WO2014034374A1 - Magnetic cooling/heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a magnetic cooling/heating device with an improved transient characteristic in the period between startup and achievement of steady state. [Solution] A magnetic cooling/heating device having multiple magnetic bodies (10A-10F) arranged in a line with intervals therebetween. The multiple magnetic bodies have one or more magnetocaloric materials that undergo a temperature change within respectively different operating temperature ranges when magnetism is applied or removed, and at least one of the multiple magnetic bodies has within the one magnetic body at least two magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges, with one of these materials being a magnetocaloric material (c) for which the operating temperature range includes the startup temperature.

Description

Magnetic air conditioner

The present invention relates to a magnetic air conditioner, and more particularly, a magnetism that individually applies magnetism to a plurality of magnetic bodies to develop a magnetocaloric effect and transports heat of the plurality of magnetic bodies using heat conduction of a solid substance. The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Most of the refrigeration devices conventionally used at room temperature, for example, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, etc., use the heat conduction of gaseous refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbon gas and chlorofluorocarbon alternative gas. Recently, the problem of ozone depletion due to the emission of chlorofluorocarbons has been exposed, and there is also concern about the impact on global warming caused by the emission of alternative chlorofluorocarbons. For this reason, there is a strong demand for the development of an innovative refrigeration apparatus that is clean and has a high heat transport capability, replacing the refrigeration apparatus that uses a gaseous refrigerant such as chlorofluorocarbon gas or alternative chlorofluorocarbon gas.

From this background, the refrigeration technology that has recently attracted attention is the magnetic refrigeration technology. Some magnetic bodies exhibit a so-called magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in which the temperature of the magnetic body changes according to the change of the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic body. Such a magnetic substance that changes in temperature due to the magnetocaloric effect is called a magnetocaloric material (MCM) (sometimes called a magnetocaloric effect material). A refrigeration technique that transports heat using a magnetic material that exhibits this magnetocaloric effect is a magnetic refrigeration technique.

As an example of applying the magnetic refrigeration technology, there is a magnetic refrigeration apparatus that transports heat by utilizing the heat conduction of a solid substance as described in Patent Document 1 below. This magnetic refrigeration apparatus conducts heat by the following configuration.

A positive magnetic material that increases in temperature when magnetism is applied and decreases in temperature when magnetism is removed and a negative magnetic material that decreases in temperature when magnetism is applied and increases in temperature when magnetism is removed Place them alternately. One magnetic body block is formed by a pair of positive and negative magnetic bodies. A plurality of magnetic blocks are arranged in a ring shape to form a magnetic unit. A heat conduction part inserted and removed between the positive and negative magnetic bodies arranged in the magnetic unit is arranged between the positive and negative magnetic bodies. A permanent magnet is arranged on a hub-like rotator that is concentric with the magnetic unit and has substantially the same inner diameter and outer diameter to form a magnetic circuit. And the rotary body in which the permanent magnet is arrange | positioned is arrange | positioned so as to oppose a magnetic body unit, and it rotates relatively with respect to a magnetic body unit. By the rotation of the rotating body, magnetism is simultaneously applied to and removed from the positive and negative magnetic bodies. Along with the rotation of the rotating body, the heat conducting portion is inserted and removed between the positive and negative magnetic bodies at a constant timing. The heat generated by the magnetic body due to the magnetocaloric effect is transported in one direction in which the magnetic body is disposed via the heat conducting portion.

In such a magnetic refrigeration apparatus, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a magnetic material whose operating temperature decreases in the direction from the high temperature side heat exchange means to the low temperature side heat exchange means.

Also, for example, in the technique of Cited Document 2, a plurality of magnetic bodies having different operating temperature ranges are used, and the operating temperature ranges of adjacent magnetic bodies are overlapped.

JP 2007-147209 A (paragraph 0072) US Pat. No. 6,588,215 (column 11, line 30 to column 12, line 37, FIGS. 11 and 12)

When magnetic bodies using magnetocaloric materials with different operating temperature ranges are arranged, the magnetocaloric effect is efficiently expressed after all the magnetic bodies are in their respective operating temperature ranges, that is, after the steady state is reached. Can move heat. However, at the time of startup, each magnetic body is at the temperature of its environment at the time of startup. For this reason, the magnetocaloric effect is not sufficiently exerted until the respective magnetic bodies reach their respective operating temperatures from the time of startup to the steady state. For this reason, the conventional apparatus has a problem that the transient characteristics from the start-up state to the steady state are poor and it takes time to reach the steady state.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic air conditioner having improved transient characteristics from the start of use to the steady state.

In order to achieve the above object, a magnetic air conditioner according to the present invention includes a plurality of magnetic bodies that are arranged in rows at intervals and change in temperature by the application and removal of magnetism, and each of the plurality of magnetic bodies is magnetic. A magnetic application unit for applying and removing. One end portion of the plurality of magnetic body rows has a low temperature side heat exchange section arranged at a distance from the magnetic body, and the other end portion of the plurality of magnetic body rows is arranged at a distance from the magnetic body. The high temperature side heat exchange part is provided. Furthermore, between the magnetic bodies, between the magnetic body and the low temperature side heat exchanging section, and between the magnetic body and the high temperature side heat exchanging section, a heat conducting section that performs heat transfer and heat insulation between them. Have Each of the plurality of magnetic bodies has a magnetocaloric material having a different operating temperature range, and at least one of the plurality of magnetic bodies has a working temperature range as one magnetic body. It has at least two different magnetocaloric materials, and one of the magnetocaloric materials is a magnetocaloric material including an operating temperature as an operating temperature range.

According to the magnetic cooling / heating apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above, at least one magnetic body among a plurality of magnetic bodies arranged in a row has at least two magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges. Thus, one of the magnetocaloric materials was a magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range. As a result, a magnetic body having at least two magnetocaloric materials can change its temperature by applying and removing magnetism from the starting temperature state outside the operating temperature range of its own magnetocaloric material. Therefore, since the temperature of the magnetic material changes from the time of startup, the transient characteristics from the time of startup to the steady state can be improved, and the steady state can be achieved in a shorter time than the prior art.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the principle of operation of a magnetic air conditioning apparatus. It is a graph which shows the temperature change of a magnetic air conditioning apparatus. It is a graph for demonstrating the operating temperature range of the magnetocaloric material used for a magnetic body. 10 is a graph for explaining a ratio (mass%) of a magnetocaloric material in each of the magnetic bodies 10A to 10F shown in FIG. 1 as a magnetic air conditioner of Comparative Example 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the heat | fever in the magnetic air conditioning apparatus of the comparative example 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the heat | fever in the magnetic air conditioning apparatus of the comparative example 1. 6 is a graph for explaining a combination ratio (mass%) of magnetocaloric materials constituting each magnetic body 10A-10F in the magnetic air conditioner of Embodiment 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the heat | fever in the magnetic air conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the heat | fever in the magnetic air conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of each magnetocaloric material when combining three magnetocaloric materials. It is the graph which put together the result of having performed the logic calculation of the temperature change at the time of using the magnetic body which combined the several magnetocaloric material. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the combination ratio of the magnetocaloric material in the magnetic body used for the logical calculation in FIG. In the magnetic air-conditioning apparatus in the modification of Embodiment 1, it is a graph for demonstrating the combination ratio (mass%) of the magnetocaloric material which each comprises each magnetic body. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the magnetic air conditioning apparatus of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a top view of the magnetic body and the heat transfer part arrangement | positioning board which comprises the magnetic air conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the magnet arrangement | positioning board which comprises the magnetic air conditioning apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the magnetic air conditioner shown in FIG. 14. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a heat | fever moving, when rotating the magnet / heat-transfer part arrangement | positioning board of a magnetic air conditioning apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the magnetic air conditioning apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 1 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 2 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 3 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 4 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 5 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 6 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the form 7 of a thermal switch part. It is sectional drawing of the thermal switch part part for demonstrating the structure of the thermal switch part in the form 8 of a thermal switch part. It is a top view (figure of the arrow A of FIG. 26) of the thermal switch part part for demonstrating the structure of the thermal switch part in the form 8 of a thermal switch part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the principle of electrowetting. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the liquid metal in a clearance gap, and is an enlarged view of the liquid metal part in a clearance gap. It is sectional drawing of the same part as FIG. 26, and has shown the heat transfer state which the liquid metal went up the clearance gap. It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the thermal switch part in the form 9 of a thermal switch part, Comprising: It is the figure seen from the direction corresponded to the arrow A in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

[Operation principle of magnetic refrigeration equipment]
First, the operation principle of the magnetic air conditioner will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operating principle of the magnetic air conditioner.

The illustrated magnetic air conditioner shows a basic form of the magnetic air conditioner. The magnetic air conditioner has a plurality of magnetic bodies 10A-10F that exhibit a magnetocaloric effect. The plurality of magnetic bodies 10A-10F are arranged in a row at intervals. In the magnetic bodies 10A to 10F, a positive magnetic body is used as a magnetic body having the same type of magnetocaloric effect. However, in this embodiment, each magnetic body has a magnetocaloric material in which the temperature change range (operating temperature range) varies depending on the application and removal of magnetism (details will be described later).

The magnetic body block 100A is formed with the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, the magnetic body block 100B is formed with the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, and the magnetic body block 100C is formed with the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F. Further, the magnetic body unit 200 is formed by the magnetic body blocks 100A-100C.

The magnetic circuits 20A, 20B, magnetic circuits 20C, 20D, and magnetic circuits 20E, 20F reciprocate between the magnetic bodies 10A-10F. That is, from the state of FIG. 1A, the magnetic circuits 20A and 20B move from the magnetic bodies 10A to 10B, the magnetic circuits 20C and 20D move from the magnetic bodies 10C to 10D, and the magnetic circuits 20E and 20F move from the magnetic bodies 10E to 10F all at once. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 1B is obtained. Next, from the state of FIG. 1B, the magnetic circuits 20A and 20B are changed from the magnetic bodies 10B to 10A, the magnetic circuits 20C and 20D are changed from the magnetic bodies 10D to 10C, and the magnetic circuits 20E and 20F are changed from the magnetic bodies 10F to 10E all at once. By moving, the positional relationship between the magnetic circuit and the magnetic body returns to the state shown in FIG. Therefore, when the magnetic circuit reciprocates, the states of FIGS. 1A and 1B are alternately repeated.

