Rotation device

Abstract

A rotation device (10) is provided with: a stator (12) having a flow path (26) through which a liquid flows; and a rotor (14) disposed in the flow path. The inner peripheral surface (28) of the stator includes a first inclined face (30) of which the diameter decreases in a tapered shape toward the upstream side of the flow path. The outer peripheral surface (40) of the rotor includes a second inclined face (42) of which the diameter decreases in a tapered shape toward the upstream side. The first inclined face and the second inclined face face each other, and the taper angle (θ1) of the first inclined face is larger than the taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined face. As a result of the liquid flowing through the gap between the first inclined face and the second inclined face, the rotor performs precession movement in a state in which the outer peripheral surface of the rotor is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stator.

Description

Rotating device

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating device.

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5671754 discloses a rotary drive device (rotation device) including a cylindrical rotor and a housing having an installation hole for installing the rotor in. In this rotary drive device, the rotor comes into contact with the wall surface of the installation hole with the axis of the rotor inclined relative to the center line of the installation hole due to the action of a working fluid.

[0003] A better rotating device is needed.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a rotating device comprising a stator having a flow path through which a liquid flows, and a rotor disposed in the flow path, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the stator has a first inclined surface that tapers in diameter toward the upstream side of the flow path, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor has a second inclined surface that tapers in diameter toward the upstream side, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface face each other, the taper angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the taper angle of the second inclined surface, and as liquid flows through the gap between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, the rotor precesses with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stator.

[0006] According to the present invention, a better rotating device can be provided.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a rotating device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a rotor and a stator. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible joint, with some parts omitted. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the rotating device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the precession of the rotor. FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the flexible joint. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the rotating device. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating experimental results of the rotating device. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the rotation characteristics of the rotor depending on the taper angle of the first inclined surface. FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of the gap between the protrusion of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the output of the rotating device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a stator according to a modified example. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a rotor according to a first modified example. FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating a rotor according to a second modified example. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a flexible joint according to the first modified example. Figure 15B is an explanatory diagram of a flexible joint according to a second modified example, Figure 15C is an explanatory diagram of a flexible joint according to a third modified example, and Figure 15D is an explanatory diagram of a flexible joint according to a fourth modified example.

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a rotating device that can efficiently rotate a rotor by circulating a liquid through a gap between an inner peripheral surface of a stator and an outer peripheral surface of a rotor.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, a rotating device 10 according to this embodiment includes a stator 12, a rotor 14, an output device 16, a flexible joint 18, a housing 20, a discharge flow path 22, and a flow control valve 24.

[0010] The stator 12 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape (see FIG. 4 ). The stator 12 is a rigid body. The stator 12 is formed, for example, from a resin material. Note that the constituent material of the stator 12 is not limited to a resin material, and may be a metal material, ceramic, or the like. The stator 12 has a flow path 26 through which a liquid flows. The liquid is, for example, water. The liquid is not limited to water, and may be oil, or the like. In this embodiment, the liquid flows through the flow path 26 of the stator 12 in the X1 direction.

[0011] 1 and 2 , the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 has a first inclined surface 30, an inlet inclined surface 32, and a protrusion 34. The first inclined surface 30 tapers in diameter toward the upstream side (X2 direction) of the flow path 26. In other words, the first inclined surface 30 tapers in diameter toward the X2 direction from the X1-direction end of the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12. Therefore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the flow path 26 of the stator 12 surrounded by the first inclined surface 30 gradually increases toward the downstream side (X1 direction).

[0012] The inlet inclined surface 32 tapers toward the downstream side (X1 direction) of the flow path 26. In other words, the inlet inclined surface 32 tapers toward the X1 direction from the X2-direction end of the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12. Therefore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the flow path 26 of the stator 12 surrounded by the inlet inclined surface 32 gradually decreases toward the downstream side (X1 direction). The protrusion 34 connects the inlet inclined surface 32 and the first inclined surface 30 and protrudes toward the inside of the flow path 26 (radially inward of the stator 12). The protrusion 34 extends in an annular shape. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the stator 12 is smallest at the position of the protrusion 34.

[0013] The rotor 14 is a rigid body. The rotor 14 is formed in a truncated cone shape. The rotor 14 is disposed in the flow path 26 of the stator 12. In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14 extends along the center line CL1 of the flow path 26 of the stator 12. In the example of FIG. 2 , in the initial state of the rotating device 10, the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14 is positioned on the center line CL1 of the flow path 26 of the stator 12. The rotor 14 is made of, for example, a resin material. The constituent material of the rotor 14 is not limited to a resin material and may be a metal material, ceramic, or the like.

[0014] The rotor 14 includes a first end surface 36, a second end surface 38, and an outer peripheral surface 40. The first end surface 36 is located at the end in the X2 direction. The first end surface 36 faces the X2 direction. The first end surface 36 is a flat surface. The first end surface 36 is perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14. The first end surface 36 may be a curved surface.

[0015] The second end surface 38 is located at the end of the rotor 14 in the X1 direction. The second end surface 38 faces the X1 direction. The second end surface 38 is a flat surface. The outer diameter of the second end surface 38 is larger than the outer diameter of the first end surface 36. The second end surface 38 is perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14. The second end surface 38 may be a curved surface.

[0016] The outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14 has a second inclined surface 42 whose diameter tapers toward the upstream side (X2 direction) of the flow path 26. One end (end in the X2 direction) of the rotor 14 is located further in the X2 direction than the protruding portion 34 and further in the X1 direction than one end (end in the X2 direction) of the stator 12. Note that one end of the rotor 14 may be located further in the X2 direction than one end of the stator 12. The outer diameter of one end of the rotor 14 is the minimum outer diameter of the rotor 14. The outer diameter of one end of the rotor 14 is smaller than the diameter (inner diameter) of the protruding portion 34 of the stator 12.

