Magnetic bearing device

Abstract

Magnetic bearing device (10; 20; 60), comprising a first bearing component (1) with a first magnet arrangement (3) and a second bearing component (2) with a second magnet arrangement (4), which is arranged relative to the first magnet arrangement (3) such that a magnetic repulsion force acting in a repulsion direction (y) is provided between the two magnet arrangements (3, 4), thereby causing a separation of the two bearing components (1, 2) from each other, further comprising a stabilizing device (5) which provides a force-transmitting coupling with the first bearing component (1) and with the second bearing component (2) respectively, such that the second bearing component (2) is stabilized relative to the first bearing component (1) in at least one stabilization direction (x) different from the repulsion direction (y), wherein the stabilizing device (5) comprises a superconductor arrangement (6), characterized in thatthat both force-transmitting couplings are based on a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement (6) and the respective magnet arrangement (3, 4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a magnetic bearing device comprising a first bearing component with a first magnet arrangement and a second bearing component with a second magnet arrangement, which is arranged relative to the first magnet arrangement such that a magnetic repulsion force acting in a repulsion direction is provided between the two magnet arrangements, thereby causing a separation of the two bearing components from each other, further comprising a stabilizing device which provides a force-transmitting coupling with the first bearing component and / or with the second bearing component, such that the second bearing component is stabilized relative to the first bearing component in at least one stabilization direction different from the repulsion direction.

[0002] Such a magnetic bearing device, in which two mutually repelling magnet arrangements ensure a distance between the bearing components, is known in principle from the prior art. Permanent magnets or electromagnets, which generate static magnetic fields, are used for the magnet arrangements. Due to the fact that stable equilibrium positions cannot be created with static magnetic fields, a magnetic bearing device additionally requires a stabilizing device to stabilize the two bearing components relative to each other.

[0003] Conventionally, an active control system with a regulated electromagnet serves as a stabilizing device. The stability of the two bearing components relative to each other is ensured by suitable feedback and electronic control. However, this conventional stabilizing device is quite complex and expensive.

[0004] Alternatively, one of the magnet arrays can be replaced by a superconductor array, and the superconductor array can be conditioned to establish the flux-pinning effect between the superconductor array and the remaining magnet array. The flux-pinning effect defines a stable positional relationship between the superconductor array and the magnet array, so that the resulting bearing device is inherently stable and requires no additional stabilization.

[0005] A disadvantage of this approach, however, is that the force underlying the spacing of the superconductor arrangement from the magnet arrangement is significantly lower than the repulsive force achievable between two magnet arrangements with the aforementioned magnetic bearing device. Consequently, this approach can only be used to create bearings that exhibit a significantly reduced load-bearing capacity and / or a significantly reduced stiffness compared to the aforementioned magnetic bearing device.

[0006] DE 10 2010 004 904 A1 describes a radial bearing arrangement for a shaft on a housing using permanent magnets. An auxiliary bearing with a superconductor is provided to absorb axial forces. The permanent magnets are oriented in the same direction.

[0007] US patent 5,342,825 A relates to a bearing system in which a shaft is radially supported by an interaction between permanent magnets. A superconductor is provided to hold the shaft in its position.

[0008] JP H05-272 539 A describes a bearing device with a moving part containing superconducting material and a permanent magnet. The moving part is mounted opposite a stator with a permanent magnet. A repulsion exists between the superconducting material and the permanent magnet due to the Meissner effect.

[0009] DE 196 43 844 C1 describes a magnetic bearing with a cryostat in whose outer end wall a ring-shaped superconductor is embedded.

[0010] One object of the invention is to modify the aforementioned magnetic bearing device in such a way as to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages; i.e., that neither a complex active control is required, nor is a significant reduction in the repulsive force or load-bearing capacity necessary to ensure the stabilization of the two bearing components relative to each other.

[0011] This problem is solved by a magnetic bearing device according to claim 1. The stabilizing device comprises a superconductor arrangement, and both force-transmitting couplings are based on a flux-pinning effect between a respective magnet arrangement and the superconductor arrangement.

[0012] Thus, both force-transmitting couplings are based on a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement and the respective magnet arrangement. In this way, the two bearing components and the stabilizing device can be arranged in a way that is, in particular, contactless with each other.

[0013] In the magnetic bearing device according to the invention, stabilization between the two bearing components is not achieved by electronic control, but instead by the use of magnetic interaction, in particular the flux-pinning effect. In contrast to conventional bearing devices that utilize the flux-pinning effect, one of the magnet arrangements is not replaced by a superconductor arrangement; instead, both magnet arrangements are retained to achieve the highest possible repulsive force or load-bearing capacity between the bearing components. The superconductor arrangement is then provided in addition to the two magnet arrangements and is responsible for stabilization between them.

