Elastocaloric heat pump and motor vehicle with an elastocaloric heat pump

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump comprising a first coolant channel for a first coolant flow, a second coolant channel for a second coolant flow, at least one first elastocaloric element, at least one second elastocaloric element and a drive element, wherein the first elastocaloric element is arranged in the first coolant channel, wherein the second elastocaloric element is arranged in the second coolant channel, and wherein the drive element is configured to cyclically deform the first elastocaloric element and to cyclically deform the second elastocaloric element.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a heat pump.

[0003] Elastocaloric heat pumps can be used to increase the efficiency of heat pumps in motor vehicles. In an elastocaloric heat pump, the elastocaloric effect is utilized, whereby the cyclic deformation of an elastocaloric material induces a reversible temperature change. This temperature change can be used to transfer heat from a colder coolant flow to a warmer coolant flow. However, such elastocaloric heat pumps require a very large installation space. Furthermore, efficient coolant flow is difficult.

[0004] From US patent 2015 / 0369524 A1, a cooling / heating module is known which is designed for cooling and heating air. The cooling / heating module comprises a first and a second cooling / heating section, each containing a thermoelastic material. Furthermore, an actuator is provided that applies stress to the thermoelastic material. The actuator is configured to alternately apply stress to the thermoelastic material of the first cooling / heating section and remove stress from the thermoelastic material of the second cooling / heating section, and then apply stress to the thermoelastic material of the second cooling / heating section and remove stress from the thermoelastic material of the first cooling / heating section.

[0005] From DE 10 2019 203 889 A1, a device for heat exchange is known which comprises a stiffer outer ring, a flexible inner ring, elastocaloric elements which are radially stretched between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a rotating forming element which has indentations and / or protrusions which act on the inner ring.

[0006] WO 01 / 63186 A1 discloses a heat transfer device which includes an active regenerative cycle. The heat transfer device uses an active fluid and a heat transfer fluid which are physically separated from each other.

[0007] Furthermore, US patent 2020 / 0217566A1 discloses a mechanocaloric heat pump comprising a mechanocaloric stage, an extended lever arm pivotable about a point, and a motor capable of rotating a cam. The extended lever arm is coupled to the mechanocaloric stage near a first end section of the extended lever arm and to the cam near a second end section of the extended lever arm, such that the motor can actuate the mechanocaloric stage by pivoting the extended lever arm as the cam rotates.Furthermore, DE 10 2019 113 696 A1 discloses a thermoelastic energy converter comprising an arrangement with several converter devices, wherein each of the converter devices has one or more thermoelastic elements arranged in an extension direction; an actuation device to subject the thermoelastic elements of each of the several converter devices to a force profile that varies over time; and a coupling designed such that the actuation device controls the converter devices with phase shifts with respect to their cyclic loading and unloading.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an elastocaloric heat pump which has a compact design and in which the maximum drive torque required for operation is reduced.

[0009] To solve the problem underlying the invention, a heat pump according to claim 1 is provided.

[0010] According to the invention, the first elastocaloric element is arranged in the first coolant channel and the second elastocaloric element is arranged in the second coolant channel and is cyclically deformed by the drive element. This cyclic deformation, which can take the form of both positive strain (in particular, elongation) and negative strain (in particular, compression), causes a phase transition in the elastocaloric material of the first and second elastocaloric elements, resulting in cyclic heating and cooling. The first and second elastocaloric elements can exhibit the elastocaloric effect under both positive and negative strain.The first elastocaloric element, located in the first coolant channel, cyclically absorbs heat from or releases heat to the first coolant flow passing through the first coolant channel. Similarly, the second elastocaloric element, located in the second coolant channel, cyclically absorbs heat from or releases heat to the second coolant flow passing through the second coolant channel.

[0011] The first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element remain permanently in the first and second coolant channels, respectively. Since each of the two coolant flows is cyclically heated and cooled in the first and second coolant channels, the first and second coolant flows alternately correspond to a coolant flow for a hot side and a coolant flow for a cold side of the heat pump.

