JP2021011955A - Thermomagnetic cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a thermomagnetic cycle device in which a strong magnetic field and heat transportation are balanced.SOLUTION: An asynchronous mechanism 6 is provided between a magnetic field modulation device 3 and a power source 5. As a magnetic force source 31 of the magnetic field modulation device 3, a magnetic flux concentration mechanism for concentrating the magnetic flux is employed. A mechanical magnetization angle AMG provided by the magnetic force source 31 is narrow and the magnetization period thereof is short. The asynchronous mechanism 6 permits an angle advance action and/or retard action of the magnetic force source 31. The magnetic force source 31 is positioned to a magnetization angle R2 by the angle advance action and/or retard action without restricted by the rotation of the power source 5. The magnetic force source 31 is positioned to the magnetization angle R2 across an actual magnetization angle longer than the mechanical magnetization angle AMG. Consequently a stronger magnetic field is provided, and further a magnetization time period necessary for the heat transfer can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The disclosures herein relate to thermomagnetic cycle devices.

Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a thermomagnetic cycle device. In this type of device, increasing the magnetic field applied to the magnetic heat effect material is effective in increasing the thermal output. The contents of the prior art document are incorporated by reference as an explanation of the technical elements in this specification.

Japanese Patent No. 4921891 JP-A-2010-112606

A strong magnetic field can be obtained by concentrating the magnetic flux, but the concentration of the magnetic flux may cause a reduction in the excitation angle. On the other hand, thermomagnetic cycle devices involve heat transport. Transferring heat requires a predetermined time to transport a predetermined amount of heat. Therefore, it may be difficult to transfer a predetermined amount of heat at an angle reduced due to the concentration of magnetic flux. Further improvements are required of thermomagnetic cycle devices in the above-mentioned viewpoints or in other viewpoints not mentioned.

One object disclosed is to provide a thermomagnetic cycle device in which a strong magnetic field and heat transport are balanced.

The thermomagnetic cycle device disclosed here includes an MCE element (2) made of a magnetic heat quantity effect material that exerts a magnetic heat quantity effect, and a magnetic field modulator (3) that applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element to modulate the external magnetic field. A heat transport device (4) for flowing a medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element and a power source (5) for providing power to the magnetic field modulator and the heat transport device are provided between the magnetic field modulator and the power source. It is provided with a mechanism (6) for driving the magnetic field modulator at a non-constant velocity.
According to the disclosed thermomagnetic cycle device, the mechanism drives the magnetic field modulator at a non-constant velocity. Therefore, the actual excitation angle can be adjusted by driving at a non-constant velocity without being limited by the excitation angle by the magnetic field modulator.

The disclosed aspects of this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section exemplify the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed herein will be made clearer by reference to the subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a block diagram of the thermal apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the magnetic field modulator and the magnetic heat quantity effect element. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is a waveform figure which shows the operation of a thermomagnetic cycle apparatus. It is a block diagram of the thermal equipment which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is a waveform figure which shows the operation of a thermomagnetic cycle apparatus. It is a block diagram of the thermal equipment which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the operating state of the asynchronous mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the control process of an asynchronous mechanism. It is a waveform figure which shows the operation of a thermomagnetic cycle apparatus.

A plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In a plurality of embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding parts and / or associated parts may be designated with the same reference code or reference codes having a hundreds or more different digits. For the corresponding and / or associated part, the description of other embodiments can be referred to.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a thermal device 1 according to the first embodiment. The thermal device 1 is one of the thermal devices. Provide an air conditioner. The thermal device 1 includes a magnetic heat effect type heat pump device (MHP: Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump). The MHP device provides a thermomagnetic cycle device. In this specification, the term heat pump device is used in a broad sense. That is, the term heat pump device includes both a device that utilizes the cold heat obtained by the heat pump device and a device that utilizes the heat obtained by the heat pump device. Devices that utilize cold heat are sometimes also called refrigeration cycle devices. Therefore, the term heat pump device is used herein as a concept that includes a refrigeration cycle device. The MHP device is configured to generate a temperature difference between the hot and cold ends. The MHP device provides heat output from the hot or cold end, or from both the hot and cold ends. The heat output is, for example, a thermal output output from a heat pump device. The heat output is the cold heat output output from the heat pump device. The heat output may include both a thermal output and a cold output.

The MHP device includes a magnetic heat effect element (MCE: Magneto-Caloric Effect) 2 made of a magnetic heat effect material. The MCE element 2 provides an element bed. The element bed includes a housing for partitioning a flow path of a medium responsible for heat transport, and an MCE element 2. The MCE element 2 extends elongated along the flow path direction in which the housing is partitioned. The MHP device utilizes the magnetic heat effect of the MCE element 2. The MHP device generates a high temperature end and a low temperature end by the MCE element 2. The MCE element 2 is provided between the high temperature end and the low temperature end.

