Vibration generator

Abstract

To provide a vibration generator in which durability is enhanced by sustaining the temperature of a magnetic path forming member and a drive coil as low as possible through a simple control arrangement.SOLUTION: In a static magnetic field generated by an excitation coil (magnetic path forming member), a drive coil whose moving direction is regulated is reciprocated by an electromagnetic force generated by a vibration control unit (excitation control unit). The cooling control unit (first rotation speed setting unit) sets the rotation speed of the cooling blower (blower) in accordance with a temperature range corresponding to the exciting coil to which the temperature of the exciting coil measured by the temperature sensor (temperature measurement unit) belongs. Further, the cooling control unit (second rotation speed setting unit) sets the rotation speed of the cooling blower in accordance with which of the temperature ranges corresponding to the drive coil the temperature of the drive coil measured by the temperature sensor belongs to. The cooling control unit rotates the cooling blower at a higher rotation speed among the rotation speeds of the cooling blower set according to the temperatures of the excitation coil and the drive coil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrodynamic vibration generators are known that vibrate a test object placed on a drive unit by the electromagnetic force generated when an excitation coil and a drive coil are excited.

[0003] For example, the vibration generating device described in Patent Document 1 controls the rotation speed of a blower that cools the excitation coil and the drive coil so that the excitation coil and the drive coil operate at temperatures close to their limit temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-276425 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the vibration generator described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the control configuration is complex and the lifespan of the coils is reduced because the excitation coil and drive coil are operated at temperatures close to their limit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a vibration generating device that improves the durability of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil by maintaining the temperature of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, which constitute the vibration generating device, at the lowest possible temperature with a simple control configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the vibration generating device according to the present invention comprises: a magnetic path forming member that generates a static magnetic field; a mounting section on which a test subject is placed; a drive coil installed on the mounting section and placed in the static magnetic field with its direction of movement restricted; an excitation control unit that generates an electromagnetic force on the drive coil to cause the drive coil and the mounting section to reciprocate along the direction of movement; a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil; a cooling control unit that drives a blower to cool the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil; and a unit that controls the rotation speed of the blower based on which of a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the magnetic path forming member the temperature of the magnetic path forming member belongs to. , to a rotation speed preset according to the temperature range The first rotation speed setting unit sets the rotation speed, and the temperature of the drive coil is set by the drive coil Adhesive for fixing the covering material or the wires of the drive coil. Based on which of the multiple temperature ranges set accordingly it belongs to, the rotation speed of the blower is , to a rotation speed preset according to the temperature range The cooling control unit comprises a second rotation speed setting unit, and is characterized in that it rotates the blower at the higher of the rotation speed of the blower set by the first rotation speed setting unit and the rotation speed of the blower set by the second rotation speed setting unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The vibration generating device according to the present invention has the effect of improving the durability of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil by maintaining the temperature of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, which constitute the vibration generating device, at the lowest possible temperature with a simple control configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a method for setting the blower frequency characteristics according to the temperature of the excitation coil and drive coil. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for setting the blower frequency characteristics according to the temperature of the excitation coil and the drive coil and the operating time of the vibration generator. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an example of a map showing the relationship between the operating time of the vibration generator and the shift amount of the temperature region. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the blower frequency characteristic setting process shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an example of a map showing the relationship between the operating time of the vibration generator, the colors of the excitation coil and the drive coil, and the shift amount of the temperature region. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the blower frequency characteristic setting process shown in FIG. 13.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vibration generator according to the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that can be replaced by those skilled in the art and can be easily conceived, or those that are substantially the same.

[0011] (First Embodiment) [Explanation of the general configuration of the vibration generating device] First, the overall configuration of the electrodynamic vibration generator 10a according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment comprises a fixed part 21 and a drive unit 12 on which the object to be tested (not shown) is mounted. In Figure 1, the fixed part 21 and the drive unit 12 are shown in cross-sectional views of the XZ region.

[0013] The fixed portion 21 comprises an annular fixed portion 21 made of a permeable material such as iron, and an annular excitation coil 15 (magnetic flux generating means) that generates a magnetic flux flowing through the fixed portion 21. The excitation coil 15 is installed inside the fixed portion 21 and generates a constant magnetic flux in the fixed portion 21 when a DC voltage is applied from a constant voltage source (not shown). More specifically, the excitation coil 15 is arranged to generate a magnetic field (static magnetic field) in a direction perpendicular to the drive coil 16 inserted into the air gap 23 of the fixed portion 21. The excitation coil 15 is an example of a magnetic path forming member in this disclosure.

[0014] The drive unit 12 comprises a test stand 13 on which the object to be tested is placed, and an elastic part 14 that connects the drive unit 12 to the fixed part 21 and holds the drive unit 12 in a movable state. A drive coil 16 is installed at the bottom of the drive unit 12, which is inserted into the gap 23 of the fixed part 21.

[0015] The drive coil 16 is connected to the vibration control unit 28a via a power amplifier 27. The vibration control unit 28a generates a vibration signal necessary to impart a predetermined pattern of vibration to the object under test and applies it to the drive coil 16 via the power amplifier 27. The vibration control unit 28a is an example of an excitation control unit in this disclosure.

[0016] Furthermore, the vibration control unit 28a generates a static magnetic field by applying a DC voltage to the excitation coil 15 from a constant voltage source (not shown in Figure 1).

[0017] Furthermore, the vibration control unit 28a, upon receiving instructions from the operator, sets the control mode of the vibration generator 10a to either normal mode or eco mode. Normal mode and eco mode will be explained in more detail later.

[0018] The drive unit 12 has a shaft 24 that is inserted into a bearing 25 provided in the fixed unit 21. A bearing 26 is provided in the bearing 25, and the shaft 24 of the drive coil 16 is restrained by this bearing 26.

[0019] The drive unit 12 has its range of motion limited to a predetermined range (in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the example of Figure 2) by a restraining mechanism having a shaft 24, a bearing 25 and bearing 26, and the aforementioned elastic part 14.

[0020] Furthermore, a damper (not shown) can be provided between the fixed part 21 and the drive part 12 as a restraining mechanism. By providing a damper in this way, it is possible to prevent excessive vibration force from being applied to the drive part 12, thereby preventing damage to the drive part 12.

[0021] The cooling blower 30 cools the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 by drawing in outside air through a through-hole 35, which is an extension of the gap 23 in which the drive coil 16 moves. The cooling blower 30 is, for example, a fan with multiple rotating blades. As the cooling blower 30 rotates, outside air around the vibration generator 10a is drawn in from above the gap 23 and sucked out into the blower hose 32 through the through-hole 35 at the bottom of the fixed part 21. That is, the air that cools the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 flows along arrow A shown in Figure 1. The excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 are cooled by this airflow. Note that the cooling blower 30 is an example of a blower in this disclosure.

[0022] The temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 is measured by a temperature sensor 18. The temperature sensor 18 is, for example, a radiation thermometer. The temperature sensor 18 is installed outside the opening 22a of the fixed part 21 that faces the excitation coil 15, and measures the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 non-contact. Note that the temperature sensor 18 is an example of a temperature measuring unit in this disclosure.

