WO2016080390A1

WO2016080390A1 - Driving device for driving generator device

Info

Publication number: WO2016080390A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/082256
Authority: WO
Inventors: 康永小林; 耕才山本
Original assignee: ナブテスコ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-11-20
Filing date: 2015-11-17
Publication date: 2016-05-26
Also published as: JPWO2016080390A1

Abstract

The present application discloses a driving device for driving the movable portion of a generator device which operates in correspondence with the change in flow direction of a fluid. The driving device is provided with: a first power generation unit for generating a first power for operating the movable portion; a second power generation unit for generating a second power for operating the movable portion; an electrical power supply unit formed so as to supply electrical power to the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit; and a power transmission piece for transmitting the first power and/or the second power to the movable portion and causing the movable portion to operate.

Description

Drive device for driving power generation device

The present invention relates to a drive device for driving a power generation device.

Various power generators that convert fluid kinetic energy into electrical energy are known. For example, a windmill apparatus converts the kinetic energy of air into electrical energy (see Patent Document 1).

Since the power generation device needs to continuously generate electric power (for example, for a period of 20 years or longer), a structure that is maintenance-free rather than general mechanical equipment is desired for the power generation device. The windmill device includes a movable part (for example, a nacelle or a blade) that operates in accordance with a change in the air flow direction, a driving device for driving the movable part, and a housing that houses the driving device. Although the drive device is protected by a housing, it is difficult to completely eliminate electrical and / or mechanical problems that occur in the drive device only by the protection by the housing.

US Pat. No. 7,717,673

An object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that can give high reliability to a power generation device.

The drive device according to one aspect of the present invention drives the movable part of the power generation device that operates in accordance with a change in the fluid flow direction. The drive device includes: a first power generation unit that generates first power that operates the movable part; a second power generation unit that generates second power that operates the movable part; the first power generation unit; A power supply unit configured to supply power to the second power generation unit, and power transmission for transmitting at least one of the first power and the second power to the movable part and operating the movable part And a piece.

The above-described drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a notional block diagram of the drive device of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the example windmill apparatus with which the drive device was integrated (2nd Embodiment). It is a schematic sectional drawing of the drive device integrated in the windmill apparatus shown by FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the windmill apparatus shown by FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of an electric motor (3rd Embodiment). It is a block diagram showing the schematic function structure of the drive device of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing the function structure of the drive device shown by FIG. It is a schematic flowchart showing control of the drive device shown by FIG. It is a block diagram showing the schematic functional structure of the drive device of 5th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing control of the drive device shown in FIG. 9. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the schematic hardware constitutions of the drive device of 6th Embodiment. It is a notional block diagram of the drive device of a 7th embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing showing the exemplary structure of a differential gear apparatus (8th Embodiment). It is a notional block diagram of the drive device of a 9th embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the schematic hardware constitutions of the drive device of 10th Embodiment. It is a notional block diagram of the drive device of an 11th embodiment. It is a notional block diagram of the drive device of a 12th embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the schematic hardware constitutions of the drive device of 13th Embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments relating to a drive device are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technology relating to the driving device can be clearly understood by the following description. In the following various embodiments, the power generation device is exemplified by a windmill device that has a movable part that operates in accordance with a change in the flow direction of air and converts the kinetic energy of air into electrical energy. Alternatively, the power generation device may be a facility that has a movable portion that operates in accordance with a change in the flow direction of the liquid and converts the kinetic energy of the liquid into electrical energy.

<First Embodiment>
While the inventors rarely have a problem with a plurality of elements constituting the drive device at the same time, the wind turbine equipment is in an unusable situation due to some of the plurality of elements. I found the problem of falling. In 1st Embodiment, the drive device which can drive a windmill apparatus appropriately also in the conditions where malfunction generate | occur | produced in one part among several elements is demonstrated.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram of the driving apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. The drive device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The solid arrows in FIG. 1 conceptually represent electrical energy transfer. The chain arrows in FIG. 1 conceptually represent mechanical energy transfer.

The driving device 100 includes a pinion 200, an electric motor 300, and

application units

400 and 500. Each of the

application units

400 and 500 applies a drive voltage to the electric motor 300. The electric motor 300 generates a rotational force according to the driving voltage. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300 to the pinion 200. Each of the

application units

400 and 500 may be a general voltage application circuit including an inverter. Various circuit technologies that can apply a voltage to the electric motor 300 can be applied to the

application units

400 and 500. Therefore, the principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific circuit structure of the

application units

400 and 500.

The pinion 200 meshes with a ring gear (not shown) fixed in a casing (not shown) of a windmill device (not shown). The pinion 200 transmits the rotational force from the electric motor 300 to the ring gear. The rotational force transmitted from the pinion 200 may be used to drive a blade (not shown) of the wind turbine device. In this case, the pinion 200 may mesh with a ring housing fixed in the blade casing constituting the blade of the wind turbine equipment and / or the nacelle casing constituting the nacelle of the wind turbine equipment. Alternatively, the rotational force transmitted from the pinion 200 may be used to drive a nacelle (not shown) of the wind turbine equipment. In this case, the pinion 200 may mesh with a ring gear fixed in the nacelle casing constituting the nacelle of the windmill equipment and / or the tower casing constituting the tower (not shown) of the windmill equipment. Further alternatively, the rotational motion of the pinion 200 may be utilized to operate other movable parts of the wind turbine equipment. Therefore, the principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific application of the rotational motion of the pinion 200 or a specific fixed position of the ring gear with which the pinion 200 is engaged. In the present embodiment, the power transmission piece is exemplified by the pinion 200. The component used as the power transmission piece may be selected to match the structure of the power generation device. Therefore, instead of the pinion, other parts (for example, a pulley or a cam) may be used as the power transmission piece. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific component used as a power transmission piece.

The electric motor 300 includes

coil portions

310 and 320. The application unit 400 applies a voltage to the coil unit 310. The application unit 500 applies a voltage to the coil unit 320. Each of the

application units

400 and 500 may be a general voltage application circuit. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit is exemplified by the

application units

400 and 500. The first coil unit and the first power generation unit are exemplified by one of the

coil units

310 and 320. The second coil unit and the second power generation unit are exemplified by the other of the

coil units

310 and 320.

The first coil unit and the second coil unit may receive voltage application from a common voltage application circuit. In this case, the power supply unit is exemplified by a voltage application circuit designed to apply a voltage to both the first coil unit and the second coil unit. The voltage application circuit designed to apply a voltage to both the first coil unit and the second coil unit includes the first coil unit and the second coil in addition to the voltage generation circuit that generates the voltage. A switching circuit that switches to the coil unit or both the first coil unit and the second coil unit may be included. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the voltage application circuit used as the power supply unit.

Various known motor technologies are available for generating rotational force within the electric motor 300. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for generating a rotational force in the electric motor 300.

In the driving apparatus 100, if there is no problem, the application unit 500 may apply a voltage to the coil unit 320 while the application unit 400 applies a voltage to the coil unit 310. In this case, the

coil units

310 and 320 can generate a rotational force in cooperation. In the present embodiment, the first power is exemplified by the rotational force generated by one of the

coil units

310 and 320. The second power is exemplified by the rotational force generated by the other of the

coil units

310 and 320. The first drive voltage is exemplified by a voltage output from one of the

application units

400 and 500. The second drive voltage is exemplified by a voltage output from the other of the

application units

400 and 500.

Thereafter, if a failure occurs in the voltage application path from the application unit 400 to the coil unit 310, the driving device 100 may rotate the pinion 200 using only the voltage application from the application unit 500. At this time, the driving device 100 may increase the voltage from the application unit 500.

If a failure occurs in the voltage application path from the application unit 500 to the coil unit 320 when voltage application from both the

application units

400 and 500 is performed, the driving device 100 applies the voltage from the application unit 400. Only the pinion 200 may be rotated. At this time, the driving device 100 may increase the voltage from the application unit 400.

Alternatively, if there is no problem in the driving device 100, the driving device 100 may rotate the pinion 200 using only the voltage application from the application unit 400. Thereafter, if a problem occurs in the voltage application path from the application unit 400 to the coil unit 310, the driving apparatus 100 may rotate the pinion 200 using only the voltage application from the application unit 500.

Further alternatively, the drive device 100 may rotate the pinion 200 using only the voltage application from the application unit 500 if there is no malfunction in the drive device 100. Thereafter, if a failure occurs in the voltage application path from the application unit 500 to the coil unit 320, the driving apparatus 100 may rotate the pinion 200 using only the voltage application from the application unit 400.

The driving device 100 switches the voltage application path according to whether or not a failure has occurred. As described above, the driving apparatus 100 can switch the voltage application path with various switching patterns. Therefore, the principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific switching pattern of the voltage application path.

The driving device 100 may have various structures for detecting the occurrence of a malfunction. For example, the driving apparatus 100 includes a detection element that detects a current flowing through a voltage application path from the application unit 400 to the coil unit 310, and a detection element that detects a current flowing through the voltage application path from the application unit 500 to the coil unit 320. , May be included. The driving apparatus 100 may detect the occurrence of a malfunction under feedback control using a signal representing the detected current magnitude. Alternatively, the driving apparatus 100 may include a mechanism for detecting the torque of the electric motor 300 and a mechanism for detecting the rotational speed of the electric motor 300. In this case, the driving device 100 may monitor the torque and the rotational speed of the electric motor 300 to determine whether or not a failure has occurred. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for detecting the occurrence of a malfunction.