[0017] The other end (end in the X1 direction) of the rotor 14 is located further in the X1 direction than the protruding portion 34 and further in the X2 direction than the other end (end in the X1 direction) of the stator 12. Note that the other end of the rotor 14 may be located further in the X1 direction than the other end of the stator 12. The outer diameter of the other end of the rotor 14 is the maximum outer diameter of the rotor 14. The outer diameter of the other end of the rotor 14 is larger than the diameter (inner diameter) of the protruding portion 34 of the stator 12. The second inclined surface 42 includes a portion facing the lead-in inclined surface 32, a portion facing the protruding portion 34, and a portion facing the first inclined surface 30.

[0018] 2, the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30 is larger than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42. When liquid flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14, the rotor 14 performs precession with the outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14 in contact with the inner peripheral surface 28 (protrusion 34) of the stator 12 (see FIG. 7).

[0019] In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the angle θ3 formed between the introduction inclined surface 32 and a virtual line L1 extending parallel to the center line CL1 of the flow path 26 of the stator 12 is larger than the angle θ4 formed between the virtual line L1 and the second inclined surface 42. In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the angle θ3 may be the same as the angle θ4. That is, the angle θ3 is equal to or larger than the angle θ4. In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the angle θ5 formed between the introduction inclined surface 32 and the second inclined surface 42 is larger than the angle θ6 formed between the first inclined surface 30 and the second inclined surface 42. The angle θ5 is the sum of the angles θ3 and θ4.

[0020] In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the length La of the portion of the rotor 14 that protrudes in the X2 direction beyond the protrusion 34 is shorter than the length Lb of the portion of the rotor 14 that protrudes in the X1 direction beyond the protrusion 34. The length La may be the same as the length Lb. The length La may also be longer than the length Lb.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the output device 16 includes a drive shaft 44, a bearing 46, a first coupling 48, a second coupling 50, and an output shaft 52. The drive shaft 44 is located downstream (in the X1 direction) of the flow path 26 of the stator 12 relative to the rotor 14. The drive shaft 44 extends along the center line CL1 (in the X direction) of the flow path 26 of the stator 12. The drive shaft 44 is connected to the rotor 14 via a flexible joint 18. The drive shaft 44 is accommodated inside the housing 20. The bearing 46 rotatably supports the drive shaft 44. The bearing 46 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 46 may also be a plain bearing. The bearing 46 is provided in the housing 20.

[0022] The first coupling part 48 is provided at the end of the drive shaft 44 in the X1 direction. The second coupling part 50 is disposed outside the housing 20. The first coupling part 48 and the second coupling part 50 are positioned to face each other with a wall part (a second end wall part 98 described later) of the housing 20 in between. The first coupling part 48 and the second coupling part 50 form a magnetic coupling. That is, the magnetic coupling transmits the rotational force of the first coupling part 48 to the second coupling part 50 by magnetic force. The output shaft 52 is connected to the second coupling part 50.

[0023] The flexible joint 18 connects the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 44 in a state that allows precession of the rotor 14. The flexible joint 18 has a first connecting portion 54, a second connecting portion 56, a connecting tube 58, and a spherical body 70.

[0024] The first connecting portion 54 protrudes from the second end surface 38 of the rotor 14 toward the downstream side (X1 direction) of the flow path 26 of the stator 12. The first connecting portion 54 includes a first base portion 72 and a first protruding portion 74. The first base portion 72 is connected to the second end surface 38 of the rotor 14. The first base portion 72 has a constant outer diameter. The first protruding portion 74 protrudes from the end of the first base portion 72 in the X1 direction. The outer diameter of the first protruding portion 74 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first base portion 72.

[0025] The outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion 74 has a first tapered surface 76 that narrows in diameter in the protruding direction of the first connecting portion 54. The first protruding portion 74 may extend in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion 74 does not have the first tapered surface 76. The first connecting portion 54 has a first protruding end surface 78 that is the end surface of the first connecting portion 54 in the protruding direction. A first support surface 80 that is conically recessed is provided on the first protruding end surface 78 (see FIG. 3). Note that in FIG. 1, for convenience, the first support surface 80 is shown as a plane perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14.

[0026] The second connection portion 56 is provided on the drive shaft 44. The second connection portion 56 protrudes from the drive shaft 44 toward the rotor 14 (in the X2 direction). The second connection portion 56 includes a second base portion 82 and a second protrusion portion 84. The second base portion 82 is connected to the drive shaft 44. The second base portion 82 has a constant outer diameter. The outer diameter of the second base portion 82 is the same as the outer diameter of the first base portion 72. The outer diameter of the second base portion 82 may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the first base portion 72. The second protrusion portion 84 protrudes from the end of the second base portion 82 in the X2 direction. The outer diameter of the second protrusion portion 84 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second base portion 82.

[0027] The outer peripheral surface of the second protruding portion 84 has a second tapered surface 86 that narrows in diameter in the protruding direction of the second connecting portion 56. The second protruding portion 84 may extend in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the second protruding portion 84 does not have the second tapered surface 86. The second connecting portion 56 has a second protruding end surface 88 that is the end surface of the second connecting portion 56 in the protruding direction. A second support surface 90 that is conically recessed is provided on the second protruding end surface 88 (see FIG. 3). Note that in FIG. 1, for convenience, the second support surface 90 is shown as a plane perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14.

