Wave power generation device

Abstract

To provide a wave power generation device that is inexpensive to install and use, and has excellent power generation efficiency. [Solution] The wave power generation device comprises at least two floating objects, a joint mechanism, first and second conversion mechanisms, first and second rectification mechanisms, an addition mechanism, a speed change mechanism, and a generator. Two floating structures are joined together and placed on the sea surface. A joint mechanism connects the adjacent sides of the two floating structures, supporting each structure so that it can swing freely in the direction of longitudinal waves. The first conversion mechanism converts the bending between the floating structures that occurs when one floating structure swings up and down relative to the direction of wave propagation into forward and reverse rotations. The second conversion mechanism converts the twisting between the floating structures that occurs when one floating structure and the other are subjected to waves from the left or right or obliquely into forward and reverse rotations. The first and second rectification mechanisms rectify the reverse rotations of the first and second conversion mechanisms, respectively, into forward rotations.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This invention relates to a wave power generation device, and more particularly to a wave power generation device that, for example, connects at least two floating objects and arranges them at sea, and converts the rotational motion corresponding to the rocking motion when bending or twisting occurs between adjacent floating objects due to the movement of waves into rotational force for power generation.

Background Art

[0002] As power generation methods using natural energy, solar power generation, wind power generation, and wave power generation are known. Solar power generation cannot generate electricity at night, and even during the day, the power generation amount significantly decreases on rainy days or cloudy days compared to sunny days.

[0003] Wind power generation generates noise due to low frequencies during power generation, causing sleep disorders for surrounding residents at night, cannot generate electricity when there is no wind, and the power generation amount varies greatly depending on the wind speed. In addition, since the blades cannot be folded during strong winds, there is also a risk of collapse due to resonance when the wind is too strong.

[0004] Wave power generation has the advantages of not having the demerits of solar power generation and wind power generation, being able to generate electricity even with weak waves, and being able to generate electricity at night, but it has not been widely popularized. As the prior art of wave power generation devices, Patent Documents 1 to 4 are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a system in which a concrete sinker 4 is installed on the seabed 3 near a breakwater 2, multiple support columns 5 are erected on the sinker 4, and a wave power generation system 1 is installed on top of the support columns 5. The wave power generation system 1 receives transverse waves coming towards the land with a wave receiving member 13, and generates electricity by utilizing the force of the wave receiving member 13 swinging like a pendulum. Therefore, installing the wave power generation system 1 requires the construction of concrete sinkers 4 (foundation work) and multiple support pillars 6, which results in high construction costs and limits installation locations to areas close to land. Furthermore, since the system utilizes only transverse waves that exert a force in the direction of wave propagation, it cannot efficiently utilize waves coming from oblique directions or small waves when the wind direction changes.

[0007] Patent Document 2 describes a pendulum-type wave power generation device that is placed in a location that receives transverse waves (waves with a force pushing in the direction of wave propagation) coming from offshore toward land. When the pendulum plate is affected by the transverse waves and swings, the rotational force at the pivot point of the pendulum plate rotates a generator via rollers, chains, and gears. Patent Document 2 generates electricity by oscillating a swinging plate with transverse waves coming from offshore. Therefore, it can generate electricity when strong transverse waves (or large waves like swells) come, but the power generation is low or no power is generated when small waves with weaker pushing forces or when waves come at an angle to the swinging plate, and it cannot efficiently utilize small waves or waves coming at an angle.

[0008] Patent Document 3 describes a method in which a wave power generation device 1 is installed near the sea surface of a wind power generation device, and a conversion mechanism 5 is provided in the wave power generation device 1 that converts the vertical motion of a float 4 into rotational motion due to the vertical movement of waves (i.e., longitudinal waves), and a generator 6 is rotated by the rotational force of the conversion mechanism 5 to generate wave power. Patent Document 3 states that installing wind power generation equipment offshore requires extensive foundation work on the seabed, resulting in a high total cost that includes foundation work and the costs of the wind and wave power generation equipment. It also includes problems inherent to wind power generation equipment alone, such as low-frequency noise and the risk of collapse due to resonance when winds are too strong.

[0009] Patent Document 4 describes a system in which a water tank 3 is installed on the upper surface of a floating structure 2, a power generation unit 4 is housed inside the water tank 3, and power is generated in response to the change in position of a float 42 and a permanent magnet 43 caused by the up-and-down motion of waves W oscillating inside the water tank 3. Patent Document 4 utilizes the transverse waves received by the floating structure 2 as vertical motion of water in the water tank 3, that is, it indirectly utilizes the energy of waves on the sea surface. As a result, the usable wave energy is attenuated, and power generation cannot be done efficiently.

[0010] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a wave power generation device that connects at least two floating objects and places them on the sea, and converts the rotational force generated when bending or twisting occurs between adjacent floating objects due to wave movement into rotational force to generate electricity.

[0011] Another objective of this invention is to provide a wave power generation device that has low installation and equipment costs and excellent power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The wave power generation device of the first invention comprises at least two floating objects (11a, 11b, as indicated by the reference numerals in correspondence with Figures 3 and 4; the same applies to the reference numerals in parentheses below), a joint mechanism (21, 31), a first conversion mechanism (22, 32), a second conversion mechanism (23, 33), a first rectifier mechanism (24), a second rectifier mechanism (25), an adding mechanism (26), a speed change mechanism (27), and a generator (28). Each floating object is shaped to float on the sea surface, and at least two of them are connected together and placed on the sea surface. The joint mechanism connects the adjacent sides of at least two floating objects and connects them so that they can rotate, thereby supporting each floating object so that it can swing freely in the direction of longitudinal waves. The first conversion mechanism is provided in relation to one floating object and a joint mechanism, and converts the bending between floating objects that occurs when at least one floating object swings up and down with respect to the direction of wave propagation into forward rotation and reverse rotation. The second conversion mechanism is provided in relation to the other floating object or a joint mechanism, and converts the twisting between floating objects that occurs when one floating object and the other floating object swing in response to waves from the left and right with respect to the direction of longitudinal wave propagation into forward rotation and reverse rotation. The first rectifier transmits the bending rotational force obtained by directly transmitting the forward rotation corresponding to the bending converted by the first conversion mechanism and converting the reverse rotation to forward rotation to its output shaft. The second rectifier transmits the torsional rotation obtained by directly transmitting the forward rotation corresponding to the twist converted by the second conversion mechanism and converting the reverse rotation to forward rotation to its output shaft. The adding mechanism transmits the sum of the bending and torsional rotational forces to its output shaft. The gearbox mechanism increases the speed of this sum of bending and torsional rotational forces and transmits the resulting high-speed rotational force to its output shaft. The generator is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox mechanism and generates electricity by being driven by the increased high-speed rotational force.

[0013] According to the first invention, a wave power generation device can be realized that efficiently generates electricity using wave energy by converting rotational force caused by bending and twisting oscillations between adjacent floating objects due to wave movement into rotational force.

[0014] The wave power generation device of the second invention is configured such that, in the first invention, the joint mechanism (31) comprises a first mounting member (311) consisting of a first mounting portion attached to the side of one floating object and a pair of support plates (311b, 311c) whose one end is fixedly attached to one side of the first mounting portion (311a), and a second mounting member (312) consisting of a second mounting portion (312a) attached to the side of the other floating object and a pair of rotating plates (312b, 312c) whose one end is fixedly attached to one side of the second mounting portion, and further comprises a pivot support portion (313) that pivotally supports the surface near the other end of each support plate and the surface near the other end of each rotating plate in a butted position, thereby enabling rotation in an upward diagonal direction and a downward diagonal direction when viewed from the front. The first conversion mechanism (32) is supported near the pivot point of the joint mechanism, with the tooth surfaces of a pair of (large-diameter) first bevel gears (321) and second bevel gears (322) facing each other, and is configured to rotate the bevel gears (321) and (322) in conjunction with the rotation of the corresponding rotating plates of the joint mechanism. Furthermore, the first conversion mechanism is characterized by having a (small diameter) third bevel gear (325) connected to a shaft (337a or 326) and in contact with the tooth surfaces of the pair of first and second bevel gears, positioned from one side, and a (small diameter) fourth bevel gear (324) in contact with the tooth surfaces of the first and second bevel gears, positioned from the other side, supporting the first and second bevel gears so that their rotation directions are opposite to each other, connecting the rotation axis of the third bevel gear to the shaft as the input shaft, and the rotation axis of the fourth bevel gear as the output shaft (327). The first conversion mechanism is characterized by combining the functions of the first rectifier mechanism and the summing mechanism. According to the second invention, the first conversion mechanism combines the functions of the first rectification mechanism and the adding mechanism, which simplifies the configuration and reduces the number of parts, thus enabling inexpensive manufacturing.

