JP2021148397A - Solid refrigerant system and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a solid refrigerant system capable of achieving smooth meshing.SOLUTION: A solid refrigerant system 1 includes a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. The first unit 3a and the second unit 3b stop at a stable stop position when power supply from a power source 2 is interrupted. A meshing type clutch 5 transmits power from the power source by meshing of an input member 11 and an output member 12 at a meshing position. The first unit 3a, the second unit 3b, and the clutch 5 are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The disclosure herein relates to solid refrigerant systems and methods of operation thereof.

Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic heating / cooling device. In this device, a magnetic calorific value effect element is used as a solid refrigerant. This device may or may not transmit the driving force of the outer rotor motor to the lower core by the clutch. Therefore, it is possible to generate cold air and hot air according to the required heating / cooling capacity. Patent Document 2 discloses a thermomagnetic cycle device as an example of a solid refrigerant system. Patent Document 3 discloses a heat pump system utilizing an electric calorific value effect as an example of a solid refrigerant system. The contents of the prior art document are incorporated by reference as an explanation of the technical elements herein.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-185795 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-8247 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-3082

Patent Document 1 illustrates a friction type clutch that can be switched on and off. However, the friction type clutch has a relatively small torque capacity that can be transmitted. In another aspect, friction clutches require a large physique to achieve a large torque capacity. From yet another point of view, in a friction type clutch, slippage or phase shift is semi-unavoidable due to its structure. Further improvements are required in the solid refrigerant system and its operating methods in the above-mentioned viewpoints or in other viewpoints not mentioned.

One object disclosed is to provide a solid refrigerant system capable of smooth meshing even when a meshing type clutch is used, and a method of operating the same.

The solid-state refrigerant system disclosed herein exerts a calorific value effect by modulating external energy, and stops at a stable stop position (ST1, ST2) when the power supply from the power source (2) is cut off. The unit (3a), the second unit (3b), the input member (11) interlocking with the first unit, and the output member (12) interlocking with the second unit are provided, and the meshing position (meshing position (3a)) MS1 and MS2) are provided with a meshing type clutch (5) that transmits power from a power source by meshing with an input member and an output member, and the first unit, the second unit, and the clutch are stably stopped. The position and the meshing position are associated so as to match.

According to the disclosed solid refrigerant system, the first unit, the second unit, and the clutch are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position coincide with each other. The first unit and the second unit stop at the stable stop position. The clutch transmits power from a power source by engaging the input member and the output member at the meshing position. As a result, when the first unit and the second unit stop at the stable stop position, the clutch is automatically positioned at the meshing position. As a result, smooth meshing is provided.

The method of operating the solid refrigerant system disclosed herein is to transmit power from the power source (2) to the first unit (3a) and from the power source to the second unit (3b) at the meshing positions (MS1, MS2). The first operation step (165) in which the power is transmitted via the meshing clutch (5) that transmits the power from the power source by the meshing of the input member (11) and the output member (12) in). A second operation step (167) in which power is transmitted from the power source to the first unit and power is cut off from the power source to the second unit by a clutch, and a second operation step to a first operation step. The switching step includes a switching step (162, 163, 164) for switching to, and the switching step includes a first step of stopping the first unit and the second unit at the stable stop positions (ST1, ST2), and the first unit. When the first unit is in the stable stop position by interlocking with the input member, the second unit is stabilized by the second step of positioning the input member in the meshing position and the interlocking of the second unit and the output member. It includes a third step of positioning the output member in the meshing position when in the stop position, and a fourth step (164) of engaging the input member and the output member after the second and third steps.

According to the disclosed method of operating the solid refrigerant system, the clutch is automatically positioned in the meshing position by stopping the first unit and the second unit in the stable stop position. As a result, smooth meshing is provided.

The plurality of forms disclosed herein 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 solid refrigerant system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of a unit which utilizes a magnetic heat quantity effect. It is sectional drawing of the unit. It is a perspective view of the solid refrigerant system. It is a flowchart which shows the control process. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a graph which shows the heat output of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the heat output of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the unit of the sixth embodiment.

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 related parts may be designated with the same reference code or reference codes having a hundreds or more different digits. References can be made to the description of other embodiments for the corresponding and / or associated parts.

1st Embodiment In FIGS. 1 and 2, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes a power source 2 and a plurality of units 3. The power source 2 is provided by a motor. The motor can switch the direction of rotation. The power source 2 may be provided by an internal combustion engine. The unit 3 receives power from the power source 2. The unit 3 exerts a calorific value effect by modulating external energy. The solid refrigerant system 1 as a whole provides a heat pump device. The solid refrigerant system 1 supplies thermal output to the output device 4. The output device 4 is a device that cools or heats air, liquid, or solid matter. The output device 4 provides an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a refrigerator, or a temperature controller.

In this specification, the term solid refrigerant is used in a broad sense. That is, the term solid refrigerant is a term that is contrasted with the refrigerant in a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. Solid refrigerants are often provided as solids. In addition, the solid refrigerant may be provided as a liquid. In addition, the solid refrigerant may be provided in a state called gel, colloid.