[0028] The connection tube 58 connects the first connection portion 54 and the second connection portion 56. The connection tube 58 is flexible. The connection tube 58 is formed in a circular pipe or cylindrical shape. The connection tube 58 is made of, for example, a rubber material. The first base portion 72 of the first connection portion 54 is fitted (press-fitted) into one end (the end in the X2 direction) of the connection tube 58. The second base portion 82 of the second connection portion 56 is fitted (press-fitted) into the other end (the end in the X1 direction) of the connection tube 58. The outer diameter of the first protruding end surface 78 is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58. The outer diameter of the second protruding end surface 88 is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58. Note that if the connection tube 58 is sufficiently flexible, the outer diameter of the first protruding end surface 78 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58. Also, if the connection tube 58 is sufficiently flexible, the outer diameter of the second protruding end surface 88 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , the sphere 70 is made of, for example, a metal material. The material of the sphere 70 is not limited to a metal material and may be selected as appropriate, such as ceramic or resin. The sphere 70 rotatably contacts the first support surface 80 of the first connection portion 54 and the second support surface 90 of the second connection portion 56. That is, the sphere 70 is not fixed to the first connection portion 54 or the second connection portion 56. The size (diameter) of the sphere 70 can be selected as appropriate, but is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58 (see FIG. 1 ). Note that the diameter of the sphere 70 may be larger than the inner diameter of the connection tube 58 before the sphere 70 is inserted into the connection tube 58. In the initial state of the rotation device 10, the first connection portion 54 and the second connection portion 56 are coaxially arranged.

[0030] 1 , the second connection part 56 is provided with a liquid supply flow path 92 for supplying liquid to the sphere 70. One end of the liquid supply flow path 92 opens to the second support surface 90. The other end of the liquid supply flow path 92 opens to the outer surface of the first coupling part 48.

[0031] The housing 20 accommodates the stator 12. The housing 20 is made of, for example, a resin material. The material of the housing 20 is not limited to a resin material and can be selected as appropriate. The housing 20 has a cylindrical body portion 94, a first end wall portion 96, and a second end wall portion 98. The stator 12 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 94. The first end wall portion 96 closes the internal hole of the body portion 94 from the X2 direction. The second end wall portion 98 closes the internal hole of the body portion 94 from the X1 direction.

[0032] The housing 20 has a first chamber 100, a second chamber 102, a supply port 104, and a discharge port 106. The first chamber 100 is formed between the first end wall portion 96 and the stator 12. The second chamber 102 is formed between the second end wall portion 98 and the stator 12. The supply port 104 introduces liquid into the first chamber 100. The supply port 104 is provided in the body portion 94.

[0033] 4 , the supply port 104 supplies liquid in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the body portion 94. The supply port 104 includes a first port 108 and a second port 110. The first port 108 and the second port 110 are arranged at an interval in the circumferential direction of the body portion 94. The first port 108 is a port for circulating liquid in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion 94. The second port 110 is a port for circulating liquid in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0034] 1, a recess 112 is formed in the second end wall portion 98 to accommodate the drive shaft 44, the bearing 46, and the first coupling portion 48. The bearing 46 is fixed to the second end wall portion 98. The first coupling portion 48 is spaced apart from the second end wall portion 98.

[0035] The discharge port 106 guides the liquid in the second chamber 102 to the discharge flow path 22. The discharge port 106 is provided in the body portion 94. The flow rate adjustment valve 24 is provided in the discharge flow path 22. The flow rate adjustment valve 24 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge flow path 22.

[0036] Next, the operation of the rotation device 10 will be described.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 , when the rotation device 10 is driven, liquid is supplied to the first chamber 100 from the first port 108 or the second port 110. When liquid is supplied to the first chamber 100 from the first port 108, the liquid flows along the inner surface of the body portion 94 in a first direction (clockwise in FIG. 4 ), generating a vortex in the first direction. In this case, the rotor 14 can be rotated in the first direction. On the other hand, when liquid is supplied to the first chamber 100 from the second port 110, the liquid flows along the inner surface of the body portion 94 in a second direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4 ), which is opposite to the first direction, generating a vortex in the second direction. In this case, the rotor 14 can be rotated in the second direction. An example in which liquid is supplied from the first port 108 will be described below.

[0038] The liquid supplied to the first chamber 100 is guided to the flow path 26 of the stator 12. As shown in FIG. 5 , the liquid guided to the flow path 26 of the stator 12 flows along the inclined inlet surface 32 in direction A while rotating in the first direction, and strikes the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14. In this embodiment, because the angle θ3 is greater than the angle θ4 (see FIG. 2 ), the liquid tends to flow toward the center of the rotor 14 (in direction B). As a result, the liquid pushes the rotor 14 in direction C, and the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14 is pressed against the protrusion 34 of the stator 12.

[0039] 5 and 6, a first gap 116, which is a large gap between the first inclined surface 30 and the second inclined surface 42, is formed at a position shifted by 180° in the circumferential direction of the stator 12 from a contact portion 114 between the second inclined surface 42 and the protrusion 34. As shown in Fig. 5, the liquid that hits the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14 is turned back by the second inclined surface 42 and flows through the first gap 116 in the direction D.