Here, as the plurality of magnetic bodies 10A-10F, positive magnetic bodies that generate heat when applying magnetism in the magnetic circuits 20A, 20B- magnetic circuits 20E, 20F and absorb heat when the magnetism is removed are used. Use only one of the negative magnetic materials that absorbs heat when heat is applied at -20F and generates heat when removed. A positive magnetic body and a negative magnetic body have opposite magneto-caloric effects, and the types of magneto-caloric effects are different. In the first embodiment (in the case of FIG. 1), a positive magnetic material that is less expensive than a negative magnetic material is used. This is because the negative magnetic material must be manufactured from a rare magnetocaloric material, which increases the cost, and the magnitude of the magnetocaloric effect of the negative magnetic material is greater than the magnitude of the magnetocaloric effect of the positive magnetic material. This is because it is small (a specific magnetocaloric material used for the magnetic material will be described later).

The magnetic circuits 20A, 20B-20E, and 20F are provided with permanent magnets (not shown). The magnetic circuits 20A and 20B, the magnetic circuits 20C and 20D, and the magnetic circuits 20E and 20F are integrated to reciprocate in the horizontal direction in the figure, thereby applying magnetism to the magnetic bodies 10A to 10F individually.

The heat conducting units 30A-30G conduct the heat generated by the magnetic bodies 10A-10F due to the magnetocaloric effect from the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A to the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. The heat conducting unit 30A is inserted and removed between the low temperature side heat exchanging unit 40A and the adjacent magnetic body 10A to mechanically connect the two. The heat conducting unit 30B is inserted and removed between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B to mechanically connect both. Similarly, the heat conducting portions 30C, 30D, 30E, and 30F are provided between the magnetic bodies 10B and 10C, between the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, between the magnetic bodies 10D and 10E, and between the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F. The two are mechanically connected with each other. The heat conducting unit 30G is inserted and removed between the magnetic body 10F and the high temperature side heat exchanging unit 40B to mechanically connect the two. The heat conducting portions 30B, 30D, and 30F are inserted and removed between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, between the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, and between the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F at the same timing. Connecting. Further, the heat conducting portions 30A, 30C, 30E, 30G are also at the same timing, between the low temperature side heat exchanging portion 40A and the magnetic body 10A, between the magnetic bodies 10B and 10C, between the magnetic bodies 10D and 10E, It is inserted and removed between the magnetic body 10F and the high temperature side heat exchanging section 40B to mechanically connect them. The heat conducting portions 30B, 30D, and 30F and the heat conducting portions 30A, 30C, 30E, and 30G are alternately inserted and removed repeatedly.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the magnetic circuits 20A and 20B are the magnetic body 10A of the magnetic body block 100A, the magnetic circuits 20C and 20D are the magnetic body 10C of the magnetic body block 100B, and the magnetic circuits 20E and 20F are the magnetic body block 100C. It is located on each of the magnetic bodies 10E. At this time, magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E, and no magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F, and the magnetism is removed. At this time, the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E generate heat, and the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F absorb heat. At the same time, the heat conducting portion 30B is inserted between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, the heat conducting portion 30D is inserted between the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, and the heat conducting portion 30F is inserted between the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F. Is done. For this reason, heat conduction is performed between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic body block. That is, the heat generated by the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E due to the magnetocaloric effect is transferred to the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F, respectively. At this time, the heat conducting portions 30A and 30G are not inserted between the low temperature side heat exchanging portion 40A and the magnetic body 10A and between the high temperature side heat exchanging portion 40B and the magnetic body 10F. Further, the heat conducting portions 30C and 30E that conduct heat between the magnetic blocks are not inserted between the magnetic bodies 10B and 10C and between the magnetic bodies 10D and 10E.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, the magnetic circuits 20A and 20B are the magnetic body 10B of the magnetic block 100A, the magnetic circuits 20C and 20D are the magnetic body 10D of the magnetic block 100B, and the magnetic circuits 20E and 20F are the magnetic bodies. It is located on the magnetic body 10F of the block 100C. At this time, magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F, and no magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E, and the magnetism is removed. At this time, the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F generate heat, and the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E absorb heat. Further, the heat conducting unit 30A is between the low temperature side heat exchanging unit 40A and the magnetic body 10A, the heat conducting unit 30C is between the magnetic bodies 10B and 10C, and the heat conducting unit 30E is between the magnetic bodies 10D and 10E. In addition, the heat conducting unit 30G is inserted between the magnetic body 10F and the high temperature side heat exchanging unit 40B. Thereby, between low temperature side heat exchange part 40A, high temperature side heat exchange part 40B, and magnetic bodies 10A and 10F located in the both ends of magnetic body unit 200, and between adjacent magnetic bodies of adjacent magnetic body blocks Heat conduction is performed. That is, the magnetic bodies 10A, 10C, and 10E absorb heat by the magnetocaloric effect, and the magnetic bodies 10B, 10D, and 10F generate heat by the magnetocaloric effect. For this reason, heat moves from the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A to the magnetic body 10A, from the magnetic body 10B to the magnetic body 10C, from the magnetic body 10D to the magnetic body 10E, and from the magnetic body 10F to the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B. At this time, the heat conducting portions 30B, 30D, and 30F that conduct heat in the magnetic block are between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, between the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, and between the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F. Is not inserted.

As described above, by reciprocating the magnetic circuit provided corresponding to each magnetic body block 100A-100C in the left-right direction in the figure, the magnetic bodies located at both ends of each magnetic body block 100A-100C are alternately arranged. Repeat the application and removal of magnetism. Further, in conjunction with the movement of the magnetic circuit, insertion / removal of the heat conducting portions 30A-30G between the low temperature side heat exchanging portion 40A, the magnetic bodies 10A-10F, and the high temperature side heat exchanging portion 40B is repeated. Thereby, the heat obtained by the magnetocaloric effect moves from the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A to the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the temperature change of the magnetic air conditioner. As shown in this graph, immediately after the magnetic air conditioner is started (initial state), there is almost no temperature gradient with respect to the position of each magnetic body, and the room temperature is from the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A to the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. (Here 20 ° C.).

In a state where a little time has passed (while the temperature is changing), a temperature difference appears although the temperature difference between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B is small. Further, as time elapses, the temperature difference between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B gradually increases. Eventually, as shown by the straight line in the steady state, the temperature difference between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B is maximized.

In this steady state, heat is transferred from the low temperature side heat exchanging part 40A to the high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B to cool the object or the space where the low temperature side heat exchanging part 40A is in contact with the low temperature side heat exchanging part 40A. be able to. Thereby, it becomes a magnetic refrigeration apparatus. Conversely, heat can be transferred from the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B to the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A to warm the object in contact with the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B or the space where the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B is located. . Thereby, it becomes a magnetic heating device. Moreover, refrigeration (cooling) and heating can also be performed by one apparatus by transferring heat from the low temperature side to the high temperature side, and conversely from the high temperature side to the low temperature side. In this case, one apparatus becomes a magnetic air conditioner.

A magnetic material that changes in temperature due to such magnetic movement (application, removal) has a temperature range in which the temperature changes when the magnetism is moved (this is called the operating temperature range).

FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining the operating temperature range of the magnetic material (magnetorotherm material). In this graph, the horizontal axis is the operating temperature, and the vertical axis is the temperature change range (ΔT). ΔT varies depending on the strength of the magnetic field.

As shown in the figure, each magnetocaloric material af has a peak in the changing temperature range (ΔT on the vertical axis), and the temperature at this peak (horizontal axis) is the operating temperature at which the temperature changes most easily. . The operating temperature of the portion showing this peak is a temperature corresponding to the Curie point of the magnetocaloric material. As can be seen from the graph, the operating temperature range of each magnetocaloric material is determined around the temperature of the Curie point. That is, the temperature hardly changes when the temperature is away from the temperature at the peak position of ΔT.

Here, when these magnetocaloric materials af are arranged in the order of af as shown in the figure, the temperature change ranges (respective mountain-shaped graphs of the magnetocaloric materials af) are respectively adjacent magnetocaloric materials. There is a slight overlap. However, the overlapping portion is only the base portion away from the temperature of the peak (vertex) of ΔT. It can be seen that ΔT is low (vertical axis) is low at the base. Therefore, there is little change in temperature at the base, that is, where the magnetocaloric materials af are overlapped.

The temperature range that can actually be used is a temperature range that shows a temperature change amount of about half or more of ΔT. For this reason, for example, if ΔT is 5 ° C., a positive magnetocaloric material having a Curie point of 22.5 ° C. (temperature rises by application of magnetism), and a material having a temperature change (ΔT) of 5 ° C., its operating temperature The range will be about 20-25 ° C. However, even at the base portion of 20 ° C. or lower and 25 ° C. or higher, the temperature change occurs due to the application and removal of the magnetic field. Similarly, other magnetocaloric materials have their operating temperature range and temperature change (ΔT) determined by the Curie point temperature and the material type.

(Comparative Example 1)
Here, in order to make this embodiment easy to understand, a basic form of a magnetic cooling and heating apparatus will be described as Comparative Example 1. Comparative Example 1 uses only one magnetocaloric material in which a plurality of magnetic bodies operate in respective operating temperature ranges in a magnetic air conditioner configured similarly to FIG. That is, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, each magnetic body uses only one magnetocaloric material whose operating temperature decreases in order from the high temperature side heat exchange means to the low temperature side heat exchange means. -ing

FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining the ratio (mass%) of the magnetocaloric material in each of the magnetic bodies 10A-10F shown in FIG. 1 as the magnetic cooling / heating apparatus of Comparative Example 1.

In this comparative example 1, one magnetic body is made of one magnetocaloric material. The operating temperature range of one magnetocaloric material is assumed to have a characteristic that the temperature increases by 5 ° C. when magnetism is applied and decreases by 5 ° C. when the magnetism is removed. (That is, ΔT is 5 ° C.). For this reason, in the comparative example, the operating temperature range of one magnetic body is the same as the operating temperature range of one magnetocaloric material as it is. Further, the above-mentioned base portion cannot be ignored, and it is assumed that the base portion has a base of 1 ° C. before and after the operating temperature range of the magnetic body as described below. In this skirt portion, the temperature of the magnetic material cannot exceed the skirt temperature range even if the magnetic field is applied and removed.

As shown in the drawing, in the comparative example, each magnetic body is composed of one magnetocaloric material whose temperature changes in a temperature range of about 5 ° C. And the operating temperature range of each magnetic body is independent. Further, there is an overlap of 1 ° C. in the operating temperature range with the adjacent magnetic body.

