Vector potential generator, vector potential coil arrangement method, vector potential transformer, and contactless power supply system

Abstract

To obtain a vector potential generation device with fewer restrictions on an object to which vector potential is applied.SOLUTION: A vector potential coil 11 is a vector potential coil that is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis. A ferromagnetic member 11A extends within the solenoid coil along the coil axis. A power supply device causes the vector potential coil 11 to conduct a current. The vector potential coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A are provided with an opening 14 in the circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a vector potential generator, a vector potential coil arrangement method, a vector potential transformer, and a non-contact power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a vector potential generator has been developed that generates a vector potential by conducting a current through a vector potential coil that circulates a solenoid coil, and a vector potential transformer that transmits power using the vector potential and stimulation of deep tissues of a living body by the vector potential have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Also, a vector potential generator has been developed that substantially makes the internal region of the vector potential coil (the hollow region formed by winding the solenoid coil, that is, winding around the coil axis) a magnetic field-free state by a return current conductor connected in series to the vector potential coil (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] Also, a vector potential detection device has been developed that detects a vector potential by utilizing the fact that a voltage is induced by a time-varying vector potential (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the aforementioned vector potential coil has more than one rotation, and the object to which the generated vector potential is applied with sufficient strength (for example, a secondary conductor) must be placed in the internal region of the roughly annular vector potential coil. This restricts the object to which the vector potential is applied to anything that can be inserted into the internal region of the vector potential coil.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a vector potential generator and a vector potential coil arrangement method that have fewer restrictions on the target to which the vector potential is applied, as well as a vector potential transformer that can utilize the vector potential generator, and a non-contact power supply system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vector potential generating device according to the present invention comprises a vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis; a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil; and a power supply device for conducting current to the vector potential coil. The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are provided with openings in the circumferential direction.

[0009] The vector potential coil arrangement method according to the present invention involves a vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis, and a support that supports a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil. The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are arranged in a position that generates a vector potential in the brain of a human body without attaching the support to the head of a human body.

[0010] The vector potential generating device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of vector potential coils, which are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, Within the multiple solenoid coils, there are multiple ferromagnetic members that extend along the coil axis and have conductivity, It includes a power supply unit. Multiple vector potential coils and multiple ferromagnetic members are electrically connected to each other. The power supply unit applies voltage to the other ends of the multiple vector potential coils and the other ends of the multiple ferromagnetic members to conduct current through the multiple vector potential coils.And then, those multiple vector potential coils and multiple ferromagnetic members They are arranged along a linear or curved direction.

[0011] The vector potential coil arrangement method according to the present invention involves a plurality of vector potential coils, each being a plurality of solenoid coils extending along its respective coil axis. and multiple ferromagnetic members that extend along the coil axis within multiple solenoid coils and have conductivity. A support structure that holds multiple vector potential coils in place to generate a vector potential in the human brain without attaching the support structure to the human head. and multiple ferromagnetic members Place it.

[0012] The contactless power supply system according to the present invention comprises one of the above-described vector potential generating devices and a power receiving device. The power receiving device includes a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential generated by the vector potential generating device and induces a secondary voltage by the vector potential, and a power supply circuit that supplies the power obtained from the secondary voltage to a load.

