Inclined Section Cylindrical Rotation Mechanism

Abstract

In a rotating mechanism that uses magnetic force to transmit power and generate electricity, the mechanical load on the entire mechanism is offset to increase transmission efficiency, cogging torque during magnetic pole switching is reduced, and collisions between magnets are avoided without contact. [Solution] The system includes cylindrical magnets 7 and 8 with a sine wave cross-section that are rotated by a motor 11, and first and second reciprocating magnets 4 and 6 arranged symmetrically above and below them. When the cylindrical magnets 7 and 8 push up the first reciprocating magnet 4 with a repulsive force, they act to pull up the second reciprocating magnet 6 with an attractive force, canceling out the axial forces like a well bucket. These reciprocating motions are converted into rotational motion by first and second crank mechanisms 1 and 5, driving a generator 14. Cogging torque is mitigated by weights 18 etc. provided on the crank mechanism, and collisions between magnets are avoided by position detection by a sensor 13 and electromagnetic brake control of the generator 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotating mechanism that obtains rotational output by utilizing the force of a magnet. It is a technology related to a mechanism that transmits power using the forces during magnet attraction and repulsion.

[0002] Although there are almost no conventional examples, it is similar to the mechanism of the crane bottle used in wells. It is also similar to the technology of rope-type traction elevators. It is similar to a Gauss accelerator that obtains large-speed kinetic energy at a small speed by utilizing the energy of the magnetic field possessed by a magnet.

Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, various mechanisms have been proposed that utilize the attractive and repulsive forces of magnets to transmit power non-contact and convert linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion via a crank mechanism, or create reciprocating motion from rotational motion to drive a generator or the like.

[0004] These power transmission mechanisms using magnetic forces have the advantage of reducing mechanical wear. However, there is a problem in that a biased load (such as a thrust load) from one direction is likely to be periodically applied to the rotating shaft and bearings during operation, resulting in increased mechanical frictional losses.

[0005] Also, at the timing when the polarities of the opposing magnets switch during the process of rotational motion (near top dead center and bottom dead center), a large repulsive force (cogging torque) due to a rapid change in magnetic force is likely to occur, causing rotational instability or requiring extra input energy. Furthermore, when the strong attractive force between magnets acts, there is also a risk that the movable parts will collide and the mechanism will be damaged.

[0006] A Gauss accelerator works by arranging magnets and two or more iron balls in a series on a track. When another iron ball is rolled from the magnet end and collides with it, the iron ball at the other end is propelled out at a speed greater than that of the incoming ball and begins to move. However, when attempting to incorporate this type of mechanism into a continuous power transmission or power generation cycle, an enormous amount of external input (work to detach) equal to or greater than the kinetic energy gained during acceleration is required to detach the object that has been attracted to the magnet and return it to its initial state. Therefore, maintaining continuous operation from an energy balance perspective has been extremely difficult.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional mechanisms are based on the premise of violent physical collisions between magnets and moving parts, and therefore, when operated continuously for long periods as industrial power mechanisms, there is a critical issue in terms of durability and safety: wear and tear on parts and damage due to impact (hardware destruction) are unavoidable. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Gauss accelerator (Wikipedia) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] A well-known conventional technology that utilizes magnetic force (attraction and repulsion) to obtain kinetic energy is the magnetic linear accelerator, also known as the "Gauss accelerator." The Gauss accelerator uses the powerful attractive force of magnets to draw in steel balls and other objects, and then, by utilizing the conservation of momentum during collisions and the release of magnetic potential energy, can launch the object at high speed in an instant.

[0010] However, when attempting to apply a mechanism like a Gauss accelerator to a continuous power transmission or power generation system, a critical physical challenge arises: "cycle reset." While Gauss accelerators excel at unidirectional energy release (one-time acceleration), to detach an object attracted to the magnet after launch and return it to its original state, it is necessary to input external energy (work) equal to or greater than the kinetic energy gained during acceleration to counteract the magnetic force.

