Rotation device

Abstract

This rotation device (10) is provided with: a stator (12) having a flow path (26) through which gas flows; and a rotor (14) disposed in the flow path. The inner peripheral surface (28) of the stator has a first inclined surface (30). The outer peripheral surface (36) of the rotor has a second inclined surface (38). The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface face each other. The taper angle (θ1) of the first inclined surface is smaller than the taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined surface. Gas flows through a gap between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, whereby the rotor performs precession motion 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 gas 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 smaller than the taper angle of the second inclined surface, and as gas 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 explanatory diagram taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the rotating device. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the precession of the rotor. FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining experimental results of the rotating device. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the output of the rotating device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a rotor and a flexible joint according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a rotor and a drive shaft according to a modified example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a flexible joint according to a modified example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flexible joint shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a flexible joint according to a modified example. FIGS. 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of flexible joints according to modified examples.

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a rotating device that can efficiently rotate a rotor by circulating gas 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. 3 ). 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 gas flows. The gas is, for example, air. The gas may be a gas other than air. In this embodiment, the gas 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. 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 from the X1-direction end of the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 to the X2-direction end. 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 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.

[0013] The rotor 14 includes a first end surface 32, a second end surface 34, and an outer circumferential surface 36. The first end surface 32 is located at the end in the X2 direction. The first end surface 32 faces the X2 direction. The first end surface 32 is a flat surface. The first end surface 32 is perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14. The first end surface 32 may be a curved surface.

[0014] The second end surface 34 is located at the end of the rotor 14 in the X1 direction. The second end surface 34 faces the X1 direction. The second end surface 34 is a flat surface. The outer diameter of the second end surface 34 is larger than the outer diameter of the first end surface 32. The second end surface 34 is perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14. The second end surface 34 may be a curved surface.

[0015] The outer peripheral surface 36 of the rotor 14 has a second inclined surface 38 whose diameter tapers toward the upstream side (X2 direction) of the flow path 26. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 36 of the rotor 14 has a second inclined surface 38 whose diameter tapers from the second end surface 34 toward the first end surface 32. One end (end in the X2 direction) of the rotor 14 is located further in the X2 direction than one end (end in the X2 direction) of the stator 12. That is, the rotor 14 protrudes further in the X2 direction than one end of the stator 12. However, one end of the rotor 14 may be located further in the X1 direction than one end of the stator 12. That is, the rotor 14 does not have to protrude 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 inner diameter of one end of the stator 12. The outer diameter of one end of the rotor 14 may be larger than the inner diameter of one end of the stator 12 or may be the same as the inner diameter of one end of the stator 12 .

[0016] The other end (end in the X1 direction) of the rotor 14 is located further in the X1 direction than the other end (end in the X1 direction) of the stator 12. That is, the rotor 14 protrudes in the X1 direction further than the other end of the stator 12. The other end of the rotor 14 may be located further in the X2 direction than the other end of the stator 12. That is, the rotor 14 does not have to protrude in the X1 direction further 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 inner diameter of the other end of the stator 12. The outer diameter of the other end of the rotor 14 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the other end of the stator 12 or may be the same as the inner diameter of the other end of the stator 12. The second inclined surface 38 has a portion facing the first inclined surface 30.

[0017] A first recess 40 is formed in the second end surface 34 of the rotor 14. The first recess 40 is a hole in the shape of a truncated cone. The inner surface of the first recess 40 includes a first bottom surface 42 and a first tapered surface 44. The first bottom surface 42 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14. The first bottom surface 42 is located, for example, in the axial center of the rotor 14. The diameter of the first tapered surface 44 decreases in the X2 direction from the opening of the first recess 40 to the first bottom surface 42.

