U.S. patent application number 15/756720 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for heat exchanger and magnetic heat pump device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fujikura Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Fujikura Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kohki Ishikawa, Takeshi Kizaki, Masahiro Kondo, Ryujiro Nomura, Katsuhiko Takeuchi.
Application Number | 20190383530 15/756720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62626301 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190383530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kondo; Masahiro ; et
al. |
December 19, 2019 |
HEAT EXCHANGER AND MAGNETIC HEAT PUMP DEVICE
Abstract
A heat exchanger 10 to be used in a magnetic heat pump device
includes: an assembly 11 which is formed by bundling wires 12; a
case 13 which accommodates the assembly 11 and is provided with at
least one cutout 145 or 146; and a filling portion 16 which is
filled in the cutout 145 or 146, in which the wire 12 is formed of
a magnetocaloric material having a magnetocaloric effect and the
filling portion 16 is in close contact with an outer periphery of
the assembly 11.
Inventors: |
Kondo; Masahiro;
(Sakura-shi, JP) ; Ishikawa; Kohki; (Sakura-shi,
JP) ; Takeuchi; Katsuhiko; (Sakura-shi, JP) ;
Kizaki; Takeshi; (Sakura-shi, JP) ; Nomura;
Ryujiro; (Sakura-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fujikura Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Fujikura Ltd.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
62626301 |
Appl. No.: |
15/756720 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
December 18, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/045350 |
371 Date: |
March 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 41/04 20130101;
Y02B 30/66 20130101; F25B 2321/0021 20130101; F25B 21/00 20130101;
F25B 30/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 30/06 20060101
F25B030/06; F25B 21/00 20060101 F25B021/00; F25B 41/04 20060101
F25B041/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2016 |
JP |
2016-245423 |
Dec 19, 2016 |
JP |
2016-245428 |
Dec 19, 2016 |
JP |
2016-245435 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the
heat exchanger comprising: an assembly which is formed by bundling
wires; a case which accommodates the assembly and is provided with
at least one cutout; and a filling portion which is filled in the
cutout, wherein each of the wires is formed of a magnetocaloric
material having a magnetocaloric effect, and the filling portion is
in close contact with an outer periphery of the assembly.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the case
includes a pair of side portions, the cutout is formed at each of
the side portions, the case includes a pair of connection portions
connecting end portions of the pair of side portions, and the heat
exchanger includes an elastic body which is interposed between at
least one of the connection portions and the assembly and is in
close contact with the outer periphery of the assembly.
3. (canceled)
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the case
includes: a pair of side portions; and a pair of connection
portions connecting end portions of the pair of side portions, the
cutout is continuously formed in one of the side portions, one of
the connection portions, and other of the side portions, and the
heat exchanger includes an elastic body which is interposed between
other of the connection portions and the assembly and is in close
contact with the outer periphery of the assembly.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. A heat exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the
heat exchanger comprising: an assembly which is formed by bundling
wires; a case which accommodates the assembly and is shorter than
the assembly; and a covering portion which covers a portion exposed
from the case in the assembly, wherein each of the wires is formed
of a magnetocaloric material having a magnetocaloric effect, and
the covering portion is in close contact with an outer periphery of
the assembly.
8. A heat exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the
heat exchanger comprising: an assembly which is formed by bundling
wires; a case which accommodates the assembly; and a blocking
member which contacts an end surface of the case and overlaps a
part of the assembly in an axial direction of the case, wherein
each of the wires is formed of a magnetocaloric material having a
magnetocaloric effect, and the blocking member blocks at least a
part of a gap formed between an inner surface of the case and an
outer periphery of the assembly.
9. (canceled)
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the blocking
member has an annular shape corresponding to a shape of an opening
of an end portion of the case, and the blocking member blocks a gap
in an entire circumference of the inner surface of the case.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the heat
exchanger includes a terminal member attached to an end portion of
the case, the blocking member is formed of an elastic body, and the
blocking member is interposed between the terminal member and the
case.
12. A heat exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the
heat exchanger comprising: an assembly which is formed by bundling
wires; a case which accommodates the assembly; and a filling
portion which is filled in at least a part of a gap formed between
an outer periphery of the assembly and an inner surface of the
case, wherein each of the wires is formed of a magnetocaloric
material having a magnetocaloric effect.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the filling
portion is provided in at least one end portion of the case.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the case
includes a pair of side portions, the filling portion is filled in
a gap between the outer periphery of the assembly and the side
portions, the case includes a pair of connection portions
connecting end portions of the pair of side portions, the heat
exchanger includes an elastic body which is interposed between at
least one of the connection portions and the assembly and is in
close contact with the outer periphery of the assembly, the elastic
body is interposed between one of the connection portions and the
assembly, and the filling portion is also filled in a gap between
other of the connection portions and the outer periphery of the
assembly.
15. (canceled)
16. The heat exchanger according to claim 13, wherein the filling
portion is filled in a gap in an entire circumference of the inner
surface of the case.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein the elastic
body is provided in an entire area along a longitudinal direction
of the case.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the case
includes: a first opening located at one end portion; and a second
opening located at the other end portion, and a direction from the
first opening toward the second opening substantially matches an
extending direction of the assembly.
21. A magnetic heat pump device comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 1; a magnetic field changer configured to apply
a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material and change the
magnitude of the magnetic field; first and second external heat
exchangers respectively connected to the heat exchanger through a
pipe; and a fluid supplier configured to supply a fluid from the
heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger in
synchronization with the operation of the magnetic field
changer.
22. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein the case
includes: a first opening located at one end portion; and a second
opening located at the other end portion, and a direction from the
first opening toward the second opening substantially matches an
extending direction of the assembly.
23. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the case
includes: a first opening located at one end portion; and a second
opening located at the other end portion, and a direction from the
first opening toward the second opening substantially matches an
extending direction of the assembly.
24. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the case
includes: a first opening located at one end portion; and a second
opening located at the other end portion, and a direction from the
first opening toward the second opening substantially matches an
extending direction of the assembly.
25. A magnetic heat pump device comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 7; a magnetic field changer configured to apply
a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material and change the
magnitude of the magnetic field; first and second external heat
exchangers respectively connected to the heat exchanger through a
pipe; and a fluid supplier configured to supply a fluid from the
heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger in
synchronization with the operation of the magnetic field
changer.
26. A magnetic heat pump device comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 8; a magnetic field changer configured to apply
a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material and change the
magnitude of the magnetic field; first and second external heat
exchangers respectively connected to the heat exchanger through a
pipe; and a fluid supplier configured to supply a fluid from the
heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger in
synchronization with the operation of the magnetic field
changer.
27. A magnetic heat pump device comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 12; a magnetic field changer configured to apply
a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material and change the
magnitude of the magnetic field; first and second external heat
exchangers respectively connected to the heat exchanger through a
pipe; and a fluid supplier configured to supply a fluid from the
heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger in
synchronization with the operation of the magnetic field changer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger to be used
in a magnetic heat pump device utilizing a magnetocaloric effect
and a magnetic heat pump device including the heat exchanger.
[0002] For designated countries that are permitted to be
incorporated by reference in the literature, the contents described
in Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-245423 filed in Japan on
Dec. 19, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-245428 filed in
Japan on Dec. 19, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No.
2016-245435 filed in Japan on Dec. 19, 2016 are incorporated herein
by reference and are regarded as a part of the description of this
specification.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There is known a heat exchanger including: an assembly
obtained by overlapping a plurality of columnar magnetic bodies in
a direction intersecting its longitudinal direction; and a
cylindrical case having the assembly inserted thereinto (for
example, see Patent Document 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0004] Patent Document 1: JP 2013-64588 A
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] In the above-described heat exchanger, a gap is formed
between a magnetic bodies located at the outermost periphery of the
assembly and the inner peripheral surface of the case. For that
reason, since a large amount of a liquid medium flows into the gap,
and the amount of the liquid medium passing through a passage
formed between the magnetic bodies is small, a problem arises in
that a heat exchange efficiency is not high.
[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a heat exchanger
capable of improving a heat exchange efficiency and a magnetic heat
pump device including the heat exchanger.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0007] [1] A heat exchanger according to the invention is a heat
exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the heat
exchanger including: an assembly which is formed by bundling wires;
a case which accommodates the assembly and is provided with at
least one cutout; and a filling portion which is filled in the
cutout, in which each of the wires is formed of a magnetocaloric
material having a magnetocaloric effect, and the filling portion is
in close contact with an outer periphery of the assembly.
[0008] [2] In the above-described invention, the case may include a
pair of side portions, and the cutout may be formed at each of the
side portions.
