JP2016065650A - Magnetic heat pump apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic heat pump apparatus capable of suppressing heat transfer via a fluid between a container and a magnetic circuit section and reducing heat loss.SOLUTION: A rotor 7 that is a container in which an operation room is formed and relative moving bodies 14A and 14B having a magnetic circuit section 15 are moved relatively in a direction along outer surfaces 7a and 7b of the rotor 7 so as to change the magnitude of a magnetic field applied to an MCE element 12 within the operation room. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b of the rotor 7 face moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 of the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B via clearance parts 81 and 82, respectively. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are each formed into a planar shape smoothly continuous in a relatively moving direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic heat pump device using the magnetocaloric effect of a magnetic working substance.

  As a prior art, for example, there is a magnetic heat pump device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In this device, the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working material is changed by rotating and moving the magnetic circuit part having the magnet along the outer surface of the container with respect to the container filled with the magnetic working material in the working chamber. doing.

JP2013-253725A

  However, in the above-described conventional magnetic heat pump apparatus, when heat is transferred between the container and the magnetic circuit unit, the efficiency is reduced due to heat loss. In the above-described prior art apparatus, in order to alternately provide the magnetic field application region and the magnetic field removal region in the rotational movement direction of the magnetic circuit unit, the outer surface of the magnetic circuit unit is uneven with a corner in the rotational movement direction. Yes. Therefore, when the magnetic circuit unit rotates, the fluid interposed between the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the magnetic circuit unit is easily stirred, and heat transfer is promoted between the container and the magnetic circuit unit, There is a problem that loss tends to increase.

  This invention is made in view of the said point, and provides the magnetic heat pump apparatus which can suppress the heat transfer via the fluid between a container and a magnetic circuit part, and can reduce a heat loss. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention,
A container (7) in which a working chamber (11) in which a magnetic working substance (12) having a magnetocaloric effect is arranged and a heat medium flows is formed;
It has a magnetic circuit part (15) that allows the magnetic flux generated by the magnets (33 to 36) to pass therethrough, and moves relative to the container in a direction along the container outer surface (7a, 7b) that is the outer surface of the container. Possible relative moving bodies (14A, 14B);
Magnetic field changing means (14) for changing the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working substance by relatively moving the container and the relative moving body in a direction along the outer surface of the container;
A magnetic heat pump device in which the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body (14A1, 14B1), which is the outer surface of the relative moving body, are arranged so as to face each other via the gaps (81, 82),
Each of the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body is characterized in that it is formed into a surface that is smoothly connected in the direction of relative movement.

  According to this, both the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body can be a smooth continuous surface in the direction in which the container and the relative moving body move relatively. Therefore, when the container and the relative moving body move relative to each other, the flow of the fluid existing in the gap is hardly disturbed, and the fluid is difficult to be stirred. Thereby, heat transfer via the fluid between the container and the magnetic circuit part of the relative moving body can be suppressed, and heat loss can be reduced.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis attached | subjected to each said means is an example which shows a corresponding relationship with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

It is a block diagram of the thermal equipment concerning a 1st embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the magnetic heat pump apparatus of a 1st embodiment. It is a left view of 1st Embodiment. It is a right view of 1st Embodiment. It is the VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 3 of 1st Embodiment. It is VI-VI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is the VII-VII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is the VIII-VIII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is the IX-IX sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is XX sectional drawing of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is the XI-XI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the rotor which is a container of 1st Embodiment. It is an axial sectional view of a part of a rotor and a relative movable body of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the direction perpendicular to the axis of a part of the rotor and the relative moving body of the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the magnetic heat pump apparatus of other embodiment. It is a top view of the rotor of other embodiments. It is the XVII-XVII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 15 of other embodiment.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. In the case where only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the other parts of the configuration are the same as those described previously. In addition to the combination of parts specifically described in each embodiment, the embodiments may be partially combined as long as the combination is not particularly troublesome.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment for carrying out the invention. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a magnetocaloric effect type heat pump device 2. The magnetocaloric effect heat pump device 2 is also called an MHP (Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump) device 2. The MHP apparatus 2 provides a thermomagnetic cycle apparatus that is a magnetic heat pump apparatus.

  In this specification, the term heat pump device is used in a broad sense. That is, the term “heat pump device” includes both a device that uses the cold heat obtained by the heat pump device and a device that uses the heat obtained by the heat pump device. An apparatus using cold heat may be referred to as a refrigeration cycle apparatus. Therefore, in this specification, the term heat pump apparatus is used as a concept including a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

  The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a heat exchanger 3 provided on the high temperature side of the MHP device 2. The heat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between the high temperature of the MHP device 2 and a medium such as air. The heat exchanger 3 is mainly used for heat dissipation. In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of the MHP device 2 and air. The heat exchanger 3 is one of high temperature system devices in the vehicle air conditioner 1. The heat exchanger 3 is installed, for example, in the interior of the vehicle and warms the air by exchanging heat with air for air conditioning. The heat transport medium corresponds to the heat medium in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the heat transport medium may be simply referred to as a heat medium.

  The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a heat exchanger 4 provided on the low temperature side of the MHP device 2. The heat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between the cold end of the MHP device 2 and a medium such as air. The heat exchanger 4 is mainly used for heat absorption. In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of the MHP device 2 and the heat source medium. The heat exchanger 4 is one of low-temperature system devices in the vehicle air conditioner 1. The heat exchanger 4 is installed outside the vehicle, for example, and exchanges heat with the outside air.

  The MHP device 2 has a rotating shaft 2 a for driving the MHP device 2. The rotating shaft 2a is operatively connected to the power source 5. Therefore, the MHP device 2 is rotationally driven by the power source 5. The power source 5 provides rotational power to the MHP device 2. The power source 5 is the only power source of the MHP device 2. The power source 5 is provided by a rotating device such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. An example of a power source is an electric motor driven by a battery mounted on a vehicle.

  The MHP device 2 includes a housing 6. The housing 6 supports the rotating shaft 2a in a rotatable manner. The MHP device 2 includes a rotor 7. The rotor 7 is rotatably supported in the housing 6. The rotor 7 rotates by receiving a rotational force directly or indirectly from the rotation shaft 2a. The rotor 7 is a rotating body that is rotated by the power source 5. The rotor 7 is a cylindrical member.

  The rotor 7 forms a working chamber 11 through which the heat transport medium can flow. The rotor 7 corresponds to the container in this embodiment. One working chamber 11 extends along the axial direction of the rotor 7. One working chamber 11 is open on both end faces in the axial direction of the rotor 7. The rotor 7 can include a plurality of work chambers 11. The plurality of work chambers 11 are arranged along the rotation direction of the rotor 7. Hereinafter, the rotor may be referred to as a container or an element bed.

  The rotor 7 includes a magnetocaloric element 12. The magnetocaloric element 12 is also called an MCE (Magneto-Caloric Effect) element 12. The magnetocaloric element 12 corresponds to the magnetic working substance in the present embodiment. The MHP device 2 uses the magnetocaloric effect of the MCE element 12. The MHP device 2 generates a low temperature end and a high temperature end at both ends of the work chamber 11 by the MCE element 12. The MCE element 12 is provided between the low temperature end and the high temperature end. In the illustrated example, the right side in the figure is the low temperature end, and the left end in the figure is the high temperature end.

  The MCE element 12 is disposed in the work chamber 11 so as to exchange heat with the heat transport medium. The MCE element 12 is fixed and held on the rotor 7. The MCE element 12 is arranged along the flow direction of the heat transport medium. The MCE element 12 is elongated along the axial direction of the rotor 7. The rotor 7 can include a plurality of MCE elements 12. The plurality of MCE elements 12 are arranged away from each other along the rotation direction of the rotor 7.

  The MCE element 12 generates heat and absorbs heat in response to changes in the strength of the external magnetic field. The MCE element 12 generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied, and absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed. When the electron spin is aligned in the magnetic field direction by applying an external magnetic field, the MCE element 12 decreases in magnetic entropy and increases its temperature by releasing heat. In addition, when the electron spin becomes messy due to the removal of the external magnetic field, the MCE element 12 increases in magnetic entropy and decreases in temperature by absorbing heat. The MCE element 12 is made of a magnetic material that exhibits a high magnetocaloric effect in a normal temperature range. For example, a gadolinium-based material or a lanthanum-iron-silicon compound can be used. Also, a mixture of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium can be used. As the MCE element 12, an element that absorbs heat by applying an external magnetic field and generates heat by removing the external magnetic field may be used.

  The MHP device 2 includes a stator 8 that is disposed to face the rotor 7. The stator 8 is provided by a part of the housing 6. The stator 8 is disposed on the radially inner side and / or radially outer side of the rotor 7 and has a portion facing the rotor 7 with respect to the radial direction. These regions facing each other in the radial direction are used for providing a magnetic field modulation device. The stator 8 is disposed at one axial end and / or the other axial end of the rotor 7 and has a portion facing the rotor 7 in the axial direction. These axially opposed portions are used to provide a heat transport device, specifically, a flow path switching mechanism.