[0018] 2, the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30 is smaller than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 38. As gas flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14, the rotor 14 precesses with the outer peripheral surface 36 of the rotor 14 in contact with the inner peripheral surface 28 of the stator 12 (see FIG. 4).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the output device 16 has a drive shaft 46, a bearing 48, a first coupling portion 50, a second coupling portion 52, and an output shaft 54. The drive shaft 46 is located downstream (in the X1 direction) of the flow path 26 of the stator 12 with respect to the rotor 14. The drive shaft 46 extends along the center line CL1 (in the X direction) of the flow path 26 of the stator 12. The drive shaft 46 is connected to the rotor 14 via a flexible joint 18. The drive shaft 46 is housed inside the housing 20.

[0020] The drive shaft 46 has a shaft body 56 and a connecting portion 58. The shaft body 56 extends in the X direction. The bearing 48 rotatably supports the drive shaft 46. The bearing 48 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 48 may also be a plain bearing. The bearing 48 is provided in the housing 20.

[0021] A second recess 60 is formed in the end surface of the connecting portion 58 facing the rotor 14 (the end surface facing the X2 direction). The second recess 60 is a hole in the shape of a truncated cone. The inner surface of the second recess 60 includes a second bottom surface 62 and a second tapered surface 64. The second bottom surface 62 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 46. In the initial state of the rotating device 10, the first bottom surface 42 and the second bottom surface 62 face each other. The diameter of the second tapered surface 64 decreases in the X1 direction from the opening of the second recess 60 to the second bottom surface 62.

[0022] The first coupling part 50 is provided at the end of the drive shaft 46 in the X1 direction. The second coupling part 52 is disposed outside the housing 20. The first coupling part 50 and the second coupling part 52 are positioned to face each other with a wall part (a second end wall part 86 described later) of the housing 20 in between. The first coupling part 50 and the second coupling part 52 constitute a magnetic coupling. That is, the magnetic coupling transmits the rotational force of the first coupling part 50 to the second coupling part 52 by magnetic force. The output shaft 54 ​​is connected to the second coupling part 52.

[0023] The flexible joint 18 connects the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 46 in a state that allows precession of the rotor 14. The flexible joint 18 has a connecting shaft 66, a first elastic member 68, and a second elastic member 70.

[0024] The connecting shaft 66 extends in the X direction. The connecting shaft 66 is a rigid body. The connecting shaft 66 is made of, for example, a resin material. The connecting shaft 66 is not limited to a resin material and may be made of a metal material or the like. The connecting shaft 66 has an intermediate shaft portion 72, a first connecting end portion 74, and a second connecting end portion 76.

[0025] The first connecting end 74 protrudes in the X2 direction from one end face (end face in the X2 direction) 73 of the intermediate shaft portion 72. The second connecting end 76 protrudes in the X1 direction from the other end face (end face in the X1 direction) 75 of the intermediate shaft portion 72. Each of the first connecting end 74 and the second connecting end 76 has a smaller diameter than the intermediate shaft portion 72. The first connecting end 74 is located in the first recess 40. The second connecting end 76 is located in the second recess 60.

[0026] The first elastic member 68 is made of a polymeric material such as rubber. The first elastic member 68 is formed in a tube shape. In other words, the first elastic member 68 is formed in a circular tube or cylindrical shape. The first elastic member 68 extends in the X direction. The first elastic member 68 is interposed between the connecting shaft 66 and the first bottom surface 42. One end surface (the end surface in the X2 direction) of the first elastic member 68 contacts the first bottom surface 42. The other end surface of the first elastic member 68 contacts one end surface 73 of the intermediate shaft portion 72. The first connecting end 74 is fitted (press-fitted) into the first elastic member 68. A first gap 78 is formed between the first connecting end 74 and the first bottom surface 42.

[0027] The second elastic member 70 is made of a polymer material such as rubber. The second elastic member 70 is formed in a tube shape. In other words, the second elastic member 70 is formed in a circular tube or cylindrical shape. The second elastic member 70 extends in the X direction. The second elastic member 70 is interposed between the connecting shaft 66 and the second bottom surface 62. One end surface of the second elastic member 70 (the end surface in the X2 direction) contacts the other end surface 75 of the intermediate shaft portion 72. The other end surface of the second elastic member 70 contacts the second bottom surface 62. The second connecting end portion 76 is fitted (press-fitted) into the second elastic member 70. A second gap 80 is formed between the second connecting end portion 76 and the second bottom surface 62.

