Power generation device

Abstract

To provide a compact power generation device with a simple structure which generates power by only a simple stroke motion without using a link mechanism.SOLUTION: A power generation device comprises: a case 3 which forms a wall of a fluid passage 6 in which fluid flows; first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 which are reciprocally and movably supported by the case 3; and first and second fins 34, 36 which are supported by the first and second moving shafts so as to be turnable, and are inclined by turning by a force of the fluid by a flutter phenomenon. The power generation device also comprises: a first direction conversion member 15 arranged at the case 3 so that the first and second fins which move to one side together with the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 abut thereon; and a second direction conversion member 16 arranged at the case 3 so that the first and second fins 34, 36 which move to the other side together with the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 abut thereon. The power generation device further comprises first and second power generators 35, 37 arranged at a portion being the outside of the fluid passage 6 in the case 3, and generating power by electromagnetic induction by changing a magnetic field by the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device that generates electricity using, as power, the thrust generated when a fin inclined due to a flutter phenomenon receives a fluid.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a power generation device using a wing in which a flutter phenomenon occurs, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. The wing of the power generation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is immersed in water and receives a water flow, and is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction. An upwardly extending shaft is provided at the upper end of the wing. The shaft is rotatably supported by a support member so that the wing can be inclined with respect to the water flow due to the flutter phenomenon. The support member is configured to swing in the left - right direction orthogonal to the direction in which the water flow flows by the thrust generated when the wing is inclined with respect to the water flow.

[0003] A crank mechanism that converts the swinging motion in the left - right direction into a rotational motion and transmits it to the rotating shaft of the generator, and a reversing mechanism that reverses the direction in which the wing is inclined with respect to the water flow when the support member swings to one end or the other end in the left - right direction are connected to this support member. By the reversing mechanism reversing the inclination direction of the wing, the support member reciprocates in the left - right direction, and along with this reciprocation, the generator rotates to generate electricity. The crank mechanism and the reversing mechanism are each configured using a link mechanism. Further, the crank mechanism is provided with a gear - type speed increaser in order to rotate the generator at high speed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the power generation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the occupied space of the link mechanisms provided in the crank mechanism and the inversion mechanism respectively was large, and there was a limit to miniaturization. Further, since this power generation device includes a plurality of link mechanisms, the structure becomes complicated. Furthermore, the speed increaser provided in the crank mechanism also requires an extra space and causes the structure to become complicated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a small and simply structured power generation device that generates electricity only by a simple stroke motion without using a link mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve this object, a power generation device according to the present invention includes a case that forms a pair of walls extending in the direction in which a fluid flows, a moving shaft that penetrates the wall and is reciprocally movably supported by the case with a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the fluid flows as a moving direction, a fin that is rotatably supported about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the fluid flows and also orthogonal to the moving direction at a portion of the moving shaft located inside the case, and that rotates and inclines due to a flutter phenomenon by the force of the fluid, a first direction conversion member provided on the case so that the fin that has moved in one direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and that reverses the inclination direction of the fin when the fin hits it, a second direction conversion member provided on the case so that the fin that has moved in the other direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and that reverses the inclination direction of the fin when the fin hits it, and a generator provided at a portion outside the case, that changes a magnetic field by the moving shaft and generates electricity by electromagnetic induction.

[0008] In the present invention, in the power generation device, the moving shaft includes a first moving shaft that penetrates one end portion of the case in the horizontal direction and a second moving shaft that penetrates the other end portion of the case in the horizontal direction. The fins include a first fin supported by the first moving shaft and a second fin supported by the second moving shaft. One of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin approach each other, and the other of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin move away from each other. The first direction changing member is provided at the central portion of the case in the horizontal direction, and the second direction changing member is provided at both end portions of the case in the horizontal direction. The generator may include a first generator provided at one end portion of the case that generates electricity as the first moving shaft moves and a second generator provided at the other end portion of the case that generates electricity as the second moving shaft moves.

[0009] In the present invention, in the power generation device, the first moving shaft is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the first fin, and the second moving shaft is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the second fin. The first generator is provided in a pair in the vertical direction at one end portion of the case so as to correspond to the two first moving shafts, and the second generator may be provided in a pair in the vertical direction at the other end portion of the case so as to correspond to the two second moving shafts.

[0010] In the present invention, in the power generation device, the case is formed in a shape with an open bottom by a first side wall that constitutes one end portion in the horizontal direction, a second side wall that constitutes the other end portion in the horizontal direction, and an upper wall that connects the upper end portion of the first side wall and the upper end portion of the second side wall. The first fin may have a third fin that protrudes below the case and is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the first fin, and the second fin may have a fourth fin that protrudes below the case and is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the second fin.

