Fixture with Detection Circuit and Wind Turbine Drive Device

Abstract

To provide a fixture etc. with a detection circuit which can detect a load when a drive device is stopped.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the invention relates to a fixture having a head part, a circular column part integrally molded with the head part, and a screw part integrally molded with the circular column part. The fixture is a fixture with a detection circuit including: a resistor attached to the circular column part; and a circuit part attached to the head part and connected to the resistor, the fixture having a bridge circuit which detects electric resistance of the resistor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture with a detection circuit and a drive device for a windmill.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a wind power generation device having a yaw control function for adjusting the direction of blades according to the wind direction is known. For this type of wind power generation device, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known. The wind power generation device described in Patent Document 1 is installed on the ground or on the ocean, and includes a tower that serves as a support column of a generator, a nacelle provided on the tower and incorporating the generator, and a hub and blades provided at one end of the nacelle and converting wind into rotational energy. A rotor consisting of a rotor. This wind power generation device has a yaw drive means provided at the connection portion between the tower and the nacelle for controlling the positions of the nacelle and the rotor with respect to the tower. Patent Document 1 describes that by releasing the transmission of the yaw driving force by the yaw drive means, the influence of yaw control troubles due to failures of the yaw drive device is minimized, and a highly available wind power generation device is provided.

[0003] When the above-described wind power generation device causes sticking of the yaw bearing gear and the pinion gear due to deformation of the gear caused by a strong wind such as a typhoon, the transmission of the yaw driving force from the pinion gear to the yaw bearing gear is released. The above-described wind power generation device detects sticking between the yaw bearing gear and the pinion gear when the current of the yaw inverter exceeds the rated current or when a predetermined interlock value is exceeded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The above-described wind power generation device detects the current of the yaw inverter in order to detect the fixation (load) between the yaw bearing gear and the pinion gear. However, since the above-described wind power generation device detects the current of the yaw inverter, there is a problem that the load cannot be detected while the operation of the yaw inverter is stopped.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a fixture with a detection circuit capable of detecting a load when a driving device is stopped, and a driving device for a windmill.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a fixture having a head, a cylindrical portion integrally formed from the head, and a screw portion integrally formed from the cylindrical portion, the fixture including a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion and a circuit portion attached to the head and connected to the resistor, and a detection circuit having a bridge circuit for detecting the electrical resistance of the resistor. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current or the like of the driving device, the load when the driving device is stopped can be detected.

[0008] In the above-described fixture with a detection circuit, the electrical resistance is detected as a value based on the distortion of the cylindrical portion. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, since the electrical resistance is detected as a value based on the distortion of the cylindrical portion, the load when the driving device is stopped can be detected.

[0009] In the above-described fixture with a detection circuit, the detection circuit includes an amplifier attached to the head for amplifying a signal output from the bridge circuit. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, a signal regarding the electrical resistance can be amplified.

[0010] In the fixture with the detection circuit described above, the detection circuit includes a conversion circuit that is attached to the head and converts the signal amplified by the amplifier. According to this fixture with the detection circuit, an amplified signal regarding the electrical resistance can be converted.

[0011] In the fixture with the detection circuit described above, the detection circuit includes a communication unit that is attached to the head and outputs the signal converted by the conversion circuit. According to this fixture with the detection circuit, an amplified and converted signal regarding the electrical resistance can be output.