[0023] The temperature T2 of the drive coil 16 is measured by a temperature sensor 19. The temperature sensor 19 is, for example, an infrared thermometer. The temperature sensor 19 is installed outside the opening 22b of the fixed part 21 that faces the drive coil 16, and measures the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16 non-contact. Note that the temperature sensor 19 is an example of a temperature measuring unit in this disclosure.

[0024] The temperature sensor 18 is positioned to measure the temperature as far below the excitation coil 15 as possible. This is because, when the cooling blower 30 is operating, i.e., when there is airflow along arrow A, the temperature below the excitation coil 15 on the downwind side is often higher than the temperature above the excitation coil 15 on the upwind side. Therefore, measuring the temperature of the warmest part is desirable for determining the degree of cooling.

[0025] Since the drive coil 16 moves up and down along the Z-axis in Figure 1, the temperature sensor 19 is always positioned to measure the temperature of the drive coil 16, regardless of the drive coil 16's position. For example, the temperature sensor 19 is positioned to measure the temperature at the leeward side of the drive coil 16 when the drive coil 16 is located on the windward side of the airflow generated by the cooling blower 30.

[0026] In this embodiment, non-contact temperature sensors 18 and 19 are used for explanation, but the temperature sensors 18 and 19 may be contact type. In that case, for example, sensors such as thermocouples or thermistors may be used.

[0027] The cooling control unit 28b determines the blower frequency f, which is the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30, based on the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 measured by the temperature sensor 18 and the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16 measured by the temperature sensor 19. The cooling control unit 28b then drives the cooling blower 30 at the determined blower frequency f. Note that the cooling control unit 28b is an example of the first rotational speed setting unit and the second rotational speed setting unit in this disclosure.

[0028] [Explanation of how to control the blower frequency based on the coil temperature] Next, using Figure 2, we will explain how to determine an appropriate blower frequency f according to the temperature of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of how to set the blower frequency characteristics according to the temperatures of the excitation coil and the drive coil.

[0029] The cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f of the cooling blower 30 according to the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15. The cooling control unit 28b also sets the blower frequency f of the cooling blower 30 according to the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16.

[0030] The cooling control unit 28b then drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher of the blower frequency f of the excitation coil 15 and the blower frequency f of the drive coil 16. In other words, the cooling control unit 28b drives the cooling blower 30 at a drive frequency corresponding to the coil that requires more cooling among the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16.

[0031] The vibration generator 10a has a normal mode and an eco mode. In normal mode, the drive unit 12 is driven at an excitation power level of 100%. The blower frequency characteristic N shown in Figure 2 represents the temperature characteristic of the blower frequency f in normal mode. In eco mode, the drive unit 12 is driven by suppressing the excitation power level to, for example, 70%. The blower frequency characteristic E shown in Figure 2 represents the temperature characteristic of the blower frequency f in eco mode.

[0032] First, let's explain the normal mode. It should be assumed that the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 have the same temperature characteristics.

[0033] The cooling control unit 28b determines the temperature range of each coil according to the temperature of each coil measured by the temperature sensors 18 and 19, respectively. Specifically, when the temperature of a coil falls within the safe temperature range Ta (e.g., ~60°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to a constant value (blower frequency fa1), for example, 42Hz. Note that the blower frequency fa1 is an example of a first predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure.

[0034] Furthermore, when the coil temperature falls within the control temperature range Tb (e.g., 60 to 100°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f, which corresponds to the temperature change of the coil from 60°C to 100°C, to a blower frequency fa2 that increases proportionally to the rise in coil temperature, for example, between 42Hz and 60Hz. Note that the blower frequency fa2 is an example of a second predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure. The blower frequency fa2 is higher than the blower frequency fa1.

[0035] When the coil temperature falls within the limiting temperature range Tc (for example, 100-120°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to a constant value (blower frequency fa3), for example, 60Hz. Note that the blower frequency fa3 is an example of a third predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure. The blower frequency fa3 is higher than the blower frequency fa2.

[0036] In this embodiment, since the temperature characteristics of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 are the same, the cooling control unit 28b selects the higher blower frequency f between the blower frequency f set based on the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 and the blower frequency f set based on the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16. The cooling control unit 28b then drives the cooling blower 30 at the selected blower frequency f.

[0037] Next, the coil temperature control operation when eco mode is selected will be described. When the coil temperature falls within the safe temperature range Ta (e.g., ~60°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to a constant value, for example, 0 Hz (blower frequency fb1). That is, it stops the cooling blower 30. Note that the blower frequency fb1 is an example of a first predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure.

[0038] Furthermore, when the coil temperature falls within the control temperature range Tb (e.g., 60 to 100°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f, which corresponds to the temperature change of the coil from 60°C to 100°C, to a blower frequency fb2 that increases proportionally to the rise in coil temperature, for example, between 30Hz and 54Hz. Note that the blower frequency fb2 is an example of a second predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure. The blower frequency fb2 is higher than the blower frequency fb1.

[0039] When the coil temperature falls within the limiting temperature range Tc (for example, 100-120°C), the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to a constant value (blower frequency fb3), for example, 54 Hz. Note that the blower frequency fb3 is an example of a third predetermined rotational speed in this disclosure. The blower frequency fb3 is higher than the blower frequency fb2.

[0040] As described in the normal mode operation, the cooling control unit 28b selects the higher blower frequency f from the blower frequency f set based on the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 and the blower frequency f set based on the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16. The cooling control unit 28b then drives the cooling blower 30 at the selected blower frequency f.

[0041] As described above, by selecting eco mode when the excitation force is small, the current supplied from the excitation power supply to the excitation coil is reduced. Furthermore, regardless of which mode is selected, the cooling capacity of the cooling blower 30 can be reduced according to the measured temperature of the excitation coil 15 or the drive coil 16, thereby ensuring the durability of the coil and simultaneously reducing the power consumption of the entire vibration generator 10a, thus enabling power saving.

[0042] [Explanation of the coil's temperature range] Next, we will explain the temperature ranges of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 in more detail using Figure 2.

[0043] The safe temperature range of the coil is defined as the temperature range in which, even if a rapid temperature change occurs in the coil, the temperature does not reach the limit temperature of the coil's covering material or the adhesive fixing the coil's wires, by not performing a cooling action on the vibration generator 10a or performing a minimal cooling action. The safe temperature range Ta of the coil is the temperature range in which the coil temperature is, for example, 60°C or lower. Note that the safe temperature range Ta is an example of the first temperature range in this disclosure.

[0044] By applying a cooling action to the vibration generator 10a in accordance with the coil temperature, the temperature range in which the coil's coating material or the adhesive fixing the coil's wires do not reach their limit temperature, even if a rapid temperature change occurs in the coil, is defined as the coil's control temperature range Tb. The coil's control temperature range Tb is, for example, a temperature range of 60 to 100°C for the coil. Note that the control temperature range Tb is an example of a second temperature range in this disclosure.

