Water flow energy conversion unit

Abstract

To provide a water flow energy conversion unit that exhibits high energy conversion efficiency in water. [Solution] A water flow energy conversion unit X that converts the energy of a water flow into rotational motion, comprising a water turbine body A installed underwater and a rectifying unit C that controls the water flow, the water turbine body A having an output shaft A1 extending substantially horizontally, a water receiving section A2 installed on the output shaft A1, and a support section A3 that supports the output shaft A1 so that it can rotate around its central axis, the output shaft A1 being connected to a generator that is driven to rotate by its rotational movement, the water receiving section A2 having a water receiving body A21 that receives the water flow, the rectifying unit C having a front rectifying section C1 arranged in front of the water turbine body A when viewed from the axial direction, the front rectifying section C1 having an upper surface configured as an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the water turbine body A as it approaches the water turbine body A.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water flow energy conversion unit that utilizes the rotational motion generated when a water flow is received by a water wheel's water receiving body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional water turbines used in hydroelectric power generation are broadly classified into impulse turbines and reaction turbines. An impulse turbine is a turbine that rotates a rotating impeller by applying a water flow tangentially to the circumference of the impeller, and a typical example is the Pelton turbine. On the other hand, a reaction turbine is a water turbine that rotates when the water flow comes into contact with the blades, generating a force that changes the direction of the blades.Typical examples include Francis turbines and water turbines that use propellers. Crossflow turbines also have characteristics of both impulse and reaction turbines.

[0003] Currently, the main type of water turbine used for water current power generation in the ocean is a reaction turbine using a propeller. However, propeller-based water turbines require a transmission and generator to be installed behind the propeller for each turbine, and there is also the issue that the propeller shape can be deformed by water pressure after long-term operation.

[0004] On the other hand, by connecting multiple impulse turbines horizontally on one rotating shaft, it is possible to limit the number of transmissions and generators to one per rotating shaft.

[0005] Regarding the above-mentioned impulse turbine, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an invention relating to an impeller of an impulse turbine.

[0006] The impeller of this impulse turbine comprises a wheel disc and a large number of bowl-shaped buckets arranged in the circumferential direction of the wheel disc. This impeller is divided by a plane that is parallel to the wheel disc and passes through the top of the bowl-shaped surface of the bucket, and is integrally joined to a divided body 1 and a divided body 2.

[0007] This allows the bowl-shaped interior of the bucket to be easily machined with a tool from the side of the wheel disc, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-38633 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] When an impulse turbine is installed in the atmosphere, the negative moment due to air pressure can be almost ignored, but when it is installed underwater, water pressure is generated in the direction of rotation, making the negative moment impossible to ignore. That is, a high negative moment due to water pressure occurs simultaneously with a positive moment, which significantly impedes the rotational operation of the water turbine.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its objective is to provide a water flow energy conversion unit that exhibits high energy conversion efficiency by increasing the positive moment of an impulse turbine underwater and suppressing the negative moment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a water flow energy conversion unit that converts the energy of a water flow into rotational motion, comprising: The water turbine comprises a water turbine body that is installed underwater, and a flow rectifying unit that controls the water flow, The water turbine body has an output shaft extending in a substantially horizontal direction, a water receiving portion provided on the output shaft, and a support portion that supports the output shaft so that the output shaft can rotate around its central axis, The output shaft is connected to a generator that is driven to rotate by the rotational movement of the output shaft. The water receiving section has a water receiving body that receives the water flow, the flow straightening unit has a front flow straightening part that is arranged in front of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction of the output shaft, The front flow control section has an upper surface including an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the top of the water turbine body as the upper surface approaches the water turbine body.

[0012] According to the present invention, the water flow that has passed through the rectification unit applies water pressure to the water receiving body, which is guided upward, and the water receiving body rotates while receiving the water pressure of the water flow at the upper position.The water flow then descends due to gravity, and the water receiving body is guided downward. In this way, while the receiving body is generally positioned above the center of the output shaft, the water pressure of the flowing water received by the receiving body is transmitted to the output shaft, generating a positive rotational moment on the output shaft.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving portion is configured such that the water receiving body is not directly connected to the output shaft but is connected via a connecting portion.

[0014] Such a configuration can induce a movement of the water receiving body that favorably catches the water flow, thereby making it possible to increase the positive rotation moment of the output shaft.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the output shaft is provided with a reversing means for reversing the water-receiving body about an axis corresponding to the direction in which the connecting portion extends, the flow straightening unit includes a rear flow straightening part that is arranged rearward of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction of the output shaft, The rear flow straightening portion has an upper surface including an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the top of the water turbine body as the upper surface approaches the water turbine body.

[0016] With this configuration, even if the water flow is reversed, a positive rotational moment is still generated on the output shaft, making it possible to generate electricity efficiently.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The connecting portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, The output shaft supports the water receiving portion so that the water receiving portion is slidable along the direction in which the connecting portion extends.

[0018] With this configuration, the buoyancy that pulls the receiver upward causes the receiver to slide upward, which lengthens the path of the receiver above the output shaft, and the receiver is subjected to more water pressure from the water flow, thereby increasing the positive rotational moment of the output shaft. Furthermore, as the output shaft continues to rotate due to inertia and the receiver is positioned below the output shaft, buoyancy again causes the receiver to slide upward, bringing the receiver closer to the output shaft. This shortens the path of the receiver below the output shaft, reducing the negative moment acting on the rotation of the output shaft. As the receiver moves in this way, the rotation speed of the output shaft accelerates.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving body is provided in a pair at the connecting portion, The water receiving bodies are disposed at diagonal positions that are substantially point symmetrical with respect to one of the connecting portions with the output shaft as the center when viewed in the axial direction.

[0020] This configuration increases the positive moment on the output shaft, leading to a more even rotational motion and allowing the output shaft to rotate continuously.

[0021] In a preferred form of the present invention, each of the water receiving bodies is configured in the shape of a container, opening in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting part to which it is attached, when viewed from the axial direction, to receive the water flow that has passed through the straightening unit inside.

[0022] With this configuration, the volume of the water flow received by the water receiving body increases, and the positive rotation moment of the output shaft can be increased.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the water receiving bodies is provided with a water receiving support plate that stands from the open end of the water receiving body along the opening direction and receives the water flow that has passed through the rectification unit on its surface, Each of the water receiving support plates is disposed so that its base end surface defines an opening of each of the water receiving bodies along the axial direction.

[0024] With this configuration, the volume of the water flow received by the water receiving body increases, and the positive rotation moment of the output shaft can be further increased.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the water receiving bodies has a streamlined shape on the side opposite to the open end.

[0026] With this configuration, the negative moment that the water receiving body receives is reduced, making it possible to reduce resistance to the rotational movement of the output shaft.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the water-receiving bodies is provided with a current plate that divides its internal region along the axial direction.

[0028] By adopting such a configuration, turbulence of the water flow in the water receiving body is suppressed, leading to stable rotational movement of the output shaft.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving portion is provided in plurality at intervals along the axial direction of the output shaft, At least two of the connecting portions are arranged so that their extending directions are different when viewed from the axial direction.

[0030] With this configuration, the output shaft can be rotated continuously without any irregularities.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion is provided with a stopper portion for controlling the sliding distance of the water receiving portion.

[0032] With this configuration, a constant sliding distance of the water receiving portion is ensured regardless of the strength of the water flow, and stable rotation of the output shaft is maintained.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary unit is provided to assist the rotation of the output shaft, the auxiliary unit includes a first magnetic part configured separately from the water turbine main body, a second magnetic part provided in the water-receiving body and having the same polarity as the first magnetic part, and a magnetic part support body supporting the first magnetic part; the first magnetic unit is disposed adjacent to the rear of the water turbine body and is supported by the magnetic unit support body so as to face the front flow straightening unit via the water turbine body; The second magnetic portion is configured to be able to face the first magnetic portion by rotation of the output shaft.

[0034] By adopting such a configuration, the magnetic repulsive force can be used to hasten the start of the sliding movement of the water receiving portion, thereby making it possible to increase the time during which the water receiving portion generates a positive rotational moment.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion each extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are disposed adjacent to each other along the axial direction such that their extending directions are substantially perpendicular to each other; The water receiving bodies are provided in pairs at the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The water-receiving bodies are disposed at diagonal positions that are substantially point-symmetrical with respect to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, with the output shaft as the center, as viewed in the axial direction, The output shaft supports the water receiving portion so that the water receiving portion is slidable along the directions in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend.

[0036] With this configuration, the water-receiving body passes through the same area as viewed from the axial direction four times while the output shaft makes one rotation. In other words, by having the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the total volume of the water flow that induces the positive rotational moment received by one water receiving portion increases, making it possible to accelerate the rotational speed of the output shaft.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion supports the water receiving body so as to be rotatable, The axial direction of the rotation shaft of the water receiver is configured to be substantially parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft.