[0015] The wave power generation device of the third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, it comprises an internal gear that oscillates due to the twisting of the other floating object, a first spur gear (planetary gear 331) that meshes with the teeth of the internal gear and rotates in the positive direction, a second spur gear (sun gear 332) that meshes with the first spur gear and rotates in the opposite direction to the positive direction and transmits to a shaft, and a third spur gear (336, 335, 334) that has a different axis of rotation from the second spur gear and converts the rotational force of the first spur gear in the reverse direction and transmits it to a shaft that is coaxial with the second spur gear, the rotational force due to the twisting generated in the axis of the second spur gear is transmitted to the adding mechanism via the shaft, and the third spur gear also functions as the second rectifying mechanism.

[0016] The wave power generation device of the fourth invention is configured such that, in the third invention, a rotational energy storage mechanism is installed between the shaft and the input shaft of the fourth bevel gear. The rotational energy storage mechanism is constructed by fixing the inner end of a coiled spring to the shaft, fixing the outer end of the spring to a rotating body, and fixing the side surface of the rotating body to the input shaft of the third bevel gear. This rotational energy storage mechanism stores rotational force due to twisting when the torque of the rotational force due to twisting is below a certain value, and releases the stored rotational energy and transmits it to the input shaft of the third bevel gear when it exceeds the certain value. This smooths out the torque.

[0017] The wave power generation device of the fifth invention further comprises a detachable mechanism between the other floating object and the joint mechanism in the third invention, for detachably connecting the other floating object and the joint mechanism. The second mounting portion is attached to the side surface of the other floating object via the detachable mechanism. As a result, the one floating object fixedly attached to the joint mechanism and the other floating object are configured to be detachably connected. According to the fifth invention, the attachment and detachment of each floating object is facilitated, and the repair and replacement of faulty mechanisms and parts housed in the floating objects or joint mechanisms can be easily performed.

[0018] The wave power generation device of the sixth invention, in the third invention, at least three floating objects, namely, a first floating object (11a in FIG. 12) for housing a generator, a second floating object (11b), and a third floating object (11c), are grouped together. The second conversion mechanism (33b, 33c in FIG. 13) is housed in the second floating object and the third floating object respectively, and converts the rotational force due to the torsion of the second floating object and the third floating object into a rotational force. The first conversion mechanism is housed in a joint mechanism that connects the first floating object and the second floating object, and an addition mechanism (324) that also serves as the first conversion mechanism functions as the first addition mechanism. The shaft (337a) of the second conversion mechanism (33b) housed in the second floating object (11b) is connected to the input shaft of the first addition mechanism via the second addition mechanism. The shaft (337e) of the second conversion mechanism (33c) housed in the third floating object (11c) extends to the second floating object and is connected to the other input shaft of the second addition mechanism (55b, 55c). The second addition mechanism adds the rotational force due to the torsion of the second conversion mechanism housed in the second floating object and the rotational force due to the torsion of the second conversion mechanism housed in the third floating object, and transmits it to the input shaft of the first addition mechanism.

[0019] The wave power generation device of the seventh invention, in the first invention, the joint mechanism includes a first attachment member composed of a first attachment portion attached to the side surface of one floating object and a pair of support plates fixedly attached to one surface of the first attachment portion at one end thereof, and a second attachment member composed of a second attachment portion attached to the side surface of the other floating object and a pair of rotating plates fixedly attached to one surface of the second attachment portion at one end thereof, and further includes a shaft support portion that pivotally supports the surfaces near the other ends of each support plate and the surfaces near the other ends of each rotating plate in a butted state. Thereby, the joint mechanism is configured to be rotatable in an upward diagonal direction and a downward diagonal direction when viewed from the front. The first conversion mechanism is composed of an internal gear, a spur gear that meshes with the teeth of the internal gear, a first bevel gear that is rotated by the rotational force of the spur gear, and a second bevel gear that meshes with the first bevel gear and converts and transmits the direction of the rotational axis of the first bevel gear. When either one of the floating objects is bent, the internal gear and the spur gear rotate, and the rotational force corresponding to the bending angle is transmitted to the output shaft of the second bevel gear, and the output shaft is configured to extend into the other floating object.

[0020] The wave power generation device of the eighth invention is, in the seventh invention, the second conversion mechanism includes an internal gear and a spur gear that meshes with the teeth of the internal gear, and is mounted on the side surface of the other floating object and indirectly transmits the rotational force corresponding to the twist of the other floating object to the internal gear through a hole formed in the side surface, and is configured to transmit the rotational force of the spur gear to the output shaft.

[0021] The wave power generation device of the ninth invention is, in the eighth invention, the first conversion mechanism and the second conversion mechanism are housed in a joint mechanism. The output shaft of the first conversion mechanism and the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism are configured to be able to be transmitted into the other floating object. The other floating object houses a first rectifying mechanism, a second rectifying mechanism, a speed changing mechanism, and a generator.

[0022] The wave power generation device of the tenth invention is, in the first or seventh invention, the other floating object (at least the floating object housing the generator) is equipped with a stabilizing plate having a planar shape larger than the planar shape of the floating object at a position below and away from its bottom surface, thereby reducing the influence of changes in sea waves.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to this invention, at least two floating objects are connected and arranged on the sea, and by converting the rotational force generated when bending or twisting occurs between adjacent floating objects due to the movement of waves into rotational force, a wave power generation device that can efficiently generate electricity using wave energy can be obtained. In addition, a wave power generation device with low installation costs and equipment costs and excellent power generation efficiency can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the power generation principle of the wave power generation device of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the external appearance of a wave power generation device according to one embodiment of this invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the principle of a wave power generation device 10, which is one embodiment of this invention. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view showing details of the joint mechanism, the first conversion mechanism, and the second conversion mechanism in a wave power generation device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the details of the joint mechanism 31. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing details of the joint mechanism, the first conversion mechanism, and the second conversion mechanism in the wave power generation device 30. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing a more specific configuration of the wave power generation device 30. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the second transformation mechanism along lines A-A, B-B, and C-C in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first conversion mechanism. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second conversion mechanism. [Figure 11] This is a detailed diagram of the rotational energy storage mechanism. [Figure 12] This is an external perspective view of a wave power generation device 40, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an exploded perspective view of a wave power generation device 50, which is another embodiment of this invention. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of a wave power generation device 60, which is yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a front view of the wave power generation device 60. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the first conversion mechanism of the wave power generation device 60. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the detailed configuration of the rectifier mechanism 64. [Figure 18] These are a side view and a cross-sectional view of the rectifier mechanism 64. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the details of the addition mechanism of the wave power generation device 60.

[0025] (Power generation principle of the wave power generation device of this invention) Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram illustrating the principle of wave power generation using two floating objects. In Figure 1, the wave power generation device consists of at least two floating objects 11a and 11b, arranged sequentially, for example, from the land side to the offshore side. Preferably, the two floating objects 11a and 11b are arranged along the direction in which they are most susceptible to the influence of longitudinal waves that generate rotational force through bending (this is called the "wave propagation direction"), and the floating objects 11b and 11a receive the force due to the vertical fluctuations of the waves in that order. The wave propagation direction is generally considered to be the direction in which longitudinal waves travel from offshore towards land, but it is determined by the wave propagation direction that allows for efficient power generation, which can be derived experimentally or statistically, depending on the location where the wave power generation device is installed. Note that this may vary depending on the seabed and land topography or wind direction of the installation area.

[0026] As a wave approaches, the wave power generator generates electricity by utilizing the energy produced by the bending force (or vertical rotational force of the wave surface) between one floating object 11a and the other floating object 11b in response to the vertical fluctuations of the longitudinal wave, as shown in Figure 1(a). On the other hand, when waves arrive from an oblique or transverse direction to the floating objects 11a and 11b, contrary to the expected direction of propagation, electricity is generated by utilizing the energy from the torsional force (or rotational force relative to the wave surface) between one floating object 11a and the other floating object 11b, as shown in Figure 1(b). Therefore, this wave power generation device has two types of power generation modes: power generation utilizing the bending force between floating objects 11a and 11b, and power generation utilizing the torsional force between floating objects 11a and 11b.

[0027] Figure 2 is a front view of the external appearance of a wave power generation device according to one embodiment of this invention. In Figure 2, the wave power generation device 10 of this embodiment connects one floating object 11a and the other floating object 11b by a joint mechanism 21. The joint mechanism 21 is configured to be bendable around a pivot point 211 so as to have a certain angular range in the vertical direction with respect to the sea surface (for example, a positive bending angle and a negative bending angle). Furthermore, the joint mechanism 21 supports one floating object 11b so that it can rotate in the twisting direction, and fixedly supports the other floating object 11a, thereby configuring the relative relationship between the floating objects 11a and 11b to be twistable (however, this is not shown in Figure 2).