The MCE element 2 generates heat and endothermic in response to a change in the strength of the external magnetic field. The MCE element 2 generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied, and absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed. When the electron spins of the MCE element 2 are aligned in the magnetic field direction by applying an external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy decreases and the temperature of the MCE element 2 rises by releasing heat. Further, when the electron spin of the MCE element 2 becomes disordered due to the removal of the external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy increases and the temperature of the MCE element 2 decreases by absorbing heat. The MCE element 2 is made of a magnetic heat quantity effect material (magnetic material) that exhibits a high magnetic heat quantity effect in the normal temperature range. For example, a gadolinium-based material or a lanthanum-iron-silicon compound can be used. In addition, a mixture of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium can be used. As the MCE element 2, an element that absorbs heat by applying an external magnetic field and generates heat by removing the external magnetic field may be used. The MCE element 2 is cascade-connected and is also called a cascade connection element. The plurality of partial elements exert a magnetic heat quantity effect with high efficiency in different temperature zones. The plurality of partial elements are arranged so as to share the temperature difference between the high temperature end and the low temperature end.

The MHP device includes a magnetic field modulation device 3 (MGMD) and a heat transport device 4 for making the MCE element 2 function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle. The MCE element 2 is arranged so as to exchange heat with a medium responsible for heat transport. In other words, the medium exchanges heat with the MCE element 2. The medium provides a heat storage element that stores heat and transports heat. The MCE element 2 is arranged long along the flow direction of the medium. The medium is called the primary medium. The primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil.

The magnetic field modulator 3 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 2 to modulate the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 3 gives the MCE element 2 a magnetic field that fluctuates periodically. The MCE element 2 is arranged in a magnetic field and exerts a magnetic heat quantity effect. The magnetic field modulator 3 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 2 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 3 periodically switches between an exciting state in which the MCE element 2 is placed in a strong magnetic field and a degaussing state in which the MCE element 2 is placed in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 3 modulates the external magnetic field so as to periodically repeat the excitation period and the degaussing period. The excitation period is a period in which the MCE element 2 is placed in a strong external magnetic field. The degaussing period is a period in which the MCE element 2 is placed in an external magnetic field weaker than the excitation period. The magnetic field modulator 3 includes a movable mechanism that periodically changes the distance between the MCE element 2 and the magnetic force source. The movable mechanism moves either the MCE element 2 or the magnetic force source relative to the other. The magnetic force source is provided by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

The heat transport device 4 flows a medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element. The heat transport device 4 is a device that reciprocally flows a medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element 2 along the MCE element 2. The heat transport device 4 reciprocates the medium in synchronization with the fluctuation of the magnetic field. The heat transport device 4 moves the medium in the axial direction (left-right direction in the figure) in synchronization with heat generation and endothermic heat due to the magnetic heat quantity effect of the MCE element 2. The heat transport device 4 causes a relative reciprocating movement between the MCE element 2 and the medium. In this embodiment, the reciprocating movement is realized by the reciprocating flow of the medium. The heat output may be provided by a secondary medium that exchanges heat with the medium. Generally, the heat transport device 4 includes a pump that pumps the medium and a valve element that switches the flow direction.

The MHP device has a power source 5 for driving the MHP device. The power source 5 provides the power of the magnetic field modulation device 3 and the heat transport device 4. The MHP device is rotationally driven by, for example, the power source 5. The power source 5 is the only power source of the MHP device. The power source 5 is provided by a rotating device such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. An example of a power source is an electric motor driven by a battery mounted on a vehicle.

The power source 5 provides rotational power to the magnetic field modulation device 3 and the heat transport device 4. The magnetic field modulator 3 receives a rotational force from the power source 5 and relatively rotationally moves the magnetic force source and the MCE element 2. The heat transport device 4 receives a rotational force from the power source 5 and relatively reciprocates between the medium and the MCE element 2.

In order to realize high efficiency and / or high heat output in the MHP device, it is effective to increase the external magnetic field applied to the MCE element 2. In order to strengthen the external magnetic field applied to the MCE element 2, it may be effective to concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic force source. The concentration of magnetic flux can be realized by a mechanism that concentrates magnetic flux. The magnetic flux concentration mechanism is provided by various mechanisms such as a yoke for guiding the magnetic flux, arrangement of a plurality of permanent magnets for concentrating the magnetic flux, and adjustment of the magnetizing direction of the permanent magnets. The flux concentration mechanism is also provided by the arrangement of permanent magnets called the Halbach array. The magnetic flux concentration mechanism is also provided by a pair of permanent magnets arranged so as to face each other in a V shape.