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 hot heat obtained by the heat pump device. Devices that utilize cold heat are sometimes also referred to as refrigeration cycle devices. Therefore, the term heat pump device is used herein as a concept that includes a refrigeration cycle device.

The solid refrigerant system 1 provides a vehicle air conditioner. The term vehicle is used in this specification in a broad sense. That is, the term vehicle includes a moving body having a passenger compartment or a luggage compartment, for example, a traveling vehicle, a ship, or an airplane. Furthermore, the term vehicle includes simulation equipment, amusement equipment, and the like.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a plurality of units 3. Each of the plurality of units 3 has a plurality of elements for enabling cumulative operation. Cumulative operation includes operation in a single unit and at least in multiple units. The plurality of units 3 include a plurality of components corresponding to each other. The unit 3 includes a solid refrigerant 7, an energy modulation device 8, and a heat transport device 9. The unit 3 draws a solid calorific value effect from the solid refrigerant 7 by applying external energy from the outside of the solid refrigerant 7 and modulating the external energy. The solid refrigerant 7 is a refrigerant that exerts a calorific value effect. In this embodiment, the solid refrigerant 7 is a magnetic calorific value effect element. The solid refrigerant 7 may be an electric calorific value effect element.

The energy modulation device 8 causes the solid refrigerant 7 to act external energy from the outside. Further, the energy modulation device 8 strongly or weakly modulates the external energy applied to the solid refrigerant 7. The solid refrigerant 7 exerts a calorific value effect in synchronization with the modulation of external energy. Specifically, the solid refrigerant 7 periodically repeats endothermic and heat generation in synchronization with the periodic modulation of external energy. In other words, the energy modulation device 8 modulates the external energy so that the solid refrigerant 7 exerts a calorific value effect. The modulation of the external energy may be performed by utilizing the power of the power source 2. Therefore, the power source 2 can supply power to at least a part of the elements of the energy modulation device 8. The power source 2 can supply power to, for example, a movable member of the energy modulation device 8.

The heat transport device 9 thermally transports the calorific value effect exerted by the solid refrigerant 7. The heat transport device 9 transports the heat quantity effect in synchronization with the modulation of the external energy by the energy modulation device 8. The transport of the calorific value effect may be realized by moving a heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant 7. The movement of the heat transport medium is carried out by utilizing the power of the power source 2. Therefore, the power source 2 can supply power to at least a part of the heat transport device 9. The power source 2 can supply power to, for example, the pump of the heat transport device 9 or the valve device. The transport of the calorific value effect may be realized by moving the solid refrigerant 7 itself. The movement of the solid refrigerant 7 is executed by utilizing the power of the power source 2.

The plurality of units 3 have at least a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. The first unit 3a includes a solid refrigerant 7a, an energy modulation device 8a, and a heat transport device 9a. The first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect regardless of whether the power supplied from the power source 2 is in the first rotation direction or in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The second unit 3b includes a solid refrigerant 7b, an energy modulation device 8b, and a heat transport device 9b. The second unit 3b exerts a calorific value effect regardless of whether the power supplied from the power source 2 is in the first rotation direction or in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Each of the plurality of units 3 is a non-directional unit that exerts a calorific value effect regardless of the direction of power. Instead, each of the plurality of units 3 may be a directional unit that exerts a calorific value effect only when the direction of power is a specific rotation direction.

The plurality of units 3 have stable stop positions that repeatedly and stably stop when the power supply from the power source 2 is cut off. The stable stop position is caused by the energy modulation device 8 or the heat transport device 9. The stable stop position is caused, for example, by the torque fluctuation accompanying the modulation of the external energy by the energy modulation device 8. The stable stop position is caused, for example, by the torque fluctuation accompanying the movement of the solid refrigerant 7 by the heat transport device 9. Further, the stable stop position is caused by, for example, torque fluctuation due to pumping of the heat transport medium by the heat transport device 9. For this reason, the unit 3 generally has at least one or more stable stop positions. The first unit 3a also has a stable stop position. The second unit 3b also has a stable stop position.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a clutch 5. The clutch 5 is an meshing type clutch that meshes at the meshing position. The clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and one of the plurality of units 3 so as to interrupt the power transmission. The clutch 5 enables power transmission without slipping. The first unit 3a is directly connected to the power source 2. The first unit 3a receives power directly from the power source 2. The second unit 3b is indirectly connected to the power source 2 via the clutch 5. The second unit 3b receives power indirectly from the power source 2 through the clutch 5.

The power source 2, the first unit 3a, and the second unit 3b are arranged in series. The clutch 5 is arranged between the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b. Instead, the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b may be arranged in parallel with respect to the power source 2. The clutch 5 can be arranged only between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b.

The clutch 5 has an input member 11 and an output member 12. The input member 11 has a triangular wavy meshing surface 13. The output member 12 has a triangular wavy meshing surface 14. The meshing surface 13 and the meshing surface 14 can mesh with each other without slipping in the direction of power transmission. The input member 11 and the output member 12 can be connected or separated on the meshing surfaces 13 and 14. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 transmit the rotational power from the power source 2 without slipping. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 have a vertical surface perpendicular to the rotation direction and an inclined surface. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 have a shape in which vertical surfaces and slopes are alternately arranged.

