Superconducting Coil Assembly and Method for Manufacturing the Same

Abstract

To provide a superconducting coil assembly and a manufacturing method thereof that can maintain the superconducting state of a superconducting coil even when the electromagnetic force generated by the superconducting coil when energized is applied to the superconducting coil itself.SOLUTION: A superconducting coil assembly 100 includes a winding frame 1, a plurality of superconducting coils 2, and a winding member 3. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 are wound around the winding frame 1. The winding member 3 is wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 and integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The coefficient of linear expansion of the winding member 3 is larger than the coefficient of linear expansion of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 are housed in the container 10. The container 10 is filled with a liquid refrigerant 11. The winding frame 1 constitutes a part of the container 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a superconducting coil assembly and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] By winding a plurality of superconducting wires around a bobbin, a plurality of superconducting coils are wound around the bobbin, and a superconducting coil assembly is formed. In the superconducting coil assembly, the superconducting coil is housed in a container filled with a liquid refrigerant. The superconducting coil is maintained at a temperature below the superconducting critical temperature and becomes superconducting. The superconducting coil assembly is applied to, for example, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus.

[0003] It is preferable to wind the superconducting wire around the bobbin with high tension or to support the superconducting coil from the outside of the superconducting coil as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-23724 (Patent Document 1). In this way, even when the electromagnetic force generated by the superconducting coil is applied to the superconducting coil itself when energizing the superconducting coil from the outside, the superconducting coil does not quench and the superconducting state can be maintained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-23724, a superconducting coil is formed by winding a superconducting wire around a core material as a winding frame, and a tubular mechanical support structure is placed outside the superconducting coil. The superconducting coil and the mechanical support structure are impregnated with a resin and joined to each other by curing the resin. When a force is applied when disassembling and removing the core material thereafter, the superconducting coil is deformed and a gap is generated between the superconducting coil and the mechanical support structure. As a result, the magnetic field around the superconducting coil becomes non-uniform, causing a quench, and there is a problem that the superconducting coil cannot maintain the superconducting state.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object thereof is to provide a superconducting coil assembly and a method for manufacturing the same that can maintain the superconducting state of the superconducting coil even when the electromagnetic force generated by the superconducting coil during energization is applied to the superconducting coil itself.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A superconducting coil assembly according to the present disclosure includes a bobbin, a plurality of superconducting coils, and a winding member. The plurality of superconducting coils are wound around the bobbin. The winding member is wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils and integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils. The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member is greater than the linear expansion coefficient of the plurality of superconducting coils. The plurality of superconducting coils are housed in a container. The container is filled with a liquid refrigerant. The bobbin forms a part of the container. A flange that forms a region for arranging the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member, is joined to one and the other ends in the extending direction of the bobbin, and forms a first wall portion that extends in the vertical direction with respect to the left-right direction indicating the extending direction of the bobbin. On the outer surface which is a cylindrical side surface facing the outside of the bobbin, the bobbin forms a plurality of second wall portions along the left-right direction, and in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions among the plurality of second wall portions, each of the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member is arranged. Among the plurality of second wall portions, the vertical length of the second wall portions formed at one and the other ends in the extending direction of the bobbin is longer than the vertical length of the second wall portions formed in the region between the one and the other ends. Each of the plurality of superconducting coils is wound one turn at a time with a space therebetween in a region sandwiched between adjacent to each other a pair of second wall portion and formed into a groove shape.