On the other hand, when the magnetic flux concentration mechanism is adopted, the excitation angle in the rotational movement range of the magnetic force source is reduced. For example, when the rotational movement range of the magnetic force source is 180 degrees, the excitation angle may be reduced to less than 90 degrees. A reduction in the excitation angle results in a reduction in the excitation time. The MCE element 2 needs to exchange heat with the medium at this reduced excitation angle, that is, the excitation time. However, heat conduction and / or heat transfer requires a required time. Therefore, the reduction of the excitation angle makes heat transport difficult. If an attempt is made to increase the flow rate of the medium in order to improve heat transport, the pressure loss increases and the power consumption of the heat transport device 4 increases. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a large excitation angle (excitation time) even in a configuration that employs a magnetic flux concentration mechanism.

The MHP device includes an asynchronous mechanism 6 between the power source 5 and the magnetic field modulation device 3. The asynchronous mechanism 6 is provided between the magnetic field modulation device 3 and the power source 5, and provides a mechanism for driving the magnetic field modulation device 3 at a non-constant speed. The asynchronous mechanism 6 allows the magnetic field modulator 3 to rotate asynchronously with respect to the rotation of the power source 5. The asynchronous rotation of the magnetic field modulator 3 drives the magnetic field modulator 3 at a non-uniform speed even if the rotation of the power source 5 is constant. As a result, the asynchronous mechanism 6 makes it possible to adjust the exciting angle and the non-exciting angle of the magnetic field modulator 3 with respect to the rotation of the power source 5. When the magnetic field modulator 3 employs a magnetic flux concentration mechanism, the asynchronous mechanism 6 makes the rotation speed of the magnetic field modulator 3 at the excitation angle slower than the rotation speed of the magnetic field modulator 3 at the non-excitation angle. As a result, the actual excitation time at the excitation angle can be extended.

The asynchronous mechanism 6 enables the magnetic field modulation device 3 to be driven by the power source 5. However, the asynchronous mechanism 6 provides an asynchronous range between the angle of rotation of the power source 5 and the angle of rotation of the magnetic field modulator 3. The asynchronous mechanism 6 realizes an actual excitation time longer than the excitation time defined by the rotation angle of the power source 5 by generating an asynchronous range in the excitation period. The asynchronous mechanism 6 suppresses a change in the rotation angle of the magnetic field modulator 3 with respect to the rotation angle of the power source 5 during the excitation period. The asynchronous mechanism 6 fluctuates the rotational angular velocity of the magnetic field modulator 3. The asynchronous mechanism 6 makes the rotational angular velocity of the magnetic field modulator 3 during the exciting period smaller than the rotational angular velocity of the magnetic field modulator 3 during the non-excited period. The asynchronous mechanism 6 stops the rotation of the magnetic field modulator 3 while allowing the rotation of the power source 5 during the excitation period. The asynchronous mechanism 6 is also a phase adjuster relating to the rotation phase. The asynchronous mechanism 6 realizes the excitation range required for heat transport. Further, even in the configuration adopting the magnetic flux concentration mechanism, a large actual excitation angle required for heat transport is realized.

In FIG. 2, a part of the magnetic field modulation device 3 is shown. The MHP device includes an MCE element 2 that forms an element bed. In the illustrated example, the four element beds are evenly spaced. The element bed and the MCE element 2 provide a stator. The magnetic force source 31 provides a rotor. In the illustrated example, the magnetic force source 31 rotationally moves in the rotation direction RD. In the illustrated example, the rotation direction RD is clockwise. The magnetic force source 31 includes yokes 32 and 33 made of magnetic material, a rotating shaft 34 made of magnetic material, and a pair of permanent magnets 35 and 36. The pair of permanent magnets 35, 36 are arranged in a V shape. Each of the permanent magnets 35 and 36 has a flat plate shape and is magnetized in the thickness direction. The pair of permanent magnets 35, 36 are arranged so that the same poles face each other. The pair of permanent magnets 35, 36 are arranged in a V shape so that the circumferential distance between the facing surfaces spreads from the inside to the outside in the radial direction. The pair of permanent magnets 35, 36 are set so that the circumferential spacing width at the radial outer end between them does not exceed the circumferential width of the facing surface (diameter inner surface) of the MCE element 2. The magnetic flux concentration mechanism is not limited to the illustrated example. The magnetic flux concentration mechanism can be replaced by various configurations such as the adoption of a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a Halbach array and a yoke.

In FIG. 2, the magnetic field modulator 3 includes a magnetic field source 31 capable of exciting the MCE element 2 at a predetermined mechanical excitation angle AMG. The magnetic force source 31 provides a mechanical excitation angle AMG and a mechanical non-excitation angle DMG. The mechanical excitation range AMG is less than half the rotation angle provided for a single element bed. In the illustrated example, the mechanical excitation angle AMG is less than 90 degrees with respect to the rotational movement angle of the magnetic force source 31 of 180 degrees. The mechanical excitation angle AMG is narrower than the mechanical non-excitation angle DMG (AMG <DMG). Moreover, the mechanical excitation angle AMG is narrower than 1/2 of the mechanical non-excitation angle DMG (AMG <1/2 · DMG). When the magnetic force source 31 rotates at a constant rotation speed, the mechanical excitation angle AMG becomes the excitation period (actual excitation angle) as it is, and the mechanical non-excitation angle DMG becomes the non-excitation period (actual non-excitation angle) as it is. ..