Second Embodiment
The principle of the driving device described in relation to the first embodiment can be applied to various movable parts of the wind turbine device. In the second embodiment, a driving device for driving a blade of a wind turbine device will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary windmill device WML in which a driving device is incorporated. With reference to FIG. 2, the windmill device WML will be described.

The windmill device WML includes a tower casing TWH, a nacelle casing NCH, a hub casing HBH, and three blade casings BDH. The tower casing TWH is erected from the ground. The tower casing TWH constitutes a tower of the wind turbine equipment WML. The nacelle casing NCH is attached to the upper end of the tower casing TWH. The nacelle housing NCH constitutes a nacelle of the wind turbine equipment WML. The nacelle casing NCH rotates around the vertical axis at the upper end of the tower casing TWH. The drive device constructed according to the principle of the first embodiment may be used for the rotational movement of the nacelle casing NCH at the upper end of the tower casing TWH. The hub housing HBH is attached to the nacelle housing TWH. Hub housing HBH constitutes a hub of windmill device WML. The hub housing HBH rotates according to the wind force received by the windmill device WML. The three blade housings BDH extend radially from the hub housing HBH. The blade housing BDH constitutes a blade of the windmill device WML. Each blade housing BDH rotates around an axis along the extending direction of the blade housing BDH on the hub housing HBH. The drive device constructed according to the principle of the first embodiment may be used for the rotational movement of each blade casing BDH on the hub casing HBH.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 100A of the second embodiment. The driving device 100A will be described with reference to FIGS.

The driving device 100A is disposed in the hub housing HBH and / or the blade housing BDH. The driving device 100A generates a rotational force for rotating the blade casing BDH on the hub casing HBH.

The driving device 100A includes a pinion 200A, an electric motor 300A, and a speed reduction unit 600. The rotational force generated by the electric motor 300A is transmitted to the pinion 200A through the speed reduction unit 600. The pinion 200A corresponds to the pinion 200 described with reference to FIG. The electric motor 300A corresponds to the electric motor 300 described with reference to FIG.

The electric motor 300 A includes a main housing 330 and a rotating shaft 340. Coil elements (not shown) corresponding to the

coil portions

310 and 320 described with reference to FIG. 1 are arranged in the main housing 330. When a voltage is applied to these coil elements, the rotating shaft 340 extending from the main housing 330 rotates.

According to the principle described in connection with the first embodiment, the rotating shaft 340 can rotate even when a voltage is applied to only one of the coil elements described above. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the voltage application path to one of the coil elements described above, the driving device 100A can apply a rotation operation to the blade housing BDH under the voltage application to the other coil element. .

The speed reduction unit 600 includes a speed reduction mechanism 610 and an output shaft 620. The speed reduction mechanism 610 can include various speed reducers (for example, a planetary gear speed reducer and an eccentric speed reducer). Therefore, the principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the speed reduction mechanism 610.

Deceleration mechanism 610 is connected to rotating shaft 340 of electric motor 300A. The speed reduction mechanism 610 increases the torque while reducing the rotation speed. The increased torque is transmitted from the speed reduction mechanism 610 to the output shaft 620. As a result, the output shaft 620 rotates at a lower rotational speed than the rotating shaft 340 of the electric motor 300A.

The pinion 200A is attached to the output shaft 620. The pinion 200A can rotate with the output shaft 620.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wind turbine equipment WML around the boundary between the hub housing HBH and the blade housing BDH. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary arrangement of the driving device 100 A will be described.

The opening OPN is formed in the hub housing HBH. The hub housing HBH includes a contour surface CTS that forms the contour of the opening OPN. The driving device 100A is fixed to the contour surface CTS.

Windmill equipment WML includes a ball bearing BRG. The ball bearing BRG is disposed between the hub housing HBH and the blade housing BDH.

The hub housing HBH includes an outer surface OUS that defines the outer contour of the hub housing HBH. The blade housing BDH includes a base end face PXS facing the opening OPN. Ball bearing BRG includes an outer ring portion ORG, an inner ring portion IRG, and a plurality of balls BLL. The outer ring portion ORG is fixed to the outer surface OUS. The inner ring portion IRG arranged in the outer ring portion ORG is fixed to the base end face PXS. The plurality of balls BLL roll between the outer ring part ORG and the inner ring part IRG arranged substantially concentrically with the outer ring part ORG. Therefore, the inner ring portion IRG can rotate within the outer ring portion ORG. The blade housing BDH rotates together with the inner ring portion IRG. In the present embodiment, the movable part is exemplified by the blade housing BDH.

The inner ring portion IRG includes an inner surface INS opposite to the plurality of balls BLL. Gear teeth (not shown) are formed on the inner surface INS. The pinion 200A meshes with gear teeth formed on the inner surface INS. Therefore, the inner ring portion IRG and the blade housing BDH can rotate together with the pinion 200A.

<Third Embodiment>
Designers designing windmill equipment may want to use smaller drives for ease of attachment to the windmill equipment and other design reasons. If a small electric motor is used for the driving device, the driving device is reduced in size. In the third embodiment, a technique for making a small electric motor available will be described.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the electric motor 300A. A symbol used in common between the second embodiment and the third embodiment means that an element to which the common symbol is attached has the same function as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, description of 2nd Embodiment is used for these elements. The electric motor 300A will be described with reference to FIGS.

As described in relation to the second embodiment, the

coil elements

310A and 320A are arranged in the main housing 330. The coil element 310A corresponds to the coil unit 310 described with reference to FIG. The coil element 320A corresponds to the coil part 320 described with reference to FIG.

Both the

coil elements

310A and 320A surround an area around the rotation axis RAX of the electric motor 300A. FIG. 5 shows a “region A” surrounded by the coil element 310A and a “region B” surrounded by the coil element 320A. Region A partially overlaps region B. Alternatively, the area surrounded by the coil element 310A may completely overlap with the area surrounded by the coil element 320A. In the present embodiment, the first region is exemplified by one of the region A and the region B. The second region is exemplified by the other of region A and region B.

Since the area A overlaps the area B, the electric motor 300A may not have a long dimension in the extending direction of the rotation axis RAX. Therefore, the designer can design a small drive device using the electric motor 300A.

The manufacturer who manufactures the electric motor 300A may bundle the coil wire for the coil element 310A and the coil wire for the coil element 320A and wind them to form the

coil elements

310A and 320A. As a result, most of the area A overlaps the area B. The manufacturer may use another method to form the overlapping region that overlaps between the

coil elements

310A and 320A. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for forming the

coil elements

310A and 320A.

<Fourth embodiment>
The drive device constructed based on the principle described in connection with the first embodiment can operate appropriately under various controls. In the fourth embodiment, an exemplary control technique for the driving device will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the drive device 100B of the fourth embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 1st Embodiment and 4th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 1st Embodiment. Therefore, description of 1st Embodiment is used for these elements. The driving device 100B will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

As in the first embodiment, the driving device 100B includes a pinion 200 and

application units

400 and 500. The description of the first embodiment is incorporated in these elements.

The driving device 100B includes an electric motor 300B and a control unit 700. The

application units

400 and 500 generate a voltage under the control of the control unit 700. The voltage is applied to the electric motor 300B. The electric motor 300B transmits the rotational force to the pinion 200 under application of a voltage. The electric motor 300B corresponds to the electric motor 300 described with reference to FIG.

The electric motor 300B includes a main coil portion 310B and a sub coil portion 320B. The main coil portion 310B corresponds to one of the

coil portions

310 and 320 described with reference to FIG. The sub-coil portion 320B corresponds to the other of the

coil portions

310 and 320 described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the main coil part 310B and the subcoil part 320B may be formed based on the technique described in relation to the third embodiment.

The control unit 700 includes a detection unit 710 and a switching unit 720. The switching unit 720 outputs a request signal for requesting voltage application to the application unit 400. The application unit 400 generates a voltage in response to the request signal. The voltage is then applied from the application unit 400 to the main coil unit 310B.

The detection unit 710 measures a current flowing through an electrical path connected to the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B. Alternatively, the detection unit 710 may receive a signal indicating the magnitude of the current flowing through the electrical path connected to the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B from the detection element incorporated in the electric motor 300B. If the current is excessively small, the detection signal 710 may determine that a failure has occurred in the electrical path connecting the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B. Therefore, the detection unit 710 can appropriately determine whether or not a failure has occurred in the electrical path connecting the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B. The detection unit 710 may be a general microcomputer that executes a program designed to determine a malfunction from a general ammeter and an output signal from the ammeter. Instead of the microcomputer, an electronic component such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be used. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific electronic component used as the detection unit 710.

While the request signal is being output from the detection unit 710 to the application unit 400, the application unit 500 does not receive the request signal. Therefore, sub coil part 320B does not receive a voltage. As a result, the pinion 200 is rotated by the rotational force generated by the voltage application to the main coil unit 310B.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of the driving device 100B when a failure occurs in an electrical path connected to the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B. The drive device 100B will be further described with reference to FIGS.

If a failure occurs in the electrical path connecting the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B, the detection unit 710 detects an excessively low current. When the magnitude of the detected current falls below the threshold value, the detection unit 710 may generate a switching signal. The switching signal is output from the detection unit 710 to the switching unit 720.

