Power generator

Abstract

To provide a power generator capable of being downsized in a configuration where a support shaft rotatably supporting a rotating body is arranged horizontally.SOLUTION: A power generator 100 comprises: a support mechanism 1 which is provided with a support shaft 11 arranged on a first shaft center X1 in a horizontal direction; a rotating body 2 which is rotatably supported by the support shaft 11 and driven to rotate by fluid pressure; and a power generation unit which generates electricity based on rotation of the rotating body 2 transmitted thereto. The support mechanism 1 has: a first support member 12 which supports a first shaft section 111 of the support shaft 11 and extends to a position beneath a lower end of a rotation trajectory of the rotating body 2; and a second support member 13 which supports a second shaft section 112 of the support shaft 11 and extends to a position beneath the lower end of the rotation trajectory of the rotating body 2. The power generation unit is supported by the first support member 12 on a first axial side L1, positioned relative to an opposing surface 12a of the first support member 12 facing a second axial side L2, so as to face the rotating body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device that generates power using fluid energy. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such a power generating device is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] The power generation device of Patent Document 1 includes a support mechanism having a support shaft (3, 3a), a rotor (4) supported by the support shaft (3, 3a) and rotating under wind pressure, and a power generation unit (61) that generates power by transmitting the rotation of the rotor (4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-77946 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a power generating device in which the support shaft (3a) is arranged along the horizontal direction (see FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1). In this configuration, the wind pressure difference on the rotor (4) occurs in the vertical direction, so it is easier to stably support the rotor (4) compared to a configuration in which the support shaft (3) is arranged along the vertical direction (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0006] However, in the above configuration, since the support shaft (3a) is arranged in the horizontal direction, the structure for supporting the support shaft (3a) in the vertical direction tends to be large, which is a disadvantage.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a power generating device that can be made smaller in size in a configuration in which the support shaft that rotatably supports the rotor is arranged along the horizontal direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In view of the above, the characteristic configuration of the power generation device is as follows: A power generation device that generates power using fluid energy, a support mechanism including a support shaft arranged on a first axis along a horizontal direction; A direction along the first axis is defined as an axial direction, one side of the axial direction is defined as an axial first side, the other side of the axial direction is defined as an axial second side, and a direction perpendicular to the first axis is defined as a radial direction, a rotating body that is disposed radially outward from the support shaft, is supported by the support shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft about the first axis, and rotates under pressure of a fluid; a power generation unit that generates power by transmitting the rotation of the rotor, the support mechanism includes a first support member that supports a first shaft portion that is a portion of the support shaft on the first axial side relative to the rotor, and is arranged to extend below a lower end of a rotation locus of the rotor on the first axial side relative to the rotor, and a second support member that supports a second shaft portion that is a portion of the support shaft on the second axial side relative to the rotor, and is arranged to extend below a lower end of the rotation locus on the second axial side relative to the rotor, The power generation unit is supported by the first support member so that it is positioned on the first axial side of the opposing surface of the first support member that faces the second axial side and faces the rotating body.

[0009] According to this characteristic configuration, the power generation unit is disposed not between the first and second support members, which are arranged on either side of the rotor in the axial direction, but on the first axial side of the opposing surface of the first support member, which faces the second axial side so as to face the rotor. This makes it easier to keep the axial distance between the first and second support members small. As a result, it is easier to ensure the support rigidity of the support shaft by the first and second support members, allowing for the miniaturization of the support mechanism. Therefore, in a configuration in which the support shaft that rotatably supports the rotor is arranged horizontally, the power generation device can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotor of a power generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the revolution phase and rotation phase of a blade body. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a support mechanism for a power generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a view of a power generating device according to a first embodiment, viewed from an axial direction. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a power generation unit of a power generation device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a power generation unit of a power generation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a support mechanism for a power generating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a support mechanism for a power generating device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. First embodiment A power generating device 100 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. The power generating device 100 is a device that generates electricity using the energy of a fluid F (see Fig. 2). In this embodiment, the fluid F is air. That is, in this embodiment, the power generating device 100 is used for wind power generation.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the power generating device 100 includes a support mechanism 1 and a rotor 2.

[0013] The support mechanism 1 is configured to support a rotating body 2. The support mechanism 1 includes a support shaft 11 disposed on a first axis X1 along the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the first axis X1 is disposed parallel to the horizontal direction. Note that the first axis X1 may be slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0014] In the following description, the direction along the first axis X1 is referred to as the "axial direction L." One side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "first axial side L1," and the other side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "second axial side L2." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first axis X1 is referred to as the "radial direction R."

[0015] The support shaft 11 is disposed so as to penetrate the rotor 2 in the axial direction L. In this embodiment, the support shaft 11 is formed in an axial shape having the same outer diameter in the axial direction L. Note that the support shaft 11 may be formed so that the outer diameter varies in the axial direction L. Furthermore, the support shaft 11 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0016] The rotor 2 is configured to rotate under the pressure of the fluid F. The rotor 2 is supported by the support shaft 11 so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft 11 about a first axis X1. The rotor 2 is disposed on the outside of the support shaft 11 in the radial direction R.

[0017] In this embodiment, the rotating body 2 includes a rotation support member 3, a plurality of blades 4, and an interlocking mechanism 5.