[0012] During the cyclic deformation of the first and second elastocaloric elements, they cyclically assume a state of strain in which the respective elastocaloric element is either positively strained, in particular stretched, or negatively strained, in particular compressed. This state of strain must be distinguished from a state of unloading, in which the first or second elastocaloric element is neither stretched nor subjected to any external force.

[0013] During cyclic deformation, the first and second elastocaloric elements can cyclically assume both a state of tension and a state of unloading. However, this is not mandatory. It is also possible for both the first and second elastocaloric elements to remain permanently or continuously in a state of tension and never assume a state of unloading.

[0014] According to the invention, it is provided that the sum of the magnitude of the relative change in length of the first elastocaloric element and the magnitude of the relative change in length of the second elastocaloric element is always greater than zero.

[0015] The relative changes in length are referenced to the unloaded state. This relative change in length is also called strain. In the case of stretching of the elastocaloric element, this is referred to as positive strain. If the elastocaloric element is compressed, this is referred to as negative strain.

[0016] In other words, at no point are both elastocaloric elements simultaneously in a state of unloaded stress. Either both elastocaloric elements are in a state of extension, meaning they are either compressed or stretched, or one elastocaloric element is in a state of unloaded stress while the other is in a state of extension.

[0017] Because the sum of the magnitudes of the relative length changes of the first and second elastocaloric elements is always greater than zero, a restoring force is continuously exerted on the drive element by at least one of the elastocaloric elements. This restoring force can be used to reduce the maximum drive torque required by a drive for operating the heat pump. Tests conducted by the applicant have shown that with a heat pump according to the invention, the maximum required drive torque can be reduced by a factor of up to 9.

[0018] The coolant in the first coolant stream and the coolant in the second coolant stream can be water, a water-glycol mixture, or air.

[0019] The first and second elastocaloric elements can also be made of or have a nickel-titanium alloy.

[0020] Preferably, the sum of the magnitude of the relative length change of the first elastocaloric element and the magnitude of the relative length change of the second elastocaloric element corresponds essentially to a predetermined maximum strain of the first elastocaloric element and / or a predetermined maximum strain of the second elastocaloric element.

[0021] This means that the first elastocaloric element is in a state of unloading when the second elastocaloric element has reached its predetermined maximum strain, and conversely, the second elastocaloric element is in a state of unloading when the first elastocaloric element has reached its predetermined maximum strain. In other words, the first and second elastocaloric elements are alternately stretched, i.e., stretched or compressed. Therefore, the entire predetermined strain and the resulting elastocaloric effect can be utilized alternately for each of the two elastocaloric elements.

[0022] A further advantage is that the heat pump may include a drive, in particular an electric motor, designed to drive the drive element.

[0023] The drive element can be operated either at a constant speed or, using a stepper motor or suitable gearbox, at a non-constant speed.

[0024] Since, as explained above, the sum of the magnitudes of the relative length changes of the first and the second elastocaloric element is always greater than zero, and thus the restoring forces of the stretched elastocaloric elements can be used to reduce the required drive torque, the drive of the heat pump, in particular the electric motor, can be designed to be compact.

[0025] It is therefore preferred that the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element and the drive element are arranged and connected to each other in such a way that a drive torque to be applied by the drive for the cyclic deformation of the first elastocaloric element and for the cyclic deformation of the second elastocaloric element corresponds only to a torque necessary for overcoming a material hysteresis of the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element and for overcoming friction.

[0026] With a further advantage, it is provided that the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element and the drive element are arranged and connected to each other in such a way that the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to tension or exclusively to compression during cyclic deformation, and that the second elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to compression or exclusively to tension during cyclic deformation.

[0027] If the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to tensile stress, this means that the first elastocaloric element is never compressed or stressed in the compression range during cyclic deformation. If the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to compressive stress, the first elastocaloric element is never stretched or stressed in the stretch range during cyclic deformation.