[0008] In the method for manufacturing a superconducting coil assembly according to the present disclosure, first, a bobbin is prepared. A plurality of superconducting wires are wound around the bobbin to form a plurality of superconducting coils. A winding member is wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils. The plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member are integrally formed by vacuum impregnation. The plurality of superconducting coils are housed in a container. The container is filled with a liquid refrigerant. The coefficient of linear expansion of the winding member is larger than that of the plurality of superconducting coils. The bobbin forms a part of the container. A flange that forms a region for arranging the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member, is joined to one and the other ends in the extending direction of the bobbin, and forms a part of the container that bends so as to extend in the outer direction away from the bobbin forms a first wall portion that extends in the vertical direction with respect to the left-right direction indicating the extending direction of the bobbin. On the outer surface of the bobbin, which is a cylindrical side surface facing the outside of the bobbin, a plurality of second wall portions are formed along the left-right direction, and in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions among the plurality of second wall portions, each of the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member is arranged. Among the plurality of second wall portions, the vertical length of the second wall portions formed at one and the other ends in the extending direction of the bobbin is longer than the vertical length of the second wall portions formed in the region between the one and the other ends. Each of the plurality of superconducting coils is wound one turn at a time with a space therebetween in a groove-shaped region sandwiched between adjacent to each other a pair of second wall portion and formed into a groove shape.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the above, it is possible to provide a superconducting coil assembly and a method for manufacturing the same that can maintain the superconducting state of the superconducting coil even when an electromagnetic force generated by the superconducting coil during energization is applied to the superconducting coil itself.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. First, the configuration of the superconducting coil assembly of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the superconducting coil assembly according to Embodiment 1 cut open to show its configuration. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the superconducting coil assembly according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of Embodiment 1 is a member for magnetic resonance imaging. The superconducting coil assembly 100 includes a bobbin 1, a plurality of superconducting coils 2, and a winding member 3. The superconducting coils 2 are wound around the bobbin 1. The winding member 3 is wound around the outer periphery of the superconducting coils 2 and is integrated with the superconducting coils 2. The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member 3 is larger than that of the superconducting coils 2. Hereinafter, the superconducting coil assembly 100 having the above characteristics will be described in more detail.

[0013] The bobbin 1 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a cavity in the central portion. A wall portion 4 is formed on the outer surface, which is a cylindrical side surface facing the outside of the bobbin 1. The wall portion 4 is a region where the outer surface of the bobbin 1 protrudes outward with respect to other regions. A plurality of wall portions 4 are formed at intervals along the extending direction of the bobbin 1, that is, the left - right direction in FIG. 2. Each of the plurality of wall portions 4 has a shape that encircles the outer surface of the bobbin 1. That is, if the bobbin 1 is cylindrical, each of the plurality of wall portions 4 is annular. One of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between a pair of adjacent wall portions 4. Therefore, each of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 is wound one by one at intervals in a region that is sandwiched between a pair of wall portions 4 on the outer surface of the bobbin 1 and forms a groove - like shape. Each superconducting coil 2 is positioned by a pair of wall portions 4 sandwiching it so as not to move in the extending direction of the bobbin 1.

[0014] The wall portion 4 may also be formed at one end and the other end in the extending direction of the bobbin 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the wall portions 4 as the one end and the other end may extend longer in the up - down direction in FIG. 2 than the other wall portions 4, that is, the wall portions 4 in the region between the one end and the other end.

[0015] A plurality of superconducting coils 2 are wound around the winding frame 1. The superconducting wire constituting the superconducting coil 2 is formed of, for example, generally known niobium titanium or the like. Thereby, the uniformity of the magnetic field created by the superconducting coil 2 due to energization from the outside to the superconducting coil assembly 100 is enhanced.

[0016] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the position and number of the superconducting coils 2 wound around the winding frame 1 are designed to satisfy the specifications of the intensity of the magnetic field created by the superconducting coils 2 and the uniformity of the magnetic field due to energization from the outside to the superconducting coil assembly 100. Therefore, the winding density of the superconducting coils 2 does not necessarily have to be uniform throughout in the left-right direction of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the region III surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 2 in the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 3, the winding member 3 is wound on the surface of the superconducting coil 2 so as to cover the outermost peripheral surface of each of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 where they are wound. It is preferable that one winding member 3 is wound a plurality of times on the surface of each superconducting coil 2. However, separate winding members 3 are wound on one superconducting coil 2 and the superconducting coil 2 adjacent thereto. The winding member 3 in the present embodiment is a round wire 3A. The round wire 3A is a wire whose outer peripheral portion of the cross-section intersecting the extending direction is curved. As an example, the round wire 3A in FIG. 3 has a circular outer peripheral portion of its cross-section. However, it is not limited thereto, and the outer peripheral portion of the cross-section of the round wire 3A may be elliptical or other curved. The round wire 3A is preferably formed of, for example, aluminum that is non-magnetic and can be used in an extremely low temperature environment.

[0018] In the superconducting coil assembly 100, the round wire 3A as the winding member 3 is wound with a higher tension than the superconducting coil 2. The tension here is the tensile force in the extending direction of the winding member 3 and the superconducting coil 2. However, the winding tension and number of turns of the round wire 3A are designed such that even when the electromagnetic force generated by the superconducting coil 2 itself is applied to the superconducting coil assembly 100 from the outside through energization, the superconducting coil 2 can maintain the superconducting state with a small amount of deformation. Here, the number of turns means the number of winding turns when a single round wire 3A is wound multiple times.