[0038] With this configuration, the receiving body rotates when subjected to water pressure, allowing the receiving body to capture the water flow effectively on both sides, resulting in efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving portion has a stopper member, The stopper member limits the rotation angle of the water receiving body to a predetermined range.

[0040] With this configuration, the force generated by the rotational movement of the water receiving body is transmitted to the stopper member and presses the stopper member, thereby enabling a more efficient rotational movement.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving section has a plurality of the connecting sections, The coupling portions are provided around the output shaft at intervals.

[0042] By adopting such a configuration, the positive rotation moment of the output shaft can be increased, and rotational irregularities of the output shaft can also be suppressed.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow straightening unit has an upper flow straightening part that covers an upper part of the water turbine body.

[0044] With this configuration, the water flow guided to the upper part of the turbine can be prevented from diffusing further upward, enabling more efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0045] In a preferred form of the present invention, the upper straightening section is provided with an inlet opening that opens on the side of the front straightening section and through which the water flow flows, and an outlet opening that opens downward on the upper side of the water turbine body, a predetermined distance behind the inlet opening, so that the interior is configured as a flow path.

[0046] With this configuration, the water flow is guided diagonally downward from the top of the turbine to the rear of the turbine, and water pressure can be applied to the water receiving body, allowing for efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an upper inner circumferential surface of the flow channel is generally curved gradually downward from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0048] This configuration allows the water flow to be guided from the top of the turbine to the rear of the turbine without diverging, and water pressure can be applied to the water receiving body, allowing for more efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper flow straightening portion is provided with a hanging portion that hangs down substantially from the rear end side of the outlet opening and is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the water turbine body.

[0050] With this configuration, the water flow that has escaped from the flow path of the upper straightening section is guided downward, and as a result, downward water pressure is applied to the water receiving body, allowing for even more efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow straightening unit includes a rear lower flow straightening part arranged rearward of the water turbine body as viewed in the axial direction, In the rear lower flow straightening portion, an inner circumferential surface facing the water turbine body is substantially curved rearward.

[0052] With this configuration, the water flow is guided below the water turbine body, and water pressure is applied to the water receiving body in the same direction, which leads to the continued rotation of the output shaft.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow straightening unit includes a front lower flow straightening portion disposed in front of the water turbine body as viewed in the axial direction and below the front flow straightening portion, The front lower flow straightening section has an upper surface that slopes gradually upward toward the water receiving section as it approaches the water turbine body, and a rear end of the slope that extends upward. a vertical surface; The inclined surface and the vertical surface, together with the lower surface of the front flow straightening portion, form a flow path.

[0054] With this configuration, a water flow is generated that thrusts upwards approximately vertically from below, and water pressure can be applied to the water receiving body, allowing for more efficient rotation of the output shaft.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of flow straightening plates are formed on the inclined surface of the front flow straightening portion along the axial direction and are provided adjacent to the water receiving portion.

[0056] This configuration suppresses turbulence in the water flowing out from the front straightening portion, leading to stable and continuous rotation of the output shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0057] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water flow energy conversion unit that exhibits high energy conversion efficiency in water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a water receiving section and an output shaft of a water turbine body according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a part thereof, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line PP′. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an output shaft of a water turbine body according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a left side view. [Figure 4] 10 is a left side view showing the sliding operation of the water receiving portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a modified example of the water receiving section and output shaft of the water turbine body according to the first embodiment, where (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a part thereof, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line QQ'. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an output shaft in a modified example of the water turbine main body according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a left side view. [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are a left side view and a cross-sectional view showing the inverting operation of the water receiving section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a left side view showing the sliding operation of the water receiving portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a left side view showing the operation of the auxiliary unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a water turbine body according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a left side view and (b) is a schematic left side view. [Figure 12] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram showing the change over time in the rotational moment generated by each water receiving portion and the sum of these in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a water flow energy conversion unit according to a second embodiment, in which (a) is a left side view and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the water receiving section and the output shaft of the water turbine body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing the water receiving section and output shaft of the water turbine body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the water receiving part of the water turbine body according to embodiment 3, where (a) is an enlarged left side view showing a part, (b) is an enlarged rear view showing a part, and (c) is an enlarged left side view showing the operating mode. [Figure 24] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the water receiving section and output shaft of the water turbine body according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a water flow energy conversion unit according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, a water flow energy conversion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In these figures, the symbol X indicates a water flow energy conversion unit according to this embodiment.

[0060] In each of the above figures, the direction of the water flow is indicated by a dashed arrow. For convenience of explanation, the x-axis direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left-right direction (or axial direction), the y-axis direction as the front-to-back direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow on the x-axis is referred to as the leftward direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow on the y-axis is referred to as the forward direction. That is, in this embodiment, the water flow is from the front to the rear, except for FIG.

[0061] <<Configuration>> The configuration of the water flow energy conversion unit X will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the water flow energy conversion unit X in this embodiment comprises a water turbine main body A, an auxiliary unit B that assists the rotation of the output shaft A1 in the water turbine main body A, and a rectifying unit C that controls the water flow, all of which are installed underwater in the sea, a river, etc.

[0063] In FIG. 1, the first magnetic portion B1 and the magnetic portion support B3 in the auxiliary unit B are indicated by thick lines, and the rectification unit C is indicated by a gray line. Furthermore, the support portion A3 in the turbine body A and the upper straightening portion C2 in the straightening unit C are constructed using translucent plate-like bodies made of acrylic or the like, and are shown in a transparent state, but the materials of these components are not particularly limited.

[0064] <<<Water turbine body A>>> The turbine body A has a horizontal shaft at both ends ( left and right The pump has an output shaft A1 that is substantially cylindrical and extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the pump (the direction perpendicular to the axis of the pump), a plurality of water receiving portions A2 that are provided at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the output shaft A1, and a support portion A3 that supports the output shaft A1 so that it can rotate around its central axis P.

[0065] The output shaft A1 has an end connected to a generator (not shown) that is rotated by the rotational movement of the output shaft A1. The generator may be installed indirectly connected to the output shaft A1 via a power transmission mechanism such as an arbitrary gear or chain.

[0066] In this embodiment, three water receiving sections A2 are provided at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the output shaft A1, and each has a water receiving body A21 that receives the water flow and a connecting section A22 that connects the water receiving body A21 to the output shaft A1. The configuration of the water receiving portion A2 and its connection to the output shaft A1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, in the explanation using these drawings, one water receiving section A2 is described, but the other water receiving sections have the same configuration.

[0067] The support portions A3 are substantially rectangular plate-like bodies erected on a predetermined installation surface Z, and a pair of support portions A3 are provided with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a through hole p through which the output shaft A1 is inserted is provided in the upper part of the support portion A3, and the output shaft A1 is supported thereby. Incidentally, a configuration may be adopted in which a bearing is appropriately provided in the through hole p and the output shaft A1 is inserted therethrough, thereby allowing the output shaft A1 to rotate more stably.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the water receiving body A21 includes a water receiving body main body A21a, a current plate A21b, and a streamlined portion A21c. A pair of water receiving bodies A21 are provided at the connecting portion A22, and one of the water receiving bodies A21 will be described in detail below.

[0069] The water receiving body main body A21a is configured in the shape of a container that receives water flow therein by opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting part A22 to which it is attached extends when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft A1.

[0070] The current plates A21b are two thin, substantially rectangular plate-like bodies that divide the internal region of the water receiving body main body A21a along the axial direction of the output shaft A1.

[0071] The streamlined portion A21c is provided on the side opposite to the open end of the water-receiving body main body A21a, and has a streamlined shape that tapers toward a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting portion A22.

[0072] In this embodiment, the flat plates constituting the left and right side portions of the water-receiving body main body A21a and the flat plate constituting the side portion opposite the side surface connected to the connecting portion A22 extend further from the open end of the water-receiving body main body A21a. As a result, three approximately L-shaped openings are formed together with the respective rectifying plates A21b.

[0073] The connecting portion A22 will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion A22 is a slide rail that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, a pair of water receiving bodies A21 are provided in the connecting portion A22, and are arranged at diagonal positions that are substantially point symmetrical about the central axis P when viewed in the axial direction. In addition, in FIG. 2(b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along line PP', the water receiving body A21 is omitted from the illustration.

[0074] Here, the output shaft A1 supports a connecting portion A22 provided with a pair of water receiving bodies A21 so as to be slidable along the extending direction. As shown in FIG. 2(b), a bracket h is interposed on the output shaft A1 to slidably support the connecting portion A22.

[0075] In addition, a stopper portion k having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided on each side surface of the connecting portion A22. Similarly to each water receiving body A21, the pair of stopper portions k are also disposed at diagonal positions that are substantially point-symmetric with respect to the connecting portion A22 with respect to the central axis P as the center when viewed in the axial direction. In addition, the connecting portion A22, the bracket h, and the stopper portion k will be referred to as a sliding means S hereinafter.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3(a), three brackets h are provided corresponding to the number of water receiving portions A2, and are mounted on the output shaft A1 at predetermined intervals. Moreover, the axial directions of the brackets h are different from each other when viewed from the direction of the central axis P (when viewed from the side).