[0040] In this embodiment, because the angle θ5 is greater than the angle θ6 (see FIG. 2 ), the resistance force experienced by the liquid flowing through the first gap 116 in the direction D is greater than the resistance force experienced by the liquid flowing between the inlet inclined surface 32 and the second inclined surface 42 in the direction A. Therefore, the liquid that cannot flow from the second inclined surface 42 toward the first gap 116 flows while rotating in the first direction toward the second gap 118 (see FIG. 6 ), which is the portion of the gap between the first inclined surface 30 and the second inclined surface 42 other than the first gap 116. As a result, the rotor 14 rotates in the first direction while contacting the protrusion 34. In other words, the rotor 14 rotates around the protrusion 34 while rotating on its own axis. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 , the rotor 14 precesses. That is, the rotor 14 precesses due to a change in the rotor 14's orientation, which causes unevenness in the surrounding pressure distribution.

[0041] 1 , in this embodiment, the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 44 are connected by a flexible joint 18. Therefore, even when the rotor 14 precesses, the rotational force caused by the rotation of the rotor 14 is transmitted to the drive shaft 44 via the flexible joint 18. Furthermore, the sphere 70 is disposed so as to contact the first protruding end surface 78 of the first connecting portion 54 and the second protruding end surface 88 of the second connecting portion 56, and the first connecting portion 54 and the second connecting portion 56 are connected by the connecting tube 58.

[0042] The operation of the flexible joint 18 when the rotor 14 precesses will now be described with reference to Figures 8A to 8C. For convenience, the first support surface 80 and the second support surface 90 are simplified in Figures 8A to 8C. The imaginary line L2 in Figures 8A to 8C is a line that passes through the axis of the second connection portion 56.

[0043] In the initial state of the rotating device 10, as shown in FIG. 8A , the imaginary line L2 passes through the axis of the first connection portion 54 and the center of the sphere 70. That is, the first connection portion 54 and the second connection portion 56 are coaxially arranged. When the rotor 14 precesses, the first connection portion 54 tilts with respect to the imaginary line L2, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C . This creates a wide distance between the first protruding end surface 78 and the second protruding end surface 88 and a narrow distance between them, causing the sphere 70 to move in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line L2 relative to the second connection portion 56. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C , the sphere 70 moves vertically with respect to the imaginary line L2 (actually, it moves 360°).

[0044] In this case, the contact point (fulcrum P1) between first connection portion 54 and sphere 70 and the contact point (fulcrum P2) between second connection portion 56 and sphere 70 move, making first connection portion 54 more likely to tilt with respect to imaginary line L2. This increases the pressing force of outer peripheral surface 40 of rotor 14 against protruding portion 34 of stator 12 (see FIG. 5 ) compared to, for example, a case in which the center of sphere 70 does not move from imaginary line L2, thereby enabling outer peripheral surface 40 of rotor 14 to be stably set against protruding portion 34 of stator 12.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5 , the first connecting portion 54 is provided with the first tapered surface 76 and the second connecting portion 56 is provided with the second tapered surface 86, so the connection tube 58 twists relatively easily. Therefore, as the liquid pressure increases and the load on the rotor 14 increases, the amount of twisting of the connection tube 58 increases. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9 , the contact portion 114 between the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14 and the protruding portion 34 of the stator 12 can be moved in the circumferential direction of the stator 12 relative to the contact portion (virtual contact portion 115) that would exist if the connection tube 58 were not twisted.

[0046] This movement of the contact portion 114 and the precession of the rotor 14 with its axis Ax1 tilted create three-dimensional non-uniformity in the gap between the stator 12 and the rotor 14, thereby improving the output of the rotating device 10. The amount of movement of the contact portion 114 can be adjusted by changing the hardness, thickness, etc. of the connection tube 58. Furthermore, because the first tapered surface 76 and the second tapered surface 86 can support the connection tube 58 when it twists, buckling of the connection tube 58 can be suppressed.

[0047] 1, when the drive shaft 44 rotates in accordance with the precession of the rotor 14, the rotational force of the drive shaft 44 is transmitted to the output shaft 52 via the first coupling portion 48 and the second coupling portion 50. This causes the output shaft 52 to rotate. The rotational force of the output shaft 52 may be used as a power source for generating electricity using a generator, or may be used as a power source for rotating an object.

[0048] The liquid that has flowed through the flow path 26 of the stator 12 is guided to the second chamber 102. A portion of the liquid guided to the second chamber 102 flows into the recess 112 and is supplied to the sphere 70 via the liquid supply flow path 92. This suppresses the generation of excessive frictional heat between the first support surface 80 and the sphere 70, and also suppresses the generation of excessive frictional heat between the second support surface 90 and the sphere 70. The liquid guided to the second chamber 102 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 via the discharge port 106 and the discharge flow path 22.

[0049] In this embodiment, the back pressure of the rotor 14 (pressure in the second chamber 102) can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge flow path 22 with the flow rate adjustment valve 24. This allows the vortex flow generated around the rotor 14 to be denser, allowing the rotor 14 to rotate efficiently.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a graph showing experimental results for the rotating device 10. The graph in FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the liquid pressure and the output of the rotating device 10. The output (W) of the rotating device 10 was calculated from the measurement results of the rotation speed (rpm) and torque (N·m) measured by connecting a rotation performance measuring device to the output shaft 52. In FIG. 10, the solid line L3 represents the experimental results for the rotating device 10 according to the present embodiment, and the dashed line L4 represents the experimental results for the rotating device according to the comparative example. The rotating device according to the comparative example differs from the rotating device 10 according to the present embodiment in that the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor do not have tapered inclined surfaces. That is, in the initial state of the rotating device, the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor extend along the center line of the stator's flow path.

[0051] 10, the rotation device 10 according to this embodiment was able to significantly improve output when the liquid pressure was increased compared to the rotation device according to the comparative example. In other words, the rotation device 10 according to this embodiment was able to efficiently rotate the rotor 14 when the liquid pressure was increased.