[0014] The use of superconductor arrangements for stabilization eliminates the need for complex and costly active control. By retaining the magnet arrangements to provide the repulsive force, the highest possible repulsive force and / or bearing stiffness is achieved.

[0015] The repulsive force based on the repulsion of the magnetic arrangements can expediently bear the main load of the magnetic bearing device, while the coupling based on the magnetic interaction, in particular the flux-pinning effect, preferably serves only to stabilize or guide one or both of the bearing components.

[0016] The flux pinning effect, used to stabilize the magnet arrays, is also known as the flux anchoring effect. To utilize the flux pinning effect, a magnetic field line pattern from a magnetic field penetrating the superconductor array is imprinted or stored within it. This imprinting occurs when the superconductor array is exposed to the magnetic field and then cooled below its transition temperature. For example, this could be the magnetic field of the first magnet array and / or the second magnet array. The magnet array coupled to the superconductor array then assumes the preferred position relative to the superconductor array where the magnetic field line pattern of the magnet array coincides with, or exhibits the same orientation as, the imprinted magnetic field line pattern.As long as the superconductor arrangement is kept below its transition temperature, the coupled magnet arrangement tends to maintain the alignment between its magnetic field line pattern and the pattern of the impressed magnetic field line pattern or flux tubes of the superconductor arrangement.

[0017] Superconductors of the second type, such as high-temperature ceramic superconductors, are particularly suitable for utilizing the flux-pinning effect. Examples of such superconductors include YBaCuO (yttrium barium copper oxide) and BiSrCaCuO (bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide).

[0018] For example, a cryostat or other cooling device can be provided to cool the superconductor assembly to or below the transition temperature.

[0019] As an alternative to the variant discussed above, in which a magnetic field line pattern is impressed into the superconductor, it is also possible to implement zero-field cooling. In this case, the flux-pinning effect is not used as the magnetic interaction to provide one of the force-transmitting couplings. Instead, the Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect, for example, can be used as the magnetic interaction.

[0020] Furthermore, a magnetic storage device according to claim 2 is provided.

[0021] Further developments of the magnetic bearing device are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0022] As an alternative to the aforementioned configuration, one of the force-transmitting couplings is based on a mechanical coupling between the stabilizing device and one of the bearing components. According to this variant, the stabilizing device is mechanically connected to one of the bearing components, for example via a connecting element, and coupled to the other bearing component via the flux-pinning effect.

[0023] Preferably, the magnetic bearing device is designed such that a stiffening force is provided to counteract the repulsive force. This stiffening force can be provided by the stabilizing device or in addition to the stabilizing forces provided by the stabilizing device. The stiffening force compresses the magnetic fields of the two magnet arrangements. This offers the advantage of increased bearing stiffness as well as the advantage of magnetic fields extending further in a direction perpendicular to the repulsive direction. These extended magnetic fields improve the force-transmitting coupling between the magnet arrangement and the superconductor arrangement, which is based on the flux-pinning effect.

[0024] The magnetic bearing device is designed in particular as a fixed bearing, linear bearing or rotary bearing.

[0025] Preferably, the magnetic bearing device is designed as a rotary bearing. The magnet arrangements are expediently designed as ring magnets. The superconductor arrangement comprises, in particular, a rod-shaped superconductor engaging the ring magnets and / or a superconductor arranged outside the ring magnets. Especially when the superconductor arrangement is mechanically connected to one of the bearing components, a very rigid rotary bearing can be provided in this way, in which the superconductor arrangement is subjected to only minimal stress.

[0026] Advantageously, the magnetic bearing device is designed as a linear bearing. Preferably, the first magnetic arrangement has first magnetic rails and the second magnetic arrangement has second magnetic rails. Advantageously, the first magnetic rails are arranged opposite the second magnetic rails in the repulsive direction. The superconductor arrangement lies at least partially within a space defined by the first and second magnetic rails. Alternatively or additionally, the superconductor arrangement can also lie outside the space defined by the first and second magnetic rails. Preferably, the superconductor arrangement comprises a superconductor which, due to a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor and the magnetic rails, is held in a state of suspension relative to the first and second bearing components.In this way, stresses that would occur with a mechanically supported superconductor arrangement can be avoided.

[0027] Advantageously, the magnetic bearing device includes a cryostat mechanically coupled to one of the bearing components. Preferably, the superconductor is housed in the cryostat.

