V2 of the blade body 3 is smaller than the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F (V1>V2). For example, it is preferable that the ratio (V2 / V1) of the circumferential speed vector V2 of the blade body 3 to the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F is 0.6 to 0.7. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F and the circumferential speed vector V2 of the blade body 3 are set to be the same magnitude.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid machine 100 has: A generator 54 having a rotor 542; A control device 10 for controlling the generator 54; A flow velocity detection unit 8 that detects the flow velocity of a fluid F flowing around the plurality of blade bodies 3; A rotation speed detection unit 9 that detects the rotation speed of the rotating body 2, The rotor 542 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotating body 2. The control device 10 controls the torque of the generator 54 so that the circumferential speed of the second axis X2 around the first axis X1, which corresponds to the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detection unit 9, is lower than the flow speed detected by the flow speed detection unit 8.

[0086] According to this configuration, the pressure of the fluid F can be efficiently received by the pressure-receiving portion 31, so that the efficiency of conversion between the energy of the fluid F and the rotational energy of the rotor 2 can be easily improved.

[0087] 2. Second embodiment A fluid machine 100 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fluid machine 100 is used for wave power generation. That is, in this embodiment, the fluid F is water (seawater). 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 in the first embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the first side L11 is the lower side in the vertical direction, and the second side L12 is the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, no phase change device 5 is provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of first sprockets 411 serving as the reaction element 41 are fixed to the support 1.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the configuration of the speed increaser 6 is different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the speed increaser 6 further includes a seventh gear 67, a transmission shaft 68, a first one-way clutch W1, and a second one-way clutch W2.

[0091] The seventh gear 67 is a gear that meshes with the first gear 61. The seventh gear 67 is configured similarly to the second gear 62. More specifically, the seventh gear 67 is a gear (e.g., a bevel gear, a screw gear, etc.) that has the same number of teeth as the second gear 62 and meshes with the first gear 61 with their axes perpendicular to each other. The seventh gear 67 is disposed on the opposite side of the second gear 62 across the support 1 on the third axis X3. That is, the second gear 62 is disposed on the fourth side L22 with respect to the support 1, and the seventh gear 67 is disposed on the third side L21 with respect to the support 1.

[0092] The transmission shaft 68 is connected to the third gear 63 so as to rotate integrally with the third gear 63. The transmission shaft 68 is formed so as to extend along the second axial direction L2. The transmission shaft 68 is disposed on the third axis X3. The transmission shaft 68 is disposed so as to penetrate the support 1, the second gear 62, and the seventh gear 67 in the second axial direction L2.

[0093] In the following description, one side in the direction of rotation about the third axis X3 is referred to as a "first rotation side C1" and the other side is referred to as a "second rotation side C2."

[0094] The first one-way clutch W1 is disposed between the second gear 62 and the transmission shaft 68 in the second radial direction R2. The first one-way clutch W1 is configured to permit relative rotation of the first rotation side C1 of the second gear 62 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 and to restrict relative rotation of the second rotation side C2.

[0095] The second one-way clutch W2 is disposed between the seventh gear 67 and the transmission shaft 68 in the second radial direction R2. The second one-way clutch W2 is configured to permit relative rotation of the first rotation side C1 of the seventh gear 67 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 and to restrict relative rotation of the second rotation side C2.

[0096] In this embodiment, when the rotating body 2 rotates in one direction in the rotational direction, the second gear 62 rotates to the first rotation side C1, and the seventh gear 67 rotates to the second rotation side C2. At this time, the relative rotation of the first rotation side C1 of the second gear 62 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 is permitted by the first one-way clutch W1, and the relative rotation of the second rotation side C2 of the seventh gear 67 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 is restricted by the second one-way clutch W2. As a result, the transmission shaft 68 rotates to the second rotation side C2.

[0097] On the other hand, when the rotating body 2 rotates in the other direction of rotation, the second gear 62 rotates to the second rotation side C2, and the seventh gear 67 rotates to the first rotation side C1. At this time, the relative rotation of the second rotation side C2 of the second gear 62 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 is restricted by the first one-way clutch W1, and the relative rotation of the first rotation side C1 of the seventh gear 67 with respect to the transmission shaft 68 is permitted by the second one-way clutch W2. As a result, the transmission shaft 68 rotates to the second rotation side C2.

[0098] In this manner, in this embodiment, regardless of the direction in which the rotating body 2 rotates, the driving force is transmitted from either the second gear 62 or the seventh gear 67 to the transmission shaft 68 so that the transmission shaft 68 rotates in one direction. In this manner, regardless of the rotation direction of the rotating body 2, the rotor 542 can be rotated in only one direction, causing the generator 54 to generate electricity.