[0028] The wave power generator 10 arranges floating objects 11a and 11b longitudinally along the direction of wave propagation. The end of floating object 11a opposite to the side connected to the joint mechanism 21 (land side) is connected to an anchor 13a submerged on the seabed via a rope 12a. The end of the floating object 11b (the offshore side) is connected to an anchor 13b submerged on the seabed via a rope 12b, thereby fixing the floating objects 11a and 11b in a certain direction.

[0029] When a wave approaches, the wave crest gradually pushes up the floating object 11b, creating a positive bending angle between the floating object 11b and the floating object 11a (the left-side member of the joint mechanism 21). As the wave crest passes the joint mechanism 21, the floating object 11b is pushed down, creating a negative bending angle between the floating object 11b and the floating object 11a (the left-side member of the joint mechanism 21). The oscillation caused by the positive and negative bending at this time becomes a rotational force, which is used as the first energy source for wave power generation.

[0030] On the other hand, if the waves arrive from an oblique or lateral direction, different from the orientation of the two floating objects 11b and 11a, the force of the oblique or lateral waves causes the relative relationship between floating objects 11a and 11b to oscillate in a torsional motion as shown in Figure 1(b). That is, waves from the left oblique direction push up the left side of floating object 11a while pushing up the right side (and consequently pushing down the left side), causing torsional oscillation (oscillation on the positive and negative sides) between floating objects 11a and 11b. This torsional oscillation becomes rotational force and is used as the second energy source for wave power generation.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the principle of a wave power generation device 10 according to one embodiment of this invention. In Figure 3, the wave power generation device 10 includes a floating object 11a, a floating object 11b, and a joint mechanism 21 for connecting floating objects 11a and 11b. The joint mechanism 21 connects floating objects 11a and 11b so that they can swing freely by bending and swing freely by twisting. In other words, the joint mechanism 21 connects the adjacent sides of at least two floating objects 11a and 11b, and connects the planes of the floating objects on the sea surface so that they can rotate freely, thereby supporting the two floating objects 11b and 11a to swing (swing by bending) freely with respect to longitudinal waves in the direction of wave propagation.

[0032] The joint mechanism 21 houses a first conversion mechanism 22 for converting bending-induced oscillation into rotation. The first conversion mechanism 22 is provided in relation to the floating object 11a and the joint mechanism 21, and converts the bending between the floating object 11b and the floating object 11a that occurs when at least two floating objects 11b, 11a oscillate up and down relative to the wave propagation direction into forward rotation and reverse rotation. The first conversion mechanism 22 transmits the energy from the forward and reverse rotations to the first rectification mechanism 24.

[0033] The second conversion mechanism 23 is provided in relation to the floating object 11b and the joint mechanism 21, and converts the twist between the floating object 11b and the floating object 11a that occurs when the floating object 11b swings from side to side into forward rotation and reverse rotation. The second conversion mechanism 23 transmits the energy from the forward and reverse rotations to the second rectification mechanism 24.

[0034] The first rectifier mechanism 24 is connected to the output shaft of the first conversion mechanism 22 and transmits the positive rotational force corresponding to the bending converted by the first conversion mechanism 22 as is, and also transmits the negative rotational force converted to the positive rotational force, thereby transmitting the rotational force due to bending to its output shaft. In other words, the first rectifier mechanism 24 improves efficiency by rectifying (changing the polarity of) the negative rotational force by converting the negative rotational force to the positive rotational force.

[0035] The second rectifier mechanism 25 is connected to the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 23 and transmits the positive rotational force corresponding to the torsion converted by the second conversion mechanism 23 as is, and also converts the reverse rotational force into positive rotational force and transmits it, thereby transmitting the rotational force due to the torsion to its output shaft. In other words, the second rectifier mechanism 25 improves efficiency by rectifying (changing the polarity of) the rotational force by converting the reverse (negative) rotational force into positive rotational force.

[0036] The adding mechanism 26 adds the rotational force due to bending from the first rectifying mechanism 24 and the rotational force due to twisting from the second rectifying mechanism 25, and transmits the resulting bending and twisting rotational force to the speed change mechanism 27 via the output shaft.

[0037] The transmission mechanism 27 increases the rotational force due to bending and the rotational force due to twisting (the sum of the rotational forces) and transmits the high-speed rotational force to its output shaft. The generator 28 is connected to the output shaft of the transmission mechanism and generates electricity when driven by the increased high-speed rotational force.

[0038] Furthermore, if necessary, a flywheel 29 may be attached to the output shaft of the adding mechanism 26, that is, the shaft connecting the adding mechanism 26 and the speed change mechanism 27, to smooth out the rotational force caused by bending and twisting. This makes it possible to smooth out fluctuations in generated power when there are large small changes due to waves.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a case where the first conversion mechanism 22, the first rectifier mechanism 24, and the adding mechanism 26 are housed within the joint mechanism 21, the second conversion mechanism 23 and the second rectifier mechanism 25 are housed within the floating object 11b, and the speed change mechanism 27 and the generator 28 are housed within the floating object 11a. However, the components or mechanisms housed may differ depending on the structure of the first converter 22 and the second converter 23 and the structure of the joint mechanism 21. Furthermore, although Figure 3 explains the mechanisms separately by function, the first rectifier mechanism 24 and the adding mechanism 26 may be shared using components included in the first conversion mechanism 22, and the second rectifier mechanism 25 may be shared using components included in the second conversion mechanism 23.

[0040] (Example 1) Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing details of the joint mechanism 31, the first conversion mechanism 32, and the second conversion mechanism 33 included in a wave power generation device 30 of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing details of the joint mechanism 31. Figure 6 is a front view showing details of the joint mechanism 31 and the first conversion mechanism 32. Figure 7 is a plan view showing a more specific configuration of the wave power generation device 30, and in particular shows the case where the joint mechanism 31 is attached to the floating objects 11a and 11b. Next, the specific configurations of the joint mechanism 31 and the first conversion mechanism 32 of the wave power generation device 30 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Note that, for simplification, the teeth of the bevel gears 321 to 324 are not shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 4, the joint mechanism 31 includes a first support member 311 and a second support member 312. The first support member 311 is constructed by fixing one end of a pair of support plates 311b and 311c to one side of a mounting portion (or mounting plate) 311a that is attached to the side surface of the floating object 11a by welding or the like, and forming an axial hole (not shown) near the other end of the support plates 311b and 311c. The second support member 312 is constructed by fixing one end of a pair of rotating plates 312b and 312c to one side of a mounting portion (or mounting plate) 312a that is attached to the side surface of the floating object 11b by welding or the like, and forming an axial hole (not shown) near the other end of the support plates 311b and 311c. A through hole 311d is formed in the center of the mounting portion 311a for passing through the shaft 327, which will be the output shaft of the first conversion mechanism 33. A through hole 312d is formed in the center of the mounting portion 312a for passing through the shaft 337a, which will be the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 32 (or the shaft 326, which will be the input shaft of the bevel gear 324). This shaft 326 is fitted into the one-way clutch 312e, and the one-way clutch 312e is supported by the through hole 312d, so that the shaft 326 is supported to rotate freely in only one direction.

[0042] The first support member 311 and the second support member 312 are positioned with their other ends near each other so that the holes in the pair of support plates 311b, 311c and the pair of rotating plates 312b, 312c align. The holes in the support plates 311b, 311c are selected to be of a large diameter to house and fix the bearings (hereinafter abbreviated as "bearings") 314b, 314c. The holes in the rotating plates 312b, 312c are selected to be the same diameter as the support shaft 313 for supporting the bevel gears 321, 322 described later, and pass through both ends of the support shaft 313. Screw holes are formed from above and below at the ends of the support shaft 313 that are inserted through the rotating plates 312b, 312c. Holes for inserting bolts (or screws) 315 are formed in the rotating plates 312b, 312c at positions corresponding to the screw holes in the support shaft 313.

[0043] The first conversion mechanism 32 includes a pair of bevel gears 321 and 322 for converting the bending that occurs when the floating object 11b oscillates due to longitudinal waves into rotational motion, a bevel gear 323 for extracting the rotational force from the bevel gears 321 and 322, and a bevel gear 324 for adding the rotational force corresponding to the twist from the second conversion mechanism 33 to the rotational force due to bending.

[0044] The pair of bevel gears 321 and 322 have large diameters and gently sloping tooth surfaces, with their toothed heads facing each other and connected to rotate in relation to the rotation of the rotating plates 312b and 312c. The bevel gear 321 is mounted below the center of the support shaft 313 (as seen from Figure 4) via a one-way clutch 325a (the black-filled portion on the circumferential surface of the support shaft 313) so that it rotates when the support member 312 rotates upward (forward direction) and does not slip and transmit rotational force when the support member 312 rotates downward (reverse direction). The bevel gear 322 is mounted above the center of the support shaft 313 (as viewed from Figure 4) via a one-way clutch 325b, so that it rotates freely when the support member 312 rotates upward and transmits rotational force when the support member 312 rotates downward.