Therefore, in the magnetic body 10A, the magnetocaloric material a having an operating temperature range of 5 ° C. to 10 ° C. (the range of 4 ° C. to 11 ° C. can be changed in consideration of the base portion) is 100% by mass. The magnetic body 10B has an operating temperature range of 10 ° C. to 15 ° C. (the range of 9 ° C. to 16 ° C. can be changed in consideration of the base portion) of the magnetocaloric material b of 100% by mass, and the magnetic body 10C has an operating temperature range of 15 ° C. To 20 ° C. (the range of 14 ° C. to 21 ° C. can be changed when considering the bottom part) is 100% by mass, and the magnetic body 10D has an operating temperature range of 20 ° C. to 25 ° C. (considering the bottom part) Then, the magnetocaloric material d of which the range of 19 ° C. to 26 ° C. can be changed is 100% by mass, and the magnetic body 10E has an operating temperature range of 25 ° C. to 30 ° C. The magnetocaloric material f is 100% by mass, and the magnetic body 10F has an operating temperature range of 30 ° C. to 35 ° C. (the range of 29 ° C. to 36 ° C. can be changed considering the bottom). Is 100% by mass A.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams for explaining heat transfer in the magnetic air conditioner of the comparative example. In FIG. 5 (1), the numbers in parentheses shown below the reference numerals of the respective magnetic bodies indicate the operating temperature ranges of the respective magnetic bodies.

In this case as well, each magnetic body (more precisely, the magnetocaloric material constituting the magnetic body) is a positive magnetic body that generates heat when applying magnetism and absorbs heat when removed.

First, as shown in FIG. 5 (1), in the initial state immediately after startup, all the magnetic materials are at 20 ° C. at room temperature.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (2) from the state of FIG. 5 (1), the magnetism is removed from the magnetic material located on the left side of each of the magnetic material blocks 100A-100C, and the magnetic material located on the right side is removed. Apply magnetism to the body. At the same time, between the adjacent magnetic bodies of the adjacent magnetic body blocks 100A-100C, between the magnetic body positioned at one end of the magnetic body unit 200 and the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, and at the other end of the magnetic body unit 200. The heat conducting part is inserted so as to enable heat conduction between the magnetic body located at the high temperature side and the high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B.

In the state of (2) in FIG. 5, in the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D including the normal temperature (20 ° C.) in the operating temperature, the temperature of the magnetic body 10C from which the magnetism has been removed is lowered to 15 ° C., and magnetism is applied. The temperature of the magnetic body 10D rises to 25 ° C. However, the magnetic bodies 10A, 10B, 10E, and 10F that do not include the normal temperature in the operating temperature range hardly change in temperature even when magnetism is applied or removed.

Thereafter, as shown in (2) ′ of FIG. 5, the temperature of the magnetic body 10B adjacent to the magnetic body 10C decreases to 17.5 ° C. and is adjacent to the magnetic body 10D by inserting the heat conducting portion. The temperature of the magnetic body 10E is increased to 22.5 ° C. However, in this state, heat has not yet moved to the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B.

Subsequently, as shown in (3) of FIG. 5, the magnetic circuit is moved toward the left magnetic body in each block 100A-100C. At the same time, the heat conduction part is inserted so that heat conduction between adjacent magnetic bodies in each of the magnetic body blocks 100A-100C is possible.

In the state of (3) in FIG. 5, the magnetic body 10C generates heat when magnetism is applied, and the temperature rises to 21 ° C. due to heat conduction with the magnetic body D inserted therein. . The magnetic body 10D from which the magnetism has been removed absorbs heat, and because of heat conduction with the magnetic body C, the temperature drops to 19 ° C. The magnetic body 10B remains at 17.5 ° C. Also, the magnetic body 10E remains at 22.5 ° C. Further, even in this state, the temperature of the magnetic bodies 10A and 10F is close to room temperature and is outside the operating temperature range, so that the temperature hardly changes when the magnetic circuit moves.

When time elapses in this state, as shown in (3) 'of FIG. 5, heat moves from the higher temperature side to the lower temperature side through the heat conducting portion in each magnetic body block 100A-100C. Therefore, the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B are 18.75 ° C., the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D are both 20 ° C., and the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F are both 21.25 ° C.

Then, again, the magnetic circuit is moved from the right side to the left side in each magnetic body block 100A-100C, and this is repeated thereafter. Then, the temperature of the magnetic body itself that has reached the operating temperature range changes with the movement of the magnetic circuit. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A becomes constant with a temperature difference of 5 ° C. and the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B with a temperature difference of 35 degrees. Since each magnetic body has an operating temperature range, the temperature change shown in FIGS. 6 (1)-(2) is repeated as the magnetic circuit moves. This is a steady state.

As described above, in the configuration of Comparative Example 1, magnetism is applied until the temperature of each magnetic material is within the operating temperature range of each magnetic material from the initial state at normal temperature (20 ° C. here) to the steady state. There is a state in which the temperature change due to the removal does not occur. Therefore, it takes a long time to reach a steady state.

[Embodiment 1]
In the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, each magnetic body is combined with a magnetocaloric material in another operating temperature range in addition to the magnetocaloric material in its own operating temperature range. In particular, in consideration of the transition from the initial temperature to the steady state, the magnetocaloric material having the operating temperature including the startup temperature is put in all the magnetic bodies. It is assumed that the magnetocaloric material used for each magnetic body has a characteristic that the temperature increases by 5 ° C. when magnetism is applied in the operating temperature range and decreases by 5 ° C. when the magnetism is removed ( ΔT is 5 ° C.).

FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining a combination ratio (mass%) of magnetocaloric materials constituting each of the magnetic bodies 10A-10F in the magnetic cooling / heating apparatus of the first embodiment.

The magnetic body 10A has 50 mass% of the magnetocaloric material a responsible for the operating temperature range 5-10 ° C. of the magnetic body 10A, and 30 mass of the magnetocaloric material b responsible for the operating temperature range 10-15 ° C. of the adjacent magnetic body 10B. %, And the magnetocaloric material c that bears the operating temperature range of 15-20 ° C. at the start-up temperature is combined so as to be 20% by mass.

Here, the startup temperature is assumed to be 20 ° C, which is normal temperature. For this reason, the magnetic body 10D in addition to the magnetic body 10C corresponds to the magnetic body in the operating temperature range including the startup temperature. However, since the magnetic body 10A is located on the low temperature side with respect to the starting temperature of 20 ° C., the magnetic body 10C (operating temperature range 15− (20 ° C.) magnetocaloric material c is combined into one magnetic body.

In this way, by applying the magnetocaloric material c responsible for the operating temperature range 15-20 ° C. including the startup temperature to the magnetic body 10A having its own operating temperature range of 5-10 ° C., magnetism can be applied immediately after startup, Due to the removal, the magnetocaloric material c functions to cause a temperature change.

The magnetic body 10A also includes a magnetocaloric material b that bears the operating temperature range of 10-15 ° C. of the adjacent magnetic body 10B. In a state where the temperature is lowered from the initial state and the temperature is changing, there is a state in which the temperature deviates from the starting temperature and does not reach its own operating temperature range of 5-10 ° C. In order to change the temperature by applying and removing magnetism when the temperature reaches such a midway temperature, a magnetocaloric material b having an operating temperature range of 10 to 15 ° C. is inserted.

The ratio of combining the magnetocaloric materials maximizes the magnetocaloric material a in the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10A itself, for example. This is also for efficient operation when the steady state is reached. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnetocaloric material a in the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10A itself be at least 50% by mass with respect to the total amount (100% by mass).

Also, it is preferable to adjust the mass of all the magnetic materials to be the same. This eliminates (or reduces) the difference in heat capacity between the magnetic bodies, thereby eliminating (reducing) the variation in heat transfer.

¡The ratio of combining the magnetic calorific material may be set as appropriate in consideration of the usage status of the air conditioner. For example, in the case of an apparatus that has few activations and stops and operates once in a steady state after being activated, it is preferable to increase the amount of magnetocaloric material a, for example, about 70 to 95% by mass. If the magnetocaloric material a of 70 mass% or more is put, it can be used as a magnetic air conditioner most efficiently in a steady state. However, if the magnetocaloric material a exceeds 95% by mass, it is not preferable because the effect of shortening the time from the initial state to the steady state cannot be obtained.

Such a start-up and a stop are few, and after starting once, as a device which operates long time in a steady state, for example, what is used to cool an object that always generates heat is assumed. More specifically, for example, it is used for cooling a secondary battery or a fuel cell of an electric vehicle (particularly during charging / discharging in a secondary battery and during power generation in a fuel cell). They start to generate heat immediately after startup and always generate heat during operation. For this reason, in order to cool such batteries, a fast cooling function from the beginning of startup and a stable cooling function for a long time during operation are required.

On the other hand, in the case of a device that repeatedly starts and stops, it is required to quickly move from the initial state (temperature state at the time of startup) to the steady state. In such an apparatus, the proportion of the magnetocaloric material a is relatively reduced to increase the magnetocaloric material in other operating ranges (but not less than 50% by mass as described above). As a result, the time from the initial startup to the steady state can be further shortened. Examples of the device that repeatedly starts and stops include a refrigerator and a freezer. Since the refrigerator and the freezer cool the inside surrounded by the heat insulating material, once the inside of the refrigerator is cooled to a stable temperature, it is not necessary to cool for a while after that. Therefore, the magnetic refrigeration apparatus stops. And if the internal temperature rises, since it needs to cool again, a freezing apparatus is started. For this reason, since the refrigeration apparatus used for the refrigerator and the freezer is repeatedly started and stopped, it is required to make the time from the start to the steady state faster than the long-term stable cooling function. It is.

Also, in this magnetic body 10A, two magnetocaloric materials b and c in other operating temperature ranges are put (three in combination with the own magnetocaloric material). Therefore, the ratio of these two magnetocaloric materials b and c may be determined according to which operating temperature range is cooled faster.

For example, in order to cool the earliest stage of startup faster and increase the effect, the amount of magnetocaloric material c is increased. Alternatively, the magnetocaloric material b may be omitted.

On the other hand, if the temperature is changed quickly and the steady state is obtained, the magnetocaloric material b is increased more than c. In this case, however, the magnetocaloric material c must be included. As already explained, since the temperature does not change due to the movement of magnetism from the temperature at the beginning of the startup as described above, the magnetocaloric material c in the operating temperature range of the startup temperature is inserted in order to cause this to occur quickly. is there. Therefore, if the magnetocaloric material c at this temperature is not added, the temperature change due to the movement of magnetism in the initial stage of the start will not occur in the first place. On the other hand, as in the former case, even if no magnetocaloric material in the middle temperature range is added, the temperature change from the initial state has already occurred. Even so, as a whole, the time from the initial state to the steady state can be shortened.