[0011] In other words, conventional mechanisms that rely solely on the simple attraction and repulsion of magnetic forces consume enormous amounts of input energy during the phase in which the magnets are pulled apart, making it impossible to achieve practical efficiency when trying to maintain continuous rotational or reciprocating motion.

[0012] Furthermore, when incorporating powerful magnetic forces into continuously operating machinery, there were safety and durability issues, such as the strong repulsive force (cogging torque) generated when the polarity of the magnets switches hindering rotation, and the strong attractive force between magnets causing moving parts to collide and the mechanism itself to break.

[0013] This invention was made in view of the physical limitations and mechanical challenges of the prior art described above. The first objective is to enable continuous operation without generating the enormous energy loss required to separate the magnets, as is the case with Gauss accelerators. By constructing a mechanical symmetry similar to the "well-bucket principle," where one magnet is pushed up by repulsive force while the opposing magnet is pulled up by attractive force, and maintaining a zero balance of magnetic energy in one cycle, the burden on the external input (motor) is reduced to merely compensating for mechanical losses, thereby achieving continuous and highly efficient power transmission and generation.

[0014] The second challenge is to reduce and smooth the cogging torque during polarity switching, which hinders continuous rotation, by using special magnetic pole shapes and inertia (weights). The third challenge is to prevent collisions caused by magnetic force (phenomena like the collision of steel balls in a Gauss accelerator) by performing contactless and reliable collision avoidance control using position detection by sensors and electromagnetic braking force using a generator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0016] As a first method, the inclined cross-section cylindrical rotating mechanism of the present invention comprises a shaft which is a rotating axis, a driving means such as a motor which rotates the shaft, and a cylindrical magnet which is fixed to the shaft and has an inclined cross-section that forms a sine curve and has different magnetic poles arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the system includes first and second reciprocating magnets positioned symmetrically opposite each other with respect to the cylindrical magnet, first and second crank mechanisms that convert these reciprocating motions into rotational motion, and a generator driven by the rotational motion of the crank mechanisms.

[0018] In particular, when the cylindrical magnet rotates, a repulsive force acts between the first reciprocating magnet and the cylindrical magnet, pushing it upward, while an attractive force acts between the second reciprocating magnet and the cylindrical magnet, pulling it upward. In this way, both magnets always receive thrust in the same direction, creating a mechanical symmetry similar to that of the well and the Tsurube (a famous Japanese folktale character). The same force is also applied in opposite directions between the reciprocating magnets, which are positioned symmetrically on the opposite side of the shaft, causing them to cancel each other out. This provides a means to reduce the required force to the extent that it compensates for mechanical losses.

[0019] As a second means, in order to cope with a large repulsive force called cogging torque that occurs when the polarity is switched, the cylindrical magnet having a cross section that draws a sine curve is divided into N poles and S poles in a semi-circular shape, and the joint portion thereof is configured in a special shape. In addition, in order to reduce the torque in the opposite direction and maintain smooth rotation, the crank mechanism employs a configuration in which a weight for increasing the inertia in the rotational direction is attached.

[0020] As a third means, in order to prevent an attractive force from acting and colliding between a cylindrical magnet having a cross section that draws a sine curve and a magnet that reciprocates, a sensor and a control circuit for detecting the relative positions of both are provided.

[0021] The control circuit provides a means for reliably avoiding collision without contact by detecting the position with the sensor and utilizing the electromagnetic braking force generated by flowing a current through the generator.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the inclined cross-section cylindrical rotation mechanism of the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0023] By applying the "tsurube principle" between a cylindrical magnet having a cross section that draws a sine curve and a reciprocating magnet symmetrically arranged vertically, when one is pushed up, the other is pulled up at the same time. As a result, the axial forces (thrust loads) applied to the shaft cancel each other out, so that uneven wear on the rotating shaft and bearings can be prevented. As a result, the loss of input energy from the motor can be suppressed mainly to the extent of compensating for mechanical friction, and extremely efficient power transmission and power generation become possible.