[0045] The support shaft 313 is rotatably supported at one end by a bearing 314b fixed to the support plate 311b, and at the other end by a bearing 314b fixed to the support plate 311c. Furthermore, one end of the support shaft 313 is inserted through a hole in the rotating plate 312b and fastened to the rotating plate 312b from above and below with bolts or screws, thereby fixing it to the rotating plate 312b, and the other end of the support shaft 313 is inserted through a hole in the rotating plate 312b and fastened to the rotating plate 312c from above and below with bolts or screws. As a result, the pair of bevel gears 321 and 322 are rotatably supported, and when the rotating plates 312b and 312c rotate in response to the bending of the floating object 11b and the joint mechanism 31, the rotation of the rotating plates 312b and 312c is transmitted to the bevel gears 321 and 322.

[0046] Furthermore, stoppers (not shown) are formed on the sides of the support plates 311b and 311c to limit the bending of the rotating plates 312b and 312c beyond a predetermined angular range (e.g., ±30 degrees) in the positive and negative directions. This prevents the floating object 11b from bending beyond the permissible range due to excessive wave force, thereby preventing damage.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7, the joint mechanism 31 supports the bevel gears 321 and 322 by support plates 311b, 311c and rotating plates 312b, 312c, and the mounting portion 311a is screwed or bolted to the side plate of the floating object 11a. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the joint mechanism 31 is covered in a cylindrical shape by a bellows member 35, and one end of the bellows member 35 is attached to the side plate of the floating object 11a with a rubber packing (not shown) in between to prevent seawater from entering. The other end of the bellows member 35 is either directly attached to the side plate of the floating object 11b, or attached to the side plate of the floating object 11b via a detachment mechanism 36 as described later.

[0048] If necessary, the mounting part 311a and the side plate of the floating object 11a can be mounted with the vibration-damping rubber 37a sandwiched between them. The mounting part 321a and the side plate of the floating object 11b can be mounted with the vibration-damping rubber 317 sandwiched between them. By mounting with the vibration-damping rubber 317 sandwiched between them, the impact of strong waves can be reduced. Although not shown in the diagram, rubber gaskets are inserted between the mounting portion 311a and the side plate of the floating object 11a, and between the mounting portion 321a and the side plate of the floating object 11b. The gaps between each component are filled with resin material (sealant) to provide waterproofing.

[0049] If necessary, a detachable mechanism 36 is installed between the side plate of the floating object 11b and the mounting portion 321a. The detachable mechanism 36 includes a disc-shaped member 361 that is attached to the mounting portion 312a and a plate-shaped member 362 that is attached to the side plate of the floating object 11b. Multiple screw holes for fastening the bellows member 35 to the disc-shaped member 361 are formed near its outer circumference, and a through hole 361a is formed in its center. In addition, multiple clamping chucks 361b for detachably attaching the joint mechanism 31 to the floating object 11b are attached to a part of the outer circumference of the disc-shaped member 361. A through hole 362a is formed in the center of the plate-shaped member 362. Multiple chucking jaws 362b are formed near the outer circumference of the plate-shaped member 362, corresponding to the mounting positions of the chucks 361b.

[0050] A second conversion mechanism 33 is housed and fixedly attached to the floating object 11b to which the plate-shaped member 362 is attached, in order to extract rotational energy corresponding to the twisting of the floating object 11b. A connector 362c is attached to the shaft 337a included in the second conversion mechanism 33. However, if the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 is attached to the shaft 337a, the connector 362c is attached to the output shaft of the rotational energy storage mechanism 34. Furthermore, a connector 316c that engages with connector 362c is attached to the shaft 326 connected to the bevel gear 324. Connectors 362c and 316c are configured such that one is male and the other is female, and they lock together and transmit rotational force to the next stage when the shaft 337a is rotating in the direction that transmits rotational force (for example, left rotation), and rotate freely when rotating in the opposite direction (for example, right rotation).

[0051] Then, by positioning the plate-shaped member 362 attached to the floating object 11b on the disc-shaped member 361 and pushing the multiple chucking jaws 362b into the corresponding chucks 361b, the floating object 11b and the joint mechanism 31 are connected, and at the same time, the connectors 362c and 316c engage. In this state, rotational energy corresponding to the torsion converted by the second conversion mechanism 33 is transmitted to the shaft 326. On the other hand, if the joint mechanism 31, the speed change mechanism 27 (see Figure 3) housed in the floating object 11a, the generator 28 (see Figure 3), or the second conversion mechanism 33 housed in the floating object 11b malfunctions, the floating object 11b and the joint mechanism 31 are separated by opening the multiple chucks 361b with a screwdriver or the like and releasing the lock on the chucking jaws 362b. In this way, by providing the detachment mechanism 36, when some parts malfunction, the floating object 11b or floating object 11a can be detached, replaced in unit units, transported to land for repair, and repairs can be carried out more easily compared to repairs performed at sea.

[0052] Figure 8 is a side view of the second conversion mechanism 33 as seen from lines A-A, B-B, and C-C in Figure 6. Next, the specific configuration of the second conversion mechanism 33 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 6 to 8.

[0053] The second conversion mechanism 33 comprises an internal gear 330 and a plurality of spur gears 331 to 336. The internal gear 330 is formed by forming internal teeth on the inner circumference of a ring-shaped or donut-shaped metal body. The internal gear 330 is fixedly supported inside the floating object 11b by a support member (339 in Figure 7).

[0054] As shown in detail in Figure 8(a), spur gears 331 and 333 are arranged on the internal gear 330 so as to mesh with the teeth on its inner circumference. Spur gear 332 is positioned between spur gears 331 and 333 and in the center of the internal gear 330. Spur gears 331 and 333 do not directly transmit the rotation of the internal gear 330 in response to the twisting of the floating object 11b to the next stage, and are therefore also called planetary gears. Spur gear 332 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of spur gears 331 and 333 in conjunction with the rotation of spur gears 331 and / or 333, and transmits the rotational force of the internal gear 330 to its shaft 337a, and is therefore also called a sun gear. These spur gears 331 to 333 are referred to as spur gears in contrast to the internal gear 330, but are sometimes simply abbreviated as "gears".

[0055] Spur gear 331 is supported by shaft 337b via a one-way clutch (blacked-out portion) 338b so that it transmits rotational force only in one direction (counterclockwise) and does not rotate freely in the opposite direction (clockwise) to transmit the rotational force of internal gear 330 to spur gear 332. Similarly, spur gear 332 is supported by shaft 337a via a one-way clutch 338a so that it transmits rotational force only in the counterclockwise direction and does not rotate freely in the opposite direction to transmit the rotational force of internal gear 330 to the next stage. In other words, one-way clutches 338a and 338b are used that lock in the counterclockwise direction (transmit rotational force only in the counterclockwise direction) and rotate freely in the right direction. Spur gear 334 is fixedly mounted (for example, press-fitted) on shaft 337a of spur gear 332 behind spur gear 332 (to the left in Figure 4).

[0056] The shaft 337b of the spur gear 331 has a length several times the thickness of the spur gear 331 and supports the spur gear 336, which is positioned behind the spur gear 331 (to the left in Figure 4) at a distance, via a one-way clutch 338c that transmits rotational force only in the counterclockwise direction (see Figure 8(c)). Spur gear 335 is meshed with spur gear 336. Spur gear 335 is selected to be about twice as thick as the other spur gears and transmits the rotational force of spur gears 331 and 336 to spur gear 334 (see Figure 8(b)). Since spur gear 334 is fixedly mounted on the same shaft 337a as spur gear 332, it always works to transmit rotational force in one direction (counterclockwise). The shaft 337a may be directly connected to the shaft 326 of the first conversion mechanism 32, or it may be connected via the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 if necessary. The rotational energy storage mechanism 34 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. Note that the bearing sections of shafts 337a to 337d are omitted from the illustration for simplification.

[0057] The operation of the second conversion mechanism 33, which consists of the internal gear 330 and a plurality of spur gears 331 to 336, that is, the rotational direction of the internal gear 330 and the plurality of spur gears 331 to 336, is shown in the diagram (operation table) of the operation explanation in Figure 10.

[0058] Next, the operation of the first conversion mechanism 32 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 9. As waves (wave crests) approaching from offshore gradually push up the floating object 11b, the floating object 11b is bent in a positive (upward) direction relative to the floating object 11a. Accordingly, the mounting portion 312 is bent upward relative to the mounting portion 311, causing the rotating plate 312b to rotate upward, and the bevel gear 321 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front, causing the bevel gear 323 to rotate counterclockwise. The output of the first conversion mechanism 32 corresponding to the rotational force of the bevel gear 323, i.e., the bending force, is transmitted to the next stage transmission mechanism 27 via the shaft 327. At this time, the rotating plate 312c rotates upward, but the bevel gear 322 spins freely to the right and does not transmit rotational force to the bevel gear 323.