[0028] Preferably, the first magnetic arrangement comprises a first magnetic field source and the second magnetic arrangement comprises a second magnetic field source. Advantageously, the magnetic field sources are arranged with their pole directions parallel or antiparallel to each other. A parallel arrangement is understood to mean, in particular, an arrangement in which the pole directions are aligned parallel to each other and like poles of the magnetic field sources are opposite each other, so that a repulsive force exists between the two magnetic field sources. With a parallel alignment of the pole directions, particularly long-range magnetic fields can be achieved. These improve the coupling between the superconductor arrangement and the magnetic arrangement.An antiparallel arrangement is understood to mean, in particular, an arrangement in which the polar directions are antiparallel to each other and like poles of the magnetic field sources are opposite each other, so that a repulsive force exists between the two magnetic field sources. Such an antiparallel arrangement is also referred to as an "opposite" arrangement. With an opposite polar direction, the greatest possible repulsive force or lifting capacity can be achieved.

[0029] Advantageously, the superconductor assembly is arranged such that it is not located between the first and second magnetic field sources. This prevents any weakening of the repulsive force or carrying capacity between the two magnetic field sources caused by the superconductor assembly.

[0030] Preferably, at least one of the magnetic field sources serves both to provide the repulsive force between the two magnet arrangements and to provide the flux-pinning effect between one of the magnet arrangements and the superconductor arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that one of the magnet arrangements comprises a third magnetic field source that serves only to provide the magnetic interaction between one of the magnet arrangements and the superconductor arrangement.

[0031] The following are examples of implementation with reference to the drawing. This shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a magnetic storage device 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0033] The magnetic bearing device 10 comprises a first bearing component 1 with a first magnet arrangement 3. The magnetic bearing device 10 further comprises a second bearing component 2 with a second magnet arrangement 4. The second magnet arrangement 4 is arranged relative to the first magnet arrangement 3 such that a magnetic repulsion force acting in a repulsive direction y is provided between the two magnet arrangements 3, 4. The repulsion force y causes the two bearing components 1, 2 to be spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The magnetic bearing device 10 further comprises a stabilizing device 5. The stabilizing device 5 provides a first force-transmitting coupling with the first bearing component 1. The stabilizing device 5 further provides a second force-transmitting coupling with the second bearing component 2. Through the force-transmitting couplings, the second bearing component 2 is stabilized relative to the first bearing component 1 in at least one stabilization direction x other than the repulsion direction y.

[0035] The stabilization device 5 comprises a superconductor arrangement 6. At least one of the force-transmitting couplings is based on a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement 6 and one of the magnet arrangements 3, 4.

[0036] By using the superconductor arrangement 5 to stabilize the two magnet arrangements 3, 4 relative to each other, a complex and costly active control system can be dispensed with. At the same time, the use of the magnet arrangements 3, 4 to provide the repulsive force ensures the highest possible repulsive force, spacing of the bearing components 1, 2, and / or stiffness of the magnetic bearing device 10.

[0037] The repulsion force is oriented vertically as an example. This repulsion force acts primarily as a load-bearing force that the second bearing component 2 carries relative to the first bearing component 1.

[0038] The stabilization direction x is oriented horizontally for illustrative purposes. The stabilization of the two bearing components 1, 2 relative to each other by means of the stabilizing device 5 is achieved in particular by the fact that the force-transmitting couplings provide stabilizing forces that counteract any relative movement between the two bearing components 1, 2 in the stabilization direction x. In this way, a fixed relative positional relationship between the two bearing components 1, 2 in the stabilization direction x is defined.

[0039] In the Fig. Figures 2 to 6 show the magnetic bearing devices 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. These also include the features of the magnetic bearing device 10 discussed above.

[0040] The following are based on the data in the Fig. The exemplary embodiments of the individual components shown in Figures 1 to 6 are explained in more detail.

[0041] Both force-transmitting couplings are based on the flux-pinning effect. This is the case, for example, with the couplings in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. This is the case in the embodiments shown in Figure 6. A force-transmitting coupling based on the flux-pinning effect exists both between the superconductor arrangement 6 and the first magnet arrangement 3, and between the superconductor arrangement 6 and the second magnet arrangement 4. Advantageously, the superconductor arrangement 6 thus holds both magnet arrangements 3 and 4 at a defined distance from the superconductor arrangement 6 and from each other.

[0042] Alternatively, it is also possible that one of the force-transmitting couplings is based on a mechanical coupling between the stabilizing device 5 and one of the bearing components 1, 2. This is the case, for example, in the embodiments of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. In this case, the field of the magnetic arrangement 3 of the mechanically coupled bearing component 1 does not have to penetrate the superconductor arrangement 6, but can do so if necessary.