  The MHP device 2 includes a magnetic field modulation device 14 and a heat transport device 16 for causing the MCE element 12 to function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle. The magnetic field modulation device 14 is provided by the rotor 7 and the stator 8. The magnetic field modulation device 14 periodically increases or decreases the magnetic field by the relative rotational movement of the rotor 7 with respect to the stator 8. The magnetic field modulator 14 is driven by the rotational power given to the rotary shaft 2a. The heat transport device 16 includes a pump 17 and a flow path switching mechanism 18. The flow path switching mechanism 18 is provided by the rotor 7 and the stator 8. The flow path switching mechanism 18 functions by the relative rotational movement of the rotor 7 with respect to the stator 8. The flow path switching mechanism 18 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium with respect to the work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 by switching the connection state of the work chamber 11 to the heat transport medium flow path.

  The magnetic field modulator 14 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 12 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 14 periodically switches between an excitation state in which the MCE element 12 is placed in a strong magnetic field and a demagnetization state in which the MCE element 12 is placed in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 14 modulates the external magnetic field so as to periodically repeat the excitation period in which the MCE element 12 is placed in a strong external magnetic field and the demagnetization period in which the MCE element 12 is placed in an external magnetic field weaker than the excitation period. To do. The magnetic field modulation device 14 repeats application and removal of the magnetic field to the MCE element 12 in synchronization with a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium described later. The magnetic field modulation device 14 includes a magnetic source 13 for generating an external magnetic field, for example, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

  Specifically, the magnetic field modulation device 14 positions one work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 alternately at the first position and the second position. The magnetic field modulator 14 positions the MCE element 12 at the first position in a strong magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 14 positions the MCE element 12 at the second position in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field.

  The magnetic field modulator 14 positions the MCE element 12 in the first position so that the MCE element 12 is positioned in a strong magnetic field when the heat transport medium flows along the MCE element 12 in the first direction. The first direction is a direction from the low temperature end toward the high temperature end. The magnetic field modulator 14 is configured such that when one end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of the pump 17 and the other end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 17, the MCE element 12 in the work chamber 11 The MCE element 12 is positioned at the first position so as to be placed in a strong magnetic field.

  The magnetic field modulator 14 is configured so that the MCE element 12 is positioned in the weak magnetic field or the zero magnetic field when the heat transport medium flows along the MCE element 12 in the second direction opposite to the first direction. Position 12 in the second position. The second direction is a direction from the high temperature end toward the low temperature end. The magnetic field modulator 14 is configured so that the MCE element 12 is in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field when one end of the working chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 17 and the other end of the working chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of the pump 17. Position the MCE element 12 in the second position.

  The heat transport device 16 includes a heat transport medium for transporting heat that the MCE element 12 radiates or absorbs heat, and a fluid device for flowing the heat transport medium. The heat transport device 16 is a device that flows a heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element 12 along the MCE element 12. The heat transport device 16 reciprocates the heat transport medium along the MCE element 12. The heat transport device 16 is heat medium moving means for reciprocating the heat transport medium so as to flow along the MCE element 12. The heat transport device 16 generates a reciprocating flow of the heat transport medium in synchronization with a change in the external magnetic field by the magnetic field modulation device 14. The heat transport device 16 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium in synchronization with the increase or decrease of the magnetic field by the magnetic field modulation device 14.

  The heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element 12 is called a primary medium. The primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil. The heat transport device 16 includes a pump 17 for flowing a heat transport medium. The pump 17 is a one-way pump that causes a heat transport medium to flow in one direction. The pump 17 has a suction port for sucking in the heat transport medium and a discharge port for discharging the heat transport medium. The pump 17 is arranged on the annular flow path of the heat transport medium. The pump 17 creates a unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium in the annular flow path. The pump 17 is driven by the rotating shaft 2a. The pump 17 is a positive displacement pump driven by the rotating shaft 2a.

  The heat transport device 16 includes a flow path switching mechanism 18. The flow path switching mechanism 18 switches the flow path of the heat transport medium with respect to the work chamber 11 so as to reverse the flow direction of the heat transport medium with respect to one work chamber 11 and one MCE element 12. In other words, the flow path switching mechanism 18 reverses the arrangement of the working chamber 11 in the unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium generated by the unidirectional pump 17 with respect to the flow direction. The flow path switching mechanism 18 positions one work chamber 11 alternately on the forward path and the return path in the annular flow path including the pump 17. The flow path switching mechanism 18 switches the connection relationship between one work chamber 11 and one MCE element 12 and the annular flow path including the pump 17 to at least two states. The first state is a state where one end of the working chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of the pump 17 and the other end of the working chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 17. The second state is a state where one end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 17 and the other end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of the pump 17.

  Specifically, the flow path switching mechanism 18 positions one work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 alternately at the first position and the second position. The flow path switching mechanism 18 communicates the working chamber 11 containing the MCE element 12 with the flow path so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along the MCE element 12 at the first position. The flow path switching mechanism 18 flows through the working chamber 11 that houses the MCE element 12 so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the MCE element 12 in the second position. Communicate with. The flow path switching mechanism 18 switches the connection state between the flow path of the heat transport medium including the pump 17 and the MCE element 12, that is, the working chamber 11 so that the heat transport medium flows reciprocally to the MCE element 12. .

  The flow path switching mechanism 18 has a work chamber 11 that houses the MCE element 12 so that when one MCE element 12 is in the first position, the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along the MCE element 12. And the flow path are connected. When one MCE element 12 is in the first position, the flow path switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of the working chamber 11 that accommodates the MCE element 12 and the suction port of the pump 17, and the other end of the pump 17. It communicates with the discharge port.

  The flow path switching mechanism 18 is configured so that when one MCE element 12 is in the second position, the MCE element 12 flows along the MCE element 12 in the second direction opposite to the first direction. 12 is connected to the flow path. When one MCE element 12 is in the second position, the flow path switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of the working chamber 11 that accommodates the MCE element 12 with the discharge port of the pump 17, and the other end of the pump 17. Communicate with the inlet.

  The MHP device 2 has a high temperature side inlet 16 a that receives a heat transport medium from the heat exchanger 3. The high temperature side inlet 16 a can communicate with the suction port of the pump 17. The MHP device 2 has a high temperature side outlet 16 b that supplies a heat transport medium toward the heat exchanger 3. The high temperature side outlet 16b can communicate with one end of the work chamber 11 in the first position. The MHP device 2 has a low temperature side inlet 16 c that receives a heat transport medium from the heat exchanger 4. The low temperature side inlet 16c can communicate with the other end of the work chamber 11 in the first position. The MHP device 2 has a low temperature side outlet 16 d that supplies a heat transport medium toward the heat exchanger 4. The low temperature side outlet 16d can communicate with the other end of the work chamber 11 in the second position. One end of the working chamber 11 in the second position can communicate with the discharge port of the pump 17.

  The rotor 7 is also called an element bed for holding the MCE element 12. In this embodiment, the element bed which forms the working chamber 11 which accommodates the MCE element 12 is operatively connected to the rotating shaft 2a. The element bed including the MCE element 12 related to both the flow path switching mechanism 18 and the magnetic field modulator 14 is moved by the rotating shaft 2a. Therefore, efficient driving is possible.

  The pump 17, the flow path switching mechanism 18, and the magnetic field modulation device 14 are accommodated in a common housing 6. According to this configuration, the pump 17 can be installed in the vicinity of the flow path switching mechanism 18. For this reason, the pump 17 and the flow path switching mechanism 18 are connected without requiring a long pipe. As a result, even if there is a branch in the flow path including the pump 17, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium can be suppressed. In this configuration, the flow path in the housing 6 can be used without using a pipe such as a hose. Therefore, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium due to the piping is suppressed between the branched flow paths.

  The vehicle air conditioner 1 is mounted on a vehicle and adjusts the temperature of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The two heat exchangers 3 and 4 provide a part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The heat exchanger 3 is a high temperature side heat exchanger 3 that has a higher temperature than the heat exchanger 4. The heat exchanger 4 is a low temperature side heat exchanger 4 that is cooler than the heat exchanger 3. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes air system equipment such as an air conditioning duct and a blower for using the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 and / or the low temperature side heat exchanger 4 for indoor air conditioning.

  The vehicle air conditioner 1 is used as a cooling device or a heating device. The vehicle air conditioner 1 can include a cooler that cools air supplied to the room and a heater that heats the air cooled by the cooler. The MHP device 2 is used as a cold source or a hot source in the vehicle air conditioner 1. That is, the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 can be used as the heater. The low temperature side heat exchanger 4 can be used as the cooler.

  When the MHP device 2 is used as a warm heat supply source, the air that has passed through the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 is supplied into the vehicle interior and is used for heating. At this time, the air that has passed through the low temperature side heat exchanger 4 is discharged outside the vehicle. The heat exchanger 3 is also called an indoor heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 4 is also called an outdoor heat exchanger.

  When the MHP device 2 is used as a cold supply source, the air that has passed through the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4 is supplied to the interior of the vehicle and is used for cooling. At this time, the air that has passed through the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 is discharged outside the vehicle. The heat exchanger 4 is also called an indoor heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 3 is also called an outdoor heat exchanger.

  The MHP device 2 may be used as a dehumidifying device. In this case, the air that has passed through the low temperature side heat exchanger 4 then passes through the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 and is supplied indoors. The MHP device 2 is used as a heat supply source both in winter and in summer.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the MHP device 2. The left side of the MHP device 2 in the figure is called the front side, and the right side in the figure is called the rear side. The MHP device 2 has a cylindrical outer shape. The case 21 that provides the housing 6 has a cylindrical body 22. A pump body 23, a pump cover 24, and a front end cover 25 are provided at the front end of the body portion 22. These members 23, 24 and 25 provide the front end of the case 21. A rear body 26 and a rear end cover 27 are provided at the rear end of the body 22. These members 26 and 27 provide the rear end of the case 21. On the front side of the MHP device 2, the rotating shaft 2a is exposed. An electric motor as a power source 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 2a.

