Power generation equipment

Abstract

To provide a power generation device equipped with a differential gear mechanism.SOLUTION: A power generation device includes a blade, a first rotating shaft, a differential gear mechanism, and a first motor generator. The differential gear mechanism includes a pair of first and second side gears, and a first ring gear that connects the first and second side gears to the first motor generator. The first side gear is fixed to one end of the first rotating shaft. The blade is connected to the other end of the first rotating shaft. In the differential gear mechanism, at least two of the first side gear, the second side gear, and the first ring gear are fixed to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation device including a gear as a speed increaser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A vehicle transaxle is provided with a motor generator and a differential gear mechanism for absorbing the rotational speed difference between a pair of axles. Here, considering the case of generating power with a motor generator by arranging a blade on one of the pair of axles of the vehicle transaxle. In this case, since the driving force is input only from one axle, the other axle rotates idly and the driving force is not transmitted to the motor generator. As a result, there is a problem that power cannot be generated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification is embodied in a power generation device. This power generation device includes a blade, a first rotating shaft, a differential gear mechanism, and a first motor generator. The differential gear mechanism has a pair of first side gears and second side gears, and a first ring gear that connects the first side gears and the second side gears to the first motor generator. A first side gear is fixed to one end of the first rotating shaft. A blade is connected to the other end of the first rotating shaft. In the differential gear mechanism, at least two of the first side gear, the second side gear, and the first ring gear are fixed to each other so as not to be relatively rotatable.

[0006] The power generation device described herein is not limited in any particular form, as long as it is a device that generates electricity by rotating blades. The power generation device described herein is not limited to wind power generation devices, but may also be, for example, a hydroelectric power generation device. Furthermore, it is not limited to horizontal-axis type power generation devices, but may also be, for example, a vertical-axis type power generation device. According to the power generation device described above, the ring gear and the first rotating shaft can be rotated integrally. The driving force input to the first rotating shaft by the blades can be appropriately transmitted to the first motor generator. Power generation becomes possible in a power generation device equipped with a differential gear mechanism on the power transmission path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of wind power generation device 1. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Example 1. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in a modified example of Example 1. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Example 2. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Example 3. [Figure 6] A schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In one embodiment of this technology, the differential gear mechanism may have a plurality of pinion gears connecting the first side gear and the second side gear to each other. It may also have a case that houses the first side gear, the second side gear and the plurality of pinion gears, and is formed integrally with the first ring gear. The first rotating shaft or the first side gear may be fixed to the case. With such a configuration, the first rotating shaft can be fixed to the case. It becomes possible to transmit the driving force input to the first rotating shaft to the first motor generator.

[0009] In one embodiment of this technology, the case may have a cylindrical shape coaxial with the first rotating shaft and include a guide portion that surrounds the first rotating shaft. The inner wall surface of the guide portion facing the first rotating shaft may be fixed to the first rotating shaft. With this configuration, when a driving force is input to the first side gear, it is possible to suppress the second side gear from slipping. As a result, it becomes possible to rotate the first rotating shaft and the case together.

[0010] In one embodiment of this technology, the differential gear mechanism may have a plurality of pinion gears connecting the first side gear and the second side gear to each other. It may also have a case that houses the first side gear, the second side gear and the plurality of pinion gears, and is integrally formed with the first ring gear. The second side gear may be fixed to the case. With such a configuration, it is possible to rotate the first rotating shaft and the case together.

[0011] In one embodiment of this technology, the power generation device may further include a planetary gear mechanism and a second motor generator. The planetary gear mechanism may include a sun gear, a second ring gear, and a planetary carrier. The sun gear may be connected to the first motor generator. The second ring gear may be connected to blades and the second motor generator. With such a configuration, a transaxle for a hybrid vehicle can be used as part of the power generation device. [Examples]

[0012] (Configuration of Wind Turbine 1) Referring to Figure 1, the wind power generation device 1 will be described. The wind power generation device 1 mainly consists of a hybrid unit 8, blades 52, and a power conditioner 54.

[0013] First, let's explain the hybrid unit 8. As shown in Figure 1, the wind power generation device 1 of this embodiment uses a hybrid unit 8 designed for hybrid vehicles. The hybrid unit 8 is a power unit connected to the wheels in a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid unit 8 mainly consists of a transaxle 6 and a power control unit 7. The hybrid unit 8 can be new or used.

[0014] The transaxle 6 mainly comprises a first motor generator 12, a second motor generator 14, a planetary gear mechanism 16, and a differential gear mechanism 60. The planetary gear mechanism 16 is located between the engine shaft 10a and the first motor generator 12. One end of the engine shaft 10a is connected to the first motor generator 12 via the planetary gear mechanism 16. Nothing is connected to the other end of the engine shaft 10a. The first motor generator 12 is a motor generator with a lower rated output and lower starting torque than the second motor generator 14.