[0043] By appropriately designing the force-transmitting couplings between the stabilizing device 5 and the bearing components 1, 2, it is generally possible to determine which type of bearing is provided. In particular, a linear bearing, a fixed bearing, or a rotary bearing can be provided. Preferably, the magnetic bearing devices 10, 20, 30, 50, 60 are designed as linear bearings or fixed bearings. The magnetic bearing device 40 is designed as an example of a rotary bearing or fixed bearing.

[0044] In a linear bearing configuration, the second bearing component 2 is movable relative to the first bearing component 1 along a displacement path. In the exemplary embodiment, the displacement path runs as follows: Fig. 1. For example, perpendicular to the drawing plane. As an example, the displacement path runs perpendicular to the stabilization direction x and the repulsion direction y. The stabilization direction x, in turn, runs perpendicular to the repulsion direction y.

[0045] To provide such a linear bearing, for example, one of the force-transmitting couplings can provide a fixed bearing between one of the bearing components 1, 2 and the stabilizing device 5, and the other force-transmitting coupling can provide a linear bearing between one of the bearing components 1, 2 and the stabilizing device 5. Alternatively, each of the force-transmitting couplings can provide a linear bearing.

[0046] If the force-transmitting coupling in question is based on the flux-pinning effect, the linear bearing can be provided by ensuring that the magnetic line pattern impressed into the superconductor arrangement 6 is constant in the direction of the displacement path and is not constant at least in the stabilization direction x.

[0047] The fixed bearing can be provided by means of the flux pinning effect by ensuring that the magnetic line pattern imprinted in the superconductor arrangement 6 is inhomogeneous in all directions.

[0048] Advantageously, the force-transmitting coupling between the stabilizing device 5 and the first bearing component 1 provides a linear support for the first bearing component 1 relative to the stabilizing device 5, and the force-transmitting coupling between the stabilizing device 5 and the second bearing component 2 provides a fixed support for the second bearing component 2 relative to the stabilizing device 5. Alternatively, there can also be a linear support between the stabilizing device 5 and the first bearing component 1 and a fixed support between the stabilizing device 5 and the second bearing component 2.

[0049] Advantageously, the first bearing component 1 can extend further in the direction of the displacement path than the second bearing component 2. In particular, the first bearing component 1 extends over the entire displacement path. In this way, the repulsive force can be provided over the entire displacement path, regardless of the position of the second bearing component 2.

[0050] In the aforementioned design as a fixed bearing, the two force-transmitting couplings are preferably designed as fixed bearings.

[0051] For example, the magnetic bearing devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 are designed such that a stiffening force is provided which counteracts the repulsive force. This stiffening force is, for instance, a force that is provided in addition to the couplings or forces generated by the superconductor arrangement 6.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiments, the stiffening force comprises the weight force acting on the second bearing component 2. The stiffening force is provided, for example, by aligning the magnet arrangements 3, 4 such that the repulsion direction is vertical. The stiffening force acting on the upper bearing component, or second bearing component 2, is then a weight force that is oriented opposite to the repulsion force.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, an additional magnetic device and / or a mechanical device may be present to provide the stiffening force.

[0054] Furthermore, it is possible to design one or both of the force-transmitting couplings based on the flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement 6 and the magnet arrangements 3, 4 such that a force component oriented opposite to the repulsive force is provided, which can then serve as a stiffening force or contribute to the stiffening force. For this purpose, the bearing component 2 can, for example, be subjected to a preload force before the flux-pinning effect is provided or before the magnetic line profile is imprinted into the superconductor arrangement 5, so that it is pressed or moved towards the first bearing component 1 against the repulsive force. In this state, the magnetic line profile can then be imprinted. After imprinting, the preload force can be removed. The force-transmitting coupling based on the flux-pinning effect then provides a stiffening force acting against the repulsive force.

[0055] Applying the preload force reduces the distance between the two magnet arrangements 3 and 4. This leads to a compression of the magnetic fields between the two magnet arrangements 3 and 4. In this way, higher bearing stiffness can be achieved. Furthermore, the magnetic fields can be extended further towards the superconductor arrangement 6, thereby improving stabilization.

[0056] The magnetic arrangements 3, 4 provide, in particular, static magnetic fields. For this purpose, each magnetic arrangement 3, 4 comprises at least one magnetic field source 13, 14, 15. The magnetic field sources 13, 14, 15 are, for example, each configured as a permanent magnet or as an electromagnet. One, several, or all of the permanent magnets are preferably made of ferrimagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. In the case of a magnetic field source configured as an electromagnet, a superconducting coil can be used, in particular, to provide especially high magnetic field strengths.