[0045] The coil's limiting temperature range Tc is defined as the temperature range in which the coil's covering material or the adhesive fixing the coil's wires may reach its limiting temperature if cooling is not performed on the vibration generating device 10a. The coil's limiting temperature range Tc is, for example, a temperature range of 100 to 120°C for the coil. Note that the limiting temperature range Tc is an example of a third temperature range in this disclosure.

[0046] The limit temperature range Td of the coil is defined as the temperature range in which the function of the vibration generator 10a may be impaired, specifically, the temperature range in which the insulating material covering the coil or the adhesive fixing the coil wires may be damaged by heat, thereby impairing the function of the vibration generator 10a. The limit temperature range Td of the coil is the temperature range in which the coil temperature is, for example, 120 to 180°C or higher.

[0047] The specific temperature ranges corresponding to the coil's safe temperature range Ta, control temperature range Tb, limit temperature range Tc, and critical temperature range Td are examples and will be set according to the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 actually used.

[0048] [Explanation of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator] Next, the processing flow performed by the vibration generator 10a will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the first embodiment.

[0049] The vibration control unit 28a and the cooling control unit 28b perform various initialization processes (step S11). These initialization processes include, for example, reading the vibration waveform to be generated and reading the blower frequency characteristics N and E in normal mode and eco mode as shown in Figure 2.

[0050] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether the vibration generator 10a has started operating (step S12). If it is determined that the vibration generator 10a has started operating (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the vibration generator 10a has started operating (step S12: No), the process repeats step S12.

[0051] In step S12, when it is determined that the vibration generator 10a has started operating, the vibration control unit 28a generates a vibration signal and applies it to the drive coil 16 via the power amplifier 27. The vibration control unit 28a also generates a static magnetic field by applying a DC voltage to the excitation coil 15 from a constant voltage source (not shown in Figure 1) (step S13).

[0052] The temperature sensor 18 measures the temperature of the excitation coil 15, and the temperature sensor 19 measures the temperature of the drive coil 16 (step S14). Then proceed to steps S15 and S19.

[0053] Following step S14, the cooling control unit 28b determines which temperature range the temperature of the drive coil 16 belongs to (step S15). If it is determined that the temperature range is the safe temperature range Ta, the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that the temperature range is the control temperature range Tb, the process proceeds to step S17. If it is determined that the temperature range is the limiting temperature range Tc, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0054] In step S15, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the safe temperature range Ta, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f1 (step S16). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0055] In step S15, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the control temperature range Tb, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f2 (step S17). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0056] In step S15, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the limit temperature range Tc, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f3 (step S18). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0057] Furthermore, following step S14, the cooling control unit 28b determines which temperature range the temperature of the excitation coil 15 belongs to (step S19). If it is determined that the temperature range is the safe temperature range Ta, the process proceeds to step S20. If it is determined that the temperature range is the control temperature range Tb, the process proceeds to step S21. If it is determined that the temperature range is the limiting temperature range Tc, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0058] In step S19, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the safe temperature range Ta, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f4 (step S20). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0059] In step S19, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the control temperature range Tb, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f5 (step S21). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0060] In step S19, if it is determined that the temperature range is within the limit temperature range Tc, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f to f6 (step S22). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0061] Following any of steps S16, S17, or S18, or any of steps S20, S21, or S22, the cooling control unit 28b drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher of the set blower frequencies f1, f2, f3 and f4, f5, f6 (step S23).

[0062] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether a stop command has been input for the vibration generator 10a (step S24). If it is determined that a stop command has been input (step S24: Yes), the vibration generator 10a terminates the process shown in Figure 3. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been input (step S24: No), the process returns to step S14, and the vibration generator 10a repeats the process described above.

[0063] Note that the processing flow described above is for when the vibration generator 10a is operating in normal mode. When operating in eco mode, the blower frequency f is set based on the blower frequency characteristic E shown in Figure 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the processing flow shown in Figure 3 is for the case where the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 have the same temperature characteristics. However, generally, the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 have different temperature characteristics due to differences in the wire material used, the insulating material, the adhesive used to fix the wire, etc. Even in such cases, the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment can drive the cooling blower 30 at an appropriate blower frequency f.

[0065] If the temperature characteristics of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 are different, the temperature ranges of each coil (safe temperature range Ta, control temperature range Tb, limiting temperature range Tc) will be different.

[0066] In this case, the blower frequency characteristics N and E shown in Figure 2 are set for the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, respectively. The cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f corresponding to the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 and the blower frequency f corresponding to the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16. Then, the cooling control unit 28b compares the blower frequency f corresponding to the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15 and the blower frequency f corresponding to the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16 and drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher blower frequency f.

[0067] As described above, the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment moves a drive coil 16, whose direction of movement is restricted, back and forth in a static magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) by an electromagnetic force generated by the vibration control unit 28a (excitation control unit). The temperature of the excitation coil 15 is measured by a temperature sensor 18 (temperature measuring unit), and the temperature of the drive coil 16 is measured by a temperature sensor 19 (temperature measuring unit). The cooling control unit 28b (first rotation speed setting unit) sets the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 (blower) based on which of the multiple temperature ranges set according to the excitation coil 15 the temperature of the excitation coil 15 belongs to. The cooling control unit 28b (second rotation speed setting unit) also sets the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 (blower) based on which of the multiple temperature ranges set according to the drive coil 16 the temperature of the drive coil 16 belongs to. The cooling control unit 28b then rotates the cooling blower 30 at the higher of the rotational speed set according to the temperature of the excitation coil 15 and the rotational speed set according to the temperature of the drive coil 16. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the durability of the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and the drive coil 16 constituting the vibration generator 10a can be improved by maintaining their temperatures as low as possible.

[0068] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the temperature range of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 includes a safe temperature range Ta (first temperature range) that prevents the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 from reaching a limit temperature that impairs their operation, even if temperature changes occur in the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 by setting the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 to a first predetermined rotation speed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the durability of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 due to heat.

[0069] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the cooling control unit 28b stops the cooling blower 30 (blower) when the higher of the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 set by the cooling control unit 28b (first rotational speed setting unit) and the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 set by the cooling control unit 28b (second rotational speed setting unit) is less than or equal to a predetermined rotational speed. Therefore, by stopping the cooling blower 30, the power consumption of the entire vibration generator 10a can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the temperature range of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 includes a control temperature range Tb (second temperature range) that prevents the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 from reaching a limit temperature that impairs their operation, even if a temperature change occurs in the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, by setting the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 to a second predetermined rotational speed that is higher than the first predetermined rotational speed. Therefore, since the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 is controlled based on a preset temperature range, the temperature of the coils can be controlled with a simple configuration.

[0071] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the cooling control unit 28b sets the rotational speed to gradually increase in accordance with the rise in temperature when the higher temperature among the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 belongs to the control temperature range Tb (second temperature range). Therefore, by increasing the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 in accordance with the rise in temperature, cooling performance corresponding to the coil temperature can be achieved.