[0052] 11 is a graph showing the rotation characteristics of the rotor 14 depending on the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30. Here, the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42 is set to an angle obtained by subtracting a predetermined constant value from the taper angle θ1. In FIG. 11, the solid line L5 indicates the rotation speed of the rotor 14, and the solid line L6 indicates the maximum torque of the rotor 14.

[0053] 11 , in the rotation device 10, the larger the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30, the more easily the liquid turned back by the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14 changes from static pressure to dynamic pressure when flowing through the first gap 116. As a result, the rotation speed of the rotor 14 increases and the maximum torque decreases. In other words, the smaller the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30, the more difficult it is for the liquid turned back by the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14 to change from static pressure to dynamic pressure when flowing through the first gap 116, so the rotation speed of the rotor 14 decreases and the maximum torque increases. As a result, by appropriately adjusting the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30, the rotation speed and maximum torque of the rotor 14 can be obtained according to the intended use of the rotation device 10.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30 is larger than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42. Furthermore, by allowing liquid to flow through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14, the rotor 14 performs precession with the outer circumferential surface 40 of the rotor 14 in contact with the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12. This allows the rotor 14 to rotate efficiently. Therefore, a better rotating device 10 can be provided.

[0055] The rotating device 10 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The supply port 104 may be provided in the first end wall portion 96 of the housing 20. In this case, no vortex is generated when liquid is supplied from the supply port 104 to the first chamber 100, but the liquid flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 42 of the rotor 14, causing the rotor 14 to precess.

[0056] The rotating device 10 may be configured such that the position of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12 in the X direction is adjustable in the initial state of the rotating device 10. This allows the size of the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 40 of the rotor 14 to be easily changed. Fig. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 40 of the rotor 14 and the output of the rotating device 10.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 12 , the output of the rotating device 10 reaches a maximum output W1 when the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14 is greater than or equal to S1 and less than or equal to S2. Furthermore, in the region where the gap is smaller than S1, the output of the rotating device 10 increases as the gap increases. In the region where the gap is larger than S2, the output of the rotating device 10 decreases as the gap increases. Furthermore, the larger the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14, the greater the flow rate of liquid required to rotate the rotor 14. Therefore, if the size of the gap can be changed by adjusting the position of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12 in the X direction, the rotating device 10 can be adapted to various usage purposes (usage environments). That is, for example, if a relatively low output is acceptable but the flow rate supplied to the rotating device 10 needs to be reduced, the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14 can be made relatively small. Also, for example, if a relatively high output is desired, the gap between the protrusion 34 of the stator 12 and the outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14 may be set to be equal to or greater than S1 and equal to or less than S2, or close to this range.

[0058] The flexible joint 18 does not have to include the sphere 70. In this case, the first connecting portion 54 and the second connecting portion 56 are connected via a flexible connecting tube 58, with the first protruding end surface 78 of the first connecting portion 54 and the second protruding end surface 88 of the second connecting portion 56 spaced apart from each other. Even with this configuration, the drive shaft 44 can rotate in accordance with the precession of the rotor 14.

[0059] 13 , the rotating device 10 may include a stator 12a according to a modified example instead of the stator 12. The inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12a has a first inclined surface 30a, and does not have the aforementioned lead-in inclined surface 32. The first inclined surface 30a extends from the X1-direction end to the X2-direction end of the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12a. This type of stator 12a also provides the same effects as the stator 12 described above.

[0060] 14A, the rotating device 10 may include a stator 12a according to a modified example and a rotor 14a according to a first modified example, instead of the stator 12 and the rotor 14. The rotor 14a protrudes in the X1 direction beyond the X1-direction end of the stator 12a. The rotor 14a does not have to protrude in the X1 direction beyond the X1-direction end of the stator 12a. Such a rotor 14a also provides the same effects as the rotor 14 described above. The rotor 14a may be combined with the stator 12.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14B , the rotating device 10 may include a stator 12a according to a modified example and a rotor 14b according to a second modified example, instead of the stator 12 and the rotor 14. The outer peripheral surface 40 of the rotor 14b has a second inclined surface 42a and a tip tapered surface 120. The taper angle of the tip tapered surface 120 is different from the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42a. In the example of FIG. 14B , the taper angle of the tip tapered surface 120 is larger than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42a. This rotor 14b also achieves the same effects as the rotor 14 described above.

[0062] The taper angle of the tip tapered surface 120 may be smaller than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 42 a. The rotor 14 b may protrude in the X1 direction beyond the X1-direction end of the stator 12 a. The rotor 14 b may be combined with the stator 12 a.

[0063] 15A , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18a according to a first modification in place of the flexible joint 18. In the flexible joint 18a, a first recess 122 is formed in the first protruding end surface 78a of the first connecting portion 54a (first protruding portion 74a), and a flat first support surface 80a is provided on the bottom surface of the first recess 122. The first support surface 80a is perpendicular to the axis of the first connecting portion 54a.

[0064] In the flexible joint 18a, a second recess 124 is formed in the second protruding end surface 88a of the second connecting portion 56a (second protruding portion 84a), and a flat second support surface 90a is provided on the bottom surface of the second recess 124. The second support surface 90a is perpendicular to the axis of the second connecting portion 56a. A liquid supply flow path 92 opens into the second support surface 90a. A sphere 70 is disposed so as to contact the first support surface 80a and the second support surface 90a. This flexible joint 18a also achieves the same effects as the flexible joint 18 described above.