[0057] In this context, a magnetic field source is defined in particular as a component that provides a spatially continuous magnetic field. Advantageously, a magnetic field source provides a magnetic field with a single principal direction or pole direction. Each magnetic arrangement 3, 4 can comprise one or more magnetic field sources 13, 14, 15.

[0058] Preferably, the first magnet arrangement 3 comprises a first magnetic field source 13 and the second magnet arrangement 4 comprises a second magnetic field source 14, as shown in the Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show the magnetic field sources 13 and 14 arranged opposite each other in the direction of repulsion. Advantageously, the magnetic field sources 13 and 14 are aligned with their pole directions opposite to each other. In particular, the magnetic field sources 13 and 14 are aligned with their pole directions parallel and / or antiparallel to the direction of repulsion y. Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows such an alignment of the magnetic field sources 13, 14. Alternatively, the magnetic field sources 13, 14 can also be aligned parallel to each other with their pole directions. In this case, the magnetic field sources 13, 14 are aligned with their pole directions, in particular perpendicular to the repulsion direction y. Fig. 2 and Fig. Four illustrate this case.

[0059] Advantageously, the superconductor arrangement 6 is arranged such that it is not located between the first magnetic field source 13 and the second magnetic field source 14. In particular, the superconductor arrangement 6 is not arranged between the first magnetic field source 13 and the second magnetic field source 14 in the repulsion direction y. Advantageously, the superconductor arrangement is also not arranged between the first magnet arrangement 3 and the second magnet arrangement 4 in the repulsion direction y.

[0060] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, there is a gap between the first magnet arrangement 3 and the second magnet arrangement 4. The superconductor arrangement 5 can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the magnet arrangements 3 and 4 in the stabilization direction x, as shown in the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown.

[0061] The magnetic field sources 13, 14 can each fulfill a dual function. Thus, each of the magnetic field sources 13, 14 can serve both to provide the repulsive force between the two magnet arrangements 3, 4 and to provide the flux-pinning effect between the respective magnet arrangement 3, 4 and the superconductor arrangement 6. This is the case, for example, in the embodiments of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Case 6.

[0062] Alternatively, it is also possible that one of the magnetic field sources 13, 14 is only responsible for providing the repulsive force. This is the case, for example, if the associated bearing component 1, 2 is mechanically coupled to the stabilizing device 5. This is particularly true in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the case where the first bearing component 1 is mechanically coupled to the stabilizing device 5, so that the first magnetic field source 13 is only responsible for providing the repulsive force, but not for providing a coupling based on the flux-pinning effect.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible that one of the magnet arrangements 3, 4 includes a third magnetic field source 15, which serves only to provide the flux-pinning effect between one of the magnet arrangements 3, 4 and the superconductor arrangement 6. In particular, the third magnetic field source 15 does not serve to provide the repulsive force. Fig. Figure 3 shows this case - here the second magnet arrangement 4 includes the third magnetic field source 15, which is only responsible for the coupling with the superconductor arrangement 6 based on the flux-pinning effect.

[0064] The following are the items listed in the Fig. Magnetic storage devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 shown in Figures 1 to 6 are explained in succession.

[0065] During the Fig. In the magnetic bearing device 10 shown in Figure 1, the two bearing components 1, 2 are exemplarily designed as plates and arranged parallel to each other. The bearing components 1 and 2 are spaced apart from each other in the repulsion direction y. Each of the bearing components 1, 2 has a magnet arrangement 3, 4, which is provided at a distal end of the associated bearing component 1, 2. The magnet arrangements 3, 4 are oppositely polarized to each other. The magnet arrangements 3, 4 repel each other in the repulsion direction y and are arranged opposite each other in the repulsion direction y. The stabilizing device 5 is arranged laterally next to the bearing components 1, 2 in the stabilization direction x. The superconductor arrangement 6 is penetrated by the magnetic fields of the first magnet arrangement 3 and the second magnet arrangement 4.Between the superconductor arrangement 6 and the first magnet arrangement 3, as well as between the superconductor arrangement 6 and the second magnet arrangement 4, there is a force-transmitting coupling based on the flux-pinning effect. These force-transmitting couplings achieve stabilization in the stabilization direction x, so that a fixed positional relationship is defined between the first bearing component 1 and the second bearing component 2 in the stabilization direction x.

[0066] The one in Fig. The magnetic bearing device 20 shown in Figure 2 corresponds essentially to the magnetic bearing device 10 discussed above. In contrast to the magnetic bearing device 10 discussed above, the magnetic arrangements 3 and 4 in the magnetic bearing device 20 are polarized parallel to each other. Furthermore, the magnetic arrangements 3 and 4, considered individually, constitute the bearing components 1 and 2, and the superconductor arrangement 6, considered individually, constitutes the stabilizing device 5. Finally, the stabilizing device 5 comprises two components that flank the magnetic arrangements 3 and 4 laterally in the stabilizing direction x.