[0072] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the temperature range of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 includes a limiting temperature range Tc (third temperature range) that prevents the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 from reaching a critical temperature that impairs their operation, even if temperature changes occur in the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, by setting the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 to a third predetermined rotational speed that is higher than the second predetermined rotational speed. Therefore, since the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 is controlled based on a preset temperature range, the temperature of the coils can be controlled with a simple configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 (temperature measuring unit) is installed to measure the temperature of the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) at the leeward side of the airflow generated by the cooling blower 30 (blower). Therefore, cooling control can be performed based on the temperature of the leeward region of the excitation coil 15, where the temperature is generally higher, thereby further improving cooling performance.

[0074] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the temperature sensor 19 (temperature measuring unit) is installed to measure the temperature of the downwind position of the drive coil 16 when the drive coil 16 is located on the windward side of the airflow generated by the cooling blower 30 (blower). Therefore, cooling control can be performed based on the temperature of the downwind region of the drive coil 16, which is generally hotter, thus improving cooling performance.

[0075] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10a of this embodiment, the magnetic path forming member is the excitation coil 15. Therefore, by controlling the amount of magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 15, the operating state of the vibration generator 10a can be switched between, for example, normal mode and eco mode.

[0076] (Second embodiment) [Explanation of the general configuration of the vibration generating device] Next, the vibration generator 10b, which is a second embodiment, will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the second embodiment.

[0077] In Figure 4, the fixed part 21 and the drive part 12 are shown in an XZ cross-sectional view. The vibration generator 10b has almost the same configuration as the vibration generator 10a. The difference from the vibration generator 10a is that the excitation coil 15 is divided into an upper excitation coil 15a and a lower excitation coil 15b. The temperature sensor 18 for measuring the temperature of the excitation coil 15 is installed to measure the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b, which is located downwind of the cooling air generated by the cooling blower 30.

[0078] During operation of the cooling blower 30, a temperature gradient generally occurs in the excitation coil 15, causing the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b on the downwind side to rise. Therefore, the cooling control unit 28b drives the cooling blower 30 at a blower frequency f determined according to the method described in the first embodiment, based on the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b and the temperature of the drive coil 16.

[0079] On the other hand, when the cooling blower 30 is stopped, the temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a tends to be higher than the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b. The temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a can be estimated from the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b using temperature data of the upper excitation coil 15a and lower excitation coil 15b obtained in advance when the cooling blower 30 is stopped. The cooling control unit 28b then drives the cooling blower 30 at a blower frequency f determined according to the method described in the first embodiment, based on the estimated temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a and the temperature of the drive coil 16.

[0080] [Explanation of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator] The processing flow performed by the vibration generator 10b is almost the same as the processing flow performed by the vibration generator 10a described in the first embodiment (see Figure 3), so the flowchart is omitted.

[0081] The difference from the process in Figure 3 is that when the vibration generator 10b is in eco mode and the cooling blower 30 is stopped, the cooling control unit 28b (first rotation speed setting unit) estimates the temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a based on the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b.

[0082] If the estimated temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a does not fall within the safe temperature range Ta (first temperature range), the cooling control unit 28b assumes the temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a is the temperature of the excitation coil 15 and performs another temperature determination of the excitation coil 15 (step S15 in Figure 3).

[0083] On the other hand, if the estimated temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a is within the safe temperature range Ta, the cooling control unit 28b continues to shut down the cooling blower 30.

[0084] Specifically, the cooling control unit 28b sets the blower frequency f of the cooling blower 30 based on the higher temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a and the lower excitation coil 15b.

[0085] In the above explanation, the temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a was estimated from the measured temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b while the cooling blower 30 was stopped. However, a temperature sensor may also be installed on the upper excitation coil 15a to measure the temperature of both the upper excitation coil 15a and the lower excitation coil 15b.

[0086] As described above, the vibration generator 10b of this embodiment includes an upper excitation coil 15a installed on the windward side of the cooling airflow of the cooling blower 30, and a lower excitation coil 15b installed on the windward side. The temperature sensor 18 (temperature measuring unit) measures the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b. The cooling control unit 28b estimates the temperature of the upper excitation coil 15a from the temperature of the lower excitation coil 15b, and sets the higher of the two temperatures as the temperature of the excitation coil 15. Therefore, when multiple excitation coils are installed, it is not necessary to measure the temperature of all excitation coils, thus simplifying the equipment configuration.

[0087] (Third embodiment) [Explanation of the general configuration of the vibration generating device] Next, the vibration generator 10c, which is a third embodiment, will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the third embodiment.

[0088] In Figure 5, the fixed part 21 and the drive part 12 are shown in an XZ cross-sectional view. The vibration generator 10c has almost the same configuration as the vibration generator 10a. The difference from the vibration generator 10a is that it is equipped with a permanent magnet 17 instead of an excitation coil 15.

[0089] The permanent magnet 17 is ring-shaped and generates a magnetic flux inside the fixed part 21 that is in the same direction as the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 15 of the vibration generator 10a. Therefore, the vibration generator 10c does not require the constant voltage source that the vibration generator 10a has, which applies a DC voltage to the excitation coil 15 to generate a static magnetic field.

[0090] The temperature sensor 20, which measures the temperature of the permanent magnet 17, is installed on the outside of the opening 22c facing the permanent magnet 17. The opening 22c is located downwind of the cooling air generated by the cooling blower 30. A copper ring 36 is installed on the inner surface of the permanent magnet 17 so as to be in contact with the inner surface, and the temperature sensor 20 measures the surface temperature of the copper ring 36. Because the copper ring 36 has high thermal conductivity, it immediately reflects the temperature of the permanent magnet 17. Therefore, the temperature of the copper ring 36 measured by the temperature sensor 20 is approximately equal to the temperature of the permanent magnet 17.

[0091] The cooling control unit 28b of the vibration generator 10c determines the blower frequency f for cooling the permanent magnet 17 based on the temperature T3 of the permanent magnet 17 measured by the temperature sensor 20. The cooling control unit 28b also determines the blower frequency f for cooling the drive coil 16 based on the temperature T2 of the drive coil 16 measured by the temperature sensor 19. The temperature sensor 19 is installed outside the opening 22b facing the permanent magnet 17. The temperature sensor 19 measures the temperature of the drive coil 16 through the opening 22b, which penetrates the permanent magnet 17 and the copper ring 36.

[0092] The cooling control unit 28b compares the blower frequency f for cooling the permanent magnet 17 with the blower frequency f for cooling the drive coil 16 and drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher blower frequency f.

[0093] In the vibration generator 10c, a static magnetic field is formed using the permanent magnet 17, so there is no need to pass an excitation current. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the vibration generator 10c.

[0094] Furthermore, since the heat generated when an excitation current is passed through the excitation coil 15 is not generated by using the permanent magnet 17, the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 can be further reduced. This further reduces the power consumption of the vibration generator 10c.

[0095] Thus, because the vibration generator 10c can reduce power consumption, it does not have the operating state switching function (normal mode and eco mode) that the vibration generator 10b has.