[0065] In the flexible joint 18a, the first protrusion 74a and the second protrusion 84a may extend in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the first tapered surface 76 and the second tapered surface 86 are not provided. The flexible joint 18a may also be combined with the rotor 14a or the rotor 14b described above.

[0066] 15B , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18b according to a second modification in place of the flexible joint 18. In the flexible joint 18b, a first support surface 80b having a concave shape is provided on the first protruding end surface 78b of the first connecting portion 54b (first protruding portion 74b). The first support surface 80b has a longitudinal cross section formed in an arc shape. In other words, the first support surface 80b is a concave curved surface.

[0067] In the flexible joint 18b, a concave second support surface 90b is provided on the second protruding end surface 88b of the second connecting portion 56b (second protruding portion 84b). The second support surface 90b has an arc-shaped longitudinal cross section. That is, the second support surface 90b is a concave curved surface. A liquid supply flow path 92 opens into the second support surface 90b. A sphere 70 is disposed so as to contact the first support surface 80b and the second support surface 90b. This flexible joint 18b also achieves the same effects as the flexible joint 18 described above.

[0068] In the flexible joint 18b, the first protrusion 74b and the second protrusion 84b may extend in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the first tapered surface 76 and the second tapered surface 86 are not provided. The flexible joint 18b may also be combined with the rotor 14a or the rotor 14b described above.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 15C , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18c according to a third modification instead of the flexible joint 18. In the flexible joint 18c, the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the first connecting portion 54c (first protruding portion 74c) is smaller than the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the second connecting portion 56c (second protruding portion 84c). Note that, if the connection tube 58 is sufficiently flexible, the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the first connecting portion 54c may be equal to the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the second connecting portion 56c. In the initial state of the rotation device 10, the axis of the first connecting portion 54c is offset from the axis of the second connecting portion 56c.

[0070] A first recess 122a is formed in the first protruding end surface 78c of the first connecting portion 54c, and a flat first support surface 80c is provided on the bottom surface of the first recess 122a. The first support surface 80c is perpendicular to the axis of the first connecting portion 54c. A second recess 124a is formed in the second protruding end surface 88c of the second connecting portion 56c, and a flat second support surface 90c is provided on the bottom surface of the second recess 124a.

[0071] The second support surface 90c is perpendicular to the axis of the second connecting portion 56c. The center of the second recess 124a is offset from the axis of the second connecting portion 56c. The sphere 70 is disposed so as to contact the first support surface 80c and the second support surface 90c. In the initial state of the rotation device 10, the first support surface 80c and the second support surface 90c are positioned so as to face each other with the sphere 70 interposed therebetween. A liquid supply flow path 92 opens into the second support surface 90c. This type of flexible joint 18c also achieves the same effects as the flexible joint 18 described above.

[0072] In the flexible joint 18c, the first protrusion 74c and the second protrusion 84c may extend cylindrically. In this case, the first tapered surface 76 and the second tapered surface 86 are not provided. The flexible joint 18c may also be combined with the rotor 14a or the rotor 14b described above.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 15D , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18d according to a fourth modification instead of the flexible joint 18. In the flexible joint 18d, the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the first connecting portion 54d (first protruding portion 74d) is smaller than the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the second connecting portion 56d (second protruding portion 84d). Note that, if the connection tube 58 is sufficiently flexible, the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the first connecting portion 54d may be equal to the outer diameter (diameter) of the protruding end of the second connecting portion 56d. In the initial state of the rotation device 10, the axis of the first connecting portion 54d is offset from the axis of the second connecting portion 56d.

[0074] A first support surface 80d, which is conically recessed, is provided on the first protruding end surface 78d of the first protruding portion 74d. A second support surface 90d, which is conically recessed, is provided on the second protruding end surface 88d of the second protruding portion 84d. The second support surface 90d is larger than the first support surface 80d. A liquid supply channel 92 opens into the second support surface 90d.

[0075] Two spheres 70a, 70b are disposed between the first support surface 80d and the second support surface 90d. The two spheres 70a, 70b contact each other. The diameter of one sphere 70a in contact with the first support surface 80d is smaller than the diameter of the other sphere 70b in contact with the second support surface 90d. The diameter of the sphere 70a may be larger than or equal to the diameter of the sphere 70b. The sphere 70a may also contact the second support surface 90d. This flexible joint 18d also provides the same effects as the flexible joint 18 described above.

[0076] In the flexible joint 18d, the first protrusion 74d and the second protrusion 84d may extend cylindrically. In this case, the first tapered surface 76 and the second tapered surface 86 are not provided. The flexible joint 18d may also be combined with the rotor 14a or the rotor 14b described above.

[0077] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 1) A rotating device (10) of the present disclosure includes a stator (12, 12a) having a flow path (26) through which a liquid flows, and a rotor (14, 14a, 14b) disposed in the flow path, wherein an inner peripheral surface (28) of the stator has a first inclined surface (30, 30a) tapering in diameter toward an upstream side of the flow path, and an outer peripheral surface (40) of the rotor has a second inclined surface (42, 42a) tapering in diameter toward the upstream side, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface face each other, a taper angle (θ1) of the first inclined surface is larger than a taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined surface, and liquid flows through a gap between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, whereby the rotor performs precession with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stator.

[0079] With this configuration, the rotor can be rotated efficiently, and therefore a better rotating device can be provided.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 2) In the rotating device according to Supplementary Note 1, the rotor may have a truncated cone shape.

[0081] With this configuration, the rotor can be made simple in structure.

[0082] (Appendix 3) In the rotating device described in Appendix 1 or 2, the inner peripheral surface of the stator may have an inclined introduction surface (32) located upstream of the second inclined surface and tapering toward the downstream side of the flow path, and the inclined introduction surface and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor may face each other.