[0018] The rotation support member 3 is supported by the support shaft 11 so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft 11 about the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the rotation support member 3 includes a cylindrical portion 31, a first blade body support portion 32, and a second blade body support portion 33.

[0019] The cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis X1 as its axis. The cylindrical portion 31 is disposed so as to surround the support shaft 11 from the outside in the radial direction R.

[0020] The first blade body support portion 32 and the second blade body support portion 33 rotatably support the multiple blade bodies 4. The first blade body support portion 32 and the second blade body support portion 33 are formed to extend outward in the radial direction R from the cylindrical portion 31. The first blade body support portion 32 is arranged closer to the first axial side L1 than the second blade body support portion 33. In this embodiment, the first blade body support portion 32 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the first axial side L1. Furthermore, the second blade body support portion 33 is connected to the end of the cylindrical portion 31 on the second axial side L2.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first blade support portion 32 is formed in a box shape including a first plate portion 321 and a second plate portion 322. The first plate portion 321 and the second plate portion 322 are each formed in a plate shape extending along the radial direction R. The first plate portion 321 is disposed away from the second plate portion 322 on the first axial side L1.

[0022] Each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 rotates due to the pressure of the fluid F (see FIG. 2). Each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 is supported by the rotation support member 3 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotation support member 3 around a third axis X3 parallel to the first axis X1. In other words, the plurality of blade bodies 4 are arranged dispersedly in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1, on the outer side of the radial direction R relative to the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four blade bodies 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1, on the outer side of the radial direction R relative to the first axis X1. In other words, in this example, adjacent ones of the four blade bodies 4 are arranged with a phase difference of 90° from each other in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the blade body 4 includes a first supported portion 41, a second supported portion 42, a first frame portion 43, a second frame portion 44, a pair of mounting portions 45, and a pressure-receiving portion 46.

[0024] The first supported portion 41 and the second supported portion 42 are each supported to be rotatable around the third axis X3. The first supported portion 41 and the second supported portion 42 are each formed in a shaft shape with the third axis X3 as its axis. The first supported portion 41 is arranged to penetrate the second plate portion 322 of the first blade body supporting portion 32 in the axial direction L. The first supported portion 41 is supported to be rotatable relative to the first plate portion 321 and the second plate portion 322 of the first blade body supporting portion 32. The second supported portion 42 is arranged to penetrate the second blade body supporting portion 33 in the axial direction L. The second supported portion 42 is supported to be rotatable relative to the second blade body supporting portion 33.

[0025] The first frame portion 43 and the second frame portion 44 are each formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the third axis X3. The first frame portion 43 and the second frame portion 44 are arranged at an interval from each other in the axial direction L. The first frame portion 43 is connected to the first supported portion 41 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The second frame portion 44 is connected to the second supported portion 42 so as to rotate integrally therewith.

[0026] The pair of mounting portions 45 are formed to extend along the axial direction L. The pair of mounting portions 45 are arranged to connect the first frame portion 43 and the second frame portion 44. The pair of mounting portions 45 are arranged spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the third axis X3.

[0027] The pressure-receiving portion 46 is attached to a pair of attachment portions 45 so as to receive the pressure of the fluid F. The pressure-receiving portion 46 is configured using a flexible sheet-like member. Note that Figure 2 and other figures show the pressure-receiving portion 46 in a curved state due to the pressure of the fluid F.

[0028] The interlocking mechanism 5 is configured to interlock the rotation of the rotation support member 3 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 about the third axis X3 relative to the rotation support member 3. Here, "the rotation of the rotation support member 3 about the first axis X1 is interlocked with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 about the third axis X3 relative to the rotation support member 3" means that the relationship between the revolution period and rotation period of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 is maintained constant.

[0029] In this embodiment, the revolution period and rotation period of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 are set so that the following formula (1) is established. T2 = T1 × N (1)

[0030] In the above formula (1), T2 is the rotation period of the blade body 4, and T1 is the revolution period of the blade body 4. Note that N is an arbitrary positive number. In this example, N is 2.

[0031] The interlocking mechanism 5 includes a reaction element 51 , a plurality of rotation elements 52 , and a plurality of connecting elements 53 .

[0032] The reaction element 51 is supported by the support shaft 11. The reaction element 51 is restricted from rotating relative to the support shaft 11 to at least one side in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. Each of the plurality of rotation elements 52 is configured to rotate integrally with the corresponding blade body 4. Each of the plurality of connection elements 53 is configured to drivingly connect the corresponding rotation element 52 and the reaction element 51.

[0033] Here, in this application, the term "driving connection" refers to a state in which two elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two elements are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two 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 a shaft, a gear mechanism, a belt, a chain, 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.

[0034] In this embodiment, the reaction element 51 includes a first bevel gear 511. The first bevel gear 511 is a bevel gear arranged on the first axis X1. In this embodiment, a one-way clutch 50 is arranged between the first bevel gear 511 and the support shaft 11 in the radial direction R. This allows the first bevel gear 511 to rotate relative to the support shaft 11 toward one side in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1, and restricts the first bevel gear 511 from rotating relative to the support shaft 11 toward the other side in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. In addition, the first bevel gear 511 is arranged so that its teeth face the second axial side L2.