[0096] [Explanation of the temperature range of permanent magnets] The permanent magnet 17, like the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, has temperature characteristics. That is, its magnetic force may decrease at high temperatures. And, similar to the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, a temperature range can also be set for the permanent magnet 17.

[0097] By not performing a cooling action on the vibration generator 10c, or by performing a minimal cooling action, the temperature range in which the permanent magnet 17 does not reach its limit temperature even if a rapid temperature change occurs is defined as the safe temperature range of the permanent magnet 17. The safe temperature range Ta of the permanent magnet 17 is a temperature range in which the temperature of the permanent magnet 17 is, for example, 60°C or lower.

[0098] By applying a cooling action to the vibration generator 10c in accordance with the temperature of the permanent magnet 17, the temperature range in which the permanent magnet 17 does not reach its limit temperature even if a rapid temperature change occurs is defined as the control temperature range Tb of the permanent magnet 17. The control temperature range Tb of the permanent magnet 17 is, for example, the temperature range of the permanent magnet 17 from 60 to 80°C.

[0099] The temperature range in which the permanent magnet 17 may reach its limit temperature if cooling is not performed on the vibration generator 10c is defined as the limit temperature range Tc of the permanent magnet 17. The limit temperature range Tc of the permanent magnet 17 is the temperature range in which the coil temperature is, for example, 80 to 100°C.

[0100] The temperature range Td of the permanent magnet 17 is defined as the temperature range in which the permanent magnet 17 undergoes irreversible demagnetization due to a temperature rise that impairs the function of the vibration generator 10c, and even if the temperature of the permanent magnet 17 is lowered, it may not return to its original magnetic force. The temperature range Td of the permanent magnet 17 is, for example, the temperature range of the permanent magnet 17 at 100 to 150°C or higher.

[0101] The temperature range mentioned above is merely an example, and will be set appropriately according to the permanent magnet 17 actually used.

[0102] [Explanation of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator] The vibration generator 10c performs the same processing as the vibration generator 10a (see Figure 3). The only difference is that instead of measuring the temperature T1 of the excitation coil 15, it measures the temperature T3 of the permanent magnet 17.

[0103] In other words, the vibration generator 10c determines the temperature T3 of the permanent magnet 17 in place of step S15 in Figure 3. Then, instead of steps S16, S17, and S18 in Figure 3, it sets the blower frequency f according to the temperature range of the permanent magnet 17.

[0104] The rest of the process is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0105] As described above, in the vibration generator 10c of this embodiment, the magnetic path forming member is a permanent magnet 17. Therefore, the excitation coil 15 is not required, and thus the power consumption of the vibration generator 10c can be reduced.

[0106] (Fourth embodiment) [Explanation of the general configuration of the vibration generating device] Next, the vibration generator 10d, which is the fourth embodiment, will be described using Figure 6. Figure 6 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0107] The vibration generator 10d includes, in addition to the components of the vibration generator 10a described in the first embodiment (see Figure 1), an operating time accumulating unit 29. Furthermore, the vibration generator 10d includes a cooling control unit 28c instead of the cooling control unit 28b that is present in the vibration generator 10a.

[0108] The operating time accumulating unit 29 accumulates the operating time of the vibration generating device 10d.

[0109] The cooling control unit 28c shifts a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the drive coil 16 to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the operating time accumulated by the operating time accumulation unit 29. The cooling control unit 28c also cools the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 by rotating the cooling blower 30 based on the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 set based on the plurality of temperature ranges shifted to the lower temperature side according to the operating time accumulated by the operating time accumulation unit 29.

[0110] The method by which the cooling control unit 28c determines the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 is as described in the first embodiment. Note that the cooling control unit 28c is an example of the first rotational speed setting unit and the second rotational speed setting unit in this disclosure.

[0111] [Setting the blower frequency according to the operating time of the vibration generator] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a method for setting the blower frequency f according to the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for setting the blower frequency characteristics according to the temperature of the excitation coil and drive coil and the operating time of the vibration generator. Figure 8 is an example of a map showing the relationship between the operating time of the vibration generator and the amount of temperature range shift.

[0112] The graph in Figure 7, similar to the graph described in the first embodiment (see Figure 2), shows the blower frequency characteristics N,E, which are the rotational speeds of the cooling blower 30 corresponding to the temperature T of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16.

[0113] The excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 may experience reduced durability if operated for extended periods. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature ranges shown in Figure 2 are shifted to the lower temperature side depending on the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d.

[0114] For example, Figure 7 shows an example where the safe temperature range Ta, the controlled temperature range Tb, and the limiting temperature range Tc shown in Figure 2 are each shifted to the lower temperature side by a temperature shift amount ΔT (ΔT = 5°C in the example in Figure 7). That is, in the example in Figure 7, the safe temperature range Ta is set to ~55°C, the controlled temperature range Tb is set to 55~95°C, and the limiting temperature range Tc is set to 95~120°C.

[0115] The temperature shift amount ΔT of the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 (safe temperature range Ta, control temperature range Tb, limiting temperature range Tc) should preferably be set to a larger value as the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d increases. Therefore, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT based on the map shown in Figure 8, for example.

[0116] For example, if the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d is 50,000 hours or less, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to 0°C. If the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C. Furthermore, if the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C. Note that the operating time Ot and temperature shift amount ΔT shown in Figure 8 are just examples, and values ​​appropriate to the vibration generator 10d will be set as needed.

[0117] [Explanation of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator] Next, Figure 9 will be used to explain the processing flow performed by the vibration generator 10d. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the fourth embodiment.

[0118] The vibration control unit 28a and the cooling control unit 28c perform various initialization processes (step S31). These initialization processes are the same as those described in step S11 of Figure 3.

[0119] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether the vibration generator 10d has started operating (step S32). If it is determined that the vibration generator 10d has started operating (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the vibration generator 10d has started operating (step S32: No), the process repeats step S32.

[0120] In step S32, when it is determined that the vibration generator 10d has started operating, the cooling control unit 28c reads the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d from the operating time accumulating unit 29 (step S33).

[0121] Next, the cooling control unit 28c performs blower frequency characteristic setting processing (step S34). Blower frequency characteristic setting processing is the process of setting the blower frequency characteristics N,E (Figure 7) according to the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d. The specific details of the blower frequency characteristic setting processing will be described later (see Figure 10).

[0122] The vibration control unit 28a generates a vibration signal and applies it to the drive coil 16 via the power amplifier 27. The vibration control unit 28a also generates a static magnetic field by applying a DC voltage to the excitation coil 15 from a constant voltage source (not shown in Figure 6) (step S35).

[0123] The operating time accumulating unit 29 accumulates the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d (step S36). The operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d is the accumulated value of the elapsed time since the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 were excited in step S35.

[0124] The temperature sensor 18 measures the temperature of the excitation coil 15, and the temperature sensor 19 measures the temperature of the drive coil 16 (step S37).

[0125] Next, the cooling control unit 28c performs a blower frequency characteristic setting process to set the blower frequency characteristics N,E (Figure 7) (step S38). Note that the blower frequency characteristic setting process is the same process as steps S15 to S22 in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0126] The cooling control unit 28c drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher of the set blower frequencies f1, f2, f3 and f4, f5, f6, which are set based on the temperature determination process of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 (step S39).