[0013] The vector potential transformer according to the present invention comprises a vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis; a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil; and a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential and induces a secondary voltage by the vector potential. The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are provided with openings in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The vector potential transformer according to the present invention comprises a plurality of vector potential coils, which are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, Multiple ferromagnetic members that extend along the coil axis and have conductivity within multiple solenoid coils, The system includes a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential generated by the multiple vector potential coils and has a secondary voltage induced by that vector potential. Multiple vector potential coils are electrically connected to one end of multiple ferromagnetic members, and a voltage is applied between the other ends of the multiple vector potential coils and the other ends of the multiple ferromagnetic members, causing current to flow through the multiple vector potential coils. And then, those multiple vector potential coils and multiple ferromagnetic members They are arranged along a linear or curved direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a vector potential generating device with fewer restrictions on the object to which a vector potential is applied, a method for arranging vector potential coils, a vector potential transformer that can utilize the vector potential generating device, and a non-contact power supply system can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vector potential generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the vector potential coil device 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the application of a vector potential by the vector potential generating device 10 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a non-contact power supply system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the vector potential coil device 1 and the secondary conductor member 21 in the non-contact power supply system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generating device 10 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generating device 10 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a bed incorporating a vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a front view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a top view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0018] Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vector potential generator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vector potential generator 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a vector potential coil device 1 and a power supply device 2.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of a vector potential coil in the vector potential coil device 1 shown in Figure 1. The vector potential coil device 1 includes a vector potential coil (hereinafter also referred to as a VP coil) 11, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The VP coil 11 is a solenoid coil that extends along a curved coil axis.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of a vector potential coil device 1 in Embodiment 1. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the vector potential coil device 1 includes a ferromagnetic member 11A along with the VP coil 11 described above. The ferromagnetic member 11A has a shape that extends along the coil axis within the solenoid coil described above and is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0022] The vector potential generated by the current flowing through the VP coil 11 weakens with increasing distance from the current. However, as described above, because the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A are curved, the vector potentials generated by the currents at each position of the VP coil 11 overlap in the inward direction of the curve (or at the center of curvature in the case of an arc), resulting in a greater strength. Furthermore, since the vector potential is amplified according to the effective permeability of the ferromagnetic member 11, the strength of the vector potential increases in the inward direction of the curve (or at the center of curvature in the case of an arc).

[0023] The power supply unit 2 shown in Figure 1 generates current based on power from a commercial power source or a battery (primary or secondary battery), and conducts that current (in this case, an alternating current of a predetermined frequency) to the VP coil 11. If the power supply unit 2 conducts current to the VP coil 11 using battery power, the vector potential generator 10 may be a portable device with a built-in battery.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, for example, the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A have openings 14 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the coil axis of the VP coil 11 does not rotate more than one full turn.

[0025] For example, the coil axis described above is arc-shaped, and the angle (central angle) from one end to the other of the VP coil 11 (coil axis) as viewed from the center of the circle containing the coil axis (i.e., the arc) is less than 360 degrees. Similarly, the angle (central angle) from one end to the other of the ferromagnetic member 11A as viewed from the center of the circle containing the coil axis is less than 360 degrees. This forms the opening 14. For example, the central angle may be 180 degrees or less. However, a larger central angle is preferable because the intensity of the vector potential in the direction of the curve increases as the central angle increases. This central angle is any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 360 degrees, and furthermore, (a) it may be any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, (b) it may be any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, (c) it may be any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees, or (d) it may be any angle greater than 0.5 degrees and less than 360 degrees, furthermore, (e) it may be any angle greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees, (f) it may be any angle greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, (e) it may be any angle greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees, (f) it may be any angle greater than 0.5 degrees and less than or equal to 25 degrees, or (g) it may be 2 degrees or more It may be any angle less than 360 degrees, and furthermore, (h) any angle between 2 degrees and 180 degrees, (i) any angle between 2 degrees and 90 degrees, (j) any angle between 2 degrees and 45 degrees, (k) any angle between 2 degrees and 25 degrees, or (l) any angle between 5 degrees and less than 360 degrees, furthermore, (m) any angle between 5 degrees and 180 degrees, (n) any angle between 5 degrees and 90 degrees, (o) any angle between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, or (p) any angle between 5 degrees and 25 degrees.Furthermore, when considering the attachment and detachment of the object to which the vector potential is applied to the VP coil 11 from the curved inner direction, a larger opening 14 is preferable (that is, the radius of curvature of the coil axis and / or the central angle described above are determined according to the shape and size of the object to which the potential is applied).

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of the application of a vector potential by the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 1. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the object to which the vector potential is applied (in Figure 4, the foot 101 of a human body) is placed in this opening 14.

[0027] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the ferromagnetic member 11A is made of a conductive material such as permalloy, and one end of the VP coil 11 and one end of the ferromagnetic member 11A (end 11A1) are electrically connected to each other, forming a current path. The power supply device 2 then applies a voltage to the other end of the VP coil 11 and the other end of the ferromagnetic member 11A to conduct current through the VP coil 11. Here, the power supply device 2 applies a voltage to the terminal 12 electrically connected to the other end of the VP coil 11 and the terminal 13 electrically connected to the other end (end 11A2) of the ferromagnetic member 11A to conduct current through the VP coil 11.