[0035] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of rotating elements 52 includes a second bevel gear 521. Each of the plurality of second bevel gears 521 is a bevel gear arranged on the third axis X3. Each of the plurality of second bevel gears 521 is connected to the corresponding first supported portion 41 of the blade body 4 so as to rotate integrally with the first supported portion 41. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of second bevel gears 521 is arranged so that the teeth of the second bevel gear 521 face the first axial side L1.

[0036] In this embodiment, each of the multiple connecting elements 53 includes a third bevel gear 531, a fourth bevel gear 532, and a connecting shaft 533. The number of the third bevel gears 531, the fourth bevel gears 532, and the connecting shafts 533 provided is the same as the number of the second bevel gears 521 (four in this example).

[0037] Each of the plurality of third bevel gears 531 is a bevel gear that meshes with the first bevel gear 511. Each of the plurality of third bevel gears 531 is disposed so as to rotate around an axis along the radial direction R.

[0038] Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 532 is a bevel gear that meshes with a corresponding one of the plurality of second bevel gears 521. Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 532 is paired with a corresponding one of the plurality of third bevel gears 531. Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 532 is arranged to rotate around an axis along the radial direction R.

[0039] The connecting shaft 533 is a shaft member that connects the pair of the third bevel gear 531 and the fourth bevel gear 532 so that they rotate integrally with each other. The connecting shaft 533 is disposed so as to extend along the radial direction R.

[0040] In the following description, the phase of the vane body 4 about the first axis X1 is referred to as the "revolution phase", and the phase of the vane body 4 about the third axis X3 relative to the rotation support member 3 is referred to as the "rotation phase".

[0041] 2, the interlocking mechanism 5 maintains a constant difference in the rotation phases of adjacent blade bodies 4 about the first axis X1 so that the angle of attack of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 with respect to the fluid F (here, the angle formed between the flow direction of the fluid F and the direction in which the pair of mounting portions 45 are aligned) is optimized. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the interlocking mechanism 5 is configured so that the difference in the rotation phases of adjacent blade bodies 4 about the first axis X1 is 45°.

[0042] In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 5 is configured so that the revolution direction (rotation direction around the first axis X1) and the rotation direction (rotation direction around the third axis X3) of each of the plurality of blade bodies 4 are opposite to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the revolution direction of the blade body 4 is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction of the blade body 4 is clockwise.

[0043] Here, an example of the revolution phase and rotation phase of the blade body 4 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 directions on the paper surface of Fig. 2.

[0044] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the fluid F flows from left to right. In this case, if the revolution phase and rotation phase of the blade body 4 located on the revolution locus are each set to 0°, the process by which the blade body 4 rotates one revolution around the third axis X3, that is, the process by which the rotation phase of the blade body 4 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 portions 45 of the blade body 4 are aligned.

[0045] When the blade 4 is located at the upper left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 45°), the rotation phase is 22.5°. When the blade 4 is located at the left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 90°), the rotation phase is 45°. When the blade 4 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 135°), the rotation phase is 67.5°. When the blade 4 is located below the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 180°), the rotation phase is 90°. When the blade 4 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 225°), the rotation phase is 112.5°. When the blade 4 is located at the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 270°), the rotation phase is 135°. When the blade 4 is positioned at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 315°), the rotation phase becomes 157.5°. When the blade 4 is again positioned above the revolution locus, that is, when the blade 4 has made one revolution around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 360°), the rotation phase becomes 180°.

[0046] Furthermore, when the blade 4 is located at the upper left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 405°), the rotation phase is 202.5°. When the blade 4 is located at the left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 450°), the rotation phase is 225°. When the blade 4 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 495°), the rotation phase is 247.5°. When the blade 4 is located at the bottom of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 540°), the rotation phase is 270°. When the blade 4 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 585°), the rotation phase is 292.5°. When the blade 4 is located at the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 630°), the rotation phase is 315°. When the blade 4 is positioned at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 675°), the rotation phase becomes 337.5°. When the blade 4 is again positioned above the revolution locus, that is, when the blade 4 has made two revolutions around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 720°), the rotation phase becomes 360°.

[0047] In this way, in this example, the rotation period of the blade body 4 is twice the revolution period of the blade body 4. That is, in this example, N is 2 in the above formula (1).

[0048] In Fig. 2, "V1" is the velocity vector of the fluid F, and "V2" is the peripheral velocity vector of the blade body 4 (a vector along the tangent to the revolution trajectory of the third axis X3). "V3" is the resultant vector of the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F and the peripheral velocity vector V2 of the blade body 4. "V4" is the vector of lift acting on the blade body 4 in a direction perpendicular to the resultant vector V3 in accordance with the resultant vector V3.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the support mechanism 1 further includes a first support member 12 and a second support member 13.

[0050] The first support member 12 is a member that supports a first shaft portion 111 of the support shaft 11. The first shaft portion 111 is a portion of the support shaft 11 on a first axial side L1 with respect to the rotor 2. In this embodiment, the first shaft portion 111 is a portion of the support shaft 11 that is closer to the first axial side L1 than the first plate portion 321 of the first blade body support portion 32.