[0127] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether a stop command has been input for the vibration generator 10d (step S40). If it is determined that a stop command has been input (step S40: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been input (step S40: No), the process returns to step S36, and the vibration generator 10d repeats the process described above.

[0128] In step S40, if it is determined that a stop command has been input for the vibration generator 10d, the operating time accumulating unit 29 stores the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d at that time (step S41). After that, the vibration generator 10d completes the process shown in Figure 9.

[0129] Next, we will explain the flow of the blower frequency characteristic setting process using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the blower frequency characteristic setting process shown in Figure 9.

[0130] In step S33, the cooling control unit 28c determines the length of the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d read from the operating time accumulating unit 29 (step S51). If it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S52. If it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S53. If it is determined that the operating time exceeds 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S54.

[0131] In step S51, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to 0°C (step S52). Then, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0132] In step S51, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C (step S53). Then, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0133] In step S51, if it is determined that the operating time Ot exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28c sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C (step S54). Then, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0134] Following steps S52, S53, and S54, the cooling control unit 28c determines the relationship between the temperatures of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 and the blower frequency f of the cooling blower 30, i.e., the blower frequency characteristics N and E (step S55). After that, it returns to the main routine (Figure 9).

[0135] As described above, the vibration generator 10d of this embodiment is further equipped with an operating time integration unit 29 that integrates the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d, and the cooling control unit 28c (first rotation speed setting unit and second rotation speed setting unit) shifts a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the drive coil 16 to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the operating time Ot integrated by the operating time integration unit 29.Therefore, by maintaining the temperatures of the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 constituting the vibration generator 10d at the lowest possible temperature according to the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d, the durability of the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 can be improved.

[0136] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10d of this embodiment, the cooling control unit 28c (first rotation speed setting unit and second rotation speed setting unit) sets multiple temperature ranges based on a map that shows the correspondence between the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d and multiple temperature ranges, which has been set in advance.Therefore, the blower frequency characteristics N,E can be easily set according to the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d.

[0137] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to the vibration generator 10b described in the second embodiment and the vibration generator 10c described in the third embodiment.

[0138] (Fifth embodiment) [Explanation of the general configuration of the vibration generating device] Next, the vibration generator 10e, which is the fifth embodiment, will be described using Figure 11. Figure 11 is an overall schematic diagram of the vibration generator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0139] The vibration generator 10e includes, in addition to the components of the vibration generator 10d described in the fourth embodiment (see Figure 6), color sensors 40 and 41 and a coil deterioration determination unit 45. Furthermore, the vibration generator 10e includes a cooling control unit 28d instead of the cooling control unit 28c that is present in the vibration generator 10d.

[0140] The color sensor 40 is installed outside the opening 22d facing the excitation coil 15, which is opened in the fixed part 21, and measures the color of the surface of the excitation coil 15 non-contact. The color sensor 40 is, for example, a photodiode equipped with R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) color filters. Alternatively, the color sensor 40 may be a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The color sensor 40 measures the color of the surface of the excitation coil 15, which is illuminated by the illumination function of the optical fiber 42 installed in the color sensor 40, non-contact. The measurement range is a narrow range, for example, a diameter of 4 mm, a diameter of 8 mm, or a diameter of 25.4 mm. The color sensor 40 is, for example, L* a * b * It outputs lightness, hue, and saturation in a color system. The color sensor 40 is an example of a color measurement unit in this disclosure.

[0141] The excitation coil 15 may be, for example, a coil formed from wire, a covering material, and an adhesive, which is then vacuum-impregnated with an insulating varnish. Alternatively, the wire and covering material may be covered with a paper insulating material before being vacuum-impregnated. Therefore, the color sensor 40 measures the color of the varnish or paper insulating material on the surface of the vacuum-impregnated excitation coil 15.

[0142] The color sensor 41 is installed outside the opening 22e facing the drive coil 16, which is opened in the fixed part 21, and measures the color of the surface of the drive coil 16 non-contact. The color sensor 41 is, for example, a photodiode equipped with R, G, and B color filters. The color sensor 40 may be a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS. The color sensor 41 measures the color of the surface of the drive coil 16, which is illuminated by the illumination function of the optical fiber 43 installed in the color sensor 41, non-contact. The measurement range is a narrow range, for example, about 4 mm in diameter, 8 mm in diameter, and 25.4 mm in diameter. The color sensor 41 is, for example, L * a * b * It outputs lightness, hue, and saturation in a color system. The color sensor 41 is an example of a color measurement unit in this disclosure.

[0143] The drive coil 16 is formed, for example, by applying adhesive to the surface of a cylindrical core material called a bobbin and winding wire around it. During this process, the wires are wound in a way that minimizes the gaps between them, and adhesive is also applied to these gaps. That is, the coil surface of the drive coil 16 has areas where the covering material is exposed and areas where adhesive is applied between the wires. Therefore, the color sensor 41 measures the color of either the exposed covering material or the adhesive area.

[0144] The coil deterioration determination unit 45 determines the degree of deterioration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 based on the color of the surface of the excitation coil 15 measured by the color sensor 40 and the color of the surface of the drive coil 16 measured by the color sensor 41.

[0145] The excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 gradually deteriorate due to the physical load caused by the vibration generated during the operation of the vibration generator 10e, the temperature of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, and the operating time of the vibration generator 10e. This degree of deterioration is manifested as a discoloration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16. The surfaces of the new excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 exhibit, for example, a copper color, which is the color of the coil coating material (an insulating material such as polyimide or polyamide). As the deterioration of the coil progresses, the color of the surface of the coil gradually becomes darker (tends to approach black). The coil deterioration determination unit 45 determines how much the colors of the surfaces of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 have approached black from the state of a new product.

[0146] Note that an adhesive is applied between the wire materials of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 as described above. The adhesive is, for example, a polymer resin material (epoxy-based) having thermosetting properties. Such an adhesive is colorless and transparent or slightly cloudy, but tends to become darker depending on the usage state of the vibration generator 10e.

[0147] The coil deterioration determination unit 45 stores in the vibration generator 10e the colors of the surfaces of the new excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 measured by the color sensors 40 and 41. Then, the coil deterioration determination unit 45 determines the degree of color change of the surfaces of each coil measured by the color sensors 40 and 41 at the current time based on the stored colors as a reference.

[0148] The occurrence of discoloration can be determined, for example, based on the color difference in the L * a * b[[ID=**21**]] * color system. For example, for two colors, the lightness L1 * and the lightness L2 * , the hue a1 * and the hue a2 *, saturation b1 * and saturation b2 * Let's assume that this is obtained. In this case, the color difference ΔE of the two colors * ab is calculated using formula (1).