[0028] Furthermore, since the coil axis of the VP coil 11 does not make more than one turn, the distance between the two ends of the VP coil 11 is large. However, because the ferromagnetic material 11A is used as the current path and two terminals 12 and 13 are located on either end of the VP coil 11, the area enclosed by the path of the wiring from the power supply unit 2 to the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic material 11A is relatively small, and unwanted magnetic fields generated by the current flowing through this wiring are suppressed.

[0029] Next, the operation of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0030] The power supply unit 2 applies a predetermined voltage to the terminals 12 and 13 of the vector potential generator 10, causing current to conduct to the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A.

[0031] A magnetic field is generated along the coil axis by the current flowing through the VP coil 11, and a vector potential is generated parallel to this current. The strength of the vector potential in the direction of the inward curvature of the VP coil 11 (i.e., around the opening 14) is greater than the vector potential in the direction of the outward curvature of the VP coil 11.

[0032] Therefore, the vector potential is effectively applied to the target of the vector potential application located at this opening 14.

[0033] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the VP coil 11 is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis, and the ferromagnetic member 11A extends along its coil axis within the solenoid coil. The power supply 2 conducts current to the VP coil 11. The VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A have an opening 14 in the circumferential direction (i.e., in the circumferential direction of the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A that are rotating in less than one full turn).

[0034] This allows the object to which the vector potential is applied to be placed in the opening 14, or in the internal region of the VP coil 11 via the opening 14, thus reducing the constraints on the object to which the vector potential is applied.

[0035] For example, when applying a vector potential to the shoulder of a human body, using a ring-shaped VP coil would require a relatively large VP coil that fits inside the hollow part of the human torso. However, by using the VP coil 11 shown in Embodiment 1, a relatively small VP coil 11 can be used to effectively apply a vector potential to such areas.

[0036] Embodiment 2.

[0037] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a contactless power supply system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the contactless power supply system according to Embodiment 2 comprises the vector potential generator 10 described above and a power receiving device 30. The power receiving device 30 comprises a secondary conductor member 21 to which the vector potential is applied, a power supply circuit 22, and a load 23.

[0038] The secondary conductor member 21 senses the vector potential generated by the alternating current in the vector potential generator 10, and a secondary voltage (alternating voltage) is induced by the time change of the vector potential, as shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of a vector potential coil device 1 and a secondary conductor member 21 in the contactless power supply system shown in Figure 5.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6 for example, the secondary conductor member 21 is a linear conductive member and is arranged parallel to the vector potential generated by the vector potential generator 10 (that is, perpendicular to the plane containing the coil axis of the VP coil 11). Preferably, the secondary conductor member 21 is positioned at the center of curvature of the coil axis of the VP coil 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 22 is connected to terminals 21A and 21B of the secondary conductor member 21, and supplies power obtained from the voltage generated between terminals 21A and 21B (i.e., the secondary voltage mentioned above) to the load 23. The power supply circuit 22 includes, for example, a rectifier and smoothing circuit, which converts the power obtained from its secondary voltage into DC power and supplies that DC power to the load 23.

[0042] Next, the operation of the contactless power supply system according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0043] As described in Embodiment 1, the vector potential generator 10 generates a relatively strong vector potential in the secondary conductor member 21 of the power receiving device 30 located in or around the opening 14. This generates a secondary voltage in the secondary conductor member 21. The power supply circuit 22 supplies power based on this secondary voltage to the load 23.

[0044] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, in the power receiving device 30, the secondary conductor member 21 senses the vector potential generated by the vector potential generator 10, induces a secondary voltage by the vector potential, and the power supply circuit 22 supplies the power obtained from that secondary voltage to the load 23.

[0045] This allows power to be supplied from the vector potential generator 10 to the power receiving device 30 without contact.

[0046] Embodiment 3.

[0047] The vector potential transformer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention comprises the VP coil 11 described above, the ferromagnetic member 11A described above, and the secondary conductor member 21 described above. This transmits power from the VP coil 11 (i.e., the primary side) to the secondary conductor member 21 (i.e., the secondary side). This vector potential transformer is a single device comprising the VP coil 11, the ferromagnetic member 11A, and the secondary conductor member 21, and the relative positional relationship between the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11A and the secondary conductor member 21 is fixed.