[0051] The first support member 12 is disposed on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotor 2 so as to extend below the lower end of the rotation trajectory of the rotor 2. It should be noted that "the lower end of the rotation locus of the rotor 2" means the lowest point of the rotation locus and revolution locus of the blade body 4 (in the example shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the blade body 4 located at the bottom). In this embodiment, the first support member 12 is formed in a plate shape extending along the up-down direction V. The up-down direction V is a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0052] The second support member 13 is a member that supports the second shaft portion 112 of the support shaft 11. The second shaft portion 112 is a portion of the support shaft 11 on the second axial side L2 relative to the rotor 2. In this embodiment, the second shaft portion 112 is a portion of the support shaft 11 that is closer to the second axial side L2 than the second blade body support portion 33. In this embodiment, the second support member 13 is fixed to the second shaft portion 112 by a second bolt BL2 in a state in which the second support member 13 abuts against the second shaft portion 112 from the second axial side L2.

[0053] The second support member 13 is disposed on the second axial side L2 with respect to the rotor 2 so as to extend below the lower end of the rotation trajectory of the rotor 2. In this embodiment, the second support member 13 is formed in a plate shape extending along the up-down direction V.

[0054] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 1 further includes a support 14 , a rotation mechanism 15 , and a support column 16 .

[0055] The support body 14 supports the first support member 12 and the second support member 13. The support body 14 is disposed below the lower end of the rotation trajectory of the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the support body 14 is formed in a plate shape extending along the axial direction L. The support body 14 connects the lower end of the first support member 12 and the lower end of the second support member 13.

[0056] The rotation mechanism 15 is configured to allow the support 14 to rotate freely around a second axis X2 along the up-down direction V. The second axis X2 is disposed at an intermediate position between the first support member 12 and the second support member 13 in the axial direction L. Here, the "intermediate position" between the two elements is not limited to a position equidistant from the two elements, but also includes a position within the surrounding area.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 supports the support body 14 so as to be rotatable relative to the support pillar 16. The support pillar 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the second axis X2 as its axis. In this embodiment, the support pillar 16 is fixed to the ground.

[0058] In this embodiment, the support 16 includes a large diameter portion 161 and a small diameter portion 162. The small diameter portion 162 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 161. The small diameter portion 162 is disposed above the large diameter portion 161.

[0059] In this embodiment, the support body 14 includes a cylindrical support portion 141. The cylindrical support portion 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the second axis X2 as its axis. The cylindrical support portion 141 is disposed so as to surround the small diameter portion 162 of the support column 16 from the outside.

[0060] A first bearing BR1 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical support portion 141 and the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 162. The first bearing BR1 is a radial bearing that supports the cylindrical support portion 141 in a direction perpendicular to the second axis X2 with respect to the small diameter portion 162. In this way, the cylindrical support portion 141 is supported via the first bearing BR1 so as to be rotatable relative to the small diameter portion 162.

[0061] The cylindrical support portion 141 includes a reduced diameter portion 142. The reduced diameter portion 142 has an inner diameter smaller than that of other portions of the cylindrical support portion 141. The reduced diameter portion 142 is disposed below the first bearing BR1. The reduced diameter portion 142 is disposed above the large diameter portion 161.

[0062] A second bearing BR2 is disposed between the reduced diameter portion 142 and the large diameter portion 161 in the vertical direction V. The second bearing BR2 is a thrust bearing that supports the reduced diameter portion 142 relative to the large diameter portion 161 in the direction along the second axis X2 (in the vertical direction V). In this way, the reduced diameter portion 142 is supported via the second bearing BR2 so as to be rotatable relative to the large diameter portion 161.

[0063] In this manner, in this embodiment, the cylindrical support portion 141, the support column 16, the first bearing BR1, and the second bearing BR2 function as a rotation mechanism 15.

[0064] 3 and 4, in this embodiment, a rectifying vane 20 is fixed to at least one of the first support member 12 and the second support member 13. The rectifying vane 20 is a plate member arranged along the radial direction R. In this embodiment, the rectifying vane 20 is fixed to each of the first support member 12 and the second support member 13. In addition, in this embodiment, the rectifying vane 20 extends along the up-down direction V and is formed to extend from the first support member 12 and the second support member 13 toward one side (the right side in FIG. 4) in the horizontal direction with respect to the first axis X1.

[0065] In this way, even if the flow direction of the fluid F changes, the support 14 can be rotated by the rotation mechanism 15 so that the current plate 20 assumes an attitude that follows the flow of the fluid F due to the pressure of the fluid F. Therefore, the attitude of the rotor 2 can be appropriately changed in response to the change in the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the power generation device 100 includes a power generation unit 6. The power generation unit 6 generates power by receiving the rotation of the rotor 2. The power generation unit 6 is supported by the first support member 12 so as to be positioned closer to the first axial side L1 than the rotor-facing surface 12a of the first support member 12. The rotor-facing surface 12a is a surface of the first support member 12 that faces the second axial side L2 so as to face the rotor 2. To further explain, the rotor-facing surface 12a is a surface of the first support member 12 that overlaps with the rotation trajectory of the rotor 2 when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L and faces the second axial side L2. Here, with regard to the arrangement of two elements, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" refers to the presence of at least a partial area where a virtual line parallel to the line of sight intersects with both of the two elements when the virtual line is moved in each direction perpendicular to the virtual line.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 6 is fixed to the opposite surface 12b of the first support member 12. The opposite surface 12b is the surface of the first support member 12 opposite to the rotor-facing surface 12a, and faces the first axial side L1.

[0068] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 6 includes a generator 7, a gearbox 8, and a unit case 9.