The switching unit 720 switches the output destination of the above request signal from the applying unit 400 to the applying unit 500 in accordance with the switching signal. As a result, the application unit 500 generates a voltage according to the request signal. The voltage is then applied from the application unit 500 to the sub coil unit 320B. Therefore, after a failure occurs in the electrical path connected to the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B, the pinion 200 is rotated by the rotational force generated by the voltage application to the sub coil unit 320B. The switching unit 720 may be a general switching circuit designed to switch the output destination of the request signal according to the switching signal. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific circuit structure of the switching unit 720.

The control unit 700 and the

application units

400 and 500 may be constructed on a common circuit board. Alternatively, the control unit 700 may be constructed on a circuit board different from the

application units

400 and 500. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of a circuit that forms the control unit 700 and the

application units

400 and 500.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing the control of the driving device 100B. The control of the drive device 100B will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S110)
The detection unit 710 determines whether or not the current flowing through the electrical path connected to the application unit 400 and the main coil unit 310B exceeds a threshold value. If the current exceeds the threshold value, step S120 is executed. In other cases, step S140 is executed.

(Step S120)
The switching unit 720 outputs a request signal for requesting voltage application to the application unit 400. The application unit 400 applies a voltage to the main coil unit 310B according to the request signal. Thereafter, step S130 is executed.

(Step S130)
Under the application of voltage to the main coil portion 310B, the electric motor 300B generates a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300B to the pinion 200. When the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH reaches the target rotation angle, the control ends. In other cases, the processing loop from step S110 to step S130 continues to be executed. The angular position control with respect to the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH may be based on general PID control. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific angle control technique for the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH.

(Step S140)
The detection unit 710 generates a switching signal. The switching signal is output from the detection unit 710 to the switching unit 720. The switching unit 720 switches the output destination of the request signal from the applying unit 400 to the applying unit 500 according to the switching signal. As a result, the request signal is transmitted from the switching unit 720 to the application unit 500. The application unit 500 generates a voltage according to the request signal. The voltage is then applied from the application unit 500 to the sub coil unit 320B.

(Step S150)
The electric motor 300B generates a rotational force under application of a voltage to the sub coil unit 320B. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300B to the pinion 200. When the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH reaches the target rotation angle, the control ends. In other cases, the processing loop of step S140 and step S150 continues to be executed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The drive device of the fourth embodiment switches the voltage application destination from one coil unit to another coil unit when a failure occurs. Alternatively, the drive device executes a control mode in which a voltage is applied to the plurality of coil portions when no failure occurs, while the voltage is applied to one of the plurality of coil portions when the failure occurs. Another control mode may be executed that applies. In the fifth embodiment, a drive device having a function of switching control modes will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the drive device 100C of the fifth embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 1st Embodiment and 5th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 1st Embodiment. Therefore, description of 1st Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100C will be described with reference to FIGS.

As in the first embodiment, the drive device 100C includes a pinion 200, an electric motor 300, and

application units

The driving device 100C includes a control unit 700C. The

application units

400 and 500 generate a voltage under the control of the control unit 700C. The voltage is applied to the electric motor 300. The electric motor 300 transmits a rotational force to the pinion 200 under application of a voltage.

Control unit 700C includes a detection unit 710C and a switching unit 720C. The switching unit 720C outputs a first request signal requesting application of a voltage to the applying unit 400. The switching unit 720 C outputs a second request signal for requesting voltage application to the application unit 500.

Application unit 400 generates the first voltage in response to the first request signal. Thereafter, the first voltage is applied from the application unit 400 to the coil unit 310.

Application unit 500 generates a second voltage in response to the second request signal. The second voltage is then applied from the application unit 500 to the coil unit 320.

Detecting unit 710 C measures the current flowing through the first path connected to application unit 400 and coil unit 310. In addition, the detection unit 710 C measures the current flowing through the second path connected to the application unit 500 and the coil unit 320. Alternatively, the detection unit 710 C may receive a signal representing the magnitude of the current flowing through the first path and the second path from the detection element incorporated in the electric motor 300. If the current flowing through the coil unit 310 is excessively small, the detection signal 710 C may determine that a failure has occurred in the electrical path that connects the application unit 400 and the coil unit 310. If the current flowing through the coil unit 320 is excessively small, the detection signal 710C may determine that a failure has occurred in the electrical path that connects the application unit 500 and the coil unit 320. Therefore, the detection unit 710C can appropriately determine whether or not a failure occurs in the first route and / or the second route.

If there is no problem in both the first route and the second route, the control unit 700C performs a control operation under the first control mode. The switching unit 720C outputs the first request signal to the applying unit 400 and the second request signal to the applying unit 500 under the first control mode. As a result, the application unit 400 generates a first voltage, and the application unit 500 generates a second voltage. The first voltage is applied from the application unit 400 to the coil unit 310. The second voltage is applied from the application unit 500 to the coil unit 320. As a result, the pinion 200 is rotated by the rotational force generated when voltage is applied to both the

coil units

310 and 320. In the present embodiment, the first drive voltage is exemplified by one of the first voltage and the second voltage. The second drive voltage is exemplified by the other of the first voltage and the second voltage.

If a problem occurs in one of the first route and the second route, the control unit 700C performs a control operation under the second control mode. When a failure occurs in one of the first route and the second route, the detection unit 710C may generate a notification signal that notifies the occurrence of the failure. The notification signal is output from detection unit 710C to switching unit 720C.

The switching unit 720C that is notified of the malfunction in the first path requests voltage application through the second path. At this time, the switching unit 720C may include an instruction for requesting an increase in voltage in the second request signal. As a result, the application unit 500 can apply a voltage having a higher value than the second voltage under the first control mode as the second voltage. Therefore, the loss of the rotational force due to the malfunction occurring in the first path is compensated by the high rotational force generated by the coil unit 320.

The switching unit 720C notified of the malfunction in the second path requests voltage application through the first path. At this time, the switching unit 720C may include an instruction for requesting an increase in voltage in the first request signal. As a result, the application unit 400 can apply a voltage having a value higher than the first voltage under the first control mode as the first voltage. Therefore, the loss of rotational force due to the malfunction that has occurred in the second path is compensated by the high rotational force generated by the coil unit 310.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing the control of the driving device 100C. The control of the driving device 100C will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Step S210)
The detection unit 710C determines whether or not the current flowing through the first path is below a threshold value. If the current is below the threshold, step S220 is executed. In other cases, step S240 is executed.

(Step S220)
The detection unit 710C generates a notification signal for notifying an electrical failure in the first path. The notification signal is output from detection unit 710C to switching unit 720C. The switching unit 720C outputs a first request signal to the applying unit 400 in response to the notification signal. The application unit 400 applies a first voltage to the coil unit 310 in response to the first request signal. Thereafter, step S230 is executed.

(Step S230)
Under the application of the first voltage to the coil unit 310, the electric motor 300 generates a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300 to the pinion 200. Control ends when the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH reaches the target rotation angle. In other cases, the processing loop of step S220 and step S230 continues to be executed. The angular position control with respect to the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH may be based on general PID control. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific angle control technique for the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH.

(Step S240)
The detection unit 710C determines whether or not the current flowing through the second path is below a threshold value. If the current is below the threshold, step S250 is executed. In other cases, step S270 is executed.

(Step S250)
The detection unit 710C generates a notification signal for notifying an electrical failure in the second path. The notification signal is output from detection unit 710C to switching unit 720C. The switching unit 720C outputs a second request signal to the applying unit 500 in response to the notification signal. The application unit 500 applies the second voltage to the coil unit 320 in response to the second request signal. Thereafter, step S260 is executed.

(Step S260)
Under the application of the second voltage to the coil unit 320, the electric motor 300 generates a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300 to the pinion 200. Control ends when the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH reaches the target rotation angle. In other cases, the processing loop of step S250 and step S260 continues to be executed.

(Step S270)
The switching unit 720C outputs the first request signal to the applying unit 400 and outputs the second request signal to the applying unit 500. The application unit 400 applies a first voltage to the coil unit 310 in response to the first request signal. The application unit 500 applies the second voltage to the coil unit 320 in response to the second request signal. The value of the first voltage applied to the coil unit 310 in step S270 may be lower than the value of the first voltage applied to the coil unit 310 in step S220. The value of the second voltage applied to the coil unit 320 in step S270 may be lower than the value of the second voltage applied to the coil unit 320 in step S250. Step S280 is performed after the application of the first voltage and the second voltage.

(Step S280)
Under the application of the second voltage to the coil unit 320, the electric motor 300 generates a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted from the electric motor 300 to the pinion 200. Control ends when the rotation angle of the blade housing BDH reaches the target rotation angle. In other cases, step S210 is executed again.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The designer can design various hardware configurations of the driving device based on the technical principle described in relation to the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, an exemplary hardware configuration of the drive device will be described.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the driving apparatus 100D according to the sixth embodiment. The drive device 100D will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG.

The driving device 100D drives the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3. The blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 correspond to the three blade housings BDH described with reference to FIG.

The driving device 100D includes three

pinions

210, 220, and 230. The pinion 210 meshes with a ring gear (not shown) attached to the blade housing BH1. The pinion 220 meshes with a ring gear (not shown) attached to the blade housing BH2. The pinion 230 meshes with a ring gear (not shown) attached to the blade housing BH3. The connection between the

pinion

210, 220, 230 and the blade housings BH1, BH2, BH3 may be based on the technique described in connection with the second embodiment.