[0028] Depending on the arrangement of the first elastocaloric element, the second elastocaloric element, and the drive element, different combinations of first elastocaloric elements and second elastocaloric elements subjected exclusively to tension or exclusively to compression can be provided.

[0029] For example, it is possible that the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to tension during cyclic deformation, and the second elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to compression. The reverse is also possible. Furthermore, it can be provided that both the first and second elastocaloric elements are subjected exclusively to tension during cyclic deformation, or that both the first and second elastocaloric elements are subjected exclusively to compression during cyclic deformation.

[0030] A further advantage is that exactly one drive element can be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first elastocaloric element is connected to an outer wall of the first coolant channel via a swivel joint, and / or that the second elastocaloric element is connected to an outer wall of the second coolant channel via a swivel joint.

[0032] However, it can also be provided that the first elastocaloric element is connected to an outer wall of the first coolant channel via a fixed bearing, and / or that the second elastocaloric element is connected to an outer wall of the second coolant channel via a fixed bearing.

[0033] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the drive element is arranged essentially between the first coolant channel and the second coolant channel.

[0034] Preferably, both the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element each have a connecting element with the drive element arranged between the first and the second coolant channel.

[0035] The connecting element can be a rod that is fixedly connected to the respective elastocaloric element. The rod can be connected directly to the drive element or via an intermediate connecting rod.

[0036] According to the invention, the drive element is a crankshaft.

[0037] Furthermore, it may preferably be provided that a crank radius of the crankshaft corresponds to half of the predetermined maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element and / or half of the intended maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element.

[0038] The crank radius, or lever arm, of the crankshaft is thus adjusted so that it corresponds to half the desired maximum elongation of at least one of the elastocaloric elements. In particular, the desired elongation, i.e., compression or extension, of the respective elastocaloric element is set by selecting the crank radius or lever arm. If the first and second elastocaloric elements are each connected to a different crank throw, different crank radii or lever arms can be selected and set for each of the two elastocaloric elements.

[0039] Preferably, the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element are connected to the same crankshaft throw of the crankshaft, or the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element are connected to different crankshaft throws of the crankshaft, preferably offset by 180°.

[0040] In the case where the first and second elastocaloric elements are connected to the same crankpin of the crankshaft, it is particularly preferred that both elastocaloric elements are subjected either exclusively to compression or exclusively to tension. If, on the other hand, the first and second elastocaloric elements are connected to different crankpins of the crankshaft, preferably offset by 180°, it is preferred that the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to compression and the second elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to tension, or conversely, that the first elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to tension and the second elastocaloric element is subjected exclusively to compression.

[0041] These preferred combinations of elastocaloric elements subjected to compression and tension ensure that a restoring force reducing the necessary drive torque is always exerted on the crankshaft by the first and second elastocaloric elements.

[0042] According to the invention, the drive element is a camshaft.

[0043] According to the invention, a difference between a maximum and a minimum cam lift of a cam of the camshaft corresponds to the intended maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element and / or the intended maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element.

[0044] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the first elastocaloric element is connected to a first scanning means, preferably a first rolling bearing, in particular preferably a first needle bearing, wherein the first scanning means runs on a cam contour of a first cam of the camshaft, and that the second elastocaloric element is connected to a second scanning means, preferably a second rolling bearing, in particular preferably a second needle bearing, wherein the second scanning means runs on a cam contour of a second cam of the camshaft.

[0045] By designing or shaping the cam contour of the first cam and the cam contour of the second cam, the temporal progression of the elongation of the first and the second elastocaloric element can be adjusted.

[0046] In particular, the cam contours of the first and second cams are preferably chosen such that the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element are in the state of maximum and minimum strain, respectively, for a relatively long period of time, while the transition period between maximum and minimum strain is as short as possible for each of the elastocaloric elements.