[0019] The superconducting coil 2 and the round wire 3A wound around its outer periphery are integrated with each other by being impregnated with a resin material, particularly, for example, varnish.

[0020] In the superconducting coil assembly 100, the above-mentioned superconducting coil 2 is housed in the container 10. The container 10 is a cylindrical member formed so as to wrap the winding frame 1 on the outside of the outer surface of the winding frame 1. However, the winding frame 1 constitutes a part of the container 10. That is, the container 10 is formed by the winding frame 1, the flange 5, and the outer cylinder 6. It is preferable that the winding frame 1, the flange 5, and the outer cylinder 6 are all made of the same material, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.

[0021] The flange 5 is joined to a part of the outer surface of the winding frame 1, particularly to one end and the other end in the extending direction of the winding frame 1. The flange 5 has a shape such that the dimension in its extending direction, that is, the left-right direction in FIG. 2, is slightly smaller than that of the winding frame 1 compared to the region joined to the winding frame 1. Specifically, the flange 5 extends such that one end and the other end in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 face each other along the left-right direction. While maintaining the left-right interval in FIG. 2, the flange 5 extends away from the winding frame 1, that is, extends outward from the winding frame 1. For this reason, the flange 5 is bent so as to extend in the outer direction away from the winding frame 1 from the left-right direction in FIG. 2.

[0022] The outer cylinder 6 is joined to one and the other end of the flange 5 in the extending direction thereof. The outer cylinder 6 is a cylindrical, for example, a circular cylindrical member that extends in the extending direction of the flange 5 so as to surround the winding frame 1 and the flange 5 from the outside. Although not shown, the outer cylinder 6 may include a portion that extends outward from the flange 5. The combined portion of the flange 5 and the outer cylinder 6 is arranged like a lid that covers the winding frame 1 from the outside.

[0023] By joining the flange 5 and the outer cylinder 6, a wall portion 4 is formed in a region near the outer edge of the flange 5 on the side opposite to the winding frame 1, that is, in a region having a portion extending in the left - right direction of the figure from there, a bent portion, and a portion extending in the up - down direction of the figure. A region surrounded by this wall portion 4, the flange 5, and the end portions of the outer cylinder 6 in the extending direction, that is, in the left - right direction of FIG. 2, is formed. The superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are also arranged in this surrounded region.

[0024] The inside of the container 10 formed by joining the winding frame 1, the flange 5, and the outer cylinder 6 in this way is filled with the liquid refrigerant 11.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, a method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross - sectional view showing an aspect of the first step of the method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 4, first, the winding frame 1 is prepared. The winding frame 1 prepared here preferably has a plurality of wall portions 4 formed at intervals as described above. The interval in the left - right direction of FIG. 5 between this pair of wall portions 4 is preferably approximately equal to the width of the superconducting coil 2 wound so as to be sandwiched between the wall portions 4 in the next step, and the interval is such that the wall portions 4 contact the superconducting coil 2.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of the second step of the method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly according to Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of superconducting wires are wound around the winding form 1. That is, each of the plurality of superconducting wires is wound once around the region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent wall portions 4 among the plurality of wall portions 4 formed on the winding form 1. The wound superconducting wires thus become a plurality of superconducting coils 2. At this time, the superconducting wires are wound with a relatively small tension such that the superconducting wires do not bulge. Thereby, deformation of the winding form 1 due to the winding of the superconducting wires can be reduced. By reducing the deformation of the winding form 1, the positional accuracy of the superconducting coil 2 is improved. Thereby, the uniformity of the magnetic field created by the superconducting coil 2 when the superconducting coil assembly 100 is energized is enhanced.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of the third step of the method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly according to Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 6, as the winding member 3, one round wire 3A of FIG. 3 is wound a plurality of times around the outer periphery of the superconducting coil 2. The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member 3 is larger than that of the superconducting coil 2. However, specifically, the linear expansion coefficient of the winding member 3 varies according to the type of superconducting wire constituting the superconducting coil 2.

[0029] The winding member 3 is wound with a higher tension than the superconducting wire of the superconducting coil 2. However, specifically, the value of the tension varies depending on the type of superconducting wire. Note that the tension is measured by a tension controller. The measurement result is fed back to the servo motor by feedback control. Thereby, the torque for the servo motor to wind the winding member 3 is controlled.