The driving device 100D includes three

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, and three

speed reducers

601, 602, and 603. Each of the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 corresponds to the electric motor 300 described with reference to FIG. Each of the reduction gears 601, 602, 603 corresponds to the reduction gear unit 600 described with reference to FIG.

The

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 transmit the rotational force to the

speed reducers

601, 602, and 603, respectively. Each of the reduction gears 601, 602, 603 increases the rotational force. The increased rotational force is transmitted from the

speed reducers

601, 602, 603 to the

pinions

210, 220, 230, respectively. As a result, the

pinions

210, 220, and 230 can impart rotational motion to the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3, respectively.

The driving device 100D includes a first application circuit 410, a second application circuit 510, a third application circuit 420, a fourth application circuit 520, a fifth application circuit 430, and a sixth application circuit 530. Each of the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 corresponds to the application unit 400 described with reference to FIG. The second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 correspond to the application unit 500 described with reference to FIG.

Each of the first application circuit 410 and the second application circuit 510 applies a voltage to the electric motor 301.

If the control principle of the fourth embodiment is followed, the first application circuit 410 may apply the voltage exclusively to the electric motor 301 in the absence of a malfunction. In this case, after a failure occurs in the voltage application from the first application circuit 410 to the electric motor 301, the second application circuit 510 applies a voltage to the electric motor 301. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the voltage application from the first application circuit 410 to the electric motor 301, the blade casing BH1 can continue the rotation operation appropriately. Alternatively, the second application circuit 510 may apply the voltage exclusively to the electric motor 301. In this case, after a failure occurs in the voltage application from the second application circuit 510 to the electric motor 301, the first application circuit 410 applies a voltage to the electric motor 301. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in the voltage application from the second application circuit 510 to the electric motor 301, the blade casing BH1 can continue the rotation operation appropriately.

If the control principle of the fifth embodiment is followed, the first application circuit 410 may apply a voltage to the electric motor 301 in cooperation with the second application circuit 510 in the absence of a malfunction. If a malfunction occurs in one of the first application circuit 410 and the second application circuit 510, the electric motor 301 is driven by the other of the first application circuit 410 and the second application circuit 510. Therefore, even if one of the first application circuit 410 and the second application circuit 510 has a problem, the blade housing BH1 can continue the rotation operation appropriately.

Each of the third application circuit 420 and the fourth application circuit 520 applies a voltage to the electric motor 302. Each of the fifth application circuit 430 and the sixth application circuit 530 applies a voltage to the electric motor 303. Similar to the set of the first applying circuit 410 and the second applying circuit 510, the set of the third applying circuit 420 and the fourth applying circuit 520 and the set of the fifth applying circuit 430 and the sixth applying circuit 530 are the fourth embodiment. And / or, under the control principle described in connection with the fifth embodiment, the

electric motors

302 and 303 can each generate a rotational force. Therefore, the above description of the first application circuit 410 and the second application circuit 510 is incorporated in these sets.

If the control principle of the fourth embodiment is followed, the fifth application circuit 430 may apply the voltage exclusively to the electric motor 303 in the absence of a malfunction. In this case, after a failure occurs in the voltage application from the fifth application circuit 430 to the electric motor 303, the sixth application circuit 530 applies a voltage to the electric motor 303. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the voltage application from the fifth application circuit 430 to the electric motor 303, the blade casing BH3 can continue the rotation operation appropriately. Alternatively, the sixth application circuit 530 may apply the voltage exclusively to the electric motor 303. In this case, after a failure occurs in the voltage application from the sixth application circuit 530 to the electric motor 303, the fifth application circuit 430 applies a voltage to the electric motor 303. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the voltage application from the sixth application circuit 530 to the electric motor 303, the blade casing BH3 can continue the rotation operation appropriately.

If the control principle of the fifth embodiment is followed, the fifth application circuit 430 may apply a voltage to the electric motor 303 in cooperation with the sixth application circuit 530 in the absence of a malfunction. If a malfunction occurs in one of the fifth application circuit 430 and the sixth application circuit 530, the electric motor 303 is driven by the other of the fifth application circuit 430 and the sixth application circuit 530. Therefore, even if one of the fifth application circuit 430 and the sixth application circuit 530 has a problem, the blade housing BH3 can continue the rotation operation appropriately.

The driving device 100D includes an arithmetic circuit 730, a first determination circuit 740, and a second determination circuit 750. The arithmetic circuit 730 may receive various data such as the current position of each of the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3, the current position of the nacelle casing NCH, the wind direction, and the wind force from the windmill device WML (see FIG. 2). The arithmetic circuit 730 calculates target rotation positions of the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3 according to the data received from the windmill device WML. The blade housing BH1 is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the blade housing BH1 by the electric motor 301, the speed reducer 601 and the pinion 210, and reaches the target rotation position calculated by the arithmetic circuit 730. The blade housing BH2 is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the blade housing BH2 by the electric motor 302, the speed reducer 602, and the pinion 220, and reaches the target rotation position calculated by the arithmetic circuit 730. The blade housing BH3 is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the blade housing BH3 by the electric motor 303, the speed reducer 603, and the pinion 230, and reaches the target rotation position calculated by the arithmetic circuit 730.

If the control principle of the fourth embodiment is followed, the data representing the calculated target rotational position may be transmitted exclusively from the arithmetic circuit 730 to the first determination circuit 740 in the absence of a malfunction. The first determination circuit 740 determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the

electric motors

301, 302, 303 from the data received from the arithmetic circuit 730. A signal indicating the magnitude of the determined voltage is output from the first determination circuit 740 to the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430. The first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 apply voltages to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, respectively, according to the signal received from the first determination circuit 740.

The arithmetic circuit 730 may detect whether or not a failure has occurred in the electrical transmission path from the first determination circuit 740 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303. Various known detection techniques may be applied to detect the occurrence of a failure in the electrical transmission path from the first determination circuit 740 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for detecting the occurrence of a malfunction.

If a failure occurs in the electrical transmission path from the first determination circuit 740 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, the arithmetic circuit 730 determines the output destination of the data representing the calculated target rotation position as the first determination circuit. Switching from 740 to the second decision circuit 750 may be performed. The second determination circuit 750 determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the

electric motors

301, 302, 303 from the data received from the arithmetic circuit 730. A signal indicating the magnitude of the determined voltage is output from the second determination circuit 750 to the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530. The second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 apply voltages to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, respectively, according to the signal received from the second determination circuit 750.

Alternatively, if the control principle of the fourth embodiment is followed, data representing the target rotational position may be transmitted exclusively from the arithmetic circuit 730 to the second determination circuit 750 in the absence of a malfunction. The second determination circuit 750 determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the

electric motors

The arithmetic circuit 730 may detect whether or not a failure has occurred in the electrical transmission path from the second determination circuit 750 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303. Various known detection techniques may be applied to detect the occurrence of a fault in the electrical transmission path from the second determination circuit 750 to the

electric motors

If a failure occurs in the electrical transmission path from the second determination circuit 750 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, the arithmetic circuit 730 determines the output destination of the data representing the calculated target rotation position as the second determination circuit. Switching from 750 to the first decision circuit 740 may be performed. The first determination circuit 740 determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the

electric motors

If the control principle of the fifth embodiment is followed, the data representing the calculated target rotational position can be transmitted from the arithmetic circuit 730 to the first determination circuit 740 and the second determination circuit 750 in the absence of a problem. Good. Each of the first determination circuit 740 and the second determination circuit 750 determines the magnitude of the voltage applied to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 from the data received from the arithmetic circuit 730. A signal indicating the magnitude of the determined voltage is output from the first determination circuit 740 to the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430, and from the second determination circuit 750, And output to the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530. The first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 apply voltages to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, respectively, according to the signal received from the first determination circuit 740. The second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 apply voltages to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, the arithmetic circuit 730 determines the output destination of data representing the calculated target rotation position as the second determination circuit. Only 750 may be set. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 730 may notify the second determination circuit 750 of the occurrence of the problem. The second determination circuit 750 may increase the magnitude of the voltage in response to the notification of the occurrence of the malfunction. As a result, the increased voltage is applied from the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303.

electric motors

301, 302, and 303, the arithmetic circuit 730 determines the output destination of the data representing the calculated target rotation position as the first determination circuit. Only 740 may be set. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 730 may notify the first determination circuit 740 of the occurrence of the malfunction. The first determination circuit 740 may increase the magnitude of the voltage in response to the notification of the occurrence of the malfunction. As a result, the increased voltage is applied from the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303.

In the present embodiment, the control unit is exemplified by the arithmetic circuit 730, the first determination circuit 740, and the second determination circuit 750.

The driving device 100D includes a first battery 810 and a second battery 820. A set of the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 is electrically connected to the first battery 810. A set of the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 applies a voltage to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 using the electric power stored in the first battery 810. A set of the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 is electrically connected to the second capacitor 820. A set of the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 applies a voltage to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 using the electric power stored in the second battery 820. In the present embodiment, the power storage unit is exemplified by the first battery 810 and the second battery 820.

Each of the first capacitor 810 and the second capacitor 820 may receive power through the arithmetic circuit 730. Alternatively, other power supply technologies may be used to supply power to the first battery 810 and the second battery 820. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific power supply technology to the first battery 810 and the second battery 820.