[0009] [3] In the above-described invention, the case may include a
pair of connection portions connecting end portions of the pair of
side portions, and the heat exchanger may include an elastic body
which is interposed between at least one of the connection portions
and the assembly and is in close contact with the outer periphery
of the assembly.
[0010] [4] In the above-described invention, the case may include:
a pair of side portions; and a pair of connection portion
connecting end portions of the pair of side portions, and the
cutout may be continuously formed in one of the side portions, one
of the connection portions, and other of the side portions.
[0011] [5] In the above-described invention, the heat exchanger may
include an elastic body which is interposed between other of the
connection portions and the assembly and is in close contact with
the outer periphery of the assembly.
[0012] [6] In the above-described invention, the elastic body may
be provided in an entire area along a longitudinal direction of the
case.
[0013] [7] A heat exchanger according to the invention is a heat
exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the heat
exchanger including: an assembly which is formed by bundling wires;
a case which accommodates the assembly and is shorter than the
assembly; and a covering portion which covers a portion exposed
from the case in the assembly, in which each of the wires is formed
of a magnetocaloric material having a magnetocaloric effect, and
the covering portion is in close contact with an outer periphery of
the assembly.
[0014] [8] A heat exchanger according to the invention is a heat
exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the heat
exchanger including: an assembly which is formed by bundling wires;
a case which accommodates the assembly; and a blocking member which
contacts an end surface of the case and overlaps a part of the
assembly in an axial direction of the case, in which each of the
wires is formed of a magnetocaloric material having a
magnetocaloric effect, and the blocking member blocks at least a
part of a gap formed between an inner surface of the case and an
outer periphery of the assembly.
[0015] [9] In the above-described invention, the case may include a
pair of side portions, and the blocking member may block at least a
gap between the side portions and the outer periphery of the
assembly.
[0016] [10] In the above-described invention, the blocking member
may have an annular shape corresponding to a shape of an opening of
an end portion of the case, and the blocking member may block a gap
in an entire circumference of the inner surface of the case.
[0017] [11] In the above-described invention, the heat exchanger
may include a terminal member attached to an end portion of the
case, the blocking member may be formed of an elastic body, and the
blocking member may be interposed between the terminal member and
the case.
[0018] [12] A heat exchanger according to the invention is a heat
exchanger to be used in a magnetic heat pump device, the heat
exchanger including: an assembly which is formed by bundling wires;
a case which accommodates the assembly; and a filling portion which
is filled in at least a part of a gap formed between an outer
periphery of the assembly and an inner surface of the case, in
which each of the wires is formed of a magnetocaloric material
having a magnetocaloric effect.
[0019] [13] In the above-described invention, the filling portion
may be provided in at least one end portion of the case.
[0020] [14] In the above-described invention, the case may include
a pair of side portions, and the filling portion may be filled in a
gap between the outer periphery of the assembly and the side
portions.
[0021] [15] In the above-described invention, the case may include
a pair of connection portions connecting end portions of the pair
of side portions, and the filling portion may be also filled in a
gap between at least one of the connection portions and the outer
periphery of the assembly.
[0022] [16] In the above-described invention, the filling portion
may be filled in a gap in an entire circumference of the inner
surface of the case.
[0023] [17] In the above-described invention, the case may include
a pair of connection portions connecting end portions of the pair
of side portions, and the heat exchanger may include an elastic
body which is interposed between at least one of the connection
portions and the assembly and is in close contact with the outer
periphery of the assembly.
[0024] [18] In the above-described invention, the elastic body may
be interposed between one of the connection portions and the
assembly, and the filling portion may be also filled in a gap
between other of the connection portions and the outer periphery of
the assembly.
[0025] [19] In the above-described invention, the elastic body may
be provided in an entire area along a longitudinal direction of the
case.
[0026] [20] In the above-described invention, the case may include:
a first opening located at one end portion; and a second opening
located at the other end portion, and a direction from the first
opening toward the second opening may substantially match an
extending direction of the assembly.
[0027] [21] A magnetic heat pump device according to the invention
is a magnetic heat pump device comprising: at least one of the
above-described heat exchangers; a magnetic field changer
configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material
and change the magnitude of the magnetic field; first and second
external heat exchangers respectively connected to the heat
exchanger through a pipe; and a fluid supplier configured to supply
a fluid from the heat exchanger to the first or second external
heat exchanger in synchronization with the operation of the
magnetic field changer.
Effect of the Invention
[0028] According to the invention, since the covering portion or
the filling portion filled in the cutout is in close contact with
the outer periphery of the assembly, a large amount of the liquid
medium can pass through the passage formed between the wires of the
assembly, and thus the heat exchange efficiency can be
improved.
[0029] Further, according to the invention, since at least a part
of the gap formed between the inner surface of the case and the
outer periphery of the assembly is blocked by the blocking member,
a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through the passage
formed between the wires of the assembly, and thus the heat
exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0030] Further, according to the invention, since the filling
portion is filled in at least a part of the gap formed between the
outer periphery of the assembly and the inner surface of the case,
a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through the passage
formed between the wires of the assembly, and thus the heat
exchange efficiency can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
magnetic heat pump device in a first embodiment of the invention
and is a diagram showing a state where a piston is located at a
first position;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the
magnetic heat pump device in the first embodiment of the invention
and is a diagram showing a state where the piston is located at a
second position;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a
configuration of a MCM heat exchanger of the first embodiment of
the invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the MCM heat
exchanger of the first embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V of
FIG. 4;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI of
FIG. 4;
[0037] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of
a cross-sectional shape of a case of the first embodiment of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a second embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0039] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line
VIIIB-VIIIB of FIG. 8A;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a third embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the width direction;
[0041] FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view showing a
configuration of a MCM heat exchanger of a fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0042] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the MCM heat
exchanger of the fourth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0043] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XC-XC
of FIG. 10B;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a fifth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the width direction;
[0045] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a sixth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0046] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken alone a line
XIIB-XIIB of FIG. 12A;
[0047] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a
configuration of a MCM heat exchanger of a seventh embodiment of
the invention;
[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the MCM heat
exchanger of the seventh embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0049] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken alone a line XV-XV
of FIG. 14;
[0050] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a
configuration of a MCM heat exchanger of an eighth embodiment of
the invention;
[0051] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the MCM heat
exchanger of the eighth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0052] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line
XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17;
[0053] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a ninth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0054] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XX-XX
of FIG. 19;
[0055] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XXI-XXI
of FIG. 19;
[0056] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example
of the MCM heat exchanger of the ninth embodiment of the invention
and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is
cut along the width direction;
[0057] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified
example of the MCM heat exchanger of the ninth embodiment of the
invention and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat
exchanger is cut along the width direction;
[0058] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing still another
modified example of the MCM heat exchanger of the ninth embodiment
of the invention and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM
heat exchanger is cut along the longitudinal direction;
[0059] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a tenth embodiment of the invention and is a
cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the longitudinal direction;
[0060] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line
XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 25;
[0061] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example
of the MCM heat exchanger of the tenth embodiment of the invention
and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat exchanger is
cut along the width direction; and
[0062] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified
example of the MCM heat exchanger of the tenth embodiment of the
invention and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat
exchanger is cut along the width direction.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0063] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0064] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an overall configuration
of a magnetic heat pump device of a first embodiment of the
invention, and FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams showing a MCM heat
exchanger of the first embodiment of the invention.
[0065] A magnetic heat pump device 1 of this embodiment is a heat
pump device using a magnetocaloric effect and includes, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, first and second MCM heat exchangers 10 and 20, a
piston 30, a permanent magnet 40, a low temperature side heat
exchanger 50, a high temperature side heat exchanger 60, a pump 70,
pipes 81 to 84, and a switching valve 90.
[0066] The first and second MCM heat exchangers 10 and 20 of this
embodiment correspond to an example of the heat exchanger of the
invention, the piston 30 and the permanent magnet 40 of this
embodiment correspond to an example of a magnetic changer of the
invention, the low temperature side heat exchanger 50 and the high
temperature side heat exchanger 60 correspond to an example of
first and second external heat exchangers of the invention, the
pipes 81 to 84 of this embodiment correspond to an example of a
pipe of the invention, and the pump 70 and the switching valve 90
of this embodiment correspond to an example of a fluid supplier of
the invention.