3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 show a specific example of the asynchronous mechanism 6. These figures show the operation of the asynchronous mechanism 6 and the magnetic field modulator 3 in one excitation period. The asynchronous mechanism 6 is arranged between the power source 5 and the magnetic field modulator 3.

The asynchronous mechanism 6 includes an input member 61. The input member 61 is also called an input rotor. The input member 61 is interlocked with the power source 5. The input member 61 and the power source 5 are operatively connected so as to transmit a rotational force. The input member 61 and the power source 5 are connected so as to be interlocked with each other without a phase difference. The input member 61 is rotationally driven by the power source 5 at a constant rotational speed. In the illustrated example, the direction of rotation is clockwise. The input member 61 is a rotor having four arms.

The asynchronous mechanism 6 includes an output member 62. The output member 62 is also called an output rotor. The output member 62 is interlocked with the magnetic force source 31 of the magnetic field modulator 3. The output member 62 and the magnetic force source 31 are operatively connected so as to transmit a rotational force. The output member 62 and the magnetic force source 31 are connected so as to be interlocked with each other without a phase difference. The input member 61 and the output member 62 are operatively connected so as to allow a phase difference of a predetermined angle. The output member 62 is rotationally driven so as to be interlocked with the input member 61 while allowing a predetermined phase difference with respect to the power source 5, that is, the input member 61. In the illustrated example, the direction of rotation is clockwise. The output member 62 is a rotor having four shoes.

The output member 62 is configured to float with respect to the input member 61 by a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction. In other words, the input member 61 and the output member 62 are configured to float over a predetermined angle. The output member 62 can provide an advance behavior with respect to the input member 61. The output member 62 can provide retard behavior with respect to the input member 61. In other words, the input member 61 and the output member 62 provide a lost motion mechanism 106 in which rotational power is not transmitted over a predetermined angle. The lost motion mechanism 106 allows the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 of the magnetic field modulator 3 that is not linked to the rotation of the power source 5. In another aspect, the lost motion mechanism 106 allows the advance behavior and / or retardation behavior of the output member 62 with respect to the rotation of the input member 61.

The asynchronous mechanism 6 includes an elastic member 63. The elastic member 63 is provided by a spring. The elastic member 63 may be provided by various members such as rubber, air springs, and magnetic couplings. The elastic member 63 is arranged between the input member 61 and the output member 62. The elastic member 63 is connected to the input member 61 at one end and to the output member 62 at the other end. The elastic member 63 provides a phase difference member that transmits a rotational force between the input member 61 and the output member 62 while allowing a phase difference in the rotation angle. The elastic member 63 provides an element that connects or blocks power transmission from the input member 61 to the output member 62 between the input member 61 and the output member 62. The elastic member 63 allows the advance behavior and / or the retard behavior of the output member 62 with respect to the rotation of the input member 61.

The elastic member 63 may be pulled and extended between the input member 61 and the output member 62. In this case, the elastic member 63 allows the rotation speed of the output member 62 to be faster than the rotation speed of the input member 61. In a remarkable case, the elastic member 63 allows the input member 61 to rotate at a constant speed, while allowing the output member 62 to rotate at a rotation speed higher than the constant speed. The elastic member 63, for example, the output member 62 is allowed to advance in a skipping manner. The elastic member 63 allows an advance phase difference between the rotation angle of the input member 61 and the rotation angle of the output member 62.

The elastic member 63 may be compressed and contracted between the input member 61 and the output member 62. In this case, the elastic member 63 allows the rotation speed of the output member 62, which is slower than the rotation speed of the input member 61. When prominent, the elastic member 63 allows the input member 61 to rotate at a constant speed while allowing the output member 62 to rotate at a speed of 0 (zero). The elastic member 63 allows, for example, the rotational position of the output member 62 to be maintained. The elastic member 63 allows a retard phase difference between the rotation angle of the input member 61 and the rotation angle of the output member 62.

The lost motion mechanism 106 is also called a phase difference mechanism that allows an advance angle and a retard angle. The lost motion mechanism 106 excites the MCE element 2 at an actual excitation angle MG wider than the mechanical excitation angle AMG by allowing the advance angle behavior and / or the retard angle behavior in the rotation of the magnetic force source 31. The lost motion mechanism 106 provides a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in a synchronous state, and a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in an asynchronous state. The synchronous state is provided during a period in which power is transmitted via the elastic member 63. The asynchronous state is provided during the period during which the elastic member 63 contracts or expands. The lost motion mechanism 106 can include two, three, five, or the like arms and shoes instead of the four arms and four shoes. The lost motion mechanism 106 may be provided by a Geneva mechanism that converts continuous rotational motion into intermittent rotational motion. The lost motion mechanism 106 may be provided by a gear mechanism with a relatively large backlash.