[0047] With a further advantage, it can be provided that the first scanning means runs on a region of the cam contour of the first cam of the camshaft facing the first elastocaloric element, or that the first scanning means runs on a region of the cam contour of the first cam of the camshaft facing away from the first elastocaloric element, and / or that the second scanning means runs on a region of the cam contour of the second cam of the camshaft facing the second elastocaloric element, or that the second scanning means runs on a region of the cam contour of the second cam of the camshaft facing away from the second elastocaloric element.

[0048] If the first scanning element runs on a region of the cam contour of the first cam of the camshaft facing the first elastocaloric element, the first elastocaloric element is preferably subjected exclusively to compressive stress. By arranging the second scanning element on the region of the cam contour of the second cam of the camshaft facing away from the second elastocaloric element, the second elastocaloric element is simultaneously operated exclusively in the tensile range. This advantageous arrangement of the scanning elements thus ensures that the restoring forces exerted by the first and second elastocaloric elements can be used together to advantageously reduce the required drive torque.

[0049] For the connection of the second scanning element, which runs along the area of ​​the cam contour of the second cam facing away from the second elastocaloric element, to the second elastocaloric element, a cage can be provided which encloses the second cam, wherein the scanning element is arranged on the side of the cage facing away from the second elastocaloric element and runs along the second cam. The second elastocaloric element can then be connected to the side of the cage facing the second elastocaloric element.

[0050] A further advantage is that a first linear guide is provided for the first elastocaloric element, and / or that a second linear guide is provided for the second elastocaloric element.

[0051] Connecting rods can be provided for the connections between the first elastocaloric element and the second elastocaloric element with the drive element to form the first linear guide and the second linear guide.

[0052] A further advantage is that a diversion device can be provided, wherein the diversion device is designed to cyclically and / or alternately divert the first coolant flow exiting the first coolant channel and the second coolant flow exiting the second coolant channel into a first coolant outlet and a second coolant outlet.

[0053] Since the elastocaloric element in both the first and second coolant channels is alternately heated and cooled, the coolant flow through these channels is also alternately heated and cooled. To achieve a consistently hot or cold coolant flow at the heat pump outlet, the outgoing coolant flows from the first and second coolant channels can be diverted by the diverting device to either the first or second coolant outlet, depending on the phase of the respective cycle.

[0054] The first coolant outlet can then, for example, represent a hot side and the second coolant outlet can represent a cold side of the heat pump.

[0055] The diversion device can be provided, for example, by a suitable orifice or valve control.

[0056] Furthermore, it may be provided that the control of the diverting device is carried out directly or via a transmission connected to the drive element, in particular to the crankshaft or the camshaft.

[0057] Preferably, several first elastocaloric elements may be arranged in the first coolant channel and several second elastocaloric elements in the second coolant channel, with each first and second elastocaloric element being paired and connected to the drive element. This staggered arrangement of the first and second elastocaloric elements can increase the cooling or heating capacity of the heat pump and also improve the balancing of the drive element, in particular the crankshaft or camshaft.

[0058] Another solution to the problem underlying the invention consists in providing a motor vehicle comprising a heat pump as described above.

[0059] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the invention of a heat pump, Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a heat pump, Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a heat pump, Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of a heat pump, Fig. 5 a fifth embodiment of a heat pump, and Fig. 6 a sixth embodiment of a heat pump.

[0060] The same reference symbols are used in the figures for identical or corresponding elements.

[0061] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a first heat pump 100 in accordance with the invention. The heat pump 100 comprises a first coolant channel 10 through which a first coolant flow is guided, and a second coolant channel 11 through which a second coolant flow is guided. A first elastocaloric element 12 is arranged in the first coolant channel 10, and a second elastocaloric element 13 is arranged in the second coolant channel 11. A drive element 15, designed as a crankshaft 14, is arranged between the two elastocaloric elements 12 and 13 and is effectively connected to the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 for force transmission. The first elastocaloric element 12 is connected to a first crank throw 16 and the second elastocaloric element 13 to a second crank throw 17.Furthermore, the first elastocaloric element 12 is attached to an outer wall 18 of the first coolant channel 10 via a pivot joint 19. The second elastocaloric element 13 is connected to the outer wall 21 of the second coolant channel 11 via another pivot joint 20.