In the connected state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 are smoothly connected to each other on the meshing surfaces 13 and 14. In the separated state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 can freely rotate with each other. As for the clutch 5, only one of the input member 11 and the output member 12 may be movable in the axial direction. The input member 11 and the output member 12 provide at least one meshing position. In this embodiment, the input member 11 and the output member 12 provide a plurality of meshing positions.

The clutch 5 has movable connecting portions 15 and 16. The movable connecting portions 15 and 16 allow the input member 11 or the output member 12 to move in the axial direction and limit the movement in the rotational direction. The movable connecting portions 15 and 16 can be provided by a positioning mechanism by fitting a key and a keyway, or a positioning mechanism by fitting a spline. The clutch 5 may have only the movable connecting portion 15 or the movable connecting portion 16.

The input member 11 has a predetermined play angle with respect to the input shaft in the rotation direction. The play angle is provided by a movable connecting portion 15 that connects the input member 11 and the input shaft. The output member 12 has a predetermined play angle with respect to the output shaft in the rotation direction. The play angle is provided by a movable connecting portion 16 that connects the output member 12 and the output shaft. Only one of the input member 11 and the output member 12 may have a play angle. The play angle allows the input member 11 or the output member 12 to be finely adjusted in the rotational direction at the meshing position. The play angle allows a minute error between the input member 11 and the output member 12, and enables the transition to the separated state or the transition to the connected state. As a result, the clutch 5 allows a minute error at the meshing position and enables bidirectional driving. At least one of the input member 11 and the output member 12 has a play angle that allows an error in the meshing position.

The clutch 5 has a switch 17. The switch 17 switches the clutch 5 between the connected state and the separated state by moving the input member 11 and the output member 12 along the axial direction. The clutch 5 may have a load member that gives an urging force in the meshing direction.

FIG. 1 shows a connected state (ON). The power provided by the power source 2 is shown as the power in the rotation direction R1. The rotation direction R1 is power in the counterclockwise direction. The power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied to the first unit 3a. As a result, the first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4. The power in the rotation direction R1 is also supplied to the clutch 5. In the connected state, the power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied from the input member 11 to the output member 12. As a result, the power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied to the second unit 3b through the clutch 5. As a result, the second unit 3b exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4.

At this time, the calorific value effect of the first unit 3a and the calorific value effect of the second unit 3b can be placed in a thermal series relationship or a thermal parallel relationship. The thermal series relationship provides, for example, a first temperature by the first unit 3a and a second temperature that is higher or lower than the first temperature by the second unit 3b. The thermal parallel relationship provides, for example, a first temperature by the first unit 3a and at the same time a first temperature by the second unit 3b.

FIG. 2 shows a separated state (OFF). The power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied to the first unit 3a. As a result, the first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4. The power in the rotation direction R1 is also supplied to the clutch 5. In the separated state, the power in the rotation direction R1 is not transmitted from the input member 11 to the output member 12.

The first unit 3a is also called a constantly driven basic unit or a directly driven direct unit. The second unit 3b is also referred to as an additional unit that is additionally driven, a unit that is selectively driven, or an indirect unit that is indirectly driven. The power source 2 may provide power in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction R1. In this case, the meshing surfaces 13 and 14 can be provided with slopes inclined in the opposite direction.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a control device 6. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 and the switch 17. The control device 6 in this specification may also be referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The control device or control system is provided by (a) an algorithm as a plurality of 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.

Control devices, signal sources, and controlled objects provide various elements. At least some of those elements can be called blocks, modules, or sections. Moreover, the elements contained in the control system are called functional means only when intentionally.

In FIG. 3, a magnetic heat effect type heat pump device 103 (MHP: Magneto-caloric effect heat pump) as a unit 3 is shown. The MHP device 103 provides a thermomagnetic cycle device. The MHP apparatus 103 can be introduced by reference to Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-185795, Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-8247, and the like. The MHP device 103 includes a magnetic heat quantity effect element 107 (MCE: Magneto-Caloric Effect) as a solid refrigerant 7. The MHP device 103 utilizes the magnetic heat effect of the MCE element 107. The MHP device 103 generates a high temperature end and a low temperature end by the MCE element 107. The MCE element 107 is provided between the high temperature end and the low temperature end.

The MCE element 107 receives an external magnetic field as external energy and exerts a calorific value effect. The MCE element 107 generates heat and endothermic in response to changes in the strength of the external magnetic field. The MCE element 107 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 107 are aligned in the magnetic field direction by applying an external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy decreases and the temperature rises by releasing heat. Further, when the electron spin of the MCE element 107 becomes disordered due to the removal of the external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy increases and the temperature of the MCE element 107 decreases by absorbing heat. The MCE element 107 is made of an MCE material that exhibits a high magnetic calorific value effect in the normal temperature range. The MCE material exhibits properties as a magnetic material in a temperature range in which a high magnetic calorific value effect is exhibited. 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. For the MCE element 107, an MCE material that absorbs heat by applying an external magnetic field and generates heat by removing the external magnetic field may be used.