[0077] In FIG. 3(b), the left bracket h and its axial direction are indicated by very thick lines, the center bracket h and its axial direction are indicated by thick lines, and the right bracket h and its axial direction are indicated by thin lines. More specifically, the left bracket h is connected to the output shaft A1 in a manner such that the central bracket h is rotated 60 degrees counterclockwise in side view, and the right bracket h is connected to the output shaft A1 in a manner such that the central bracket h is rotated 60 degrees clockwise in side view. Furthermore, in this embodiment, due to the mounting manner of each bracket h described above, it is preferable that the extending directions of each connecting portion A22 are different from each other, but at least two extending directions are arranged so as to be different directions when viewed from the axial direction.

[0078] Note that installing all of the connecting shafts A22 of the turbine body A at equal angles around the central axis P helps to suppress uneven rotation of the output shaft A1. This means that the bracket h is connected to the output shaft A1 so that each water receiving section A2 having one connecting section A22 is also positioned at an equal angle around the central axis P. The equal angle is calculated as follows. [Equal angle = 360 degrees / total number of receiving bodies A21 installed in turbine body A]

[0079] In this embodiment, the total number of water-receiving bodies A21 provided in the water turbine body A is calculated as follows. Each of the water receiving sections A2 is provided with one pair of water receiving bodies A21, that is, each of the water receiving sections A2 is provided with two water receiving bodies A21. On the other hand, the number of water receiving portions A2 provided in the water turbine body A is 3. Therefore, the total number of water receiving bodies A21 provided in the water turbine body A is 6. Therefore, the equal angle is 60 degrees (360 degrees / (2×3)).

[0080] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the number of water receiving portions A2 is three, and the water receiving portions A2 are arranged at equal angular intervals to suppress uneven rotation of the output shaft A1. However, this is not limited to this. Not It could be two, four, five or more. The method for calculating the equal angle intervals is the same as in the case where the number of water-receiving sections A2 is three. That is, if the number of water-receiving sections A2 is two, the intervals are 90 degrees (360 degrees / (2×2)), and if there are four, the intervals are 90 degrees (360 degrees / (2×2)). 、 45 degree intervals (360 degrees / (2×4)), if there are 5 、 The intervals are 36 degrees (360 degrees / (2×5)). In this way, as the number of water receiving portions A2 increases, it becomes possible to rotate the output shaft A1 more evenly and stably.

[0081] Due to the configuration of the sliding means S described above, the water receiving portion A2 slides in the direction in which the connecting portion A22 extends, as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the water receiving portion A2 slides leftward in FIG. 4(a) until the stopper portion k located on the right side of the pair of stopper portions k abuts against the bracket h. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the water receiving portion A2 slides rightward in FIG. 4(b) until the leftmost one of the pair of stopper portions k abuts against the bracket h. In this way, the sliding distance of the connecting portion A22 is controlled by each stopper portion k.

[0082] Here, when the water flow energy conversion unit X is placed in water where the direction of the water flow changes back and forth due to the ebb and flow of the tides, the water receiving section A2 can be inverted using an inversion means W instead of the bracket h. This allows each water-receiving body A21 to receive the water pressure of the water flow that induces a positive rotation moment, in the same manner as before the water flow direction was reversed. The reversing means W will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0083] The reversing means W is configured to be able to reversibly rotate each water receiving body A21 about an axis that corresponds to the direction in which the connecting portion A22 extends. More specifically, an approximately cylindrical hollow motor is mounted on the output shaft A1 as the reversing means W, and as shown in particular in Figure 5(b), which is a cross-sectional view along line QQ', a bracket i that slidably supports the connecting portion A22 is fixed to its inner surface. In addition, in FIG. 5(b), the water receiving body A21 is omitted from the illustration.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6(a), three reversing means W are provided corresponding to the number of water receiving sections A2, and are mounted on the output shaft A1 at predetermined intervals. Moreover, the axial directions of the reversing means W are different from each other when viewed from the direction of the central axis P (when viewed from the side).

[0085] In FIG. 6(b), the left reversing means W and its axial direction are indicated by very thick lines, the central reversing means W and its axial direction are indicated by thick lines, and the right reversing means W and its axial direction are indicated by thin lines. More specifically, the left reversing means W is connected to the output shaft A1 in a manner such that the central reversing means W is rotated 60 degrees counterclockwise in a side view, and the right reversing means W is connected to the output shaft A1 in a manner such that the central reversing means W is rotated 60 degrees clockwise in a side view. The method for calculating the angle at which the connecting portion A22 is evenly arranged on the output shaft A1 is the same as in the case of the bracket h.

[0086] Due to the configuration of the reversing means W described above, the water receiving section A2 operates as shown in FIG. In other words, as the inner surface of the inversion means W rotates, the bracket i fixed to the inner surface rotates, causing the entire water receiving section A2 to rotate around the axial direction of the inversion means W, and the water receiving section A2 is inverted in side view from Figure 7(a) to Figure 7(b) to Figure 7(c).

[0087] The reversing means W is configured to be remotely controlled so that it can be operated for all the water receiving sections A2 simultaneously or individually. As for the sliding operation, as shown in Fig. 8, the connecting portion A22, bracket i, and stopper portion k operate in the same manner as in Fig. 4. Note that bracket i is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the hollow motor, and is therefore not shown in Fig. 8, which is a side view.

[0088] <<<Auxiliary unit B>>> The auxiliary unit B has three first magnetic parts B1 that are constructed separately from the turbine main body A, a second magnetic part B2 that is provided in each water receiving body A21 and has the same polarity as the first magnetic part B1, and three magnetic part supports B3 that support the first magnetic part B1. The configuration will be described in detail below.

[0089] The first magnetic part B1 is a magnet whose inner surface facing the turbine body A is approximately curved toward the rear, and is supported on each magnetic part support B3 so that it is adjacent to the rear of the turbine body A and faces the direction of the water flow.

[0090] The second magnetic portion B2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped magnet provided on the outer side of the side surface of each water receiving body A21 opposite to the side surface connected to the connecting portion A22.

[0091] The shapes and sizes of the first magnetic portion B1 and the second magnetic portion B2 vary depending on the speed of the water flow, etc. For example, when the water flow is fast, the sliding length of the water receiving portion A2 is necessarily short, and the first magnetic portion B1 does not need to be rectangular and curved, but can be a plate-like shape close to a square.

[0092] The magnetic part supports B3 are provided at intervals in the left-right direction and are generally rectangular pillar-shaped bodies erected on the installation surface Z, with the first magnetic part B1 attached to the upper front side surface thereof.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary unit B assists the rotation of the output shaft A1. That is, when the output shaft A1 rotates in response to the water flow from the state shown in Figure 9(a), the second magnetic part B2 provided on the water receiving body main body A21a faces the first magnetic part B1, resulting in the state shown in Figure 9(b). and The first magnetic portion B1 and the second magnetic portion B2 repel each other, causing the water receiving portion A2 to slide forward. Thereafter, as the output shaft A1 rotates, the water receiving portion A2 slides obliquely upward toward the front, reaching the state shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0094] In the clockwise rotation shown in Figure 9, the magnetic repulsion accelerates the sliding, causing the upper receiving body A21 to move away from the output shaft A1, lengthening its upper path, while the lower receiving body A21 moves closer to the output shaft A1, shortening its lower path. This increases the total volume of the water flow that induces a positive rotational moment in the receiving part A2, while decreasing the total volume of the water flow that induces a negative rotational moment. As a result, the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 can be increased.

[0095] In FIG. 9, the support portion A3, the central water receiving portion A2, the right water receiving portion A2, and the rectification unit C are not shown. In addition, in the central water receiving section A2 and the right water receiving section A2, the second magnetic section B2 and the corresponding first magnetic section B1 provided in each section repel each other, leading to the same behavior as that shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c).

[0096] <<<Rectification unit C>>> The flow straightening unit C has a front flow straightening section C1 arranged adjacent to the front of the water turbine body A, and an upper flow straightening section C2 covering the top of the water turbine body A.

[0097] The forward rectifier C1 includes a roughly plate-shaped forward rectifier main body C11 and a pair of roughly plate-shaped support plates C12 provided on the left and right sides of the forward rectifier main body C11, supporting the forward rectifier main body C11 and erected from a predetermined installation surface Z.

[0098] The front flow straightening part main body C11 has an upper surface configured as an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward as it approaches the water turbine main body A. Additionally, seven rectifying plates t1 are provided on the upper portion of the inclined surface of the front rectifying portion main body C11. In this embodiment, the front airflow regulating portion main body C11 is configured as a single flat plate-like body, but it may be partially curved or may have uneven portions.