[0048] In the vector potential transformer according to Embodiment 3, there may be one or more VP coils 11, and any VP coil 11 from any of the other embodiments may be used as appropriate.

[0049] Embodiment 4.

[0050] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0051] In Embodiment 4, for example, as shown in Figure 7, a ferromagnetic member 11B is arranged inside the VP coil 11 (i.e., solenoid coil). Similar to the ferromagnetic member 11A, this ferromagnetic member 11B has a shape that follows the coil axis of the VP coil 11, and further extends outward (in the outward curved direction) of the VP coil 11 to form a closed magnetic path.

[0052] The ferromagnetic member 11B is a conductive ferromagnetic material (for example, a metallic magnetic material such as permalloy), and has a connection point 11B1 on one coil end side of the VP coil 11 and a connection point 11B2 on the other coil end side of the VP coil 11, with one coil end of the VP coil 11 being electrically connected to the ferromagnetic member 11B at connection point 11B1.

[0053] Furthermore, the other end of the VP coil 11 is electrically connected to terminal 12, and the connection point 11B2 of the ferromagnetic material member 11B is electrically connected to terminal 13 via a lead wire. The power supply unit 2 applies voltage to terminals 12 and 13 to conduct current through the VP coil 11.

[0054] Furthermore, a gap 11B3 is formed in the ferromagnetic member 11B in the direction of the outer curvature of the VP coil 11. The gap 11B3 prevents current from conducting in the portion of the ferromagnetic member 11B that is outside the curve of the VP coil 11.

[0055] Furthermore, the transition area between the inner and outer portions of the ferromagnetic member 11B is preferably a continuously smooth curve, free from sharp bends, in order to minimize the effects of magnetic flux leakage and the reduction in permeability due to bending. The ferromagnetic member 11B may also be formed by connecting multiple members.

[0056] Furthermore, the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 4 is applicable to any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0057] Embodiment 5.

[0058] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0059] In Embodiment 5, as shown in Figure 8 for example, the VP coil 11 comprises an inner solenoid coil 11-1 and an outer solenoid coil 11-2, each extending along the same curved coil axis and having different coil diameters, with one coil end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and one coil end of the outer solenoid coil 11-2 being electrically connected. The inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2 each function as a single VP coil, and therefore, the VP coil 11 in Embodiment 5 is electrically configured as two VP coils connected in series in phase.

[0060] Furthermore, in Embodiment 5, for example, as shown in Figure 8, a ferromagnetic member 11C is arranged inside the VP coil 11 (inner solenoid coil 11-1). This ferromagnetic member 11C is the same as the ferromagnetic member 11A described above. However, the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11C are not electrically connected, and the ferromagnetic member 11C does not need to be conductive.

[0061] Power supply unit 2 applies voltage to the other end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the other end 11-2 of the outer solenoid coil to conduct current through the VP coil 11. Specifically, power supply unit 2 applies voltage to terminal 12 electrically connected to the other end of the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and terminal 13 electrically connected to the other end 11-2 of the outer solenoid coil to conduct current through the VP coil 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 5 is applicable to any of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0063] Embodiment 6.

[0064] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0065] In Embodiment 6, as shown in Figure 9, for example, the VP coil 11 includes an inner solenoid coil 11-1 and an outer solenoid coil 11-2, similar to those in Embodiment 5. Furthermore, in Embodiment 6, as shown in Figure 9, for example, a ferromagnetic member 11D is placed inside the VP coil 11 (inner solenoid coil 11-1). This ferromagnetic member 11D is the same as the ferromagnetic member 11B described above. However, the VP coil 11 and the ferromagnetic member 11D are not electrically connected, the ferromagnetic member 11D does not need to be conductive, and there is no gap. In other words, in Embodiment 6, the alternating current conducts through the inner solenoid coil 11-1 and the outer solenoid coil 11-2, but not through the ferromagnetic member 11D, so the ferromagnetic member 11D does not require conductivity or a gap.

[0066] The other configurations and operations of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 6 are the same as in Embodiment 5, so their description will be omitted.