[0067] A first MCM heat exchanger 10 includes, as shown in FIGS. 3
to 6, an assembly 11 which is formed by a plurality of wires 12, a
tubular case (container) 13 which accommodates the assembly 11, and
terminal members 17 and 18 which are connected to both ends of the
case 13. Since the first MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second MCM
heat exchanger 20 have the same structure, only the configuration
of the first MCM heat exchanger 10 will be described below and a
description of the configuration of the second MCM heat exchanger
20 will be omitted.
[0068] The wire 12 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of
the wire of the invention, the assembly 11 of this embodiment
corresponds to an example of the assembly of the invention, and the
case 13 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of the case of
the invention.
[0069] The wire 12 is composed of a magnetocaloric material (MCM)
having a magnetocaloric effect. When a magnetic field is applied to
the wire 12 formed of the MCM, magnetic entropy decreases as
electron spins are aligned and the wire 12 generates heat so that a
temperature rises. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is
removed from the wire 12, the electron spins become cluttered, the
magnetic entropy increases, and the wire 12 absorbs heat so that a
temperature falls.
[0070] The MCM of which the wire 12 is composed not particularly
limited as long as the MCM is a magnetic body. However, for
example, a magnetic body having a Curie temperature (Curie point)
in a normal temperature range of about 10.degree. C. to 30.degree.
C. and exhibiting a high magnetocaloric effect in the normal
temperature range is desirable. Specific examples of such MCMs
include gadolinium (Gd), gadolinium alloy, lanthanum-iron-silicon
(La--Fe--Si) based compounds, and the like.
[0071] The wire 12 of this embodiment is a wire having a circular
cross-sectional shape. When a first passage 111 (to be described
later) can be formed between the wires 12 at the time of bundling
the wires 12, the wire 12 may have a cross-sectional shape other
than the circular cross-sectional shape. The wire diameter of the
wire 12 is not particularly limited, but for example, 0.01 to 1 mm
is desirable. As the plurality of wires 12 constituting the
assembly 11, wires having substantially the same wire diameter may
be used or wires having different wire diameters may be used.
[0072] The assembly 11 is formed by bundling a plurality of the
wires 12. The plurality of wires 12 are bundled (overlapped) in a
direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the wire 12.
In other words, the plurality of wires 12 are adjacent to each
other so that the side surfaces of the wires 12 contact each other.
As a result, a first passage 111 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is formed
between the side surfaces of the wires 12. In order to facilitate
understanding, the assembly 11 is formed by the wires 12 which are
fewer than the actual wires in FIGS. 3 to 6, but in fact, the
assembly 11 includes several thousand to several tens of thousands
of wires 12.
[0073] The assembly 11 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 is formed by simply
bundling the plurality of wires 12, but the configuration of the
assembly is not particularly limited thereto. Although not
specifically shown, for example, the assembly may be formed by
twisting a plurality of wires together. Alternatively, an
individual stranded wire may be formed by twisting several wires
and the assembly may be formed by bundling the plurality of
stranded wires. That is, the "assembly formed by bundling the
plurality of wires" in this embodiment also includes "stranded
wires."
[0074] As a method of twisting the wires, for example, collective
twisting, concentric twisting, complex twisting, and the like can
be exemplified. The collective twisting is a twisting method in
which a plurality of wires are bundled together and twisted in the
same direction about the axis of the assembly. The concentric
twisting is a twisting method in which a plurality of wires are
concentrically twisted around a core wire. The complex twisting is
a twisting method in which child stranded wires each of which is
obtained by twisting a plurality of wires by concentric twisting or
collective twisting are further twisted by concentric twisting or
collective twisting.
[0075] The case 13 which accommodates the assembly 11 includes, as
shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, an accommodation portion 14 and a lid
portion 15 and has a tubular shape with a rectangular
cross-section. The case 13 is formed such that one end portion (a
first end portion) 133 is provided with a first opening 131 and the
other end portion (a second end portion) 134 is provided with a
second opening 132.
[0076] The accommodation portion 14 includes a bottom portion 141
which constitutes a bottom plate of the case 13, and a pair of side
portions 142 and 143 which constitutes both side walls of the case
13. An opening 144 is formed between upper ends of the pair of side
portions 142 and 143. As a result, the accommodation portion 14 has
a square-cornered U-shaped (substantially U-shaped) cross-sectional
shape in a cross-section along a direction substantially orthogonal
to the axial direction thereof.
[0077] The lid portion 15 is a rectangular plate-shaped member. As
shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the lid portion 15 is fixed to upper ends of
the pair of side portions 142 and 143. The opening 144 of the
accommodation portion 14 is blocked by the lid portion 15 so that
the case 13 is formed.
[0078] The pair of side portions 142 and 143 of this embodiment
corresponds to an example of a pair of side portions of the
invention, the lid portion 15 of this embodiment corresponds to an
example of one of connection portions of the invention, and the
bottom portion 141 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of
other of connection portions of the invention. Further, the first
opening 131 of the case 13 of this embodiment corresponds to an
example of a first opening of the case of the invention and the
second opening 132 of the case 13 of this embodiment corresponds to
an example of a second opening of the case of the invention.
[0079] The shape of the case 13 is not particularly limited to the
above-described shape as long as the shape is a tubular shape, and
the case may have, for example, a cross-sectional shape shown in
FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c). FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing
modified examples of the cross-sectional shape of the case of the
MCM heat exchanger. The assembly 11 is not shown in FIGS. 7(a) to
7(c).
[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a case 13b may have a
fan-type cross-sectional shape including a circular-arc bottom
portion 141b, a circular-arc lid portion 15b, and straight side
portions 142b and 143b. The circular-arc bottom portion 141b and
the circular-arc lid portion 15b extend in parallel to each other.
One side portion 142b connects one end portion of the bottom
portion 141b to one end portion of the lid portion 15b. Further,
the other side portion 143b connects the other end portion of the
bottom portion 141b to the other end portion of the lid portion
15b.
[0081] The pair of side portions 142b and 143b in this example (the
example shown in FIG. 7(a)) corresponds to an example of a pair of
side portions of the invention, the lid portion 15b of this example
corresponds to an example of one of connection portions of the
invention, and the bottom portion 141b of this example corresponds
to an example of other of connection portions of the invention.
[0082] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the case 13c may have
a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape including a straight bottom
portion 141c, a straight lid portion 15c, and straight side
portions 142c and 143c. The straight bottom portion 141c and the
straight lid portion 15c which have different lengths extend in
parallel to each other. One side portion 142c connects one end
portion of the bottom portion 141c to one end portion of the lid
portion 15c. Further, the other side portion 143c connects the
other end portion of the bottom portion 141c to the other end
portion of the lid portion 15c.
[0083] The pair of side portions 142c and 143c in this example (the
example shown in FIG. 7(b)) corresponds to an example of a pair of
side portions of the invention, the lid portion 15c of this example
corresponds to an example of one of connection portions of the
invention, and the bottom portion 141c of this example corresponds
to an example of other of connection portions of the invention.
[0084] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the case 13d may have
a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape including a
circular-arc bottom portion 141d, a straight lid portion 15d, and
straight side portions 142d and 143d. The straight side portions
142d and 143d extend in parallel to each other. The circular-arc
bottom portion 141d connects one end portion of the side portion
142d to one end portion of the side portion 143d. Further, the
straight lid portion 15d connects the other end portion of the side
portion 142d to the other end portion of the side portion 143d.
[0085] The pair of side portions 142d and 143d in this example (the
example shown in FIG. 7(c)) corresponds to an example of a pair of
side portions of the invention, the lid portion 15d of this example
corresponds to an example of one of connection portions of the
invention, and the bottom portion 141d of this example corresponds
to an example of other of connection portions of the invention.
[0086] Returning to FIGS. 3 to 6, the assembly 11 is accommodated
in the case 13 so that the longitudinal direction of the wire 12
constituting the assembly 11 (the extending direction (the
longitudinal direction) of the assembly 11) substantially matches
the axial direction of the case 13 (a direction from the first
opening 131 toward the second opening 132). Further, the centers of
the first and second openings 131 and 132 are located to be
substantially coaxial to the center of the assembly 11. Then, the
first passage 111 is formed between the wires 12 constituting the
assembly 11 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Meanwhile, a second passage 112 is
formed between the inner surface of the case 13 and the outermost
peripheral side wires 12 of the assembly 11 (see FIG. 5).
[0087] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6,
cutouts 145 and 146 are respectively formed at the side portions
142 and 143 of the accommodation portion 14 of the case 13 in a
part of the case 13 in the longitudinal direction.