  FIG. 3 is a left side view of the MHP device 2. The rotating shaft 2 a is exposed at the center of the front end cover 25. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the MHP device 2. A low temperature side inlet 16 c is opened at the center of the rear end cover 27.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP device 2. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP device 2. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. The rotor 7 is disposed inside the trunk portion 22 in the radial direction. The rotor 7 is a cylindrical member. The rotor 7 is rotatably supported in the case 21. A stator 8 is disposed inside the rotor 7 in the radial direction. The stator 8 is fixed in the case 21. The stator 8 is disposed between the pump body 23 and the rear body 26 and is fixed to them.

  The rotor 7 has a plurality of work chambers 11 in its cylindrical wall. The rotor 7 has four working chambers 11. All the working chambers 11 are open on both end faces in the axial direction of the rotor 7. The work chamber 11 is provided by a passage that is open at both ends.

  The rotor 7 is a cylindrical member that partitions and forms a working chamber 11 that opens at both ends between the inner and outer double cylinders. The rotor 7 forms a working chamber 11 that houses the MCE element 12, and is moved by the rotation shaft 2a to move the MCE element 12 to the first position and the second position.

  An MCE element 12 is accommodated and fixed in the work chamber 11. A plurality of MCE elements 12 are arranged in one work chamber 11. One MCE element 12 extends between one end and the other end of the working chamber 11. One MCE element 12 has a plurality of element pieces. The plurality of element pieces are arranged along the axial direction of the rotor 7, that is, the flow direction of the heat transport medium in the work chamber 11. Each of the plurality of element pieces has a different high-efficiency temperature zone that exhibits a high magnetocaloric effect. The high-efficiency temperature zone can be adjusted by the material of the element piece. The MHP device 2 generates a temperature distribution between the low temperature end and the high temperature end. The material of one of the plurality of element pieces is selected so as to exhibit a high magnetocaloric effect in the temperature range assumed at the position where the element piece is disposed. This configuration makes it possible to obtain a high magnetocaloric effect between the low temperature end and the high temperature end.

  The stator 8 provides an inner yoke 31 for the magnetic field modulation device 14. The body portion 22 provides an outer yoke 32. Permanent magnets 33 and 35 that are first magnets as the magnetic source 13 are arranged on the inner side in the radial direction of the body portion 22. Outside the stator 8 in the radial direction, permanent magnets 34 and 36 as second magnets as the magnetic source 13 are arranged. The permanent magnet 33 and the permanent magnet 34 are arranged on the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction, thereby supplying a strong magnetic field to the MCE element 12 positioned therebetween. The permanent magnet 35 and the permanent magnet 36 are arranged on the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction to supply a strong magnetic field to the MCE element 12 positioned therebetween. As the permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, and 36, a rare earth magnet such as a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet can be used.

  A pump 17 is disposed between the pump body 23 and the pump cover 24. This pump 17 is a gear pump. The pump 17 is also a part of the heat transport device 16. The rotating shaft 2 a is operatively connected to the pump 17. The rotary shaft 2a and the pump 17 are directly connected by a key.

  A transmission mechanism 9 is disposed between the rotary shaft 2a and the rotor 7. The transmission mechanism 9 is provided by a planetary gear mechanism. The speed change mechanism 9 is disposed between the pump body 23 and the stator 8. The pump body 23 is provided with a high temperature side inlet 16a and a high temperature side outlet 16b. The speed change mechanism 9 adjusts the rotation speed transmitted from the rotary shaft 2a so that the rotation speed of the pump 17 is higher than the rotation speed of the flow path switching mechanism 18 and the magnetic field modulation device 14. According to this configuration, the rotational speed of the pump 17 is higher than the rotational speeds of the flow path switching mechanism 18 and the magnetic field modulation device 14. Thereby, the high rotation type pump 17 can be utilized. When the pump 17 rotates at a high rotational speed, the flow rate of the pump 17 can be increased and / or the small pump 17 can be used.

  A movable seal mechanism is provided between the rotor 7 and the rear body 26 for appropriately maintaining a gap formed between the rotor 7 and the case 21. This movable sealing mechanism can also be called a sealing mechanism that suppresses leakage of the heat transport medium at both ends of the rotor 7. The movable seal mechanism appropriately adjusts a trade-off between suppression of friction at both ends of the rotor 7 and suppression of leakage of the heat transport medium. The movable seal mechanism is also an urging mechanism that presses the rotor 7 in one direction along the axial direction. The movable seal mechanism is also a part of the flow path switching mechanism 18.

  The movable seal mechanism has a piston 41 disposed so as to face the end surface on the other end side of the rotor 7. The piston 41 has an annular shape corresponding to the rotor 7. The piston 41 is supported by the rear body 26 so as to be movable along the axial direction. The piston 41 is supported by the rear body 26 so as not to rotate around the rotation shaft 2a. The piston 41 is accommodated in an annular groove 26 a provided in the rear body 26. The piston 41 is supported so as to protrude in the axial direction from the rear body 26 toward the rotor 7. A plurality of seal members 42 are provided between the piston 41 and the rear body 26. Therefore, a back pressure chamber for generating an urging force that presses the piston 41 toward the rotor 7 is defined between the piston 41 and the rear body 26.

  The piston 41 has four communication chambers 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, 41 d that open on the surface facing the rotor 7. The four communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are partitioned from each other in the circumferential direction. The four communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d communicate with the work chamber 11 that faces them. An opening defined by the communication chambers 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d on one end surface of the piston 41 provides the flow path switching mechanism 18.

  The communication chambers 41 a and 41 b are provided corresponding to the first position in the MHP device 2. The communication chambers 41a and 41b communicate with the low temperature side inlet 16c via communication openings 41e and 41f opened on the top surface of the piston 41 and a passage 26b formed between the rear body 26 and the rear end cover 27. doing. Therefore, the communication chambers 41a and 41b supply the heat transport medium introduced from the low temperature side inlet 16c to the work chamber 11 at the first position.

  The communication chambers 41 c and 41 d are provided corresponding to the second position in the MHP device 2. The communication chambers 41 c and 41 d communicate with the low temperature side outlet 16 d via communication openings 41 g and 41 h opened on the side surface of the piston 41 and a passage formed between the piston 41 and the rear body 26. . An annular groove 41 k is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 41. The annular passage formed by the groove 41k communicates the two communication chambers 41c and 41d to collect the heat transport medium and guide it to the low temperature side outlet 16d. Therefore, the communication chambers 41c and 41d receive the heat transport medium from the work chamber 11 in the second position and supply it to the low temperature side outlet 16d.

  A space is formed in the case 21. In this configuration, the heat transport medium is placed in the space in the case 21 through the gap between the one end surface of the rotor 7 and the pump body 23, the gap between the other end surface of the rotor 7 and the piston 41, and other gaps. Leaks out. In this embodiment, the space in the case 21 communicates with the suction side of the pump 17. Therefore, the leaked heat transport medium is collected by the pump 17. At the same time, since the space in the case 21 is maintained at a low pressure, the piston 41 is pressed toward the rotor 7 by the pressure difference of the heat transport medium. Thereby, the clearance gap between the one end surface of the rotor 7 and the pump body 23 and the clearance gap between the other end surface of the rotor 7 and the piston 41 are maintained at a desirable small clearance. As a result, suppression of friction at both ends of the rotor 7 and suppression of leakage of the heat transport medium are achieved.

  In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressure on the discharge port side of the pump 17 acts between the piston 41 and the rear body 26. In particular, the pressure of the heat transport medium introduced from the low temperature side inlet 16c acts on the end face that propels the piston 41 toward the rotor 7 along the axial direction. The pressure of the heat transport medium acts on the end surface of the piston 41 over the entire circumference. As a result, the piston 41 is pushed toward the rotor 7 by the pressure difference of the heat transport medium. Thereby, the rotor 7 and the piston 41 are pressed against each other with an appropriate force. Further, the rotor 7 and the pump body 23 are pressed against each other with an appropriate force. Thereby, leakage of the heat transport medium at both ends of the rotor 7 is suppressed while suppressing an excessive increase in friction at both ends of the rotor 7.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the pump cover 24. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the pump body 23. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. Pump body 23 and pump cover 24 provide a housing for the gear pump. In this embodiment, the pump 17 is provided by a trochoid gear pump. In the drawing, only one MCE element 12 among the plurality of MCE elements 12 is representatively shown.

  The pump cover 24 is formed with a communication groove 24a that communicates with the high temperature side inlet 16a. The communication groove 24a communicates the high temperature side inlet 16a and the suction port 51 of the gear pump. The suction port 51 is formed so as to penetrate the pump cover 24 in the axial direction. The suction port 51 is also a suction port of the pump 17. In the pump cover 24, communication passages 24b and 24c formed corresponding to the first position are formed. The communication passages 24b and 24c are formed through the pump cover 24 in the axial direction. Further, the pump cover 24 is formed with communication grooves 24d and 24e that communicate the communication passages 24b and 24c with the high temperature side outlet 16b. The communication grooves 24 a, 24 d, 24 e and the communication passages 24 b, 24 c formed in the pump cover 24 are covered with a front end cover 25.