Next, for the magnetic body 10B as well as the magnetic body 10A, in addition to the magnetocaloric material that bears its own temperature range, the magnetic calorific material of the magnetic body that bears the starting temperature and the magnetic body adjacent to the starting temperature side Combine magnetocaloric materials in the temperature range. Here, the magnetic body 10B is combined with 70% by mass of the magnetocaloric material b responsible for its own temperature range and 30% by mass of the magnetocaloric material c at the start-up temperature to form one magnetic body. In this example, since the magnetic body adjacent to the magnetic body 10B on the startup temperature side is only the magnetic body that bears the startup temperature, only the magnetocaloric material c is combined.

Next, since the magnetic body 10C is a magnetic body that bears the starting temperature (that is, room temperature) in a steady state, the magnetocaloric material c for that purpose is 100% by mass. Similarly, since the magnetic body 10D is a magnetic body that bears the starting temperature (that is, room temperature) in the steady state, the magnetocaloric material d for that purpose is 100% by mass.

Next, the magnetic body 10E is similar to the magnetic body 10B, but is located on the high temperature side of the magnetic body that bears the startup temperature, so that the magnetocaloric material e that bears its own temperature range is 70 mass%, 30% by mass of the magnetocaloric material d is combined.

And the magnetic substance F located on the highest temperature side is 50% by mass of the magnetocaloric material f that bears its own temperature range, 30% by mass of the magnetocaloric material e of the magnetic substance adjacent to the low temperature side, and the magnetism at the starting temperature. 20 mass% of the calorie material d is combined. The reason is the same as that of the magnetic body 10A, but since it is on the high temperature side, the magnetocaloric material d of the magnetic body D located on the high temperature side is combined as the starting temperature.

The operating temperature range in which each magnetic body configured as described above changes in temperature due to the movement of magnetism is 5 ° C. to 20 ° C. for the magnetic body 10A, 10 ° C. to 20 ° C. for the magnetic body 10B, and 15 ° C. for the magnetic body 10C. 20 ° C., the magnetic body 10D is 20 ° C. to 25 ° C., the magnetic body 10E is 20 ° C. to 30 ° C., and the magnetic body 10F is 20 ° C. to 35 ° C.

8 and 9 are explanatory views for explaining heat transfer in the magnetic air conditioner according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8 (1), the numbers in parentheses shown below the reference numerals of the respective magnetic bodies indicate the operating temperature ranges of the respective magnetic bodies (however, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the portions other than FIG. 8 (1) are not shown). Is the same). Here again, the magnetocaloric material constituting each magnetic body is a positive magnetic body that generates heat when applying magnetism and absorbs heat when removed.

First, as shown in (1) of FIG. 8, in the initial state, all the magnetic materials are at room temperature of 20 ° C.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8 (2) from the state of FIG. 8 (1), the magnetism is removed from the magnetic material located on the left side of each of the magnetic material blocks 100A-100C, and the magnetic material located on the right side is removed. Apply magnetism to the body. At the same time, between the adjacent magnetic bodies of the adjacent magnetic body blocks 100A-100C, between the magnetic body positioned at one end of the magnetic body unit 200 and the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, and at the other end of the magnetic body unit 200. The heat conducting part is inserted so as to enable heat conduction between the magnetic body located at the high temperature side and the high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B.

In the state of (2) in FIG. 8, the magnetic body 10 </ b> C having an operating temperature of room temperature (20 ° C.) has its magnetism removed and the temperature is reduced to 15 ° C., and the magnetic body 10 </ b> D to which magnetism is applied has a temperature of 25 Raise to ℃.

And, the temperature of the magnetic body 10A becomes 18 ° C. by removing the magnetism. Since the magnetic body 10B is a positive magnetic body and its temperature change range is 10-20 ° C., even if magnetism is applied here, the temperature hardly increases and remains at 20 ° C. The magnetic body 10E is also a positive magnetic body, and its temperature change range is 20-30 ° C. Therefore, even if the magnetism is removed, the temperature does not decrease and remains at 20 ° C. The temperature of the magnetic body 10F rises to 22 ° C. by applying magnetism.

As described above, in Embodiment 1, the temperatures of the magnetic bodies 10A and 10F change from the first stage unlike the comparative example. This is because, as already described, the magnetic materials 10A and 10F contain the magnetocaloric material c or d whose normal temperature is the operating temperature range. However, the temperature change is smaller than that of the magnetic body 10C made of only the magnetocaloric material c and the magnetic body 10D made of only the magnetocaloric material d. This is because the magnetocaloric material c or d having an operating temperature range of normal temperature has a smaller amount of mixing than the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, and therefore the temperature change of each magnetic body is reduced. Here, it is assumed that the magnetic bodies 10A and 10F have a change of about 2 ° C. even if the current temperature is room temperature.

Even in the magnetic bodies 10B and 10E described as not changing in temperature because they are out of the temperature change range at this stage, a slight temperature change actually occurs due to the movement of magnetism. Such slight changes were omitted.

Thereafter, as shown in (2) ′ of FIG. 8, the temperature of the low-temperature side heat exchanging portion 40A adjacent to the magnetic body 10A is decreased and the magnetic body 10A is heated as a result. Stolen and both are at 19 ° C. Similarly, the magnetic body 10C adjacent to the magnetic body 10B is 17.5 ° C., and the magnetic body 10E adjacent to the magnetic body 10D is 22.5 ° C. And the magnetic body 10F and the high temperature side heat exchange part 40B become 21 degreeC. That is, the temperature change occurs in both the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B from the stage of the first heat cycle.

Subsequently, as shown in (3) of FIG. 8, the magnetic circuit is moved toward the left magnetic body in each block 100A-100C. At the same time, the heat conduction part is inserted so that heat conduction between adjacent magnetic bodies in each of the magnetic body blocks 100A-100C is possible. Due to this movement of magnetism, magnetism is applied to the magnetic body 10A, and the temperature rises to 20.2 ° C. The magnetic body 10B drops to 14 ° C. because the magnetism is removed. The magnetic body 10C is heated to 21 ° C. by applying magnetism. The magnetic body 10D is demagnetized and the temperature drops to 19 ° C. The magnetic body 10E is heated to 26 ° C. by applying magnetism. The magnetic body 10F is demagnetized and the temperature drops to 19.8 ° C.

Also here, even if the magnetic bodies 10B and 10E are at a normal temperature, the magnetic bodies 10B and 10E contain the magnetocaloric materials c and d that have the normal temperature as the operating temperature range, so that the temperature changes. Since the mixing ratio of the magnetocaloric materials c and d in these magnetic bodies 10B and 10E is smaller than that of the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D, it is assumed that the change is about 3.5 ° C.

And when time passes in this state, as shown to (3) 'of FIG. 8, heat moves to the one where temperature is low from the one where temperature is high. Therefore, the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B are both 17.1 ° C., and the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F are both 22.9 ° C. Accordingly, even at this stage, the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B have a lower temperature than the comparative example, and the magnetic bodies 10E and 10F have a higher temperature.

Then, again, the magnetic circuit is moved from the right side to the left side in each magnetic body block 100A-100C, and this is repeated thereafter. Then, the temperature of the magnetic body itself that has reached the operating temperature range changes with the movement of the magnetic circuit. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9, the low temperature side heat exchanging part 40A becomes constant with a temperature difference of 5 ° C. and the high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B with a temperature difference of 35 degrees. Since each magnetic body has an operating temperature range, the temperature change shown in FIGS. 9 (1)-(2) is repeated as the magnetic circuit moves. This is a steady state.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the temperature change of all the magnetic bodies starts by the magnetic movement (magnetization and removal) from the stage immediately after the start-up. Accordingly, the time from the initial state at normal temperature (20 ° C. in this case) to the steady state is faster than the comparative example.

Next, the magnetocaloric material corresponding to each operating temperature range will be described.

As a magnetocaloric material corresponding to each operating temperature range, for example, known LaFeSiH can be used. LaFeSiH changes its Curie point with changes in the amount of hydrogen in its composition (see, for example, Reference 1 “Large magnetoelectric effects and thermal transport properties of La (FeSi) 13 and the hydrhydres”. Compounds 408-412 (2006) p.307-312). Similarly, the general formula: La (Fe _1-x M _x ) ₁₃ H _z (M is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Si and Al, The value of the above-mentioned peak of ΔT also applies to a magnetocaloric material (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-96547) expressed by 0.05 ≦ x ≦ 0.2; 0.3 ≦ z ≦ 3; A magnetocaloric material with various temperatures can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, any other magnetocaloric material having a desired operating temperature range can be used without particular limitation.

Next, the arrangement of each magnetocaloric material when combining a plurality of magnetocaloric materials in one magnetic body will be described.

In Embodiment 1, a plurality of magnetocaloric materials are cut into various shapes and then joined. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of each magnetocaloric material when three magnetocaloric materials are combined. Each surface shown in FIG. 10 is a cross section of one magnetic body, and this cross section is a cross section along the direction in which the magnetic bodies are arranged in a line.

The magnetic body described here corresponds to the magnetic body 10A shown in FIG. That is, in the case of having a magnetocaloric material a responsible for an operating temperature range of 5-10 ° C., a magnetocaloric material b responsible for an operating temperature range of 10-15 ° C., and a magnetocaloric material c responsible for an operating temperature range of 15-20 ° C. It is.

The magnetic body shown in FIG. 10 (a) has a magnetocaloric material c that bears the operating temperature range of 15-20 ° C. at the start-up temperature in the center, and the magnetocaloric capacity that bears the operating temperature range of 5-10 ° C. of the magnetic body itself. The material a is arranged on the outermost side, and the magnetocaloric material b that bears the operating temperature range of 10-15 ° C. is arranged between them. The magnetocaloric materials a, b and c are cut out in a stripe shape and combined.

Further, the magnetic substance shown in FIG. 10 (b) is obtained by arranging four basic arrangements in combination with a stripe arrangement as a basic arrangement as in (a). Therefore, in this case, the cross section along the direction in which the magnetic bodies are arranged in a line is divided into four parts, and each divided part has the same arrangement as FIG.

Further, the magnetic body shown in FIG. 10C is a combination of the magnetocaloric materials a, b, and c cut into a rectangular shape and a frame shape. Here, the magnetocaloric material c is arranged in the center as a rectangular shape, the magnetocaloric material a is formed in a frame shape, arranged on the outermost side, the magnetocaloric material b is formed in a frame shape, and the magnetocaloric materials a and c. Arranged in between. The magnetocaloric materials a, b, and c are formed into respective shapes, and then fitted and joined.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10 (d), a combination of a rectangular shape and a frame shape is used as a basic arrangement in the same manner as in (c), and four of these are combined. Therefore, in this case, the cross section along the direction in which the magnetic bodies are arranged in a line is divided into four parts, and each divided part is arranged in the same manner as in FIG.