[0012] In the fixture with the detection circuit described above, the detection circuit includes a connector unit to which an external cable is detachably attached. According to this fixture with the detection circuit, an external cable for outputting an amplified and converted signal regarding the electrical resistance can be connected.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a detection circuit including a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion of a fixture having a head, a cylindrical portion integrally formed from the head, and a screw portion integrally formed from the cylindrical portion, and a circuit portion attached to the head of the fixture and connected to the resistor, and including a bridge circuit that detects the electrical resistance of the resistor. According to this detection circuit, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current of the driving device or the like, the load when the driving device is stopped can be detected.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a braking unit that generates a braking force for stopping a second structure movable relative to a first structure, and a fixture that fixes a driving device for a windmill including the braking unit to the second structure. The fixture includes a head, a cylindrical portion integrally formed from the head, a screw portion integrally formed from the cylindrical portion, a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion, and a circuit portion attached to the head and connected to the resistor. The fixture further includes a detection circuit having a bridge circuit for detecting the electrical resistance of the resistor. According to this driving device for a windmill, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current of the driving device or the like, the load when the driving device is stopped can be detected.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a fixture including a head having a planar upper surface and a lower surface and a hole penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface, a cylindrical portion integrated with the lower surface and having a side surface in contact with an opening of the hole in a diameter direction of the head and having a first diameter smaller than a diameter of the head, and a screw portion including a screw surface integrated with the cylindrical portion. The fixture further includes a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion, a circuit portion attached to the head and connected to the resistor, a bridge circuit for detecting the electrical resistance of the resistor, an amplifier attached to the head for amplifying a signal output from the bridge circuit, a conversion circuit attached to the head for converting the signal amplified by the amplifier, a communication unit for outputting the signal converted by the conversion circuit, and a connector portion attached to the head for detaching and attaching an external cable. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current of the driving device or the like, the load when the driving device is stopped can be detected.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a windmill drive device including a second structure movable relative to a first structure, a braking unit that generates a braking force for stopping the second structure relative to the first structure, a driving unit that generates a driving force for moving the second structure relative to the first structure, a head having a flat upper surface and a lower surface and a hole penetrating through the upper surface and the lower surface, a cylindrical portion integrated with the lower surface and having a side surface in contact with an opening of the hole in a diameter direction of the head and having a first diameter smaller than a diameter of the head, and a screw portion having a screw surface integrated with the cylindrical portion, a fixture that fixes the windmill drive device including the braking unit and the driving unit to the second structure, a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion, and a circuit unit attached to the head and connected to the resistor, including a bridge circuit that detects an electrical resistance of the resistor, an amplifier attached to the head that amplifies a signal output from the bridge circuit, a conversion circuit attached to the head that converts the signal amplified by the amplifier, a communication unit that outputs the signal converted by the conversion circuit, and a connector unit attached to the head to which an external cable is detachably attached. According to this windmill drive device, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current of the drive device or the like, the load when the drive device is stopped can be detected.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the load when the drive device is stopped can be detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] A fixture with a detection circuit, a detection circuit, and a drive device for a windmill according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wind power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wind power generation device 1 includes, for example, a nacelle 10, a tower 20, blades 30, and a hub 40. Note that the tower 20 and the nacelle 10 are examples of two structures included in the wind power generation device 1, and the tower 20 and the nacelle 10 move relatively by the force from a drive device (yaw drive device 100). Further, the tower 20 is an example of a first structure, the first structure is a part of the wind power generation device 1 that is fixedly provided, the nacelle 10 is an example of a second structure, the second structure moves relatively with respect to the first structure by the driving force from the yaw drive device 100, and stops relatively with respect to the first structure by the braking force from the yaw drive device 100.

[0021] The nacelle 10 is attached to the upper end (Z-direction end) of the tower 20. The blade 30 is attached to the nacelle 10 via the hub 40. The nacelle 10 rotates to adjust the orientations of the blade 30 and the hub 40 in the yaw direction. The nacelle 10 incorporates a yaw drive mechanism that generates a yaw driving force for rotating the nacelle 10 in the yaw direction. The yaw drive device is an example of a drive device and a wind turbine drive device. The drive device and the wind turbine drive device generate a force for rotating the orientations of the blade 30 and the hub 40 (the orientation of the wind turbine) according to the wind direction. The yaw drive device rotates the orientations of the blade 30 and the hub 40 (the orientation of the wind turbine) according to the wind direction. Note that the nacelle 10 is an example of a structure to which no force generated by the drive device is applied. The tower 20 is an example of a structure to which a force generated by the drive device is applied.

[0022] The tower 20 is embedded in the ground or at sea. The tower 20 has a shape that extends vertically upward from the ground or the sea. The nacelle 10 is attached to the upper end of the tower 20. The tower 20 incorporates a ring gear 22 for yaw-rotationally driving the nacelle 10.

[0023] The blade 30 is a blade that generates a rotational force when receiving wind force. In this embodiment, there are three blades 30.