[0028] 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 82, a first end wall portion 84, and a second end wall portion 86. The stator 12 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 82. The first end wall portion 84 closes the internal hole of the body portion 82 from the X2 direction. The second end wall portion 86 closes the internal hole of the body portion 82 from the X1 direction.

[0029] The housing 20 has a first chamber 88, a second chamber 90, a supply port 92, and an exhaust port 94. The first chamber 88 is formed between the first end wall portion 84 and the stator 12. The second chamber 90 is formed between the second end wall portion 86 and the stator 12. The supply port 92 introduces gas into the first chamber 88. The supply port 92 is provided in the body portion 82.

[0030] 3 , the supply port 92 supplies gas in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the body portion 82. The supply port 92 includes a first port 96 and a second port 98. The first port 96 and the second port 98 are arranged at an interval in the circumferential direction of the body portion 82. The first port 96 is a port for circulating gas in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion 82. The second port 98 is a port for circulating gas in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0031] 1 , a recess 100 is formed in the second end wall portion 86 to accommodate the shaft body 56, the bearing 48, and the first coupling portion 50. The bearing 48 is fixed to the second end wall portion 86. The first coupling portion 50 is spaced apart from the second end wall portion 86.

[0032] The exhaust port 94 guides the gas in the second chamber 90 to the exhaust flow path 22. The exhaust port 94 is provided in the body portion 82. The flow rate adjustment valve 24 is provided in the exhaust flow path 22. The flow rate adjustment valve 24 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing through the exhaust flow path 22.

[0033] Next, the operation of the rotation device 10 will be described.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the rotation device 10 is driven, gas is supplied to the first chamber 88 from the first port 96 or the second port 98. When gas is supplied to the first chamber 88 from the first port 96, the gas flows along the inner surface of the body portion 82 in a first direction (clockwise in FIG. 3 ), 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 gas is supplied to the first chamber 88 from the second port 98, the gas flows along the inner surface of the body portion 82 in a second direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3 ), 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 gas is supplied from the first port 96 will be described below.

[0035] The gas supplied to the first chamber 88 is guided to the flow path 26 of the stator 12. The gas guided to the flow path 26 of the stator 12 flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14 while rotating in the first direction. As a result, the rotor 14 is inclined with respect to the center line CL1 of the flow path 26.

[0036] 4 and 5, the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12. Specifically, the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 at two locations. Hereinafter, these contact portions may be referred to as a "first contact portion 102" and a "second contact portion 104."

[0037] The first contact portion 102 is located in the X2 direction relative to the second contact portion 104. The first contact portion 102 and the second contact portion 104 are positioned approximately 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the stator 12. In this embodiment, due to the inclusion of the flexible joint 18, the first contact portion 102 and the second contact portion 104 are positioned at an angle slightly offset from 180° in the circumferential direction of the stator 12. In this case, asymmetrical portions occur in the gap between the rotor 14 and the stator 12, which tends to result in three-dimensional non-uniformity in the pressure distribution. The rotor 14 rotates in the first direction while contacting the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12. In other words, the rotor 14 rotates on the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 while rotating on its axis. That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the rotor 14 precesses around the contact portion between the first bottom surface 42 and the first elastic member 68. That is, the rotor 14 undergoes precession due to a change in the attitude of the rotor 14 causing non-uniformity in the pressure distribution around the rotor 14 .

[0038] 1, in this embodiment, the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 46 are connected by a flexible joint 18. Therefore, even when the rotor 14 undergoes precession, the rotational force caused by the rotation of the rotor 14 is transmitted to the drive shaft 46 via the flexible joint 18.