[0059] Then, when the force pushing up the floating object 11b at the wave crest reaches the upper limit of the bending angle of the mounting portion 312 (for example, 1 degree) (the state in Figure 9), further bending of the mounting portion 312 is restricted. As the wave crest passes the position of the floating object 11b, the floating object 11b gradually lowers and the floating object 11a is gradually pushed up, so the floating object 11b is bent in a negative direction relative to the floating object 11a. Accordingly, the rotating plate 312b rotates downward, the bevel gear 321 spins freely, and the bevel gear 322 rotates clockwise, transmitting the rotational force to the bevel gear 323.

[0060] In this case, the clockwise rotation of the bevel gear 322 causes the bevel gear 323 to rotate counterclockwise, so the rotation direction of the bevel gear 323 is always a constant counterclockwise direction. As a result, regardless of whether the bending direction of the mounting portion 312 relative to the mounting portion 311 is positive (forward) or negative (reverse) direction, the bevel gear 323 will always rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise). As a result, when the floating object 11b is bent in the negative direction, the bevel gears 322 and 323 act as the first rectifier mechanism 24. In other words, the first conversion mechanism 32 also functions as the first rectifier mechanism 24, and in both the case of bending the floating object 11b in the positive direction and the case of bending in the negative direction, the bevel gear 323 is rotated in a certain direction to convert the bending motion caused by the oscillation of the floating object 11b into rotational motion.

[0061] Furthermore, since the shaft 326 (the input shaft from the second conversion mechanism 33) is supported by a one-way clutch 312e so as to be able to transmit rotational force in only one direction, even if the bevel gear 321 or 322 of the first conversion mechanism 32 rotates in the direction of force transmission, the bending force generated by the first conversion mechanism 32 is not transmitted to the second conversion mechanism 33.

[0062] Then, each time a wave arrives from the direction of the arrangement of the floating objects 11a and 11b or from a slightly oblique direction to the arrangement direction, the first conversion mechanism 32 repeats the operations of paragraphs

[0054] to

[0058] to generate a rotational force corresponding to the bending, and the generator 28 generates electricity using the rotational force corresponding to the bending.

[0063] However, if the direction of wave propagation is not in the direction of arrangement of floating objects 11a and 11b (including oblique directions with a slight angle from said arrangement direction), but rather from the side of floating object 11b or from an oblique direction with a fairly large angle, causing twisting of floating object 11b, the bending force caused by the wave may be small, and the first conversion mechanism 32 may not be able to generate the rotational force necessary for power generation by the bending force. In that case, the second conversion mechanism 33 works to generate the rotational force necessary for power generation. Next, the operation of the second conversion mechanism 33 will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 6 to 8, and 10.

[0064] When a wave arrives from the side or oblique direction of the floating object 11b and causes a positive (clockwise rotation) twist in the floating object 11b, the second conversion mechanism 33 housed inside the floating object 11b operates as follows. For example, as shown in Figure 1(b), when a wave arrives from the left side or diagonally to the left of the floating object 11b, the internal gear 330 rotates counterclockwise, causing the spur gear 331 to rotate counterclockwise, and this rotational force is transmitted to the shaft 337a via gears 336, 335, and 334, resulting in a counterclockwise rotation. At this time, the spur gear 333 rotates counterclockwise, but the spur gear 332 rotates freely to the right, so the rotation of the spur gear 332 is not transmitted to the shaft 337a.

[0065] On the other hand, when a wave passes over the floating object 11b from the left or diagonally to the left, or while a wave is approaching the floating object 11b from the right or diagonally to the right, it causes a negative (counterclockwise) twist in the floating object 11b. In response, the internal gear 330 rotates clockwise, causing the spur gear 333 to rotate clockwise, and this rotational force is transmitted to the gear 332, which rotates counterclockwise, transmitting a counterclockwise force to the shaft 337a. At this time, the spur gear 331 spins freely to the right, so the rotation of the spur gear 331 is not transmitted to the shaft 337a.

[0066] As described above, the second conversion mechanism 33 rotates the axis 327a in a constant direction (to the left in this embodiment) regardless of whether the wave is coming from the side or obliquely from the floating object 11b, and therefore also functions as the second rectification mechanism 25.

[0067] The aforementioned shaft 337a transmits the rotational force (left) caused by the twisting of the floating object 11b, which is the output of the second conversion mechanism 33, to the bevel gear 324 via shaft 326. The bevel gear 324 transmits the rotational force (left) caused by the twisting to the bevel gears 321 and 322, but since the bevel gear 321 rotates freely to the right, it is transmitted to the bevel gear 323 via bevel gear 322. The rotational force of the bevel gear 323, i.e., the rotational force caused by the twisting, is transmitted to the subsequent speed change mechanism 27 (see Figure 3) via shaft 327. In this way, by supplying the output of the second conversion mechanism 33 to the bevel gear 324 as input to the first conversion mechanism 32, the bevel gear 324 adds the rotational force due to twisting to the rotational force due to bending and transmits it to the next stage. In other words, the first conversion mechanism 32 also functions as an addition mechanism 26.

[0068] Then, each time a wave arrives from the side or at an angle, the second conversion mechanism 33 repeats the operations of paragraphs

[0063] to

[0066] to generate a rotational force corresponding to the twist, and the generator 28 uses the rotational force corresponding to the twist to generate electricity.

[0069] The aforementioned gear shifting mechanism 27 receives a rotational force obtained by adding the rotational force corresponding to bending from the first conversion mechanism 32 and the rotational force corresponding to twisting from the second conversion mechanism 33, and generates a high-speed rotational force. For example, the gear shifting mechanism 27 includes two gears (not shown) of different gear ratios, with the larger gear connected to the shaft 327 (i.e., the output shaft of the first conversion mechanism 32) and the smaller gear connected to the rotating shaft of the subsequent generator 28. When the larger gear connected to the shaft 327 rotates once, the smaller gear meshing with the larger gear rotates at a speed that is a multiple of the reciprocal of the gear ratio, thereby rotating the generator 28 (see Figure 3). This generator 28 is, for example, a three-phase AC generator of about 6 kW, and generates wave power by rotating with the rotational force obtained by adding the rotational force corresponding to bending and the rotational force corresponding to twisting (i.e., rotational force due to wave power) and increasing the speed of the gear shifting mechanism 27. The electricity generated by generator 28 is transmitted to land via a cable (not shown).

[0070] In the case of only one set of floating objects (floating power generation unit containing the generator 28) 11a and one floating object (floating unit not containing the generator 28) 11b, the generated power (capacity and voltage) is small. Therefore, in practice, multiple sets of floating power generation units 11a and floating units 11b are connected, and the output of the generators housed in the floating power generation unit 11a of each set is connected in series, and some are connected in parallel as needed (when the number of floating objects is greatly increased) to obtain power which is then transmitted to land. Furthermore, by arranging multiple rows of interconnected floating objects 11a and 11b (i.e., arranging multiple sets vertically and horizontally), it becomes possible to obtain even greater power generation.

[0071] Incidentally, while the gear shifting mechanism 27 can increase rotational speed using conventional gears, using a continuously variable transmission mechanism allows for efficient handling of varying wave strengths. For example, the continuously variable transmissions proposed by the present inventor in Patent No. 6784905 and Patent No. 6872233 may be used. By using these continuously variable transmissions, the optimal gear ratio can be selected by adjusting the position of a set of spherical rolling elements, and torque can also be easily adjusted.

[0072] Next, we will explain the details of the case where a rotational energy storage mechanism 34 is provided. The wave period is typically several tens of seconds, and the wave's initiating force is generated within a few seconds. The rotational energy storage mechanism 34 temporarily stores the rotational force due to the torsion converted by the second conversion mechanism 33, smooths the rotational energy, and applies it as torque to the shaft 326, which is the input shaft of the first conversion mechanism 32.

[0073] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the rotational energy storage mechanism 34. In particular, Figure 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 as seen from the front, and Figure 11(b) is a side view of the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 as seen from line D-D in Figure 6. In Figure 11, the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 is mounted between the shaft 337a and the shaft 326 of the first conversion mechanism 32. Specifically, the rotational energy storage mechanism 34 is constructed by housing a spring-like leaf spring or mainspring (hereinafter both abbreviated as "spring") 342 inside a drum-shaped rotating body 341. The inner end of the spring 342 is fixed to a one-way clutch 343 that penetrates one end of the shaft 337a, and the outer end of the leaf spring 342 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating body 341. The rotating body 341 has a cylindrical portion 344 formed on its side surface (left side surface in Figure 4), and the cylindrical portion 344 is connected to the shaft (input shaft) 326, which is connected to the bevel gear 324, by screws or the like. In this way, by configuring the spring 342 and the rotating body 341 to be connected to or fixed to different shafts 327a and 326, the spring 342 is configured to accumulate or release rotational torque while the shafts 327a and 326 (326a and 326 in the example of Figure 7) rotate separately.