[0067] Embodiment 7.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0069] In Embodiment 7, the vector potential coil device 1 comprises a plurality of VP coils 11. Each VP coil 11 in Embodiment 7 has a linear coil axis and is a plurality of solenoid coils extending along the coil axis. These plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along a linear arrangement direction. In other words, the external shape of the vector potential coil device 1 is substantially flat. The power supply device 2 conducts current to the plurality of VP coils 11. The plurality of VP coils 11 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Alternatively, the plurality of power supply devices 2 may each conduct current to the plurality of VP coils 11. In that case, the plurality of power supply devices 2 conduct alternating current to the plurality of VP coils 11 in such a way that the alternating currents conducting to the plurality of VP coils 11 are synchronized. Furthermore, the vector potential coil device 1 comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members (not shown) extending along the coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, similar to the ferromagnetic members described above.

[0070] In this way, by providing multiple VP coils 11, the intensity of the vector potential applied to the target object increases.

[0071] Figure 11 shows an example of a bed incorporating a vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 7. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the mattress 211 of the bed 201 has multiple VP coils 11 built into it, and the power supply unit 2 is installed on the main body of the bed 201 or the like. As a result, a vector potential is applied to the person lying on the bed 201. In Figure 11, the VP coils 11 are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bed 201 (the longitudinal direction of the human body), but the VP coils 11 may also be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the bed 201 (the longitudinal direction of the human body). Also, in Figure 11, the VP coils 11 are built into the mattress 211, but the VP coils 11 may also be built into the bed body or a pad placed on the mattress 211.

[0072] The other configurations and operations of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 7 are the same as those of any of the other embodiments, so their description will be omitted.

[0073] Embodiment 8.

[0074] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0075] In Embodiment 8, the vector potential coil device 1 comprises a plurality of VP coils 11. Each VP coil 11 in Embodiment 8 has a linear coil axis and is a plurality of solenoid coils extending along the coil axis. These plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along a curved (curved) arrangement direction. The power supply device 2 conducts current to the plurality of VP coils 11. The plurality of VP coils 11 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Furthermore, the vector potential coil device 1 comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members (not shown) extending along the coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, similar to the ferromagnetic members described above. Here, this arrangement direction is a closed curve, and the plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged along an arc-shaped arrangement direction. In particular, the plurality of VP coils 11 are arranged within a predetermined range of central angles θ with respect to a circle containing the arc of the arrangement direction (here, at equal angular intervals). At the intermediate position between the two VP coils 11, the vector potentials of the two VP coils 11 cancel each other out, so for example, this central angle θ is any angle less than 180 degrees.

[0076] For example, a part of the human body, such as an arm or leg, is placed in the space inward of a plurality of arranged VP coils 11, and a vector potential is applied to that part.

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 12, when multiple VP coils 11 having linear coil axes are arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined plane of symmetry (a plane perpendicular to the X axis and parallel to the Z and Y axes) along a curved arrangement direction, a vector potential is generated in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (the X-axis direction in Figure 12) as a result of the vector summation of the vector potentials generated by the multiple VP coils 11 on an axis that passes through the center of a circle containing the arc of the arrangement direction and is parallel to the coil axis. Therefore, by combining a VP coil 11 having a curved coil axis, as shown in Figure 4, with multiple VP coils 11 having linear coil axes and arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined plane of symmetry along a curved arrangement direction, a vector potential can be generated in a desired direction within the two-dimensional plane of the X and Y axes.

[0078] The other configurations and operations of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 8 are the same as those of any of the other embodiments, so their description will be omitted.

[0079] Embodiment 9.

[0080] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the vector potential coil device 1 in the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0081] In Embodiment 9, the vector potential coil device 1 comprises a plurality of VP coils 11. Each of these VP coils 11 is wound along a linear coil axis, and is wound such that the inclination angle of the winding direction gradually changes along the direction of the coil axis. The vector potential coil device 1 also comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members (not shown) extending along the coil axes of the plurality of VP coils 11, similar to the ferromagnetic members described above.