[0024] By making the joint portion between the N pole and S pole of the cylindrical magnet into a special shape and further providing a weight for increasing the inertia in the rotational direction in the crank mechanism, the sudden repulsive force (cogging torque) generated at the time of pole switching (near top dead center and bottom dead center) can be effectively absorbed and alleviated. Thereby, uneven rotation and vibration can be suppressed, and stable continuous operation can be maintained.

[0025] A control circuit is provided that detects the position of a reciprocating magnet with a sensor and uses the electromagnetic braking force generated by passing an electric current through a generator to avoid collisions. This makes it possible to reliably prevent physical damage due to the violent collision of magnets even in the phase where a strong attractive force acts, without contact, and greatly contributes to the safety and long life (maintenance-free) of the entire device.

[0026] This mechanism is designed and controlled within a range where the load taken out from the system (such as the electromagnetic resistance due to power generation) does not exceed the maximum repulsive force of the magnet. This prevents the breakdown (detuning) of non-contact transmission due to overload and enables the reliable and practical extraction of electrical energy while maintaining the balance of magnetic energy in one cycle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] Configuration of the Inclined Cross-Section Cylindrical Rotation Mechanism of the Present Invention [Figure 2] Explanatory Diagram of the Forces Acting on the Magnet and Crank Mechanism of the Inclined Cross-Section Cylindrical Rotation Mechanism of the Present Invention

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The inclined cross-section cylindrical rotation mechanism according to this embodiment is a mechanism that efficiently transmits and converts power while reducing the input energy from the outside, using the principle of a traction-type elevator or a ropeway well.

[0029] This device is constructed inside a housing (15) that supports the entire structure. A motor (11), which is a rotational drive source, is provided as the power input, and its rotational force is transmitted to a shaft (20) positioned vertically via a pulley (10). A collection of cylindrical magnets (9) having a semicircular sine curve cross-section is fixed to the middle of the shaft (20). This collection of cylindrical magnets (9) is divided into a north pole (7) and a south pole (8) in a semicircular shape. Above and below the collection of cylindrical magnets (9) having a semicircular sine curve cross-section, a first reciprocating magnet (4) and a second reciprocating magnet (6) are positioned opposite each other in a plane symmetrical manner with respect to the shaft (20).

[0030] The first reciprocating magnet (4) is connected to the first connecting rod (2), and the second reciprocating magnet (6) is connected to the second connecting rod (3). These connecting rods (2, 3) are guided by the guide rail (16) and slider (17) of the crank mechanism to perform only linear reciprocating motion.

[0031] The other end of the first connecting rod (2) is connected to the first crank mechanism (1), and the other end of the second connecting rod (3) is connected to the second crank mechanism (5), thereby converting linear motion into rotational motion. The converted rotational force is ultimately used to drive the generator (14).

[0032] When the motor (11) rotates the cylindrical magnet assembly (9) having a semicircular sine curve cross-section, the distance between it and the upper and lower magnets (4, 6) changes, and attractive and repulsive forces act alternately.

[0033] For example, when the rotation of a cylindrical magnet assembly (9) having a semicircular sine curve cross-section reduces the distance between it and the first reciprocating magnet (4), if both have the same polarity, a repulsive force acts, pushing the first magnet (4) upward. At this time, the first crank mechanism (1) moves from the bottom dead center to the top dead center.

[0034] At the same time, since the opposing second reciprocating magnet (6) and the assembly of cylindrical magnets (9) with a semicircular sine curve cross-section are of opposite polarity, an attractive force acts between them, and the second magnet (6) is also pulled upward, causing the second crank mechanism (5) to move from top dead center to bottom dead center.

[0035] Thus, the magnets (4, 6) positioned vertically always experience a force in the same direction (upward or downward). Because they are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the shaft (20), the axial forces acting on the shaft cancel each other out. This is the same principle as the "tsurube" well, which uses two water buckets of equal weight, and the driving force of the motor (11) is mainly used to compensate for the mechanical friction losses of the mechanism.