[0088] The one cutout 145 is a slit (an opening) formed at one side
portion 142 of the accommodation portion 14. The cutout 145 has a
substantially rectangular shape extending in the circumferential
direction of the case 13 and is located at the substantially center
of one side portion 142 in the longitudinal direction. The cutout
145 penetrates the side portion 142 of the accommodation portion 14
in the thickness direction, and one side surface of the outer
periphery of the assembly 11 is exposed from the case 13 through
the cutout 145.
[0089] The other cutout 146 is also a slit (an opening) which is
formed at the other side portion 143 of the accommodation portion
14. The cutout 146 has a substantially rectangular shape extending
in the circumferential direction of the case 13 and is disposed at
the substantially center of the other side portion 143 in the
longitudinal direction. The cutout 146 penetrates the side portion
143 of the accommodation portion 14 in the thickness direction, and
the other side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11 is
opened from the case 13 through the cutout 146.
[0090] Further, in this embodiment, a filling portion 16 is filled
into the cutouts 145 and 146 formed at the side portions 142 and
143 of the case 13, and the cutouts 145 and 146 are blocked by the
filling portion 16. Further, the filling portion 16 is in close
contact with the side surface of the outer periphery of the
assembly 11, and the second passage 112 formed between the inner
surface of the case 13 and the wires 12 at the outermost peripheral
side of the assembly 11 is blocked by the filling portion 16 (see
FIG. 6). The filling portion 16 is formed by injecting a resin
material such as an adhesive into the cutouts 145 and 146 and
curing the resin material.
[0091] Here, when a granular MCM is used instead of the wire 12,
the MCM flows out from the cutouts 145 and 146 and hence the
workability of filling the cutouts 145 and 146 with an adhesive is
noticeably deteriorated. On the contrary, in this embodiment, since
the wire 12 is used as the MCM, the cutouts 145 and 146 are easily
filled with the adhesive. Further, in this embodiment, since the
wire 12 is used as the MCM, it is possible to increase the
resistance of the second passage 112 just by filling the cutouts
145 and 146 with the filling portion 16.
[0092] The positions of the cutouts 145 and 146 formed in the side
portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 are not particularly limited to
the center of the case 13 in the longitudinal direction as
described above. For example, although particularly not shown in
the drawings, the cutouts 145 and 146 may be formed at the end
portions of the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13.
[0093] Further, the shapes of the cutouts 145 and 146 are also not
particularly limited to the strip shape (rectangular shape) as
described above.
[0094] Further, the size of the cutouts 145 and 146 are not also
particularly limited to the above-described examples. In the
above-described example, each of the cutouts 145 and 146 has a size
in which the entire area of the side surface of the outer periphery
of the assembly 11 along the height direction thereof is exposed.
On the contrary, each of the cutouts 145 and 146 may have a size in
which only a part of the side surface of the outer periphery of the
assembly 11 along the height direction of the side surface is
exposed.
[0095] Further, the number of each of the cutouts 145 and 146
formed in the side portions 142 and 143 is also not particularly
limited. For example, although particularly not shown in the
drawings, the side portions 142 and 143 may be provided with a
plurality of the cutouts 145 and 146. Further, the number of the
cutouts 145 formed at one side portion 142 and the number of the
cutouts 146 formed at the other side portion 143 may be different
from each other. Alternatively, the cutouts 145 and 146 may be
formed only at one of the side portions 142 and 143.
[0096] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one end portion 133 of the case
13 is inserted into the first terminal member 17, and the first
terminal member 17 is fixed to the case 13. Further, the other end
portion 134 of the case 13 is inserted into the second terminal
member 18, and the second terminal member 18 is fixed to the case
13. As the first and second terminal members (connection members)
17 and 18, for example, a heat shrinkable tube, a resin molded
article, a metal processed article, or the like can be used.
[0097] The first terminal member 17 includes a first connection
port 171 which is smaller than the first opening 131 of the case
13. As shown in FIG. 1, the first connection port 171 communicates
with the low temperature side heat exchanger 50 through the first
low temperature side pipe 81. The second terminal member 18 also
includes a second connection port 181 which is smaller than the
second opening 132. The second connection port 181 communicates
with the high temperature side heat exchanger 60 through the first
high temperature side pipe 83. The centers of the first and second
connection ports 171 and 181 are located to be coaxial to the
center of the assembly 11.
[0098] Similarly, an assembly 21 is also accommodated in the case
23 of the second MCM heat exchanger 20 (see FIG. 2), and the
assembly 21 is formed by bundling a plurality of wires 22. Then,
similarly to the first MCM heat exchanger 10, one end portion of
the case 23 is inserted into the first terminal member, and the
first terminal member is fixed to the case 23. Further, the other
end portion of the case 23 is inserted into the second terminal
member, and the second terminal member is fixed to the case 23. The
second MCM heat exchanger 20 communicates with the low temperature
side heat exchanger 50 through the second low temperature side pipe
82 connected to a first connection port 271 of the first terminal
member. Meanwhile, the second MCM heat exchanger 20 communicates
with the high temperature side heat exchanger 60 through the second
high temperature side pipe 84 connected to a second connection port
281 of the second terminal member.
[0099] The wire 22 of the second MCM heat exchanger 20 has the same
configuration as that of the wire 12 of the first MCM heat
exchanger 10. Further, the case 23 of the second MCM heat exchanger
20 also has the same configuration as that of the case 13 of the
first MCM heat exchanger 10, and the filling portion is filled into
the cutout formed in the case 23. Furthermore, a terminal member of
the second MCM heat exchanger 20 also has the same configuration as
those of the terminal members 17 and 18 of the first MCM heat
exchanger 10.
[0100] For example, in a case where an air conditioner using the
magnetic heat pump device 1 of this embodiment is operated in a
cooling mode, an indoor place is cooled by a heat exchange between
the low temperature side heat exchanger 50 and the inside air, and
heat is emitted to an outdoor place by a heat exchange between the
high temperature side heat exchanger 60 and the outside air.
[0101] On the contrary, in a case where the air conditioner is
operated in a warming mode, the indoor place is warmed by a heat
exchange between the high temperature side heat exchanger 60 and
the inside air, and heat is absorbed from the outdoor place by a
heat exchange between the low temperature side heat exchanger 50
and the outside air.
[0102] As described above, a circulation path including four heat
exchangers 10, 20, 50, and 60 is formed by two low temperature side
pipes 81 and 82 and two high temperature side pipes 83 and 84, and
a liquid medium is pressure-fed in the circulation path by the pump
70. As a specified example of the liquid medium, for example, a
liquid such as water, an antifreeze solution, an ethanol solution,
or a mixture thereof can be exemplified. The liquid medium of this
embodiment corresponds to an example of a fluid of the
invention.
[0103] Two MCM heat exchangers 10 and 20 are accommodated inside
the piston 30. The piston 30 can move in a reciprocating manner
between a pair of permanent magnets 40 by the actuator 35.
Specifically, the piston 30 can move in a reciprocating manner
between a "first position" shown in FIG. 1 and a "second position"
shown in FIG. 2. As an example of the actuator 35, for example, an
air cylinder or the like can be exemplified.
[0104] Here, the "first position" is a position of the piston 30
when the first MCM heat exchanger 10 is not interposed between the
permanent magnets 40 and the second MCM heat exchanger 20 is
interposed between the permanent magnets 40. On the contrary, the
"second position" is a position of the piston 30 when the first MCM
heat exchanger 10 is interposed between the permanent magnets 40
and the second MCM heat exchanger 20 is not interposed between the
permanent magnets 40.
[0105] Instead of the first and second MCM heat exchangers 10 and
20, the permanent magnet 40 may be moved in a reciprocating manner
by the actuator 35. Alternatively, an electromagnet having a coil
may be used instead of the permanent magnet 40. In this case, a
mechanism of moving the MCM heat exchangers 10 and 20 or the magnet
is not necessary. Further, when the electromagnet having the coil
is used, the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the wires
12 and 22 may be changed instead of applying/removing of the
magnetic field with respect to the wires 12 and 22 of the MCM heat
exchangers 10 and 20.
[0106] The switching valve 90 is provided at the first high
temperature side pipe 83 and the second high temperature side pipe
84. In synchronization with the operation of the piston 30, the
switching valve 90 can switch the liquid medium supply destination
of the pump 70 to the first MCM heat exchanger 10 or the second MCM
heat exchanger 20 and switch the connection destination of the high
temperature side heat exchanger 60 to the second MCM heat exchanger
20 or the first MCM heat exchanger 10.
[0107] Next, an operation of the magnetic heat pump device 1 of
this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0108] First, when the piston 30 is moved to the "first position"
shown in FIG. 1, the wire 12 of the first MCM heat exchanger 10 is
demagnetized so that a temperature falls, and the wire 22 of the
second MCM heat exchanger 20 is excited so that a temperature
rises.