In any of these arrangements, the magnetocaloric material that is within the operating temperature range of the startup temperature (room temperature) and the magnetocaloric material that is within the operating temperature range of the magnetic material itself are on the inner side. By disposing the magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range of the starting temperature (room temperature) in this way, the heat generated at the start spreads all over the magnetic body and the transient characteristics are improved. In the magnetic bodies arranged in a line, the outermost magnetocaloric material transmits the temperature from the adjacent magnetic body. For this reason, at the time of start-up, both heat from the adjacent magnetic body (heat via the heat transfer member) and heat of the magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range including the start-up temperature disposed in the center are transmitted. And more likely to reach steady state temperature.

After the steady state is reached, there is a magnetocaloric material that bears the operating temperature range of the magnetic body on the outermost side, so that the temperature change of the magnetocaloric material is immediately transmitted to the adjacent magnetocaloric material. Thus, the efficiency in the steady state is also improved.

In addition, with such an arrangement (a combination of pattern shapes), it is possible to increase the contact area between magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges in one magnetic body.

In FIG. 10, the magnetic body 10A shown in FIG. 7 is described as an example, but the same applies to other magnetic bodies. In the magnetic body 10F having three magnetocaloric materials, the magnetocaloric material d which becomes the operating temperature range of the starting temperature (room temperature) is on the inner side, and the outer side is the magnetocaloric material f which is the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10F itself. A magnetocaloric material e is disposed between them.

Further, in the magnetic body 10B in which the two magnetocaloric materials are combined, the magnetocaloric material c which is the operating temperature range of the starting temperature (room temperature) is on the inside, and the magnetocaloric material which is the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10B itself on the outside. b will be arranged. Similarly, in the magnetic body 10E in which two magnetocaloric materials are combined, the magnetocaloric material d that becomes the operating temperature range of the starting temperature (room temperature) is on the inside, and the magnetocaloric material that becomes the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10E on the outside. e will be placed.

In addition, the arrangement of the magnetocaloric material may be formed so as to form a single magnetic body by pulverizing a plurality of magnetocaloric materials, in addition to such a combination of patterns. However, in this case, the size of the magnetocaloric material that has been pulverized and made fine is set to a size that shows the characteristics of the magnetocaloric material itself.

Next, the result of logical calculation of temperature change when using a magnetic material in which a plurality of magnetocaloric materials are mixed will be described.

The logical calculation of this temperature change uses the model of the magnetic air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 and changes the combination ratio of the magnetocaloric materials to change the temperature from the start-up temperature (20 ° C.) to the steady-state temperature in several heat cycles. Calculated to reach. The combination of the magnetocaloric materials is such that the starting temperature (20 ° C. in this case) is set to the operating temperature range for the magnetic body 10A on the lowest temperature side and the magnetic body 10F on the highest temperature side in their own operating temperature range. The calorimetric materials were combined in the following proportions. The other magnetic bodies 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are composed only of magnetocaloric materials within their own operating temperature range. Other conditions were assumed as follows. The heat transfer coefficient is infinite with the heat conduction part inserted (heat is transmitted immediately). Zero heat transfer coefficient with the heat conduction part removed. Zero heat capacity of magnetic body and heat conduction part. Each magnetocaloric material constituting each magnetic body undergoes a maximum temperature change (here, 5 ° C.) by applying and removing magnetism.

FIG. 11 is a graph summarizing the results of logical calculation of temperature changes when using a magnetic material in which a plurality of magnetocaloric materials are combined. The vertical axis represents temperature (median 20 ° C.), and the horizontal axis represents the number of thermal cycles. It is. The thermal cycle was a single round trip of the magnetic circuit from right to left and from left to right. That is, in FIG. 8, when the position of the magnetic circuit is the start state (1), the magnetic circuit is moved to (2), (2 ′), (3), (3 ′), and this is performed once. The thermal cycle is set (the next cycle returns to (2) and is repeated).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the combination ratio of magnetocaloric materials in the magnetic material used in this logical calculation (“%” in the figure is mass%). That is, the combination ratio is as follows. The square marks indicate that the magnetocaloric materials a and f are 100% by mass (this is a comparative example). The diamond marks are 95% by mass of magnetocaloric materials a and f, and 5% by mass of magnetocaloric materials c and d including 20 ° C. in the operating temperature range. Triangle marks are 90% by mass of magnetocaloric materials a and f, and 10% by mass of magnetocaloric materials c and d including 20 ° C. in the operating temperature range. Circles represent magnetocaloric materials a and f of 80% by mass and magnetocaloric materials c and d containing 20 ° C. in the operating temperature range of 20% by mass.

As this logical calculation, the rated operation is performed until the temperature of the low-temperature side heat exchanging unit 40A of the magnetic air conditioner model reaches 10 ° C. and the temperature of the high-temperature side heat exchanging unit 40B reaches 30 ° C. The transient characteristics were obtained.

Referring to FIG. 11, as a result of logical calculation, the case where 20 mass% of magnetocaloric materials c and d including a starting temperature of 20 ° C. are combined in the operating temperature range indicated by the circle is the smallest number of thermal cycles of 68 times. The steady-state temperature range has been reached. 78 times when the magnetocaloric materials c and d of the triangle mark are combined by 10% by mass, and 86 times when the magnetocaloric materials c and d of the rhombus are combined by 5% by mass. And the case of only the magnetocaloric material of the square mark (comparative example) is 99 times (in the following description, the magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range is referred to as the magnetocaloric material at the starting temperature). .

From this calculation result, the amount of magnetocaloric material at the starting temperature is less than that of the comparative example by combining the magnetic body 10A adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A and the magnetic body 10F adjacent to the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B. It can be seen that the steady state is reached by the number of magnetic movements (application, removal). This indicates that the transient characteristics from the starting time to the steady state are improved. Therefore, the steady state is reached faster as the number of magnetic movements (application / removal) is smaller.

In particular, it can be seen that a steady state is reached approximately 31% faster by combining a magnetocaloric material with a starting mass of 20% by mass. It can also be seen that a steady state is reached faster than with only the magnetocaloric material of its own (comparison example with squares) just by combining the magnetocaloric material of the 5 mass% start-up temperature. Therefore, it can be seen from this calculation result that the combination ratio of the magnetocaloric materials at the starting temperature is preferably 5% by mass or more and less than 50% by mass. Moreover, when it is going to be in a steady state faster, it is preferable to set it as 20 to 50 mass%.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
In Embodiment 1 described above, the combination ratio of the magnetocaloric materials of each magnetic material is adjusted so that the mass of each magnetic material is 100% by mass in total. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when all the magnetocaloric materials in the operating temperature range of each magnetic body are set to the same amount and this is 100% by mass, the startup temperature range is further set to the operating temperature range. A magnetocaloric material may be added.

FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining a combination ratio (mass%) of magnetocaloric materials constituting each magnetic body in the magnetic air conditioner according to the modification of the first embodiment.

In the magnetic body 10A, the magnetocaloric material a that bears the operating temperature range of 5-10 ° C. of the magnetic body 10A is 100 mass%. That is, the magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10A itself is the same amount as the magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range of the other magnetic bodies. The magnetic body 10B is combined by adding 30% by mass of the magnetocaloric material b responsible for the operating temperature range of 10-15 ° C. and 20% by mass of the magnetocaloric material c responsible for the operating temperature range of the starting temperature of 15-20 ° C. .

Similarly, the magnetic body 10B is combined by adding 100% by mass of the magnetocaloric material b responsible for its own temperature range and 30% by mass of the magnetocaloric material c at the starting temperature.

Each of the magnetic bodies 10C and 10D has 100% of the magnetocaloric materials c and d in its operating temperature range.

The magnetic body 10E is combined such that the magnetocaloric material e responsible for its own temperature range is added by 100% by mass and the magnetocaloric material d at the starting temperature is added by 30% by mass. The magnetic body F is combined such that 100 mass% of the magnetocaloric material f that bears its own temperature range, 30 mass% of the magnetocaloric material e, and 20 mass% of the magnetocaloric material d are added.

Here, since the magnetocaloric material responsible for its operating temperature range is first made the same, and the magnetocaloric material responsible for the starting temperature is added, the mass differs between the magnetic bodies. However, it is preferable to adjust the volume of all the magnetic materials to be the same. Thereby, the difference in heat transfer due to the difference in heat capacity between the magnetic bodies can be eliminated.

As described above, in this modification, the magnetocaloric materials in the operating temperature range of each magnetic body are all the same amount, and the magnetic body on the lower temperature side and the higher temperature side than the startup temperature range has a startup temperature range. The magnetocaloric material responsible for the operating temperature range is added. By doing in this way, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 mentioned above is acquired, and it can be set to a steady state quickly from an initial stage.

The above is the magnetic air-conditioning / heating device having the basic form to which the present invention is applied and the principle of its operation. In the above description, a mode is described in which a magnetic block is formed by two magnetic bodies, and three magnetic blocks are arranged to form a magnetic unit. However, the present invention is not limited to these forms, and is also applicable to those in which more magnetic bodies are arranged to form a magnetic body block, and more magnetic bodies are arranged to form a magnetic body unit. can do.

Further, as described above, in the first embodiment, among the magnetic bodies arranged in a plurality of rows, at least the lowest temperature side and the higher temperature side magnetic body include the starting temperature within the operating temperature range. Are combined into a single magnetic body. Thereby, after starting the temperature of each magnetic body, it can be rapidly made into the temperature of a steady state. In the case of a magnetic air conditioner with a large refrigerating capacity, it can be said that more magnetic bodies are arranged than the case where six magnetic bodies as described here are arranged. In this case, not only the magnetic material at the lowest temperature and the highest temperature, but also the magnetic material arranged between the magnetic material at the lowest temperature and the highest temperature and the magnetic material at the startup temperature, It is preferable to combine the bodies.

(Comparative Example 2)
Here, as Comparative Example 2, a case is assumed where one magnetocaloric material having a wide operating temperature range is used for one magnetic body.

For example, the operating temperature range of the magnetic body 10A is set to 5-20 ° C. by combining three magnetocaloric materials. In Comparative Example 2, it is assumed that instead of this, a magnetocaloric material having a wide operating temperature range of 5 to 20 ° C. is used as one magnetocaloric material.