[0011] In the present invention, in the power generation device, a portion of the case through which the moving shaft penetrates may include a bearing member that movably supports the moving shaft and a seal member that seals between the moving shaft and the case.

[0012] In the present invention, in the power generation device, the generator may include a leaf spring member provided between the moving shaft and the case and flexing as the moving shaft moves, a magnetostrictive element provided on the leaf spring member, and a coil through which magnetic flux generated as the magnetostrictive element deforms passes.

[0013] In the present invention, in the power generation device, the generator may include a permanent magnet provided on the moving shaft and a coil provided on the case through which the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet passes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small-sized power generation device with a simple structure that generates electricity only by a simple stroke motion without using a link mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the power generation device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The power generation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the middle of a pipe 2 through which a fluid flows, and is configured by assembling various components described later in a case 3 connected to the pipe 2. Examples of the pipe 2 through which a fluid flows include pipes through which cold water, warm water, etc. flow in an air conditioning system. The pipe used in the air conditioning system has a horizontal portion extending in the horizontal direction, a vertical portion extending in the vertical direction, and an inclined portion extending in an oblique direction inclined upward or downward with respect to the horizontal. The power generation device 1 can be assembled to any of these portions of the pipe.

[0017] In this embodiment, the case where the power generation device 1 is assembled to a pipe 2 extending in the horizontal direction will be described. In the following description of the components constituting the power generation device 1, when indicating directions, it is performed in a state where the case 3 is viewed from the upstream side in the direction in which the fluid flows. That is, when the case 3 is viewed from the upstream side, the right side is the right side of the case 3, the left side is the left side of the case 3, the upper side is the upper side of the case 3, and the lower side is the lower side when viewed from the upstream side. Further, in the direction in which the fluid flows, the upstream side is the front side of the case 3, and the downstream side is the rear side.

[0018] (Description of the Case) Case 3 according to this embodiment is configured by, as shown in FIG. 2, a case body 4 formed in a rectangular tube shape by a metal material so as to extend in the direction in which the fluid in the pipe 2 flows, and plate-like connection members 5 (see FIG. 1) for connecting both ends in the longitudinal direction of the case body 4 to the pipe 2. Examples of the metal material forming the case body 4 include stainless steel. The case body 4 constitutes the wall of a fluid passage 6 (see FIG. 2) through which the fluid flows. More specifically, the case body 4 includes a first side wall 11 constituting one end portion (right end portion) in the horizontal direction (left-right direction), a second side wall 12 constituting the other end portion (left end portion) in the horizontal direction, an upper wall 13 connecting the upper end portions of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, and a lower wall 14 connecting the lower end portions of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12. In this embodiment, the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 correspond to the "pair of walls" in the present invention. The fluid flows in a state of filling the inside of the case body 4. The direction of fluid flow is, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2, from the lower left to the upper right in FIG. 2.

[0019] A first direction conversion member 15, which will be described later, is provided at the central portion in the left-right direction of the lower wall 14 of the case 3. Second direction conversion members 16, which will be described later, are respectively provided on the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12. The first direction conversion member 15 and the second direction conversion members 16 are formed of a synthetic resin material, a rubber material, or the like.

[0020] (Explanation of the moving shafts) As shown in FIG. 2, four moving shafts 21 to 24 penetrate the case 3 according to this embodiment. These moving shafts 21 to 24 extend in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow. The moving shafts 21 to 24 shown in FIG. 2 are formed in a round bar shape by a metal material. Examples of the metal material forming the moving shafts 21 to 24 include steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving shafts 21 to 24 are inserted into through holes 25 formed in the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 of the case 3, and are supported by support structures 26 and 27 provided on the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 so as to be reciprocally movable in the left-right direction in the case 3. The support structure 26 provided on the first side wall 11 supports two moving shafts 21 and 22 located on the right side of the case 3 among the four moving shafts 21 to 24. In the following, these two moving shafts 21 and 22 are simply referred to as "first moving shafts". The two first moving shafts 21 and 22 are formed to be paired in the vertical direction.

[0021] The support structure 27 provided on the second side wall 12 supports two moving shafts 23 and 24 located on the left side of the case 3 among the four moving shafts 21 to 24. In the following, these two moving shafts 23 and 24 are simply referred to as "second moving shafts". The two second moving shafts 23 and 24 are formed to be paired in the vertical direction. The support structures 26 and 27 that support the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 are composed of a support member 28 fixed to the outer surfaces of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 outside the fluid passage 6, a T-ring 29 for each moving shaft assembled to the support member 28, a guide bush 30, and the like. The T-ring 29 constitutes the "sealing member" referred to in the present invention. The guide bush 30 constitutes the "bearing member" referred to in the present invention. The support member 28 is formed in a prismatic shape from a metal material and is fixed to the first and second side walls 11 and 12 by, for example, welding. As the material for forming the support member 28, for example, the same metal material as the material for forming the case 3 can be used.