  The pump body 23 has four communication chambers 23 a, 23 b, 23 c, and 23 d that open on the surface facing the rotor 7. The four communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are partitioned from each other in the circumferential direction. The four communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d communicate with the work chamber 11 that faces them. An opening defined by the communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d on the other end surface of the pump body 23 provides the flow path switching mechanism 18. The communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are arranged along the circumferential direction. The circumferential length of each of the communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d defines a period during which the heat transport medium flows through the work chamber passing therethrough. As illustrated, each of the four communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d extends over an equal angular range.

  The four communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are opposed to the four communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d in the axial direction. The open ranges of the four communication chambers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are the same as the open ranges of the four communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d, respectively. A flow path switching mechanism 18 is provided by these communication chambers 23a-23d, 41a-41d.

  The communication chambers 23 a and 23 b are provided corresponding to the first position in the MHP device 2. The communication chambers 23 a and 23 b communicate with communication passages 24 b and 24 c formed in the pump cover 24. Therefore, these communication chambers 23a and 23b communicate with the high temperature side outlet 16b. Therefore, the communication chambers 23a and 23b receive the heat transport medium from the work chamber 11 in the first position and supply it to the high temperature side outlet 16b. The piston 41 and the pump body 23 that provide the communication chambers 23a-23d and 41a-41d provide a distribution member that distributes the heat transport medium.

  The communication chamber 23a and the communication chamber 23b are formed symmetrically. Furthermore, the communication passage 24b and the communication passage 24c are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the passage from the communication chamber 23a to the high temperature side outlet 16b and the passage from the communication chamber 23b to the high temperature side outlet 16b are formed symmetrically with respect to the flow of the heat transport medium. As a result, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium in the two work chambers 11 defined by the communication chambers 23a and 23b is suppressed. Since the MHP device 2 has the single high temperature side outlet 16b, the influence of the flow path of the high temperature system on the flow of the heat transport medium in the work chamber 11 in the MHP device 2 is suppressed.

  The communication chambers 23 c and 23 d are provided corresponding to the second position in the MHP device 2. The communication chambers 23 c and 23 d communicate with the discharge port 52 of the pump 17 via communication grooves 23 e and 23 f formed in the pump body 23. The heat transport medium is discharged from the pump 17 to the discharge port 52. Further, the heat transport medium branches from the discharge port 52 toward the two communication grooves 23e and 23f, and is supplied to the communication chambers 23c and 23d. Therefore, the communication chambers 23c and 23d supply the heat transport medium discharged from the pump 17 to the work chamber 11 at the second position. The communication chambers 23 c and 23 d provide a gallery for storing a high-pressure heat transport medium discharged from the pump 17.

  The communication chamber 23c and the communication chamber 23d are formed symmetrically. Furthermore, the communication groove 23e and the communication groove 23f are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the passage from the discharge port 52 to the communication chamber 23c and the passage from the discharge port 52 to the communication chamber 23d are symmetric with respect to the flow of the heat transport medium. As a result, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium in the two work chambers 11 defined by the communication chambers 23c and 23d is suppressed. Since the MHP device 2 has the single high temperature side inlet 16a, the influence of the flow path of the high temperature system on the flow of the heat transport medium in the work chamber 11 in the MHP device 2 is suppressed.

  An outer rotor 53 and an inner rotor 54 are disposed in the pump body 23. The outer rotor 53 is arranged so as to be slightly eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the rotary shaft 2a. As a result, a plurality of volume chambers 55 are formed between the outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 54. The outer rotor 53 and the inner rotor 54 are rotated clockwise by the rotating shaft 2a. As a result, the pump 17 sucks the heat transport medium from the suction port 51 and discharges the heat transport medium from the discharge port 52.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the speed change mechanism 9. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. The transmission mechanism 9 is a reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation of the rotary shaft 2 a and transmits the rotation to the rotor 7. The speed change mechanism 9 enables the pump 17 to rotate at a high speed while driving the rotor 7 at a rotation speed suitable for providing the AMR cycle. This configuration contributes to obtaining the required flow rate by the pump 17. The speed change mechanism 9 includes a sun gear 61 provided on the rotary shaft 2 a, a planetary gear 62 supported between the pump body 23 and the inner yoke 31, and a ring gear 63 provided on the rotor 7.

  In the drawing, a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the rotor 7 is shown. The rotor 7 has a rotor housing 71 for forming the working chamber 11. The rotor housing 71 is a cylindrical member. The rotor housing 71 has a plurality of working chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d formed in the cylindrical wall along the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, four working chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, and 71d are formed. The rotor housing 71 has two working chambers 71a and 71b corresponding to the first position and two working chambers 71c and 71d corresponding to the second position. These working chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d do not need to correspond to the first position and the second position. A plurality of MCE elements 12 are arranged in these working chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d. In the work chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d, a plurality of MCE elements 12 are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction so as to be separated from each other. In the figure, one MCE element 12 is representatively shown. In the figure, the communication chamber of the piston 41 and the communication openings 41e and 41f of the piston 41 on the other side of the work chambers 71a, 71b, 71c and 71d are shown.

  FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the magnetic field modulation device 14. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. The permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, and 36 are provided in an angle range of about 90 degrees corresponding to the first position. The permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, and 36 are arranged so as to be located both inside and outside the work chambers 71a, 71b, 71c, and 71d in the radial direction. The MHP device 2 has a plurality of first positions positioned on the diameter thereof and a plurality of second positions arranged alternately with the first positions. The two first positions are located above and below in the figure, and the two second positions are located on the left and right in the figure. The inner yoke 31 and the outer yoke 32 are formed so as to supply a strong magnetic field to the first position.

  The magnetic field modulation device 14 includes a rotor 7 that is a container and relative moving bodies 14 </ b> A and 14 </ b> B that move relative to the rotor 7. The relative moving body 14 </ b> A is located radially inward of the rotor 7. The relative moving body 14 </ b> A includes an inner yoke 31, permanent magnets 34 and 36, and a plate member 37. The relative moving body 14 </ b> B is located outward in the radial direction from the rotor 7. The relative moving body 14 </ b> B includes an outer yoke 32, permanent magnets 33 and 35, and a plate member 38. The inner yoke 31, the outer yoke 32, and the permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, 36 constitute the magnetic circuit unit 15 that allows the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, 36 to pass therethrough.

  The inner yoke 31 is made of a magnetic material. The inner yoke 31 has a shape in which two groove-shaped concave portions 31c extending in the axial direction are formed on a cylindrical body extending in the axial direction. The two concave portions 31c are provided at positions corresponding to the two second positions. The inner yoke 31 has a shape in which a central portion 31a located between the two concave portions 31c and a pair of fan-shaped portions 31b provided on both sides of the central portion 31a have a sector shape. The two fan-shaped portions 31b are provided at positions corresponding to the two first positions. Permanent magnets 34 and 36 having a circular arc cross section are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of fan-shaped portions 31b. The permanent magnets 34 and 36 are provided at positions corresponding to the two first positions.

  The plate member 37 has a curved arc plate shape. The plate member 37 is provided between the pair of permanent magnets 34 and 36 in the circumferential direction in the figure. The plate member 37 is a nonmagnetic member made of a nonmagnetic material. The plate member 37 is made of, for example, a resin material, and is formed of a nonmagnetic material having higher heat insulation than the inner yoke 31 and the permanent magnets 34 and 36 that form a part of the magnetic circuit portion 15. The plate member 37 is connected to the relative moving body 14A by, for example, bonding, locking, screwing or the like. The plate member 37 is provided so as to fill the recess 31c. The plate member 37 has a plate thickness of about 1 to 3 mm, and is provided so as to fill a part of the recess 31c located on the radially outer side over the entire region in the axial direction. That is, a space is formed between the plate member 37 and the inner yoke 31 by the remaining portion of the recess 31c. The plate member 37 may fill the entire recess 31c. Instead of the plate member 37, the recess 31c may be embedded with a filling member that fills the entire recess 31c. The plate member 37 that fills a part of the recess 31c contributes to the weight reduction of the relative moving body 14A.

  In the pair of plate members 37, the outer surface 37 a on the outer side in the radial direction is flush with the outer surface on the outer side in the radial direction of the permanent magnets 34 and 36 in the circumferential direction. The radius of curvature of the outer surface 37a is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the permanent magnets 34, 36 on the radially outer side. The outer surface 37a forms a part of the outer surface 14A1 of the relative moving body 14A in the circumferential direction. The outer surface 14A1 has a cylindrical surface shape. The outer surface 14A1 forms a continuous surface that smoothly continues in the circumferential direction.

  The rotor 7 has a cylindrical outer surface 7a on the radially inner side. The outer surface 14A1 corresponding to the outer surface of the moving body and the outer surface 7a corresponding to the outer surface of the container are opposed to each other through the gap 81 over the entire area in the circumferential direction. The outer surface 14A1 and the outer surface 7a are both cylindrical and have the same axis. Accordingly, the gap 81 between the outer surface 14A1 and the outer surface 7a has a uniform gap across the entire circumferential direction. The gap dimension of the gap portion 81 may be substantially uniform in the circumferential direction. The gap dimension of the gap 81 is relatively small, for example, 2.0 mm or less. The gap dimension of the gap 81 is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm.