[0109] At the same time, a first path (the pump 70 the first high
temperature side pipe 83 the first MCM heat exchanger 10 the first
low temperature side pipe 81 the low temperature side heat
exchanger 50 the second low temperature side pipe 82 the second MCM
heat exchanger 20 the second high temperature side pipe 84 the high
temperature side heat exchanger the pump 70) is formed by the
switching valve 90.
[0110] For this reason, the liquid medium is cooled by the wire 12
of the first MCM heat exchanger 10 of which a temperature decreases
due to a demagnetization, and the liquid medium is supplied to the
low temperature side heat exchanger 50 so that the low temperature
side heat exchanger 50 is cooled.
[0111] At this time, since the liquid medium passes through the
passage 111 formed between the side surfaces of the wires 12 inside
the first MCM heat exchanger 10 so as to contact the wires 12, the
liquid medium is cooled by the wires 12. Meanwhile, since the
second passage 112 between the side surface of the outer periphery
of the assembly 11 and the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13
is blocked by the filling portion 16 so that the resistance of the
second passage 112 increases, the amount of the liquid medium
flowing through the first passage 111 does not decrease.
[0112] Here, there is a case in which the assembly 11 is formed by
overlapping the wires 12 inside the accommodation portion 14 of the
case 13. In this case, since the wires 12 are aligned by the bottom
portion 141 of the case 13 or the lid portion 15, the second
passage 112 adjacent to the side portions 142 and 143 tends to be
wider than the second passage 112 adjacent to the bottom portion
141 or the lid portion 15. On the contrary, in this embodiment,
since the second passage 112 adjacent to the side portions 142 and
143 is blocked by the filling portion 16, the above-described
effect can be efficiently obtained.
[0113] Meanwhile, the liquid medium is heated by the wire 22 of the
second MCM heat exchanger 20 which is excited so that its
temperature rises, and the liquid medium is supplied to the high
temperature side heat exchanger 60 so that the high temperature
side heat exchanger 60 is heated.
[0114] At this time, since the liquid medium passes through the
first passage formed between the wires 22 and contacts the wires 22
inside the second MCM heat exchanger 20, the liquid medium is
heated by the wire 22. Meanwhile, since the second passage formed
between the side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 21
and the side portion of the case 23 is blocked by the filling
portion so that the resistance of the second passage increases, the
amount of the liquid medium flowing through the first passage does
not decrease.
[0115] Here, in a case where the assembly 21 is formed by the
above-described method, the second passage adjacent to the side
portion of the case 23 tends to be wider than the second passage
adjacent to the bottom portion or the lid portion of the case 23.
On the contrary, in this embodiment, since the second passage
adjacent to the side portion of the case 23 is blocked by the
filling portion, the above-described effect can be efficiently
obtained.
[0116] Next, when the piston 30 is moved to the "second position"
shown in FIG. 2, the wire 12 of the first MCM heat exchanger 10 is
excited so that a temperature rises and the wire 22 of the second
MCM heat exchanger 20 is demagnetized so that a temperature
falls.
[0117] At the same time, a second path (the pump 70 the second high
temperature side pipe 84 the second MCM heat exchanger 20 the
second low temperature side pipe 82 the low temperature side heat
exchanger 50 the first low temperature side pipe 81 the first MCM
heat exchanger 10 the first high temperature side pipe 83 the high
temperature side heat exchanger 60 the pump 70) is formed by the
switching valve 90.
[0118] For this reason, the liquid medium is cooled by the wire 22
of the second MCM heat exchanger 20 of which a temperature
decreases due to a demagnetization, and the liquid medium is
supplied to the low temperature side heat exchanger 50 so that the
low temperature side heat exchanger 50 is cooled.
[0119] At this time, since the liquid medium passes through the
first passage formed between the wires 22 and contacts the wires 22
inside the second MCM heat exchanger 20, the liquid medium is
cooled by the wires 22. Meanwhile, since the second passage between
the side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 21 and the
side portion of the case 23 is blocked by the filling portion so
that the resistance of the second passage increases, the amount of
the liquid medium flowing in the first passage does not decrease.
Further, in a case in which the assembly 21 is formed by the
above-described method, this effect can be efficiently obtained on
the basis of the same reason as the above-described reason.
[0120] Meanwhile, the liquid medium is heated by the wire 12 of the
first MCM heat exchanger 10 which is excited so that its
temperature rises, and the liquid medium is supplied to the high
temperature side heat exchanger 60 so that the high temperature
side heat exchanger 60 is heated.
[0121] At this time, since the liquid medium passes through the
first passage 111 formed between the wires 12 and contacts the
wires 12 inside the first MCM heat exchanger 10, the liquid medium
is heated by the wires 12. Meanwhile, since the second passage 112
between the side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11
and the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 is blocked by the
filling portion 16 so that the resistance of the second passage 112
increases, the amount of the liquid medium flowing in the first
passage 111 does not decrease. Further, in a case in which the
assembly 11 is formed by the above-described method, this effect
can be efficiently obtained on the basis of the same reason as the
above-described reason.
[0122] Then, when applying and removing of the magnetic field with
respect to the wires 12 and 22 inside the first and second MCM heat
exchangers 10 and 20 are repeated by the repeated reciprocating
movement of the piston 30 between the "first position" and the
"second position", the cooling of the low temperature side heat
exchanger 50 and the heating of the high temperature side heat
exchanger 60 are continued.
[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, since the filling
portion 16 filled in the cutouts 145 and 146 of the case 13 is in
close contact with the outer periphery of the assembly 11 in the
first MCM heat exchanger 10, the second passage 112 formed between
the outer periphery of the assembly 11 and the inner surface of the
case 13 is blocked by the filling portion 16 so that the resistance
of the second passage 112 increases. For this reason, since a large
amount of the liquid medium can pass through the first passage 111
formed between the wires 12 of the assembly 11, the heat exchange
efficiency can be improved.
[0124] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
since the filling portion filled in the cutout of the case 23 is
also in close contact with the outer periphery of the assembly 21
in the second MCM heat exchanger 20, the second passage formed
between the outer periphery of the assembly 21 and the inner
surface of the case 23 can be blocked by the filling portion and
hence the resistance of the second passage increases. For this
reason, since a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through
the first passage formed between the wires 22 of the assembly 21,
the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0125] Further, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM heat
exchanger 10, the longitudinal direction of the wire 12
constituting the assembly 11 (the extending direction of the
assembly 11) substantially matches the axial direction of the case
13 (a direction from the first opening 131 toward the second
opening 132 in the case 13). For this reason, in this embodiment,
it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss of the
liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat exchanger 10 and to increase
the resistance of the second passage 112 just by filling the
cutouts 145 and 146 with the filling portion 16.
[0126] Similarly, as for the second MCM heat exchanger 20 as well,
the longitudinal direction of the wire 22 constituting the assembly
21 (the extending direction of the assembly 21) substantially
matches the axial direction of the case 23 (a direction from the
first opening toward the second opening in the case 23). For this
reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase
in pressure loss of the liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat
exchanger 20 and to increase the resistance of the second passage
just by filling the cutout with the filling portion.
Second Embodiment
[0127] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment
is different from the first embodiment in that the first and second
MCM heat exchangers include an elastic body in addition to the
filling portion, but the other configurations are the same as those
of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference from the
first embodiment will be described in the MCM heat exchanger of the
second embodiment. Then, the same reference numerals will be given
to the components having the same configurations as in the first
embodiment and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0128] A first MCM heat exchanger 10B of this embodiment includes,
as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an elastic body 19A interposed between
the assembly 11 and the lid portion 15 of the case 13 in addition
to the filling portion 16 filled in the cutouts 145 and 146. As a
detailed example of such an elastic body 19A, for example, a
sheet-like flexible urethane resin, rubber, or sponge can be
exemplified. The elastic body 19A is deformed to follow the upper
surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11 and is in close
contact with the entire upper surface of the outer periphery of the
assembly 11. In this embodiment, since the second passage 112 on
three sides is blocked in the assembly 11, the second passage 112
can be more reliably blocked.
[0129] Further, the elastic body 19A is formed in the entire area
along the longitudinal direction of the case 13. For this reason,
it is possible to suppress the partial floating of the wire 12.