[0022] An O-ring 31 is provided between the support member 28 and the portions around the through holes 25 in the first and second side walls 11 and 12 to prevent fluid from leaking from inside the case 3. The support member 28 is formed such that shaft holes 32 through which the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 are inserted penetrate in the left-right direction. The T-ring 29 is positioned at one end portion close to the first and second side walls 11, 12 in the shaft hole 32. This T-ring 29 is an element part used for sealing the sliding portion, and is formed in a ring shape through which the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 penetrate and is fitted into the shaft hole 32. The inner peripheral portion of the T-ring 29 is slidably in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the moving shaft over the entire circumferential direction. Note that instead of the T-ring 29, although not shown in the drawings, a seal member called an X-ring, an Omni Seal (trademark) which is a seal member having a spring inside, etc. can be used. By inserting the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 through the T-ring 29 fitted in the shaft hole 32, the space between the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 and the case 3 is sealed.

[0023] The guide bush 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape through which the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 penetrate, using a synthetic resin material having self-lubricity, a porous metal impregnated with oil, etc., and is fitted into the shaft hole 32 with a spacer 33 sandwiched between it and the T-ring 29. The inner peripheral portion of the guide bush 30 is slidably in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24. The first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 can move in the left-right direction with respect to the case 3 and the support member 28 while being supported by the guide bush 30 so that the moving direction is only in the left-right direction, with fluid leakage being prevented by the T-ring 29.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, at the inner end portion of the first moving shafts 21, 22 located inside the case 3, a first fin 34 described later is connected, and at the outer end portion located outside the case 3, two first generators 35 positioned to be paired in the vertical direction are connected. As shown in FIG. 4, at the inner end portion of the second moving shafts 23, 24 located inside the case 3, a second fin 36 described later is connected, and at the outer end portion located outside the case 3, two second generators 37 positioned to be paired in the vertical direction are connected.

[0025] (Description of the fins) The first fin 34 and the second fin 36 are for receiving the kinetic energy of the fluid, and are each formed in a plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the case 3. The materials forming the first and second fins 34, 36 are the same materials as the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24, that is, metal materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel. As shown in FIG. 3, the first fin 34 is attached to the upper first moving shaft 21 at its upper end via a first upper connecting plate 41, and is attached to the lower first moving shaft 22 at its lower end via a first lower connecting plate 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the second fin 36 is attached to the upper second moving shaft 23 at its upper end via a second upper connecting plate 43, and is attached to the lower second moving shaft 24 at its lower end via a second lower connecting plate 44.

[0026] The first and second fins 34, 36 are formed in a shape in which the flutter phenomenon is likely to occur due to the force of the fluid. In this embodiment, the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 are formed in the same shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the first and second fins 34, 36 are formed such that the thickness gradually decreases from the front end portion located on the left side in FIG. 5(A) toward the rear end portion. The front end portions and the rear end portions of the first and second fins 34, 36 are each formed in an arc shape when viewed from above.

[0027] The center C1 of the arc that is the front end of the first and second fins 34, 36 and the center C2 of the arc that is the rear end of the first and second fins 34, 36 are located on the center line L1 in the thickness direction of the first and second fins 34, 36 when viewed from above. In the longitudinal intermediate portions of the first and second fins 34 and 36, a support shaft 45 extending in the vertical direction penetrates and is fixed. The extending direction of the support shaft 45 is a direction orthogonal to the flowing direction (longitudinal direction) of the fluid flowing in the case 3, and is also a direction orthogonal to the moving directions (left - right direction) of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24.

[0028] The upper and lower ends of the support shaft 45 protrude from the first and second fins 34 and 36, respectively. The upper end of the support shaft 45 is rotatably supported by the first and second moving shafts 21 and 23 located on the upper side of the case 3 via the first upper connecting plate 41 and the second upper connecting plate 43. The lower end of the support shaft 45 is rotatably supported by the first and second moving shafts 22 and 24 located on the lower side of the case 3 via the first lower connecting plate 42 and the second lower connecting plate 44. The first and second upper connecting plates 41 and 43, and the first and second lower connecting plates 42 and 44 are each formed in a disc shape and are connected to the inner ends of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 with the axes of the discs pointing in the vertical direction.