[0069] The generator 7 is configured to generate electricity using the driving force transmitted from the rotating body 2 and store the electricity in an electricity storage device (not shown). In this embodiment, the generator 7 is a rotating electric machine including a stator 71, a rotor 72, and a housing 73.

[0070] The stator 71 and the rotor 72 are housed in a housing 73. The stator 71 and the rotor 72 are arranged on a fourth axis X4 that is parallel to the first axis X1.

[0071] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the rotational axes parallel to the first axis X1, including the fourth axis X4, will also be referred to as the "radial direction R" based on each rotational axis. When it is not necessary to distinguish which rotational axis is used as the reference or when it is clear which rotational axis is used as the reference, the direction may be simply referred to as the "radial direction R."

[0072] The stator 71 is fixed to the housing 73. The rotor 72 is rotatably supported relative to the stator 71. The rotor 72 rotates in conjunction with the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the rotor 72 is disposed on the inside of the stator 71 in the radial direction R. The rotor 72 is also connected to a rotor shaft 74 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The rotor shaft 74 is formed to extend along the axial direction L. The rotor shaft 74 is disposed on a fourth axis X4.

[0073] In this embodiment, an inverter INV that controls the generator 7 is fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 73.

[0074] In this embodiment, the one-way clutch 50 (see FIG. 3) restricts the relative rotation between the first bevel gear 511 and the support shaft 11 when torque is being transmitted while the generator 7 is generating power. As a result, the pressure of the fluid F causes the plurality of blade bodies 4 to rotate (spin) about the third axis X3 and also rotate (revolve) about the first axis X1. Accordingly, the rotating body 2 rotates in a direction in which the generator 7 can generate power (counterclockwise in the example shown in FIG. 2).

[0075] In this embodiment, an engagement device BRK is connected to the rotor 72. The engagement device BRK is a brake for decelerating the rotation of the rotor 72. In this embodiment, the engagement device BRK is disposed on the first axial side L1 with respect to the generator 7. The engagement device BRK is connected to the rotor 72 via a rotor shaft 74. In this embodiment, the engagement device BRK is a friction engagement type brake. A friction engagement type brake is configured to be able to control the state of engagement (engaged state / disengaged state) according to the engagement pressure of a pair of friction engagement members.

[0076] The speed increaser 8 is configured to increase the rotation of the rotating body 2 and transmit the increased rotation to the rotor 72. In this embodiment, the speed increaser 8 is connected to the rotating body 2 via a connecting member 10.

[0077] The connecting member 10 is a member for connecting the rotating body 2 and the speed increaser 8. The connecting member 10 is fixed to the rotating body 2 so as to rotate integrally with the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the connecting member 10 is fixed to the first plate portion 321 so as to extend from the first plate portion 321 of the first blade body support portion 32 to the first axial side L1 (see FIG. 3).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member 10 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction R with respect to the support shaft 11. In this embodiment, the connecting member 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis X1 as its axis. The connecting member 10 is disposed so as to surround the support shaft 11 from the outer side in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, a third bearing BR3 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft 11. The third bearing BR3 is a radial bearing that supports the connecting member 10 in the radial direction R with respect to the support shaft 11. In this way, the connecting member 10 is supported via the third bearing BR3 so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft 11.

[0079] In this embodiment, the speed increaser 8 includes a first speed increase gear 81, a second speed increase gear 82, a third speed increase gear 83, a fourth speed increase gear 84, a fifth speed increase gear 85, and a sixth speed increase gear 86.

[0080] The first speed-increasing gear 81 is disposed on the first axis X1. The first speed-increasing gear 81 is connected to the rotating body 2 via the connecting member 10 so as to rotate integrally with the rotating body 2. In this embodiment, the first speed-increasing gear 81 is disposed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction R from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member 10.

[0081] The second speed-increasing gear 82 is disposed on the fourth axis X4. The second speed-increasing gear 82 meshes with the first speed-increasing gear 81. The number of teeth of the second speed-increasing gear 82 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first speed-increasing gear 81. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the first speed-increasing gear 81 is accelerated between the first speed-increasing gear 81 and the second speed-increasing gear 82.

[0082] The third speed-increasing gear 83 is disposed on the fourth axis X4. The third speed-increasing gear 83 is connected to the second speed-increasing gear 82 so as to rotate integrally with the second speed-increasing gear 82. In this embodiment, the third speed-increasing gear 83 is disposed closer to the first axial side L1 than the second speed-increasing gear 82.

[0083] The fourth speed-increasing gear 84 is connected to the rotor 72 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 72. In this embodiment, the fourth speed-increasing gear 84 is disposed on the fourth axis X4. The fourth speed-increasing gear 84 is connected to the rotor shaft 74 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 72. The fourth speed-increasing gear 84 is disposed on the second axial side L2 of the rotor 72 and on the first axial side L1 of the third speed-increasing gear 83.

[0084] The fifth speed-increasing gear 85 is disposed on a fifth axis X5 that is parallel to the fourth axis X4. The fifth speed-increasing gear 85 meshes with the third speed-increasing gear 83. In this embodiment, the fifth speed-increasing gear 85 has a smaller diameter than the third speed-increasing gear 83.