[0030] After the winding member 3 is wound, the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are integrated by vacuum impregnation. Specifically, after the winding frame 1 around which the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are wound is dried, it is put into a vacuum device, and the inside of the vacuum device is brought into a relatively low vacuum state. When the required degree of vacuum is reached inside the vacuum device, varnish is injected into the device, and the varnish is supplied onto the surfaces of the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3. At this time, the varnish is also supplied to the region sandwiched between the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3. After the varnish is supplied, the inside of the device is brought into an even higher vacuum state. It is held in the high vacuum state for a certain period of time, and then the pressure inside the device is increased to a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Then, the winding frame 1 and the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 wound around it are transferred into a heating device. The varnish supplied onto the surface of the winding member 3 is cured by heating. Thereby, the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are integrated.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of the fourth step of the method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 7, after the winding frame 1 and the like are taken out from the heating device, a flange 5 and an outer cylinder 6 are attached to the outer surface of the winding frame 1, for example, by airtight welding. Thereby, a container 10 composed of the winding frame 1, the flange 5, and the outer cylinder 6 is formed, and the superconducting coil 2 in the step of FIG. 6 is housed in the container 10. As shown in FIG. 7, an additional wall portion 4 may be formed at the boundary portion between the flange 5 and the outer cylinder 6, and a member in which the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are wound and integrated may also be arranged here.

[0032] Referring again to FIG. 2, the container 10 in which the superconducting coil 2 and the winding member 3 are housed is filled with a liquid refrigerant 11. Thereby, the superconducting coil assembly 100 is formed.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a superconducting coil assembly according to a modification of Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 8, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of this modification generally has the same configuration as the superconducting coil assemblies 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components below, and the description of the common parts of the configuration will not be repeated. In the modification of FIG. 8, the container 10 is formed by the winding frame 1 and the cylindrical body 7. The cylindrical body 7 is composed of a first portion 7A and a second portion 7B that intersects the first portion 7A, and the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B are integrated.

[0034] The first portion 7A corresponds to the flange 5 in FIG. 2, and the second portion 7B corresponds to the outer cylinder 6 in FIG. 2. The first portion 7A is joined to one and the other ends of the winding frame 1 in the left-right direction of FIG. 8, and extends outward from the winding frame 1. That is, the first portion 7A does not have a portion that extends along the left-right direction of FIG. 8 so as to face each other like the flange 5. In this sense, the first portion 7A has a simpler shape than the flange 5 in FIG. 2. The second portion 7B is a portion that bends from the first portion 7A and extends in the left-right direction of FIG. 8. Therefore, the cylindrical body 7 extends in the direction in which the winding frame 1 extends so as to surround the winding frame 1 from the outside. In the container 10 of the present embodiment, a configuration having a bent portion like the flange 5 is not necessary. The container 10 may be configured only by the winding frame 1 and the cylindrical body 7 having only the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B as in the modification of FIG. 8.

[0035] The manufacturing method of the superconducting coil assembly 100 in the modification of FIG. 8 is basically the same as the manufacturing method of the superconducting coil assembly 100 in FIGS. 4 to 7. Therefore, the description of the same steps will not be repeated. However, in the manufacturing process of FIG. 8, when the superconducting coil 2 is housed in the container 10, a cylindrical body 7, which is a member different from the winding frame 1 and is a part of the container 10, is attached to the outside of the winding frame 1. As a result, the container 10 composed of the winding frame 1 and the cylindrical body 7 is formed. By forming it in this way, a container 10 having the same function as the container 10 in FIG. 2 can be formed more easily than in FIG. 2 by forming a member having a simpler shape than in FIG. 2.

[0036] Next, while explaining the background of the present embodiment, the effects of the present embodiment will be explained.

[0037] When the present embodiment is not applied, that is, in a configuration where the winding member 3 is not wound around the outer periphery of the superconducting coil 2, the superconducting coil 2 may be deformed and its position may change. As a result, for example, when an electric current is applied to the superconducting coil assembly 100 from the outside, the magnetic field created by the superconducting coil 2 may become non-uniform. Maintaining the position of the superconducting coil 2 so that it does not change is important for maintaining the stability of the magnetic field generated by the superconducting coil 2 and, as a result, maintaining a stable superconducting state in which a quench does not occur. However, when providing a structure to support the superconducting coil 2 so that it does not deform, it is necessary to increase its processing accuracy, which results in a soaring processing cost.