[0029] The first and second fins 34 and 36 according to this embodiment are rotatably supported about an axis L2 (see FIG. 5(B)) extending in the vertical direction at the inner ends of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 via the support shaft 45, the first and second upper connecting plates 41 and 43, and the first and second lower connecting plates 42 and 44. Therefore, the first and second fins 34 and 36 can move in parallel in the left - right direction of the case 3 together with the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 in a state where they extend in the vertical direction and can rotate about the support shaft 45.

[0030] The outer diameters of the first and second upper connecting plates 41 and 43 and the outer diameters of the first and second lower connecting plates 42 and 44 are larger than the thicknesses of the first and second fins 34 and 36. On the outer peripheral portions of the first and second upper connecting plates 41 and 43 and on the lower surfaces thereof, two upper protrusions 46 protruding downward are provided. On the outer peripheral portions of the first and second lower connecting plates 42 and 44 and on the upper surfaces thereof, two lower protrusions 47 protruding upward are provided. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the two upper protrusions 46 and the two lower protrusions 47 are positioned so as to sandwich the first and second fins 34 and 36 from both sides in the left-right direction, and in a state where the first and second fins 34 and 36 are inclined by a predetermined angle about the support shaft 45, they hit the first and second fins 34 and 36 and the inclination of the first and second fins 34 and 36 is restricted.

[0031] The inclination (rotation) of the first and second fins 34 and 36 is restricted by the upper protrusions 46 and the lower protrusions 47, so that, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the front ends of the first and second fins 34 and 36 are inclined by θ1° to the right side of the case 3 with respect to the center line L3 extending in the front-rear direction of the case 3 at the right-direction inclination position, and, as shown in FIG. 5(D), the front ends of the first and second fins 34 and 36 can rotate between the left-direction inclination positions where the front ends of the first and second fins 34 and 36 are inclined by θ2° to the left side of the case 3.

[0032] (Description of the direction-changing member) The tilting directions of the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 are determined by the first direction-changing member 15 and the second direction-changing member 16 provided in the case 3. The first direction-changing member 15 is provided so as to protrude upward at the center in the left-right direction of the lower wall 14. The first direction-changing member 15 is configured to contact the front end portions of the first and second fins 34 and 36 when the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 move in the first direction in which they approach each other and reach the center in the left-right direction of the case 3. In this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to "one of the moving directions" in the present invention. When the first and second fins 34 and 36 move in the first direction and contact the first direction-changing member 15, they rotate about the support shaft 45, and the tilting directions of the first and second fins 34 and 36 are reversed.

[0033] The second direction-changing member 16 is provided so as to protrude toward the center in the left-right direction of the case 3 on the inner surface of the first side wall 11 and the inner surface of the second side wall 12, respectively. These second direction-changing members 16 are configured to contact the front end portions of the first and second fins 34 and 36 when the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 move in the second direction in which they are separated from each other and reach the end portions in the left-right direction of the case 3. In this embodiment, the second direction corresponds to "the other of the moving directions" in the present invention. When the first and second fins 34 and 36 move in the second direction and contact the second direction-changing member 16, they rotate about the support shaft 45, and the tilting directions of the first and second fins 34 and 36 are reversed.

[0034] (Description of the generator) Two first generators 35 connected to the outer end portions of the two first moving shafts 21 and 22 and two second generators 37 connected to the outer end portions of the two second moving shafts 23 and 24 are configured to have the same structure. Therefore, here, the first generator 35 will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the second generator 37 and the detailed description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the first generator 35 includes a leaf spring member 51 connected to the first moving shafts 21 and 22, a magnetostrictive element 52 provided on the leaf spring member 51, and a dielectric coil 53 provided in the vicinity of the magnetostrictive element 52.

[0035] The leaf spring member 51 is formed by bending a strip-shaped thin plate made of a spring material into a predetermined shape. The shape of the leaf spring member 51 is formed such that a plurality of flat plate portions 51a extending in the vertical direction of the case 3 are connected to each other by bending portions 51b and arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. The leaf spring member 51 according to this embodiment has four flat plate portions 51a extending in the vertical direction and three bending portions 51b connecting both ends in the vertical direction of the flat plate portions 51a.

[0036] One end portion of the leaf spring member 51, that is, the flat plate portion 51a closest to the case 3, is fixed to the tips of the first moving shafts 21 and 22 by, for example, welding. The other end portion of the leaf spring member 51, that is, the flat plate portion 51a located farthest from the case 3, is fixed to support plates 54 provided on the first and second side walls 11 and 12 of the case 3 by, for example, welding. For this reason, the leaf spring member 51 is provided between the first moving shafts 21 and 22 and the case 3 and bends as the first moving shafts 21 and 22 move. When the first moving shafts 21 and 22 move in the direction (first direction) toward the inside of the case 3, the leaf spring member 51 elastically deforms so that the interval between the flat plate portions 51a expands. On the other hand, when the first moving shafts 21 and 22 move in the direction (second direction) protruding from the case 3, the leaf spring member 51 elastically deforms so that the interval between the flat plate portions 51a becomes narrower.