The MCE element 107 includes a plurality of cascaded partial elements. The MCE element 107 is also called a cascade connection element. The plurality of partial elements exert a magnetic calorific value 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 MCE element 107 is arranged so as to exchange heat with a heat transport medium responsible for heat transport. In other words, the heat transport medium exchanges heat with the MCE element 107. The heat transport medium provides a heat storage element that stores heat and transports heat. The heat transport medium is called the primary medium. The primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil.

The MHP device 103 includes a magnetic field modulation device 108 as an energy modulation device 8 and a heat transport device 109. The magnetic field modulator 108 and the heat transport device 109 cause the MCE element 107 to function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle.

The magnetic field modulator 108 applies a periodically fluctuating magnetic field to the MCE element 107. The MCE element 107 is arranged in a magnetic field and exerts a magnetic heat quantity effect. The magnetic field modulator 108 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 107 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 108 periodically switches between an exciting state in which the MCE element 107 is placed in a strong magnetic field and a degaussing state in which the MCE element 107 is placed in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 108 modulates the external magnetic field so as to periodically repeat the excitation period and the degaussing period. The magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable mechanism that periodically changes the distance between the MCE element 107 and the magnetic field source. The movable mechanism moves either the MCE element 107 or the magnetic force source with respect to the other.

The heat transport device 109 is a device that reciprocally flows a heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element 107 along the MCE element 107. The heat transport device 109 reciprocates the heat transport medium in synchronization with the fluctuation of the magnetic field. The heat transport device 109 causes a relative reciprocating movement between the MCE element 107 and the heat transport medium. The heat transport device 109 may include a pump that pumps the heat transport medium and a valve that controls the flow.

The heat transport device 109 outputs the heat output exerted by the MCE element 107 to the output device 4. The heat transport device 109 may use a secondary medium for heat output to the output device 4. The secondary medium exchanges heat with, for example, the primary medium. One of the output devices 4 utilizes the high temperature obtained at the high temperature end of the MHP device 103. One of the output devices 4 utilizes the low temperature obtained at the low temperature end of the MHP device 103.

In FIG. 4, the MHP device 103 has a plurality of MCE elements 107. The plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged along the rotation direction RD of the rotor 31. The plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged at equal intervals with each other.

The MHP device 103 has a magnetic field modulation device 108. The magnetic field modulator 108 is provided by a rotor 31 as a movable member. The movable member is driven by the power source 2. The rotor 31 has a plurality of permanent magnets 32, a plurality of yokes 33, and a rotation shaft 34. In the rotor 31, the plurality of permanent magnets 32 and the plurality of yokes 33 are arranged in a Halbach array. The rotor 31 provides a plurality of magnetic poles. The rotor 31 keeps the MCE element 107 in an excited state in the exciting angle range AMG. The rotor 31 keeps the MCE element 107 in a non-excited state in the non-excited angle range DMG. The rotor 31 is driven by the power source 2. As a result, the rotor 31 rotates in the rotation direction RD. The rotor 31 provides a rotating magnetic field by moving the magnetic poles in the direction of rotation RD. The rotating magnetic field modulates the external magnetic field applied to the MCE element 107. Therefore, the magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable member (rotor 31) that applies an external magnetic field to the plurality of MCE elements 107 and receives power from the power source 2 to modulate the external magnetic field.

Since the MCE element 107 has magnetism, the rotor 31 is subjected to torque fluctuation due to a magnetic field. As a result, the rotor 31 provides a stable stop position at a position where the magnetic poles face the MCE element 107 directly in front of it. The MCE element 107 and the magnetic field modulator 108 have a plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 in the rotation direction. When the power supply from the power source 2 is cut off, the rotor 31 stops at the stable stop position ST1 and the stable stop position ST2 in the rotation direction. In the illustrated example, the plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees from each other. The rotor 31 provides a plurality of magnetic poles at 180 degree intervals. As a result, the rotor 31 stops at the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 at 90 degree intervals. Therefore, the magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable member (rotor 31) that stops at a stable stop position.

In FIG. 5, the relationship between the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 of the unit 3 and the meshing positions MS1 and MS2 of the clutch 5 is shown. The first unit 3a has a plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2. The second unit 3b has a plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2. The plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 include any one stable stop position ST1 and other adjacent stable stop positions ST2. The plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 are arranged at equal intervals along the rotation direction of the rotors 108a and 108b. The plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 are separated from each other by an angular interval AGS. The angular spacing AGS is 90 degrees.

The clutch 5 has a plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2. The plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2 include any one meshing position MS1 and other adjacent meshing positions MS2. The input member 11 and the output member 12 can smoothly shift in both directions between the completely separated state and the completely connected state at the plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2. The plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2 are arranged at equal intervals along the rotation direction of the rotors 108a and 108b. The plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2 are separated from each other by an angular interval AGM. The angular spacing AGM is 45 degrees.

The first unit 3a and the input member 11 are connected in the same phase. The rotor 108a and the input member 11 are connected in the same phase. Therefore, the input member 11 is interlocked with the first unit 3a. The second unit 3b and the output member 12 are connected in the same phase. The rotor 108b and the output member 12 are connected in the same phase. Therefore, the output member 12 is interlocked with the second unit 3b. In this specification, the phase refers to the phase in the direction of rotation.