Even when such a large magnetocaloric material is used, the magnetic body 10A includes the starting temperature (room temperature in the case of room temperature) as the operating temperature range, and the temperature changes from the starting time. However, it is known that a magnetocaloric material having such a wide operating temperature range has a small magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) and a magnetic entropy change of about half or less (for example, Reference 2: “Giant”). enhancement of magnetocaloric effect in metallic glass matrix composite "WANG YongTian et al., Science in China Series G: Physics Mechanics and Astronomy Volume51, Number4 (2008), and the p.337-348 especially lower left graph in Figure4 in this reference 2. Table 1).

In the first place, a magnetocaloric material generates heat or absorbs heat due to a change in entropy accompanying a change in magnetic field. Therefore, this magnetic entropy change (ΔSm (J · kg ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ )) determines the amount of temperature change (ΔT) that changes due to the application and removal of magnetism. For this reason, if this magnetic entropy change (ΔSm (J · kg ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ )) becomes small, the temperature change range (ΔT) also becomes small.

The magnetic air conditioner is a device that makes a magnetic calorific material contact a heat source (low temperature source or high temperature source) and moves the heat. Then, when it is assumed that one magnetocaloric material having a wide operating temperature range is brought into contact with the heat source and heat transfer is performed, the temperature change amount (ΔT) is small even if the operating temperature range can be widened. For this reason, the amount of heat transfer is small, and it takes time for the magnetic air conditioner to reach a steady state.

In this regard, in this embodiment, by configuring a single magnetic body with a plurality of magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges, the magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) of each magnetocaloric material itself can be increased. The changing temperature (ΔT) of the magnetocaloric material can also be increased. For this reason, in this embodiment, compared with the comparative example 2, heat can be moved enough and it can be rapidly made into the temperature of a steady state.

(Comparative Example 3)
Further, as in Comparative Example 3, each magnetic body is composed of one magnetocaloric material having a large temperature change range (ΔT) as in Patent Document 2 which is a conventional technique, and the operating temperature range of adjacent magnetic bodies is also included. Assuming that the temperature range that overlaps with is large.

In this case, if the temperature change of the entire cooling / heating apparatus, that is, the temperature range in which heat can be transported is narrow, the temperature at startup can be included in all the magnetic materials. For example, in the example of Patent Document 2, the temperature change of each magnetic material is 10 ° C., so that heat can be transported from 287 K (14 ° C.) to 305 K (32 ° C.) with three magnetic materials as a whole. It has become. If the room temperature is 20 ° C. (about 293 K), the room temperature is included in the temperature change range of each magnetic material, and it takes time to reach a steady state.

However, if this is set to a temperature change range of 5 ° C. (about 278 K) to 35 ° C. (about 308 K) as the whole cooling and heating apparatus as in this embodiment, more magnetic materials are required. For this reason, if it is going to obtain the wide temperature change range as the whole magnetic air conditioning apparatus, many magnetic bodies will be needed and the whole apparatus will enlarge. In addition, when many magnetic materials are used, it is necessary to use a magnetic material that does not include the startup temperature in the operating temperature range on the low temperature side or the high temperature side.

In this regard, in this embodiment, since each magnetic body is combined with a magnetocaloric material having a different operating temperature range, no matter how wide the temperature change of the entire cooling / heating apparatus is, all the magnetic bodies are kept at the starting temperature. And can be quickly brought to a steady state temperature.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, another embodiment of a magnetic air conditioner using a plurality of magnetic bodies will be described as a second embodiment using the above principle.

FIG. 14 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the magnetic air conditioner according to the second embodiment, and shows a state seen through from above so that the positional relationship of the magnetic body, the permanent magnet forming the magnetic circuit, and the heat transfer unit can be understood. It is a figure. 15A to 15B are top views of the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate and the magnet arrangement plate constituting the magnetic air conditioner shown in FIG. 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the magnetic air conditioner shown in FIG. 14 (A is a cross-sectional view of the magnet arrangement plate 800 portion, and B is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 portion). FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining how heat moves when the magnet / heat transfer section arrangement plate of the magnetic cooling / heating apparatus is rotated. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the magnetic air conditioner according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 18, the description of the drive unit shown in FIG. 16 is omitted for easy understanding of the invention.

This magnetic air conditioner uses the same principle as the magnetic refrigeration shown in FIG. In order to perform magnetic refrigeration using this principle, it is configured as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the magnetic air conditioner 500 according to the second embodiment includes a hollow disc-shaped magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 (in particular, see FIG. 15A) having an open center portion, and a center portion. Has a hollow disk-shaped magnet arrangement plate 800 (see FIG. 15B in particular). The magnetic body / heat transfer section arrangement plate 700 has a low temperature side heat exchange section 40A disposed at the center thereof and a high temperature side heat exchange section 40B disposed at the outer periphery thereof. The magnet arrangement plate 800 has two discs, an upper disc 800A and a lower disc 800B, which are arranged with a gap (see particularly FIG. 16).

In the magnetic cooling / heating device 500, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800 are arranged concentrically (see particularly FIGS. 14, 16, and 17). The magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is inserted between the upper disc 800A and the lower disc 800B of the magnet arrangement plate 800 (see particularly FIGS. 16 and 17). The low temperature side heat exchanging unit 40A is arranged at the center of the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800. The high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B is arranged on the outer periphery of the magnetic body / heat transfer part arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800 (see particularly FIGS. 14, 16, and 17).

In the second embodiment, since it is assumed that a positive magnetic body is disposed on the magnetic body / heat transfer section disposition plate 700, the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A is disposed at the center thereof, and the outer peripheral portion thereof. The high temperature side heat exchange part 40B is arrange | positioned. When a negative magnetic material is arranged on the magnetic material / heat transfer part arrangement plate 700, the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B is arranged at the center, and the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A is arranged at the outer periphery thereof. The arrangement of the low temperature side heat exchanging part 40A and the high temperature side heat exchanging part 40B differs depending on which of the positive and negative magnetic substances is used for the magnetic substance / heat transfer part arrangement plate 700.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is a hollow disc having an opening at the center thereof, and the opening diameter at the center is larger than the diameter of the columnar low temperature side heat exchange portion 40A. Slightly larger. In addition, the diameter of the magnetic body / heat transfer part arrangement plate 700 is the same as the inner circumference of the cylindrical high temperature side heat exchange part 40B.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is fixed to the high temperature side heat exchange portion 40B. Not shown between the magnetic body / heat transfer section arrangement plate 700 and the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B so that heat does not move between the magnetic body / heat transfer section arrangement plate 700 and the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B. It is preferable to interpose a heat insulating material.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 16B, a plurality of magnetic bodies are annularly and radially formed on one side of the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 (opposing surface of the disc 800A). . In the second embodiment, twelve magnetic units 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G are arranged adjacent to the region on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 divided at a central angle of 30 ° in the circumferential direction. ..., 200L is formed. And the heat transfer part is arrange | positioned between all the magnetic bodies, between a magnetic body and the low temperature side heat exchange part, and between the magnetic body and the high temperature side heat exchange part (after-mentioned).

Each magnetic body unit 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G,..., 200L has six magnetic bodies arranged from the center of the magnetic body / heat transfer section arrangement plate 700 toward the outer periphery. That is, six magnetic bodies are arranged in a row from the central portion toward the outer peripheral portion. For example, the magnetic body unit 200A arranges magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ab, 10Ac, 10Ad, 10Ae, and 10Af, and the magnetic body unit 200B arranges magnetic bodies 10Ba, 10Bb, 10Bc, 10Bd, 10Be, and 10Bf, respectively.

The six magnetic bodies constituting each magnetic unit are all positive magnetic bodies whose temperature rises when magnetism is applied. It is composed of a magnetocaloric material suitable for each operating temperature range.

In each magnetic body unit, two magnetic bodies form a set to form a magnetic body block. For example, in the magnetic unit 200A, the magnetic bodies 10Aa and 10Ab form the magnetic body block 100Aa, the magnetic bodies 10Ac and 10Ad form the magnetic body block 100Ab, and the magnetic bodies 10Ae and 10Af form the magnetic body block 100Ac. In the magnetic unit 200B, the magnetic bodies 10Ba and 10Bb form the magnetic body block 100Ba, the magnetic bodies 10Bc and 10Bd form the magnetic body block 100Bb, and the magnetic bodies 10Be and 10Bf form the magnetic body block 100Bc.

Therefore, in the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 of the second embodiment, each of the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G, ..., 200L has three magnetic body blocks 100Aa-100Ab-100Ac, 100Ba- 100Bb-100Bc,... Each of the magnetic blocks 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ba, 100Bb, 100Bc,... Has two magnetic bodies, 10Aa-10Ab, 10Ac-10Ad, 10Ae-10Af, 10Ba-10Bb, 10Bc-10Bd, 10Be-10Bf ... is formed.

When attention is paid to one magnetic body unit 200A of the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 of Embodiment 2, the magnetic body unit 200A is formed of six magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ab, 10Ac, 10Ad, 10Ae, and 10Af. . These magnetic bodies have three magnetic body blocks 100Aa, 100Ab, and 100Ac. These magnetic blocks are formed of a set of two magnetic bodies 10Aa-10Ab, 10Ac-10Ad, and 10Ae-10Af. The magnetic body units 200B to 200L are formed in the same manner as the magnetic body unit 200A. For this reason, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 of Embodiment 2 has a configuration equivalent to that obtained by arranging the magnetic body units 200 shown in FIG. 1A in 12 rows in parallel.

The magnetic body 10Aa used in the second embodiment may be directly formed on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700. However, in order to effectively use the magnetocaloric effect, the magnetic body 10Aa,. The heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is preferably made of a material having a large thermal resistance. This is because if the thermal resistance is small, the heat generated by the magnetic bodies 10Aa,... Will be dissipated through the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700. Further, in order to increase the thermal resistance, the magnetic bodies 10Aa,... Are not directly formed on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700, but the magnetic bodies 10Aa,. A heat insulating film or a heat insulating layer may be provided between the two.

Further, the magnetic bodies 10Aa,... May be integrally formed on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 as a magnetic unit 200A,... Via a heat insulating film or a heat insulating layer. Further, the magnetic material blocks 100Aa,... May be divided and formed via a heat insulating film or a heat insulating layer, and arranged on the magnetic material / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700.

The magnetic bodies 10Aa,... Are the same as those in the first embodiment as already described in the second embodiment. Similarly, La _x Ca _1-x MnO ₃ , La (Fe _1-x Si _x ) ₁₃ H _{y and the} like can be used for the material composition.