[0037] The magnetostrictive element 52 is formed in a plate shape from an Fe-Ga alloy and is fixed along the flat plate portion 51a of the leaf spring member 51. The magnetostrictive element 52 deforms together with the leaf spring member 51 when the leaf spring member 51 elastically deforms as described above. At this time, a bending stress is generated in the magnetostrictive element 52, and a magnetic flux is generated based on the change in the bending stress. For this reason, the magnetostrictive element 52 changes the magnetic field in the surrounding space as it deforms.

[0038] The dielectric coil 53 is formed to cover the magnetostrictive element 52 and is connected to a rectifying circuit (not shown). As the magnetostrictive element 52 deforms, magnetic flux is generated in the magnetostrictive element 52, and as the magnetic force inside the dielectric coil 53 changes, an electric current is generated in the dielectric coil 53 according to the principle of electromagnetic induction. In the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment, the power generated by such a mechanism is adjusted by the rectifying circuit to a storable state and is configured to be stored in a battery or the like (not shown).

[0039] (Explanation of the operation of the power generation device) Next, the operation of the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6(A), when fluid flows with the front ends of the first and second fins 34, 36 facing forward of the case 3, the first and second fins 34, 36 rotate about the support shaft 45 due to the flutter phenomenon and change their angles by swinging in the left - right direction. Since the flutter phenomenon is an unstable phenomenon, as shown in FIG. 6(A), even when the first and second fins 34, 36 are in a state along the fluid flow, if the fluid velocity is above a certain level, the angles of the first and second fins 34, 36 can be changed.

[0040] The first and second fins 34, 36 that swing in the left - right direction due to the flutter phenomenon are inclined with respect to the direction of fluid flow as shown in FIG. 6(B) until the rotation is restricted by an upper protrusion (not shown) and a lower protrusion 47. FIG. 6(B) depicts a state where the first fin 34 is in the right - inclined position and the second fin 36 is in the left - inclined position. Note that the inclination directions of the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 may be opposite to those shown in FIG. 6(B), or the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 may be inclined in the same direction.

[0041] When a fluid flow is continuously applied to the inclined first and second fins 34 and 36 as shown in Fig. 6(B), the first and second fins 34 and 36 start to move in the left - right direction together with the first and second moving axes 21 to 24 due to the load (fluid force) received from the fluid. At this time, as shown in Fig. 6(C), the first fin 34 moves in the left direction (the direction toward the first side wall 11) in the figure, and the second fin 36 moves in the right direction (the direction toward the second side wall 12) in the figure. The first fin 34 moves within the case 3 from the central portion in the left - right direction toward the first side wall 11 by continuously receiving force from the fluid. Then, while moving toward the first side wall 11, the first fin 34 hits the second direction - changing member 16 provided on the first side wall 11. When the first fin 34 hits the second direction - changing member 16 while moving in this way, as shown in Fig. 7(A), the inclination direction of the first fin 34 is reversed, and the movement of the first fin 34 is restricted by the second direction - changing member 16 and stops in a state inclined in the opposite direction to the above.

[0042] On the other hand, the second fin 36 moves within the case 3 from the central portion in the left - right direction toward the second side wall 12 by continuously receiving force from the fluid. Then, while moving toward the second side wall 12, the second fin 36 hits the second direction - changing member 16 provided on the second side wall 12. When the second fin 36 hits the second direction - changing member 16 while moving in this way, as shown in Fig. 7(A), the inclination direction of the second fin 36 is reversed, and the movement of the second fin 36 is restricted by the second direction - changing member 16 and stops in a state inclined in the opposite direction to the above.

[0043] When a fluid force is applied to the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 that have come into contact with and stopped against the second direction - changing member 16 in this way, the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 move in the opposite direction to the above in the left - right direction. That is, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the first fin 34 moves from the vicinity of the first side wall 11 toward the central portion in the left - right direction of the case 3, and the second fin 36 moves from the vicinity of the second side wall 12 toward the central portion in the left - right direction of the case 3. The first fin 34 and the second fin 36 that move toward the center in the left - right direction of the case 3 hit the first direction - changing member 15 while moving. When the first and second fins 34, 36 hit the first direction - changing member 15 while moving in this way, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the directions in which the first and second fins 34, 36 tilt are reversed, and their movements are restricted by the first direction - changing member 15 and they stop while tilting in opposite directions respectively.