In each of the first capacitor 810 and the second capacitor 820, the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 are in a feather position from an arbitrary rotational position (a position at which the force that the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 receive from the wind is minimized). It has the capacity to store the power needed to return to Therefore, a serious problem occurs in one of the electrical transmission path from the first determination circuit 740 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303 and the electrical transmission path from the second determination circuit 750 to the

electric motors

301, 302, and 303. Even if this occurs, the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 can return to the feather position.

<Seventh embodiment>
The technical principles of the first to sixth embodiments make it possible to drive the blade casing even when a failure occurs, using two coil portions arranged in one electric motor. Alternatively, the blade housing may be driven when a problem occurs by a plurality of electric motors. In the seventh embodiment, a drive device including a plurality of electric motors will be described.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual block diagram of the driving apparatus 100E of the seventh embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 1st Embodiment and 7th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 1st Embodiment. Therefore, description of 1st Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100E will be described with reference to FIG. Solid arrows in FIG. 12 conceptually represent electrical energy transfer. A chain line arrow in FIG. 12 conceptually represents mechanical energy transfer.

As in the first embodiment, the driving device 100E includes a pinion 200 and

application units

400 and 500. The description of the first embodiment is applied to the pinion 200 and the

application units

400 and 500. The connection technique described in relation to the second embodiment may be applied to the connection between the pinion 200 and a ring gear attached to a casing (not shown) of a windmill device (not shown).

The driving device 100 further includes

electric motors

350 and 360 and a differential gear device 630. The electric motor 350 receives voltage application from the application unit 400. The electric motor 360 receives voltage application from the application unit 500. As a result of the voltage application, each of the

electric motors

350 and 360 generates a rotational force. The rotational force is transmitted from each of the

electric motors

350 and 360 to the differential gear device 630. The differential gear device 630 rotates the pinion 200 according to the rotational force from each of the

electric motors

350 and 360. In the present embodiment, the first electric motor is exemplified by one of the

electric motors

350 and 360. The second electric motor is exemplified by the other of the

electric motors

350 and 360. The first rotational force is exemplified by the rotational force output from one of the

electric motors

350 and 360. The second rotational force is exemplified by the rotational force output from the other of the

electric motors

350 and 360. In the present embodiment, the power transmission device is exemplified by a differential gear device 630. Alternatively, the power transmission device may be a clutch mechanism or another mechanism capable of transmitting the rotational force generated by one or both of the

electric motors

350 and 360 to the pinion 200. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific device used as a power transmission device.

The control principle described in relation to the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the drive device 100E. In the absence of a defect, the pinion 200 may be driven by a set of the application unit 400, the electric motor 350, and the differential gear device 630. Thereafter, if a problem occurs in the combination of the application unit 400, the electric motor 350, and the differential gear device 630, the pinion 200 is driven by the combination of the application unit 500, the electric motor 360, and the differential gear device 630. . Alternatively, the pinion 200 may be driven by the combination of the application unit 500, the electric motor 360, and the differential gear device 630 in the absence of a malfunction. Thereafter, if a problem occurs in the combination of the application unit 500, the electric motor 360, and the differential gear device 630, the pinion 200 is driven by the combination of the application unit 400, the electric motor 350, and the differential gear device 630. .

The control principle described in relation to the fifth embodiment can also be applied to the driving device 100E. In the absence of a defect, the application unit 400 may apply a voltage to the electric motor 350 in synchronization with voltage application from the application unit 500 to the electric motor 360. As a result, the electric motor 350 can drive the differential gear device 630 and the pinion 200 in cooperation with the electric motor 360.

If a failure occurs in the application unit 400 and / or the electric motor 350, the pinion 200 may be driven by the combination of the application unit 500, the electric motor 360, and the differential gear device 630. At this time, the application unit 500 may increase the torque output from the electric motor 360.

If a failure occurs in the application unit 500 and / or the electric motor 360, the pinion 200 may be driven by the combination of the application unit 400, the electric motor 350, and the differential gear device 630. At this time, the application unit 400 may increase the torque output from the electric motor 350.

<Eighth Embodiment>
The drive device described in connection with the seventh embodiment includes a differential gear device. The designer can design the drive device using the differential gear device having various structures. In the eighth embodiment, an exemplary structure of the differential gear device will be described.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary structure of the differential gear device 630. The differential gear device 630 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

The differential gear device 630 includes a housing 640, a gear case 650, a first input unit 660, a second input unit 670, an internal gear shaft 680, and an output shaft 690.

FIG. 13 shows a first transmission shaft 371 and a second transmission shaft 372. The first transmission shaft 371 transmits the rotational force from the electric motor 350 to the differential gear device 630. The second transmission shaft 372 transmits the rotational force from the electric motor 360 to the differential gear device 630.

The first transmission shaft 371 may be a part of a gear structure connected to the electric motor 350. Alternatively, the first transmission shaft 371 may be a rotating shaft of the electric motor 350.

The second transmission shaft 372 may be a part of a gear structure connected to the electric motor 360. Alternatively, the second transmission shaft 372 may be a rotating shaft of the electric motor 360.

The first transmission shaft 371 includes a shaft portion 373 and a gear portion 374. The gear part 374 is disposed at the tip of the shaft part 373. The gear unit 374 is connected to the first input unit 660.

The second transmission shaft 372 includes a shaft portion 375 and a gear portion 376. The gear part 376 is disposed at the tip of the shaft part 375. The gear unit 376 is connected to the second input unit 670.

The first input unit 660 includes a support shaft 661, an external gear 662, and an internal gear 663. The support shaft 661 includes a proximal end portion connected to the housing 640 and a distal end portion disposed in the gear case 650. The external gear 662 is fixed to the support shaft 661 between the housing 640 and the gear case 650. The external gear 662 meshes with the gear portion 374 of the first transmission shaft 371. Accordingly, the support shaft 661 and the external gear 662 can rotate together with the first transmission shaft 371.

The internal gear 663 is fixed to the support shaft 661 in the gear case 650. Therefore, the internal gear 663 can rotate together with the support shaft 661 and the external gear 662.

The internal gear 663 meshes with the internal gear shaft 680 in the gear case 650. Therefore, the internal gear 663 can transmit a rotational force from the support shaft 661 and the external gear 662 to the internal gear shaft 680.

The second input unit 670 includes a support shaft 671, an external gear 672, and an internal gear 673. The support shaft 671 includes a proximal end portion connected to the housing 640 and a distal end portion disposed in the gear case 650. The support shaft 671 of the second input unit 670 is disposed on an extension line of the support shaft 661 of the first input unit 660. Accordingly, the support shaft 671 of the second input unit 670 can hold the gear case 650 in cooperation with the support shaft 661 of the first input unit 660.

The external gear 672 is fixed to the support shaft 671 between the housing 640 and the gear case 650. The external gear 672 meshes with the gear portion 376 of the second transmission shaft 372. Accordingly, the support shaft 671 and the external gear 672 can rotate together with the second transmission shaft 372.

The internal gear 673 is fixed to the support shaft 671 in the gear case 650. Therefore, the internal gear 673 can rotate together with the support shaft 671 and the external gear 672.

The internal gear 673 meshes with the internal gear shaft 680 in the gear case 650. Therefore, the internal gear 673 can transmit a rotational force from the support shaft 671 and the external gear 672 to the internal gear shaft 680.

The internal gear shaft 680 includes a shaft portion 681 and gears 682 and 683. The shaft portion 681 is connected to the gear case 650. The

gears

682 and 683 are connected to the

internal gears

663 and 673, respectively. Therefore, the internal gear shaft 680 can rotate the gear case 650 according to the rotation of the internal gears 663 and 664.

The gear case 650 includes an accommodation wall 651 and a gear portion 652. The storage wall 651 defines a storage space in which the internal gear shaft 680 and the

internal gears

663 and 673 are stored. The internal gear shaft 680 is connected to the accommodation wall 651. The gear portion 652 extends outward from the housing wall 651. The gear portion 652 is connected to the output shaft 690. Accordingly, the rotation of the gear case 650 is transmitted to the output shaft 690.

The output shaft 690 includes a shaft portion 691 and a gear portion 692. The gear portion 692 of the output shaft 690 meshes with the gear portion 652 of the gear case 650. Therefore, the rotation of the gear case 650 is connected to the shaft portion 691 of the output shaft 690. The shaft portion 691 may be directly or indirectly connected to the pinion 200. The pinion 200 can rotate with the shaft portion 691.

If the driving device 100E operates under the control principle of the fourth embodiment, the gear case 650 can rotate to one of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670 in the absence of malfunction. Rotated by input. Thereafter, if a problem occurs in transmission of the rotational force to one of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670, the gear case 650 is connected to the other of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670. It is rotated by the input of torque. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the transmission of the rotational force to one of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670, the rotational force continues to be transmitted from the gear case 650 to the pinion 200 through the output shaft 690.

If the driving device 100E operates under the control principle of the fifth embodiment, the gear case 650 is free from rotational force applied to both the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670 in the absence of malfunction. Rotated by input. Thereafter, if a problem occurs in transmission of the rotational force to one of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670, the gear case 650 is connected to the other of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670. It is rotated by the input of torque. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the transmission of the rotational force to one of the first input unit 660 and the second input unit 670, the rotational force continues to be transmitted from the gear case 650 to the pinion 200 through the output shaft 690.