[0099] Each of the current plates t1 is a generally thin plate-like body erected from the inclined surface so that the direction perpendicular to the surface is generally parallel to the axial direction, and is arranged at predetermined intervals along the axial direction.

[0100] The upper rectifying portion C2 is made up of a thin plate-like body that is curved upward in an arch shape when viewed from the axial direction, and a pair of ribs joined to the left and right sides of the thin plate-like body. Tabira The lower end surface of each of these flat plates is attached to the upper end surface of each of the support portions A3. Furthermore, the upper flow rectifying section C2 is provided with two partition plates t2.

[0101] Each partition plate t2 is an approximately thin plate-like body provided on the inner surface of the upper straightening section C2 so that its surface perpendicular direction is approximately parallel to the axial direction, and is configured to be positioned between each water receiving section A2 when viewed in a plane.

[0102] 10, the installation of the straightening plates t1 and the partition plates t2, as well as the straightening plates A21b, suppresses turbulence in the water flow inside each water-receiving body A21, thereby straightening the water flow in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axial direction. The water flow, whose flow direction has been straightened in this way, applies water pressure to each water-receiving portion A2, and a stronger positive rotational moment is transmitted to the output shaft A1. 10, only the left side of the water flow energy conversion unit X is shown in an enlarged view.

[0103] Furthermore, when the reversing means W is used in water where the water flow direction changes front to back, a rear flow straightening section C3, which is the front flow straightening section C1 with its direction reversed front to back, is installed at the rear of the water turbine body A. Note that the rear flow straightening section C3 is not shown in Figure 1.

[0104] <<Operation mode>> Hereinafter, the operation of the water flow energy conversion unit X will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0105] Here, Figure 11(a) is a left side view of the turbine body A, where the left bracket h and the water receiving section A2 inserted therein are shown with very thick lines, the central bracket h and the water receiving section A2 inserted therein are shown with thick lines, and the right bracket h and the water receiving section A2 inserted therein are shown with thin lines. 11(a), the water receiving portions A2 are not biased with respect to the central axis P, that is, the distances from the central axis P to the ends of each water receiving portion A2 are approximately the same. of It shows.

[0106] In the explanation of the operation modes in Figs. 12 to 15, for the sake of convenience, only the water receiving section A2 and the output shaft A1 of the water turbine body A are shown schematically as shown in Fig. 11(b). That is, each water-receiving body main body A21a is represented by a rectangle, each streamlined portion A21c by a triangle, and each connecting portion A22 by a straight line.

[0107] In addition, in the description of the operation modes in Figs. 12 to 15, the left receiving portion A2 will be referred to as receiving portion A2a, the central receiving portion A2 as receiving portion A2b, and the right receiving portion A2 as receiving portion A2c. Furthermore, since the bracket h interposed on the output shaft A1 is omitted, the sliding distance of the water receiving section A2 on the drawing is the distance between two short straight lines extending perpendicularly from the straight lines indicating each connecting section A22 minus the length of the portion of the output shaft A1 located between them. In addition, in one water receiving portion A2, the hatched water receiving body A21 will be referred to as "one water receiving body A21," and the unshaded water receiving body A21 will be referred to as "the other water receiving body A21." Moreover, the direction in which one water receiving body A21 is provided will be simply referred to as "one side," and the direction in which the other water receiving body A21 is provided will be simply referred to as "the other side."

[0108] In each drawing, the flow rectifying plates t1 and the partition plates t2 are omitted. In each figure, the buoyancy force that each water receiving portion A2 receives, which guides the sliding motion, is indicated by a dotted arrow. Furthermore, the term "sliding to the maximum extent" described below refers to a state in which the lower stopper portion k of the two stopper portions k provided on each connecting portion A22 is in contact with the bracket h.

[0109] First, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the water receiving portion A2a slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. Moreover, the water receiving portion A2b slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2c does not generate a clockwise rotation moment.

[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the water receiving portion A2a slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2b does not generate a clockwise rotation moment. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2c slides upward due to buoyancy, while the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, and transmits a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0111] Next, as shown in Figure 12(c), the water receiving portion A2a is approximately parallel to the installation surface Z and the direction in which the connecting portion A22 extends, and one of the water receiving bodies A21 receives the water flowing along the upper straightening portion C2 and transmits a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2b does not generate a clockwise rotation moment, and slides to the other side due to buoyancy. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2c slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0112] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the water receiving portion A2a does not generate a clockwise rotation moment at this point, and slides to the other side due to buoyancy. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2b slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2c slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0113] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the water receiving portion A2a slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2b slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2c does not generate a clockwise rotation moment.

[0114] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the water receiving portion A2a slides to the other side to the maximum extent, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2b does not generate a clockwise rotation moment. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2c slides upward due to buoyancy, and one of the water receiving bodies A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0115] Next, as shown in Figure 14(a), the water receiving part A2a is approximately parallel to the installation surface Z and the direction in which the connecting part A22 extends, and the other water receiving body A21 receives the water flow that has flowed along the upper straightening part C2 and transmits a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2b does not generate a clockwise rotation moment, and slides toward one water receiving body A21 due to buoyancy. Moreover, the water receiving portion A2c slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0116] Next, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the water receiving portion A2a does not generate a clockwise rotation moment at this point, and slides to one side due to buoyancy. Moreover, the water receiving portion A2b slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1. Moreover, the water receiving portion A2c slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0117] Then, the state returns to the same state as shown in FIG. 12(a), and one rotation of the rotational movement is completed.

[0118] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram similar to Figures 12 to 14, showing the state in which the water flow changes from rear to front, and the reversing operation by the reversing means W shown in Figure 7 is performed in each water receiving section A2.

[0119] In this case, the rotational movement is reversed. Mide , as shown in Figs. 12 to 14 process Since it is the same as the above, the description thereof will be omitted. Also, although omitted from Figure 1, if such operation is assumed, it is necessary to place a rear straightening unit C3, which is the front straightening unit C1 with its orientation reversed front to back, behind the turbine body A, and to place an auxiliary unit B, whose orientation is reversed front to back, in front of the turbine body A.

[0120] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the change over time in the rotational moment generated by each water-receiving section A2, with the x-axis representing time and the y-axis representing the rotational moment. Positive values ​​represent clockwise rotational moments as explained in Figures 12 to 14, and negative values ​​represent counterclockwise rotational moments. In addition, the extra thick lines indicate the change over time in the rotational moment of the water-receiving section A2a, the thick lines indicate the change over time in the rotational moment of the water-receiving section A2b, and the thin lines indicate the change over time in the rotational moment of the water-receiving section A2c, and the dotted line indicates the sum of the change over time in the rotational moment of each of these three water-receiving sections A2.

[0121] In this way, even if one water receiving section A2 is in a position that does not generate a rotational moment or in a position that generates a counterclockwise rotational moment, the other water receiving section A2 repeatedly slides upward along the extension direction of the connecting section A22, generating a clockwise rotational moment. This generates a water flow, and as long as the sum of the clockwise rotational moments generated by the water receiving portions A2 is always a positive value, the water turbine body A as a whole continues to rotate. 12(c) to 13(a), for example, the repulsive force of the magnets of the auxiliary unit B accelerates the sliding movement of the water receiving part A2a, which accelerates the timing at which the water receiving body A21 located in front receives the water flow that induces the clockwise rotational moment. As a result, the value of the positive rotational moment is increased.

[0122] <<Effects>> As described above, the water flow energy conversion unit X of the above embodiment has the following advantages.

[0123] <<<Main effects>>> That is, according to this embodiment, the water flow that has passed through the front rectifying section C1 and flowed in an obliquely upward direction is received by the water receiving body A21, of the pair of water receiving bodies A21, which is located closer to the front rectifying section C1, and is guided toward the upper part of the turbine body A. Thereafter, the water flow also comes into contact with the upper rectifying section C2, and applies water pressure to that water receiving body A21. Then, that water receiving body A21 passes through the upper part of the turbine body A, and while continuing to be subjected to water pressure in an obliquely downward direction, rotates toward the rear side of the turbine body A. This movement causes the output shaft A1 to rotate, which is transmitted to the generator, enabling power generation.

[0124] As the receiving part A2 slides, the upper receiving body A21 of the pair of receiving bodies A21 has a longer orbit at the top, increasing the total receiving volume of the water flow that induces a positive rotational moment, while the lower receiving body A21 has a shorter orbit at the bottom, decreasing the total receiving volume that induces a negative moment. As a result, the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 increases and is transmitted to the generator, enabling more efficient power generation.

[0125] Furthermore, while the output shaft A1 makes one rotation, the water receiving portion A2 performs two sliding movements, which results in a lever-like action. More specifically, the central axis P serves as a fulcrum, and the upper one of the pair of water receiving bodies A21 serves as a point of force. That is, while the output shaft A1 makes one rotation, the roles of the force points of the two water receiving bodies A21 are alternately switched. Therefore, even if one of the three water receiving sections A2 does not generate a positive clockwise rotational moment, the other two water receiving sections A2 can compensate for this and generate a positive rotational moment, allowing the output shaft A1 to rotate stably and continuously.