[0015] The planetary gear mechanism 16 includes a sun gear 16s, a plurality of planetary gears 16p, a planetary carrier 16c, and a ring gear 16u. The sun gear 16s is connected to the first motor generator 12. The plurality of planetary gears 16p are arranged around the sun gear 16s and are engaged with the sun gear 16s. The planetary carrier 16c rotatably supports the plurality of planetary gears 16p and is connected to the engine shaft 10a. The ring gear 16u is located around the plurality of planetary gears 16p and is engaged with the plurality of planetary gears 16p. The ring gear 16u is connected to the second motor generator 14 via a first reduction mechanism 18. The ring gear 16u is also connected to the ring gear 63 of the differential gear mechanism 60 via a second reduction mechanism 20.

[0016] The differential gear mechanism 60 includes a first rotating shaft 61, a ring gear 63, a first side gear 64, a second side gear 65, pinion gears 66 and 67, a differential case 68, and a pinion shaft 69. The first rotating shaft 61 is an axle. A first side gear 64 is fixed to the inner end of the first rotating shaft 61. A blade 52 is connected to the outer end of the first rotating shaft 61. Note that a speed reducer, a speed increaser, or a transmission may be provided between the first rotating shaft 61 and the blade 52 as needed. Also, nothing is connected to the second side gear 65.

[0017] The pinion gears 66 and 67 are rotatably supported within the differential case 68 by the pinion shaft 69. The first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 mesh with the pinion gears 66 and 67. That is, the pinion gears 66 and 67 connect the pair of first side gear 64 and second side gear 65 to each other. The differential case 68 houses the first side gear 64, the second side gear 65, the pinion gears 66 and 67. Also, a ring gear 63 is disposed on the outer periphery of the differential case 68. That is, the differential case 68 is integrally formed with the ring gear 63. The ring gear 63 is a helical gear, and a twist angle is provided to each of its tooth tips with respect to the first rotating shaft 61.

[0018] The power control unit 7 is provided integrally with the transaxle 6. The power control unit 7 includes a first inverter 26, a second inverter 28, a DC-DC converter 30, and a control unit 31 for controlling these. The control unit 31 may be a PCU (Power Control Unit). The first inverter 26 is electrically connected to the first motor generator 12. The second inverter 28 is electrically connected to the second motor generator 14.

[0019] The DC-DC converter 30 is electrically connected to the first motor generator 12 via the first inverter 26 and is also electrically connected to the second motor generator 14 via the second inverter 28. Further, a power conditioner 54 is electrically connected to the power control unit 7. The power conditioner 54 is interposed between an external power grid 100 and the power control unit 7. The generated power by the first motor generator 12 and the second motor generator 14 is supplied to the power conditioner 54 via the power control unit 7. The power conditioner 54 can supply the generated power to the external power grid 100 by connecting to the external power grid 100.

[0020] As described above, a structure is realized in which the first motor generator 12 is connected to the sun gears 16s and the second motor generator 14 and the blade 52 are connected to the ring gear 16u. In such a structure, the ratio of the rotational speed of the second motor generator 14 to the rotational speed of the blade 52 is fixed. On the other hand, the ratio of the rotational speed of the first motor generator 12 to the rotational speed of the blade 52 is adjustable.

[0021] (Features of the differential gear mechanism 60) In the technology of this specification, the differential gear mechanism 60 has a feature that at least two of the first side gear 64, the second side gear 65, and the ring gear 63 are fixed to each other in a non-rotatable manner. In the first embodiment, a mode in which the first rotating shaft 61 and the ring gear 63 are fixed to each other will be described. This will be described in detail below.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Embodiment 1. The differential gear mechanism 60 in Figure 2 is a mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Therefore, the differential case 68 is equipped with a guide extension 68aE in addition to the guide portion 68a. The guide portion 68a and the guide extension 68aE are substantially cylindrical members into which the first rotating shaft 61 is inserted. In the guide extension 68aE, a fitting portion 68c is formed on the inner wall surface facing the first rotating shaft 61. The fitting portion 68c is the part into which a transfer case (not shown) is fitted. Also, a fitting portion 61c is formed at the tip of the first rotating shaft 61. By fitting the fitting portion 61c of the first rotating shaft 61 into the fitting portion 68c of the guide extension 68aE, the first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 can be fixed to each other. That is, the first side gear 64 and the ring gear 63 can be fixed to each other. Furthermore, the manner in which the fitting portion 61c and the fitting portion 68c are fitted together is not particularly limited and may vary.