FIG. 3 shows a reference position or an initial position. The input member 61 is at the initial angle R0. In this state, the elastic member 63 is assumed to have a free length as an initial setting value. The input member 61 is interlocked with the power source 5 and rotates at a constant speed. The output member 62 is in a floating state connected via the elastic member 63. In this state, the output member 62 is located in a magnetically neutral position.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the input member 61 has passed the initial angle R0. As the input member 61 rotates from the initial angle R0 in the direction of the arrow, the elastic member 63 is gradually compressed. The output member 62 is stable at the neutral position of the magnetic force source 31, that is, at the neutral angle R1. Eventually, when the reaction force of the elastic member 63 exceeds the binding force at the neutral angle R1 of the magnetic force source 31, the magnetic force source 31 moves in a skip manner from the neutral position toward the next MCE element 2.

FIG. 5 shows a skip-like advance behavior due to the magnetic force source 31 being attracted to the next MCE element 2 by the magnetic force. The advance phase difference is the advance amount ADV. The magnetic force source 31 is attracted by magnetic force toward the next MCE element 2. At this time, the elastic member 63 allows the rotation speed of the output member 62 to be faster than the rotation speed of the input member 61. Therefore, the elastic member 63 is extended. The magnetic force source 31 is stable at an excitation angle R2 in which the magnetic force source 31 and the MCE element 2 attract each other by magnetic force. On the other hand, the input member 61 continues to rotate. In the process from the initial angle R0 to the neutral angle R1 of the input member 61, the elastic member 63 gradually eliminates the extended state. In the process from the initial angle R0 to the neutral angle R1 of the input member 61, the elastic member 63 is slightly compressed.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the input member 61 is at the neutral angle R1. As the input member 61 rotates from the neutral angle R1, the elastic member 63 is gradually compressed and contracted. At this time, the magnetic force source 31 is bound more strongly than the binding force at the neutral angle R1 by the magnetic attraction force with the MCE element 2. As a result, the elastic member 63 continues to be compressed until the input member 61 reaches the limit angle R3.

FIG. 7 shows a state immediately before the limit angle R3. At this time, the magnetic force source 31 is attracted to and restrained by the MCE element 2 by the magnetic force. The rotation of the input member 61 produces retardation behavior. The retard phase difference is the retard amount DLY. The input member 61 gradually compresses the elastic member 63 from the neutral angle R1. In this process, the elastic member 63 allows the input member 61 to move over the retard DLY while maintaining the magnetic force source 31 at the excitation angle R2 facing the MCE element 2. At this time, the elastic member 63 allows the rotation speed of the output member 62, which is slower than the rotation speed of the input member 61. Therefore, the magnetic force source 31 is maintained at the excitation angle R2 over an actual excitation angle MG wider than the mechanical excitation angle AMG defined due to its structure. As a result, the MCE element 2 continues to be excited over an actual excitation angle MG wider than the mechanical excitation angle AMG. In other words, the actual excitation angle MG is a value obtained by expanding the mechanical excitation angle AMG by the advance amount ADV and the retard angle amount DLY (MG = AMG + ADV + DLY).

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the input member 61 has reached the limit angle R3. When the input member 61 reaches the limit angle R3, the reaction force of the elastic member 63 pushes the magnetic force source 31 out of the excitation angle R2. Moreover, at this time, the magnetic force source 31 is pushed out toward the next neutral angle R5. The magnetic force source 31 advances in a skipping manner. At this time, the elastic member 63 allows the rotation speed of the output member 62 to be faster than the rotation speed of the input member 61. Therefore, the elastic member 63 is extended. The limit angle R3 is also the excitation period, that is, the end of the excitation angle.

FIG. 9 shows the behavior during the non-excitation period. Even in the non-excitation period, the input member 61 drives the output member 62 in a skip manner.

In FIG. 10, the power source rotation speed indicates the rotation speed of the power source 5. The rotation speed of the power source 5 is constant. The magnetic force source rotation speed indicates the rotation speed of the magnetic force source 31. The rotation speed of the magnetic force source 31 fluctuates in a skip manner for each π / 2 rad (pi / 2 radians). The magnetic flux density indicates the magnetic flux density given to one MCE element 2. The broken line shows the change in the magnetic flux density when the magnetic force source 31 shown in FIG. 2 is rotated at a constant speed. The solid line shows the change in magnetic flux density provided by this embodiment described in FIGS. 3-9. As shown, the magnetic flux changes in a skip-like manner after the initial angle R0, and further changes in a skip-like manner at the limit angle R3. According to this embodiment, an actual excitation angle MG wider than the mechanical excitation angle AMG is realized.

The actual excitation angle MG can be adjusted depending on the number of arms in the input member 61, the number of shoes in the output member 62, or the size of the elastic member 63. For example, the actual excitation angle MG can be set to π / 2 rad (pi / 2 radians) or more.