[0024] The hub 40 is attached to the nacelle 10 and a plurality of blades 30 are attached thereto. The hub 40 transmits the rotational force (power) generated by the wind force received by the blade 30 to the rotation shaft. The hub 40 transmits the rotational force based on the wind force to the nacelle 10 via the rotation shaft.

[0025] The hub 40 incorporates a pitch drive mechanism that generates a pitch driving force for rotating each blade 30 in the pitch direction. The drive mechanism that generates the pitch driving force is provided for each blade 30. The pitch drive mechanism controls the angle of each blade 30 by rotating each blade 30 in the pitch direction according to the wind speed.

[0026] The wind power generation device 1 transmits the power generated by the rotation of the blade 30 from the hub 40 to a generator (not shown) in the nacelle 10, and the generator converts the power into electric power. Thereby, the wind power generation device 1 performs wind power generation.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the relationship between the tower and the yaw drive device in the embodiment. A yaw drive device 100 that generates a yaw driving force is attached to the nacelle 10. In the present embodiment, four yaw drive devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, and 100-4 are attached to the nacelle 10. Hereinafter, when collectively referring to the yaw drive devices, they will be simply described as "yaw drive device 100". In FIG. 2, a ring gear 22 is formed on the inner wall of the tower 20. The ring gear 22 meshes with the pinion gear 150 of the yaw drive device 100. The yaw drive device 100 is rotationally driven in the +R direction or the -R direction in FIG. 2 by a motor driving force.

[0028] When a force such as a gust is applied to the nacelle 10 or the tower 20 or the like with the ring gear 22 and the pinion gear 150 meshing, a tangential force is generated between the ring gear 22 and the pinion gear 150. The tangential force is a force generated in the tangential direction of the gear forming surface of the ring gear 22. The tangential force applies a torsional stress to the speed reduction unit 164 in the yaw drive device 100. Further, the tangential force applies a tensile stress and a compressive stress to the fixture in the yaw drive device 100. In the embodiment, an example in which the ring gear 22 is provided on the tower 20 and the yaw drive device 100 is fixed to the nacelle 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a gear portion corresponding to the ring gear 22 may be provided on the nacelle 10, and a yaw drive device corresponding to the yaw drive device 100 may be provided on the tower 20.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a yaw drive device according to an embodiment. The yaw drive device 100 includes, for example, a case 110, a flange 120, fastening bolts 130, an output shaft 140, and a pinion gear 150. The flange 120 is attached to the case 110. The flange 120 is connected to the nacelle 10 by the fastening bolts 130. One end of the output shaft 140 is connected inside the case 110 and the flange 120, and a pinion gear 150 is provided at the other end of the output shaft 140. The pinion gear 150 is arranged to mesh with the ring gear 22. The pinion gear 150 rotates by the driving force output from the output shaft 140, and rotates the yaw drive device 100 in the turning direction (device movement direction, -X direction). Thereby, the yaw drive device 100 turns the nacelle 10 with respect to the tower 20. The fastening bolts 130 are an example of a fixture. The fixture is an element that fixes the yaw drive device 100 to the nacelle 10. The fixture is not limited to the fastening bolts 130 and may be other known members. The output shaft 140 and the pinion gear 150 are an example of a transmission part. The transmission part is an element that transmits the driving force and the braking force from the yaw drive device 100 to the tower 20. When a drive device is fixed to the tower 20, the transmission part is an element that transmits force from the tower 20 to the nacelle 10.

[0030] The yaw drive device 100 includes a braking part 160, a motor drive part 162, and a reduction part 164. The braking part 160 generates a braking force with respect to the output shaft 140. The motor drive part 162 generates a driving force with respect to the output shaft 140. The braking part 160 generates a braking force by electromagnetic action according to a control signal supplied from the outside. The braking part 160 is, for example, an electromagnetic brake of a type that does not generate a braking force in a state where voltage is supplied and generates a braking force in a state where voltage is not supplied. The braking part 160 functions as an electromagnetic brake. The motor drive part 162 generates a driving force by electromagnetic action according to a control signal supplied from the outside. The reduction part 164 reduces the rotational speed corresponding to the driving force generated by the output shaft 140 and increases the driving torque.