[0067] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the magnetic bearing device 30, which is designed in particular as a linear bearing or as a fixed bearing. In the magnetic bearing device 30, the first bearing component 1 and the stabilizing device 5 are mechanically coupled to each other. In the example shown, the mechanical coupling is achieved by mechanically attaching the stabilizing device 5 to the bearing component 1. The magnetic field sources 13 and 14 serve here exclusively to provide the repulsive force and are arranged opposite each other in the repulsion direction y. In addition to the second magnetic field source 14, the second magnetic arrangement 4 also has a third magnetic field source 15. The third magnetic field source 15 is arranged at a distance from the second magnetic field source 14. Furthermore, the third magnetic field source 15 is arranged opposite the superconductor arrangement 6 in the stabilization direction x.Advantageously, the third magnetic field source 15 serves exclusively to provide the coupling with the superconductor arrangement 6 based on the flux-pinning effect.

[0068] According to one possible variation of the magnetic bearing device 30, a preload, in particular a horizontal preload, is provided. This can be achieved, for example, by moving the second bearing component 2 towards the first bearing component 1. In the Fig. 3. The second bearing component 2 can, for example, be moved in the x-direction towards the first bearing component 1. In this case, instead of imprinting a magnetic field line pattern into the superconductor, zero-field cooling can also be carried out, thereby stabilizing the second bearing component 2 relative to the first bearing component 1.

[0069] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the magnetic bearing device 40, which is configured in particular as a rotary bearing or as a fixed bearing. The bearing components 1, 2 are implemented by means of the magnet arrangements 3, 4. The magnet arrangements 3, 4 are each configured as ring magnets and are in particular aligned coaxially with each other and / or coaxially with the repulsion direction y. The superconductor arrangement 6 comprises a rod-shaped superconductor 7 extending through the ring magnets, which is preferably arranged coaxially with the magnet arrangements 3, 4. Alternatively or additionally, the superconductor arrangement 6 can also comprise a superconductor arranged outside the ring magnets.

[0070] Preferably, the first bearing component 1 is mechanically mounted on the stabilizing device 5. In particular, this is a fixed mounting. A coupling based on the flux-pinning effect exists between the second magnet arrangement 4 and the superconductor arrangement 6. If the magnetic bearing device 6 is designed as a rotary bearing, this coupling allows rotation, for example about the repulsion direction y, and prevents movement in the stabilization direction x, in particular in the radial direction of the permitted rotation.

[0071] Furthermore, the coupling between the second magnet arrangement 4 and the superconductor arrangement 6 can also be designed in such a way that movement in the repulsion direction y or in the axial direction of the superconductor 7 is prevented.

[0072] In particular, the coupling can be designed such that the stiffening force discussed above is provided in the direction opposite to the repulsive force, resulting in a compression of the magnetic fields between the two magnet arrangements 3, 4. In this way, a very stiff, floating, and frictionless rotational bearing can be provided, in which the superconductor 7, as well as a cryostat optionally provided for the superconductor 7, are subjected to minimal mechanical stress.

[0073] The Fig. Figure 5 shows the magnetic bearing device 50, which is expediently designed as a fixed bearing, linear bearing or rotary bearing.

[0074] In the magnetic bearing device 50, the first magnet arrangement 3 and the superconductor arrangement 6 are arranged opposite each other, particularly in the repulsion direction y of the second magnet arrangement 4. By way of example, the second magnet arrangement 4 extends further in the stabilization direction x than the first magnet arrangement 3. The first bearing component 1 is advantageously mechanically coupled to the stabilization device 5. In the example shown, the stabilization device 5 has a recess in which the first bearing component 1 is arranged.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 6 shows the magnetic bearing device 60, which is preferably designed as a linear bearing.

[0076] In the example shown, the second bearing component 2 is designed as a slide, and the first bearing component 1 is designed as a slide track. The first bearing component 1 has an exemplary plate-shaped base body 17 on which the first magnet arrangement 3 is provided. The first magnet arrangement 3 has two magnetic field sources 13, which are designed as magnetic rails and are referred to below as the first magnetic rails 8, 9. The second bearing component 2 also has an exemplary plate-shaped base body 18 on which the second magnet arrangement 4 is provided. The second magnet arrangement 4 has two magnetic field sources 14, which are designed as the second magnetic rails 11, 12. The two bearing components 1, 2 are arranged parallel to each other and horizontally aligned.