[0074] The rotational energy storage mechanism 34 temporarily stores the rotational force due to torsion when it is below a certain value. When it exceeds that value, the one-way clutch 343 and the rotating body 341 rotate freely relative to the shaft 327a, and the rotational force due to the elastic force of the spring 342 is transmitted to the shaft 326, which is the input to the bevel gear 324, thereby releasing the stored rotational energy. This smooths out the torque. Now, let's consider the rotational energy, which can be expressed by the following equation. Pw = 2πT × N However, Pw represents rotational energy, T represents torque, and N represents rotational speed. The leaf spring itself is the same, but it depends on the torque. Because springs have torque-dependent properties, it is possible to add torque T, and thus energy addition is possible. Since energy addition is independent of angular velocity, it is transmitted as torque by the gears.

[0075] As described above, the wave power generation device 30 of this embodiment generates electricity by utilizing two types of movements, bending and twisting, that occur when the floating object 11b is oscillated by waves. Therefore, wave power generation can be performed even when wave changes are small, and the power generation efficiency can be significantly increased compared to wave power generation that utilizes transverse waves. Furthermore, since the floating objects 11a and 11b are not limited to locations with quays or the like, but can be placed offshore away from quays, power generation can be made using large waves and / or frequently arriving waves, and power generation efficiency can be further increased compared to when wave power generation devices are installed in relation to fixed structures such as quays.

[0076] (Example 2) Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the wave power generation device 40 of the present invention, in particular when the configuration of the floating object is changed. The wave power generation device 40 in this embodiment is constructed by connecting multiple sets of three floating objects: a floating object (floating power generation unit) 11a containing a generator 28, and floating objects (floating units) 11b and 11c that do not contain a generator 28.

[0077] In this embodiment, the wave power generation device 40 consists of three floating objects 11a, 11b, and 11c as a set, and a support column 44 extending downward from the bottom surface of the floating object 11a that houses the generator 28, with a stabilizing plate 45 attached to the lower end of the support column 44. The stabilizing plate 45 is selected to have a planar shape larger than the planar shape of the floating object 11a. To prevent the stabilizing plate 45 from coming off the support column 44 when subjected to strong waves, the support columns 44 of adjacent floating objects 11a' are connected to each other with wire ropes 46 or the like.

[0078] According to the wave power generation device 40 of this embodiment, even when subjected to strong waves during rough seas, the change in wave strength is small several meters below the sea surface. Therefore, it is possible to increase the oscillation of the floating object 11b (or 11c) housing the joint mechanism 31 and the second conversion mechanism 33 while suppressing the oscillation of the floating object 11a housing the generator, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, when attaching the stabilizing plate 45, instead of configuring the floating structures in sets of three, it is also possible to configure them in sets of two (11a and 11b) as shown in Figure 2. Additionally, sets of four or more floating structures are also acceptable.

[0080] (Example 3) Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a wave power generation device 50, which is another embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, the wave power generation device 50, when using three floating objects connected as a set as shown in Figure 12, generates wave power using two systems of second conversion mechanisms 33b and 33c, by housing a second conversion mechanism 33 (the one housed in 11b is denoted by reference numeral 33b, and the one housed in 11c is denoted by reference numeral 33c) in each of the floating objects 11b and 11c. However, the second conversion mechanism 33c is omitted from the illustration due to space limitations.

[0081] The wave power generation device 50 is configured to include two second conversion mechanisms 33b and 33c, and is configured by fixing a gear 55b to the shaft 326 between the shaft 337a and the shaft 326, that is, between the mounting portion 312a and the rotational energy storage mechanism 34. Gear 55b is meshed with gear 55c, which is fixed to one end of shaft 337e, and gear 55c is rotatably supported within the floating object 11b. The other end of shaft 337e extends to the floating object 11c and is fixed to the side surface of rotational energy storage mechanism 34c. The inner end of the plate spring of rotational energy storage mechanism 34c is fixed to shaft 337f (the shaft corresponding to 337a in Figure 4), which is the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 33c.

[0082] Since the other parts are the same as the joint mechanism 31, the first conversion mechanism 32, and the second conversion mechanism 33 in the wave power generation device 30 of Figure 4, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the embodiment of Figure 4, and their configuration is omitted. However, the rotational direction of the shaft 337f, which is the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 33c, and the shaft 337e connected to it, is reversed by the gear 55c and transmitted to the gear 55b. Therefore, in order for gears 55b and 55c to add the rotational force due to the twisting of the second conversion mechanism 33b and the rotational force due to the twisting of the second conversion mechanism 33c, the rotational direction of the spur gears 331 to 336 of the second conversion mechanism 33c is reversed from the rotational direction of the corresponding spur gear of the second conversion mechanism 33b, and the locking direction (i.e., the direction in which rotational force is transmitted) and the free-spinning direction of the one-way clutches 338a to 338c are changed to the opposite direction to that of the second conversion mechanism 33b. Furthermore, the joint mechanism 31 connecting the floating objects 11b and 11c does not need to utilize the swing caused by bending of both objects, so a version that does not house the first conversion mechanism 32 is used.

[0083] In this embodiment, waves from the lateral or oblique direction that cause twisting often arrive in the order of floating object 11c - floating object 11b. In this case, the second conversion mechanism 33c housed in floating object 11c first generates a rotational force due to twisting, and this rotational force is transmitted to gear 55c via shafts 337f and 337e, and simultaneously to gear 55b, i.e., shaft 326. A little later, the second conversion mechanism 33b housed in floating object 11b generates a rotational force due to twisting, and this rotational force is transmitted to gear 55b via shaft 337a. Therefore, gears 55b and 55c add the rotational force due to twisting of the second conversion mechanism 33c and the rotational force due to twisting of the second conversion mechanism 33b and transmit this to the bevel gear 324 of the subsequent first conversion mechanism 31.

[0084] As in this embodiment, by providing two second conversion mechanisms, 33b and 33c, that generate rotational force due to twisting, and one first conversion mechanism 31 that generates rotational force due to bending, and one generator 28, the system can be configured to increase power generation capacity by reducing the number of generators, which have high component costs, and has the advantage of lowering the installation cost for the same power generation capacity.

[0085] By the way, although the above-described wave power generation devices 10, 30, 40, and 50 all describe configuration examples where the first conversion mechanism 31 combines rectification and addition functions, and the second conversion mechanisms 32 and 32b combine rectification functions, they may also be constructed using individual components that do not combine rectification or addition functions, as shown in the principle block diagram in Figure 3. The following describes other embodiments composed of individual parts corresponding to each section of the principle block diagram shown in Figure 3.

[0086] (Example 4) Figure 14 is a plan view of a wave power generation device 60 of yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a front view of the wave power generation device 60. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the first conversion mechanism 62 included in the wave power generation device 60. Referring to Figures 14 to 16, in this embodiment, the wave power generation device 60 has a joint mechanism 61 (21 in the principle diagram of Figure 3, with the same reference numerals in parentheses) installed between floating objects 11a and 11b, and the first conversion mechanism 62 (22) and the second conversion mechanism 63 (23) are housed within the joint mechanism 61. The rectifier mechanisms 64 (24) and 65 (25), the adding mechanism 66 (26), the speed change mechanism (27, not shown), and the generator 68 (28, not shown) are housed in the floating object 11a. In this embodiment, the case in which the first conversion mechanism 62 and the second conversion mechanism 63 are composed of internal gears is shown. If there is ample space in the joint mechanism 61, the rectifier mechanisms 64 and 65 and the adding mechanism 66 may be housed within the joint mechanism 61.

[0087] The joint mechanism 61 is configured in substantially the same way as the joint mechanism 31 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and is shown by replacing the most significant digit "3" in the identical (or corresponding) parts with the symbol "6". More specifically, the joint mechanism 61 includes a first support member 611 and a second support member 612, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The first support member 611 is constructed by fixing one end of a pair of support plates 611b and 611c to one side of a mounting portion (or mounting plate) 611a attached to the side surface of the floating object 11a by welding or the like, and forming an axial hole (not shown) near the other end of the support plates 611b and 611c. The second support member 612 is constructed by fixing one end of a pair of rotating plates 612b and 612c to one side of a mounting portion (or mounting plate) 612a attached to the side surface of the floating object 11b by welding or the like, and forming an axial hole (not shown) near the other end of the support plates 612b and 612c. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the center of the mounting portion 611a for passing through the shaft 627, which will be the output shaft of the first conversion mechanism 63. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the center of the mounting portion 612a for passing through the shaft 637a, which will be the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 62.