[0031] Furthermore, the yaw drive device 100 includes a strain sensor 166a and a strain sensor 166b. The strain sensor 166 is an example of a detection circuit. When collectively referring to the strain sensor 166a and the strain sensor 166b, it is simply described as "strain sensor 166". The strain sensor 166 detects a value (signal) based on the strain in the cylindrical portion of the fastening bolt 130. The strain occurring in the cylindrical portion of the fastening bolt 130 is a value that changes according to the tangential force.

[0032] The wind power generation device 1 includes a hydraulic brake that applies a braking force to the ring gear 22. The hydraulic brake is, for example, a caliper brake mechanism. The hydraulic brake includes a hydraulic brake drive unit 52 and a friction body 50. The hydraulic brake drive unit 52 moves the friction body 50 in the Z direction in FIG. 3 according to a control signal supplied from the outside. The hydraulic brake drive unit 52 applies a braking force to the ring gear 22 by pressing the friction body 50 against the ring gear 22. It is desirable that the wind power generation device 1 can adjust the braking force applied to the ring gear 22.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view showing an example of the yaw drive device in the embodiment. The yaw drive device 100 fixes the case 110 and the nacelle 10 by a plurality of fastening bolts 130-1, 130-2, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6, 130-7, and 130-8 via the flange 120. Among the plurality of fastening bolts 130, strain sensors 166-1 and 166-2 are attached to two fastening bolts 130-1 and 130-5. When a load is applied to the output shaft 140, stress is applied in different directions to the plurality of fastening bolts 130 to which the strain sensor 166 is attached. For example, when a tangential load is applied to the output shaft 140, tensile stress in the (+Z direction) acts on the fastening bolt 130-1, and compressive stress in the (-Z direction) acts on the fastening bolt 130-5.

[0034] The fastening bolt 130-1 is an example of a first fixture that fixes the case 110 to the nacelle 10 that moves relative to the tower 20. The fastening bolt 130-5 is an example of a second fixture that fixes the case 110 to the nacelle 10 that moves relative to the tower 20 and is provided at a position facing the fastening bolt 130-1 in the radial direction of the case 110. A force in a first direction is applied to the fastening bolt 130-1 based on an external force applied to the case 110, and a force in a second direction is applied to the fastening bolt 130-5 based on the external force applied to the case 110. Note that each of the fastening bolt 130-1 and the strain sensor 166-1, and the fastening bolt 130-5 and the strain sensor 166-2 is an example of a fixture with a detection circuit.

[0035] Note that in the embodiment, the number of the fastening bolts 130 is eight, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and more fastening bolts 130 may be used. Also, in the embodiment, the number of the strain sensors 166 is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be one or more than two.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the fastening bolt and the strain sensor in the embodiment. The fastening bolt 130 is an example of a fixture having, for example, a head 132, a cylindrical portion 134 integrally formed from the head 132, and a threaded portion 136 integrally formed from the cylindrical portion 134. The strain sensor 166 includes, for example, a sensor case 200 and a connector 210.

[0037] The head 132 has a hexagonal shape on its side surface. A flat surface (plane) 132a for attaching the strain sensor 166 is formed on the head 132. The strain sensor 166 is attached to the plane 132a. The plane 132a and the strain sensor 166 may be attached, for example, by an adhesive or screwing. A force for tightening the fastening bolt 130 is applied to the side surface of the head 132. Two holes (not shown) are formed in the plane 132a. The holes are formed at positions in contact with the cylindrical portion 134 in the diameter direction of the head 132. Sensor conductors 222A and 222B are passed through each of the holes. In the embodiment, there are two holes, but the number of holes is provided according to the number of sensor conductors 222.

[0038] The dimensional sizes of the diameters of the cylindrical portion 134 and the threaded portion 136 are smaller than those of the head 132. The dimensional size of the diameter of the cylindrical portion 134 may be smaller than that of the threaded portion 136. The resistance portion 220A and the conductor 222A are attached to the side surface of the cylindrical portion 134. The resistance portion 220A and the resistance portion 220B are, for example, strain gauges. The resistance portion 220A and the resistance portion 220B are attached, for example, at positions facing each other in the diameter direction of the cylindrical portion 134. The resistance portion 220A and the resistance portion 220B deform in accordance with the deformation of the cylindrical portion 134. The resistance portion 220A and the resistance portion 220B are an example of a resistor made of a material whose electrical resistance changes when deformed.