[0038] Therefore, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment includes a winding frame 1, a plurality of superconducting coils 2, and a winding member 3. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 are wound around the winding frame 1. The winding member 3 is wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 and integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member 3 is larger than the linear expansion coefficient of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 are housed in the container 10. The inside of the container 10 is filled with a liquid refrigerant 11. The winding frame 1 constitutes a part of the container 10.

[0039] In the method for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment, a winding form 1 is prepared, and a plurality of superconducting wires are wound around the winding form 1 to form a plurality of superconducting coils 2. A winding member 3 is wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 and the winding member 3 are integrally formed by vacuum impregnation. The plurality of superconducting coils 2 are housed in a container 10. The container 10 is filled with a liquid refrigerant 11. The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member 3 is larger than that of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. The winding form 1 constitutes a part of the container 10.

[0040] A winding member 3 having a linear expansion coefficient larger than that of the superconducting coil 2 is wound around the outer periphery of the superconducting coil 2, and the container 10 in which these are housed is filled with a liquid refrigerant 11. Therefore, the amount of volume contraction of the winding member 3 on the outer periphery of the superconducting coil 2 due to the cooling action of the liquid refrigerant 11 is larger than that of the superconducting coil 2. Accordingly, the effect of restraining the superconducting coil 2 from moving outward from its outer peripheral side is enhanced. Therefore, by suppressing the deformation of the superconducting coil 2 and stabilizing the magnetic field generated by the superconducting coil 2, an effect of maintaining a stable superconducting state without quenching can be obtained.

[0041] In the superconducting coil assembly 100, the winding member 3 that suppresses deformation and the like of the superconducting coil 2 is provided only by being wound around the outer periphery of the superconducting coil 2. Therefore, for example, there is no need to separately process a member for fixing the superconducting coil 2 at a high cost. Thereby, the processing cost for fixing the superconducting coil 2 can be reduced.

[0042] In the superconducting coil assembly 100 and its manufacturing method described above, it is preferable that the winding member 3 has a higher winding tension than the plurality of superconducting coils 2. In this way, the total number of turns of the winding member 3 can be reduced. Thereby, the material cost of the winding member 3 can be reduced.

[0043] In addition, in the above superconducting coil assembly 100 and its manufacturing method, the winding member 3 is a round wire 3A having a curved outer peripheral portion in a cross section intersecting the extending direction. Thereby, since the winding member 3 can be wound at high speed, the working time of the winding process can be shortened.

[0044] Embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the region surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 2 in the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 2. Referring to FIG. 9, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment generally has the same configuration as the superconducting coil assembly 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components below, and the description of the common parts of the configuration will not be repeated. In FIG. 9, the winding member 3 is a square wire 3B. The square wire 3B is a wire rod having a polygonal outer peripheral portion in a cross section intersecting the extending direction. As an example, the square wire 3B in FIG. 9 has a square outer peripheral portion in its cross section, which is a rectangular shape or a square shape. However, it is not limited thereto, and the outer peripheral portion of the cross section of the round wire 3A may be hexagonal or octagonal, or other polygonal shapes. The square wire 3B is preferably formed of, for example, aluminum that can be used in a non-magnetic and cryogenic environment. The square wire 3B is preferably formed of, for example, aluminum that can be used in a non-magnetic and cryogenic environment.

[0045] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. In addition to the same effects as those of Embodiment 1, the present embodiment has the following additional effects.

[0046] In the superconducting coil assembly 100 and its manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the winding member 3 is a square wire 3B having a polygonal outer peripheral portion in a cross section intersecting the extending direction. Therefore, the occupation ratio of the square wire 3B can be increased and the usage amount of the winding member 3 can be reduced. Therefore, the material cost of the winding member 3 can be reduced.