[0088] The first support member 611 and the second support member 612 are positioned with their other ends near each other so that the holes in the pair of support plates 611b, 611c and the pair of rotating plates 612b, 612c align. The holes in the support plates 611b, 611c are selected to be of a large diameter to house and fix the bearings (hereinafter abbreviated as "bearings") 614b, 614c. The holes in the rotating plates 612b, 612c are selected to be of the same diameter as the support shaft (not shown) for supporting the central gear 624, and the ends of the support shaft are inserted through them to support the rotating plate.

[0089] The first conversion mechanism 62 includes an internal gear 621, a pair of spur gears 622 and 623 that mesh with the internal gear 621, and a central gear 624 that meshes with the spur gears 622 and 623, in order to convert the vertical bending that occurs when the floating object 11b oscillates due to longitudinal waves into rotational motion (see Figures 15 and 16). The internal gear 621 has a diameter parallel to the first support member 611 and the second support member 612, and its center is the center of the bearing, and is rotatably supported by the bending motion of the second support member 612. For simplification, the support structure of the internal gear 621 is omitted in the illustration. Furthermore, the first conversion mechanism 62 includes a bevel gear 625 fixed to the end of the pivot shaft of the spur gear 622, a bevel gear 626 that meshes with the bevel gear 625, and a shaft 627 that directs the rotational force of the bevel gear 626 towards the floating object 11a, in order to convert the rotation of the central gear 624 by 90 degrees and transmit it to the next stage.

[0090] (Explanation of the operation of the first conversion mechanism 62) As the wave changes, when the floating object 11b bends upward (or downward in the opposite direction) relative to the floating object 11a, the second support member 612 bends upward (or downward), and in conjunction with this, the internal gear 621 rotates to the left (or right). In response to the rotation of the internal gear 621, the spur gears 622 and 623 rotate to the right (or left), and the rotational force is transmitted to the bevel gear 625 connected (or fixed) to the shaft of the spur gear 622, where it is converted by 90 degrees by the bevel gear 626 and transmitted to the shaft 627.

[0091] Figure 17 shows a detailed view of the rectification mechanism 64, with (a) being a plan view and (b) being a front view. Figure 18 shows a side view and a cross-sectional view of the rectification mechanism 64, in particular (a) is a side view taken from line AA in Figure 17, (b) is a cross-sectional view along line BB, (c) is a cross-sectional view along line CC, and (d) is a cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0092] The shaft 627 (the rotation axis of the bevel gear 626), which is the output shaft of the first conversion mechanism 62 (i.e., the input shaft of the rectifier mechanism 64), is associated with and mounted the rectifier mechanism 64 (corresponding to 24 in Figure 3). The rectifier mechanism 64 includes a gear 641 fixed to shaft 627 and a one-way clutch 642 (hereinafter abbreviated as "OWC") fixed to shaft 627 at a position slightly away from gear 641. The OWC 642 transmits, for example, the leftward rotation of shaft 627 to gear 643, and when shaft 627 rotates to the right, it rotates freely and does not transmit the rotational force of shaft 627. Gear 643 is mounted on the outer surface of the OWC 642. Gear 645, fixed to shaft 644, meshes with gear 643. These shafts 627, shaft 644, and the center point of shaft 647 described later are arranged and supported to form a triangle (illustration of the support members for each shaft is omitted). Gear 645 is selected to be approximately twice as thick as the other gears (lateral length in Figure 17). Gear 645 meshes with gear 646 in the portion where it does not mesh with gear 643. Gear 646 is fixed by shaft 647, which serves as the output shaft. OWC 648 is fixed to shaft 647 at a position corresponding to gear 641. Gear 649 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of OWC 648. Gear 649 meshes with gear 641. Shaft 647 is connected (fixed) to the rotation axis of gear 661, which is included in the next stage adding mechanism 66.

[0093] The shaft 657 (the rotation axis of gear 332 in Figure 8), which is the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism 63 (i.e., the input shaft of the rectifier mechanism 65), is associated with the rectifier mechanism 65 (corresponding to 25 in Figure 3). Since this rectifier mechanism 65 is configured in the same way as the rectifier mechanism 64, a detailed explanation is omitted. Note that the reference numerals 637 and 657 in parentheses in Figure 18, which correspond to the input shaft and output shaft, indicate the shafts in the case of the rectifier mechanism 65.

[0094] Next, the operation of the rectifier mechanism 64 will be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 18. When shaft 627 rotates counterclockwise, for example, gear 641 rotates counterclockwise, causing gear 649, which meshes with gear 641, to rotate clockwise. At this time, the OWC 648 to which gear 649 is fixed is locked clockwise, so the OWC 648 transmits the clockwise rotation of gear 649 to shaft 647. Therefore, when shaft 627 rotates counterclockwise, it is converted to clockwise rotation by gears 641, 649 and OWC 648, and this clockwise rotational force is transmitted to the subsequent adding mechanism 66. In this case, however, the OWC 642 fixed to shaft 627 rotates freely, so the rotational force of shaft 627 is not transmitted to gear 643. On the other hand, when shaft 627 rotates clockwise, even though the clockwise rotational force of gear 641 is transmitted to gear 649, the OWC 648 spins freely, so that rotational force is not transmitted to shaft 627. In this case, the clockwise rotational force of shaft 627 is transmitted to gear 643 by OWC 642, causing gear 645 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotational force of gear 645 causes gear 646 to rotate clockwise, and at the same time causes shaft 647 to rotate clockwise. Therefore, when shaft 627 rotates clockwise, its rotational force (clockwise) is transmitted through the path OWC 642 and gear 643 → gear 645 → gear 646 and shaft 647, causing shaft 647 to rotate clockwise, and the clockwise rotational force of shaft 647 is transmitted to the subsequent adding mechanism 66.

[0095] Then, in response to the repeated up-and-down motion of the wave, when the floating body part 11b bends upward or downward relative to the floating body 11a, whether the bend is in the positive or negative (reverse) direction, the rotation direction of the shaft 647, which is the output shaft of the adding mechanism 64, becomes constant (right). As a result, the rotational force from the two types of bending, positive and negative, is combined and output, and as the wave repeatedly changes up and down, a rotational force output in a constant direction is obtained. Therefore, the rectifying mechanism 64 is performing a rectifying action.

[0096] The second conversion mechanism 63 rotates in response to the twist between the floating objects 11a and 11b to derive rotational force. In the second conversion mechanism 33 shown in Figures 6 and 8, the gear mechanism shown in Figure 8(b) and the gear mechanism shown in Figure 8(c) are omitted (i.e., the rectifier mechanism is omitted), and the OWC 338a in Figure 8(a) is removed, with the gear 332 fixed to the shaft 337a. The rotational force corresponding to the twist derived by this second conversion mechanism 63 is transmitted via the shaft 637 to the input shaft of the next stage rectifier mechanism 65, where it is converted into a rotational force in a constant direction and transmitted via the shaft 657, which is the output shaft of the rectifier mechanism 65, to the input shaft of the gear 662 of the adding mechanism 66 (corresponding to 26 in Figure 3).

[0097] Furthermore, if necessary, a detachable mechanism 36, as shown in Figure 7, may be provided between the joint mechanism 61 and the floating object 11b, so that the second conversion mechanism 63 and the floating object 11b can be detachably connected. This has the advantage of facilitating installation and / or repair and replacement.

[0098] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the adding mechanism 66 included in the wave power generation device 60. This adding mechanism 66 is composed of a combination of three gears 661, 662, and 663. The input shaft of gear 661 is connected to the output shaft 647 of the rectifier mechanism 64, transmitting rotational force through bending motion. The input shaft of gear 662 is connected to the output shaft 657 of the rectifier mechanism 65, transmitting rotational force through torsional motion. Gear 663 is positioned between gears 661 and 662 so as to mesh with the tooth surfaces of both gears 661 and 662. Gear 663 outputs the sum of the rotational forces from both input shafts.

[0099] The rotational force (X) from the bending motion of shaft 647 causes gear 661 to rotate in a constant direction (clockwise in the diagram). When gear 661 rotates, gear 663 rotates in the opposite direction. Also, the rotational force (Y) from the torsional motion of shaft 657 causes gear 662 to rotate in a constant direction (clockwise in the diagram). When gear 662 rotates, gear 663 rotates in the opposite direction. Therefore, gear 663 outputs a rotational force (X+Y=Z) which is the sum of the rotational force (X) from gear 661 and the rotational force (Y) from gear 661. By transmitting the combined (added) rotational force (X+Y=Z) to the rotating shaft of a subsequent generator (not shown, corresponding to 28 in Figure 3), the generator generates electricity using wave power as an energy source (i.e., wave power generation).