[0044] When a fluid force is applied to the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 whose movements are restricted by the first direction - changing member 15 in this way, the first fin 34 starts to move in the direction toward the first side wall 11, and at the same time, the second fin 36 starts to move in the direction toward the second side wall 12. For this reason, the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 alternately move to one side and the other side in the left - right direction of the case 3 respectively, and come to continuously reciprocate in the left - right direction. Note that due to the vortices randomly generated around the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 and the reaction forces of the first and second generators 35, 37, the moving directions of the first and second fins 34, 36 may change even before they hit the first direction - changing member 15 and the second direction - changing member 16. Even in such a case, the cycle illustrated in FIGS. 6(A) - 7(C) described above is restarted, and the reciprocating motion of the first and second fins 34, 36 continues.

[0045] When the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 move in the left - right direction of the case 3, the first and second moving shafts 21 - 24 elastically deform the leaf - spring members 51 of the first and second generators 35, 37, and the first and second generators 35, 37 generate electricity as the magnetostrictive elements 52 deform. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a small - sized and simple - structured power - generating device that generates electricity only by a simple stroke motion based on the reciprocating motion of the first and second fins 34, 36 without using a link mechanism.

[0046] In such a power generation device 1, it can be attached to the pipe 2 of the air conditioning system for use in a building air conditioning system, and the first and second fins 34 and 36 can be reciprocated using the fluid flowing in this pipe 2 to extract electrical energy. By adopting this configuration, the generated electrical energy can be utilized, for example, by a valve actuator (not shown), and the valve actuator can be separated from and independent of the power source. When the valve actuator is separated from and independent of the power source, the valve actuator can be packaged, and the advantages of (1) simplified installation work and (2) no need to select an installation location can be obtained. Also, since self-power generation is possible, there is also the advantage of (3) energy saving without the need for power.

[0047] In this embodiment, the power generation device 1 includes first moving shafts 21 and 22 that penetrate one end portion in the horizontal direction of the case 3, second moving shafts 23 and 24 that penetrate the other end portion in the horizontal direction of the case 3, a first fin 34 supported by the first moving shafts 21 and 22, a second fin 36 supported by the second moving shafts 23 and 24, and first and second direction conversion members 15 and 16 that change the inclination directions of these first and second fins 34 and 36. Further, this power generation device 1 includes a first generator 35 that generates electricity as the first moving shafts 21 and 22 move, and a second generator 37 that generates electricity as the second moving shafts 23 and 24 move. Therefore, in this power generation device 1, the first fin 34 and the second fin 36 reciprocate respectively within one case 3, and electricity is generated by a plurality of (four) generators (the first and second generators 35 and 37). Thus, the power generation efficiency is high compared to the case where there is one fin.

[0048] The first moving shafts 21 and 22 of the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment are provided in pairs in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper and lower ends of the first fins 34, and the second moving shafts 23 and 24 are provided in pairs in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper and lower ends of the second fins 36. The first generator 35 is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to correspond to the two first moving shafts 21 and 22, and the second generator 37 is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to correspond to the two second moving shafts 23 and 24. Therefore, while adopting a configuration in which the support of the fins is stabilized, the power generation efficiency can be further increased.

[0049] In the case 3 according to this embodiment, the portions through which the first moving shafts 21 and 22 and the second moving shafts 23 and 24 penetrate are provided with guide bushes 30 (bearing members) that movably support the first moving shafts 21 and 22 and the second moving shafts 23 and 24, and T-rings 29 (sealing members) that seal between the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 and the case 3. Therefore, while preventing the fluid from leaking outside the case 3, the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 can be movably supported in a state of penetrating the first and second side walls 11 and 12 of the case 3. Therefore, the power generation device according to this embodiment can be used by being connected to a pipe through which cold water, warm water, etc. flow in, for example, an air conditioning system.

[0050] The first and second generators 35 and 37 according to this embodiment are provided between the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 and the case 3, and include a leaf spring member 51 that bends as the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 move, a magnetostrictive element 52 provided on the leaf spring member 51, and a dielectric coil 53 through which the magnetic flux generated as the magnetostrictive element 52 deforms passes. Therefore, a simple structure can be adopted when converting the reciprocating motion of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 into electrical energy.