[0083] With this configuration, the liquid can be guided to the outer circumferential surface of the rotor by the inclined introduction surface.

[0084] (Appendix 4) In the rotation device described in Appendix 3, an angle (θ3) formed between a virtual line (L1) extending parallel to a center line (CL1) of the flow path and the inclined introduction surface may be equal to or greater than an angle (θ4) formed between the virtual line and the second inclined surface.

[0085] With this configuration, the liquid guided onto the outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the inclined inlet surface can press the outer peripheral surface of the rotor against the inner peripheral surface of the stator, thereby allowing the rotor to precess efficiently.

[0086] (Appendix 5) In the rotating device described in Appendix 4, the inner peripheral surface of the stator may have a protrusion (34) that connects the introduction inclined surface and the first inclined surface and protrudes inwardly into the flow path, and the rotor may perform the precession motion with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the protrusion.

[0087] With this configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the rotor can be brought into stable contact with the inner peripheral surface (projection) of the stator.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 6) The rotating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5 may further include a drive shaft (44), and a flexible joint (18, 18a to 18d) that connects the rotor and the drive shaft to each other while allowing the precession of the rotor.

[0089] With this configuration, the rotational force of the rotor undergoing precession can be transmitted to the drive shaft by the flexible joint.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 7) In the rotating device described in Supplementary Note 6, the drive shaft is located downstream of the flow path relative to the rotor, and the flexible joint has a first connecting portion (54, 54a to 54d) protruding from the rotor toward the downstream side, a second connecting portion (56, 56a to 56d) protruding from the drive shaft toward the rotor, and a flexible connecting tube (58) connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion may be fitted into one end of the connecting tube, and the second connecting portion may be fitted into the other end of the connecting tube.

[0091] This configuration allows the flexible joint to have a simple structure, and because the flexible connection tube can be twisted, it is possible to prevent the flexible joint from interfering with the precession of the rotor.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 8) In the rotation device described in Supplementary Note 7, the flexible joint may have spherical bodies (70, 70a, 70b) in rotatable contact with first support surfaces (80, 80a to 80d) provided on first protruding end faces (78, 78a to 78d) that are end faces in the protruding direction of the first connection part, and second support surfaces (90, 90a to 90d) provided on second protruding end faces (88, 88a to 88d) that are end faces in the protruding direction of the second connection part.

[0093] With this configuration, the rotational force of the rotor can be efficiently transmitted to the drive shaft by the frictional force between the first support surface and the sphere and the frictional force between the sphere and the second support surface.

[0094] (Supplementary Note 9) In the rotation device according to Supplementary Note 8, each of the first support surface and the second support surface may be a concavely recessed surface.

[0095] With this configuration, the sphere can be prevented from coming off the first support surface and the second support surface.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 10) In the rotation device described in Supplementary Note 8, the first connection portion may have a first base portion (72) that fits into the one end of the connection tube, and a first protrusion portion (74, 74a to 74d) that protrudes from the first base portion toward the second connection portion and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first base portion, and the second connection portion may have a second base portion (82) that fits into the other end of the connection tube, and a second protrusion portion (84, 84a to 84d) that protrudes from the second base portion toward the first connection portion and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second base portion.

[0097] With this configuration, the connection tube can be easily twisted.

[0098] (Appendix 11) In the rotating device described in Appendix 10, the outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion may have a first tapered surface (76) that narrows in diameter toward the first protruding end face, and the outer peripheral surface of the second protruding portion may have a second tapered surface (86) that narrows in diameter toward the second protruding end face.

[0099] According to this configuration, when the connection tube is twisted, the connection tube can be supported by the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface, and therefore buckling of the connection tube can be suppressed.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 12) In the rotation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 11, the second connection portion may be provided with a liquid supply channel (92) for supplying liquid to the sphere.

[0101] With this configuration, liquid is supplied to the sphere from the liquid supply flow path, which prevents excessive frictional heat from being generated between the first support surface and the sphere, and also prevents excessive frictional heat from being generated between the second support surface and the sphere.

[0102] (Appendix 13) The rotating device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 12 may further include a housing (20) that accommodates the stator, and the housing may have a supply port (104) for supplying liquid into the interior of the housing, a first chamber (100) that guides the liquid supplied from the supply port to the flow path, a second chamber (102) to which the liquid that has circulated through the flow path is guided, and a discharge port (106) for discharging the liquid guided to the second chamber to the outside of the housing.

[0103] According to this configuration, the liquid can be caused to flow continuously on the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor with a simple configuration.

[0104] (Appendix 14) In the rotation device described in Appendix 13, the housing may have a cylindrical body portion (94), and the supply port may be provided in the body portion so that liquid is supplied in a direction inclined relative to a radial direction of the body portion.

[0105] With this configuration, a vortex can be generated in the liquid supplied from the supply port to the first chamber, which allows the rotor to rotate more efficiently in the direction of the vortex.

[0106] (Appendix 15) In the rotation device described in Appendix 14, the supply port may include a first port (108) for circulating liquid in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion, and a second port (110) for circulating liquid in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0107] With this configuration, when liquid is supplied from the first port, the rotor can be rotated in a first direction. When liquid is supplied from the second port, the rotor can be rotated in a second direction. This makes it possible to easily change the rotation direction of the rotor depending on the intended use of the rotation device, etc.

[0108] (Appendix 16) The rotation device according to any one of Appendices 13 to 15 may further include a discharge flow path (22) through which the liquid discharged from the discharge port is guided, and a flow rate control valve (24) that adjusts the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge flow path.