In FIG. 5, the plurality of MCE elements 107a and 107b are schematically shown as a cylinder. The MCE element 107a of the first unit 3a and the MCE element 107b of the second unit 3b are positioned at the same angular position along the rotation directions of the rotors 108a and 108b. The MCE element 107a and the MCE element 107b have sizes according to their capabilities. The MCE element 107a and the MCE element 107b are similar. The rotor 108a of the first unit 3a and the rotor 108b of the second unit 3b have the same number of poles. The rotor 108a and the rotor 108b have sizes according to their abilities. The rotor 108a and the rotor 108b are similar. The stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 of the first unit 3a and the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 of the first unit 3a are set in the same phase.

The position of the MCE element 107 with respect to the rotor 31 (movable member) in the first unit 3a and the position of the MCE element 107 with respect to the rotor 31 (movable member) in the second unit are set in a predetermined relationship. .. The predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the stable stop position of the first unit 3a, the stable stop position of the second unit 3b, and the meshing position of the clutch 5 are set to coincide with each other. In other words, the first unit 3a, the second unit 3b, and the clutch 5 are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position coincide with each other.

The angular spacing AGM is 1 / n of the angular spacing AGS (AGM = AGS / n). n is a natural number. The number of plurality of meshing positions is eight. The number of stable stop positions is 4. Therefore, the number of the plurality of meshing positions is equal to or greater than the number of the plurality of stable stop positions. The number of multiple meshing positions is a natural number multiple of the number of multiple stable stop positions.

The MHP device 103 has four MCE elements 107. As a result, the magnetic field modulator 108 has four stable stop positions. The clutch 5 has eight meshing positions. Therefore, the number of meshing positions is larger than the number of stable stop positions. In other words, the number of meshing positions is greater than the number of solid refrigerants 7. Instead of the illustrated example, the MHP device 103 may have two MCE elements 107 and two stable stop positions. Further, the MHP device 103 may have eight MCE elements 107 and eight stable stop positions. Therefore, the number of meshing positions can be set to be equal to or greater than the number of stable stop positions. In other words, the number of meshing positions can be equal to or greater than the number of the solid refrigerant 7.

In the stopped state in which the first unit 3a is not driven by the power source 2, the first unit 3a stops at the stable stop position ST1 or the stable stop position ST2. In the stopped state in which the second unit 3b is not driven by the power source 2, the second unit 3b stops at the stable stop position ST1 or the stable stop position ST2. When both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are in the stopped state, the energy modulation device 8 stops at the stable stop position ST1 or the stable stop position ST2. At this time, both the input member 11 and the output member 12 stop at any of the plurality of meshing positions MS1 and MS2. Therefore, when both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are in the stopped state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 smoothly shift from the completely separated state to the completely connected state. Can be done. On the contrary, when both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are in the stopped state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 smoothly transition from the completely meshed state to the completely separated state. be able to.

As described above, the plurality of units 3 included in the solid refrigerant system 1 are positioned at the stable stop position at the meshing position of the clutch 5. In other words, the clutch 5 is positioned at the meshing position at the stable stop position of the plurality of units 3.

In FIG. 6, the control process 160 executed by the control device 6 is shown. The control device 6 selects the operation mode in step 161. Step 161 is performed in the early stages of activating the solid refrigerant system 1. Here, it is executed before the power source 2 supplies power. The operation mode is selected depending on whether the clutch 5 is in the engaged state or the separated state. The connected state corresponds to, for example, a transient operation state in which the heat load is large at the initial stage of the start of operation. The separated state corresponds to, for example, a steady operation state in which the heat load is small after the operation is continued. When the clutch 5 is switched to the engaged state, the process branches to YES. When the clutch 5 is switched to the separated state, the process branches to NO.

In step 162, the clutch 5 executes automatic phase adjustment to enable smooth switching. The automatic phase adjustment is performed in both the switching from the connected state to the separated state and the switching from the separated state to the connected state. The automatic phase adjustment provides significant smoothness in switching from the separated state to the connected state. Automatic phase adjustment is provided due to the configuration of the two units 3a and 3b. When both of the two units 3a and 3b are in a stopped state in which the power supply from the power source 2 is cut off, both of the two units 3a and 3b stop at the stable stop position. As a result, the input member 11 and the output member 12 are automatically positioned at the meshing positions. As a result, smooth switching is performed by operating the switch 17 when both of the two units 3a and 3b are in the stopped state. The automatic phase adjustment in the clutch 5 is not executed by the control by the control device 6. The automatic phase adjustment is automatically performed due to the configuration of the two units 3a and 3b.

The control device 6 executes step 163 in order to ensure the automatic phase adjustment in step 162. In step 163, the control device 6 confirms that both of the two units 3a and 3b are in the stopped state. In other words, the control device 6 waits until both of the two units 3a and 3b are stopped. As a result, both of the two units 3a and 3b are positioned in the stopped state. That is, the clutch 5 is positioned at any of a plurality of meshing positions.