  The outer yoke 32 is made of a magnetic material. The outer yoke 32 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. Permanent magnets 33 and 35 having a circular arc cross section are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer yoke 32. The permanent magnets 33 and 35 are provided at positions corresponding to the two first positions.

  The plate member 38 has a curved arc plate shape. The plate member 38 is provided between the pair of permanent magnets 33 and 35 in the circumferential direction in the figure. The plate member 38 is a nonmagnetic member made of a nonmagnetic material. The plate member 38 is made of, for example, a resin material or the like, and is formed of a nonmagnetic material having higher heat insulation than the outer yoke 32 and the permanent magnets 33 and 35 that form part of the magnetic circuit portion 15. The plate member 38 is connected to the relative moving body 14B by, for example, adhesion, locking, screwing, or the like. The plate member 38 is provided so as to fill a recessed space between the permanent magnets 33 and 35 in the circumferential direction of the relative moving body 14B. The plate member 38 has a plate thickness of about 1 to 3 mm, and is provided so as to fill the entire recess space. The plate member 38 may fill part of the above-described recessed space located on the inner side. That is, a space may be formed between the plate member 38 and the outer yoke 32. The plate member 38 that fills a part of the recessed space contributes to the weight reduction of the relative moving body 14B.

  In the pair of plate members 38, the radially inner outer surface 38 a is flush with the radially outer outer surfaces of the permanent magnets 33 and 35 in the circumferential direction. The radius of curvature of the outer surface 38a is the same as the radius of curvature of the outer surface on the radially inner side of the permanent magnets 33 and 35. The outer surface 38a forms a part of the outer surface 14B1 on the inner peripheral side of the relative moving body 14B in the circumferential direction. The outer surface 14B1 has a cylindrical surface shape. The outer surface 14B1 forms a continuous surface that is smoothly continuous in the circumferential direction.

  In the rotor 7, the outer surface 7 b on the radially outer side has a cylindrical surface shape. The outer surface 14B1 corresponding to the outer surface of the moving body and the outer surface 7b corresponding to the outer surface of the container are opposed to each other through the gap 82 over the entire area in the circumferential direction. Both the outer surface 14B1 and the outer surface 7b are cylindrical and have the same axis. Accordingly, the gap 82 between the outer surface 14B1 and the outer surface 7b has a uniform gap dimension over the entire area in the circumferential direction. The clearance dimension of the clearance part 82 should just be substantially uniform in the circumferential direction. The gap dimension of the gap portion 82 is relatively small, for example, 2.0 mm or less. The gap size of the gap portion 82 is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm.

  FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the movable seal mechanism. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. The communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d provided in the piston 41 extend over an angular range corresponding to the first position and the second position. In the illustrated example, the respective angular ranges of the communication chambers 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are smaller than the angular ranges of the permanent magnets 33, 34, 35, and 36.

  The communication chamber 41a and the communication chamber 41b are formed symmetrically. Further, the communication passage 26b is formed symmetrically with respect to the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Therefore, the passage from the low temperature side inlet 16c to the communication chamber 41a and the passage from the low temperature side inlet 16c to the communication chamber 41b are formed symmetrically with respect to the flow of the heat transport medium. As a result, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium in the two work chambers 11 defined by the communication chambers 41a and 41b is suppressed. Since the MHP device 2 has the single low temperature side inlet 16c, the influence of the flow path of the low temperature system on the flow of the heat transport medium in the work chamber 11 in the MHP device 2 is suppressed.

  The communication chamber 41c and the communication chamber 41d are formed symmetrically. Further, the communication chamber 41c and the communication chamber 41d communicate with each other at a symmetrical position with an annular passage surrounding the piston 41 via communication openings 41g and 41h provided at the symmetrical positions. The low temperature side outlet 16d is positioned between the two communication openings 41g and 41h. Therefore, the passage from the communication chamber 41c to the low temperature side outlet 16d and the passage from the communication chamber 41d to the low temperature side outlet 16d are formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the flow of the heat transport medium. As a result, the difference in the flow of the heat transport medium in the two work chambers 11 defined by the communication chambers 41c and 41d is suppressed. Since the MHP device 2 has the single low temperature side outlet 16d, the influence of the flow path of the low temperature system on the flow of the heat transport medium in the work chamber 11 in the MHP device 2 is suppressed.

  In this configuration, the flow path switching mechanism 18 connects the flow path and the work chamber 11 so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction to the work chamber 11 at the first position. The flow path switching mechanism 18 connects the flow path and the work chamber 11 so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction to the work chamber 11 at the second position. The flow path switching mechanism 18 includes a pump body 23 and a piston 41 as distribution members. The distribution member is disposed to face both ends of the rotor 7. The distribution member has a first group of communication chambers 23a, 23b, 41a, 41b arranged to communicate with the work chamber 11 at the first position. The distribution member includes a second group of communication chambers 23c, 23d, 41c, and 41d that are arranged to communicate with the work chamber 11 at the second position.

  The magnetic field modulation device 14 applies magnetic fields having different strengths to the MCE element 12 at the first position and the second position. The magnetic field modulation device 14 includes a magnetic force source 13 made of a permanent magnet arranged corresponding to the first position. The magnetic field modulation device 14 relatively moves the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B in the direction along the outer surfaces 7a and 7b of the rotor 7 to change the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12. Magnetic field changing means.

  According to this configuration, the rotor 7 that forms the working chamber 11 that houses the MCE element 12 is rotated by the rotary shaft 2a. Thereby, the MCE element 12 is moved to the first position and the second position. In other words, the rotor 7 is an element bed that accommodates the MCE element 12. In this configuration, the flow direction of the heat transport medium in the working chamber 11 is switched between the first direction and the second direction by rotating the element bed. The flow direction in the working chamber 11 is switched by the distribution member having the communication chamber. By rotating the element bed, the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 is changed.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the operation of the MHP device 2 will be described. In order to operate the MHP device 2, the rotating shaft 2 a is rotated by the power source 5. The rotating shaft 2a operates the pump 17. At the same time, the rotating shaft 2 a rotates the rotor 7 via the speed change mechanism 9. A magnetic field modulation device 14 including a magnetic force source 13 made of a permanent magnet applies a strong magnetic field to the MCE element 12 at the first position. The magnetic field modulation device 14 applies a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field to the MCE element 12 in the second position.

  The pump 17 sucks and discharges the heat transport medium. At this time, the pump 17 is directly connected to the rotating shaft 2a and is rotated at the same rotational speed as the rotating shaft 2a. The pump 17 is rotated at a higher rotational speed than the rotor 7. This enables efficient operation of the pump 17. A heat transport medium is circulated through the flow path including the pump 17. The heat transport medium returns from the pump 17 to the pump 17 through the one work chamber 11 at the second position, the heat exchanger 4, the one work chamber 11 at the first position, and the heat exchanger 3 in order.

  The rotor 7 carries the MCE elements 12 accommodated in the work chamber 11 alternately between the first position and the second position and positions them. The rotational speed of the rotor 7 is lower than the rotational speed of the pump 17. The rotational speed of the rotor 7 is set to a rotational speed for causing the MCE element 12 to function as an AMR cycle. That is, the rotational speed of the rotor 7 is set so that a large temperature difference is obtained by the change of the magnetic field and the heat transport by the heat transport medium. For example, the rotational speed of the rotor 7 is set in consideration of the characteristics of the MCE element 12, the strength of the magnetic field, and the heat transport performance by the heat transport medium.

  The rotor 7 provides a magnetic field modulation device 14 in one aspect. The rotor 7 changes the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 by alternately carrying the MCE element 12 to the first position and the second position. The rotor 7 provides the flow path switching mechanism 18 from another viewpoint. The rotor 7 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium flowing along the MCE element 12 between the first direction and the second direction by alternately carrying the MCE element 12 to the first position and the second position.

  When one MCE element 12 is carried to the first position, the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 becomes strong and the MCE element 12 generates heat. At this time, the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along the MCE element 12. The first direction is a direction from the low temperature end to the high temperature end. For this reason, the temperature of the high temperature end rises.

  When one MCE element 12 is carried to the second position, the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 becomes weak and the MCE element 12 absorbs heat. At this time, the heat transport medium flows in the second direction along the MCE element 12. The second direction is a direction from the high temperature end to the low temperature end. For this reason, the temperature at the low temperature end decreases.

  According to the MHP device 2 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The MHP apparatus 2 is configured so that the rotor 7 in which the working chamber 11 is formed and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B having the magnetic circuit portion 15 are relatively moved in the direction along the outer surfaces 7a and 7b of the rotor 7. The magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 in the work chamber 11 is changed by moving. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b of the rotor 7 and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 of the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B are opposed to each other through gaps 81 and 82. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are all formed in a surface that smoothly continues in the direction of relative movement. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 do not have a step portion in the circumferential direction which is a relative rotational movement direction. The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 do not have corners in the circumferential direction which is the relative rotational movement direction.

  According to this, the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 have no corners or the like in the direction in which the rotor 7 that is the container and the relative movable bodies 14A and 14B relatively move. It can be a smooth continuous surface. Therefore, when the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B move relatively, the flow of the fluid existing in the gaps 81 and 82 is hardly disturbed, and the fluid is not easily stirred. Thereby, the heat transfer via the fluid between the rotor 7 and the magnetic circuit part 15 of the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B can be suppressed, and heat loss can be reduced.