[0036] The magnetic energy gained by the south pole (8) of the cylindrical magnet as it moves from its lowest point to its highest point is released as it moves from its highest point back to its lowest point, resulting in a zero energy balance when it returns to its original position. The force generated during the movement to the highest and lowest points rotates the generator (14), and the resulting energy is extracted as electrical energy.

[0037] However, if the load from the generator (14) (such as electromagnetic braking force) exceeds the maximum repulsive force of the magnet, non-contact power transmission will fail. Therefore, this mechanism is only feasible under conditions where the energy (load) extracted to the outside is less than or equal to the maximum repulsive force of the magnet.

[0038] When the south pole (8) of a cylindrical magnet reaches its highest or lowest point and the opposing magnetic poles switch, a large repulsive force (cogging torque) is generated. To mitigate this, the junction between the north pole (7) and the south pole (8) of the cylindrical magnet is constructed with a special shape. Furthermore, to reduce the torque in the opposite direction and maintain smooth rotation, a weight (18) that increases inertia is attached to the crank mechanism.

[0039] Furthermore, to prevent collisions between the movable parts during the phase in which an attractive force acts between the magnets, a sensor (13) is provided to detect the position of the reciprocating magnets. Based on the detection information from the sensor (13), the control circuit (12) supplies current to the generator (14) at the position where a collision is predicted, and uses the electromagnetic braking force to avoid a collision without contact.

[0040] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the inclined cross-section cylindrical rotation mechanism of the present invention. It has a total of four poles, with two magnets that are attracted downwards and two that are attracted upwards.

[0041] The physical and mechanical advantages of the present invention become clearer when compared to conventional "mechanical squeegees" used in wells and the like. Conventional mechanical squeegees balance the weights (potential energy) on both sides through parts that involve physical contact, such as ropes and pulleys, thereby reducing external input energy.

[0042] However, friction inevitably occurs during power transmission, and over long periods of operation, energy loss due to component wear and the risk of physical breakage are unavoidable.

[0043] In contrast, the mechanism of the present invention is a non-contact drive that uses "attractive and repulsive forces due to magnetism" instead of physical parts as a power transmission medium. Since the assembly of cylindrical magnets (9) having a semicircular sine curve cross-section and the reciprocating magnets (4, 6) do not come into contact, friction loss and wear in the power transmission section do not occur in principle, resulting in extremely high durability.

[0044] Furthermore, there is a crucial difference in the behavior of the "limit point (breaking limit)" under overload conditions. In a mechanical rope rope, if a load (pulling force) exceeding the strength limit of the components is applied, it will lead to "physical hardware failure" such as rope breakage.

[0045] On the other hand, in the present invention, if the load such as electromagnetic resistance from the generator (14) exceeds the limit of the maximum repulsive force (or attractive force) of the magnet, the component is not physically destroyed, but rather a "slip" phenomenon occurs where the magnetic coupling is released and the components slip.

[0046] In other words, this mechanism inherently incorporates a fail-safe function that automatically shuts off power transmission to protect its components in the event of an overload exceeding its limit, giving it extremely superior characteristics as a highly safe power transmission and power generation system.

[0047] The means for converting the magnetic energy of the inclined cross-section cylindrical rotation mechanism of the present invention into other forms of energy involves converting it into electrical energy via magnetic energy. However, the linear motion of the reciprocating magnet could also be converted into the rotational motion of a crank mechanism and directly utilized as mechanical energy. The present invention employs a method of converting it into easily manageable electrical energy.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, only one sensor (13) for detecting the position of the reciprocating magnet is shown, but four may be provided. To avoid collisions between the cylindrical magnet assembly (9) and the reciprocating magnets (4, 6), a metal fitting that maintains a certain distance between the reciprocating magnets (4, 6) may be used to mechanically avoid collisions.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present invention, the means for converting magnetic energy into other forms of energy, the crank mechanism, has four poles. However, increasing the number of poles and the rotational speed will increase the output. Alternatively, reciprocating magnets (4, 6) can be made to reciprocate near an electromagnetic solenoid and directly converted into electrical energy. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] This invention relates to a power transmission mechanism and power generation system that converts reciprocating motion into rotational motion via magnetic force to generate electricity, and is widely applicable in the following industrial fields.