[0039] When the rotor 14 precesses, the flexible joint 18 is pressed in the X1 direction by the rotor 14. As a result, a compressive load in the X direction acts on the flexible joint 18. As a result, the first elastic member 68 is pressed against the intermediate shaft portion 72 by the first bottom surface 42, and is elastically deformed so as to bulge radially outward. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the first elastic member 68 comes into contact with the first tapered surface 44, increasing the frictional resistance between the rotor 14 and the first elastic member 68. Furthermore, because the fulcrum for the fluid pressure load and the center of gravity of the rotor 14 are located at the same position, the degree of freedom of the rotor 14 is increased, allowing for smooth precession.

[0040] Furthermore, the second elastic member 70 is pressed against the second bottom surface 62 by the intermediate shaft portion 72, and is elastically deformed to bulge radially outward. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the second elastic member 70 contacts the second tapered surface 64, increasing frictional resistance between the second elastic member 70 and the drive shaft 46. Therefore, the rotational force of the rotor 14 is efficiently transmitted to the drive shaft 46 via the flexible joint 18. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the connecting shaft 66 rotates while tilting eccentrically within the first recess 40 and the second recess 60, thereby assisting the precession of the rotor 14.

[0041] 1, when the drive shaft 46 rotates in accordance with the precession of the rotor 14, the rotational force of the drive shaft 46 is transmitted to the output shaft 54 ​​via the first coupling 50 and the second coupling 52. This causes the output shaft 54 ​​to rotate. The rotational force of the output shaft 54 ​​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.

[0042] The gas that has flowed through the flow passage 26 of the stator 12 is led to the second chamber 90. The gas that has been led to the second chamber 90 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 via the discharge port 94 and the discharge flow passage 22.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a graph showing experimental results for the rotating device 10. The graph in FIG. 7 shows the relationship between gas 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 using a rotation performance measuring device connected to the output shaft 54. In FIG. 7, the solid line L1 represents the experimental results for the rotating device 10 according to the present embodiment, and the dashed line L2 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 rotating device according to the comparative example, 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.

[0044] 7, the rotation device 10 according to this embodiment was able to significantly improve output when the gas 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 gas pressure was increased.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the taper angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 30 is smaller than the taper angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 38. Furthermore, gas flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14, causing the rotor 14 to precess with the outer circumferential surface 36 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.

[0046] The rotating device 10 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The supply port 92 may be provided in the first end wall portion 84 of the housing 20. In this case, no vortex is generated when gas is supplied from the supply port 92 to the first chamber 88, but the gas flows through the gap between the first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14, causing the rotor 14 to precess.

[0047] 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 first inclined surface 30 of the stator 12 and the second inclined surface 38 of the rotor 14 to be easily changed. Fig. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of the gap (minimum gap) between the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 36 of the rotor 14 and the output of the rotating device 10.

[0048] 8, the output of the rotating device 10 becomes maximum output W1 when the gap between the inner peripheral surface 28 of the stator 12 and the outer peripheral surface 36 of the rotor 14 is equal to or larger than S1 and equal to or smaller than S2. Furthermore, in a region where the gap is smaller than S1, the output of the rotating device 10 increases as the gap increases. In a region where the gap is larger than S2, the output of the rotating device 10 decreases as the gap increases.

[0049] Furthermore, the larger the gap between the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 36 of the rotor 14, the greater the flow rate of gas 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 uses (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 inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 36 of the rotor 14 can be made relatively small. Also, for example, if a relatively high output is desired, the gap between the inner circumferential surface 28 of the stator 12 and the outer circumferential surface 36 of the rotor 14 can be set to be greater than or equal to S1 and less than S2, or near this range.

[0050] 9, the rotating device 10 may include a rotor 14a and a flexible joint 18a instead of the rotor 14 and the flexible joint 18. A cooling flow path 110 is formed in the rotor 14a and the flexible joint 18a.