[0039] The threaded portion 136 is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 134. A groove for screwing into a hole (not shown) of the nacelle 10 is formed on the side surface of the threaded portion 136.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the strain sensor in the embodiment. The sensor case 200 has, for example, a first accommodating portion 202 and a second accommodating portion 204. The circuit board 230 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 202. The circuit board 230 is fixed to the wall surface of the second accommodating portion 204 by screws or the like (not shown). The circuit board 230 includes, for example, signal terminals 234. A sensor wire 222 is connected to the signal terminals 234. A circuit accommodating portion 238 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 204. A signal processing circuit (an amplifier or a microcomputer) described later is accommodated in the circuit accommodating portion 238. A screw portion 210a is formed in the circuit accommodating portion 238 so as to be exposed from the upper surface of the second accommodating portion 204.

[0041] The connector 210 includes, for example, a cylindrical portion 210b and a connector terminal portion 210c. The cylindrical portion 210b accommodates a signal wire (not shown) connected to the circuit board 230. The connector terminal portion 210c has a connector shape for mechanically and electrically connecting to an external cable. The connector terminal portion 210c has connector terminals connected to the circuit board 230. The connector 210 is fixed to the sensor case 200 by screwing the screw portion on the inner wall of the connection jig 206 and the screw portion 210a.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the strain sensor in the embodiment. The strain sensor 166 includes, for example, a bridge circuit 300, an amplifier 310, and a microcomputer unit 320. In the embodiment, the bridge circuit 300, the amplifier 310, and the microcomputer unit 320 are formed on the circuit board 230, for example. The microcomputer unit 320 is connected to the control unit 170 via the connector 210 and the external cable 330. Note that if the bridge circuit 300, the amplifier 310, and the microcomputer unit 320 are formed in the head 132, the strain sensor 166 may not include the circuit board 230.

[0043] The bridge circuit 300 is a circuit attached to the head 132 for detecting the electrical resistance of a resistor. The electrical resistance is detected as a value based on the strain of the cylindrical portion 134. The bridge circuit 300 includes four resistive elements R1, resistive element R2, resistive element R3, and resistive element R4. At least one of the four resistive elements R1, resistive element R2, resistive element R3, and resistive element R4 corresponds to a resistor that is the resistive parts 220A and 220B. For example, the resistive element R2 corresponds to the resistive parts 220A and 220B connected in series, and the resistive elements R1, resistive element R3, and resistive element R4 correspond to circuit parts with resistive elements of known resistance values.

[0044] The positive terminal (+E) of the power supply is connected to the connection point between the resistive element R1 and the resistive element R3. The negative terminal (-E) of the power supply is connected to the connection point between the resistive element R2 and the resistive element R4. The signal output terminal (Vin+) is connected to the connection point between the resistive element R3 and the resistive element R4. The signal output terminal (Vin-) is connected to the connection point between the resistive element R1 and the resistive element R2. When a stress based on the load between the ring gear 22 and the pinion gear 150 is applied to the fastening bolt 130, the resistive part 220A and the resistive part 220B deform due to the stress based on the load. In this state, a signal with a value corresponding to the load is supplied between the signal output terminals.

[0045] The amplifier 310 is a signal amplification circuit attached to the head 132. The signal output terminal (Vin+) and the signal output terminal (Vin-) are connected to the amplifier 310. A reference voltage Vref is supplied to the amplifier 310 from the microcomputer unit 320. The amplifier 310 amplifies the signals input from the signal output terminal (Vin+) and the signal output terminal (Vin-), and outputs the amplified signal (Vout).

[0046] The microcontroller unit 320 is attached to the head 132. The microcontroller unit 320 includes, for example, a PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier) 321, an A / D conversion circuit 322, a CPU 323, and a D / A conversion circuit 324. The PGA 321 amplifies the signal supplied from the amplifier 310. The A / D conversion circuit 322 converts the signal format of the signal supplied from the PGA 321 from analog to digital. The CPU 323 outputs the sensor data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 322 to the control unit 170. The CPU 323 sets an offset value and supplies the set offset value to the D / A conversion circuit 324. The D / A conversion circuit 324 converts the format of the offset value from digital to analog and supplies the reference voltage Vref to the amplifier 310.