The control device 6 controls the clutch 5 to the engaged state (ON) by controlling the switch 17 in step 164. At this time, since both of the two units 3a and 3b are in the stopped state, the movable member (rotor 31) of the energy modulation device 8 is positioned at the stable stop position. The input member 11 and the output member 12 are positioned at the meshing position. As a result, the clutch 5 can smoothly shift from the separated state to the connected state by the switch 17. At this time, even if there is an error in the meshing position, the play angles provided by the movable connecting portions 15 and 16 enable a smooth transition.

The control device 6 executes the operation control in the connected state in step 165. In step 165, the solid refrigerant system 1 is operated so as to supply thermal output to the output device 4 by operating both of the two units 3a and 3b. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 so as to provide a relatively large torque for operating both of the two units 3a and 3b.

The control device 6 controls the clutch 5 to the separated state (OFF) by controlling the switch 17 in step 166. The control device 6 executes the operation control in the separated state in step 167. In step 167, the solid refrigerant system 1 is operated so as to supply thermal output to the output device 4 by operating only the first unit 3a. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 so as to provide a relatively small torque for operating only the first unit 3a.

In this embodiment, a method of operating a solid refrigerant system is provided. The operating method includes a first operating step of transmitting power from the power source 2 to the first unit 3a and transmitting power from the power source 2 to the second unit 3b via a meshing clutch 5. The first operation step is provided by step 165. The clutch 5 transmits power from the power source 2 by engaging the input member 11 and the output member 12 at the meshing positions MS1 and MS2. The operation method includes a second operation step in which power is transmitted from the power source 2 to the first unit 3a and the power is cut off from the power source 2 to the second unit 3b by the clutch 5. The second operation step is provided by step 167. Further, the operation method includes a switching step of switching from the second operation step to the first operation step. Switching steps are provided by steps 162, 163, 164.

The switching step includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step. In the first step, the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are stopped at the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2. In the second step, the input member 11 is positioned at the meshing position when the first unit 3a is in the stable stop position by interlocking the first unit 3a with the input member 11. In the third step, the output member 12 is positioned at the meshing position when the second unit 3b is in the stable stop position by interlocking the second unit 3b with the output member 12. In the fourth step, after the second step and the third step, the input member 11 and the output member 12 are meshed with each other. The fourth step is provided by step 164. The first step stops the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b at the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 by cutting off the power supply from the power source 2 to the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b. ..

In FIG. 7, the heat quantity effect capacity Q2 exerted by the second unit 3b is set to be larger than the heat quantity effect capacity Q1 exerted by the first unit 3a (Q2> Q1). This configuration provides two modes of operation. In the first mode, only the first unit 3a is operated. The first mode is called a low output mode or a steady mode. In the second mode, both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are operated. The second mode is called a high output mode or a transient mode.

In FIG. 8, the thermal output Q (W) provided by the plurality of operating modes is illustrated. The rotation speed REV (rpm) of the power source 2 can be adjusted in a variable range between the first rotation speed REV1 and the second rotation speed REV2. The second rotation speed REV2 is the maximum rotation speed.

The first unit 3a provides the capacity Q1 at an arbitrary rotation speed. In the first mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides the capacity Qs at the second revolution REV2. The capacity Qs can be used, for example, for steady output such that stable temperature maintenance is performed.

The second unit 3b provides the capability Q2 at any number of revolutions. The ability Q2 is larger than the ability Q1 (Q2> Q1). In the second mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides the capacity Qd1 at the second revolution REV2. The ability Qd1 is greater than twice the ability Qs. Since the capacity Qd1 is larger than the capacity Qs, it can be used for a high load output, for example. Further, since the capacity Qd1 is larger than twice the capacity Qs, it can be used for a transient output such as during a cool-down or a warm-up. In this embodiment, two stages of capacity switching are provided. The capacity Q1 + Q2 in the second stage operation mode brings about a dramatic increase exceeding the proportional increase with respect to the capacity Q1 in the first stage operation mode.

The capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 are set according to the use of the solid refrigerant system 1. The capacities Q1 and Q2 are set so as to be able to meet the heat load assumed for the application of the solid refrigerant system 1. The capacity Q1 is set so that it can be easily used at a steady state when the temperature of the controlled object is stable in the vicinity of the target temperature. The capacity Q2 is set so that it can be easily used as the sum of the capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 at the time when the temperature to be controlled is away from the target temperature and changes toward the target temperature. The absolute values of the capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 are such that the efficiency of the solid refrigerant system 1 is suitable for long-term operation in the steady state, and the solid refrigerant system 1 can respond to the heat load in the transient time. Is set up.

The capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set according to the amount of the solid refrigerant 7. The capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set by the energy intensity given by the energy modulation device 8. In the case of the MHP device 103, the capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set by the weight of the MCE element 107 or the magnetic flux density supplied by the magnetic field modulation device 108. The magnetic flux density supplied by the magnetic field modulator 108 can be set by the weight of the permanent magnet 32. Therefore, the weight of the MCE element 107 or the weight of the permanent magnet is set so as to be able to supply the capacities Q1 and Q2 that can cope with the heat load assumed for the use of the solid refrigerant system 1.