According to this embodiment, a strong magnetic field can be applied to the MCE element 2 over a long angular range, in other words, for a long time. According to this embodiment, the MCE element 2 can continue to be provided with a high magnetic flux density concentrated by the magnetic flux concentrating mechanism over a long angular range, in other words, for a long time. As a result, a strong magnetic field can be provided, and the excitation time required for heat transport is provided.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the actual excitation angle MG is expanded from the mechanical excitation angle AMG to both the advance amount ADV and the retard angle amount DLY. Instead, the actual excitation angle MG may be expanded from the mechanical excitation angle AMG by the advance amount ADV or the retard angle amount DLY.

As shown in FIG. 11, the one-way clutch 206 can be adopted as the asynchronous mechanism 6. The one-way clutch 206 allows only the advance angle or the retard angle of the magnetic force source 31 with respect to the rotation angle of the power source 5. The one-way clutch 206 has a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in a synchronized state (engaged state) and a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in an asynchronous state (dissociation). State) and provide.

12 and 13 show a specific configuration of the asynchronous mechanism 6. The asynchronous mechanism 6 is a one-way clutch 206 that allows only an advance angle. The one-way clutch 206 is a roller type clutch. The one-way clutch 206 may be provided by a scrub type clutch. The one-way clutch 206 includes an input member 261 and an output member 262. The input member 261 is also called an outer race. The input member 261 is interlocked with the power source 5. The output member 262 is interlocked with the magnetic force source 31 of the magnetic field modulator 3. A roller as an engaging element 263 is arranged between the input member 261 and the output member 262. The engaging element 263 provides an element that connects or blocks power transmission from the input member 261 to the output member 262 between the input member 261 and the output member 262. A wedge-shaped clutch chamber 264 is formed as a partition between the input member 261 and the output member 262. The engaging element 263 is movably arranged in the clutch chamber 264. The engaging element 263 is urged toward the engaging position by a spring as a bias member 265. The one-way clutch 206 allows the advance behavior and / or the retard behavior of the output member 262 with respect to the rotation of the input member 261.

FIG. 12 shows a dissociated state of the one-way clutch 206. When the rotation speed V262a of the output member 262 is faster than the rotation speed V261 of the input member 261 (V261 <V262a), the engaging element 263 disengages the input member 261 and the output member 262. For example, when the magnetic force source 31 is attracted to the MCE element 2 by the magnetic force, the rotation speed V262a becomes faster than the rotation speed V261. As a result, the advance behavior of the magnetic force source 31 is allowed, and the advance amount ADV is allowed. In other words, the asynchronous behavior of the magnetic force source 31 with respect to the power source 5 is allowed.

FIG. 13 shows the engaged state of the one-way clutch 206. When the rotation speed V261 of the input member 261 and the rotation speed V262b of the output member 262 are equal to or less than or equal to (V261 = V262a, V261 ≧ V262a), the engaging element 263 engages the input member 261 and the output member 262. To do. For example, when the magnetic force source 31 is pushed out from the excitation angle R2, the rotational speed V262b becomes equal to the rotational speed V261. Synchronization of the magnetic force source 31 and the power source 5 is allowed.

In FIG. 14, in this embodiment, only the advance amount ADV is obtained. Also in this embodiment, the actual excitation angle MG that exceeds the mechanical excitation angle provided by the magnetic force source 31 is realized. As a result, a strong magnetic field can be provided, and the excitation time required for heat transport is provided. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand the structure of the one-way clutch 206, which allows only retard angles, based on the embodiments illustrated and described in detail. For example, the clutch chamber 264 can be provided with a wedge shape in the opposite direction. Further, the one-way clutch 206 can be provided with a mechanism for limiting the dissociated state. This means may include a mechanical meshing mechanism that limits the dissociated state to a predetermined angular range, or an electromagnetic engaging mechanism.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, only a mechanical mechanism is provided as the asynchronous mechanism 6. Instead of this, the asynchronous mechanism 6 may include a mechanism that can be controlled electromagnetically.

In FIG. 15, the asynchronous mechanism 6 is provided by a controllable clutch 306. The clutch 306 is provided by an electromagnetically controllable electromagnetic clutch. Further, the MHP device includes a control device 307. The control device 307 controls at least the asynchronous mechanism 6. The control device 307 controls the connection timing and the cutoff timing of the asynchronous mechanism 6. In addition, the MHP device includes a sensor 308 that detects the rotation angle of the power source 5, and a sensor 309 that detects the rotation angle of the magnetic force source 31 in the magnetic field modulator 3. The detection signals of the sensors 308 and 309 are input to the control device 307.

The control device 307 is an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit). The control device 307 provides a control system for the thermomagnetic cycle device. The control system has at least one arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and at least one memory device as a storage medium for storing programs and data. The control system is provided by a microcomputer with a computer-readable storage medium. A storage medium is a non-transitional substantive storage medium that stores a computer-readable program non-temporarily. The storage medium may be provided by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The control system may be provided by a single computer, or a set of computer resources linked by a data communication device. By being executed by the control system, the program causes the control system to function as a device described herein and to perform the methods described herein.