[0051] The leaf spring member 51 according to this embodiment is configured to be compressed when the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 move outward from the case 3. For this reason, the leaf spring member 51 is compressed in the process where the first and second fins 34 and 36 move toward the vicinity of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, and the spring force of the leaf spring member 51 can assist the first and second fins 34 and 36 when the first and second fins 34 and 36 move from the vicinity of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 of the case 3 toward the central portion in the left - right direction. That is, the flow velocity of the fluid is relatively slow in the vicinity of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, and the force received by the first and second fins 34 and 36 from the fluid is relatively small, but the force received from this fluid can be compensated by the spring force of the leaf spring member 51.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) The power generation device according to the present invention can be configured as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, members that are the same as or equivalent to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. The power generation device 61 shown in FIG. 8 is used for an open - air water channel 62. The water channel 62 has a bottom wall 63 and a pair of left - and - right water - channel side walls 64 and 65 that extend upward from both the left and right sides of the bottom wall 63. The water surface (not shown) of the water channel 62 is located below the upper ends of the water - channel side walls 64 and 65.

[0053] The case 66 of the power generation device 61 according to this embodiment is formed in a shape with an open bottom by a first side wall 11 that constitutes one end portion in the horizontal direction, a second side wall 12 that constitutes the other end portion in the horizontal direction, and an upper wall 13 that connects the upper end portion of the first side wall 11 and the upper end portion of the second side wall 12. The first direction - changing member 15 of this power generation device 61 is provided on the upper wall 13. This case 66 is placed and used on the water - channel side walls 64 and 65. The first fin 34 and the second fin 36 of the power generation device 1 according to this embodiment are located above the water surface of the water channel 62 and function as components that define the tilt angle and the stroke range in the left - right direction.

[0054] The first fin 34 of the power generation device 61 has a first extension rod 67 extending downward from the first lower connecting plate 42, and a third fin 68 fixed to the lower end of the first extension rod 67. The third fin 68 protrudes below the case 3 and is submerged in water. Further, the third fin 68 is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the first fin 34. The second fin 36 has a second extension rod 69 extending downward from the second lower connecting plate 44, and a fourth fin 70 fixed to the lower end of the second extension rod 69. The fourth fin 70 protrudes below the case 3 and is submerged in water. Further, the fourth fin 70 is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the second fin 36. The third fin 68 and the fourth fin 70 are formed in the same shape as the first and second fins 34, 36.

[0055] In the power generation device 61 according to this embodiment, when the third fin 68 and the fourth fin 70 receive the water flow in the water channel 62, they are inclined due to the flutter phenomenon and convert the water flow into a lateral stroke motion. Therefore, according to this embodiment, without using a link mechanism, a small and simply structured power generation device 61 that generates electricity only by a simple stroke motion based on the reciprocating motion of the first to fourth fins 34, 36, 68, 70 can be installed and used in the open - air water channel 62.

[0056] (Modification example of the generator) The generator used in the power generation device according to the present invention can be configured as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, members that are the same as or equivalent to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. The generator 71 shown in FIG. 9 includes permanent magnets 72 provided at the tip ends of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24, and a dielectric coil 73 formed so as to surround the permanent magnets 72. Although the generator 71 connected to the first moving shafts 21, 22 is shown in FIG. 9, generators having the same structure as the generator shown in FIG. 9 are also connected to the second moving shafts 23, 24 (not shown).

[0057] The permanent magnet 72 is formed in a columnar shape and is fixed to the axial end portions of the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 while being located on the same axis as the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24. The dielectric coil 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the permanent magnet 72 and is supported by the first and second side walls 11 and 12 of the case 3 via support members 74. Even when this embodiment is adopted, when the first and second moving shafts 21 to 24 move in the left - right direction, a current is generated in the dielectric coil 53 based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Therefore, similar to when the above - described embodiment is adopted, it is possible to provide a small - sized and simply - structured power - generating device that generates electricity only by a simple stroke motion based on the reciprocating motion of the first and second fins.

[0058] The power - generating devices 1 and 61 according to the above - described embodiments use the first fin 34 and the second fin 36. However, the power - generating device according to the present invention can also be realized with only one fin. When this configuration is adopted, although not shown in the drawings, two moving shafts that extend in the left - right direction of the case 3 and are arranged in the up - down direction are supported by the case 3 so as to penetrate the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, and one fin is rotatably supported on these moving shafts. Also, generators shown in the first embodiment or FIG. 9 are respectively connected to both end portions of the moving shafts.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1... Power - generating devices 1, 61; 3... Case; 6... Fluid passage; 11... First side wall; 12... Second side wall; 13... Upper wall; 15... First direction - changing member; 16... Second direction - changing member; 21, 22... First moving shafts; 23, 24... Second moving shafts; 29... T - ring (sealing member); 30... Guide bush (bearing member); 34... First fin; 35... First generator; 36... Second fin; 37... Second generator; 45... Support shaft; 51... Leaf spring member; 52... Magnetostrictive element; 53, 73... Dielectric coils; 62... Water passage; 68... Third fin; 70... Fourth fin; 72... Permanent magnet.