[0109] With this configuration, the back pressure of the rotor (pressure in the second chamber) can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge passage with the flow rate adjustment valve, thereby increasing the density of vortex flows generated around the rotor and enabling the rotor to rotate efficiently.

[0110] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0111] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10...Rotating device 12, 12a...Stator 14, 14a, 14b...Rotor 18, 18a to 18d...Flexible joint 20...Housing 22...Discharge flow path 24...Flow rate adjustment valve 26...Flow path 28...Inner peripheral surface of stator 30, 30a...First inclined surface 32...Introducing inclined surface 34...Protruding portion 40...Outer peripheral surface of rotor 42, 42a...Second inclined surface 44...Drive shaft 54, 54a to 54d...First connecting portion 56, 56a to 56d...Second connecting portion 58...Connection tube 70, 70a, 70b...Sphere 72...First base portion 74, 74a to 74d...First protruding portion 76...First tapered surface 78, 78a to 78d...First protruding end surface 80, 80a to 80d...First support surface 82... Second base portion 84, 84a to 84d... Second protruding portion 86... Second tapered surface 88, 88a to 88d... Second protruding end surface 90, 90a to 90d... Second support surface 92... Liquid supply flow path 94... Body portion 100... First chamber 102... Second chamber 104... Supply port 106... Discharge port 108... First port 110... Second port θ1, θ2... Taper angles θ3 to θ6... Angles formed

Claims

1. A rotating device (10) comprising: a stator (12, 12a) having a flow path (26) through which a liquid flows; and a rotor (14, 14a, 14b) disposed in the flow path, wherein an inner peripheral surface (28) of the stator has a first inclined surface (30, 30a) tapering in diameter toward the upstream side of the flow path; an outer peripheral surface (40) of the rotor has a second inclined surface (42, 42a) tapering in diameter toward the upstream side; the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface face each other; a taper angle (θ1) of the first inclined surface is greater than a taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined surface; and, as a result of liquid flowing through a gap between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, the rotor performs precessional motion with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stator.

2. A rotating device according to claim 1, wherein the rotor has a truncated cone shape.

3. A rotating device according to claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the stator has an inclined introduction surface (32) that is located upstream of the second inclined surface and tapers in diameter toward the downstream side of the flow path, and the inclined introduction surface and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor face each other.

4. A rotating device according to claim 3, wherein the angle (θ3) formed between an imaginary line (L1) extending parallel to the center line (CL1) of the flow path and the inclined introduction surface is equal to or greater than the angle (θ4) formed between the imaginary line and the second inclined surface.

5. A rotating device according to claim 4, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the stator has a protrusion (34) that connects the inlet inclined surface and the first inclined surface and protrudes inwardly into the flow path, and the rotor performs the precession with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the protrusion.

6. A rotating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive shaft (44); and a flexible joint (18, 18a to 18d) connecting the rotor and the drive shaft to each other while allowing the precession of the rotor.

7. A rotating device according to claim 6, wherein the drive shaft is located downstream of the flow path relative to the rotor, and the flexible joint has a first connecting portion (54, 54a to 54d) protruding from the rotor toward the downstream side, a second connecting portion (56, 56a to 56d) protruding from the drive shaft toward the rotor, and a flexible connecting tube (58) connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is fitted into one end of the connecting tube, and the second connecting portion is fitted into the other end of the connecting tube.

8. A rotation device according to claim 7, wherein the flexible joint has spherical bodies (70, 70a, 70b) that are in rotatable contact with first support surfaces (80, 80a to 80d) provided on first protruding end faces (78, 78a to 78d), which are end faces in the protruding direction of the first connecting part, and second support surfaces (90, 90a to 90d) provided on second protruding end faces (88, 88a to 88d), which are end faces in the protruding direction of the second connecting part.

9. A rotating device according to claim 8, wherein each of the first and second support surfaces is a concavely recessed surface.

10. A rotating device according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting portion has a first base portion (72) that fits into the one end of the connecting tube, and a first protruding portion (74, 74a to 74d) that protrudes from the first base portion towards the second connecting portion and has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first base portion, and the second connecting portion has a second base portion (82) that fits into the other end of the connecting tube, and a second protruding portion (84, 84a to 84d) that protrudes from the second base portion towards the first connecting portion and has an outer diameter smaller than that of the second base portion.

11. A rotating device according to claim 10, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion has a first tapered surface (76) that reduces in diameter toward the first protruding end surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the second protruding portion has a second tapered surface (86) that reduces in diameter toward the second protruding end surface.

12. A rotating device according to claim 8, wherein the second connecting portion is provided with a liquid supply passage (92) for supplying liquid to the sphere.

13. A rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a housing (20) that houses the stator, the housing having: a supply port (104) for supplying liquid to the inside of the housing; a first chamber (100) that guides the liquid supplied from the supply port to the flow path; a second chamber (102) into which the liquid that has circulated through the flow path is guided; and a discharge port (106) for discharging the liquid guided to the second chamber to the outside of the housing.

14. A rotating device according to claim 13, wherein the housing has a cylindrical body portion (94), and the supply port is provided in the body portion so that the liquid is supplied in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the body portion.

15. A rotating device according to claim 14, wherein the supply ports include a first port (108) for circulating liquid in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion, and a second port (110) for circulating liquid in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

16. A rotating device according to claim 13, further comprising: a discharge flow path (22) through which the liquid discharged from the discharge port is guided; and a flow rate adjustment valve (24) that adjusts the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the discharge flow path.

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