[0100] Furthermore, a rotational energy storage mechanism 34, as shown in Figure 11, may be connected between the shaft 627 and the gear 621, and / or between the shaft 627 and the gear 621, to smooth out the rotational energy of each. Alternatively, three or more floating objects may be connected to supply the rotational force of the floating objects 11c, etc., to the input shaft side of the gear 663. This configuration can improve power generation efficiency. [Industrial applicability]

[0101] This invention has high industrial applicability as a wave power generation device that is useful for generating wave power by connecting at least two floating objects and using the rotational force resulting from the bending and twisting of each floating object that receives energy from waves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10, 30, 40, 50, 60... Wave power generation device 11a, 11b, 11c ··· Floating objects 21, 31, 61 ··· Joint mechanism 22, 32, 62 ··· First conversion mechanism 23, 33, 33b, 33c, 63... Second conversion mechanism 24,64 ··· First rectification mechanism 25,65 ··· Second rectification mechanism 26,66 ··· Addition mechanism 27 ··· Gear shifting mechanism 28... Generator 29 ··· Flywheel 311,312 ··· First and second support members 311a, 312b ... Mounting part 311b,311c... Support plate 312b, 312c... Rotating plate 321, 322, 324, 325... Bevel gear 326, 327a, 337a, 627, 637... shaft 330,621,631 ··· Internal gear 331-336 ··· Spur gear 337a~337d ··· Axis 338a~338c,312e,343... One-way clutch 34, 34b, 34c ··· Rotational energy storage mechanism 35. Bellows mechanism 36. Detachable mechanism 44 ··· Pillar 45... Stabilizer

Claims

1. Each of these floating objects is shaped to float on the surface of the sea, and at least two of them are connected together to form a floating structure on the sea surface. A joint mechanism that connects the adjacent sides of at least two of the floating objects and connects the floating objects so that they can rotate, thereby supporting each floating object so that it can swing freely in the event of longitudinal waves. A first conversion mechanism provided in relation to the one floating object and the joint mechanism, which converts the bending between the floating objects that occurs when the at least one floating object swings up and down with respect to the direction of longitudinal wave propagation into forward rotation and reverse rotation, A second conversion mechanism is provided in relation to the other floating object and the joint mechanism, and converts the twist between the floating objects that occurs when they oscillate in response to waves from the left and right in the direction of connection between the two floating objects into forward rotation and reverse rotation. A first rectifier mechanism transmits the forward rotational force obtained by directly transmitting the forward rotational force corresponding to the bending converted by the first conversion mechanism and converting the reverse rotational force into forward rotational force to its output side. A second rectifier mechanism transmits the torsional rotational force obtained by directly transmitting the positive rotation corresponding to the torsion converted by the second conversion mechanism and converting the negative rotation into positive rotation to its output side. An addition mechanism that transmits the rotational force which is the sum of the bending rotational force and the torsional rotational force, A gear shift mechanism that increases the rotational force of the sum and transmits the high-speed rotational force to its output shaft, and A wave power generation device comprising a generator connected to the output shaft of the aforementioned transmission mechanism, which generates electricity by being driven by the increased speed of rotational force.

2. The joint mechanism comprises a first mounting member consisting of a first mounting portion attached to the side of one floating object and a pair of support plates, one end of which is fixedly attached to one surface of the first mounting portion, and a second mounting member consisting of a second mounting portion attached to the side of the other floating object and a pair of rotating plates, one end of which is fixedly attached to one surface of the second mounting portion, and further comprises a pivot support portion that pivotally supports the surfaces near the other ends of the pair of support plates and the surfaces near the other ends of the pair of rotating plates in a butted position, thereby enabling rotation in an upward diagonal direction and a downward diagonal direction when viewed from the front. The first conversion mechanism is configured such that a pair of first and second bevel gears are positioned near the shaft support of the joint mechanism, with their respective tooth surfaces facing each other, and the first and second bevel gears are supported so as to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of each rotating plate of the joint mechanism, and a third bevel gear is positioned from one side, connected to the shaft and in contact with the respective tooth surfaces of the pair of first and second bevel gears, and a fourth bevel gear is positioned from the other side, in contact with the respective tooth surfaces of the first and second bevel gears, and the first and second bevel gears are supported so as to rotate in opposite directions, with the rotation axis of the third bevel gear being the input shaft connected to the shaft, and the rotation axis of the fourth bevel gear being the output shaft, and further The wave power generation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conversion mechanism combines the functions of the first rectification mechanism and the adding mechanism.

3. The wave power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the second conversion mechanism comprises an internal gear that oscillates due to the twisting of the other floating object, a first spur gear that meshes with the teeth of the internal gear and rotates in the positive direction, a second spur gear that meshes with the first spur gear and rotates in the opposite direction to the positive direction and transmits to the shaft, and a third spur gear that has a different axis of rotation from the second spur gear and converts the rotational force of the first spur gear in the reverse direction and transmits to a shaft that is coaxial with the second spur gear, wherein the rotational force due to the twisting generated in the axis of the second spur gear is transmitted to the adding mechanism via the shaft, and the third spur gear also functions as the second rectifying mechanism.

4. A rotational energy storage mechanism is installed between the shaft and the input shaft of the third bevel gear. The rotational energy storage mechanism is configured such that the inner end of a spring wound in a coil shape is fixed to a shaft, the outer end of the spring is fixed to a rotating body, and the side surface of the rotating body is fixed to the input shaft of a third bevel gear. The wave power generation device according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotational energy storage mechanism temporarily stores the rotational force due to twist when the torque of the rotational force due to twist is below a certain value, and when it exceeds a certain value, it releases the stored rotational energy and transmits it to the input shaft of the third bevel gear to smooth the torque.

5. A detachable mechanism is further provided between the other floating object and the joint mechanism for detachably connecting the other floating object and the joint mechanism. The second mounting portion is attached to the side surface of the other floating object via the detachment mechanism. The wave power generation device according to claim 2, characterized in that the one floating object fixedly attached to the joint mechanism is configured to be detachable from the other floating object.

6. The floating object consists of at least three floating objects: a first floating object housing the generator, a second floating object, and a third floating object. The second conversion mechanism is housed in the second floating object and the third floating object, respectively, and is driven by the rotational force resulting from the twisting of the second floating object and the third floating object, The first conversion mechanism is housed in the joint mechanism that connects the first floating object and the second floating object, and the adding mechanism which is also used in the first conversion mechanism acts as the first adding mechanism. The shaft of the second conversion mechanism housed in the second floating object is connected to the input shaft of the first adding mechanism via the second adding mechanism. The shaft of the second conversion mechanism housed in the third floating object extends to the second floating object and is connected to the other input shaft of the second adding mechanism. The wave power generation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the second adding mechanism adds the rotational force due to the twisting of the second conversion mechanism housed in the second floating object and the rotational force due to the twisting of the second conversion mechanism housed in the third floating object, and transmits the result to the input shaft of the first adding mechanism.

7. The joint mechanism comprises a first mounting member consisting of a first mounting portion attached to the side of one floating object and a pair of support plates, one end of which is fixedly attached to one surface of the first mounting portion, and a second mounting member consisting of a second mounting portion attached to the side of the other floating object and a pair of rotating plates, one end of which is fixedly attached to one surface of the second mounting portion, and further comprising a pivot support portion that pivotally supports the surface near the other end of each support plate and the surface near the other end of each rotating plate in a butted position, thereby enabling rotation in an upward diagonal direction and a downward diagonal direction when viewed from the front. The wave power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conversion mechanism comprises an internal gear, a spur gear meshing with the teeth of the internal gear, a first bevel gear rotated by the rotational force of the spur gear, and a second bevel gear meshing with the first bevel gear and transmitting the direction of the rotation axis of the first bevel gear by angle conversion, and the internal gear and the spur gear rotate when either of the floating objects is bent, transmitting a rotational force corresponding to the bending angle to the output shaft of the second bevel gear, and the output shaft is configured to extend into the interior of the other floating object.

8. The wave power generation device according to claim 7, wherein the second conversion mechanism includes an internal gear and a spur gear that meshes with the teeth of the internal gear, and has a connector that is mounted on the side surface of the other floating object and indirectly transmits rotational force corresponding to the twisting of the other floating object to the internal gear through a hole formed on the side surface, and is configured to transmit the rotational force of the spur gear to an output shaft.

9. The first conversion mechanism and the second conversion mechanism are housed in the joint mechanism. The output shaft of the first conversion mechanism and the output shaft of the second conversion mechanism are configured to be able to transmit signals inside one of the floating objects. The wave power generation device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first rectifier mechanism, the second rectifier mechanism, the speed change mechanism, and the generator are housed in one of the floating objects.

10. The wave power generation device according to claim 1 or claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the floating objects is fitted with a stabilizing plate having a planar shape larger than the planar shape of the floating object at a position below the bottom surface, thereby reducing the effects of changes in sea surface waves.

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