[0051] Firstly, it can be used in small-scale, off-grid power generation systems and as an energy conversion module with low environmental impact. Because it utilizes magnetic power transmission without mechanical contact, it experiences minimal wear and tear, making it promising for applications in plant equipment requiring long-term maintenance-free operation, as well as as part of independent power sources and power generation systems at large-scale infrastructure construction sites such as shipyards.

[0052] Secondly, it is suitable for use as a power transmission and power generation module in special environments where the use of lubricants is restricted or where the generation of dust due to mechanical friction must be minimized, such as in clean rooms, vacuum environments, or underwater.

[0053] Thirdly, its ability to convert rotational input from a motor into reciprocating and rotational motion while maintaining mechanical balance makes it applicable to non-contact power transmission mechanisms in the joints of automated equipment and industrial robots, as well as to energy regeneration systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 is the first crank mechanism 2 is the first connecting rod 3 is the second connecting rod 4 is the first magnet that performs reciprocating motion. 5 is the second crank mechanism 6 is a magnet that performs a second reciprocating motion. 7 is the north pole of a cylindrical magnet with a sine curve cross-section. 8 is the south pole of a cylindrical magnet with a sine curve cross-section. 9 is an assembly of cylindrical magnets with a semicircular sine curve cross-section. 10 is pulley 11 is motor 12 is the control circuit 13 is a sensor that detects the position of a magnet that is moving back and forth. 14 is a generator 15 is the cabinet 16 is the guide rail of the crank mechanism 17 is a slider 18 is a weight 19 is a bearing 20 is the shaft

Claims

1. A cylindrical rotating mechanism with an inclined cross-section is characterized by comprising: a rotating shaft; a driving means (motor) for rotating the rotating shaft; a cylindrical magnet fixed to the rotating shaft, having an inclined cross-section that forms a sine curve, and having different magnetic poles arranged along the circumferential direction; first and second reciprocating magnets positioned opposite each other on either side of the cylindrical magnet, which perform linear reciprocating motion due to the change in magnetic force accompanying the rotation of the cylindrical magnet; first and second crank mechanisms that convert the reciprocating motion of the first and second reciprocating magnets into rotational motion; and a generator that generates electricity by the rotational motion of the crank mechanisms.

2. A cylindrical rotating mechanism with an inclined cross-section according to claim 1, wherein when the cylindrical magnet rotates, a repulsive force acts between the first reciprocating magnet and the cylindrical magnet, and an attractive force acts between the second reciprocating magnet and the cylindrical magnet, and the first and second reciprocating magnets always receive thrust in the same direction parallel to the axis of rotation, thereby reducing mechanical losses.

3. A cylindrical rotating mechanism with an inclined cross-section according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cylindrical magnet is arranged with its north pole and south pole separated in a semicircular shape, and the joint between the north pole and the south pole has a shape for reducing cogging torque generated when switching magnetic poles.

4. A cylindrical rotating mechanism with an inclined cross-section according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a sensor for detecting the relative position of the reciprocating magnet and the cylindrical magnet; and a control circuit for avoiding collisions between the cylindrical magnet and the reciprocating magnet based on the detection result of the sensor, wherein the control circuit avoids collisions by utilizing an electromagnetic braking force generated by supplying current to the generator.

5. A cylindrical rotating mechanism with an inclined cross-section according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second crank mechanisms are provided with weights to impart rotational inertia to the repulsive force generated when the magnetic poles of the cylindrical magnet are switched, and to maintain smooth rotation.

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