[0047] Note that the microcontroller unit 320 includes the CPU 323 that communicates serial data as a communication unit, but may transmit a signal based on a load to the control unit 170 by other communication methods. The microcontroller unit 320 may include, for example, a wireless communication circuit and transmit a signal based on a load to the control unit 170 as a wireless signal.

[0048] Note that the embodiment will describe the case where the bridge circuit 300, the amplifier 310, and the microcontroller unit 320 are formed on the circuit board 230, but is not limited thereto. Among the bridge circuit 300, the amplifier 310, and the microcontroller unit 320, the bridge circuit 300 may be formed on the circuit board 230. In this case, the amplifier 310 and the microcontroller unit 320 are provided outside the strain sensor 166 via the connector 210. Among the bridge circuit 300, the amplifier 310, and the microcontroller unit 320, the bridge circuit 300 and the amplifier 310 may be formed on the circuit board 230. In this case, the microcontroller unit 320 is provided outside the strain sensor 166 via the connector 210. Among the PGA 321, the A / D conversion circuit 322, and the D / A conversion circuit 324 of the microcontroller unit 320, they may be formed on the circuit board 230, and the CPU 323 may be provided outside the strain sensor 166 via the connector 210.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional example of the wind power generation device in the embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 shows a functional example for controlling the yaw driving force in the wind power generation device 1. The yaw driving device 100 includes, for example, a control unit 170, strain sensors 166-1, 166-2, 166-3, 166-4, motor driving units / braking units 160·162-1, 160·162-2, 160·162-3, 160·162-4, a hydraulic brake driving unit 52, and a wind sensor 180. In the following description, when collectively referring to the strain sensors 166-1, 166-2, 166-3, 166-4, they are simply described as "strain sensor 166", when collectively referring to the braking units 160-1, 160-2, 160-3, 160-4, they are simply described as "braking unit 160", and when collectively referring to the motor driving units 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, they are simply described as "motor driving unit 162".

[0050] The strain sensor 166-1 corresponds to the strain sensors 166a and 166b in the yaw driving device 100-1. The strain sensor 166-2 corresponds to the strain sensors 166a and 166b in the yaw driving device 100-2. The strain sensor 166-3 corresponds to the strain sensors 166a and 166b in the yaw driving device 100-3. The strain sensor 166-4 corresponds to the strain sensors 166a and 166b in the yaw driving device 100-4.

[0051] The motor driving unit / braking unit 160·162-1 corresponds to the braking unit 160 and the motor driving unit 162 in the yaw driving device 100-1. The motor driving unit / braking unit 160·162-2 corresponds to the braking unit 160 and the motor driving unit 162 in the yaw driving device 100-2. The motor driving unit / braking unit 160·162-3 corresponds to the braking unit 160 and the motor driving unit 162 in the yaw driving device 100-3. The motor driving unit / braking unit 160·162-4 corresponds to the braking unit 160 and the motor driving unit 162 in the yaw driving device 100-4.

[0052] The wind sensor 180 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the nacelle 10. The wind sensor 180 generates a signal (wind detection signal) representing the wind intensity and the wind direction, and supplies it to the control unit 170.

[0053] The control unit 170 is realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a program memory. The control unit 170 may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware. Strain detection signals are supplied to the control unit 170 from each of the strain sensors 166-1, 166-2, 166-3, and 166-4. A wind detection signal is supplied to the control unit 170 from the wind sensor 180. Based on the strain detection signal and the wind detection signal, the control unit 170 outputs control signals to the motor drive unit / brake units 160·162-1, 160·162-2, 160·162-3, 160·162-4, and the hydraulic brake drive unit 52.