Claims

1. A case forming a pair of walls extending in the direction in which the fluid flows, a moving shaft that penetrates the wall and is reciprocally movably supported in the case with a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows as a moving direction, a fin supported only by the moving shaft, rotatably supported about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows and also perpendicular to the moving direction, and rotated and inclined by a flutter phenomenon by the force of the fluid, a first direction-changing member provided in the case so that the fin that has moved in one direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and the direction in which the fin is inclined is reversed when the fin hits it, a second direction-changing member provided in the case so that the fin that has moved in the other direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and the direction in which the fin is inclined is reversed when the fin hits it, a power generation device characterized by comprising a generator provided in a portion outside the case and generating power by electromagnetic induction by changing a magnetic field with the moving shaft.

2. A case forming a pair of walls extending in the direction in which the fluid flows, a moving shaft that penetrates the wall and is reciprocally movably supported in the case with a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows as a moving direction, a fin rotatably supported about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows and also perpendicular to the moving direction, provided at a portion of the moving shaft located inside the case, and rotated and inclined by a flutter phenomenon by the force of the fluid, a first direction-changing member provided in the case so that the fin that has moved in one direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and the direction in which the fin is inclined is reversed when the fin hits it, a second direction-changing member provided in the case so that the fin that has moved in the other direction of the moving direction together with the moving shaft hits it, and the direction in which the fin is inclined is reversed when the fin hits it, a generator provided in a portion outside the case and generating power by electromagnetic induction by changing a magnetic field with the moving shaft, wherein the moving shaft comprises a first moving shaft penetrating one end portion in the horizontal direction of the case, and a second moving shaft penetrating the other end portion in the horizontal direction of the case, and the fin comprises a first fin supported by the first moving shaft, It consists of a second fin supported by the second moving axis, One of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin approach each other, The other of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin move away from each other, The first direction-changing member is provided at the central portion of the case in the horizontal direction, The second direction-changing member is provided at both end portions of the case in the horizontal direction, The generator, A first generator provided at one end portion of the case and generating electricity as the first moving axis moves, A second generator provided at the other end portion of the case and generating electricity as the second moving axis moves, and a power generation device characterized by this.

3. In the power generation device according to claim 1, The moving axis, A first moving axis passing through one end portion of the case in the horizontal direction, It consists of a second moving axis passing through the other end portion of the case in the horizontal direction, The fin, A first fin supported by the first moving axis, It consists of a second fin supported by the second moving axis, One of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin approach each other, The other of the moving directions is the direction in which the first fin and the second fin move away from each other, The first direction-changing member is provided at the central portion of the case in the horizontal direction, The second direction-changing member is provided at both end portions of the case in the horizontal direction, The generator, A first generator provided at one end portion of the case and generating electricity as the first moving axis moves, A second generator provided at the other end portion of the case and generating electricity as the second moving axis moves, and a power generation device characterized by this.

4. In the power generation device according to claim 2 or claim 3, The first moving axis is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the first fin, The second moving axis is provided in a pair in the vertical direction so as to individually support the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the second fin, The first generator is provided in a pair in the vertical direction at one end portion of the case so as to correspond to the two first moving axes, The second generator is provided in a pair in the vertical direction at the other end portion of the case so as to correspond to the two second moving axes, and a power generation device characterized by this. **Claim 5**: The power generation device according to claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, wherein the case is formed in a shape with an open bottom by a first side wall constituting one end in the horizontal direction, a second side wall constituting the other end in the horizontal direction, and an upper wall connecting the upper end of the first side wall and the upper end of the second side wall, the first fin has a third fin that protrudes below the case and is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the first fin, the second fin has a fourth fin that protrudes below the case and is inclined and interlocked at the same angle as the second fin. The power generation device is characterized by this. **Claim 6**: The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a portion of the case through which the moving shaft penetrates includes a bearing member that movably supports the moving shaft and a seal member that seals between the moving shaft and the case. The power generation device is characterized by this. **Claim 7**: The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the generator is provided between the moving shaft and the case, and includes a leaf spring member that flexes as the moving shaft moves, a magnetostrictive element provided on the leaf spring member, and a coil through which magnetic flux generated as the magnetostrictive element deforms passes. The power generation device is characterized by this. **Claim 8**: The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the generator is a permanent magnet provided on the moving shaft, and a coil provided on the case through which the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet passes. The power generation device is characterized by this.

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