The means and / or functions provided by the control system can be provided by the software recorded in the substantive memory device and the computer, software only, hardware only, or a combination thereof that executes the software. For example, the control system can be provided by a logic called if-then-else form, or a neural network tuned by machine learning. Alternatively, for example, if the control system is provided by electronic circuits that are hardware, it can be provided by digital or analog circuits that include multiple logic circuits.

The control device in this specification may also be referred to as an electronic control device (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The control device or control system is provided by (a) an algorithm as multiple logics called if-then-else form, or (b) a trained model tuned by machine learning, for example, an algorithm as a neural network. ..

The control device is provided by a control system that includes at least one computer. The control system may include multiple computers linked by data communication equipment. A computer includes at least one processor (hardware processor) which is hardware. The hardware processor can be provided by (i), (ii), or (iii) below.

(I) The hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, the computer is provided by at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is called a CPU: Central Processing Unit, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, RISC-CPU, or the like. Memory is also called a storage medium. Memory is a non-transitional and substantive storage medium that non-temporarily stores "programs and / or data" that can be read by a processor. The storage medium is provided by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like. The program may be distributed by itself or as a storage medium in which the program is stored.

(Ii) The hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, the computer is provided by a digital circuit that includes a large number of programmed logic units (gate circuits). The digital circuit is a logic circuit array, for example, ASIC: Application-Special Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, SoC: System on a Chip, PGA: Programbulable Cable. Digital circuits may include memory for storing programs and / or data. Computers may be provided by analog circuits. Computers may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

(Iii) The hardware processor may be a combination of the above (i) and the above (ii). (I) and (ii) are arranged on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, the part (ii) is also called an accelerator.

FIG. 16 shows a specific configuration of the asynchronous mechanism 6. The clutch 306 has an input member 361 and an output member 362. The input member 361 is interlocked with the power source 5. The output member 362 is interlocked with the magnetic force source 31 of the magnetic field modulator 3. Further, the clutch 306 has a mover 363 and an electromagnetic coil 364. The mover 363 provides an element that connects or blocks power transmission from the input member 361 to the output member 362 between the input member 361 and the output member 362. The mover 363 can be urged in the blocking direction by a spring as an urging member. The electromagnetic coil 364 is controlled by the control device 7 into an excited state and a non-excited state. The electromagnetic coil 364 attracts the mover 363 in the excited state, and connects the input member 361 and the output member 362. The electromagnetic coil 364 opens the mover 363 in a non-excited state and shuts off the input member 361 and the output member 362. The clutch 306 provides a controllable clutch that allows the advance behavior and / or retardation behavior of the output member 362 with respect to the rotation of the input member 361. The clutch 306 may be configured to provide a disengaged state in the excited state and a connected state in the non-excited state.

The clutch 306 allows the magnetic force source 31 to remain at the excitation angle R2, for example, in the illustrated shut-off state, despite the rotation of the input member 361. In other words, the asynchronous mechanism 6 allows the behavior of the magnetic force source 31 asynchronously with respect to the rotation of the input member 361 in the cutoff state. The clutch 306 allows the magnetic force source 31 to rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the input member 361 in the connected state. The clutch 306 has a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in a synchronized state (connected state) and a period in which the rotation of the power source 5 and the rotation of the magnetic force source 31 are in an asynchronous state (disengaged state). And provide.

FIG. 17 shows the control process 380 by the control device 307. The control device 307 controls the clutch 306 according to the rotation angles of the power source 5 and the magnetic force source 31. The control device 307 controls the connection and disconnection of the asynchronous mechanism 6 based on the detection signals of the sensors 308 and 309 so that the magnetic force source 31 is positioned at the excitation angle R2 over the actual excitation angle MG. In step 381, the control device 307 inputs an angle signal indicating a rotation angle from the sensors 8 and 9. For example, the control device 307 detects the start angle and the end angle of the actual excitation angle MG based on the rotation angle of the power source 5. In step 382, the control device 307 determines whether or not the start angle has arrived. When the start angle is reached, the process proceeds to step 383. If the start angle has not arrived, the process proceeds to step 386. In step 386, the control device 307 determines whether or not the end angle has arrived. When the end angle is reached, the process proceeds to step 387. If the end angle has not arrived, the process returns to step 381.

In step 383, the control device 307 engages the clutch 306 of the asynchronous mechanism 6. As a result, the magnetic force source 31 is rotationally driven (synchronically) in conjunction with the power source 5. In step 384, the control device 7 maintains the connected state so that the magnetic force source 31 reaches the excitation angle R2. Eventually, the magnetic force source 31 reaches the excitation angle R2. In step 385, the control device 307 disengages the clutch 306 of the asynchronous mechanism 6. In this way, the actual excitation angle MG is started.