[0149] ΔE * ab=[(L1 * -L2 * ) 2 +(a1 * -a2 * ) 2 +(b1 * -b2 * ) 2 ] 1 / 2 ...(1)

[0150] The coil degradation determination unit 45 determines the color difference ΔE calculated by formula (1). * A map is pre-stored that associates ab with the degree of deterioration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 (e.g., low degree of deterioration, medium degree of deterioration, high degree of deterioration), and the degree of deterioration of the coil determined based on this map is output.

[0151] Note that the change in the color of the coil is L * a * b * In addition to determining the color difference within the color system, the determination may also be made based on changes in RGB values.

[0152] The cooling control unit 28d shifts multiple temperature ranges set according to the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and multiple temperature ranges set according to the drive coil 16 to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the color of the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 measured by the color sensors 40, 41 (color measuring unit) and the operating time accumulated by the operating time accumulating unit 29. The cooling control unit 28d also cools the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 by rotating the cooling blower 30 based on the rotation speed of the cooling blower 30 set based on the multiple temperature ranges shifted to the lower temperature side.

[0153] The method by which the cooling control unit 28d determines the rotational speed of the cooling blower 30 is as described in the first embodiment. Note that the cooling control unit 28d is an example of the first rotational speed setting unit and the second rotational speed setting unit in this disclosure.

[0154] [Setting the blower frequency according to the coil color and the operating time of the vibration generator] Using Figure 12, we will explain how to set the blower frequency f according to the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e. Figure 12 is an example of a map showing the relationship between the operating time of the vibration generator and the shift amount between the color and temperature range of the excitation coil and drive coil.

[0155] The temperature shift amount ΔT of the excitation coil 15 and drive coil 16 (safe temperature range Ta, control temperature range Tb, limiting temperature range Tc) should preferably be set to a larger value as the degree of degradation, determined based on the color of the excitation coil 15 or drive coil 16, increases. Furthermore, the temperature shift amount ΔT should preferably be set to a larger value as the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e increases. Therefore, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT based, for example, on the map shown in Figure 12.

[0156] For example, if the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e is within 50,000 hours, and the degree of coil degradation is small or moderate, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to 0°C. If the degree of coil degradation is large, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C.

[0157] Furthermore, if the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C if the degree of coil degradation is small or moderate. If the degree of coil degradation is large, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C.

[0158] Furthermore, if the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10d exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C if the degree of coil degradation is small or moderate. If the degree of coil degradation is large, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -15°C.

[0159] Note that the operating time Ot, degree of degradation, and temperature shift amount ΔT shown in Figure 12 are examples, and values ​​will be set appropriately according to the vibration generator 10e.

[0160] Alternatively, the cooling control unit 28d may set the temperature shift amount ΔT based solely on the degree of degradation determined based on the color of the excitation coil 15 or the drive coil 16.

[0161] [Explanation of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator] Next, the processing flow performed by the vibration generator 10e will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the vibration generator in the fifth embodiment.

[0162] The vibration control unit 28a and the cooling control unit 28d perform various initialization processes (step S61). These initialization processes are the same as those described in step S11 of Figure 3.

[0163] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether the vibration generator 10e has started operating (step S62). If it is determined that the vibration generator 10e has started operating (step S62: Yes), the process proceeds to step S63. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the vibration generator 10e has started operating (step S62: No), the process repeats step S62.

[0164] In step S62, when it is determined that the vibration generator 10e has started operating, the cooling control unit 28d reads the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e from the operating time accumulating unit 29 (step S63).

[0165] The color sensor 40 measures the color of the excitation coil 15. The color sensor 41 measures the color of the drive coil 16 (step S64).

[0166] The coil deterioration determination unit 45 determines the degree of deterioration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16. Then, the cooling control unit 28d performs a blower frequency characteristic setting process to set the blower frequency characteristics N,E (Figure 7) based on the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e and the degree of deterioration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 (step S65). The specific details of the blower frequency characteristic setting process performed in step S65 will be described later (see Figure 14).

[0167] The vibration control unit 28a generates a vibration signal and applies it to the drive coil 16 via the power amplifier 27. The vibration control unit 28a also generates a static magnetic field by applying a DC voltage to the excitation coil 15 from a constant voltage source (not shown in Figure 11) (step S66).

[0168] The operating time accumulating unit 29 accumulates the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e (step S67). The operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e is the accumulated value of the elapsed time since the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 were excited in step S66.

[0169] The temperature sensor 18 measures the temperature of the excitation coil 15, and the temperature sensor 19 measures the temperature of the drive coil 16 (step S68).

[0170] Next, the cooling control unit 28d performs temperature determination processing for the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 (step S69). Note that the temperature determination processing for the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 is the same as the processing from steps S15 to S22 in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0171] The cooling control unit 28d drives the cooling blower 30 at the higher of the set blower frequencies f1, f2, f3 and f4, f5, f6, which are set based on the temperature determination process of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 (step S70).

[0172] The vibration control unit 28a determines whether a stop command has been input for the vibration generator 10e (step S71). If it is determined that a stop command has been input (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been input (step S71: No), the process returns to step S67, and the vibration generator 10e repeats the process described above.

[0173] In step S71, if it is determined that a stop command for the vibration generator 10e has been input, the operating time accumulating unit 29 stores the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e at that time (step S72). After that, the vibration generator 10e terminates the process shown in Figure 13.

[0174] Next, we will explain the flow of the blower frequency characteristic setting process using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the blower frequency characteristic setting process shown in Figure 13.

[0175] The coil degradation determination unit 45 determines the degradation state of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 based on the color of the excitation coil 15 measured by the color sensor 40 and the color of the drive coil 16 measured by the color sensor 41 (step S81). If the degradation state is determined to be minor, the process proceeds to step S82. If the degradation state is determined to be moderate, the process proceeds to step S86. If the degradation state is determined to be significant, the process proceeds to step S90.

[0176] In step S81, if it is determined that the deterioration state is small, the cooling control unit 28d determines the length of the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e (step S82). If it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S83. If it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S84. If it is determined that the operating time exceeds 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S85.

[0177] In step S82, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to 0°C (step S83). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0178] In step S82, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C (step S84). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0179] In step S82, if it is determined that the operating time Ot exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C (step S85). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0180] In step S81, if the deterioration state is determined to be moderate, the cooling control unit 28d determines the length of the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e (step S86). If the operating time Ot is determined to be within 50,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S87. If the operating time Ot is determined to be between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S88. If the operating time is determined to exceed 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S89.

[0181] In step S86, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to 0°C (step S87). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0182] In step S82, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C (step S88). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0183] In step S82, if it is determined that the operating time Ot exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C (step S89). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0184] In step S81, if it is determined that the deterioration state is significant, the cooling control unit 28d determines the length of the operating time Ot of the vibration generator 10e (step S90). If it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S91. If it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S92. If it is determined that the operating time exceeds 100,000 hours, the process proceeds to step S93.

[0185] In step S90, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is within 50,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -5°C (step S91). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0186] In step S90, if it is determined that the operating time Ot is between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -10°C (step S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0187] In step S90, if it is determined that the operating time Ot exceeds 100,000 hours, the cooling control unit 28d sets the temperature shift amount ΔT to -15°C (step S93). Then, the process proceeds to step S94.