In the second embodiment, the shape of the magnetic bodies 10Aa,... Is as shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15A, FIG. A shape such as a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, or an elliptical columnar shape may be employed.

As described above, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 includes the magnetic body unit 200A in which the magnetic bodies 10Aa... Of the same material are arranged in a plurality of rows in the radial direction. In the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700, a plurality of the magnetic body units 200A are arranged in an annular shape adjacent to each other at intervals in the circumferential direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the magnetic bodies 10Aa,.

The magnetic unit 200A includes magnetic body blocks 100Aa,... In which magnetic bodies 10Aa,... Of the same material are arranged in a radial direction at intervals in a plurality of rows, and the magnetic body blocks 100Aa are arranged as magnetic bodies 10Aa,. They are formed in a plurality of rows with intervals in the direction.

In the magnetic body unit 200A of the magnetic body / heat transfer section arrangement plate 700, between all the magnetic bodies 10Aa, between the magnetic bodies 10Aa and the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A, between the magnetic body 10Af and the high temperature side heat exchange. A heat transfer portion is disposed between the portions 40B. This heat exchange unit has the same configuration as that described in the first or second embodiment. That is, the heat transfer units 30Ba, 30Ab, 30Bc, 30Ad, 30Be, 30Af, and 30Bg are arranged in the direction from the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A to the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. The same applies to the magnetic body unit 200B. Heat transfer is performed between all the magnetic bodies 10Aa, between the magnetic bodies 10Aa and the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, and between the magnetic body 10Af and the high-temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. The parts 30Aa, 30Bb, 30Ac, 30Bd, 30Ae, 30Bf, and 30Ag are arranged (see FIG. 15A).

Here, in the magnetic unit 200A, the heat transfer units 30Ab, 30Ad, and 30Af are simultaneously in a heat transfer state (ON), and at that time, the heat transfer units 30Ba, 30Bc, 30Be, and 30Bg are in a heat insulation state (OFF). Conversely, the heat transfer units 30Ab, 30Ad, and 30Af are simultaneously insulative (off), and at that time, the heat transfer units 30Ba, 30Bc, 30Be, and 30Bg are in the heat transfer state (on). The same applies to the magnetic unit 200B, and the heat transfer units 30Bb, 30Bd, and 30Bf are simultaneously in a heat transfer state (ON), and at that time, the heat transfer units 30Aa, 30Ac, 30Ae, and 30Ag are in a heat insulation state (OFF). Conversely, the heat transfer units 30Bb, 30Bd, and 30Bf are simultaneously insulative (off), and at that time, the heat transfer units 30Aa, 30Bc, 30Ae, and 30Ag are in the heat transfer state (on). That is, in the figure, when the heat transfer part of the subscript A of 30 is simultaneously turned on, the heat transfer part of the subscript B is simultaneously turned off or vice versa.

In FIG. 14, in order to provide an explanation of the operation, the heat transfer unit that is in the heat transfer state (ON) in the illustrated operation state is indicated by a symbol. However, as already described, the heat transfer units are all the same. The structure is between all the magnetic bodies, between the heat exchange part and the magnetic body.

Since the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is configured as described above, the low temperature side heat exchanging portion 40A has the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C formed on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700. ,..., 200G,..., 200L are adjacent to the magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ba,. Further, the high temperature side heat exchanging portion 40B is formed of the magnetic body 10Af located at the other end of the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200L formed on the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700, 10Bf,... Also in all the magnetic units, heat transfer portions 30Ba, 30Ab... Or 30Aa, 30Bb,.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the magnet arrangement plate 800 is a hollow disc having an opening at the center thereof, and the opening diameter of the center is slightly larger than the diameter of the columnar low temperature side heat exchange portion 40A. is there. Moreover, the diameter of the magnet arrangement | positioning board 800 is made a little smaller than the dimension of the inner periphery of the cylindrical high temperature side heat exchange part 40B. This is because the magnet arrangement plate 800 can rotate between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the magnet arrangement plate 800 includes two upper and lower disks 800 </ b> A that are magnetically connected with a gap therebetween to sandwich the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700. It is composed of 800B.

The upper and lower two disks 800A and 800B can be separately rotated around the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, and the bearings provided in the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the upper and lower two discs It is supported by bearings provided at the outer peripheral ends of the disks 800A and 800B. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper disk 800A is rotatably supported by bearings 520Aa and 520Ab, and the lower disk 800B is rotatably supported by bearings 520Ba and 520Bb. Therefore, the upper disk 800A can rotate separately from the lower disk 800B.

The support board 530 is arrange | positioned so that the magnet arrangement | positioning board 800 may be surrounded. The support board 530 fixes servo motors 540A and 540B for separately rotating the upper and lower disks 800A and 800B. The servo motor 540A is fixed to a portion facing the upper disc 800A of the support plate 530, and the servo motor 540B is fixed to a portion facing the lower disc 800B of the support plate 530. Gears 550A and 550B are attached to the respective rotation shafts of the servo motors 540A and 540B. A ring gear 560A that meshes with the gear 550A is attached to the outer periphery of the upper disk 800A. A ring gear 560B that meshes with the gear 550B is attached to the outer periphery of the lower disc 800B. The servo motors 540A and 540B, the gears 550A and 550B, and the ring gears 560A and 560B constitute a drive unit.

When the servo motor 540A rotates, the ring gear 560A meshing with the gear 550A rotates and the upper disk 800A rotates. When the servo motor 540B rotates, the ring gear 560B meshing with the gear 550B rotates to rotate the lower disk 800B. When the servo motors 540A and 540B are rotated in synchronization, the upper and lower disks 800A and 800B rotate together.

In the second embodiment, the servo motors 540A and 540B are rotated synchronously. Therefore, the magnet arrangement plate 800 is arranged such that the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700 is sandwiched between the upper and lower disks 800A and 800B with the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A as the center, and the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A. It rotates with the high temperature side heat exchange part 40B.

As shown in FIG. 15B, a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged radially and radially on one side of the upper disk 800A forming the magnet arrangement plate 800 (the lower side of the disk 800A shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). It is. The permanent magnets are magnetic body blocks 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ba, 100Bb of the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C, ..., 200G, ..., 200L of the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 shown in Fig. 15A. , 100Bc,... Are arranged so that one permanent magnet faces each other. Each time the magnet arrangement plate 800 rotates 30 ° and moves to the adjacent magnetic body unit, the permanent magnet is moved to the adjacent magnetic body unit 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G,. 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ba, 100Bb, 100Bc,... Reciprocate in the radial direction. Therefore, the permanent magnet individually applies magnetism to the magnetic bodies 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G,.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15A, 15B, and 17, permanent magnets 20Aa, 20Ac, and 20Ae at the corresponding positions of the magnetic body unit 200A in the upper disk 800A of the magnet arrangement plate 800 are The magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 is in a position facing the magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ac, and 10Ae of the magnetic body unit 200A. Further, the permanent magnets 20Ba, 20Bc, and 20Be at the corresponding positions of the magnetic body unit 200B are respectively at positions facing the magnetic bodies 10Bb, 10Bd, and 10Bf of the magnetic body unit 200B. In this state, when the magnet arrangement plate 800 is rotated 30 ° clockwise, the permanent magnets 20Aa, 20Ac, 20Ae at the corresponding positions of the magnetic body unit 200A are opposed to the magnetic bodies 10Ba, 10Bc, 10Be of the magnetic body unit 200B, respectively. It becomes the position to do. In addition, the permanent magnets at the corresponding positions of the magnetic body unit 200L are positions facing the magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, and 10Af of the magnetic body unit 200A. That is, each time the magnet arrangement plate 800 rotates 30 ° clockwise, the permanent magnets reciprocate for each magnetic body block in each of the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C, ..., 200G, ..., 200L. The positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body is the same positional relationship as the positional relationship in FIG. 1A and the positional relationship in FIG. 1B are repeated each time the magnet arrangement plate 800 rotates 30 °.

Therefore, when the magnet arrangement plate 800 is moved in the direction in which the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G, ..., 200L are moved, the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body shifts as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 15B and FIG. 17A, the permanent magnets 20Aa, 20Ac, and 20Ae are formed of magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ac, which are positioned at one ends of the respective magnetic body blocks 100Aa, 100Ab, and 100Ac of one adjacent magnetic body unit 200A. Magnetism is simultaneously applied to 10Ae. At this time, the heat transfer portions 30Ab, 30Ad, and 30Af of the magnetic body unit 200A are in a heat transfer state, and the heat transfer portions 30Ba, 30Bc, 30Be, and 30Bg are in a heat insulating state.

As shown in FIGS. 15B and 17B, the permanent magnets 20Ba, 20Bc, and 20Be are magnetic bodies 10Bb and 10Bd located at the other ends of the respective magnetic body blocks 100Ba, 100Bb, and 100Bc of the other adjacent magnetic body unit 200B. 10Bf is simultaneously magnetized. At this time, the heat transfer portions 30Ba, 30Bc, 30Be, and 30Bg of the magnetic body unit 200B are in a heat transfer state, and the heat transfer portions 30Ab, 30Ad, and 30Af are in a heat insulation state.

Also in the other magnetic body units 200C-200L, the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body between two adjacent magnetic body units is the same as in the case of the magnetic body units 200A and 200B. The positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body as described above between two adjacent magnetic body units is referred to as state 1.

Next, when the magnet arrangement plate 800 is rotated clockwise by 30 °, the permanent magnets 20Aa, 20Ac, 20Ae are magnetized at one end of each of the magnetic body blocks 100Ba, 100Bb, 100Bc of the other adjacent magnetic body unit 200B. Magnetism is simultaneously applied to the bodies 10Ba, 10Bc, and 10Be. This state is equivalent to the movement of the permanent magnets 20Ba, 20Bc, 20Be shown in FIG. 17B to the left magnetic bodies 10Ba, 10Bc, 10Be. On the other hand, the permanent magnet present at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200L is simultaneously magnetized to the magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, 10Af located at the other ends of the respective magnetic body blocks 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac of one adjacent magnetic body unit 200A. Apply. This state is equivalent to the movement of the permanent magnets 20Aa, 20Ac, 20Ae shown in FIG. 17A to the right magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, 10Af. Also in the other magnetic body units 200C-200L, the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body between two adjacent magnetic body units changes in the same manner as in the case of the magnetic body units 200A and 200B. The positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body as described above between two adjacent magnetic body units is referred to as state 2.

Thus, every time the magnet arrangement plate 800 rotates 30 °, the above-described state 1 and state 2 are repeated in all the magnetic body units 200A, 200B, 200C,..., 200G,. That is, in each magnetic body unit 200A, 200B, 200C, ..., 200G, ..., 200L, the states of FIGS. 1A and 1B are repeated.