Third Embodiment
[0130] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment
is different from the second embodiment in that an elastic body is
also interposed between the assembly and the bottom portion of the
case, but the other configurations are the same as those of the
second embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference from the MCM
heat exchanger of the second embodiment will be described in the
MCM heat exchanger of the third embodiment. Then, the same
reference numerals will be given to the components having the same
configurations as in the second embodiment and a description
thereof will be omitted.
[0131] A first MCM heat exchanger 10C of this embodiment further
includes, as shown in FIG. 9, an elastic body 19B interposed
between the bottom portion 141 of the case 13 and the assembly 11.
As a detailed example of such an elastic body 19B, for example, a
sheet-like flexible urethane resin, rubber, or sponge can be
exemplified similarly to the elastic body 19A. The elastic body 19B
is deformed to follow the lower surface of the outer periphery of
the assembly 11 and is in close contact with the entire lower
surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11. In this
embodiment, since the second passage 112 on four sides is blocked
in the assembly 11, the second passage 112 can be more reliably
blocked.
[0132] Further, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
the elastic body 19B is formed in the entire area along the
longitudinal direction of the case 13 similarly to the elastic body
19A. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the partial
floating of the wire 12.
Fourth Embodiment
[0133] FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a MCM heat exchanger
of a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is
different from the first embodiment in that the cutout is also
formed in the lid portion of the case, but the other configurations
are the same as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only
the difference from the first embodiment will be described in the
MCM heat exchanger of the fourth embodiment. Then, the same
reference numerals will be given to the components having the same
configurations as in the first embodiment and a description thereof
will be omitted.
[0134] In a first MCM heat exchanger 10D of this embodiment, as
shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, one cutout 147 is continuously formed in
the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 and the lid portion
15, and the cutout 147 extends in the circumferential direction of
the case 13. The cutout 147 is filled with a filling portion 16B,
and the cutout 147 is blocked by the filling portion 16B. The
filling portion 16B is in close contact with the upper surface and
the side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11. The
filling portion 16B is formed by injecting a resin material such as
an adhesive into the cutout 147 and curing the resin material
similarly to the filling portion 16. In this embodiment, since the
second passage 112 on three sides is blocked in the assembly 11,
the second passage 112 can be more reliably blocked.
Fifth Embodiment
[0135] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a MCM heat exchanger of a fifth
embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is different from the
fourth embodiment in that an elastic body is interposed between the
assembly and the bottom portion of the case, but the other
configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.
Hereinafter, only the difference from the fourth embodiment will be
described in the MCM heat exchanger of the fifth embodiment. Then,
the same reference numerals will be given to the components having
the same configurations as in the fourth embodiment and a
description thereof will be omitted.
[0136] A first MCM heat exchanger 10E of this embodiment includes,
as shown in FIG. 11, an elastic body 19B interposed between the
assembly 11 and the bottom portion 141 of the case 13 similarly to
the third embodiment. The elastic body 19B is deformed to follow
the lower surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11 and is
in close contact with the entire lower surface of the outer
periphery of the assembly 11. In this embodiment, since the second
passage 112 on four sides is blocked in the assembly 11, the second
passage 112 can be more reliably blocked.
Sixth Embodiment
[0137] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views showing a MCM
heat exchanger of a sixth embodiment of the invention. This
embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the case
is shorter than the wire instead of the cutout and the first and
second MCM heat exchangers include a covering portion instead of
the filling portion, but the other configurations are the same as
those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference
from the first embodiment will be described in the MCM heat
exchanger of the sixth embodiment. Then, the same reference
numerals will be given to the components having the same
configurations as in the first embodiment and a description thereof
will be omitted.
[0138] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the case
13 is shorter than the assembly 11, and one end portion of the
assembly 11 is exposed from the case 13. Then, an exposed portion
113 of the assembly 11 is covered by a covering portion 16C in the
entire circumference of the exposed portion 113. The covering
portion 16C is formed by applying a resin material such as an
adhesive onto the entire circumference of the exposed portion 113
and curing the resin material. The covering portion 16C may be
formed by forming, for example, a sheet-like soft urethane resin,
rubber, or sponge into an annular elastic body.
[0139] The covering portion 16C is in close contact with the entire
circumference of the outer periphery of the assembly 11. In this
embodiment, since the second passage 112 on four sides is blocked
in the assembly 11, the second passage 112 can be more reliably
blocked.
[0140] In this embodiment, as for the first MCM heat exchanger 10E,
since the covering portion 16C is in close contact with the outer
periphery of the assembly 11, the second passage 112 formed between
the outer periphery of the assembly 11 and the inner surface of the
case 13 is blocked by the covering portion 16C so that the
resistance of the second passage 112 increases. For this reason,
since a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through the
first passage 111 formed between the wires 12 of the assembly 11,
the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0141] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, since the covering
portion is in close contact with the outer periphery of the
assembly 21, the second passage formed between the outer periphery
of the assembly 21 and the inner surface of the case 23 is blocked
by the filling portion so that the resistance of the second passage
increases. For this reason, since a large amount of the liquid
medium can pass through the first passage formed between the wires
22 of the assembly 21, the heat exchange efficiency can be
improved.
Seventh Embodiment
[0142] FIGS. 13 to 15 are diagrams showing a MCM heat exchanger of
a seventh embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a
blocking member is provided instead of the cutout and the
configuration of the first terminal member is different from that
of the first embodiment. However, the other configurations are the
same as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the
difference from the first embodiment will be described in the MCM
heat exchanger of the seventh embodiment. Then, the same reference
numerals will be given to the components having the same
configurations as in the first embodiment and a description thereof
will be omitted.
[0143] A first MCM heat exchanger 10G of this embodiment includes,
as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a blocking member 16D that is
interposed between the case 13 and the first terminal member 17B in
addition to the assembly 11, the case (container) 13, and the
terminal members 17B and 18. Further, the case 13 of this
embodiment is not provided with the cutouts 145 and 146. The first
terminal member 17B of this embodiment corresponds to an example of
the terminal member of the invention, and the blocking member 16D
of this embodiment corresponds to an example of the blocking member
of the invention.
[0144] The first terminal member 17B of this embodiment is formed
as a resin molded article and includes, as shown in FIGS. 13 and
14, a stepped surface 173 interposed between the first connection
port 171 and the first connecting port 172. A metal processed
article may be used as the first terminal member 17B.
[0145] The blocking member 16D is, for example, a rectangular
annular O-ring formed of rubber and is interposed between the first
terminal member 17B and the case 13. The blocking member 16D is
held between the first terminal member 17B and the case 13 while
being compressed between the stepped surface 173 of the first
terminal member 17B and the end surface 135 of the case 13. The
blocking member 16D is not limited to the above-described O-ring as
long as the blocking member is formed of an elastic material and
has an annular shape corresponding to the shape of the first
opening 131 of the case 13.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 15, the compressed blocking member 16D
contacts the entire circumference of the end surface 135 of the
case 13 and has a width protruding inward in the radial direction
(toward the center of the case 13) in relation to the inner surface
of the case 13. The inner periphery of the blocking member 16D is
located at the center side in relation to the inner surface of the
case 13. Thus, the blocking member 16D partially overlaps the
assembly 11 in the axial direction of the case 13 (when viewed from
the near side to the far side of the page of FIG. 15) so as to
cover the end surface of a part of the assembly 11. As a result,
the second passage 112 formed between the inner surface of the case
13 and the outer periphery of the assembly 11 is blocked in the
entire circumference by the blocking member 16D.
[0147] In this embodiment, the blocking member 16D is not
interposed between the second terminal member 18 and the case 13.
For that reason, for example, the second terminal member 18 may be
formed by a heat shrinkable tube. The above-described blocking
member 16D may be interposed between the second terminal member and
the case 13. In this case, as the second terminal member, a
terminal member having the same configuration as that of the first
terminal member 17B with the stepped surface 173 is used.
[0148] As described above, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM
heat exchanger 10G, the annular blocking member 16D is interposed
between the case 13 and the first terminal member 17B, and the
second passage 112 is blocked by the blocking member 16D in the
entire circumference of the inner surface of the case 13. For this
reason, since a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through
the first passage 111 formed between the wires 12 of the assembly
11, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0149] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the blocking member
is interposed between the case 23 and the first terminal member,
and the second passage is blocked by the blocking member in the
entire circumference of the inner surface of the case 23. For this
reason, since a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through
the first passage formed between the wires 22 of the assembly 21,
the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0150] Further, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM heat
exchanger 10G, the longitudinal direction of the wire 12
constituting the assembly 11 (the extending direction of the
assembly 11) substantially matches the axial direction of the case
13 (a direction from the first opening 131 toward the second
opening 132 in the case 13). For this reason, in this embodiment,
it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss of the
liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat exchanger 10G and to block
the second passage 112 just by interposing the blocking member 16D
therein.