[0126] By accelerating the sliding due to the magnetic repulsion force of auxiliary unit B, the total volume of the water flow that induces a positive rotational moment in water receiving section A2 can be increased, and the total volume of the water flow that induces a negative rotational moment can be reduced. This increases the rotational speed of output shaft A1, which is transmitted to the generator, enabling efficient power generation.

[0127] In addition, even if the direction of the water flow is changed to the opposite direction by the reversing means W, the positive rotation moment is still applied to the water receiving portion A2. Cause This enables efficient power generation operation.

[0128] In addition, the rectifying plate A21b installed inside the water-receiving body main body A21a, the rectifying plate t1 installed on the inclined surface of the front rectifying part main body C11, and the partition plate t2 installed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper rectifying part C2 suppress turbulence of the water flow and improve the rectification of the water flow. Therefore, the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 is also increased and transmitted to the generator, enabling efficient power generation.

[0129] Furthermore, the stopper portions k ensure a constant sliding distance for each water receiving portion A2 regardless of the strength of the water flow, suppressing uneven rotation of the output shaft A1 and enabling stable power generation.

[0130] <<<Other effects>>> In addition, in the case of a water turbine power generation method using a propeller, it is usually necessary to provide a transmission and a generator for each water turbine, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to connect multiple water receiving sections A2 to one output shaft A1. and Therefore, the number of transmissions and generators installed in the turbine body A can be limited to one each, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the maintenance costs for them due to salt damage, etc.

[0131] In addition, unlike the existing power generation method using a propeller, the water receiving body A21 has an open and simple structure made of a combination of flat plates. Therefore, even if a fish or the like gets into the water turbine body A, ,loss This allows the fluid to be naturally discharged to the outside while preventing damage.

[0132] The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the first embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements and the like.

[0133] For example, in accordance with a change in the number of water receiving sections A2, the length of the output shaft A1, the number of reversing means W and auxiliary units B, the length in the front-to-back direction of the front straightening section C1 and the upper straightening section C2, etc. will naturally also be changed.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water receiving body A21 is formed by combining a plurality of plate-like bodies, but it may have a shape that includes a depression or a dent to receive flowing water.

[0135] Furthermore, the connecting portion A22 is not necessarily a required component, and the water receiving body A21 may be attached directly to the output shaft A1, or even if the connecting portion A22 is present, it may not have the function of sliding movement.

[0136] Furthermore, if the sliding distance of the connecting portion A22 can be controlled by the water receiving body A21 abutting against the bracket h or the output shaft A1, the stopper portion k does not need to be provided on the connecting portion A22.

[0137] Furthermore, the stopper portions k do not have to be provided at diagonal positions that are approximately point-symmetric about the central axis P. In other words, the stopper portions k may be provided at any position around the connecting portion A22 as long as the same sliding distance can be maintained.

[0138] Furthermore, the number of the front airflow regulating portion main body C11 is not limited to one, and it is also possible to install a plurality of front airflow regulating portion main bodies C11 in a stepped manner.

[0139] Furthermore, the position of the generator connected to the output shaft A1 is not limited to the end of the output shaft A1, and there are no particular restrictions on the connection position on the output shaft A1.

[0140] <Embodiment 2> A water flow energy conversion unit X according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0141] In this embodiment, the configuration of the water receiving section A2 in the turbine body A, the method of connecting it to the output shaft A1, and the configurations of the auxiliary unit B and the rectifying unit C are significantly changed compared to the first embodiment.

[0142] The configuration of the water flow energy conversion unit X will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0143] <<Configuration>> FIG. 17 is an overall perspective view of the water flow energy conversion unit X according to this embodiment, showing the water turbine body A, auxiliary unit B, and rectification unit C in an exploded view. 18A is a schematic side view of the water flow energy conversion unit X according to this embodiment, and FIG. 18B is a plan view showing the inside of an upper rectifying section C2 (described later). In FIG. 18(a), the flow rectifying plate t1 of the front flow rectifying portion C1, which will be described later, is not shown, and the inside of the upper flow rectifying portion C2 is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0144] <<<Water turbine body A>>> The water receiving section A2 shown in FIG. 19 is configured by combining two water receiving sections A2 shown in the first embodiment. In addition, the water receiving portion A2 is arranged adjacent to the connecting portion A22 (the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion) so that the extending directions thereof are substantially perpendicular to each other. of It is structured as follows.

[0145] Here, a method of connecting the water receiving body A21 and the connecting portion A22, and a method of connecting the connecting portion A22 and the output shaft A1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0146] In this embodiment, the water receiving section A2 is preferably arranged in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 20 when it rotates around the output shaft A1. That is, the connection position of the connecting part A22 to each receiving body A21 is shifted from the center of the width direction (output axis direction) of the receiving body A21, and the two connecting parts A22 (first connecting part and second connecting part) connected to the output shaft A1 are preferably spaced apart to be connected to the output shaft A1 in a corresponding manner.

[0147] Note that installing all of the connecting shafts A22 of the water turbine body A at equal angles around the central axis P helps to suppress rotation irregularities of the output shaft A1. This means that the brackets h are connected to the output shaft A1 so that each water receiving section A2, which has two connecting sections, a first connecting section and a second connecting section, is also positioned at equal angles around the central axis P. The method for calculating this equal angle is as follows. [Equal angle = 360 degrees / total number of receiving bodies A21 installed in turbine body A] For convenience, the calculation is performed assuming that the extending directions of the first connecting portion A22 and the second connecting portion A22 are not substantially perpendicular to each other but are arranged so as to intersect at right angles (intersect at an angle of 90 degrees).

[0148] In this embodiment, the total number of water-receiving bodies A21 provided in the water turbine body A is calculated as follows. The connecting portion A22 of each water receiving portion A2 consists of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. Each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is provided with a pair of water receiving bodies A21, so that each water receiving portion A2 is provided with four water receiving bodies A21. On the other hand, the number of water receiving sections A2 provided in the water turbine body A is 3. Therefore, the total number of water receiving bodies A21 provided in the water turbine body A is 12. Therefore, the equal angle is 30 degrees (360 degrees / 4 x 3).

[0149] In this embodiment, an example in which the number of water receiving sections A2 is three is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not It could be two, four, five or more. In this case, when calculated using the same calculation method as in this embodiment, the equal angle intervals are 45 degrees (360 degrees / 4×2) if there are two water receiving sections A2, and 45 degrees (360 degrees / 4×2) if there are four. 、 22.5 degree intervals (360 degrees / 4×4), if there are 5 、 The intervals are 18 degrees (360 degrees / 4 x 5).

[0150] 19, each water receiving body A21 is provided with a water receiving support plate A21d that stands upright from the opening edge along the opening direction, and its base end surface is positioned so as to define the opening along the axial direction. In addition, its inner surface is curved outward to receive the flowing water that has passed through the rectification unit C.

[0151] In this way, by installing the water receiving support plate A21d on the water receiving body A21, the total water receiving volume of the water flow that induces a positive rotational moment in the water receiving body A21 is significantly increased, and the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 is also increased, thereby achieving high energy conversion efficiency.

[0152] <<<Auxiliary unit B>>> As shown in FIG. 17, in the auxiliary unit B according to this embodiment, the configurations of the first magnetic part B1 and the magnetic part support body B3 are changed.

[0153] More specifically, the magnetic part support body B3 is an elongated rod-like body having a shape obtained by removing the bottom side from the peripheral shape of a substantially rectangle, and is disposed so as to straddle the rear lower airflow rectification part C4 from side to side. In addition, the first magnetic part B1 is a thin plate-like body whose inner surface facing the turbine body A is approximately curved toward the rear, and three of them are provided at a predetermined interval on the front side of the part extending in the left-right direction of the magnetic part support body B3. As in the first embodiment, the shapes and sizes of the first magnetic part B1 and the second magnetic part B2 vary depending on the speed of the water flow and other factors. Furthermore, if the placement situation is suitable, the magnetic part support B3 does not have to be a long, thin rod-shaped body that straddles the rear lower rectifier C4, but may be supported by fixing the first magnetic part B1 to the rear lower rectifier C4.

[0154] <<<Rectification unit C>>> As shown in Figure 17, the straightening unit C of this embodiment has a front straightening section C1 arranged adjacent to the front of the turbine body A, an upper straightening section C2 covering the top of the turbine body A, a rear lower straightening section C4 arranged behind the turbine body A, and a front lower straightening section C5 arranged in front of the turbine body A and below the front straightening section C1.

[0155] The forward rectifier C1 includes a pair of approximately thin plate-shaped forward rectifier main bodies C11a to C11c arranged in the vertical direction, and approximately plate-shaped support plates C12 arranged on the left and right sides of the forward rectifier main bodies C11a to C11c, supporting the forward rectifier main bodies C11a to C11c, and erected from the installation surface Z.