[0085] The sixth speed-increasing gear 86 is disposed on the fifth axis X5. The sixth speed-increasing gear 86 is connected to the fifth speed-increasing gear 85 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The sixth speed-increasing gear 86 meshes with the fourth speed-increasing gear 84. In this embodiment, the sixth speed-increasing gear 86 has a larger diameter than the fourth speed-increasing gear 84 and the fifth speed-increasing gear 85.

[0086] The number of teeth of the fifth speed-up gear 85 is smaller than the number of teeth of the third speed-up gear 83. The number of teeth of the fourth speed-up gear 84 is smaller than the number of teeth of the sixth speed-up gear 86, which rotates integrally with the fifth speed-up gear 85. Therefore, the rotation transmitted from the second speed-up gear 82 to the third speed-up gear 83 is accelerated between the third speed-up gear 83 and the fifth speed-up gear 85 and then transmitted to the sixth speed-up gear 86. The rotation of the sixth speed-up gear 86 is accelerated between the sixth speed-up gear 86 and the fourth speed-up gear 84 and then transmitted to the rotor 72.

[0087] The unit case 9 is fixed to the first support member 12. The unit case 9 houses the gearbox 8. The unit case 9 supports the generator 7.

[0088] In this embodiment, the unit case 9 includes a connecting member support portion 91 and a shaft fixing portion 92.

[0089] The connecting member support portion 91 supports the connecting member 10 so as to be rotatable about the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the connecting member 10 is arranged to penetrate the connecting member support portion 91 in the axial direction L. A fourth bearing BR4 is arranged between the connecting member 10 and the connecting member support portion 91 in the radial direction R. The fourth bearing BR4 is a radial bearing that supports the connecting member 10 in the radial direction R with respect to the connecting member support portion 91. In this way, the connecting member 10 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the connecting member support portion 91 via the fourth bearing BR4.

[0090] In this embodiment, the connecting member support portion 91 is formed to extend along the radial direction R. The connecting member support portion 91 is disposed to cover the speed increaser 8 from the second axial side L2. The connecting member support portion 91 is also fixed to the opposite surface 12b of the first support member 12 from the first axial side L1.

[0091] A first shaft portion 111 of the support shaft 11 is fixed to the shaft fixing portion 92. The shaft fixing portion 92 is disposed closer to the first axial side L1 than the connecting member support portion 91. In this embodiment, a plurality of first splines extending in the axial direction L are formed on the outer periphery of the first shaft portion 111 and dispersed in the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, a plurality of second splines that engage with the plurality of first splines are formed on the shaft fixing portion 92 and dispersed in the circumferential direction. Then, with the plurality of first splines and the plurality of second splines engaged with each other, the shaft fixing portion 92 and the first shaft portion 111 are fixed to each other by a first bolt BL1.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting member support portion 91 is fixed to the first support member 12, and the shaft fixing portion 92 is fixed to the first shaft portion 111. That is, in this embodiment, the first support member 12 supports the first shaft portion 111 of the support shaft 11 via the unit case 9.

[0093] In this embodiment, the shaft fixing portion 92 is formed to extend along the radial direction R. The shaft fixing portion 92 is disposed to cover the speed increaser 8 from the first axial side L1. The housing 73 of the generator 7 is fixed to the shaft fixing portion 92 from the first axial side L1.

[0094] 2. Second embodiment A power generating device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the configuration of the gearbox 8 is different from that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the fourth speed-increasing gear 84 of the speed-increasing mechanism 8 is disposed on a sixth axis X6 that is parallel to the fourth axis X4 and the fifth axis X5.

[0096] 3. Third embodiment A power generating device 100 according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the configuration of the support mechanism 1 is different from that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the support mechanism 1 further includes a base 17, a floating body 18, and a mooring rope 19.

[0098] The base 17 supports the support pole 16 from below. That is, in this embodiment, the support pole 16 is fixed to the base 17, not to the ground.

[0099] The float 18 is fixed to the base 17. The float 18 generates buoyancy that supports the entire power generation device 100, and is configured to float on the surface of a lake or the sea.

[0100] The mooring line 19 is a rope for mooring the floating body 18. The mooring line 19 is fixed to the lake bottom or the sea bottom.

[0101] With this configuration, even if the flow direction of the fluid F changes, the floating body 18 rotates on the lake surface or the sea surface so that the pressure of the fluid F causes the current vane 20 to assume an attitude that follows the flow of the fluid F. Therefore, the attitude of the rotating body 2 can be appropriately changed in response to changes in the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0102] Also, similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the support body 14 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support columns 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the floating body 18 rotates on the lake surface or the sea surface so that the current vane 20 assumes an attitude following the flow of the fluid F due to the pressure of the fluid F, and the support body 14 also rotates relative to the support columns 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the attitude of the rotor 2 can be easily changed in response to changes in the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the cylindrical support portion 141, the first bearing BR1, the second bearing BR2, the support column 16, the base portion 17, the floating body 18, and the mooring rope 19 function as the rotation mechanism 15.

[0104] 4. Fourth Embodiment A power generating device 100 according to a fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the configuration of the support mechanism 1 is different from that of the third embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment. Note that points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0105] 7, in this embodiment, the support mechanism 1 does not include a support column 16, a first bearing BR1, or a second bearing BR2. The support body 14 does not include a cylindrical support portion 141, and is fixed directly to the base portion 17.