[0047] Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the region surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 2 in the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 3. Referring to FIG. 10, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment generally has the same configuration as the superconducting coil assembly 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the common parts will not be repeated. In FIG. 10, the winding member 3 is a sheet material 3C whose width in the direction intersecting the extending direction is equal to the width of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. Here, the "equal" does not mean that the widths of both are exactly the same, but the width of the sheet material 3C is allowed to increase or decrease within 10% of the width of the superconducting coil 2. That is, the sheet material 3C has a configuration in which the width in the left-right direction of the angular line 3B having, for example, a rectangular cross-section in FIG. 9 is stretched so as to be substantially equal to the width of the superconducting coil 2. Also in the present embodiment, similar to the angular line 3B of Embodiment 2, the cross-section of the sheet material 3C is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be other polygonal shapes. Further, the sheet material 3C is preferably formed of, for example, aluminum that can be used in a non-magnetic and cryogenic environment.

[0048] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. In addition to the same effects as those of Embodiment 1, the present embodiment exhibits the following additional effects.

[0049] In the superconducting coil assembly 100 and its manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the winding member 3 is a sheet material 3C whose width in the direction intersecting the extending direction is equal to the width of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. Therefore, the number of turns during winding can be reduced compared to the angular line 3B. Thereby, the working time of the winding process can be shortened.

[0050] As shown in the above Embodiments 1 to 3, the winding member 3 of the superconducting coil assembly 100 and its manufacturing method is preferably any one of a round wire 3A whose outer peripheral portion in the cross-section intersecting the extending direction is curved, an angular line 3B whose outer peripheral portion in the cross-section intersecting the extending direction is polygonal, and a sheet material 3C whose width in the direction intersecting the extending direction is equal to the width of the plurality of superconducting coils.

[0051] Embodiment 4 FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the region surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 2 and the surrounding configuration in the superconducting coil assembly of Embodiment 4. Referring to FIG. 11, the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment generally has the same configuration as the superconducting coil assembly 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components below, and the description of the common parts of the configuration will not be repeated. In FIG. 11, there is a varnish 8 between each of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 wound around the winding frame 1 and the round wire 3A integrated with each of the plurality of superconducting coils 2. Note that the varnish 8 penetrates between a number of annular wire portions of the round wire 3A wound around the surface of the superconducting coil 2 a number of times and reaches the boundary between the round wire 3A and the superconducting coil 2. Also, the varnish 8 may be disposed between a pair of superconducting coils 2 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction of FIG. 11. That is, the varnish 8 may be disposed so as to be sandwiched between a pair of adjacent wall portions 4 sandwiching a pair of superconducting coils 2.

[0052] Although a round wire 3A is shown as the winding member 3 in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, a square wire 3B or a sheet material 3C may be used as the winding member 3.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of a process for manufacturing the superconducting coil assembly according to Embodiment 4. In FIG. 12, a process corresponding to the second process particularly shown in FIG. 5 in the manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 is shown. Referring to FIG. 12, the manufacturing method of the superconducting coil assembly 100 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as the manufacturing method of the superconducting coil assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 of Embodiment 1, so the description of the same processes will not be repeated. However, as shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, in the process of winding the superconducting wire shown in FIG. 5 to form a plurality of superconducting coils 2, the superconducting wire is wound while applying a varnish 8 to the winding form 1. Also, in the process of winding the winding member 3 shown in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 12, the winding member 3 is wound while applying the varnish 8 to the winding form 1 and the superconducting coils 2. In this regard, the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in which the varnish is supplied and vacuum impregnated in a vacuum device after the winding member 3 is wound.

[0054] After the winding of the winding member 3, the superconducting coils 2 and the winding member 3 are put into a heating furnace and thermally cured. Thereby, both are integrated.

[0055] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. In addition to the same effects as those of Embodiment 1, the present embodiment has the following additional effects.

[0056] In the superconducting coil assembly 100 of the present embodiment, there is varnish 8 between each of the plurality of superconducting coils 2 and a winding member 3 integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils 2. In such a configuration, in the manufacturing process of the superconducting coil 100, the process of winding the superconducting wire and the process of winding the winding member 3 are performed while applying the varnish 8 to the winding form 1. That is, the varnish 8 is supplied to the winding form 1 or the like before the winding of the winding member 3 is completed. Thereby, compared with Embodiment 1 in which the varnish 8 is vacuum-impregnated while being injected in the vacuum device after the winding of the winding member 3, the varnish 8 can surely penetrate into the gap between the winding member 3 integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils 2, and the two can be surely integrated. Further, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the number of steps can be reduced compared with Embodiment 1 in which the varnish 8 is vacuum-impregnated while being injected in the vacuum device after the winding of the winding member 3.