[0156] The front flow control portion bodies C11a to C11c have upper surfaces that are configured as inclined surfaces that gradually slope upward toward the upper part of the water turbine body A as they approach the water turbine body A. In addition, the front rectifier body C11 a~C11c Seven current plates t1 are provided on the inclined surface. In this embodiment, the front airflow regulating portion main body C11 a~C11c is configured as a single flat plate-like body, but it may be partially curved or may have uneven portions.

[0157] The upper rectification portion C2 includes a first upper rectification portion C21 and a second upper rectification portion C22. The configuration will be described in detail below.

[0158] The first upper straightening section C21 is an approximately rectangular cylindrical body that is long in the left-right direction, and its front opening is configured as the inlet opening O.It has a lower side portion that gradually slopes downward from the inlet opening O and extends to the top of the turbine body A. Furthermore, five partition plates t2 are provided inside the first upper airflow rectifying section C21, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 18(b), the two partition plates t2 arranged on the inside are configured to extend into the second upper flow rectifying portion C22.

[0159] The second upper rectifying portion C22 is composed of three side surfaces joined to the left and right side surfaces and the upper side surface of the first upper rectifying portion C21. Additionally, the upper side surface portion of the second upper flow straightening portion C22 is gradually curved downward from the inlet opening O toward the outlet opening E. As a result, the section from the rear end of the lower side surface of the first upper flow straightening portion C21 to the rear end of the upper side surface of the second upper flow straightening portion C22 is configured as an outflow opening E that opens downward.

[0160] Furthermore, at the rear of the upper side surface portion of the second upper flow straightening portion C22, a hanging portion n is provided which hangs down substantially from the rear end side of the outflow opening E and is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the water turbine body A.

[0161] The rear lower rectifier C4 includes a rear lower rectifier main body C41, three water receiving plates C42 arranged approximately horizontally on the rear lower rectifier main body C41, and a pair of approximately plate-shaped support plates C43 arranged on the left and right sides of the rear lower rectifier main body C41, supporting the rear lower rectifier main body C41, and erected from the installation surface Z.

[0162] The rear lower flow straightening unit main body C41 is configured so that the inner circumferential surface facing the water turbine main body A is curved substantially rearward.

[0163] The water receiving plates C42 are thin plate-like bodies extending in the left-right direction and arranged in three pieces along the vertical direction, and one end face is connected to the inner surface of the rear lower straightening unit main body C41 so that its surface direction is approximately parallel to the installation surface of the water flow energy conversion unit X.

[0164] The front-lower airflow rectifier C5 includes a front-lower airflow rectifier main body C51 and an auxiliary portion C52.

[0165] The front lower airflow rectifying portion main body C51 is composed of an inclined surface portion C51a and a support plate C51b connected to the rear end of the inclined surface portion C51a.

[0166] The inclined surface portion C51a is configured as an inclined surface whose upper surface gradually slopes upward toward the water turbine body A as it approaches the water turbine body A.

[0167] The support plate C51b is a generally plate-shaped body that supports the inclined surface portion C51a and is provided upright on the installation surface Z.

[0168] The auxiliary part C52 is a substantially L-shaped plate-like body connected to the underside of the front straightening part main body C11c, thereby forming a flow path between the underside of the auxiliary part C52 and the upper surface of the inclined surface part C51a, as shown in Fig. 18(a). The water flow passing through this flow path changes direction to flow vertically upward when it comes into contact with the support plate C51b, and applies water pressure from below to the water receiving body A21.

[0169] <<Operation mode>> The water receiving section A2 configured in this manner operates in the manner shown in FIG. In the description of the operation mode in FIG. 21, the left-side receiving portion A2 will be referred to as receiving portion A2a, and the right-side receiving portion A2 will be referred to as receiving portion A2b. In addition, the distinction between "one side" and "the other side" and the like is the same as in the explanation of FIGS.

[0170] That is, as shown in Figure 21(a), the water receiving portion A2a slides to one side to the maximum extent (i.e., until the stopper portion k located below abuts the bracket h), while one of the water receiving bodies A21 receives the water flow and transmits a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1. At this point, the water receiving portion A2b does not generate a clockwise rotation moment, and slides to one side due to buoyancy.

[0171] Next, as shown in Figure 21(b), the water receiving portion A2a is approximately parallel to the installation surface Z and the direction in which the connecting portion A22 extends, and one of the water receiving bodies A21 receives the water flowing along the upper straightening portion C2 and transmits a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1. Furthermore, the water receiving portion A2b slides upward due to buoyancy, and one of the water receiving bodies A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0172] Next, as shown in FIG. 21(c), the water receiving portion A2a does not generate a clockwise rotation moment at this point, and slides to the other side due to buoyancy. Moreover, the water receiving portion A2b slides to one side to the maximum extent, and one water receiving body A21 receives the water flow, transmitting a clockwise rotation moment to the output shaft A1.

[0173] After that, the operation is the same except that the water receiving body A21 that receives the water flow is switched, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0174] In this embodiment, due to a change in the configuration of the rectification unit C, the water flows as follows.

[0175] That is, the flowing water flowing in from the inlet opening O of the upper straightening section C2 is guided to the rear side of the turbine body A through the outlet opening E which also contacts its inner surface and opens downward.

[0176] Next, the water flow also comes into contact with a hanging portion n that hangs down substantially from the rear end side of the outflow opening E, and is guided downward.

[0177] Furthermore, the water flow induced by the hanging portion n is guided downwards of the turbine body A by coming into contact with the rear lower straightening portion.

[0178] On the other hand, a water flow that pushes up from below is formed in front of the water turbine body A by the flow path of the front lower flow straightening section C5.

[0179] In this way, the front straightening section C1, the upper straightening section C2, the hanging section n, the rear lower straightening section C4, and the front lower straightening section C5 form a vortex water flow around the output shaft A1 inside the water turbine body A. Creating this type of flowing water enables the water turbine body A to rotate more efficiently.

[0180] <<Effects>> As described above, the water flow energy conversion unit X of the above embodiment has the following advantages.

[0181] <<<Main effects>>> We focus on the point where the receiving body A21, located around and above the output shaft A1, receives the water flow that induces the positive rotational moment. In this regard, in the first embodiment, two receiving bodies A21 are provided in one receiving section A2, while in this embodiment, four receiving bodies A21 are provided in one receiving section A2. Therefore, the total receiving volume of the water flow that induces the positive rotational moment in this embodiment is Significant increase In addition, the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 is also greatly accelerated before being transmitted to the generator, enabling more efficient power generation.

[0182] By installing the water receiving support plate A21d on the water receiving body A21, the total water receiving volume of the water flow that induces the positive rotational moment received by the water receiving body A21 is further increased, and the rotational speed of the output shaft A1 is also increased and transmitted to the generator, enabling more efficient power generation.

[0183] The configuration of the rectifying unit C forms a vortex-like water flow inside the turbine body A, which increases the rotation speed of the output shaft A1 and transmits it to the generator, enabling efficient power generation.

[0184] In this embodiment, it is not necessary that a plurality of water receiving sections A2 are provided. each other There is no need to rotate the output shaft A1 while supplementing, and the rotation of the output shaft A1 can be continued with only one water receiving portion A2.

[0185] <<<Other effects>>> Regarding the parts having the same structure as those in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the same effects as those in the first embodiment are obtained.

[0186] <Embodiment 3> A water flow energy conversion unit X according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0187] <<Configuration>> The configuration of the water flow energy conversion unit X will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 22, the water flow energy conversion unit X in this embodiment includes a water turbine body A and a rectification unit C that controls the water flow, all of which are installed underwater in the sea, a river, or the like. That is, in this embodiment, compared to embodiment 2, the configuration of the straightening unit C remains the same, but the auxiliary unit B is absent, and the configuration of the water receiving section A2 in the turbine main body A and the method of connection to the output shaft A1 have been changed.

[0189] <<<Water turbine body A>>> As shown in Figure 22, the turbine body A has an output shaft A1, multiple water receiving sections A2 arranged at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the output shaft A1, and a support section A3 that supports the output shaft A1 so that it can rotate around its central axis P.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 23, the water receiving portion A2 has a substantially flat water receiving body A21 and a wire-like connecting portion A22 that can be plastically deformed into any shape and extends from the output shaft A1 to support each water receiving body A21.

[0191] More specifically, the water receiving body A21 is provided with a substantially cylindrical bracket j at one end of its side surface, and the tip of the connecting portion A22 is loosely inserted into the bracket j, thereby connecting the two together. In addition, the axial direction of bracket j is configured to be approximately parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft A1, and the tip of connecting portion A22 is slightly curved, preventing bracket j from detaching from connecting portion A22. Furthermore, a stopper member s that limits the rotation angle of the water receiving body A21 is provided on the tip side of the connecting portion A22, and a fixing block r that connects to the output shaft A1 is provided on the base end side of the connecting portion A22.