[0062] The arrangement of the first elastocaloric element 12, drive element 15, and the second elastocaloric element 13 is chosen such that the first elastocaloric element 12 is subjected exclusively to compression, and the second elastocaloric element 13 is subjected exclusively to tension. The crank radius 22 of the first crankshaft throw 16 corresponds to half the predetermined maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element 12, where the elongation is compression. The crank radius 23 of the second crankshaft throw 17 corresponds to half the maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element 13, where the elongation is stretching.

[0063] In the illustrated case, both the predetermined maximum strain or compression of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the predetermined maximum strain or extension of the second elastocaloric element 13, i.e., the relative changes in length, are equal and correspond to approximately 10%. The illustrated arrangement of the first elastocaloric element 12, the drive element 15, and the second elastocaloric element 13 ensures that the sum of the magnitude of the relative change in length or strain of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the magnitude of the relative change in length or strain of the second elastocaloric element 13 is always greater than zero and, moreover, corresponds to the predetermined maximum strain of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the predetermined maximum strain of the second elastocaloric element 13.

[0064] The crankshaft 14 is driven by a drive unit, designed as an electric motor (not shown in detail). Due to the consistently positive sum of the magnitudes of the relative changes in length of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13, and the selection of the operation of the first elastocaloric element 12 exclusively in the compression range and the second elastocaloric element 13 in the tension range, it is ensured that the restoring forces 44, 45 of the two elastocaloric elements 12, 13 reduce the drive torque required by the drive unit (not shown in detail) for the cyclic deformation of the first and second elastocaloric elements 12, 13. In particular, the drive unit only needs to apply a drive torque sufficient to overcome the material hysteresis of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13, as well as any frictional forces.

[0065] During operation of the crankshaft 14, the first elastocaloric element 12 is cyclically negatively stretched, i.e., compressed, and the second elastocaloric element 13 is cyclically positively stretched, i.e., extended. Due to the selected crank radii 22, 23 and the connection of the two elastocaloric elements 12, 13 with different crank throws 16, 17, the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 are alternately deformed between the stretched and unloaded states. In the stretched state, the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 heat up and transfer heat to the coolant flows passing through the first and second coolant channels 10, 11, respectively. In the unloaded state, the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 absorb heat from the coolant flows flowing through the first and second coolant channels 10, 11 respectively.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows another heat pump 100 in accordance with the invention. The heat pump 100 according to Fig. 2 differs from the heat pump 100 of Fig. 1 The feature consists solely in the fact that, through the use of connecting rods 24 and bearings 25, a first linear guide 46 is provided for the first elastocaloric element 12 and a second linear guide 47 for the second elastocaloric element 13. For this purpose, the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 are further connected to the outer walls 18, 21 of the first coolant channel 10 and the second coolant channel 11 by means of fixed bearings 26.

[0067] Fig. 3 Another heat pump 100 is shown in accordance with the invention. Compared to the heat pump 100 according to the Fig. 1The first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 are connected to the same crankpin 16 of the crankshaft 14. In this case, the configuration is also such that both elastocaloric elements 12 and 13 operate exclusively in the tension range. Alternatively, it is also possible for both the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13 to operate exclusively in the compression range. As with the heat pump 100 according to Fig. 1 The crank radius 22 of the single crankshaft throw 16 is set such that it corresponds to half of the predetermined maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element 12 and the second elastocaloric element 13.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows another heat pump 100 in accordance with the invention, in which, analogous to the heat pump 100, the Fig. 2A first linear guide 46 for the first elastocaloric element 12 and a second linear guide 47 for the second elastocaloric element 13 are provided by means of connecting rods 24 and bearings 25.