[0106] With this configuration, even if the flow direction of the fluid F changes, the floating body 18 rotates on the lake surface or the sea surface so that the pressure of the fluid F causes the current vane 20 to assume an attitude that follows the flow of the fluid F. Therefore, the attitude of the rotating body 2 can be appropriately changed in response to changes in the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0107] In this manner, in this embodiment, the base 17 , the floating body 18 , and the mooring rope 19 function as the rotation mechanism 15 .

[0108] 5. Other embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the fluid F is air has been described as an example. 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.

[0109] (2) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the power generation unit 6 is supported by the first support member 12 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, a configuration in which a power generation unit other than the power generation unit 6 is supported by the second support member 13 may also be used.

[0110] (3) In the above embodiment, the power generation unit 6 is described as having a configuration including a speed-increasing gear 8 having a plurality of gears 81 to 86. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the speed-increasing gear 8 may include a mechanism including a sprocket and a chain, or a mechanism including a pulley and a belt, in addition to or instead of the plurality of gears. Also, the power generation unit 6 may not include a speed-increasing gear 8.

[0111] (4) In the above embodiment, the generator 7 is fixed to the unit case 9 from the first axial side L1. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the generator 7 may be housed in the unit case 9.

[0112] (5) In the above embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 5 has been described as having a configuration in which the reaction element 51, the rotating element 52, and the connecting element 53 each include a bevel gear. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the reaction element 51 and the rotating element 52 may each be a sprocket or a pulley, and the connecting element 53 may be a chain or a belt. Alternatively, the interlocking mechanism 5 may be configured as a planetary gear mechanism.

[0113] (6) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0114] 6. Summary of this embodiment The following provides an overview of the above-described power generating device (100).

[0115] The power generation device (100) A power generation device (100) that generates power using the energy of a fluid (F), a support mechanism (1) including a support shaft (11) arranged on a first axis (X1) along a horizontal direction; The direction along the first axis (X1) is defined as an axial direction (L), one side of the axial direction (L) is defined as an axial first side (L1), the other side of the axial direction (L) is defined as an axial second side (L2), and the direction perpendicular to the first axis (X1) is defined as a radial direction (R), a rotating body (2) that is disposed outside the support shaft (11) in the radial direction (R), is supported by the support shaft (11) so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft (11) around the first axis (X1), and rotates under pressure of a fluid (F); a power generation unit (6) that generates power by transmitting the rotation of the rotor (2), The support mechanism (1) includes a first support member (12) that supports a first shaft portion (111) of the support shaft (11) that is a portion on the first axial side (L1) with respect to the rotating body (2) and is arranged to extend below a lower end of a rotation locus of the rotating body (2) on the first axial side (L1) with respect to the rotating body (2), and a second support member (13) that supports a second shaft portion (112) of the support shaft (11) that is a portion on the second axial side (L2) with respect to the rotating body (2) and is arranged to extend below a lower end of the rotation locus with respect to the second axial side (L2), The power generation unit (6) is supported by the first support member (12) so as to be positioned closer to the first axial side (L1) than an opposing surface (12a) of the first support member (12) that faces the second axial side (L2) and faces the rotating body (2).

[0116] According to this configuration, the power generation unit (6) is disposed not between the first support member (12) and the second support member (13) in the axial direction (L), which are disposed separately on both sides of the rotor (2) in the axial direction (L), but on the first axial side (L1) of the opposing surface (12a) of the first support member (12), which faces the second axial side (L2) so as to face the rotor (2). This makes it easier to reduce the distance in the axial direction (L) between the first support member (12) and the second support member (13). As a result, it is easier to ensure the support rigidity of the support shaft (11) by the first support member (12) and the second support member (13), thereby enabling the support mechanism (1) to be made more compact. Therefore, in a configuration in which the support shaft (11) that rotatably supports the rotor (2) is disposed horizontally, the power generation device (100) can be made more compact.

[0117] Here, the power generation unit (6) comprises: a generator (7) having a rotor (72); a speed-up gear (8) that increases the rotation of the rotating body (2) and transmits the increased rotation to the rotor (72); and a unit case (9) that is fixed to the first support member (12), houses the speed-up gear (8), and supports the generator (7), The rotor (2) and the speed increaser (8) are connected by a connecting member (10), the connecting member (10) is fixed to the rotating body (2) so as to rotate integrally with the rotating body (2), and is disposed on the outer side of the support shaft (11) in the radial direction (R); the unit case (9) includes a connecting member support portion (91) that supports the connecting member (10) rotatably around the first axis (X1), and a shaft fixing portion (92) to which the first shaft portion (111) of the support shaft (11) is fixed, The first support member (12) supports the first shaft portion (111) of the support shaft (11) via the unit case (9), It is preferable that the shaft fixing portion (92) be disposed closer to the first axial side (L1) than the connecting member support portion (91).

[0118] According to this configuration, the unit case (9) of the power generation unit (6) can be used to support the connecting member (10) and fix the support shaft (11). This makes it easy to simplify the configuration of the first support member (12) that supports the first shaft portion (111) of the support shaft (11) via the unit case (9). Furthermore, according to this configuration, the shaft fixing portion (92) is disposed closer to the first axial side (L1) than the connecting member support portion (91). This allows the connecting member (10) to properly connect the rotating body (2) and the speed increaser (8) and also allows the first support member (12) to properly support the support shaft (11). Furthermore, with this configuration, the rotation of the rotor (2) can be increased in speed by the speed increaser (8) and transmitted to the rotor (72). This allows the generator (7) to be made compact, while efficiently generating electricity through the rotation of the rotor (2).