[0192] The stopper member s is a small plate-like piece configured to protrude above the water receiving body A21 in the left side view (FIG. 23(a)). The stopper member s is provided at the connecting portion A22 and is composed of a first piece s1 curved toward the output shaft A1, and a second piece s2 having a substantially rectangular shape and provided at the upper end of the first piece s1.

[0193] In addition, the water receiving body A21 is provided with a water receiving bracket d for receiving the water flow at the end of one side surface opposite to the side surface on which the bracket j is provided. 23(a) and (c), one side of the water receiving bracket d is inclined so as to move away from one side of the water receiving body A21 as it approaches the other end, and has a roughly triangular shape with an open bottom.Furthermore, by having sides on the left and right, it has a container-like configuration that receives water flow from the opening. For ease of explanation, the configuration in this embodiment that collectively includes one water receiving body A21, one bracket j connected thereto, one water receiving bracket d, one connecting part A22, one stopper member s connected thereto, and one fixing bracket r will be referred to as a blade unit D.

[0194] The blade unit D configured as above can operate as shown in FIG. 23(c). That is, since the connecting portion A22 is loosely inserted into the bracket j, the water receiving body A21 can rotate about the axial direction of the bracket j until the water receiving bracket d comes into surface contact with the second piece s2. The angle at which the water receiving body A21 can be rotated is preferably about 120 degrees.

[0195] In this embodiment, FIG. 22 shows an example in which six blade units D are provided at equal angular intervals around the output shaft A1 in one water receiving section A2.

[0196] Installing all of the connecting shafts A22 of the turbine body A at equal angles around the central axis P helps to reduce rotational irregularities of the output shaft A1. This means that the water receiving section A2, which has multiple blade units D, is arranged at equal angles around the central axis P. The method for calculating these equal angles is as follows. [Equal angle = 360 degrees / total number of blade units D installed on turbine body A]

[0197] In this embodiment, the total number of blade units D provided in the water turbine body A is calculated as follows. Each water receiving section A2 is provided with six blade units D spaced at intervals of 60 degrees around the central axis P. On the other hand, the number of water receiving sections A2 provided in the water turbine body A is 3. Therefore, the total number of blade units D provided in the water turbine body A is 18. Therefore, the equal angle is 20 degrees (360 degrees / (6×3)).

[0198] In this embodiment, an example in which the number of water receiving sections A2 is three is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not It could be two, four, five or more. In this case, when the number of blade units D in one water receiving section A2 is six as in this embodiment, the equal angle intervals are calculated as follows: if there are two water receiving sections A2, the intervals are 30 degrees (360 degrees / (6×2)), and if there are four water receiving sections A2, the intervals are 30 degrees (360 degrees / (6×2)). 、 15 degree intervals (360 degrees / (6×4)), if there are 5 、 The intervals are 12 degrees (360 degrees / (6×5)). This allows the output shaft A1 to rotate more evenly and stably. In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the rotation of the output shaft A1 can be continued with only one water receiving portion A2.

[0199] <<Operation mode>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 24, the operation of the blade unit D (rotation around the central axis P) in water where a water current is generated as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 will be described. In FIG. 24, only one blade unit D is shown in a schematic manner, and the operation of this blade unit D will be described.

[0200] First, the blade unit D located at (1) transmits a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1 as its water receiving bracket d receives the water flow that has risen along the front straightening portion C1.

[0201] Then, the blade unit D rotates to position (2), and its water receiving bracket d receives the water flowing along the upper straightening section C2, thereby continuously transmitting clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1.

[0202] Next, when the blade unit D rotates to position (3), the water pressure (buoyancy) from below causes the water receiving body A21 itself to rotate clockwise, which in turn applies water pressure from the water flow to the backside of the surface on which the water receiving bracket d is mounted, transmitting a clockwise rotational moment to the connecting part A22.

[0203] Next, when the blade unit D rotates to position (4), the water receiving bracket d abuts against the second piece s2 of the stopper member s. This restricts the rotation of the water receiving body A21, and the water receiving bracket d presses against the surface of the second piece s2, transmitting a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1.

[0204] Next, when the blade unit D rotates to position (5), the water receiving body A21 rotates counterclockwise due to water pressure (buoyancy) from below, the water receiving bracket d moves away from the second piece s2, and at position (6), the water receiving body A21 rotates counterclockwise by a large amount.

[0205] As the blade unit D continues to rotate, the water receiving bracket d receives the water pressure of the water flow rising along the front straightening section C1 and begins to transmit a clockwise rotational moment to the output shaft A1, after which the blade unit D returns to position (1), completing one rotational movement.

[0206] <<Effects>> According to this embodiment, even in the case of a low-speed water flow, the water pressure can be effectively captured and the output shaft A1 can be easily rotated. Furthermore, since the blade unit D is constructed using inexpensive plates, wires, and other components, efficient power generation can be achieved at low cost.

[0207] Furthermore, the installation of the stopper member s has the effect of suppressing excessive clockwise rotation of the water-receiving body A21, thereby suppressing the swaying motion of the water-receiving body A21 in the water and preventing the generation of unnecessary negative rotational moment.

[0208] <Embodiment 4> A water flow energy conversion unit X according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. <<Configuration>> In this embodiment, the same components as those in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0209] In this embodiment, the configurations of the auxiliary unit B and the rectifying unit C remain the same as in the second embodiment, but the configuration of the water receiving section A2 in the turbine body A and the method of connecting it to the output shaft A1 are changed.

[0210] FIG. 25 is an overall perspective view of the water flow energy conversion unit X according to this embodiment, in which the water turbine body A of the water flow energy conversion unit X shown in FIG. 17 is replaced with that according to this embodiment.

[0211] The water receiving section A2 shown in Figure 26(a) is based on the configuration of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2(a), but the water receiving body A21 is provided with a water receiving support plate A21d used in embodiment 2, and is also configured to have a pair of blade units D used in embodiment 3 attached. In detail, the water receiving section A2 in this embodiment is As in the first embodiment, it is mounted on the output shaft A1. The bracket is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped cylindrical bracket h, So A pair of blade units D is connected to the bracket h by fixing a fixing block r, which is a part of the blade unit D, to the upper and lower surfaces of the bracket h.

[0212] Also, as shown in FIG. 26(b), instead of the bracket h, a reversing means W can be provided on the output shaft A1. In this case, by embedding a fixed block r in a bracket i (see Figure 5(b)) fixed to the inner surface, the water receiving section A2 including the blade unit D also reverses as the hollow motor interposed in the reversing means W rotates.

[0213] In this case, it is necessary to newly install a rear airflow straightening section C3, which is the front airflow straightening section C1 of this embodiment reversed front to back, behind the water turbine body A. So Since they interfere with the above, the rear lower rectifying portion C4 and the hanging portion n are not provided, and the upper rectifying portion C2 of the first embodiment is adopted. In addition, the auxiliary unit B used in this embodiment The first magnetic part B1 and the magnetic part support B3 It is installed in front of the turbine body A in a reversed position.

[0214] Suppressing the rotational irregularity of the output shaft A1 means that the bracket h is connected to the output shaft A1 so that the water receiving parts A2 are arranged at equal angles around the central axis P. The method for calculating the equal angles does not need to take into consideration the number of water receiving bodies A21 of the blade unit D, and is the same calculation method as in embodiment 1, which has a similar basic structure. Therefore, the equal angle in this embodiment is 60 degrees, the same as in the first embodiment where the number of water receiving portions A2 is three.

[0215] The number of water receiving sections A2 is limited to three. Not The number of equal angles may be two, four, five or more, and the method for calculating the equal angle intervals is the same as in the first embodiment, resulting in the same angles. Also in this embodiment, similarly to the second and third embodiments, it is possible to continue the rotation of the output shaft A1 with only one water receiving portion A2. <<Effects>> The preferred application area of ​​this embodiment is an area with an intermediate flow rate, which is compatible with Embodiments 2 and 3. Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to expand the applicable area to a wider area.

[0216] <Embodiment 5> Hereinafter, a water flow energy conversion unit X according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0217] In this embodiment, the configuration of the water receiving section A2 in the water turbine body A and the method of connecting it to the output shaft A1 are changed compared to the second embodiment. The auxiliary unit B and the rectification unit C will be described later.

[0218] <<Usage>> In this embodiment, the water receiving section A2 can be used in the manner shown in FIG. In FIG. 27, the water receiving section A2 in the second embodiment is referred to as water receiving section A2, the water receiving section A2 in the fourth embodiment is referred to as water receiving section A2', and the water receiving section A2 in the third embodiment is referred to as water receiving section A2''. In addition, in FIG. 27, six arrangement spaces are formed by being partitioned by partition plates t2. Further, except for the partition plate t2, the rectification unit C is not shown in the drawings, but the configuration of the rectification unit C used in each of the second to fourth embodiments is adopted. In addition, the connection method used in embodiment 2 is adopted between the water receiving section A2 and the output shaft A1, the connection method used in embodiment 4 is adopted between the water receiving section A2' and the output shaft A1, and the connection method used in embodiment 3 is adopted between the water receiving section A2'' and the output shaft A1.