[0051] The cooling flow passage 110 includes a first air hole 112, a second air hole 114, and a plurality of third air holes 116. The first air hole 112 penetrates from the first end surface 32 of the rotor 14a to the first bottom surface 42 of the first recess 40. The first air hole 112 is located on the axis Ax1 of the rotor 14a.

[0052] The flexible joint 18a includes a connecting shaft 66a, a first elastic member 68, and a second elastic member 70. The connecting shaft 66a includes an intermediate shaft portion 72a, a first connecting end portion 74a, and a second connecting end portion 76. The second air vent 114 is formed in the connecting shaft 66a (the intermediate shaft portion 72a and the first connecting end portion 74a). The second air vent 114 extends in the X1 direction from one end face (the end face in the X2 direction) of the connecting shaft 66a. The second air vent 114 is located on the axis of the connecting shaft 66a. A plurality of third air vents 116 extend radially outward from the second air vent 114 and open into the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft portion 72a. The openings of the third air vents 116 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft portion 72a are located in the second recess 60. The number of third air vents 116 is not particularly limited and may be one.

[0053] In the rotating device 10, the first elastic member 68 and the second elastic member 70 generate heat to support the precession of the rotor 14a, which rotates at high speed under pressure. In particular, the first elastic member 68 is prone to high temperatures due to friction between the rotor 14a, which moves while freely changing its position, and the intermediate shaft portion 72a. According to the modified example shown in FIG. 9 , gas supplied from the supply port 92 to the first chamber 88 flows from the first air vent 112 through the interior of the first elastic member 68 (the first gap 78) to the second air vent 114. This effectively cools the first elastic member 68. Furthermore, the gas flowing into the second air vent 114 is then guided to the second recess 60 via multiple third air vents 116. The gas guided to the second recess 60 effectively cools the second elastic member 70.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the rotating device 10 may include a rotor 14b and a drive shaft 46a instead of the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 46. The rotor 14b has a first recess 40a formed therein instead of the first recess 40. The first recess 40a includes a first large diameter hole portion 120 and a first small diameter hole portion 122. The first large diameter hole portion 120 opens to the second end surface 34 of the rotor 14b. The first small diameter hole portion 122 opens to the bottom surface of the first large diameter hole portion 120.

[0055] The diameter of the first large diameter hole portion 120 is constant over the entire length of the first large diameter hole portion 120 in the X direction. The diameter of the first small diameter hole portion 122 is constant over the entire length of the first small diameter hole portion 122 in the X direction. The diameter of the first small diameter hole portion 122 is smaller than the diameter of the first large diameter hole portion 120. The intermediate shaft portion 72 is located in the first large diameter hole portion 120. The first elastic member 68 is located in the first small diameter hole portion 122.

[0056] The drive shaft 46a has a second recess 60a formed therein instead of the second recess 60. The second recess 60a includes a second large diameter hole 124 and a second small diameter hole 126. The second large diameter hole 124 opens to the end surface of the drive shaft 46a (connection portion 58) facing the rotor 14b. The second small diameter hole 126 opens to the bottom surface of the second large diameter hole 124.

[0057] The diameter of the second large diameter hole portion 124 is constant over the entire length of the second large diameter hole portion 124 in the X direction. The diameter of the second small diameter hole portion 126 is constant over the entire length of the second small diameter hole portion 126 in the X direction. The diameter of the second small diameter hole portion 126 is smaller than the diameter of the second large diameter hole portion 124. The intermediate shaft portion 72 is located in the second large diameter hole portion 124. The second elastic member 70 is located in the second small diameter hole portion 126.

[0058] 10, the first recess 40a can be easily formed in the rotor 14b, and the second recess 60a can be easily formed in the drive shaft 46a. The rotor 14b and the drive shaft 46a may be combined with the flexible joint 18a described above.