[0119] The support mechanism (1) further includes a support (14) that is disposed below a lower end of the rotation locus of the rotating body (2) and supports the first support member (12) and the second support member (13), and a rotation mechanism (15) that allows the support (14) to rotate freely around a second axis (X2) along the vertical direction (V), the second axis (X2) is disposed at a midpoint between the first support member (12) and the second support member (13) in the axial direction (L), It is preferable that a current plate (20) arranged along the radial direction (R) is fixed to at least one of the first support member (12) and the second support member (13).

[0120] According to this configuration, even if the flow direction of the fluid (F) changes over time, the support (14) can be rotated by the rotation mechanism (15) so that the pressure of the fluid (F) causes the current vane (20) to assume an orientation that follows the flow of the fluid (F). Therefore, the orientation of the rotor (2) can be appropriately changed in response to changes in the flow direction of the fluid (F). Furthermore, according to this configuration, the mechanism for changing the attitude of the rotating body (2) can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0121] In addition, the rotating body (2) a rotation support member (3) supported on the support shaft (11) so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft (11) around the first axis (X1); a plurality of vanes (4) each supported by the rotary support member (3) so as to be rotatable relative to the rotary support member (3) around a third axis (X3) parallel to the first axis (X1), and rotated by the pressure of a fluid (F); It is preferable to provide a linkage mechanism (5) that links the rotation of the rotation support member (3) around the first axis (X1) with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies (4) around the third axis (X3) relative to the rotation support member (3).

[0122] According to this configuration, the rotation of the rotation support member 3 and the rotation of each of the plurality of blades 4 relative to the rotation support member 3 can be appropriately linked, and each of the plurality of blades 4 can be oriented in an appropriate direction according to the rotation of the rotation support member 3. Therefore, it is easy to efficiently convert the energy of the fluid F into the rotational energy of the rotor 2. [Industrial Applicability]

[0123] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in a power generation device that generates power using the energy of a fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100: power generating device, 1: support mechanism, 11: support shaft, 111: first shaft portion, 112: second shaft portion, 12: first support member, 12a: rotor opposing surface (opposing surface), 13: second support member, 14: support body, 15: rotation mechanism, 2: rotor, 3: rotation support member, 4: blade body, 5: interlocking mechanism, 6: power generating unit, 7: generator, 72: rotor, 8: speed increaser, 9: unit case, 91: connecting member support portion, 92: shaft fixing portion, 10: connecting member, 20: straightening vane, F: fluid, X1: first shaft center, X2: second shaft center, X3: third shaft center, L: axial direction, L1: first axial side, L2: second axial side, R: radial direction

Claims

1. A power generation device that generates power using fluid energy, a support mechanism including a support shaft disposed on a first axis along a horizontal direction; A direction along the first axis is defined as an axial direction, one side of the axial direction is defined as an axial first side, the other side of the axial direction is defined as an axial second side, and a direction perpendicular to the first axis is defined as a radial direction, a rotating body that is disposed radially outward from the support shaft, is supported by the support shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft about the first axis, and rotates under pressure of a fluid; a power generation unit that generates power by transmitting the rotation of the rotor, The support mechanism includes a first support member that supports a first shaft portion that is a portion of the support shaft on the first axial side relative to the rotor, and is arranged to extend below a lower end of a rotation locus of the rotor on the first axial side relative to the rotor, and a second support member that supports a second shaft portion that is a portion of the support shaft on the second axial side relative to the rotor, and is arranged to extend below a lower end of the rotation locus on the second axial side relative to the rotor, The power generation unit is supported by the first support member so as to be positioned on the first axial side of an opposing surface of the first support member that faces the second axial side and faces the rotating body.

2. the power generation unit includes a generator having a rotor, a speed-up gear that increases the rotation of the rotating body and transmits the increased rotation to the rotor, and a unit case that is fixed to the first support member, houses the speed-up gear, and supports the generator; the rotating body and the speed increaser are connected by a connecting member, the connecting member is fixed to the rotating body so as to rotate integrally with the rotating body, and is disposed radially outward relative to the support shaft; the unit case includes a connecting member support portion that supports the connecting member rotatably around the first axis, and a shaft fixing portion to which the first shaft portion of the support shaft is fixed, the first support member supports the first shaft portion of the support shaft via the unit case, The power generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft fixing portion is disposed on the first axial side of the connecting member support portion.

3. the support mechanism further includes a support body that is disposed below a lower end of the rotation locus of the rotating body and supports the first support member and the second support member, and a rotation mechanism that allows the support body to rotate freely around a second axis along a vertical direction, the second axis is disposed at a midpoint between the first support member and the second support member in the axial direction, The power generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a current plate arranged along the radial direction is fixed to at least one of the first support member and the second support member.

4. The rotating body is a rotation support member supported by the support shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the support shaft about the first axis; a plurality of blades supported by the rotation support member so as to be rotatable relative to the rotation support member around a third axis parallel to the first axis, and which rotate due to pressure of a fluid; 3. The power generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a linkage mechanism that links the rotation of the rotation support member about the first axis with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies about the third axis relative to the rotation support member.

Images