According to this embodiment, since the meshing type clutch 5 can be used for the solid refrigerant system, slippage or phase shift in torque transmission can be suppressed. Moreover, the plurality of units 3a and 3b have a characteristic of stopping at the stable stop position, and the clutch 5 adjusts the phase with respect to the plurality of units 3a and 3b so as to provide the meshing position at the stable stop position. Has been done. Therefore, smooth meshing is possible even when the meshing type clutch 5 is used.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the ability Q1 is smaller than the ability Q2 (Q2> Q1). Instead, the ability Q1 can be set to be equal to or approximately equal to the ability Q2 (Q2 = Q1).

In FIG. 9, the heat quantity effect capacity Q2 exerted by the second unit 3b is set to be equal to the heat quantity effect capacity Q1 exerted by the first unit 3a (Q2 = Q1).

In FIG. 10, the thermal output Q (W) provided by the plurality of operating modes is illustrated. This embodiment also provides two stages of capacity switching. In the first mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides a capacity Q1 and a maximum capacity Qs. In the second mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides capacity Q1 + Q2, with a maximum capacity Qd2. The capacity Q1 + Q2 in the second stage operation mode brings about a proportional increase with respect to the capacity Q1 in the first stage operation mode. As a result, in this embodiment, the capacity and the power consumption increase proportionally. Moreover, the decrease in efficiency is suppressed to a proportional decrease.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the clutch 5 has triangular wavy meshing surfaces 13 and 14. Instead, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the clutch 5 has rectangular wavy meshing surfaces 313,314. The rectangular wavy meshing surfaces 313 and 314 alternately have vertical surfaces perpendicular to the rotation direction and parallel surfaces parallel to the rotation direction. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the clutch 5 has triangular wavy meshing surfaces 13 and 14, or rectangular wavy meshing surfaces 313 and 314. Instead, in this embodiment, the clutch 5 has trapezoidal wavy meshing surfaces 413 and 414, as illustrated in FIG. The trapezoidal wavy meshing surfaces 413 and 414 alternately have inclined surfaces inclined in the rotation direction and parallel surfaces parallel to the rotation direction. The inclined surface is set so as not to be released from the connected state to the separated state by the torque for driving the second unit 3b. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the power source 2, the first unit 3a, the clutch 5, and the second unit 3b are arranged in series both mechanically and in the order of power transmission. Alternatively, the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b may be arranged in parallel with the power source 2.

As shown in FIG. 13, the clutch 5 has a power transmission mechanism 518. The power transmission mechanism 518 makes it possible to arrange the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b in parallel. The power transmission mechanism 518 can be provided by a belt mechanism, a gear train, or the like. The first unit 3a is directly driven by the power source 2. The second unit 3b is indirectly driven from the power source 2 via the clutch 5. When the first unit 3a stops at the stable stop position, the input member 11 is positioned at the meshing position. When the second unit 3b stops at the stable stop position, the output member 12 is positioned at the meshing position. Therefore, even in this configuration, the first unit 3a, the second unit 3b, and the clutch 5 are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position coincide with each other. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the unit 3 utilizes the magnetic heat quantity effect. Instead, in this embodiment, the unit 3 utilizes the electrocaloric effect.

In FIG. 14, the unit 3 is provided by an electrocaloric effect heat pump device 603. The unit 3 includes an electric calorific value effect element 607 as a solid refrigerant 7. As the electric calorific value effect element 607, an element that controls the electric dipole moment by an external electric field is known. The electrocaloric effect element 607 can be provided by, for example, ceramics or a resin material. The unit 3 includes an electric field modulation device 608 as an energy modulation device 8. The electric field modulator 608 modulates the strength of the electric field applied to the electrocaloric effect element 607.

The unit 3 includes a heat transport device 609 driven by a power source 2. The heat transport device 609 may provide heat transfer by moving the electric heat quantity effect element 607 by the power supplied from the power source 2. The heat transport device 609 generates a flow of the heat transport medium by the power supplied from the power source 2, exchanges heat between the heat transport medium and the electric heat quantity effect element 607, and moves the heat transport medium to transfer heat. May be provided. In either case, the unit 3 stops at the stable stop position due to the torque fluctuation of the consumed power.

Also in this embodiment, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. Then, the first unit 3a, the second unit 3b, and the clutch 5 are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position coincide with each other. As a result, since the meshing type clutch 5 can be used for the solid refrigerant system 1, slippage or phase shift in torque transmission can be suppressed. Moreover, the plurality of units 3a and 3b have a characteristic of stopping at the stable stop position, and the clutch 5 adjusts the phase with respect to the plurality of units 3a and 3b so as to provide the meshing position at the stable stop position. Has been done. Therefore, smooth meshing is possible even when the meshing type clutch 5 is used.

Other Embodiments The disclosure in this specification, drawings and the like is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. Disclosures include 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. Disclosures include those in which the parts and / or elements of the embodiment are omitted. Disclosures include the 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 description, 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.