<Ninth Embodiment>
The drive device according to the seventh embodiment includes a differential gear device. The designer may increase the torque output from the differential gear device using a reduction gear. In the ninth embodiment, a drive device including a reduction gear will be described.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual block diagram of the drive device 100F of the ninth embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 7th Embodiment and 9th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 7th Embodiment. Therefore, description of 7th Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100F will be described with reference to FIG. The solid arrows in FIG. 14 conceptually represent electrical energy transfer. A chain line arrow in FIG. 14 conceptually represents mechanical energy transfer.

As in the seventh embodiment, the drive device 100F includes a pinion 200,

electric motors

350 and 360,

application units

400 and 500, and a differential gear device 630. The description of the seventh embodiment is incorporated in these elements.

The driving device 100F further includes a speed reducer 600F. The reduction gear 600 F is disposed between the differential gear device 630 and the pinion 200. The reduction gear 600F increases the torque output from the differential gear device 630. The increased torque is transmitted from the speed reducer 600F to the pinion 200. As a result, the wind turbine device (not shown) is driven appropriately.

The speed reducer 600F may be a planetary gear speed reducer, an eccentric speed reducer, or another speed reducer capable of appropriately increasing torque. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific type of speed reducer 600F.

<Tenth Embodiment>
The designer can design various hardware configurations of the driving device based on the technical principle described in relation to the seventh to ninth embodiments. In the tenth embodiment, an exemplary hardware configuration of the drive device will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the driving device 100G according to the tenth embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 6th Embodiment and 10th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 6th Embodiment. Therefore, description of 6th Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100G will be described with reference to FIGS.

As in the sixth embodiment, the drive device 100G includes three

pinions

210, 220, and 230, and three

speed reducers

601, 602, and 603. The

pinions

210, 220, and 230 correspond to the pinion 200 described with reference to FIG. Each of the reduction gears 601, 602, 603 corresponds to the reduction gear 600F described with reference to FIG.

The pinion 210 and the speed reducer 601 drive the blade casing BH1. The pinion 220 and the speed reducer 602 drive the blade housing BH2. The pinion 230 and the speed reducer 603 drive the blade housing BH3.

Similar to the sixth embodiment, the driving device 100G includes an arithmetic circuit 730, a first determination circuit 740, a second determination circuit 750, a first application circuit 410, a second application circuit 510, and a third application circuit. 420, a fourth application circuit 520, a fifth application circuit 430, and a sixth application circuit 530. The description of the sixth embodiment is incorporated for these elements.

The driving device 100G includes

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, and 363. Each of the

electric motors

351, 352, and 353 corresponds to the electric motor 350 described with reference to FIG. Each of the

electric motors

361, 362, and 363 corresponds to the electric motor 360 described with reference to FIG.

The electric motor 351 generates a rotational force under application of a voltage from the first application circuit 410. The electric motor 361 generates a rotational force under application of a voltage from the second application circuit 510. The electric motor 352 generates a rotational force under voltage application from the third application circuit 420. The electric motor 362 generates a rotational force under voltage application from the fourth application circuit 520. The electric motor 353 generates a rotational force under voltage application from the fifth application circuit 430. The electric motor 363 generates a rotational force under application of a voltage from the sixth application circuit 530.

駆動 Drive device 100G includes three

differential gear devices

631, 632, and 633. The differential gear device 631 receives a rotational force from at least one of the

electric motors

351 and 361. Thereafter, the rotational force is sequentially transmitted from the differential gear device 631 to the speed reducer 601, the pinion 210, and the blade housing BH1. The differential gear device 632 receives a rotational force from at least one of the

electric motors

352 and 362. Thereafter, the rotational force is sequentially transmitted from the differential gear device 632 to the speed reducer 602, the pinion 220, and the blade housing BH2. The differential gear device 633 receives a rotational force from at least one of the electric motors 353 and 363. Thereafter, the rotational force is sequentially transmitted from the differential gear device 633 to the speed reducer 603, the pinion 230, and the blade housing BH3.

If the driving device 100G operates according to the control principle described in relation to the fourth embodiment, in the absence of a failure, the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the set of

electric motors

361, 362, 363 One of them generates a rotational force under the control of the arithmetic circuit 730. During this time, the other of the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the set of

electric motors

361, 362, 363 may be stationary.

If one of the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the set of

electric motors

361, 362, 363 does not operate properly thereafter, the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the

electric motors

361, 362 The other of the 363 sets is activated by the arithmetic circuit 730. Therefore, the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 can perform an appropriate operation even when a failure occurs.

If the driving device 100G operates according to the control principle described in connection with the fifth embodiment, the set of the

electric motors

351, 352, and 353 and the set of the

electric motors

361, 362, and 363 in the absence of a defect. Both generate rotational force. If one of the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the set of

electric motors

361, 362, 363 does not operate properly thereafter, the set of

electric motors

351, 352, 353 and the

electric motors

361, 362 The other of the 363 sets is activated. At this time, the torque output from the set of activated electric motors may be increased from the torque generated in the absence of a malfunction. Therefore, the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 can perform an appropriate operation even when a failure occurs.

The switching of the control mode when a failure occurs is the same as the technology described in relation to the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the sixth embodiment is applied to signal processing by the arithmetic circuit 730, the first determination circuit 740, and the second determination circuit 750. In the present embodiment, the control unit is exemplified by an arithmetic circuit 730, a first determination circuit 740, and a second determination circuit 750. The switching unit is exemplified by the arithmetic circuit 730.

The driving device 100G includes three

capacitors

801, 802, and 803. The first application circuit 410 applies a voltage to the electric motor 351 using the electric power stored in the battery 801. The second application circuit 510 applies a voltage to the electric motor 361 using the electric power stored in the battery 801. The third application circuit 420 applies a voltage to the electric motor 352 using the electric power stored in the battery 802. The fourth application circuit 520 applies a voltage to the electric motor 362 using the electric power stored in the battery 802. The fifth application circuit 430 applies a voltage to the electric motor 353 using the electric power stored in the battery 803. The sixth application circuit 530 applies a voltage to the electric motor 363 using the electric power stored in the battery 803.

The battery 801 has a capacity capable of storing electric power required for the blade housing BH1 to return from an arbitrary rotation position to the feather position. The battery 802 has a capacity capable of storing electric power required for the blade housing BH2 to return from the arbitrary rotation position to the feather position. The battery 803 has a capacity capable of storing electric power required for the blade housing BH3 to return from the arbitrary rotation position to the feather position. Since the

capacitors

801, 802, and 803 are provided corresponding to the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3, the respective storage capacities of the

capacitors

801, 802, and 803 are the same as those described in connection with the sixth embodiment. It may be smaller than the capacity.

The

capacitors

801, 802, 803 may receive power through the arithmetic circuit 730. Alternatively, the

capacitors

801, 802, 803 may receive power through other power supply paths. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific power supply path to the

capacitors

801, 802, and 803.

<Eleventh embodiment>
The drive device of 9th Embodiment is equipped with the reduction gear arrange | positioned between a differential gear apparatus and a pinion. The designer may arrange the speed reducer at another part of the drive device. In the eleventh embodiment, another drive device including a reduction gear will be described.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual block diagram of the driving apparatus 100H according to the eleventh embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 9th Embodiment and 11th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 9th Embodiment. Therefore, description of 9th Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100H will be described with reference to FIGS. The solid arrows in FIG. 16 conceptually represent electrical energy transfer. A chain line arrow in FIG. 16 conceptually represents mechanical energy transfer.

As in the ninth embodiment, the drive device 100H includes a pinion 200,

electric motors

350 and 360,

application units

400 and 500, and a differential gear device 630. The description of the ninth embodiment is incorporated in these elements.

The driving device 100H further includes two

speed reducers

601H and 602H. The reduction gear 601H is disposed between the electric motor 350 and the differential gear device 630. The reduction gear 602H is disposed between the electric motor 360 and the differential gear device 630. In the present embodiment, the first speed reducer is exemplified by one of the

speed reducers

601H and 602H. The second reducer is exemplified by the other of the

reducers

601H and 602H.

Reduction gear 601H increases the torque output from electric motor 350. Reducer 602H increases the torque output from electric motor 360. The increased torque is input from the reduction gears 601H and 602H to the differential gear device 630.

The first transmission shaft 371 described with reference to FIG. 13 may be a rotating shaft of the speed reducer 601H. The second transmission shaft 372 described with reference to FIG. 13 may be a rotating shaft of the speed reducer 602H. Therefore, the structure of the differential gear device 630 described in relation to the eighth embodiment can be suitably used for the drive device 100H.

Each of the

speed reducers

601H and 602H may be a planetary gear speed reducer, an eccentric speed reducer, or another speed reducer capable of appropriately increasing torque. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific type of each of the

speed reducers

601H and 602H.

<Twelfth embodiment>
The drive device of the eleventh embodiment can appropriately operate according to the control principle described in relation to the fourth and fifth embodiments. The designer may incorporate various detection facilities in the drive device for detecting a malfunction occurring in the drive device. For example, the designer can incorporate a device for detecting the number of rotations, such as a resolver, in the driving device. In this case, if an excessively low rotational speed is detected under voltage application from the application unit to the electric motor, the control unit can determine that a problem has occurred in the drive device. However, in this case, the control unit cannot determine whether there is a problem in the voltage application process or whether there is a problem in the rotational force transmission process from the electric motor to the differential gear device. In the twelfth embodiment, a technique that makes it possible to determine the type of defect will be described. Information representing the type of defect may be recorded on a predetermined recording medium. An administrator who manages the wind turbine device can efficiently repair the drive device with reference to the recorded information. The processing and use of information representing the type of defect does not limit the principle of the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual block diagram of the driving apparatus 100I of the twelfth embodiment. The code | symbol used in common between 11th Embodiment and 12th Embodiment means that the element to which the said common code | symbol was attached | subjected has the same function as 11th Embodiment. Therefore, description of 11th Embodiment is used for these elements. The drive device 100I will be described with reference to FIGS. The solid arrows in FIG. 17 conceptually represent electrical energy transfer. A chain line arrow in FIG. 17 conceptually represents mechanical energy transfer.