[0077] The first magnetic rails 8, 9 are arranged parallel to each other and define a displacement path. In the example shown, the displacement path is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The two first magnetic rails 8, 9 occupy the same coordinate range in the y-direction. The second magnetic rails 11, 12 are also arranged parallel to each other and occupy the same coordinate range in the y-direction. The first magnetic rails 8, 9 are arranged opposite the second magnetic rails 11, 12 in the repulsion direction y. In particular, the first magnetic rail 8 is arranged opposite the second magnetic rail 11, and the first magnetic rail 9 is arranged opposite the second magnetic rail 12. The first magnetic rails 8, 9 are parallel to the repulsion direction y and polarized in the opposite direction to the second magnetic rails 11, 12. The first magnetic rails 8, 9 and the second magnetic rails 11, 12 define a space. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6, this room is cuboid in shape.

[0078] The superconductor arrangement 6 comprises a superconductor 16, which is exemplarily designed in a cuboid shape. The superconductor 16 is exemplarily located entirely within the space defined by the first magnetic rails 8, 9 and the second magnetic rails 11, 12. In particular, the superconductor 16 is located in the stabilization direction x between the two first magnetic rails 8, 9. Furthermore, the superconductor 16 is also located in the stabilization direction x between the two second magnetic rails 11, 12.

[0079] In the example shown, the superconductor 16 is not mechanically supported. Instead, the superconductor 16 is held in a levitation state relative to the first support component 1 and the second support component 2 due to a flux pinning effect between the superconductor 16 and the magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12.

[0080] The superconductor 16 thus, in a sense, dips between the two magnetic rails 8, 9 and 11, 12 of each magnetic arrangement 3, 4, stabilizing them. When imprinting the magnetic line profile into the superconductor 16, the second bearing component 2 and the first bearing component 1 can be mechanically positioned relative to each other before the superconductor 16 reaches its transition temperature. If necessary, the second bearing component 2 is pressed down by a preload force, so that, as explained above, the stiffening force is advantageously provided after the magnetic line profile has been imprinted. After reaching a target temperature below the transition temperature of the superconductor 16, the fixation can be released, and the second bearing component 2 floats freely relative to the first bearing component 1.

[0081] The magnetic bearing device 60 further comprises a cryostat 19. The cryostat 19 is mechanically coupled to the second bearing component 2. By way of example, the cryostat 19 is attached to the second bearing component 2, in particular to the bottom of the base body 18 of the second bearing component 2.

[0082] The superconductor 16 is arranged within the cryostat 19. Advantageously, the superconductor 16 is freely mounted or freely movable within the cryostat 19. For thermal coupling of the superconductor 16 to the cryostat 19, a mechanically flexible thermal connection can be provided, for example, between the superconductor 16 and the cooling device of the cryostat 19.

[0083] The superconductor 16 is supported by the surrounding magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12. If, during a curve, the second bearing component 2, designed as a sled, deviates from the displacement path defined by the first magnetic rails 8, 9, a tensile or compressive force is exerted on the levitating superconductor 16, which transmits this force diagonally through it to the opposite magnetic rail, thereby generating a counterforce that pushes the carriage back.

[0084] In contrast to a conventional coupling of the superconductor in the cryostat, where the superconductor is mechanically coupled to the cryostat and therefore cannot move freely within it, the aforementioned design offers advantages. With a conventional coupling, one magnetic rail exerts pressure and the other tension on the superconductor during a turn. These forces are transmitted to the second bearing component via the cryostat's mounting, necessitating a correspondingly robust design to withstand this load.

[0085] Due to the free mounting of the superconductor 16 in cryostats 19, the forces acting on the superconductor 16 are not transmitted to the fastening between cryostat 19 and the second bearing component 2, so that the requirements for the load-bearing capacity of the fastening are less high.

[0086] Alternatively or in addition to the one in Fig. In the arrangement of the superconductor assembly 6 shown in Figure 6 between the first magnetic rails 8, 9 and the second magnetic rails 11, 12, the superconductor assembly 6 can also be arranged laterally next to the magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12 – i.e., outside the space defined by the magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12. For example, the superconductor assembly can comprise one or more superconductors freely suspended in cryostats, which are arranged outside the space defined by the magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12. Advantageously, the superconductors or cryostats are arranged such that they flank the group of magnetic rails 8, 9, 11, 12 laterally in the stabilization direction x.

[0087] To commission the magnetic bearing device 60, the second bearing component 2 can be held above its later operating height during a cooling process. At this point, the superconductor 16 can rest on special thermally insulating bearing points on the cryostat base. After reaching the target temperature, the second bearing component 2 is released, lowers, and the superconductor 16 detaches from the cryostat base.