In step 387, the control device 307 engages the clutch 306 of the asynchronous mechanism 6. As a result, the magnetic force source 31 is rotationally driven (synchronically) in conjunction with the power source 5. In step 388, the control device 307 maintains the connected state so that the magnetic force source 31 reaches the neutral angle R5. Eventually, the magnetic force source 31 reaches the neutral angle R5. In step 389, the control device 307 disengages the clutch 306 of the asynchronous mechanism 6. In this way, the actual excitation angle MG ends.

In FIG. 18, the magnetic force source 31 rotates only at both the start angle of the actual excitation angle MG and the end angle of the actual excitation angle MG. An actual excitation angle MG wider than the mechanical excitation angle AMG is provided without being constrained by the mechanical excitation angle AMG of the magnetic force source 31. As a result, a strong magnetic field can be provided, and the excitation time required for heat transport is provided. According to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to provide an actual excitation angle MG of π / 2 rad (pi / 2 radians) or less. Further, according to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to provide an actual excitation angle MG of π / 2 rad (pi / 2 radians) or more.

Other Embodiments The disclosure in this specification, drawings and the like is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure includes exemplary embodiments and modifications by those skilled in the art based on them. For example, disclosure is not limited to the parts and / or element combinations shown in the embodiments. Disclosure can be carried out in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiment. The disclosure includes the parts and / or elements of the embodiment omitted. Disclosures include replacement or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The technical scope disclosed is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some technical scopes disclosed are indicated by the claims description and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims statement.

Disclosure in the description, drawings, etc. is not limited by the description of the scope of claims. The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. includes the technical ideas described in the claims, and further covers a wider variety of technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure of the description, drawings, etc. without being bound by the description of the claims.

1 Thermal equipment, 2 MCE element (magnetic heat effect element),
3 magnetic field modulator, 4 heat transport device, 5 power source,
6 Asynchronous mechanism, 31 magnetic force source, 32, 33 yoke,
34 rotating shaft, 35, 36 permanent magnet,
61 input member, 62 output member, 63 elastic member,
106 Lost motion mechanism,
206 one-way clutch,
261 input member, 262 output member, 263 engaging element,
264 clutch chamber, 265 bias member,
306 clutch,
307 control unit, 308, 309 sensor, 361 input member,
362 output member, 363 mover, 364 electromagnetic coil,
AMG mechanical excitation angle, DMG mechanical non-excitation angle,
MG actual excitation angle, ADV advance angle, DLY retard angle amount.

Claims (10)

MCE element (2) made of magnetic heat effect material that exerts magnetic heat effect,
A magnetic field modulator (3) that applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element to modulate the external magnetic field,
A heat transport device (4) that flows a medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element, and
A power source (5) that provides power for the magnetic field modulator and the heat transport device is provided.
A thermomagnetic cycle device provided between the magnetic field modulator and the power source and provided with a mechanism (6) for driving the magnetic field modulator at a non-constant velocity. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is an asynchronous mechanism (6) that allows asynchronous rotation of the magnetic field modulator with respect to rotation of the power source. The magnetic field modulator comprises a magnetic field source (31) capable of exciting the MCE element at a predetermined mechanical excitation angle (AMG).
A claim that the asynchronous mechanism excites the MCE element at an actual excitation angle (MG) wider than the mechanical excitation angle by allowing advance and / or retard behavior in rotation of the magnetic source. 2. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to 2. The asynchronous mechanism
The period during which the rotation of the power source and the rotation of the magnetic force source are in a synchronized state,
The thermomagnetic cycle apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the rotation of the power source and the rotation of the magnetic force source are in an asynchronous state. The asynchronous mechanism
Input members (61, 261 and 361) interlocking with the power source and
Output members (62, 262, 363) interlocking with the magnetic field modulator and
The second to fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the element (63, 263, 383) for connecting or blocking the power transmission from the input member to the output member between the input member and the output member is provided. Thermomagnetic cycle device. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 5, wherein the input member and the output member are lost motion mechanisms (106) that allow rotation of the magnetic field modulation device that is not linked to rotation of the power source. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 6, wherein the element is an elastic member (63) that allows advance behavior and / or retardation behavior of the output member with respect to rotation of the input member. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 5, wherein the asynchronous mechanism is a one-way clutch (206) that allows an advance angle behavior and / or a retard angle behavior of the output member with respect to the rotation of the input member. The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 5, wherein the asynchronous mechanism is a controllable clutch (306) that allows advance behavior and / or retardation behavior of the output member with respect to rotation of the input member. Further, a sensor (308) for detecting the rotation angle of the power source and
A sensor (309) that detects the rotation angle of the magnetic field modulator and
The thermomagnetic cycle device according to claim 9, further comprising a control device (307) that controls the clutch according to the power source and the rotation angle of the magnetic field modulator.

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