[0059] 11 , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18b instead of the flexible joint 18. The connection shaft 66b of the flexible joint 18b has an intermediate shaft portion 72b, a first connection end portion 74, and a second connection end portion 76. A first chamfered portion 130 that tapers in diameter toward the first elastic member 68 (X2 direction) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the intermediate shaft portion 72b. A second chamfered portion 132 that tapers in diameter toward the second elastic member 70 (X1 direction) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the intermediate shaft portion 72b.

[0060] 12, this configuration can reduce the contact area between the first elastic member 68 and the intermediate shaft portion 72b when the rotor 14 precesses, compared to when the first chamfered portion 130 is not provided. Also, the contact area between the second elastic member 70 and the intermediate shaft portion 72b when the rotor 14 precesses can be reduced, compared to when the second chamfered portion 132 is not provided. This makes it easier for the connecting shaft 66b to tilt relative to the rotor 14 and the drive shaft 46, allowing the rotor 14 to precess efficiently.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13 , the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18c instead of the flexible joint 18. The connection shaft 66c of the flexible joint 18c has an intermediate shaft portion 72c, a first connecting end portion 74, and a second connecting end portion 76. The outer peripheral surface of one end of the intermediate shaft portion 72c is provided with a first curved surface 134 (rounded surface) that decreases in diameter toward the first elastic member 68 (X2 direction). The outer peripheral surface of the other end of the intermediate shaft portion 72c is provided with a second curved surface 136 (rounded surface) that decreases in diameter toward the second elastic member 70 (X1 direction). The modification shown in FIG. 13 achieves the same effects as the modification shown in FIG. 12 .

[0062] 14A , the rotating device 10 may include a flexible joint 18d instead of the flexible joint 18. The flexible joint 18d has a connecting shaft 66, a first elastic member 68a, and a second elastic member 70a. An end face 140 of the first elastic member 68a facing the opposite side (X2 direction) from the intermediate shaft portion 72 is inclined with respect to the axis of the first elastic member 68a. An end face 142 of the second elastic member 70a facing the opposite side (X1 direction) from the intermediate shaft portion 72 is inclined with respect to the axis of the second elastic member 70a.

[0063] 14A, when a load acts on the flexible joint 18d, maintaining the position of the rotor 14 tends to become unstable. That is, the flexible joint 18d tends to tilt with respect to the drive shaft 46, and the rotor 14 tends to tilt with respect to the flexible joint 18d. This makes it easier for the rotor 14 to precess.

[0064] 14B, the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18e instead of the flexible joint 18. The flexible joint 18e has a connecting shaft 66, a first elastic member 68b, and a second elastic member 70b.

[0065] The end of the first elastic member 68b facing the opposite side (X2 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed in a truncated cone shape. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the first elastic member 68b facing the opposite side (X2 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed with a surface 144 that tapers in diameter toward the X2 direction. The end of the second elastic member 70b facing the opposite side (X1 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed in a truncated cone shape. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the second elastic member 70b facing the opposite side (X1 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed with a surface 146 that tapers in diameter toward the X1 direction. The modification of FIG. 14B achieves the same effect as the modification of FIG. 14A .

[0066] 14C, the rotation device 10 may include a flexible joint 18f instead of the flexible joint 18. The flexible joint 18f has a connecting shaft 66, a first elastic member 68c, and a second elastic member 70c.

[0067] The end of the first elastic member 68c facing the opposite side (X2 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed in a hemispherical shape. In other words, a curved surface 148 that tapers in diameter in the X2 direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the first elastic member 68c facing the opposite side (X2 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72. The end of the second elastic member 70c facing the opposite side (X1 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72 is formed in a hemispherical shape. In other words, a curved surface 150 that tapers in diameter in the X1 direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the second elastic member 70c facing the opposite side (X1 direction) from the intermediate shaft 72. The modification of FIG. 14C achieves the same effect as the modification of FIG. 14A.

[0068] Each of the flexible joints 18b-18f described above may be combined with the rotor 14b and drive shaft 46a described above.