  The container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are formed so that the gap dimensions of the gap portions 81 and 82 are substantially uniform in the direction of relative movement. According to this, when the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B move relative to each other, the flow of the fluid existing in the gaps 81 and 82 is extremely difficult to disturb, and the fluid is extremely difficult to be stirred. Thereby, heat transfer via the fluid between the rotor 7 and the magnetic circuit portion 15 of the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B can be reliably suppressed, and heat loss can be reliably reduced.

  Further, the relative moving bodies 14 </ b> A and 14 </ b> B have plate members 37 and 38, which are nonmagnetic members exhibiting higher heat insulation than the magnetic circuit unit 15, in a portion excluding the magnetic circuit unit 15. And at least one part of moving body outer surface 14A1, 14B1 is the outer surface 37a of the board members 37 and 38, 38a. According to this, the magnetic circuit unit 15 constituting a suitable magnetic circuit and the plate members 37 and 38 which are non-magnetic members are combined, and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are combined with the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B. Can be a smooth continuous surface in the direction of relative movement. Further, the plate members 37 and 38 have higher heat insulation than the magnetic circuit portion 15. Therefore, heat transfer via the fluid between the rotor 7 and the magnetic circuit unit 15 can be more reliably suppressed while making the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 suitable.

  In addition, the MHP device 2 includes a flow suppression unit that suppresses the fluid existing in the gaps 81 and 82 from flowing in the direction in which the heat medium reciprocates between both ends of the work chamber 11. it can. According to this, it can suppress that the fluid which exists between the rotor 7 and relative moving body 14A, 14B flows into the heat medium temperature gradient direction of the working chamber 11. FIG. Therefore, heat transfer between the high temperature end side and the low temperature end side of the working chamber 11 through the fluid can be suppressed, and heat loss can be reduced.

  The flow suppressing means described above includes, for example, the gap portions 81, 82 from at least one of the container outer surfaces 7 a, 7 b and the movable body outer surfaces 14 A 1, 14 B 1 toward the outer surfaces facing each other with the gap portions 81, 82 interposed therebetween. It can be set as the flow suppression protrusion part 91 protruded in the.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the flow suppression protrusion 91 can be provided on the outer surface 7b of the rotor 7 which is a container. The flow suppression protrusion 91 suppresses the fluid in the gap 82 from flowing in the XX direction, which is the reciprocating direction of the heat medium in the work chamber 11. The flow suppression protrusion 91 is provided on the outer surface 7b as a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction of the rotor 7 orthogonal to the XX direction. The flow suppression protrusion 91 may be a protrusion that extends in a direction intersecting the XX direction along the axial direction.

  According to this, the flow of the fluid in the direction of the heat medium temperature gradient in the working chamber 11 is easily suppressed by the flow suppression protrusion 91 provided at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1. Can do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, the flow suppressing protrusion 91 may be a protrusion having a triangular cross-section protruding from the outer surface 7 b of the rotor 7. The flow suppressing protrusion 91 is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the relative moving body 14B having the opposing outer surface 14B1, and the tip in the protruding direction is substantially in sliding contact with the opposing outer surface 14B1. The flow suppression protrusion 91 illustrated in FIG. 13 is formed of a material that is easier to wear than the permanent magnets 33 and 35 and the plate member 38 that form the outer surface 14B1 of the relative moving body 14B. In the case where both the plate member 38 and the flow suppressing protrusion 91 are made of a resin material, it is preferable that they are made of different materials.

  The flow suppression protrusion 91 can be provided on at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1. The flow suppressing protrusion 91 is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the rotor 7 or the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B having the opposed outer surface, and the tip end portion in the protruding direction is substantially in sliding contact with the opposed outer surface. Yes.

  According to this, the flow suppression protrusion 91 is formed slightly higher than the gap dimension of the gaps 81 and 82, and during the initial operation in which the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B are assembled and moved relatively, The tip of the flow suppression projection 91 can be easily worn out. In this way, it is possible to easily form a state in which the leading end portion in the protruding direction of the flow suppressing protrusion 91 is substantially in sliding contact with the outer surface of the opposing structural body. By forming such a slidable contact state, the fluid existing between the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B flows reliably and easily in the heat medium temperature gradient direction of the working chamber 11. Can be suppressed. Here, the substantial sliding contact is not only the form in which the tip of the flow suppressing projection 91 is slidably in contact with the outer surface of the opposing structure, but depending on the worn state of the tip, etc. And a configuration in which a slight clearance is formed between the outer surface of the structure facing the portion.

  The flow suppression protrusion 91 does not limit the cross-sectional shape to a triangular shape. Further, the flow suppressing means is not limited to the flow suppressing protrusion 91 formed integrally with the rotor 7 or the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B. For example, the flow suppressing means may be configured by a member formed separately from the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B.

  Note that the flow suppressing means described above is not limited to the MHP device in which the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are each formed in a planar shape smoothly connected in a relatively moving direction. It is effective even when applied.

  Further, when the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B relatively move, the MHP device 2 causes the fluid present in the gaps 81 and 82 to flow into the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b or the moving body outer surface 14A1, Fluid retaining means for retaining in the vicinity of 14B1 may be provided.

  According to this, when the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B move relative to each other, the fluid existing between the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 relatively moves. The two outer surfaces are not disturbed and remain in the vicinity of the container outer surface or the moving body outer surface. Therefore, heat transfer via the fluid between the container body and the relative moving body can be suppressed. Thereby, heat loss can be reduced. The fluid retention means can also be referred to as a replacement suppression means that suppresses the fluid in the vicinity of the outer surface of the container or in the vicinity of the outer surface of the moving body from being replaced with the fluid in the vicinity of the opposing outer surface.

  The fluid retaining means described above is, for example, a plurality of retaining means protruding from at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 to the gaps 81 and 82 toward the opposing outer surfaces. The protrusion 92 can be used. A fluid can be retained between the plurality of retention projections 92. The staying protrusion 92 is erected on at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 that form a smooth continuous surface in the relative rotational movement direction. it can. The staying protrusion 92 can be projected from at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 that form a smooth continuous surface in the rotational movement direction.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a staying projection 92 can be provided on the outer surface 7b of the rotor 7 as a container. When the rotor 7 and the relative moving body 14B move relative to each other, the plurality of staying protrusions 92 allow the fluid existing between the container outer surface 7b and the moving body outer surface 14B1 to flow between the adjacent protrusions. It fastens to the container outer surface 7b and its vicinity. The staying protrusion 92 is provided on the outer surface 7 b as a protrusion extending in the axial direction of the rotor 7 perpendicular to the YY direction that is the rotation direction of the rotor 7. The staying protrusion 92 can be a protrusion extending in the XX direction along the axial direction.

  According to this, the fluid is retained between the plurality of retaining projections 92 provided on at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1, thereby allowing the rotor 7 and the relative movable bodies 14A and 14B to be retained. Heat transfer via the fluid between the two can be easily suppressed. In the present embodiment, the gap dimensions of the gap portions 81 and 82 are set to be relatively small. In such a minute gap, when the rotor 7 rotates and moves relative to the relative moving bodies 14 </ b> A and 14 </ b> B, the fluid between the plurality of staying protrusions 92 moves in the YY direction together with the rotor 7. It ’s hard to be disturbed. Thereby, the heat transfer between the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B via the fluid can be easily suppressed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the staying projection 92 may be a projection having a triangular cross-section projecting from the outer surface 7 b of the rotor 7, for example. The staying projection 92 is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the relative moving body 14B having the opposing outer surface 14B1, and the tip in the protruding direction is substantially in sliding contact with the opposing outer surface 14B1. 14 is formed of a material that is easier to wear than the permanent magnets 33 and 35 and the plate member 38 that form the outer surface 14B1 of the relative moving body 14B. When the plate member 38 and the staying projection 92 are both made of a resin material, they are preferably made of different materials.

  The staying protrusion 92 can be provided on at least one of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1. The staying projection 92 is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the rotor 7 or the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B having the opposed outer surface, and the tip end portion in the protruding direction substantially slidably contacts the opposed outer surface. Yes.

  According to this, during the initial operation in which the stay projection 92 is formed slightly higher than the gap dimension of the gaps 81 and 82 and moved relatively after the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B are assembled, The tip of the staying projection 92 can be easily worn away. In this way, it is possible to easily form a state in which the projecting direction tip of the staying projection 92 is substantially in sliding contact with the outer surface of the opposing structure. By forming such a slidable contact state, the fluid existing between the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B is moved in the vicinity of the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b or the moving body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1. It can be reliably retained. Here, the substantial sliding contact is the same as in the case of the flow suppressing protrusion 91. That is, not only the form in which the tip of the staying projection 92 is slidably in contact with the outer surface of the opposing structure, but also the outer surface of the structure facing the tip depending on the worn state of the tip. Including a form in which a slight clearance is formed therebetween.

  The staying projection 92 is not limited to a triangular cross section. Further, the fluid retention means is not limited to the plurality of retention projections 92 formed integrally with the rotor 7 or the relative moving bodies 14A and 14B. The fluid retention means may be constituted by a member formed separately from the rotor 7 and the relative moving bodies 14A, 14B, for example.