[0069] Fig. 5 Another heat pump 100 is shown in accordance with the invention. In the case of the heat pump 100, Fig. 5The first elastocaloric element 12 is attached to the outer wall 18 of the first coolant channel 10 via a fixed bearing 26 and guided linearly by a bearing 25 provided for this purpose. Similarly, the second elastocaloric element 13 is arranged in the second coolant channel 11 and attached to the outer wall 21 of the second coolant channel 11 via a fixed bearing 26 and guided linearly by a bearing 25. In the illustrated case, the drive element 15 is designed as a camshaft 27 with a first cam 28 and a second cam 29. The first elastocaloric element 12 operates exclusively in the compression range, and the second elastocaloric element 13 operates exclusively in the tension range.For this purpose, the first elastocaloric element 12 is provided with a scanning element 31 designed as a rolling bearing 30, wherein the scanning element 31 runs on a region 32 of the cam contour 33 of the first cam 28 of the camshaft 27 facing the first elastocaloric element 12. The second elastocaloric element 13 is connected to a second scanning element 35 designed as a rolling bearing 34, wherein the second scanning element 35 runs on a region 36 of the cam contour 37 of the second cam 29 of the camshaft 27 facing away from the second elastocaloric element 13. For force transmission, a cage 38 is provided, which encloses the second cam 29 and which is connected to it with its side 39 facing the second elastocaloric element 13.The difference between the maximum and minimum cam stroke of the first cam 28 corresponds to the predetermined maximum strain of the first elastocaloric element 12, and the difference between the maximum and minimum cam stroke of the second cam 29 corresponds to the predetermined maximum strain of the second elastocaloric element 13.

[0070] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows another heat pump 100 in accordance with the invention. The heat pump 100 is shown in a top view perpendicular to the orientation of the first coolant channel 10 and the second coolant channel 11. The drive element 15 is designed as a crankshaft 14. Several first elastocaloric elements 12 are located in the first coolant channel 10, and several second elastocaloric elements 13 are located in the second coolant channel 11. Furthermore, the first section 40 of the heat pump 100, which comprises the first coolant channel 10, the second coolant channel 11, the crankshaft 14, and the several first elastocaloric elements 12 and the several second elastocaloric elements 13, can be configured according to one of the heat pumps 100 according to the Figs. 1 to 5 be trained. The heat pump 100 of the Fig. 6The device further comprises a diverting device 41, which is configured to cyclically and alternately divert the first coolant flow exiting the first coolant channel 10 and the second coolant flow exiting the second coolant channel 11 into a first coolant outlet 42 and a second coolant outlet 43. For this purpose, the diverting device 41 may include a suitable valve control. The diverting device 41 ensures that the coolant, which is cyclically heated and cooled in the first coolant channel 10 and in the second coolant channel 11, is directed into a designated coolant outlet 42 on the hot side of the heat pump 100 and a coolant outlet 43 on the cold side of the heat pump 100. Reference symbol list

[0071] 100 Heat pump 10 First coolant channel 11 Second coolant channel 12 First elastocaloric element 13 Second elastocaloric element 14 Crankshaft 15 Drive element 16 First crankshaft throw 17 Second crankshaft throw 18 Outer wall 19 Swivel joint 20 Swivel joint 21 Outer wall 22 Crank radius 23 Crank radius 24 Connecting rod 25 Bearing 26 Fixed bearing 27 Camshaft 28 First cam 29 Second cam 30 Rolling bearing 31 Sensing element 32 Area 33 Cam contour 34 Rolling bearing 35 Sensing element 36 Area 37 Cam contour 38 Cage 39 Side 40 First section 41 Diverter 42 First coolant outlet 43 Second coolant outlet 44 Restoring force 45 Restoring force 46 First linear guide 47 Second linear guide