[0069] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 1) A rotating device (10) of the present disclosure includes a stator (12) having a flow path (26) through which a gas 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) tapering in diameter toward an upstream side of the flow path, and an outer peripheral surface (36) of the rotor has a second inclined surface (38) 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 smaller than a taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined surface, and gas 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.

[0071] With this configuration, the rotor can be rotated efficiently, and therefore a better rotating device can be provided.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 2) In the rotating device according to Supplementary Note 1, the rotor may have a truncated cone shape.

[0073] With this configuration, the rotor can be made simple in structure.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 3) The rotating device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2 may further include a drive shaft (46, 46a), and a flexible joint (18, 18a to 18f) that connects the rotor and the drive shaft to each other while allowing the precession of the rotor.

[0075] With this configuration, the rotational force of the rotor undergoing precession can be transmitted to the drive shaft by the flexible joint.

[0076] (Appendix 4) In the rotating device described in Appendix 3, the drive shaft is located downstream of the flow path relative to the rotor, a first recess (40, 40a) is formed in an end face of the rotor facing the drive shaft, a second recess (60, 60a) is formed in an end face of the drive shaft facing the rotor, and one end of the flexible joint may be arranged in the first recess and the other end of the flexible joint may be arranged in the second recess.

[0077] With this configuration, the distance between the rotor and the drive shaft can be narrowed, allowing the rotating device to be made compact.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 5) In the rotation device described in Supplementary Note 4, the flexible joint may include a connecting shaft (66, 66a to 66c) extending along the axial direction of the drive shaft, a first elastic member (68, 68a to 68c) provided at a first connecting end (74, 74a) that is one end of the connecting shaft and that is in contact with a first bottom surface (42) of the first recess, and a second elastic member (70, 70a to 70c) provided at a second connecting end (76) that is the other end of the connecting shaft and that is in contact with a second bottom surface (62) of the second recess.

[0079] With this configuration, the first elastic member and the second elastic member can be elastically deformed when the rotor precesses. This allows the first elastic member to be pressed appropriately against the inner surface of the first recess, increasing the contact area of ​​the first elastic member with the inner surface of the first recess. Furthermore, the second elastic member can be pressed appropriately against the inner surface of the second recess, increasing the contact area of ​​the second elastic member with the inner surface of the second recess. Therefore, the rotational force of the rotor can be efficiently transmitted to the drive shaft via the flexible joint.

[0080] (Appendix 6) In the rotating device described in Appendix 5, each of the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be formed in a tubular shape, and the first connecting end may be fitted into the first elastic member, and the second connecting end may be fitted into the second elastic member.

[0081] According to this configuration, the first elastic member and the second elastic member can be easily attached to the connecting shaft.

[0082] (Appendix 7) In the rotation device described in Appendix 5 or 6, the inner surface of the first recess may have a first tapered surface (44) that narrows in diameter from the opening of the first recess toward the first bottom surface, and the inner surface of the second recess may have a second tapered surface (64) that narrows in diameter from the opening of the second recess toward the second bottom surface.

[0083] This configuration can prevent the elastically deformed first elastic member from being pressed excessively against the first tapered surface, and can also prevent the elastically deformed second elastic member from being pressed excessively against the second tapered surface, thereby preventing the first elastic member and the second elastic member from interfering with the precession of the rotor.

[0084] (Appendix 8) The rotating device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 may further include a housing (20) that accommodates the stator, and the housing may have a supply port (92) for supplying gas into the interior of the housing, a first chamber (88) that guides the gas supplied from the supply port to the flow path, a second chamber (90) to which the gas that has circulated through the flow path is guided, and a discharge port (94) for discharging the gas that has been guided to the second chamber to the outside of the housing.

[0085] According to this configuration, the gas can be caused to flow continuously between the inner peripheral surface of the stator and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor with a simple configuration.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 9) In the rotating device described in Supplementary Note 8, the housing may have a cylindrical body portion (82), and the supply port may be provided in the body portion so that the gas is supplied in a direction inclined relative to a radial direction of the body portion.