[0082] In Embodiment 9, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the VP coil 11 is wound along a straight coil axis, but the inclination angle of the winding direction (angle between the coil axis direction and the winding direction) A0 to A5 gradually changes along the direction of the coil axis. Specifically, the inclination angle at the center of the VP coil 11 is 90 degrees, and the inclination angle decreases as you move away from the center (A0>A1>A2>A3>A4>A5). This allows the above-mentioned vector potential to be applied with good strength, similar to a curved VP coil 11.

[0083] The other configurations and operations of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 9 are the same as those of any of the other embodiments, so their description will be omitted.

[0084] Embodiment 10.

[0085] Figure 14 is a front view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Figure 15 is a top view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of a vector potential coil in a vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

[0086] The vector potential coil device 1 according to Embodiment 10 comprises a plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5. For example, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, each of these vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 is wound along a curved coil axis, and they are arranged so that the inward direction of the curve of the coil axis (i.e., the plane containing the coil axis) intersects with each other. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are arranged such that the planes containing the coil axes of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the angular interval of the inclination angles of these planes with respect to the X-axis direction is approximately the same. In this case, the inclination angle for vector potential coil 31-1 is 90 degrees.

[0087] In this example, the vector potential coil device 1 is equipped with five vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5, but it may also be equipped with two to four or six or more similar vector potentials 31-1 to 31-M.

[0088] For example, the shape (curvature, etc.) and arrangement of the coil axes of multiple vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are determined such that the coil axes are contained within a single subsphere (e.g., a hemisphere), and the application target is positioned at the center of the sphere containing that subsphere (i.e., the center of curvature of all coil axes). Alternatively, the shape (curvature, etc.) and arrangement of the coil axes of multiple vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 may be determined such that the coil axes are contained within a surface other than a single subsphere (a partially aspherical surface).

[0089] Furthermore, the multiple vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 each generate a vector potential corresponding to the alternating current in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and the vector potentials from the multiple vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 are combined to obtain the vector potential VP(t). Here, the power supply device 2 conducts alternating current to the multiple vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5 so that the amplitude of the combined vector potential VP(t) is maximized (for example, in phase with each other).

[0090] Note that the other configurations and operations of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 10 are the same as those of any of the other embodiments, so their description will be omitted. In other words, any of the ferromagnetic members described above may be arranged along the coil axes of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5.

[0091] As described above, the vector potential generator 10 according to the embodiment 10 can concentrate the vector potential in the curved inward direction of the plurality of vector potential coils 31-1 to 31-5, thereby applying a high-intensity vector potential to the target object.

[0092] Embodiment 11.

[0093] In Embodiment 11, the vector potential coil device 1 is positioned relative to the head of a human body for the treatment of brain tumors (such as glioblastoma).

[0094] For example, in Embodiment 11, the vector potential generator 10 further includes a support shaped to match the shape of a human head, and one of the above-described vector potential coil devices 1 (VP coil and ferromagnetic member, multiple VP coils, etc.) is fixed to the support. As the support, a helmet worn on the head, a stand for arranging the VP coil etc. near the head can be used.

[0095] Alternatively, the support described above may be a device that receives contact with the head, such as a pillow or a chair headrest, in which case the vector potential coil device 1 described above is built into such a support.

[0096] In this support structure, the vector potential coil device 1 is positioned in close proximity to the brain to generate a vector potential. That is, when alternating current is conducted through the vector potential coil device 1, an alternating vector potential is generated in the brain located inside the head. This applies an alternating electric field or alternating current to the brain. For example, as disclosed in International Publication WO2017 / 072706, brain tumors are treated by applying an alternating electric field, and the conditions required for the treatment of brain tumors (such as frequency) are set by the power supply device 2, and an alternating electric field with such conditions is applied to the brain non-invasively by the vector potential coil device 1. For example, in order to apply an alternating electric field as disclosed in International Publication WO2017 / 072706, electrode pads are usually attached to the skin of the head after shaving, but according to this embodiment 11, shaving is unnecessary, and it is also unnecessary to attach adhesive electrode pads to the skin of the head, thus reducing the burden (physical and mental burden) on the patient during treatment with alternating electric field application.