As in the eleventh embodiment, the drive device 100I includes a pinion 200,

electric motors

350 and 360,

application units

400 and 500,

speed reducers

601H and 602H, and a differential gear device 630. The description of the eleventh embodiment is incorporated in these elements.

The driving device 100I further includes a control unit 700I. Control unit 700I includes a detection unit 710I and a switching unit 720I. When the detection unit 710I detects a malfunction in the driving device 100I, the switching unit 720I outputs an output path of a request signal for requesting voltage application according to the control principle described in relation to the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment. To change.

Detecting unit 710I monitors the magnitude of the current flowing through

electric motors

350 and 360. Various known detection techniques are used to acquire information indicating the magnitude of the current flowing through the

electric motors

350 and 360. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for acquiring information indicating the magnitude of the current flowing through the

electric motors

350 and 360.

The detection unit 710I uses a lower limit threshold and an upper limit threshold set by using a value larger than the lower limit threshold for detecting a malfunction. If the magnitude of the current flowing through

electric motors

350 and 360 is less than the lower threshold value, detection unit 710I can determine that an electrical failure has occurred in the signal transmission path connected to

electric motors

350 and 360. . If the magnitude of the current flowing through

electric motors

350 and 360 exceeds the upper threshold value, detection unit 710I determines that a mechanical failure has occurred in the transmission path of the rotational force generated by

electric motors

350 and 360. can do. When an electrical failure and / or a mechanical failure is detected, the detection unit 710I notifies the switching unit 720I that a failure has occurred.

If the switching unit 720I operates according to the principle of the fourth embodiment, a request signal is output to one of the

application units

400 and 500 until receiving a notification of a failure from the detection unit 710I. When the switching unit 720I receives the notification of the malfunction, the switching unit 720I switches the output destination of the request signal to the other of the

application units

400 and 500.

If the switching unit 720I operates in accordance with the principle of the fifth embodiment, a request signal is output to both the

application units

400 and 500 until notification of a problem from the detection unit 710I is received. When the detection unit 710I detects an abnormality in the current level in the electric motor 350, the detection unit 710I notifies the switching unit 720I that a failure has occurred in the route passing through the electric motor 350. In this case, the switching unit 720I then outputs a request signal only to the applying unit 500. When the detection unit 710I detects an abnormality in the current level in the electric motor 360, the detection unit 710I notifies the switching unit 720I that a failure has occurred in the route passing through the electric motor 360. In this case, the switching unit 720I then outputs a request signal only to the applying unit 400. As described in connection with the fifth embodiment, the switching unit 720I may adjust the voltage level in response to the notification of the malfunction.

<13th Embodiment>
The designer can design various hardware configurations of the drive device based on the technical principle described in relation to the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. In the thirteenth embodiment, a hardware configuration of an exemplary drive device will be described.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the drive device 100J according to the thirteenth embodiment. The reference numerals used in common between the sixth embodiment, the tenth embodiment, and the thirteenth embodiment are the same as those in the sixth embodiment and / or the tenth embodiment. It means having a function. Therefore, the description of the sixth embodiment and / or the tenth embodiment is incorporated in these elements. The drive device 100J will be described with reference to FIGS.

Similarly to the sixth embodiment, the driving device 100J includes three

pinions

210, 220, and 230, an arithmetic circuit 730, a first determination circuit 740, a second determination circuit 750, a first application circuit 410, A second application circuit 510, a third application circuit 420, a fourth application circuit 520, a fifth application circuit 430, a sixth application circuit 530, a first capacitor 810, and a second capacitor 820. The description of the sixth embodiment is incorporated for these elements.

Each of the

pinions

210, 220, and 230 corresponds to the pinion 200 described with reference to FIG. The arithmetic circuit 730, the first determination circuit 740, and the second determination circuit 750 correspond to the control unit 700I described with reference to FIG. Each of the first application circuit 410, the third application circuit 420, and the fifth application circuit 430 corresponds to the application unit 400 described with reference to FIG. Each of the second application circuit 510, the fourth application circuit 520, and the sixth application circuit 530 corresponds to the application unit 500 described with reference to FIG.

As in the tenth embodiment, the drive device 100J includes six

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, and 363 and three

differential gear devices

631, 632, and 633. The description of the tenth embodiment is incorporated in these elements.

Each of the

electric motors

361, 362, and 363 corresponds to the electric motor 360 described with reference to FIG. Each of the

differential gear devices

631, 632, and 633 corresponds to the differential gear device 630 described with reference to FIG.

The driving device 100J includes six

speed reducers

601J, 602J, 603J, 604J, 605J, and 606J. Each of the reduction gears 601J, 603J, and 605J corresponds to the reduction gear 601H described with reference to FIG. Each of the reduction gears 602J, 604J, and 606J corresponds to the reduction gear 602H described with reference to FIG.

The reduction gear 601J is disposed between the electric motor 351 and the differential gear device 631. The reducer 601J increases the torque output from the electric motor 351. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 601J to the differential gear device 631. The reduction gear 602J is disposed between the electric motor 361 and the differential gear device 631. The reducer 602J increases the torque output from the electric motor 361. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 602J to the differential gear device 631. Since the differential gear device 631 receives the increased torque, the differential gear device 631 can appropriately rotate the pinion 210 and the blade housing BH1.

The reduction gear 603J is disposed between the electric motor 352 and the differential gear device 632. The reducer 603J increases the torque output from the electric motor 352. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 603J to the differential gear device 632. The speed reducer 604 J is disposed between the electric motor 362 and the differential gear device 632. The reducer 604J increases the torque output from the electric motor 362. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 604 J to the differential gear device 632. Since the differential gear unit 632 receives the increased torque, the differential gear unit 632 can appropriately rotate the pinion 220 and the blade housing BH2.

The reduction gear 605J is disposed between the electric motor 353 and the differential gear device 633. The reducer 605J increases the torque output from the electric motor 353. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 605J to the differential gear device 633. The reduction gear 606J is disposed between the electric motor 363 and the differential gear device 633. The speed reducer 606J increases the torque output from the electric motor 363. The increased torque is output from the reduction gear 606J to the differential gear device 633. Since the differential gear unit 632 receives the increased torque, the differential gear unit 632 can appropriately rotate the pinion 230 and the blade housing BH3.

The arithmetic circuit 730 may determine an output destination of data representing the amount of rotation required for the blade casings BH1, BH2, and BH3 in accordance with the control principle described in relation to the twelfth embodiment. The arithmetic circuit 730 may monitor the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, and 363. When the current in the

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, 363 falls below the lower limit threshold and when the current in the

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, 363 exceeds the upper limit threshold The arithmetic circuit 730 may determine that a problem has occurred in the drive device 100J.

If the current in the

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, 363 is within an appropriate range between the lower limit threshold and the upper limit threshold, the arithmetic circuit 730 is described in relation to the fourth embodiment. According to the control principle, data representing the rotation amount required for the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 may be output to one of the first determination circuit 740 and the second determination circuit 750. The arithmetic circuit 730 outputs data representing the amount of rotation to the first determination circuit 740 in the absence of a malfunction, and the arithmetic circuit 730 then outputs at least one current among the

electric motors

351, 352, 353. If an abnormality is detected from the level, the arithmetic circuit 730 switches the output destination of the data representing the rotation amount from the first determination circuit 740 to the second determination circuit 750. The arithmetic circuit 730 outputs data representing the rotation amount to the second determination circuit 750 in the absence of a malfunction, and the arithmetic circuit 730 then outputs at least one current among the

electric motors

361, 362, 363. If an abnormality is detected from the level, the arithmetic circuit 730 switches the output destination of the data representing the rotation amount from the second determination circuit 750 to the first determination circuit 740.

If the current in the

electric motors

351, 352, 353, 361, 362, 363 is within an appropriate range between the lower limit threshold and the upper limit threshold, the arithmetic circuit 730 is described in relation to the fifth embodiment. According to the control principle, data representing the rotation amount required for the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 may be output to both the first determination circuit 740 and the second determination circuit 750. If the arithmetic circuit 730 then detects an abnormality from at least one current level of the

electric motors

351, 352, and 353, the arithmetic circuit 730 outputs data representing the rotation amount only to the second determination circuit 750. If the arithmetic circuit 730 then detects an abnormality from at least one current level of the

electric motors

361, 362, 363, the arithmetic circuit 730 outputs data representing the rotation amount only to the first determination circuit 740.

As a result of the control of the arithmetic circuit 730, the blade housings BH1, BH2, and BH3 can appropriately rotate even if a malfunction occurs in the driving device 100J.

The principles of the various embodiments described above may be combined or modified to suit the performance required for the power generator. In the various embodiments described above, the movable part of the windmill device receives a driving force from the pinion via the ring gear. Alternatively, the movable part may be directly connected to a power transmission piece such as a pinion (ie, a direct drive system).

The exemplary drive technique described in connection with the various embodiments described above primarily comprises the following features.