In the above embodiment, the power source 2 and the first unit 3a are directly connected, and the clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b. Alternatively, a clutch may be arranged between the power source 2 and the first unit 3a. The first unit 3a provides a direct unit driven directly, but does not deny the existence of a clutch. The terms direct and indirect are relative and mean that the first unit 3a is more commonly used than the second unit 3b.

In the above embodiment, the power source 2 and the first unit 3a are directly connected, and the clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b to realize two-step capacity switching. .. Instead of this, by arranging the clutch 5 between more units 3 and the power source 2, it is possible to realize multi-step capacity switching such as 3 steps, 4 steps, and 5 steps. In any configuration, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes at least a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b.

1 solid refrigerant system, 2 power source, 3, 3a, 3b units,
4 output devices, 5 clutches, 6 control devices,
7,7a, 7b solid refrigerant, 8,8a, 8b energy modulator,
9, 9a, 9b heat transport device, 11 input members, 12 output members,
13, 14 meshing surface, 15, 16 movable connecting part, 17 switch,
31 rotor, 32 permanent magnet, 33 yoke, 34 rotating shaft,
103 Magnetic heat effect type heat pump device, 107 Magnetic heat effect element,
108 magnetic field modulator, 109 heat transport device, Q1, Q2 capability,
ST1, ST2 stable stop position, MS1, MS2 meshing position,
R1 direction of rotation,
203a, 203b unit,
313, 314 meshing surface,
413, 414 meshing surface,
518 Power transmission mechanism,
603 Electric heat effect type heat pump device, 607 Electric heat effect element,
608 electric field modulator, 609 heat transport device.

Claims (10)

The first unit (3a) and the second unit (3a), which exert a heat effect by modulating the external energy and stop at the stable stop positions (ST1, ST2) when the power supply from the power source (2) is cut off. Unit (3b) and
An input member (11) interlocking with the first unit and an output member (12) interlocking with the second unit are provided, and the input member and the output member mesh with each other at the meshing positions (MS1, MS2). It is equipped with a meshing type clutch (5) that transmits power from the power source.
A solid refrigerant system in which the first unit, the second unit, and the clutch are associated so that the stable stop position and the meshing position coincide with each other. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the input member and the output member has a movable connecting portion (15, 16) having a play angle that allows an error at the meshing position. The first unit and the second unit have a plurality of the stable stop positions.
The clutch has a plurality of the meshing positions and has a plurality of such meshing positions.
The solid refrigerant system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of the plurality of meshing positions is equal to or greater than the number of the plurality of stable stop positions. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 3, wherein the number of the plurality of meshing positions is a natural number multiple of the number of the plurality of stable stop positions. The ability of the calorific value effect exerted by the first unit (Q1) and the ability of the calorific value effect exerted by the second unit (Q2) are claimed 1 to 4 which are set according to the application. The solid refrigerant system according to any of the above. The first unit is directly connected to the power source and is connected to the power source.
The second unit is indirectly connected to the power source via the clutch.
Claims 1 to 5 in which the calorific value effect capacity (Q2) exerted by the second unit is set to be larger (Q2> Q1) than the calorific value effect capacity (Q1) exerted by the first unit. The solid refrigerant system according to any of the above. The first unit is directly connected to the power source and is connected to the power source.
The second unit is indirectly connected to the power source via the clutch.
Claims 1 to 5 in which the calorific value effect capacity (Q2) exerted by the second unit is set to be equal to (Q2 = Q1) the calorific value effect capacity (Q1) exerted by the first unit. The solid refrigerant system according to any of the above. Each of the first unit and the second unit
A plurality of magnetic heat quantity effect elements (107) that exert a heat quantity effect by receiving an external magnetic field as the external energy, and
A magnetic field modulator (108) including a movable member (31) that applies the external magnetic field to the plurality of the magnetic heat quantity effect elements, receives power from the power source to modulate the external magnetic field, and stops at the stable stop position. ) And
The magnetic heat quantity effect element with respect to the movable member in the first unit so that the stable stop position of the first unit, the stable stop position of the second unit, and the meshing position coincide with each other. The solid refrigerant system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the position and the position of the magnetic heat quantity effect element with respect to the movable member in the second unit are set. Power is transmitted from the power source (2) to the first unit (3a), and the input member (11) and the output member (12) at the meshing positions (MS1, MS2) are transmitted from the power source to the second unit (3b). The first operation step (165) to transmit the power via the meshing type clutch (5) that transmits the power from the power source by meshing with the power source.
A second operation step (167) in which power is transmitted from the power source to the first unit and power is cut off from the power source to the second unit by the clutch.
Including a switching step (162, 163, 164) for switching from the second operation step to the first operation step.
The switching step is
The first step of stopping the first unit and the second unit at stable stop positions (ST1, ST2), and
A second step of positioning the input member in the meshing position when the first unit is in the stable stop position by interlocking the first unit and the input member.
A third step of positioning the output member in the meshing position when the second unit is in the stable stop position by interlocking the second unit and the output member.
A method of operating a solid refrigerant system, comprising the second step and the fourth step (164) of engaging the input member and the output member after the third step. The method of operating a solid refrigerant system according to claim 9, wherein the first step includes cutting off the power supply from the power source to the first unit and the second unit.

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