Claims

1. Heat pump (100) comprising a first coolant channel (10) for a first coolant flow, a second coolant channel (11) for a second coolant flow, at least one first elastocaloric element (12), at least one second elastocaloric element (13), and a drive element (15), wherein the first elastocaloric element (12) is arranged in the first coolant channel (10), wherein the second elastocaloric element (13) is arranged in the second coolant channel (11), wherein the drive element (15) is configured to cyclically deform the first elastocaloric element (12) and to cyclically deform the second elastocaloric element (13), wherein the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) and the drive element (15) are arranged and connected to each other in such a way that the sum of the amount of relative length change of the first elastocaloric element (12) and the amount of relative length change of the second elastocaloric element (13) is always greater than zero, characterized in that the drive element (15) is a crankshaft (14), or in that the drive element (15) is a camshaft (27), wherein a difference between a maximum and a minimum cam lift of a cam (28, 29) of the camshaft (27) corresponds to the intended maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element (12) and / or the intended maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element (13).

2. Heat pump (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the amount of relative length change of the first elastocaloric element (12) and the amount of relative length change of the second elastocaloric element (13) corresponds substantially to a predetermined maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element (12) and / or a predetermined maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element (13).

3. Heat pump (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat pump comprises a drive, in particular an electric motor, configured to drive the drive element (15), wherein the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) and the drive element (15) are preferably arranged and connected to each other in such a way that a drive torque to be applied by the drive for the cyclic deformation of the first elastocaloric element (12) and for the cyclic deformation of the second elastocaloric element (13) corresponds only to a torque necessary for overcoming a material hysteresis of the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) and for overcoming friction.

4. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) and the drive element (15) are arranged and connected to each other in such a way that the first elastocaloric element (12) is subjected exclusively to tension or exclusively to compression during cyclic deformation, and that the second elastocaloric element (13) is subjected exclusively to compression or exclusively to tension during cyclic deformation.

5. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one drive element (15) is provided, and / or that the first elastocaloric element (12) is connected to an outer wall (18) of the first coolant channel (10) via a pivot joint (19), and / or that the second elastocaloric element (13) is connected to an outer wall (21) of the second coolant channel (11) via a pivot joint (20).

6. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a crank radius (22, 23) of the crankshaft (14) corresponds to half of the predetermined maximum elongation of the first elastocaloric element (12) and / or half of the intended maximum elongation of the second elastocaloric element (13), and / or wherein the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) are connected to the same crankshaft bend (16) of the crankshaft (14), or wherein the first elastocaloric element (12) and the second elastocaloric element (13) are connected to different crankshaft bends (16, 17) of the crankshaft (14), which are preferably offset by 180°.

7. Heat pump (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first elastocaloric element (12) is connected to a first scanning means (31), preferably a first roller bearing (30), in particular preferably a first needle bearing, wherein the first scanning means (31) runs on a cam contour (33) of a first cam (28) of the camshaft (27), and that the second elastocaloric element (13) is connected to a second scanning means (35), preferably a second roller bearing (34), in particular preferably a second needle bearing, wherein the second scanning means (35) runs on a cam contour (37) of a second cam (29) of the camshaft (27), wherein preferably the first scanning means (31) runs on a region (32) of the cam contour (33) of the first cam (28) of the camshaft (27) facing the first elastocaloric element (12) of the cam contour (33) of the first cam (28) of the camshaft (27), or wherein the first scanning means (31) runs on a region of the cam contour (33) of the first cam (28) of the camshaft (27) facing away from the first elastocaloric element (12), and / or wherein the second scanning means (35) runs on a region of the cam contour (37) of the second cam (29) of the camshaft (27) facing the second elastocaloric element (13), or wherein the second scanning means (35) runs on a region (36) of the cam contour (37) of the second cam (29) of the camshaft (27) facing away from the second elastocaloric element (13).

8. Heat pump (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first linear guide (46) is provided for the first elastocaloric element (12), and / or in that a second linear guide (47) is provided for the second elastocaloric element (13), and / or that a diversion device (41) is provided, wherein the diversion device (41) is configured to divert the first coolant flow emerging from the first coolant channel (10) and the second coolant flow emerging from the second coolant channel (11) cyclically and / or alternately into a first coolant outlet (42) and a second coolant outlet (43).

9. Motor vehicle comprising a heat pump according to one of the preceding claims.