[0219] The two central spaces are the water receiving section A2 in the second embodiment. and auxiliary unit B are placed. In this case, it is preferable to arrange each of the water receiving sections A2 in the two spaces at an angle of 45 degrees around the central axis P. The concept of calculating this angle is the same as when there are two water receiving sections A2 in embodiment 2. Moreover, the first magnetic portion B1 and the magnetic portion support B3 are not shown in the figure, but the second magnetic portion B2 provided in each water receiving portion A2 is shown correspondingly.

[0220] In addition, the spaces on the left and right of the two central spaces are provided with the water receiving section A2' in the fourth embodiment. and auxiliary unit B are placed. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the two water receiving sections A2' in the two spaces so that they are spaced 90 degrees apart around the central axis P. The concept of calculating this angle is the same as in the case of two water receiving sections A2 in the first and fourth embodiments. Moreover, the first magnetic portion B1 and the magnetic portion support B3 are not shown in the drawing, but the second magnetic portion B2 provided in each water receiving portion A2' is shown correspondingly.

[0221] Furthermore, the two spaces at both ends are provided with water receiving sections A2'' in the third embodiment. Each water receiving section A2'' has six blade units D arranged at equal angular intervals. In this case, it is preferable to arrange each of the water receiving sections A2'' in the two spaces at an angle of 30 degrees around the central axis P. The concept of calculating this angle is the same as when there are two water receiving sections A2 in embodiment 3. Furthermore, the auxiliary unit B is not shown because it is not necessary.

[0222] <<Effects>> According to this embodiment, by selecting a connection method between each water receiving section A2 and output shaft A1 from embodiments 2 to 4, the rotational movement of the output shaft A1 can be performed efficiently even in situations where the flow speed in the water is different between the left and right sides of the output shaft A1, which contributes to improving power generation efficiency.

[0223] The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the second to fifth embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] X Water flow energy conversion unit A. Water turbine body A1 output shaft A2 Water receiving part A3 Support part S sliding means W Reversal means B Auxiliary unit B1 First magnetic part B2 Second magnetic part B3 Magnetic part support C Rectification unit C1 Front rectifier C2 Upper rectifier C3 Rear rectifier C4 Rear lower rectifier C5 Lower front rectifier D Blade unit Z installation surface

Claims

1. A water flow energy conversion unit that converts water flow energy into rotational motion, The water turbine comprises a water turbine body that is installed underwater, and a flow rectifying unit that controls the water flow, The water turbine body has an output shaft extending in a substantially horizontal direction, a water receiving portion provided on the output shaft, and a support portion that supports the output shaft so that the output shaft can rotate around its central axis, The water receiving section has a water receiving body that receives the water flow and a connecting section that connects the water receiving body to the output shaft, the flow straightening unit has a front flow straightening part that is arranged in front of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction of the output shaft, the front flow straightening portion includes an upper surface that includes an inclined surface that gradually inclines upward toward the water turbine body as the upper surface approaches the water turbine body, the connecting portion is configured by a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, each extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are disposed adjacent to each other along the axial direction such that their extending directions are substantially perpendicular to each other; The water receiving bodies are provided in pairs at the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The water-receiving bodies are disposed at diagonal positions that are substantially point-symmetrical with respect to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, with the output shaft as the center, as viewed in the axial direction, The output shaft is connected to a generator that is rotationally driven by the rotational movement of the output shaft, and supports the water receiving portion slidably along the extension directions of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Water flow energy conversion unit.

2. A water flow energy conversion unit that converts the energy of a water flow into rotational motion, comprising: The water turbine comprises a water turbine body that is installed underwater, and a flow rectifying unit that controls the water flow, The water turbine body has an output shaft extending in a substantially horizontal direction, a water receiving portion provided on the output shaft, and a support portion that supports the output shaft so that the output shaft can rotate around its central axis, The output shaft is connected to a generator that is driven to rotate by the rotational movement of the output shaft. The water receiving section has a water receiving body that receives the water flow and a connecting section that connects the water receiving body to the output shaft, the rectifying unit has a front rectifying section arranged in front of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction of the output shaft, and a rear rectifying section arranged in rear of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction, the front flow straightening portion and the rear flow straightening portion each include an inclined surface whose upper surface gradually slopes upward toward the water turbine body as the front flow straightening portion and the rear flow straightening portion approach the water turbine body, The output shaft is provided with a reversing means for reversing the water-receiving body around an axis that is the direction in which the connecting portion extends. Water flow energy conversion unit.

3. A water flow energy conversion unit that converts the energy of a water flow into rotational motion, comprising: The water turbine comprises a water turbine body that is installed underwater, and a flow rectifying unit that controls the water flow, The water turbine body has an output shaft extending in a substantially horizontal direction, a water receiving portion provided on the output shaft, and a support portion that supports the output shaft so that the output shaft can rotate around its central axis, The water receiving section has a water receiving body that receives the water flow and a connecting section that connects the water receiving body to the output shaft, the connecting portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the output shaft, the flow straightening unit has a front flow straightening part that is arranged in front of the water turbine body as seen in the axial direction, the front flow straightening portion includes an upper surface that includes an inclined surface that gradually inclines upward toward the water turbine body as the upper surface approaches the water turbine body, The output shaft is connected to a generator that is rotationally driven by the rotation of the output shaft, and supports the water receiving portion so that the water receiving portion can slide along the extending direction of the connecting portion. Water flow energy conversion unit.

4. The water receiving body is provided in a pair at the connecting portion, The water receiving bodies are disposed at diagonal positions that are substantially point-symmetrical with respect to one of the connecting portions with respect to the output shaft as a center when viewed from the axial direction.

4. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 3.

5. Each of the water receiving bodies is configured in a container shape to receive the water flow that has passed through the rectification unit therein by opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting portion to which the water receiving body is provided extends when viewed from the axial direction. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 1 or 4.

6. Each of the water receiving bodies is provided with a water receiving support plate that stands from the open end along the opening direction and receives the water flow that has passed through the rectification unit on its surface; Each of the water receiving support plates is disposed so that its base end surface defines an opening of each of the water receiving bodies along the axial direction.

6. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 5.

7. Each of the water receiving bodies has a streamlined shape on the side opposite to its open end.

6. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 5.

8. Each of the water-receiving bodies is provided with a flow rectifier that divides its internal region along the axial direction.

6. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 5.

9. The water receiving portion is provided in plurality at intervals along the axial direction, At least two of the connecting portions are arranged so that their extending directions are different from each other when viewed from the axial direction.

4. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 3.

10. The connecting portion is provided with a stopper portion that controls the sliding distance of the water receiving portion. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 1 or 3.

11. an auxiliary unit that assists the rotation of the output shaft; the auxiliary unit includes a first magnetic part configured separately from the water turbine main body, a second magnetic part provided in the water-receiving body and having the same polarity as the first magnetic part, and a magnetic part support body that supports the first magnetic part; the first magnetic unit is disposed adjacent to the rear of the water turbine body and is supported by the magnetic unit support body so as to face the front flow straightening unit via the water turbine body; The second magnetic portion is configured to be able to face the first magnetic portion by rotation of the output shaft. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 1 or 3.

12. The rectifying unit has an upper rectifying part that covers the upper part of the water turbine body. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 1 or 3.

13. The upper rectifying section has an inlet opening that opens on the front rectifying section side and into which the water flow flows, and an outlet opening that opens downward on the upper side of the water turbine body at a predetermined distance rearward from the inlet opening, so that the interior thereof is configured as a flow path.

13. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 12.

14. An upper inner circumferential surface of the flow path is gradually curved downward from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening.

14. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 13.

15. The upper flow straightening portion is provided with a hanging portion that hangs down approximately from the rear end side of the outflow opening and is arranged adjacent to the rear side of the water turbine body.

14. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 13.

16. the flow straightening unit has a rear lower flow straightening part that is arranged rearward of the water turbine body as viewed in the axial direction, In the rear lower flow straightening portion, an inner circumferential surface facing the water turbine body is approximately curved toward the rear. A water flow energy conversion unit according to claim 1 or 3.

17. the flow straightening unit has a front lower flow straightening part that is arranged in front of the water turbine body and below the front flow straightening part as viewed in the axial direction, The front lower flow straightening section has an upper surface that slopes gradually upward toward the water receiving section as it approaches the water turbine body, and a rear end of the slope that extends upward. a vertical surface; The inclined surface and the vertical surface form a flow path together with a lower surface of the front flow straightening portion. A water flow energy conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

18. A plurality of flow straightening plates are arranged along the axial direction on the inclined surface of the front flow straightening portion and are provided adjacent to the water receiving portion. A water flow energy conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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