[0023] (effect) Let me explain the problem. The transaxle 6 for the vehicle is equipped with a differential gear mechanism 60. Now, let's consider the case where power is generated by the first motor generator 12 by arranging the blades 52 on the first rotating shaft 61. In this case, since the driving force is input to the differential gear mechanism 60 only from the first rotating shaft 61, the second side gear 65 slips, and the driving force is not transmitted to the first motor generator 12. As a result, there is a problem in that power cannot be generated. Therefore, in the wind power generation device 1 of this embodiment, the first rotating shaft 61 and the ring gear 63 of the differential gear mechanism 60 are fixed to each other. This allows the first rotating shaft 61 and the ring gear 63 to rotate as a single unit. The driving force input to the first rotating shaft 61 does not cause the second side gear 65 to slip. It becomes possible to properly transmit the driving force input to the first rotating shaft 61 by the blades 52 to the first motor generator 12. In the wind power generation device 1 equipped with a differential gear mechanism 60 on the power transmission path, power generation becomes possible.

[0024] By utilizing the fitting portion 68c provided in the existing differential case 68 for four-wheel drive vehicles, the first rotating shaft 61 can be fixed to the ring gear 63. Since there is no need to create a dedicated differential case for fixing the first rotating shaft 61, the manufacturing cost of the wind power generation device 1 can be reduced.

[0025] (Modified version of Example 1) There are various ways in which the first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 are fixed to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a differential case 68 for two-wheel drive vehicles without a guide extension 68aE may be used. A keyway 68k is formed on the inner wall surface of the guide portion 68a. A key 61k is also formed on the first rotating shaft 61. The first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 can be fixed to each other by fitting the key 61k into the keyway 68k.

[0026] Alternatively, the first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 may be fixed by friction. In this case, a friction fastener may be used. Alternatively, a wedge-type friction fastener may be used. In the wedge type, by applying power from the axial direction to the tapering, a high frictional power can be generated by the wedge principle. [Examples]

[0027] Embodiment 2 describes an embodiment in which the first side gear 64 and the ring gear 63 are fixed to each other in the differential gear mechanism 60. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Embodiment 2. Parts common to Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation is omitted. In addition, components unique to Embodiment 2 are distinguished by using reference numerals in the 200s.

[0028] In Embodiment 2, the first side gear 64 is fixed to the differential case 68. There are various ways in which the first side gear 64 is fixed to the differential case 68. In the example shown in Figure 4, a knock pin 201 is used.

[0029] Let me explain in detail. The differential case 68 has a through hole 68h1 formed therein. The first side gear 64 has a hole 64h formed therein at a position corresponding to the through hole 68h1. The central axes of the through hole 68h1 and the hole 64h are parallel to the first rotation axis 61. A knock pin 201 is driven into both the through hole 68h1 and the hole 64h. This allows the first side gear 64 to be fixed to the differential case 68. In other words, the first side gear 64 and the ring gear 63 can be fixed to each other. This makes it possible to rotate the first rotation axis 61 and the differential case 68 as a single unit.

[0030] Similarly, the second side gear 65 is also fixed to the differential case 68. Specifically, a knock pin 202 is driven into both the through hole 68h2 formed in the differential case 68 and the hole 65h formed in the second side gear 65. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the second side gear 65 from slipping. [Examples]

[0031] Embodiment 3 describes a configuration in which the second side gear 65 and the ring gear 63 are fixed to each other in the differential gear mechanism 60. Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Embodiment 3. Parts common to Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation is omitted. In addition, components unique to Embodiment 3 are distinguished by their reference numerals in the 300s.

[0032] In Embodiment 3, the second side gear 65 is fixed to the differential case 68. There are various ways in which the second side gear 65 is fixed to the differential case 68. In the example shown in Figure 5, a jig 301 is used.

[0033] Let me explain in detail. The differential case 68 is equipped with a guide portion 68b. The guide portion 68b is a substantially cylindrical member into which the second rotating shaft 62 is inserted. A fitting portion 68d is formed on the inner wall surface of the guide portion 68b. The jig 301 has a fitting portion 301a formed at its tip and a fitting portion 301b formed at its rear end. The fitting portion 301a is fitted into the second side gear 65. Also, the fitting portion 301b is fitted into the fitting portion 68d of the guide portion 68b. This allows the second side gear 65 to be fixed to the differential case 68.

[0034] The manner in which the fitting portion 301a and the second side gear 65, and the fitting portion 301b and the fitting portion 68d are engaged are not particularly limited and may vary. For example, it may be a key-to-keyway engagement, or it may be a fastening using a nut or the like.