[0097] In conventional methods of applying current by contacting electrode pads to the scalp, the contact resistance between the pads and the scalp, as well as the electrical resistance of the skull, are high, while brain tissue has relatively low resistance compared to these. Therefore, even by changing the position of the electrode pads, it has been inherently difficult to control the flow of current to the desired area. On the other hand, another conventional method involves applying a pulsed magnetic field externally in a non-contact and non-invasive manner, but this induces eddy currents in the brain. Since these eddy currents flow in a direction that cancels out changes in the magnetic field, as explained by Faraday's electromagnetic induction and Lenz's law, the initial pulsed magnetic field is canceled out by eddy currents flowing in the area close to the epidermis of the cerebrum, making it impossible to induce current in the deeper parts of the brain. Furthermore, the cerebrum has a folded, wrinkled surface structure, and even when adjacent, the valleys between wrinkles are deep, resulting in high electrical resistance between wrinkles. Therefore, it is difficult to direct current to the desired location with a pulsed magnetic field. Furthermore, since the magnetic flux of the pulsed magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the scalp, eddy currents can only flow in a plane parallel to the scalp. The two conventional methods have the above-mentioned problems, but the device of this embodiment generates a vector potential, so an electric field can be applied to deep parts of the brain such as the cerebellum, corpus callosum, and hypothalamus without being obstructed by the skull.

[0098] The other configurations and operations of the vector potential generator 10 according to Embodiment 11 are the same as those of any of the other embodiments, so their description will be omitted.

[0099] Furthermore, various changes and modifications to the embodiments described above will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without diminishing the intended advantages. In other words, such changes and modifications are intended to be included in the claims.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, there may be a magnetically shielding object between the VP coil 11 and the object to which the vector potential is applied (e.g., the legs 101, the secondary conductor member 21). Even in that case, the vector potential passes through the magnetically shielding object, so it is applied to the object to which the vector potential is applied even if there is a magnetically shielding object, and a voltage based on the vector potential is induced in the secondary conductor member 21.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ferromagnetic member arranged along the coil axis of the VP coil 11 may be omitted if necessary.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 2, power is transmitted from the vector potential generator 10 to the secondary conductor member 21. In addition, during periods when power is not transmitted from the vector potential generator 10 to the secondary conductor member 21, an alternating current (for example, a regenerative current) may be passed through the secondary conductor member 21 to transmit power from the secondary conductor member 21 to the vector potential generator 10.

[0103] Furthermore, in embodiments 5 and 6 described above, the VP coil 11 has a two-layer structure in the radial direction, consisting of an inner solenoid coil 11-1 and an outer solenoid coil 11-2. However, the number of layers may be four or more, as long as the number of layers is even. In that case, one end of each solenoid coil 11-i is connected to the next layer's solenoid coil 11-(i+1) so that all the solenoid coils 11-i of each layer are electrically connected in series. [Industrial applicability]

[0104] The present invention can be applied, for example, to the generation of a vector potential using a VP coil. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 2 Power supply 10. Vector potential generator 11,31-1~31-5 Vector Potential Coil 11-1 Inner solenoid coil 11-2 Outer solenoid coil 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Ferromagnetic materials 14 Opening 21 Secondary conductor member 22 Power supply circuit 23 load 30 Power receiving device

Claims

1. A vector potential coil is a solenoid coil that extends along a curved coil axis, A ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil, The system includes a power supply device that conducts current to the vector potential coil, The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member have openings in the circumferential direction. A vector potential generator characterized by the following.

2. A plurality of vector potential coils, which are solenoid coils extending along a curved coil axis, including the aforementioned vector potential coil, The plurality of vector potential coils each comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil, The power supply device conducts current to the plurality of vector potential coils, A vector potential generating device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The coil shaft is arc-shaped, The angle from one end to the other of the vector potential coil, as viewed from the center of the circle containing the coil axis, is less than 360 degrees. A vector potential generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The ferromagnetic member has conductivity, One end of the vector potential coil and one end of the ferromagnetic member are electrically connected to each other. The power supply device applies a voltage to the other end of the vector potential coil and the other end of the ferromagnetic member to conduct current in the vector potential coil. A vector potential generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. The vector potential generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ferromagnetic member extends outside the vector potential coil to form a closed magnetic path.