[0057] The features described in each of the above-described embodiments (including each example) may be applied by appropriately combining them within a technically consistent range.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1 Winding form, 2 Superconducting coil, 3 Winding member, 3A Round wire, 3B Square wire, 3C Sheet material, 4 Wall portion, 5 Flange, 6 Outer cylinder, 7 Cylindrical body, 7A First portion, 7B Second portion, 10 Container, 11 Liquid refrigerant, 100 Superconducting coil assembly.

Claims

1. A winding frame, a plurality of superconducting coils wound around the winding frame, and a winding member wound around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils and integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils, wherein a linear expansion coefficient of the winding member is larger than a linear expansion coefficient of the plurality of superconducting coils, wherein the plurality of superconducting coils are housed in a container, wherein the inside of the container is filled with a liquid refrigerant, wherein the winding frame forms a part of the container, wherein a flange that forms a region for arranging the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member, is joined to one and the other ends in a direction in which the winding frame extends, and forms a part of the container that bends so as to extend in an outer direction away from the winding frame, forms a first wall portion extending in a vertical direction with respect to a left - right direction indicating the extending direction of the winding frame, wherein the winding frame forms a plurality of second wall portions along the left - right direction on an outer surface which is a cylindrical side surface facing the outside of the winding frame, and arranges each of the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions among the plurality of second wall portions, wherein, among the plurality of second wall portions, a vertical length of the second wall portions formed at one and the other ends in the extending direction of the winding frame is longer than a vertical length of the second wall portions formed in a region between the one and the other ends, wherein each of the plurality of superconducting coils is wound one turn at a time with a space therebetween in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions on the outer surface of the winding frame and having a groove shape, a superconducting coil assembly.

2. wherein the winding member is any one of a round wire having a curved outer peripheral portion in a cross - section intersecting the extending direction, an angular wire having a polygonal outer peripheral portion in a cross - section intersecting the extending direction, and a sheet material having a width in a direction intersecting the extending direction equal to a width of the plurality of superconducting coils, The superconducting coil assembly according to Claim 1.

3. wherein the winding member has a higher winding tension than the plurality of superconducting coils, The superconducting coil assembly according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. wherein there is varnish between each of the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member integrated with the plurality of superconducting coils, The superconducting coil assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. A step of preparing a winding frame, a step of winding a plurality of superconducting wires around the winding frame to form a plurality of superconducting coils, a step of winding a winding member around the outer periphery of the plurality of superconducting coils, A step of integrally impregnating the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member with vacuum; A step of housing the plurality of superconducting coils in a container; A step of filling the container with a liquid refrigerant, and The linear expansion coefficient of the winding member is larger than the linear expansion coefficient of the plurality of superconducting coils, The winding frame forms a part of the container, A flange that forms a region for arranging the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member, is joined to one end and the other end in the extending direction of the winding frame, and forms a part of the container that bends so as to extend in the outer direction away from the winding frame forms a first wall portion extending in the vertical direction with respect to the left-right direction indicating the extending direction of the winding frame, On the outer surface which is a cylindrical side surface facing the outside of the winding frame, the winding frame forms a plurality of second wall portions along the left-right direction, and in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions among the plurality of second wall portions, each of the plurality of superconducting coils and the winding member is arranged, Among the plurality of second wall portions, the vertical length of the second wall portions formed at one end and the other end in the extending direction of the winding frame is longer than the vertical length of the second wall portions formed in a region between the one end and the other end, Each of the plurality of superconducting coils is wound one turn at a time with a gap therebetween in a region sandwiched between a pair of adjacent second wall portions on the outer surface of the winding frame and formed in a groove shape, A method for manufacturing a superconducting coil assembly.

6. The winding member is any one of a round wire having a curved outer peripheral portion in a cross section intersecting the extending direction, a square wire having a polygonal outer peripheral portion in a cross section intersecting the extending direction, and a sheet material having a width in a direction intersecting the extending direction equal to the width of the plurality of superconducting coils, The method for manufacturing a superconducting coil assembly according to claim 5.

7. The step of winding the superconducting wire and the step of winding the winding member are performed while applying varnish to the winding frame, The method for manufacturing a superconducting coil assembly according to claim 5 or 6.

8. In the housing step, a cylindrical body that forms another part of the container different from the winding frame which is a part of the container and can house the winding frame is attached to the outside of the winding frame to form the container, The method for manufacturing a superconducting coil assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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