[0087] With this configuration, a vortex can be generated in the gas supplied from the supply port to the first chamber, which allows the rotor to rotate more efficiently in the direction of the vortex.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 10) In the rotating device described in Supplementary Note 9, the supply port may include a first port (96) for circulating gas in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion, and a second port (98) for circulating gas in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0089] With this configuration, when gas is supplied from the first port, the rotor can be rotated in a first direction. When gas 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 rotating device, etc.

[0090] 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.

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10...Rotating device 12...Stator 14, 14a, 14b...Rotor 18, 18a to 18f...Flexible joint 20...Housing 22...Discharge flow path 24...Flow rate adjustment valve 26...Flow path 28...Inner peripheral surface 30...First inclined surface 36...Outer peripheral surface 38...Second inclined surface 40, 40a...First recess 42...First bottom surface 44...First tapered surface 46, 46a...Drive shaft 60, 60a...Second recess 62...Second bottom surface 64...Second tapered surface 66, 66a to 66c...Connecting shaft 68, 68a to 68c...First elastic member 70, 70a to 70c...Second elastic member 74, 74a...First connecting end 76...Second connecting end 82...Body portion 88...First chamber 90...Second chamber 92: supply port; 94: discharge port; 96: first port; 98: second port; 100: recess; θ1, θ2: taper angles

Claims

1. A rotating device (10) comprising: a stator (12) having a flow path (26) through which a gas 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) tapering in diameter toward the upstream side of the flow path; an outer peripheral surface (36) of the rotor has a second inclined surface (38) 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 smaller than a taper angle (θ2) of the second inclined surface; and as gas flows through a 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.

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

3. A rotating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive shaft (46, 46a); and a flexible joint (18, 18a to 18f) connecting the rotor and the drive shaft to each other while allowing the precession of the rotor.

4. A rotating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the drive shaft is located downstream of the flow path relative to the rotor, a first recess (40, 40a) is formed in the end face of the rotor facing the drive shaft, and a second recess (60, 60a) is formed in the end face of the drive shaft facing the rotor, one end of the flexible joint is arranged in the first recess, and the other end of the flexible joint is arranged in the second recess.

5. A rotating device according to claim 4, wherein the flexible joint comprises: a connecting shaft (66, 66a to 66c) extending along the axial direction of the drive shaft; a first elastic member (68, 68a to 68c) provided at a first connecting end (74, 74a) which is one end of the connecting shaft and which is in contact with the first bottom surface (42) of the first recess; and a second elastic member (70, 70a to 70c) provided at a second connecting end (76) which is the other end of the connecting shaft and which is in contact with the second bottom surface (62) of the second recess.

6. A rotating device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first elastic member and the second elastic member is formed in a tubular shape, the first connecting end is fitted into the first elastic member, and the second connecting end is fitted into the second elastic member.

7. A rotating device according to claim 5, wherein the inner surface of the first recess has a first tapered surface (44) that narrows in diameter from the opening of the first recess toward the first bottom surface, and the inner surface of the second recess has a second tapered surface (64) that narrows in diameter from the opening of the second recess toward the second bottom surface.

8. A rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a housing (20) that houses the stator, the housing having: a supply port (92) for supplying gas into the interior of the housing; a first chamber (88) that guides the gas supplied from the supply port to the flow path; a second chamber (90) into which the gas that has circulated through the flow path is guided; and a discharge port (94) for discharging the gas that has been guided to the second chamber to the outside of the housing.

9. A rotating device according to claim 8, wherein the housing has a cylindrical body portion (82), and the supply port is provided in the body portion so that the gas is supplied in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the body portion.

10. A rotating device according to claim 9, wherein the supply ports include a first port (96) for circulating gas in a first direction along the circumferential direction of the body portion, and a second port (98) for circulating gas in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

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