[0188] Following steps S83, S84, S85, S87, S88, S89, S91, S92, and S93, the cooling control unit 28d determines the relationship between the temperatures of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 and the blower frequency f of the cooling blower 30, i.e., the blower frequency characteristics N and E (step S94). After that, it returns to the main routine (Figure 13).

[0189] As described above, the vibration generator 10e of this embodiment is further equipped with color sensors 40 and 41 (color measuring units) that measure the color of the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and the drive coil 16. The cooling control unit 28d (first rotation speed setting unit and second rotation speed setting unit) shifts the multiple temperature ranges set according to the excitation coil 15 and the multiple temperature ranges set according to the drive coil 16 to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the color of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 measured by the color sensors 40 and 41. Therefore, by maintaining the vibration generator 10e at the lowest possible temperature according to the color of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16, the durability of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16 can be improved.

[0190] Furthermore, in the vibration generator 10e of this embodiment, the cooling control unit 28d (first rotation speed setting unit and second rotation speed setting unit) sets multiple temperature ranges based on a map that shows the correspondence between the colors of the excitation coil 15 (magnetic path forming member) and the drive coil 16 and multiple temperature ranges, which has been set in advance.Therefore, the blower frequency characteristics N,E can be easily set according to the degree of deterioration of the excitation coil 15 and the drive coil 16.

[0191] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to the vibration generator 10b described in the second embodiment and the vibration generator 10c described in the third embodiment.

[0192] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment is included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e…Vibration generator, 12…Drive unit, 13…Test stand, 14…Elastic part, 15…Excitation coil (magnetic path forming member), 15a…Upper excitation coil (magnetic path forming member), 15b…Lower excitation coil (magnetic path forming member), 16…Drive coil, 17…Permanent magnet (magnetic path forming member), 18, 19, 20…Temperature sensor (temperature measurement unit), 21…Fixed part, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e…Opening, 23…Gap, 24…Shaft, 25…Shaft bearing, 26…Bearing, 27…Power amplifier, 28a…Vibration control unit (excitation control unit), 28b, 28c…Cooling control unit (first rotation speed setting unit, second rotation speed setting unit), 29…Operating time accumulating unit, 30…Cooling Blower (blower), 32...blower hose, 35...through hole, 36...copper ring, 40,41...color sensor (color measurement unit), 42,43...optical fiber, 45...coil degradation determination unit, E,N...blower frequency characteristics, f,f1,f2,f3,f4,f5,f6...blower frequency, fa1,fb1...blower frequency (first predetermined rotation speed), fa2,fb2...blower frequency (second predetermined rotation speed), fa3,fb3...blower frequency (third predetermined rotation speed), Ot...operating time, T,T1,T2,T3...temperature, Ta...safe temperature range (first temperature range), Tb...control temperature range (second temperature range), Tc...limit temperature range (third temperature range), Td...limit temperature range, ΔT...temperature shift amount

Claims

1. A magnetic path forming member that generates a static magnetic field, A mounting section on which the subject is placed, A drive coil is installed in the mounting section and placed in the static magnetic field with its direction of movement restricted, The drive coil is provided with an excitation control unit that generates an electromagnetic force to cause the drive coil and the mounting unit described above to reciprocate along the direction of movement, A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, A cooling control unit that drives a blower for cooling the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, A first rotation speed setting unit sets the rotation speed of the blower to a predetermined rotation speed according to the temperature range, based on which of a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the magnetic path forming member the temperature of the magnetic path forming member belongs to. The system includes a second rotation speed setting unit that sets the rotation speed of the blower to a predetermined rotation speed according to the temperature range, based on which of a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the covering material of the drive coil or the adhesive that fixes the wire of the drive coil the temperature of the drive coil belongs to. The cooling control unit rotates the blower at the higher of the rotation speed set by the first rotation speed setting unit and the rotation speed set by the second rotation speed setting unit. Vibration generating device.

2. The temperature range includes a first temperature range that prevents the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil from reaching a limit temperature that impairs their operation, even when temperature changes occur in the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil by setting the rotation speed of the blower to a first predetermined rotation speed. The vibration generating device according to claim 1.

3. The cooling control unit, If the higher of the rotational speed of the blower set by the first rotational speed setting unit and the rotational speed of the blower set by the second rotational speed setting unit is less than or equal to a predetermined rotational speed, the blower is stopped. The vibration generating device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned temperature range includes a second temperature range that prevents the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil from reaching a limit temperature that impairs their operation, even if temperature changes occur in the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, by setting the rotation speed of the blower to a second predetermined rotation speed that is higher than the first predetermined rotation speed. The vibration generating device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The cooling control unit, When the higher of the temperatures of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil falls within the second temperature range, the first rotation speed setting unit and the second rotation speed setting unit set a rotation speed that gradually increases in accordance with the rise in temperature. The vibration generating device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned temperature range includes a third temperature range that prevents the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil from reaching a limit temperature that impairs their operation, even if temperature changes occur in the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, by setting the rotation speed of the blower to a third predetermined rotation speed that is higher than the second predetermined rotation speed. The vibration generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. The device further includes an operating time accumulating unit for accumulating the operating time of the vibration generating device, The first rotation speed setting unit and the second rotation speed setting unit shift the plurality of temperature ranges set according to the magnetic path forming member and the plurality of temperature ranges set according to the drive coil to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the operating time accumulated by the operating time accumulating unit. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first rotation speed setting unit and the second rotation speed setting unit set the plurality of temperature ranges based on a map that shows the relationship between the operating time of the vibration generating device and the plurality of temperature ranges, which has been set in advance. The vibration generating device according to claim 7.

9. The system further includes a color measuring unit for measuring the color of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, The first rotation speed setting unit and the second rotation speed setting unit shift a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the magnetic path forming member and a plurality of temperature ranges set according to the drive coil to the lower temperature side by an amount corresponding to the operating time of the vibration generating device and the degree of deterioration of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil determined based on the color of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil measured by the color measuring unit. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first rotation speed setting unit and the second rotation speed setting unit set the plurality of temperature regions based on a map that shows the correspondence between the colors of the magnetic path forming member and the drive coil, which has been set in advance. The vibration generating device according to claim 9.

11. The temperature measuring unit is installed to measure the temperature of the magnetic path forming member at a location downwind of the airflow generated by the blower. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The temperature measuring unit is installed to measure the temperature of the drive coil at its leeward position when the drive coil is located furthest upstream in the airflow generated by the blower. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The magnetic path forming member is an excitation coil. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Two excitation coils are installed, one upstream and one downstream of the cooling airflow from the cooling control unit. The first rotation speed setting unit is, The rotation speed of the blower is set based on which of the following temperature ranges, set according to the excitation coils, the higher of the temperature of one of the excitation coils measured by the temperature measuring unit and the temperature of the other excitation coil estimated based on the operating state of each excitation coil and the temperature of one of the excitation coils, belongs. The vibration generating device according to claim 13.

15. The magnetic path forming member is a permanent magnet. A vibration generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images