The drive device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment drives the movable portion of the power generation device that operates in accordance with the change in the fluid flow direction. The drive device includes: a first power generation unit that generates first power that operates the movable part; a second power generation unit that generates second power that operates the movable part; the first power generation unit; A power supply unit configured to supply power to the second power generation unit, and power transmission for transmitting at least one of the first power and the second power to the movable part and operating the movable part And a piece.

According to the above configuration, since the power supply unit supplies power to at least one of the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit, there is a problem with one of the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit. Even if it occurs, the drive device can drive the power generation device. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the first power generation unit may be a first coil unit incorporated in an electric motor. The second power generation unit may be a second coil unit incorporated in the electric motor. The first coil unit may generate the first power under application of a first drive voltage from the power supply unit. The second coil unit may generate the second power under application of a second drive voltage from the power supply unit.

According to the above configuration, the first coil unit generates the first power under application of the first drive voltage from the power supply unit, and the second coil unit performs the second drive from the power supply unit. Since the second power is generated under the application of the voltage, the driving device can drive the power generation device even if one of the first coil portion and the second coil portion fails. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the first coil portion may surround a first region in the electric motor. The second coil portion may surround a second region that at least partially overlaps the first region.

According to the above configuration, since the second coil portion surrounds the second region at least partially overlapping the first region, the electric motor has a wide internal space for the first coil portion and the second coil portion. It does not have to be. Therefore, the designer can incorporate a small electric motor into the drive device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a control unit that selectively controls the application of the first drive voltage and the application of the second drive voltage. The control unit detects a failure in the application of the first drive voltage, and applies a voltage from the application of the first drive voltage to the application of the second drive voltage when the failure occurs. And a switching unit for switching modes.

According to the above configuration, when a failure occurs in the application of the first drive voltage, the switching unit switches the voltage application mode from application of the first drive voltage to application of the second drive voltage. The device can continue to be driven. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a control unit that controls the application of the first drive voltage and the application of the second drive voltage. The control unit detects a failure in the application of the first drive voltage, and a first control mode for simultaneously generating the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage when the failure occurs. To a second control mode for generating only the second drive voltage.

According to the above configuration, the switching unit switches the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode when a problem occurs in the application of the first drive voltage, so the drive device continues to drive the power generation device. be able to. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a power transmission device that transmits at least one of the first power and the second power to the power transmission piece. The first power generation unit may be a first electric motor that applies the first power to the power transmission device. The second power generation unit may be a second electric motor that applies the second power to the power transmission device.

According to the above configuration, the drive device includes the first electric motor and the second electric motor. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the first electric motor and the second electric motor, the drive device The device can be driven. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a speed reducer disposed between the power transmission piece and the power transmission device.

According to the above configuration, the drive device includes the speed reducer disposed between the power transmission piece and the power transmission device. Therefore, a designer who designs the drive device uses the speed reducer to drive the power generation device. The required torque can be easily achieved.

With regard to the above configuration, the drive device includes a first speed reducer disposed between the power transmission device and the first electric motor, and a second device disposed between the power transmission device and the second electric motor. And a speed reducer.

According to the above configuration, the drive device includes the first speed reducer disposed between the power transmission device and the first electric motor, and the second speed reducer disposed between the power transmission device and the first electric motor. Therefore, the designer who designs the drive device can easily achieve the torque necessary for driving the power generation device using the first reduction gear and the second reduction gear.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a control unit that selectively controls the first electric motor and the second electric motor. The control unit detects a defect in transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece, and when the defect occurs, controls the control object from the first electric motor to the second electric motor. A switching unit for switching.

According to the above configuration, the switching unit switches the control target from the first electric motor to the second electric motor when a failure occurs in the transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece. Can continue to drive. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a control unit that controls the first electric motor and the second electric motor. The control unit is configured to detect a failure in transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece, and a first to simultaneously generate the first power and the second power when the failure occurs. And a switching unit that switches the control mode from the control mode to the second control mode that generates only the second power.

According to the above configuration, the switching unit switches the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode when a failure occurs in the transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece. Can continue to drive. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the drive device may further include a power storage unit electrically connected to the power supply unit.

According to the above configuration, the drive device includes the power storage unit that is electrically connected to the power supply unit. Therefore, the drive device can appropriately drive the power generation device with power supplied from the power storage unit. .

With regard to the above configuration, the power supply unit includes a first application unit that applies the first drive voltage to the first coil unit, and a second application unit that applies the second drive voltage to the second coil unit. And may be included. The controller may control the first application unit and the second application unit to switch the voltage application mode.

According to the above configuration, when a problem occurs in the application of the first drive voltage, the control unit controls the first application unit and the second application unit, and changes the voltage application mode from the application of the first drive voltage to the second. Since switching to the application of the drive voltage is performed, the drive device can continue to drive the power generation device. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

With regard to the above configuration, the power supply unit includes a first application unit that applies the first drive voltage to the first coil unit, and a second application unit that applies the second drive voltage to the second coil unit. And may be included. The control unit may control the first application unit and the second application unit, and switch the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode.

According to the above configuration, when a problem occurs in the application of the first drive voltage, the control unit controls the first application unit and the second application unit, and switches the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode. Since switching is performed, the drive device can continue to drive the power generation device. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the power transmission device may be a differential gear device.

According to the above configuration, since the power transmission device is a differential gear device, even if a failure occurs in the transmission to at least one of the first power and the second power, the power transmission piece. Can move the movable part.

With respect to the above configuration, the power supply unit applies a first drive voltage that generates the first power to the first electric motor, and a second drive voltage that generates the second power. And a second application unit that applies to the two electric motors. The control unit may control the first application unit and the second application unit, and switch the control target from the first electric motor to the second electric motor.

According to the above configuration, when a problem occurs in the first electric motor, the control unit controls the first application unit and the second application unit, and switches the control target from the first electric motor to the second electric motor. Therefore, the drive device can continue to drive the power generation device. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

With respect to the above configuration, the power supply unit applies a first drive voltage that generates the first power to the first electric motor, and a second drive voltage that generates the second power. And a second application unit that applies to the two electric motors. The control unit may control the first application unit and the second application unit, and switch the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode.

According to the above configuration, when a failure occurs in the first electric motor, the control unit controls the first application unit and the second application unit, and switches the control mode from the first control mode to the second control mode. The driving device can continue to drive the power generation device. Therefore, the drive device can give high reliability to the power generation device.

Regarding the above configuration, the power generation device may include a casing and a ring gear fixed in the casing. The power transmission piece may be a pinion that meshes with the ring gear.

According to the above configuration, since the pinion meshes with the ring gear, the drive device can appropriately drive the ring gear fixed in the housing.

The principle of the above-described embodiment is suitably used for various power generation devices. The principle of the above-described embodiment can be suitably used for driving a power generation apparatus having a movable portion that operates in accordance with a change in the fluid flow direction. Additionally, the principle of the above-described embodiment may be applied to a power generation device that tracks sunlight and generates electric power.

Claims

A driving device that drives a movable part of a power generation device that operates in accordance with a change in the flow direction of fluid,
A first power generation unit that generates first power for operating the movable part;
A second power generation unit for generating second power for operating the movable part;
A power supply unit configured to supply power to the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit;
A power transmission piece that transmits at least one of the first power and the second power to the movable part and operates the movable part.
The first power generation unit is a first coil unit incorporated in an electric motor,
The second power generation unit is a second coil unit incorporated in the electric motor,
The first coil unit generates the first power under application of a first drive voltage from the power supply unit,
The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the second coil unit generates the second power under application of a second drive voltage from the power supply unit.
The first coil portion surrounds a first region in the electric motor,
The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the second coil portion surrounds a second region that at least partially overlaps the first region.
A controller that selectively controls the application of the first drive voltage and the application of the second drive voltage;
The control unit detects a failure in the application of the first drive voltage, and applies a voltage from the application of the first drive voltage to the application of the second drive voltage when the failure occurs. The drive unit according to claim 2, further comprising a switching unit that switches modes.
A controller that controls the application of the first drive voltage and the application of the second drive voltage;
The control unit detects a failure in the application of the first drive voltage, and a first control mode for simultaneously generating the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage when the failure occurs. The drive unit according to claim 2, further comprising: a switching unit that switches the control mode to a second control mode that generates only the second drive voltage.
A power transmission device that transmits at least one of the first power and the second power to the power transmission piece;
The first power generation unit is a first electric motor that gives the first power to the power transmission device,
The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the second power generation unit is a second electric motor that applies the second power to the power transmission device.
The drive device according to claim 6, further comprising a speed reducer disposed between the power transmission piece and the power transmission device.
A first speed reducer disposed between the power transmission device and the first electric motor;
The drive device according to claim 6, further comprising: a second speed reducer disposed between the power transmission device and the second electric motor.
A control unit that selectively controls the first electric motor and the second electric motor;
The control unit detects a defect in transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece, and when the defect occurs, controls the control object from the first electric motor to the second electric motor. The drive unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a switching unit for switching.
A controller for controlling the first electric motor and the second electric motor;
The control unit is configured to detect a failure in transmission of the first power to the power transmission piece, and a first to simultaneously generate the first power and the second power when the failure occurs. The drive unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a switching unit that switches the control mode from a control mode to a second control mode that generates only the second power.
The drive device according to claim 1, further comprising a power storage unit electrically connected to the power supply unit.