[0151] Similarly, as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the
longitudinal direction of the wire 22 constituting the assembly
(the extending direction of the assembly 21) substantially matches
the axial direction of the case 23 (a direction from the first
opening toward the second opening in the case 23). For this reason,
in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in
pressure loss of the liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat
exchanger 20 and to block the second passage just by interposing
the blocking member therein.
Eighth Embodiment
[0152] FIGS. 16 to 18 are diagrams showing a MCM heat exchanger of
an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the
shape of the blocking member and the configuration of the first
terminal member are different from those of the seventh embodiment,
but the other configurations are the same as those of the seventh
embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference from the seventh
embodiment will be described in the MCM heat exchanger of the
eighth embodiment. Then, the same reference numerals will be given
to the components having the same configurations as in the seventh
embodiment and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0153] A first MCM heat exchanger 10H of this embodiment includes,
as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a blocking member 16E formed as a pair
of stripe-shaped plate members instead of the blocking member 16D
formed as an O-ring. The blocking member 16E is not an elastic body
and is formed as a rigid body formed of a highly rigid material
such as resin or metal. The blocking member 16E of this embodiment
corresponds to an example of the blocking member of the
invention.
[0154] The blocking member 16E is fixed to one end portion of the
case 13 by, for example, adhering or the like and contacts the end
surface 135 of the case 13 (mainly the end surfaces of the side
portions 142 and 143). The blocking member 16E has a width
protruding toward the opposite side blocking member 16E in relation
to the inner surface of the case 13 and partially overlaps the
assembly 11 in the axial direction of the case 13 so as to cover
the end surface of a part of the assembly 11. As a result, the
blocking member 16E blocks the second passage 112 between the side
portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 and the side surface of the
outer periphery of the assembly 11.
[0155] In this embodiment, since the blocking member 16E is fixed
to the end surface 135 of the case 13, the blocking member 16E is
not pinched between the first terminal member 17 and the case 13.
In this way, in this embodiment, since there is no need to press a
plate member 18B by the first terminal member 16B, the first
terminal member 17 is formed as a heat shrinkable tube similarly to
the first embodiment. The first terminal member 17 may be formed
as, for example, a resin molded article or a metal processed
article.
[0156] Instead of the first terminal member 17, the blocking member
16E may be pinched between the first terminal member 17B and the
case 13 by using the first terminal member 17B with the stepped
surface 173. In this case, the blocking member 16E may not be fixed
to one end portion of the case 13.
[0157] Alternatively, in a case in which the blocking member 16E is
pinched between the stepped surface 173 of the first terminal
member 17B and the end surface 135 of the case 13, the blocking
member 16E is formed as an elastic body and the blocking member 16E
may be held between the first terminal member 17B and the case 13
while the blocking member 16E is compressed between the stepped
surface 173 of the first terminal member 17B and the end surface
135 of the case 13.
[0158] In this embodiment, as for the first MCM heat exchanger 10H,
the stripe-shaped blocking member 16E is interposed between the
case 13 and the first terminal member 17, and the second passage
112 between the side surface of the outer periphery of the assembly
11 and the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 is blocked by
the blocking member 16E. For this reason, since a large amount of
the liquid medium can pass through the first passage 111 formed
between the wires 12 of the assembly 11, the heat exchange
efficiency can be improved.
[0159] Here, as described above, in a case in which the assembly 11
is formed by overlapping the wires 12 inside the accommodation
portion 14 of the case 13 in the vertical direction, the wires 12
are aligned by the lid portion 15 or the bottom portion 141 of the
case 13, and thus the second passage 112 adjacent to the side
portions 142 and 143 tends to be wider than the second passage 112
adjacent to the bottom portion 141 or the lid portion 15. On the
contrary, in this embodiment, since only the second passage 112
adjacent to the side portions 142 and 143 is blocked by the
stripe-shaped blocking member 16E, the above-described effect can
be efficiently obtained.
[0160] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the stripe-shaped
blocking member is interposed between the case 23 and the first
terminal member, and the second passage between the side surface of
the outer periphery of the assembly 21 and the side portion of the
case 23 is blocked by the blocking member. For this reason, since a
large amount of the liquid medium can pass through the first
passage formed between the wires 22 of the assembly 21, the heat
exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0161] Although particularly not shown in the drawings, a
frame-shaped blocking member formed of a rigid body may be fixed to
the end surface 135 of the case 13 instead of the stripe-shaped
blocking member 16E. By the blocking member, the second passage 112
can be blocked in the entire circumference of the inner surface of
the case 13, and thus the second passage 112 can be more reliably
blocked.
Ninth Embodiment
[0162] FIGS. 19 to 21 are diagrams showing a MCM heat exchanger of
a ninth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is different
from the first embodiment in that the case is not provided with the
cutout and the filling portion is provided at the end portion of
the case, but the other configurations are the same as those of the
first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference from the first
embodiment will be described in the MCM heat exchanger of the ninth
embodiment. Then, the same reference numerals will be given to the
components having the same configurations as in the first
embodiment and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0163] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a filling
portion 16F is filled in the second passage 112 (see FIG. 20) of
the first end portion 133 of the case 13, and the second passage
112 is blocked by the filling portion 16F. The case 13 of this
embodiment is not provided with the cutouts 145 and 146. The
filling portion 16F is formed by injecting a resin material such as
an adhesive into the second passage 112 through the first opening
131 of the case 13 using, for example, a dispenser or the like and
curing the resin material.
[0164] Although particularly not shown in the drawings, the filling
portion 16F may be filled into the second passage 112 in the second
end portion 134 of the case 13 instead of the first end portion 133
of the case 13. Alternatively, the filling portion 16F may be
filled into the second passage 112 at both end portions 133 and 134
of the case 13. The end portions 133 and 134 of the case 13 of this
embodiment correspond to an example of the end portion of the case
of the invention, and the second passage 112 of this embodiment
corresponds to an example of the gap of the invention.
[0165] Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the filling
portion 16F is formed in the entire circumference of the inner
surface of the case 13, but the invention is not particularly
limited thereto. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a
modified example of the MCM heat exchanger of this embodiment, and
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example
of the MCM heat exchanger of this embodiment. FIGS. 22 and 23 are
cross-sectional views in which the MCM heat exchanger is cut along
the width direction.
[0166] For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the filling portion 16F
may be filled only into the second passage 112 between the side
portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 and the outer periphery of the
assembly 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23, the filling
portion 16F may be filled into the second passage 112 among the
side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13, the lid portion 15, and
the outer periphery of the assembly 11 except for the bottom
portion 141.
[0167] Here, as described above, in a case in which the assembly 11
is formed by overlapping the wires 12 inside the accommodation
portion 14 of the case 13 in the vertical direction, the wires 12
are aligned by the bottom portion 141 of the case 13. Accordingly,
the second passage 112 adjacent to the lid portion 15 or the second
passage 112 adjacent to the side portions 142 and 143 tends to be
wider than the second passage 112 adjacent to the bottom portion
141. On the contrary, in the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, since
only the second passage 112 adjacent to the lid portion 15 or the
second passage 112 adjacent to the side portions 142 and 143 is
blocked by the filling portion 16F, the above-described effect can
be efficiently obtained.
[0168] Further, a position in which the second passage 112 is
blocked by the filling portion 16F in the longitudinal direction of
the case 13 is not particularly limited to the end portions 133 and
134 of the case 13. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a
still another modified example of the MCM heat exchanger of this
embodiment and is a cross-sectional view in which the MCM heat
exchanger is cut along the longitudinal direction.
[0169] For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the second passage 112 may
be blocked by the filling portion 16F at the substantially center
of the case 13. In this case, for example, the filling portion 16F
can be formed by hollowing out the center portion of the case 13 in
the longitudinal direction once, applying an adhesive to the outer
periphery of the assembly 11 through the opening, and fitting and
fixing the hollowed portion to the opening before the adhesive is
cured.
[0170] As described above, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM
heat exchanger 101, the second passage 112 formed between the outer
periphery of the assembly 11 and the inner surface of the case 13
in the first end portion 133 of the case 13 is blocked by the
filling portion 16F so that the resistance of the second passage
112 increases. For this reason, since a large amount of the liquid
medium can pass through the first passage 111 formed between the
wires 12 of the assembly 11, the heat exchange efficiency can be
improved.