  Note that the fluid retention means described above is not an MHP device in which the container outer surfaces 7a and 7b and the movable body outer surfaces 14A1 and 14B1 are all formed in a planar shape smoothly connected in the relatively moving direction. It is also effective when applied to an MHP device.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the pump 17 for flowing the heat transport medium in one direction and the rotor 7 are rotated by the common rotating shaft 2a. As a result, both the magnetic field modulation device 14 and the heat transport device 16 can be driven by the common power source 5. The MHP device 2 includes a speed change mechanism 9 that makes the rotational speed of the pump 17 higher than the rotational speed of the rotor 7. As a result, the required flow rate can be obtained by the small pump 17 that can be integrated with the MHP device 2 while providing the time necessary for heat exchange between the MCE element 12 and the heat transport medium on the rotor 7. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the change of the magnetic field applied to the MCE element 12 is mechanically given by the rotation of the rotor 7. At the same time, switching of the flow direction of the heat transport medium is provided by a flow path switching mechanism 18 that functions by the rotation of the rotor 7. Moreover, the switching of the flow direction is performed by a mechanical distribution mechanism provided by communication chambers 23a-23d and 41a-41d formed in the pump body 23 and the piston 41. For this reason, switching of the flow direction synchronized with the change of the magnetic field is realized with a simple configuration.

(Other embodiments)
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The structure of the said embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: The scope of the present invention is not limited to the range of these description. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further includes meanings equivalent to the description of the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

  In the said embodiment, the structure which the container which is an element bed which has the working chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 rotates was employ | adopted. Instead, various configurations for providing relative rotation between the element bed and the magnetic field modulation device 14 and relative rotation between the element bed and the flow path switching mechanism 18 are adopted. be able to. For example, the container that is the element bed may be kept stationary, and the magnetic field modulation device including the permanent magnet may be rotated and moved relative to the container. Thereby, the magnetic field given to one MCE element 12 can be changed. In other words, the magnetic field changing means may move the relative moving body with respect to the container in a direction along the outer surface of the container. That is, it is only necessary to change the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working substance by relatively moving the container and the relative moving body in the direction along the outer surface of the container.

  For example, the magnetic field changing means of the magnetic heat pump device includes a first magnet and a yoke arranged on one side of the container, and a first pole arranged so that a different pole faces the first magnet on the other side of the container. Two magnets and a yoke. And it may be provided with the drive means connected with the 1st magnet and the yoke, and the holding mechanism which holds the 2nd magnet and the yoke so that it may rotate following the 1st magnet and the yoke. .

  Here, the holding mechanism may be, for example, a bearing, a lubricating oil, or an air layer, and the second magnet and the yoke may be rotated following the first magnet and the yoke by the magnetic attractive force between the magnets. .

  Further, an external drive mechanism that drives the yoke to which the second magnet is attached from the outside may be provided, and the second magnet and the yoke may be rotated following the first magnet and the yoke. The drive source of the external drive mechanism may be a drive unit that rotates the yoke to which the first magnet is attached, or a drive unit that is different from the drive unit that rotates the yoke to which the first magnet is attached. It may be.

  Further, a container having a high temperature end and a container having a low temperature end may be respectively disposed on both sides of a pump that is a heat medium moving means. Moreover, the pump which is a heat medium moving means may be provided in the high temperature end side and low temperature end side of the container, respectively.

  Further, as described in the above embodiment, the container is disposed in the annular region so that the flow direction of the heat medium in the working chamber is parallel to the rotation axis. Is not to be done. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the container may be arranged in an annular region so that the direction in which the heat medium flows is perpendicular to the rotation axis.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a magnetic heat pump device. 16 is a plan view of the rotor shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. In this example, the two reciprocating pumps 17 </ b> A and 17 </ b> B that operate on the rotating shaft 202 a driven by the power source 5 are provided independently on both sides of the MHP device 202. In the MHP device 202 of this example, a disk-like rotor 252 attached to the rotating shaft 202a is provided on the side close to the power source 5 inside the housing 206. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, a fan-shaped permanent magnet 253 is attached to one surface of the rotor 252 in point symmetry with respect to the rotating shaft 202a. One permanent magnet 253 has an N pole on the rotor 252 side, and the other permanent magnet 253 has an S pole on the rotor 252 side, and the rotor 252 is a yoke portion.

  On the side farther from the power source 5 inside the housing 206, there is an annular yoke portion 254 that is rotatably attached to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 206 via a ball bearing 241. The yoke portion 254 is not coupled to the rotation shaft 202a, and the rotation shaft 202a passes through a hole provided in the central portion. A permanent magnet 255 having the same size as the permanent magnet 253 attached to the rotor 252 is attached to the surface of the yoke portion 254 on the rotor 252 side. One permanent magnet 255 has an N pole on the rotor 252 side, and the other permanent magnet 255 has an S pole on the rotor 252 side. Therefore, an attractive force acts between the permanent magnet 255 and the permanent magnet 253, and the permanent magnet 255 and the permanent magnet 253 are in positions facing each other. Since the yoke portion 254 to which the permanent magnet 255 is attached is rotatably held in the housing 206 by the ball bearing 241, when the rotary shaft 202 a rotates and the permanent magnet 253 rotates, the permanent magnet 255 Rotate to follow.

  In a space between the permanent magnet 253 and the permanent magnet 255 in the housing 206, there is a container mounting portion 257 that is not coupled to the rotating shaft 202a. As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of material container bodies 225 in which the work chamber 11 is filled with the MCE element 12 are radially attached to the container attaching portion 257. The cross-sectional shape of the material container 225 in the direction perpendicular to the flow of the heat transport medium is a rectangle or a circle. The container mounting portion 257 may be formed integrally with the housing 206, or a separate container mounting portion 257 may be mounted inside the housing 206. Discharge suction valve mechanisms 256 containing a discharge valve 227 and a suction valve 228 are provided at the outer and inner ends of the material container body 225, respectively. In this example, each of the discharge suction valve mechanisms 256 on the outer side is connected to a medium passage provided with the heat exchanger 4, and each of the discharge suction valve mechanisms 256 on the inner side is connected to a medium passage provided with the heat exchanger 3. Has been.

  Also in this example, when the permanent magnet 253 attached to one surface of the rotor 252 is rotated by the power source 5, the permanent magnet 255 opposite to the permanent magnet 253 is rotated following the attraction force as the permanent magnet 253 rotates. Then, the yoke portion 254 rotates.

  In this example, the configuration including the material container body 225 and the container mounting portion 257 is a container 207 in which the work chamber 11 is formed. A magnetic field modulation device 214 that is a magnetic field changing unit of this example includes a container 207 and relative moving bodies 214A and 214B that move relative to the container 207. The relative moving body 214 </ b> A is located closer to the power source 5 than the container 207. The relative moving body 214 </ b> A includes a rotor 252, a permanent magnet 253, and a plate member 237. The relative moving body 214B is located on the reaction power source side with respect to the container 207. The relative moving body 214B includes a yoke portion 254, a permanent magnet 255, and a plate member 237. The rotor 252, the yoke portion 254, and the permanent magnets 253 and 255 constitute a magnetic circuit portion 215 that allows the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets 253 and 255 to pass therethrough.

  The rotor 252 is made of a magnetic material. The rotor 252 has a disk shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis. As shown in FIG. 16, a fan-shaped permanent magnet 253 is provided on the surface of the rotor 252 on the container 207 side. The plate member 237 has a fan-shaped plate shape. The plate member 237 is provided between the pair of permanent magnets 253 in the circumferential direction in the figure. It is a nonmagnetic member made of a nonmagnetic material. The plate member 237 is made of, for example, a resin material or the like, and is formed of a nonmagnetic material having higher heat insulation than the rotor 252 and the permanent magnet 253 that form part of the magnetic circuit portion 215. The plate member 237 is connected to the relative moving body 214A by, for example, bonding, locking, screwing or the like. The plate member 237 is provided so as to fill a recessed space between the permanent magnets 253 in the circumferential direction of the relative moving body 214A. The plate member 237 has a plate thickness of about 1 to 3 mm and is provided so as to fill the entire recess space. The plate member 237 may fill a part of the above-described recessed space located on the container side. That is, a space may be formed between the plate member 237 and the rotor 252. The plate member 237 that fills a part of the recessed space contributes to the weight reduction of the relative moving body 214A.

  In the pair of plate members 237, the outer surface 237 a on the container side is flush with the outer surface on the container side of the permanent magnet 253 in the circumferential direction. The outer surface 237a forms a part in the circumferential direction of the outer surface 214A1 on the container side of the relative moving body 214A. The outer surface 214A1 has an annular planar shape. The outer surface 214A1 forms a continuous surface that smoothly continues in the circumferential direction.

  The container 207 has an annular plate shape. The outer surface 207a on the relative moving body 214A side of the container 207 has an annular plane shape. The outer surface 214A1 corresponding to the outer surface of the moving body and the outer surface 207a corresponding to the outer surface of the container are opposed to each other through the gap 281 over the entire circumferential direction. Both the outer surface 214A1 and the outer surface 207a are planar. Therefore, the gap 281 between the outer surface 214A1 and the outer surface 207a has a uniform gap dimension over the entire circumferential direction. The clearance dimension of the clearance part 281 should just be substantially uniform in the circumferential direction. The gap dimension of the gap portion 281 is relatively small, for example, 2.0 mm or less. The gap dimension of the gap portion 281 is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm.