[0054] The fixture with a detection circuit of the embodiment described above is a fixture having a cylindrical portion 134 integrally formed from the head portion 132 and a screw portion 136 integrally formed from the cylindrical portion 134, and includes a resistance portion 220 attached to the cylindrical portion 134 and a circuit portion attached to the head portion 132 and connected to the resistance portion 220, and is provided with a detection circuit (strain sensor 166) having a bridge circuit 300 for detecting the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 220. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, since the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 220 is detected without using the current of the yaw drive device 100, the load when the yaw drive device 100 is stopped can be detected.

[0055] Moreover, according to the fixture with a detection circuit of the embodiment, the wiring distance between the resistance portion 220 and the bridge circuit 300 can be shortened. Thereby, according to the fixture with a detection circuit, the noise added to the signal can be suppressed. As a result, the fixture with a detection circuit can improve the detection accuracy of the load.

[0056] In the fixture with a detection circuit of the embodiment, since the resistance portion 220 is provided on the surface of the cylindrical portion 134 of the fastening bolt 130 and the circuit board 230 is attached to the surface of the head portion 132 of the fastening bolt 130, a signal corresponding to the deformation of the cylindrical portion 134 can be supplied to the circuit board 230. Thereby, the fixture with a detection circuit can improve the detection accuracy of the load between the ring gear 22 and the pinion gear 150.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the fixture with a detection circuit of the embodiment, for example, when it is necessary to replace the strain sensor 166, only the strain sensor 166 needs to be replaced, so that the working time and cost can be reduced.

[0058] Also, in the fixture with a detection circuit of the embodiment, the electrical resistance is detected as a value based on the strain of the cylindrical portion 134. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, since the electrical resistance is detected as a value based on the strain of the cylindrical portion 134, the load when the yaw drive device 100 is stopped can be detected.

[0059] In the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, the strain sensor 166 is attached to the head 132 and includes an amplifier 310 that amplifies the signal output from the strain sensor 166. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, a signal regarding the electrical resistance can be amplified. In the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, the strain sensor 166 is attached to the head 132 and includes an A / D conversion circuit 322 that converts the signal amplified by the amplifier 310. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, the amplified signal regarding the electrical resistance can be converted. In the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, the strain sensor 166 is attached to the head 132 and includes a communication unit (CPU) that outputs the signal converted by the A / D conversion circuit 322. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, the amplified and converted signal regarding the electrical resistance can be output. In the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, the strain sensor 166 is attached to the head 132 and includes a connector portion (210) to which an external cable is detachably attached. According to this fixture with a detection circuit, an external cable for outputting the amplified and converted signal regarding the electrical resistance can be connected.

[0060] Since the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment includes the amplifier 310, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal can be improved. Since the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment includes the A / D conversion circuit 322 that converts the signal amplified by the amplifier 310, digital data can be output, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal can be improved. Since the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment includes the CPU 323 as a communication unit, the value of the electrical resistance can be output by communication processing, so that the detection accuracy of the load can be further increased. Since the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment includes the connector portion (210) to which the external cable 330 is detachably attached, the twisting of the cable in the rotation operation for attaching the fixture with a detection circuit can be eliminated, contributing to the simplification and shortening of the work. Further, the risk of disconnection due to the twisting of the external cable 330 can be eliminated. Further, according to the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, since the external cable 330 can be attached to and detached from the connector 210, the work of fixing the external cable 330 in the nacelle 10 can also be facilitated. Further, according to the fixture with a detection circuit according to the embodiment, since the connector 210 is integrated with the circuit board 230, the detection circuit can be miniaturized.

[0061] According to the detection circuit of the embodiment, a resistance portion 220 attached to the cylindrical portion 134 of the fastening bolt 130 having a head portion 132, a cylindrical portion 134 integrally formed from the head portion 132, and a screw portion 136 integrally formed from the cylindrical portion 134, and a circuit portion attached to the head portion 132 and connected to the resistance portion 220 are included, and a bridge circuit 300 that detects the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 220 is provided. According to this detection circuit, since the electrical resistance of the resistor is detected without using the current of the yaw drive device 100, the load when the yaw drive device 100 is stopped can be detected.