[0035] (effect) When driving force is applied to the first side gear 64, the jig 301 can prevent the second side gear 65 from slipping. As a result, the first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 can be rotated as a single unit.

[0036] By simply preparing the jig 301 and placing it inside the guide section 68b, the first rotating shaft 61 can be fixed to the differential case 68. Since no special processing is required for the differential gear mechanism 60, the manufacturing cost of the wind power generation device 1 can be reduced.

[0037] (modified version) The second side gear 65 is not limited to being fixed to the differential case 68, but can be fixed to various other locations. For example, the second side gear 65 may be fixed to the inner wall of a case (not shown) that houses the differential gear mechanism 60. In this case, the fitting portion 301b of the jig 301 can be fitted to the fitting portion on the inner wall of the case. [Examples]

[0038] Embodiment 4 describes an embodiment in which the first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 are fixed to the ring gear 63 in the differential gear mechanism 60. Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the differential gear mechanism 60 in Embodiment 4. Parts common to Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation is omitted. In addition, components unique to Embodiment 4 are distinguished by using reference numerals in the 400 series.

[0039] In Embodiment 4, the first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 are fixed to the differential case 68. The manner of fixing can vary. In the example in Figure 6, shims 401 and 402 and a spring mechanism 403 are used. This will be explained in detail. The differential case 68 is provided with a first inner wall 68w1 and a second inner wall 68w2. The first inner wall 68w1 is the wall surface facing the first side gear 64 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 61. The second inner wall 68w2 is the wall surface facing the second side gear 65 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 61. The first inner wall 68w1 is in contact with the first side gear 64 via shim 401. The second inner wall 68w2 is in contact with the second side gear 65 via shim 402. Shims 401 and 402 are members for increasing the coefficient of friction between parts. Furthermore, a spring mechanism 403 is positioned between the second side gear 65 and the pinion shaft 69. The spring mechanism 403 is a mechanism that presses the second side gear 65 toward the second inner wall 68w2. This makes it possible to further increase the frictional force generated by the shim 402.

[0040] The high frictional force generated by shim 401 fixes the first side gear 64 and the first inner wall 68w1. Furthermore, the high frictional force generated by shim 402 and spring mechanism 403 fixes the second side gear 65 and the second inner wall 68w2. This makes it possible to rotate the first rotating shaft 61 and the differential case 68 as a single unit.

[0041] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0042] (modified version) There may be various ways in which the first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 are fixed to the differential case 68. For example, they may be fixed by welding.

[0043] There may be various ways in which the first rotating shaft 61 is fixed to the differential case 68. For example, the tip of the first rotating shaft 61 may be fitted onto the pinion shaft 69.

[0044] The first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 may be fixed to each other. For example, the tip of the first rotating shaft 61 may be extended until it reaches the second side gear 65. The first side gear 64 and the second side gear 65 may then be fixed to the first rotating shaft 61 in common. This also makes it possible to rotate the first rotating shaft 61 and the ring gear 63 as a single unit.

[0045] To implement the technology described herein, the differential gear mechanism 60 only needs to include at least a ring gear 63 and a differential case 68. Therefore, the first side gear 64, the second side gear 65, the pinion gears 66 and 67, and the pinion shaft 69 may be omitted. In this case, the first rotating shaft 61 can be fixed to the differential case 68. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1: Wind turbine 6: Transaxle 7: Power control unit 8: Hybrid unit 12: First motor generator 14: Second motor generator 16: Planetary gear mechanism 52: Blade 60: Differential gear mechanism 61: First rotating shaft 63: Ring gear 64: First side gear 65: Second side gear 66, 67: Pinion gear 68: Differential case

Claims

1. A power generation device comprising a blade, a first rotating shaft, a differential gear mechanism, and a first motor generator, The differential gear mechanism comprises a pair of first and second side gears, a first ring gear connecting the first and second side gears to the first motor generator, a plurality of pinion gears connecting the first and second side gears to each other, and a case that houses the first side gears, the second side gears, and the plurality of pinion gears, and is formed integrally with the first ring gear. The first side gear is fixed to one end of the first rotating shaft, and the blade is connected to the other end of the first rotating shaft. The case has a cylindrical shape coaxial with the first rotation axis and includes a guide portion that covers the circumference of the first rotation axis. The inner wall surface of the guide portion facing the first rotation axis is fixed to the first rotation axis. In the differential gear mechanism, at least two of the first side gear, the second side gear, and the first ring gear are fixed to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other. A power generator.

2. It further includes a planetary gear mechanism and a second motor generator, The aforementioned planetary gear mechanism comprises a sun gear, a second ring gear, and a planetary carrier. The first motor generator is connected to the sun gear. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the blade and the second motor generator are connected to the second ring gear.

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