6. The vector potential coil comprises an inner solenoid coil and an outer solenoid coil, each extending along the same curved coil axis. One end of the inner solenoid coil and one end of the outer solenoid coil are electrically connected to each other. The power supply device applies a voltage to the other end of the inner solenoid coil and the other end of the outer solenoid coil to conduct current in the vector potential coil. A vector potential generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

7. The vector potential coil and the support body for supporting the ferromagnetic member are further comprising: The support is not attached to the head of a human body, and the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are positioned to generate a vector potential in the brain of the human body. A vector potential generating device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. A vector potential coil, which is a solenoid coil extending along a curved coil axis, and a support that supports a ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil, wherein the vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member are positioned to generate a vector potential in the brain of a human body without attaching the support to the head of the human body. A vector potential coil arrangement method characterized by the following.

9. Multiple vector potential coils, which are multiple solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, Within the plurality of solenoid coils, each of the plurality of ferromagnetic members extends along the coil axis and has conductivity, Equipped with a power supply, One end of the plurality of vector potential coils and one end of the plurality of ferromagnetic members are electrically connected to each other. The power supply device applies a voltage to the other end of the plurality of vector potential coils and the other end of the plurality of ferromagnetic members to conduct current through the plurality of vector potential coils. The plurality of vector potential coils and the plurality of ferromagnetic members are arranged along a linear or curved arrangement direction. A vector potential generator characterized by the following.

10. A plurality of vector potential coils, which are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, The system includes a power supply device that conducts current to the plurality of vector potential coils, The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged along a linear or curved arrangement direction, The vector potential generating device is characterized in that each of the plurality of vector potential coils is wound along a linear coil axis, and the inclination angle of the winding direction gradually changes along the direction of the coil axis.

11. The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged along the arc-shaped arrangement direction, within a predetermined range of central angles with respect to a circle containing the arc in the arrangement direction. The aforementioned predetermined central angle is any angle less than 180 degrees. A vector potential generating device according to claim 9, characterized by the following:

12. A plurality of vector potential coils, which are a plurality of solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, The system includes a power supply device that conducts current to the plurality of vector potential coils, The plurality of vector potential coils are arranged along a linear or curved arrangement direction, A vector potential generating device characterized in that the plurality of vector potential coils are each wound along a curved coil axis, and are arranged such that the inward curvature of the coil axes intersects with each other.

13. The system further comprises a support for the plurality of vector potential coils, The support is not attached to the head of a human body, and the plurality of vector potential coils are positioned to generate a vector potential in the brain of the human body. A vector potential generating device according to claim 9, characterized by the following:

14. A vector potential coil, which is a plurality of solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, and a support that supports a plurality of conductive ferromagnetic members extending along the coil axes within the plurality of solenoid coils, wherein the vector potential coils and the plurality of ferromagnetic members are positioned to generate a vector potential in the brain of a human body without attaching the support to the head of the human body. A vector potential coil arrangement method characterized by the following.

15. A vector potential generator according to claim 1 or claim 9, Equipped with a power receiving device, The power receiving device includes a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential generated by the vector potential generator and induces a secondary voltage by the vector potential, and a power supply circuit that supplies the power obtained from the secondary voltage to the load. A contactless power supply system characterized by the following.

16. A vector potential coil is a solenoid coil that extends along a curved coil axis, A ferromagnetic member extending along the coil axis within the solenoid coil, The system comprises a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential generated by the vector potential coil and has a secondary voltage induced by the vector potential, The vector potential coil and the ferromagnetic member have openings in the circumferential direction. A vector potential transformer characterized by the following.

17. Multiple vector potential coils, which are multiple solenoid coils extending along their respective coil axes, Within the plurality of solenoid coils, each of the plurality of ferromagnetic members extends along the coil axis and has conductivity, The system includes a secondary conductor member that senses the vector potential generated by the plurality of vector potential coils and has a secondary voltage induced by the vector potential, One end of the plurality of vector potential coils and one end of the plurality of ferromagnetic members are electrically connected to each other. A voltage is applied to the other end of the plurality of vector potential coils and the other end of the plurality of ferromagnetic members, causing current to conduct through the plurality of vector potential coils. The plurality of vector potential coils and the plurality of ferromagnetic members are arranged along a linear or curved arrangement direction. A vector potential transformer characterized by the following.

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