[0062] According to the yaw drive device 100 of the embodiment, a nacelle 10 movable relative to a tower 20 is provided with a braking unit 160 that generates a braking force for stopping the nacelle 10 relative to the tower 20, and fastening bolts 130 that fix the yaw drive device 100 including the braking unit 160 to the nacelle 10. The fastening bolts 130 include a head 132, a cylindrical portion 134 integrally formed from the head 132, a threaded portion 136 integrally formed from the cylindrical portion 134, a resistance portion 220 attached to the cylindrical portion 134, and a circuit portion attached to the head 132 and connected to the resistance portion 220, and a detection circuit having a bridge circuit 300 that detects the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 220. According to this yaw drive device 100, since the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 220 is detected without using current or the like of the braking unit 160 or the like, the load when the yaw drive device 100 is stopped can be detected.

[0063] A program for realizing the functions of the control unit 170 according to the embodiment shown above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing. Here, the “computer system” may include an operating system (OS) or hardware such as peripheral devices. Also, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0064] Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" shall include those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside an information processing device or a computer system that becomes a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for the functions described above. As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1…Wind power generation device, 10…Nacelle, 20…Tower, 22…Ring gear, 30…Blade, 40…Hub, 50…Friction body, 100, 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4…Yaw drive device, 110…Case, 120…Flange, 130, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6, 130-7, 130-8…Fastening bolt, 132…Head, 132a…Flat surface, 134…Cylindrical part, 136…Threaded part, 140…Output shaft, 150…Pinion gear, 160, 160-1, 160-2, 160-3, 160-4…Braking part, 162, 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4…Motor drive part, 164…Reduction part, 166, 166-1, 166-2, 166-3, 166-4, 166a, 166b…Strain sensor, 170…Control part, 180…Wind sensor, 200…Sensor case, 202…First housing part, 204…Second housing part, 206…Connection jig, 210…Connector, 210a…Threaded part, 210b…Cylindrical part, 210c…Connector terminal part, 220, 220A, 220B…Resistance part, 222…Sensor lead wire, 230…Circuit board, 234…Signal terminal, 238…Circuit housing part, 300…Bridge circuit, 310…Amplifier, 320…Microcomputer part, 322…A / D conversion circuit, 324…D / A conversion circuit, 330…External cable

Claims

1. A fixture comprising: a head having a flat upper surface and a lower surface, and a hole penetrating through the upper surface and the lower surface; a cylindrical portion integrated with the lower surface and having a side surface that contacts an opening of the hole in a diameter direction of the head, the cylindrical portion having a first diameter smaller than a diameter of the head; and a screw portion having a screw surface integrated with the cylindrical portion. A detection circuit including: a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion; a circuit portion attached to the head and connected to the resistor, the circuit portion including a bridge circuit for detecting an electrical resistance of the resistor; a sensor case for housing the circuit portion; an amplifier attached to the head for amplifying a signal output from the bridge circuit; a conversion circuit attached to the head for converting the signal amplified by the amplifier; and a connector portion fixed to the sensor case for housing the circuit portion and attached to the head, the connector portion being for detaching and attaching an external cable and outputting the signal converted by the conversion circuit. A fixture with a detection circuit.

2. A braking portion that generates a braking force for stopping a second structure movable relative to a first structure with respect to the first structure. A driving portion that generates a driving force for moving the second structure relative to the first structure. A fixture for fixing a windmill driving device including the braking portion and the driving portion to the second structure, the fixture comprising: a head having a flat upper surface and a lower surface, and a hole penetrating through the upper surface and the lower surface; a cylindrical portion integrated with the lower surface and having a side surface that contacts an opening of the hole in a diameter direction of the head, the cylindrical portion having a first diameter smaller than a diameter of the head; and a screw portion having a screw surface integrated with the cylindrical portion. A detection circuit including: a resistor attached to the cylindrical portion; a circuit portion attached to the head and connected to the resistor, the circuit portion including a bridge circuit for detecting an electrical resistance of the resistor; a sensor case for housing the circuit portion; an amplifier attached to the head for amplifying a signal output from the bridge circuit; a conversion circuit attached to the head for converting the signal amplified by the amplifier; and a connector portion fixed to the sensor case for housing the circuit portion and attached to the head, the connector portion being for detaching and attaching an external cable and outputting the signal converted by the conversion circuit. A windmill driving device.

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