  The yoke part 254 is made of a magnetic material. The yoke portion 254 has an annular plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis and extends around the axis. A fan-shaped permanent magnet 255 is provided on the surface of the yoke portion 254 on the container 207 side. In the circumferential direction, a plate member 237 is provided between the pair of permanent magnets 255 as in the rotor side. The plate member 237 is formed of a nonmagnetic material having higher heat insulation than the yoke portion 254 and the permanent magnet 255 that form part of the magnetic circuit portion 215. The plate member 237 is connected to the relative moving body 214B by, for example, bonding, locking, screwing or the like. The plate member 237 is provided so as to fill a recessed space between the permanent magnets 255 in the circumferential direction of the relative moving body 214B. The plate member 237 has a plate thickness of about 1 to 3 mm and is provided so as to fill the entire recess space. The plate member 237 may fill a part of the above-described recessed space located on the container side. That is, a space may be formed between the plate member 237 and the yoke portion 254. The plate member 237 filling a part of the recessed space contributes to the weight reduction of the relative moving body 214B.

  In the pair of plate members 237, the outer surface 237 a on the container side is flush with the outer surface on the container side of the permanent magnet 255 in the circumferential direction. The outer surface 237a forms a part in the circumferential direction of the outer surface 214B1 of the relative moving body 214B. The outer surface 214B1 has an annular planar shape. The outer surface 214B1 forms a continuous surface that smoothly continues in the circumferential direction.

  The outer surface 207b of the container 207 on the relative moving body 214B side has an annular plane shape. The outer surface 214B1 corresponding to the outer surface of the moving body and the outer surface 207b corresponding to the outer surface of the container are opposed to each other through the gap 282 over the entire area in the circumferential direction. Both outer surface 214B1 and outer surface 207b are planar. Accordingly, the gap portion 282 between the outer surface 214B1 and the outer surface 207b has a uniform gap size over the entire circumferential direction. The clearance dimension of the clearance part 282 should just be substantially uniform in the circumferential direction. The gap dimension of the gap portion 281 is relatively small, for example, 2.0 mm or less. The gap dimension of the gap portion 281 is preferably, for example, 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm.

  In addition, the MHP device 202 includes a flow suppressing unit that suppresses the fluid existing in the gaps 281 and 282 from flowing in the direction in which the heat medium reciprocates between both ends of the work chamber 11. it can. According to this, it is possible to suppress the fluid existing between the container 207 and the relative moving bodies 214 </ b> A and 214 </ b> B from flowing in the heat medium temperature gradient direction of the working chamber 11. Therefore, heat transfer between the high temperature end side and the low temperature end side of the working chamber 11 through the fluid can be suppressed, and heat loss can be reduced.

  The flow suppressing means, for example, protrudes from at least one of the container outer surfaces 207a and 207b and the movable body outer surfaces 214A1 and 214B1 to the gap portions 281 and 282 toward the opposite outer surfaces with the gap portions 281 and 282 interposed therebetween. It can be set as the made flow suppression protrusion part. The flow restricting protrusion of this example suppresses the fluid in the gaps 281 and 282 from flowing in the radial direction that is the reciprocating direction of the heat medium in the work chamber 11. The flow suppressing protrusion can be a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction.

  Further, in the MHP device 202, the container 207 and the relative moving bodies 214A and 214B relatively move. In the movement, fluid retaining means for retaining fluid in the gaps 281 and 282 near the container outer surfaces 207a and 207b or the moving body outer surfaces 214A1 and 214B1 may be provided.

  According to this, when the container 207 and the relative moving bodies 214A and 214B move relative to each other, the fluid existing between the container outer surfaces 207a and 207b and the moving body outer surfaces 214A1 and 214B1 relatively moves. Not disturbed by both outer surfaces. The fluid existing between the container outer surfaces 207a and 207b and the moving body outer surfaces 214A1 and 214B1 remains in the vicinity of the container outer surface or the moving body outer surface. Therefore, heat transfer via the fluid between the container body and the relative moving body can be suppressed. Thereby, heat loss can be reduced.

  The fluid retaining means described above includes, for example, a plurality of retaining means projecting into the gap portions 281 and 282 from at least one of the container outer surfaces 207a and 207b and the movable body outer surfaces 214A1 and 214B1 toward the opposing outer surfaces. It can be a protrusion. A fluid can be retained between the plurality of retention protrusions. The plurality of staying protrusions can be protrusions extending in the radial direction.

  As in the first embodiment, the flow suppressing protrusion and the staying protrusion are formed of a material that is more easily worn away than a container having a facing outer surface or a relative moving body, and has a tip in the protruding direction. It is preferable that the part is substantially slidably contacted with the opposing outer surface.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the magnetic circuit part 15 has the permanent magnets 34 and 36 which are the 1st magnets which mutually oppose on both sides of the container, and the permanent magnets 33 and 35 which are the 2nd magnets. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a magnetic circuit unit including only one of a first magnet and a second magnet.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the clearance gap size of the clearance gap parts 81 and 82 was uniform in the circumferential direction, it is not limited to this. The gap dimension of the gap portions 81 and 82 may be substantially uniform in the circumferential direction. In addition, if both outer surfaces that form the gap portion are in a planar shape that smoothly continues in the relative movement direction and the heat transfer heat amount between the container and the relative movement body is small enough to allow, the gap portion The gap size need not be uniform.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although each outer surface which faces the clearance gap parts 81 and 82 of the rotor 7 and relative moving body 14A, 14B was a part of outer surface of a nonmagnetic member, it is limited to this. is not. For example, the entire outer surface may be the outer surface of the nonmagnetic member.

  Further, the MHP device has a flow suppressing means for suppressing the fluid existing in the gap portion from flowing in the reciprocating direction of the heat medium, and the fluid for retaining the fluid existing in the gap portion near the outer surface of the container or the moving body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Only one of the flow suppression means and the fluid retention means may be provided. Moreover, it does not matter even if it does not include the flow suppression means and the fluid retention means.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the container in which the working chamber was formed, and the relative moving body which has a magnetic circuit part were rotated relatively, it is not limited to this. For example, the container and the relative moving body may be relatively linearly moved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the heat transport medium is supplied to the heat exchangers 3 and 4 outside the MHP device 2. Instead of this, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat transport medium, which is a primary medium, and the secondary medium may be provided in the MHP apparatus 2, and the secondary medium may be supplied to the low temperature system and the high temperature system.

  In the above embodiment, one MHP device 2 is provided with two first positions and two second positions. Instead of this, one first position and one second position may be provided. Three or more first positions and second positions may be provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, this invention was applied to the vehicle air conditioner. Instead of this, the present invention may be applied to a residential air conditioner. Moreover, you may utilize as a hot-water supply apparatus which heats water. In the above-described embodiment, the MHP device 2 using outdoor air as a main heat source has been described. Instead, other heat sources such as water and soil may be used as the main heat source.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle air conditioner 2 Magneto-caloric effect type heat pump (MHP) apparatus (magnetic heat pump apparatus)
7 Rotor (container)
7a, 7b outer surface (outer surface of container)
11 Working room 12 Magneto-caloric (MCE) element (magnetic working substance)
14 Magnetic field modulation device (magnetic field changing means)
14A, 14B Relative moving body 14A1, 14B1 outer surface (moving body outer surface)
15 Magnetic circuit part 33, 34, 35, 36 Permanent magnet (magnet)
81, 82 Clearance

Claims (9)

A container (7) in which a working chamber (11) in which a magnetic working substance (12) having a magnetocaloric effect is arranged and a heat medium flows is formed;
The magnetic circuit part (15) which allows the magnetic flux generated by the magnets (33 to 36) to pass therethrough is relative to the container in the direction along the container outer surface (7a, 7b) which is the outer surface of the container. A relative movable body (14A, 14B) movable to
Magnetic field changing means (14) for changing the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working substance by relatively moving the container and the relative moving body in a direction along the outer surface of the container. ,
A magnetic heat pump device in which the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body (14A1, 14B1), which is the outer surface of the relative moving body, are arranged so as to face each other with a gap (81, 82) therebetween. ,
Both the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body are formed in a planar shape that is smoothly connected in the direction of relative movement.   2. The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body are formed such that a gap dimension of the gap portion is substantially uniform in the relatively moving direction. . The relative moving body has non-magnetic members (37, 38) exhibiting higher heat insulation than the magnetic circuit portion in a portion excluding the magnetic circuit portion,
The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the outer surface of the moving body is an outer surface (37a, 38a) of the nonmagnetic member. A heat medium moving means (16) for reciprocating the heat medium so as to flow along the magnetic working material between both ends of the working chamber;
The flow suppression means (91) which suppresses that the fluid which exists in the said clearance gap part flows in the reciprocating direction of the said heat medium is provided with any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The magnetic heat pump device described. The flow suppressing means includes
5. The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic heat pump device is a flow suppressing protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the movable body toward the opposing outer surface. .   The flow suppression protrusion is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the container having the outer surface facing or the relative moving body, and a tip portion in a protruding direction is substantially in sliding contact with the outer surface facing. The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 5, wherein   Fluid retaining means (92) is provided for retaining the fluid existing in the gap portion on the outer surface of the container or in the vicinity of the outer surface of the moving body when the container and the relative moving body move relative to each other. The magnetic heat pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic heat pump apparatus is a magnetic heat pump apparatus. The fluid retention means includes
A plurality of staying protrusions projecting from the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the moving body toward the opposing outer surface into the gap, the gaps between the plurality of staying protrusions The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid is retained.   The staying protrusion is formed of a material that is more easily worn away than the container having the opposing outer surface or the relative moving body, and a tip portion in a protruding direction substantially slides on the opposing outer surface. The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 8, wherein

Images