[0099] The fluid machine 100 configured as described above can make the generator 54 generate power using both incoming waves and outgoing waves. In the case where the flow direction of the fluid F shown in Fig. 2 is the traveling direction of the incoming waves, Fig. 9 shows the state of the fluid machine 100 when the flow direction of the fluid F becomes the traveling direction of the outgoing waves.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 9, when the fluid F changes from a state where it flows from bottom to top (incoming waves, see Fig. 2) to a state where it flows from top to bottom (backwash), the orientation of the pressure-receiving part 31 made of a flexible sheet-like member is reversed. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting frame part 37 to which the pressure-receiving part 31 is attached, which is perpendicular to the second axis X2, is circular. Therefore, the orientation of the pressure-receiving part 31 is easily reversed.

[0101] As the orientation of the pressure-receiving portion 31 is reversed, the vane body 3 rotates and revolves in the opposite direction to the state shown in Fig. 2, and the rotor 2 rotates in the opposite direction to the state shown in Fig. 2. At this time, it can be said that the reference direction D is reversed to the first radial direction R1. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the revolution direction of the vane body 3 (the rotation direction of the rotor 2) is clockwise, and the rotation direction of the vane body 3 is counterclockwise.

[0102] 3. Other embodiments (1) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the fluid F is air (first embodiment) and the configuration in which the fluid F is water (second embodiment) have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to such configurations, and it is also possible to adopt fluids such as steam and oil as the fluid F.

[0103] (2) In the above embodiment, the rotor 2 is configured to be cross-shaped when viewed from the direction along the first axis X1. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the rotor 2 may be configured to be circular when viewed from the direction along the first axis X1.

[0104] (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.

[0105] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which each of the vanes 3 includes a pressure-receiving portion 31 made of a flexible sheet-like member. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the pressure-receiving portion 31 may be made of a rigid body having a cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical with respect to a point (e.g., rectangular, elliptical, S-shaped, etc.).

[0106] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been 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. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, in which the reaction element 41 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a plurality of first pulleys, each of the plurality of rotating elements 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a second pulley, and each of the plurality of connecting elements 43 of the interlocking mechanism 4 includes a belt wound around the corresponding first pulley and second pulley.

[0107] (6) 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]

[0108] 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]

[0109] 100: fluid machine, 1: support, 2: rotor, 21: first support part, 22: second support part, 221: first plate part, 222: second plate part, 23: connecting part, 3: blade body, 31: pressure receiving part, 32: first shaft part, 33: second shaft part, 34: frame member, 35: first frame part, 36: second frame part, 37: connecting frame part, 4: interlocking mechanism, 54: generator, 542: rotor, 8: flow speed detection part, 9: rotation speed detection part, 10: control device, X1: first shaft center, X2: second shaft center, L1: first axial direction (axial direction), L11: first side (axial first side), L12: second side (axial second side), R1: first radial direction (radial 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, a linking mechanism for linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis with the rotation of each of the plurality of blades about the second axis relative to the rotor, A direction parallel to the first axis is defined as an axial direction, one side in the axial direction is defined as an axial first side, and the other side in the axial direction is defined as an axial second side, each of the plurality of vanes includes a pressure receiving portion that receives pressure of the fluid, a first shaft portion disposed on a first side in the axial direction with respect to the pressure receiving portion, and a second shaft portion disposed on a second side in the axial direction with respect to the pressure receiving portion; The interlocking mechanism is configured to drive-couple the second shaft portions to each other, The rotating body comprises a first support portion that supports a plurality of the first shaft portions, a second support portion that is arranged spaced apart on the second axial side from the first support portion and supports a plurality of the second shaft portions and the interlocking mechanism, and a connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion.

2. A direction perpendicular to the first axis is defined as a radial direction, The connecting portion is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis on the radially inner side with respect to the plurality of blade bodies, The support body is disposed radially inward with respect to the connecting portion and extends along the first axis, The fluid machine according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating body is supported by the support body via a plurality of bearings that are distributed in the axial direction.

3. Each of the plurality of vanes further includes a frame member that supports the pressure-receiving portion and connects the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, The frame member includes a first frame portion fixed to the first shaft portion and extending along a direction intersecting the second axis on the first axial side with respect to the pressure receiving portion, a second frame portion fixed to the second shaft portion and extending along a direction intersecting the second axis on the second axial side with respect to the pressure receiving portion, and a pair of connecting frame portions connecting the first frame portion and the second frame portion in the axial direction, The pair of connecting frame portions are arranged separately on both sides of the second axis, The fluid machine according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure-receiving portion is configured using a flexible sheet-like member and attached to the pair of connecting frames.

4. A generator having a rotor; A control device for controlling the generator; A flow velocity detection unit that detects a flow velocity of the fluid flowing around the plurality of blade bodies; A rotation speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the rotating body, The rotor is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotating body, The fluid machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the torque of the generator so that the circumferential speed of the second axis around the first axis corresponding to the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detection unit is lower than the flow speed detected by the flow speed detection unit.

Images