[0171] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the second passage
formed between the outer periphery of the assembly 21 and the inner
surface of the case 23 in the first end portion of the case 23 is
blocked by the filling portion so that the resistance of the second
passage increases. For this reason, since a large amount of the
liquid medium can pass through the first passage formed between the
wires 22 of the assembly 21, the heat exchange efficiency can be
improved.
[0172] Further, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM heat
exchanger 101, the longitudinal direction of the wire 12
constituting the assembly 11 (the extending direction of the
assembly 11) substantially matches the axial direction of the case
13 (a direction from the first opening 131 toward the second
opening 132 in the case 13). For this reason, in this embodiment,
it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure loss of the
liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat exchanger 101 and to increase
the resistance of the second passage 112 just by filling the second
passage 112 with the filling portion 16F.
[0173] Similarly, as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the
longitudinal direction of the wire 22 constituting the assembly 21
(the extending direction of the assembly 21) substantially matches
the axial direction of the case 23 (a direction from the first
opening toward the second opening in the case 23). For this reason,
in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in
pressure loss of the liquid medium flowing in the MCM heat
exchanger 20 and to increase the resistance of the second passage
just by filling the second passage with the filling portion.
Tenth Embodiment
[0174] FIGS. 25 and 26 are cross-sectional views showing a MCM heat
exchanger of a tenth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment
is different from the ninth embodiment in that the first and second
MCM heat exchangers include an elastic body instead of a part of
the filling portion, but the other configurations are the same as
those of the ninth embodiment. Hereinafter, only the difference
from the ninth embodiment will be described in the MCM heat
exchanger of the tenth embodiment. Then, the same reference
numerals will be given to the components having the same
configurations as in the ninth embodiment and a description thereof
will be omitted.
[0175] A first MCM heat exchanger 10J of this embodiment includes,
as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, an elastic body 19C instead of the
filling portion 16F filled in the second passage 112 adjacent to
the lid portion 15 of the case 13. The elastic body 19C is
interposed between the lid portion 15 of the case 13 and the
assembly 11 and is deformed to follow the upper surface of the
outer periphery of the assembly 11 so that the elastic body is in
close contact with the entire upper surface of the outer periphery
of the assembly 11. As a detailed example of such an elastic body
19C, for example, a sheet-like flexible urethane resin, rubber, or
sponge can be exemplified.
[0176] Further, the elastic body 19C is formed in the entire area
along the longitudinal direction of the case 13. For this reason,
it is possible to suppress the partial floating of the wire 12.
[0177] In the example shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the filling portion
16F is filled in the second passage 112 between the bottom portion
141 and the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 and the outer
periphery of the assembly 11 except for the lid portion 15, but a
position in which the filling portion 16F is disposed inside the
case 13 is not particularly limited.
[0178] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example
of the MCM heat exchanger. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the
filling portion 16F may be filled only into the second passage 112
between the side portions 142 and 143 of the case 13 and the outer
periphery of the assembly 11.
[0179] Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the
elastic body 19C is interposed between the lid portion 15 of the
case 13 and the assembly 11, but a position in which the elastic
body 19C is disposed inside the case 13 is not particularly
limited.
[0180] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified
example of the MCM heat exchanger. For example, as shown in FIG.
28, the elastic body 19C may be also interposed between the bottom
portion 141 of the case 13 and the assembly 11. The elastic body
19C is deformed to follow the lower surface of the outer periphery
of the assembly 11 and is in close contact with the entire lower
surface of the outer periphery of the assembly 11. Although
particularly not shown in the drawings, the lower elastic body 19C
is also formed in the entire area along the longitudinal direction
of the case 13. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the
partial floating of the wire 12.
[0181] As described above, in this embodiment, as for the first MCM
heat exchanger 10J, the second passage 112 formed between the outer
periphery of the assembly 11 and the inner surface of the case 13
in the first end portion 133 of the case 13 is blocked by the
filling portion 16F and the elastic body 19C so that the resistance
of the second passage 112 increases. For this reason, since a large
amount of the liquid medium can pass through the first passage 111
formed between the wires 12 of the assembly 11, the heat exchange
efficiency can be improved.
[0182] Similarly, although particularly not shown in the drawings,
as for the second MCM heat exchanger as well, the second passage
formed between the outer periphery of the assembly 21 and the inner
surface of the case 23 in the first end portion of the case 23 is
blocked by the filling portion and the elastic body so that the
resistance of the second passage increases. For this reason, since
a large amount of the liquid medium can pass through the first
passage formed between the wires 22 of the assembly 21, the heat
exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0183] Embodiments heretofore explained are described to facilitate
understanding of the present invention and are not described to
limit the present invention. It is therefore intended that the
elements disclosed in the above embodiments include all design
changes and equivalents to fall within the technical scope of the
present invention.
[0184] The configuration of the above-described magnetic heat pump
device is an example, and the heat exchanger according to the
invention may be applied to another magnetic heat pump device of an
AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) type.
[0185] For example, the magnetic heat pump device may include one
MCM heat exchanger, a magnetic field changer configured to apply a
magnetic field to the MCM and change the magnitude of the magnetic
field, first and second external heat exchangers respectively
connected to the MCM heat exchanger through a pipe, and a fluid
supplier configured to supply a fluid from the MCM heat exchanger
to the first or second external heat exchangers in synchronization
with the operation of the magnetic field changer.
[0186] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in
which the magnetic heat pump device is applied to the air
conditioner for home or an automobile has been described, but the
invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, when an
MCM having an appropriate Curie temperature according to the
application is selected, the magnetic heat pump device according to
the invention may be used for an application in an extremely low
temperature range such as a refrigerator or in a high temperature
range to some extent.
[0187] Further, in this embodiment, the first and second MCM heat
exchangers 10 and 20 have the same configurations, but the
invention is not particularly limited thereto. Here, the heat
exchangers may have different configurations. For example, the
first and second MCM heat exchangers 10 and 20 may use wires having
different wire diameters. Further, the twisting methods, the
twisting directions, or the twisting pitches of the plurality of
wires may be different from each other.
[0188] Further, in this embodiment, the MCM heat exchanger includes
a single assembly, but the invention is not particularly limited
thereto. For example, a plurality of assemblies may be arranged in
series along the extending direction of the MCM heat exchanger. In
this case, the plurality of assemblies may have the same
configurations or different configurations.
[0189] When the magnetic heat pump device is continuously used, the
MCM heat exchanger has a temperature gradient in which a
temperature is high at the connection side to the high temperature
side pipe and a temperature is low at the connection side to the
low temperature side pipe. For this reason, in the above-described
example, the wires constituting the assembly located at the high
temperature side among the plurality of assemblies arranged in
series are desirably composed of a material having a relatively
high Curie point (Curie temperature), and the wires constituting
the assembly located at the low temperature side are desirably
composed of a material having a relatively low Curie point. In this
way, when the wires composed of materials having different Curie
points are used in response to the temperature atmosphere in the
MCM heat exchanger, the magnetocaloric effect can be exhibited with
higher efficiency.
EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS
[0190] 1: magnetic heat pump device
[0191] 10 to 10J: first MCM heat exchanger
[0192] 11: assembly
[0193] 111: first passage
[0194] 112: second passage
[0195] 113: exposed portion
[0196] 12: wire
[0197] 13 to 13d: case
[0198] 131: first opening
[0199] 132: second opening
[0200] 133: first end portion
[0201] 134: second end portion
[0202] 135: end surface
[0203] 14: accommodation portion
[0204] 141 to 141d: bottom portion
[0205] 142 to 142d, 143 to 143d: side portion
[0206] 144: opening
[0207] 145, 146, 147: cutout
[0208] 15 to 15d: lid portion
[0209] 16, 16B, 16F: filling portion
[0210] 16C: covering portion
[0211] 16D, 16E: blocking member
[0212] 17, 17B: first terminal member
[0213] 171: first connection port
[0214] 172: first connecting port
[0215] 173: stepped surface
[0216] 18: second terminal member
[0217] 181: second connection port
[0218] 182: second connecting port
[0219] 19A, 19B, 19C: elastic body
[0220] 20: second MCM heat exchanger
[0221] 21: assembly
[0222] 22: wire
[0223] 23: case
[0224] 271: first connection port
[0225] 281: second connection port
[0226] 30: piston
[0227] 35: actuator
[0228] 40: permanent magnet
[0229] 50: low temperature side heat exchanger
[0230] 60: high temperature side heat exchanger
[0231] 70: pump
[0232] 81 to 82: first and second low temperature side pipes
[0233] 83 to 84: third and fourth high temperature side pipes
[0234] 90: switching valve
* * * * *