Claims

[1] Magnetic bearing device (10; 20; 60), comprising a first bearing component (1) with a first magnet arrangement (3) and a second bearing component (2) with a second magnet arrangement (4), which is arranged relative to the first magnet arrangement (3) such that a magnetic repulsion force acting in a repulsion direction (y) is provided between the two magnet arrangements (3, 4), thereby causing a separation of the two bearing components (1, 2) from each other, further comprising a stabilizing device (5) which provides a force-transmitting coupling with the first bearing component (1) and with the second bearing component (2) respectively, such that the second bearing component (2) is stabilized relative to the first bearing component (1) in at least one stabilization direction (x) different from the repulsion direction (y), wherein the stabilizing device (5) comprises a superconductor arrangement (6) , characterized by, that both force-transmitting couplings are based on a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement (6) and the respective magnet arrangement (3, 4). [2] A magnetic bearing device (30) designed as a fixed bearing or linear bearing, comprising a first bearing component (1) with a first magnet arrangement (3) and a second bearing component (2) with a second magnet arrangement (4), which is arranged relative to the first magnet arrangement (3) such that a magnetic repulsion force acting in a repulsion direction (y) is provided between the two magnet arrangements (3, 4), thereby causing a separation of the two bearing components (1, 2) from each other, further comprising a stabilizing device (5) which provides a force-transmitting coupling with the first bearing component (1) and with the second bearing component (2) respectively, such that the second bearing component (2) is stabilized relative to the first bearing component (1) in at least one stabilization direction (x) different from the repulsion direction (y),wherein the stabilizing device (5) comprises a superconductor arrangement (6) and at least one of the force-transmitting couplings is based on a flux-pinning effect between the superconductor arrangement (6) and one of the magnet arrangements (3, 4). [3] Magnetic storage device (30; 40; 50) according to claim 2, characterized by , that one of the force-transmitting couplings is based on a mechanical coupling between the stabilizing device (5) and one of the bearing components (2; 3). [4] Magnetic storage device (10; 20; 30; 60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic bearing device (10; 20; 30; 60) is designed in such a way that a stiffening force is provided which counteracts the repulsive force. [5] Magnetic storage device (10; 20; 60) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the magnetic bearing device (10; 20; 60) is designed as a fixed bearing, linear bearing or rotary bearing. [6] Magnetic storage device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the magnetic bearing device is designed as a rotary bearing, wherein the magnet arrangements (3, 4) are designed as ring magnets and the superconductor arrangement (6) comprises a rod-shaped superconductor (7) engaging through the ring magnets and / or a superconductor arranged outside the ring magnets. [7] Magnetic storage device (60) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the magnetic bearing device (60) is designed as a linear bearing, wherein the first magnet arrangement (3) has first magnetic rails (8, 9) and the second magnet arrangement (4) has second magnetic rails (11, 12), wherein the first magnetic rails (8, 9) are arranged opposite the second magnetic rails (11, 12) in the repulsive direction and the superconductor arrangement (6) is located in a space spanned by the first magnetic rails (8, 9) and the second magnetic rails (11, 12), and / or the superconductor arrangement (6) is located outside the space spanned by the first magnetic rails (8, 9) and the second magnetic rails (11, 12). [8] Magnetic storage device (60) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the superconductor arrangement (6) includes a superconductor (16) which is held in a state of suspension relative to the first bearing component (1) and the second bearing component (2) due to a flux pinning effect between the superconductor (16) and the magnetic rails (8, 9, 11, 12). [9] Magnetic storage device (60) according to one of the preceding claims 1, 7 or 8, characterized by a cryostat (19) which is mechanically coupled to one of the bearing components (1, 2), wherein the superconductor (16) is housed in the cryostat (19). [10] Magnetic storage device (10; 20; 30; 60) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first magnetic arrangement (3) comprises a first magnetic field source (13) and the second magnetic arrangement (4) comprises a second magnetic field source (14), wherein the magnetic field sources (13, 14) are arranged with their pole directions parallel or antiparallel to each other. [11] Magnetic storage device (10; 20; 30; 60) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the superconductor arrangement (6) is arranged such that it is not located between the first magnetic field source (13) and the second magnetic field source (14). [12] Magnetic storage device (10; 20; 60) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that at least one of the magnetic field sources (13, 14) serves both to provide the repulsive force between the two magnet arrangements and to provide the flux-pinning effect between one of the magnet arrangements (3; 4) and the superconductor arrangement (6). [13] Magnetic storage device (30) according to one of the preceding claims 10, 11 or 12, characterized by , that one of the magnet arrangements (4) includes a third magnetic field source (15) which serves only to provide the flux pinning effect between one of the magnet arrangements (4) and the superconductor arrangement (6).

Images