Magnetic protrusions are formed on one side of the lower disk 800B forming the magnet arrangement plate 800 (the upper side of the disk 800B shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). The magnetic protrusions are arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of the permanent magnets arranged on one side of the upper disk 800A. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a magnetic projection 20Ab is arranged corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Aa, a magnetic projection 20Ad is arranged corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Ac, and a magnetic projection 20Af is arranged corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Ae. ing. Further, a magnetic protrusion 20Bb is disposed corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Ba, a magnetic protrusion 20Bd is disposed corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Bc, and a magnetic protrusion 20Bf is disposed corresponding to the permanent magnet 20Be. Receiving the magnetic lines of force from each permanent magnet with magnetic protrusions that confront each other to minimize the magnetic resistance between the permanent magnets and the magnetic protrusions, and to allow the magnetic lines of force from the permanent magnet to pass through the magnetic material without leakage. Because.

The magnet arrangement plate 800 is composed of two magnetically connected flat plates that sandwich the magnetic material / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 with a gap. The permanent magnets disposed on the upper disk 800A and the magnetic protrusions disposed on the lower disk 800B form a magnetic circuit between the upper disk 800A and the lower disk 800B. This magnetic circuit constitutes a magnetic application unit.

In the second embodiment, a permanent magnet is used as means for generating magnetism in the magnetic application unit. However, instead of using a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet or an electromagnet can be used. When the magnetic circuit is composed of an electromagnet, the magnitude of the magnetism applied to the magnetic body can be changed within a certain range, so that the magnetism applying unit can have versatility. However, it is desirable to use a permanent magnet from the viewpoint of energy saving and practicality.

In the second embodiment, permanent magnets are arranged on the upper disc 800A and magnetic projections are arranged on the lower disc 800B. Conversely, magnetic projections are arranged on the upper disc 800A. It is also possible to arrange a permanent magnet on the lower disk 800B. In the second embodiment, both disks are rotated as a unit. However, both disks may be provided separately as long as they are magnetically connected. Since the upper disc 800A and the lower disc 800B are magnetically connected and the permanent magnet and the magnetic projection are provided opposite to each other, the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet can be effectively utilized, and the permanent magnet can be downsized. Weight reduction is possible.

The magnet arrangement plate 800 is preferably made of a low heat transfer material having a large thermal resistance so as not to let the heat generated by the magnetic bodies 10Aa,... And the heat transferred by the heat transfer units 30Aa,.

When the magnet arrangement plate 800 having the above-described configuration rotates with respect to the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700, the heat transfer portions 30Ab,... Transmit heat as follows.

First, when the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic material is in the state 1 shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, the positional relationship between the heat transfer unit 30 and the magnetic material is shown in FIG. 18A at the corresponding position of the magnetic material unit 200A. As shown.

That is, in the state 1, at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200A, the permanent magnet 20Aa is located on the magnetic body 10Aa, the permanent magnet 20Ac is located on the magnetic body 10Ac, and the permanent magnet 20Ae is located on the magnetic body 10Ae (FIG. 17A, (See FIG. 18A). At this time, magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ac, and 10Ae, and no magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, and 10Af, and the magnetism is removed. At this time, the magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ac, and 10Ae generate heat, and the magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, and 10Af absorb heat. At the same time, the heat transfer section 30Ab is in a heat transfer state between the magnetic bodies 10Aa and 10Ab, the heat transfer section 30Ad is in the magnetic bodies 10Ac and 10Ad, and the heat transfer section 30Af is in the heat transfer state between the magnetic bodies 10Ae and 10Af. . For this reason, heat transfer between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic body block is performed. That is, the heat generated by the magnetic bodies 10Aa, 10Ac, and 10Ae due to the magnetocaloric effect is transferred to the magnetic bodies 10Ab, 10Ad, and 10Af, respectively. At this time, heat is not transferred between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the magnetic body 10Aa and between the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B and the magnetic body 10Af. Also, heat transfer between the magnetic blocks is not performed.

Also, at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200B, the positional relationship between the heat transfer section 30 and the magnetic body is as shown in FIG. 17B.

That is, the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200B is such that the permanent magnet 20Ba is located on the magnetic body 10Bb, the permanent magnet 20Bc is located on the magnetic body 10Bd, and the permanent magnet 20Be is located on the magnetic body 10Af (see FIGS. 17B and 18A). At this time, magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10Bb, 10Bd, and 10Bf, and no magnetism is applied to the magnetic bodies 10Ba, 10Bc, and 10Be, and the magnetism is removed. At this time, the magnetic bodies 10Bb, 10Bd, and 10Bf generate heat, and the magnetic bodies 10Ba, 10Bc, and 10Be absorb heat. At the same time, the heat transfer section 30Ba is between the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A and the magnetic body 10Ba, the heat transfer section 30Bc is between the magnetic bodies 10Bb and 10Bc, and the heat transfer section 30Be is between the magnetic bodies 10Bd and 10Be. The heat transfer unit 30Bg is in a heat transfer state between the magnetic body 10Bf and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. Therefore, heat transfer is performed between the adjacent magnetic bodies 10Bb-10Bc, 10Bd-10Be in the adjacent magnetic body blocks 100Ba, 100Bb, 100Bc. Further, heat is generated between the magnetic body 10Ba located at one end of the magnetic body unit 200B and the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and between the magnetic body 10Bf located at the other end of the magnetic body unit 200B and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. Transmission takes place. That is, 10Ba, 10Bc, 10Be are absorbed by the magnetocaloric effect, and the magnetic bodies 10Bb, 10Bd, 10Bf generate heat by the magnetocaloric effect. For this reason, heat moves from the low temperature side heat exchange part 40A to the magnetic body 10Ba, from the magnetic body 10Bb to the magnetic body 10Bc, from the magnetic body 10Bd to the magnetic body 10Be, and from the magnetic body 10Bf to the high temperature side heat exchange part 40B.

As described above, the plurality of magnetism applying units arranged on the magnet arrangement plate 800 are moved relative to the magnet arrangement plate 800 and the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700 by the relative movement between the magnet arrangement plate 800 and the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700. The magnetocaloric effect is developed by moving close to and away from the plurality of magnetic bodies arranged in the plate. In addition, the plurality of heat transfer units arranged on the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700 “switch the heat transfer state and the heat insulation state in accordance with the movement of the magnet arrangement plate 800.

The above state 1 is as shown in FIG. 18A. At the corresponding position of the magnetic unit 200A, heat is transferred between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic block, and between the adjacent magnetic bodies of the adjacent magnetic blocks at the corresponding position of the magnetic unit 200B. In addition, heat is transferred between the magnetic body positioned at one end of the magnetic unit 200B and the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and between the magnetic body positioned at the other end of the magnetic unit 200B and the high-temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. .

When the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body is in the state 1 shown in FIG. 18, the relationship between the heat transfer state of the heat transfer unit and the magnetic body is as shown in FIG. 17A at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200A. It is equivalent. At the same time, at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200B, the relationship between the heat transfer state of the heat transfer section and the magnetic body is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 17B.

Next, when the magnet arrangement plate 800 is rotated 30 ° clockwise and the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body is in the state 2 shown in FIG. 18B, the heat transfer section 30 is at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200A. The positional relationship between the magnetic body and the magnetic body is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 17B. At the same time, at the corresponding position of the magnetic unit 200B, the positional relationship between the heat transfer section 30 and the magnetic body is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 17A. The positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body in the state 2 is obtained by reversing the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body in the state 1 between adjacent magnetic units.

State 2 above is as shown in FIG. 18B. At the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200A, between the adjacent magnetic bodies of the adjacent magnetic body blocks, between the magnetic body located at one end of the magnetic body unit 200A and the low-temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, and between the magnetic body units 200A. Heat is transmitted between the magnetic body located at the other end and the high temperature side heat exchanging section 40B, and heat is transmitted between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic body block at the corresponding position of the magnetic body unit 200B. .

As described above, when the heat transfer portion of the magnet arrangement plate 800 is in the state 1, the heat transfer portion transfers heat between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic block of one adjacent magnetic body unit and the other magnetic body. Between adjacent magnetic bodies of adjacent magnetic body blocks of the body unit, between the magnetic body located at one end of the other magnetic body unit and the low temperature side heat exchange section, and at the other end of the other magnetic body unit Heat is transferred between the magnetic body located at the high temperature side and the high temperature side heat exchange part. In state 2, heat is transferred between adjacent magnetic bodies in each magnetic block of the other adjacent magnetic body unit, and adjacent magnetic bodies of adjacent magnetic body blocks of one magnetic body unit are transferred. And between the magnetic body located at one end of the one magnetic body unit and the low-temperature side heat exchange section and between the magnetic body located at the other end of the one magnetic body unit and the high-temperature side heat exchange section. Heat to and from.

The drive unit shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 has a magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 for relatively moving the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800 in the arrangement direction of the magnetic body unit. Alternatively, either one of the magnet arrangement plates 800 is rotated. Any type of electric motor can be used as the drive unit as long as it can rotate the magnetic body / heat transfer unit arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800. In the present embodiment, the magnet arrangement plate 800 is rotated with its central portion as the rotation axis.

The low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B are provided with a mechanism capable of exchanging heat with an external environment such as indoor air. For example, a mechanism may be adopted in which a refrigerant is supplied from the outside and heat exchange with the external environment can be performed via the refrigerant.

The magnetic air conditioner 500 according to the present embodiment configured as described above performs magnetic refrigeration as follows.

First, when the drive unit is operated to rotate the magnet arrangement plate 800 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, that is, FIG. 18A and FIG. The state of 18B will be repeated. That is, state 1 and state 2 are repeated. By repeating this, in each magnetic unit, heat is transferred from the low temperature side heat exchange section 40A to the high temperature side heat exchange section 40B.

At this time, also in the second embodiment, since the magnetocaloric material having the starting temperature within the operating temperature range is combined with at least the lowest temperature side and the higher temperature side magnetic body, the steady state is reached quickly from the startup time. Can do. That is, the steady state is reached while the number of rotations of the magnet arrangement plate 800 is small compared to a magnetic air conditioner having the same configuration using a conventional magnetic body.

When the final steady state is reached, the temperature of the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A can be lowered and the temperature of the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B can be increased, and the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B can be increased. A temperature difference can be produced between them.

In the case of configuring a magnetic air conditioner with a large refrigerating capacity, the number of magnetic blocks arranged in series is increased and connected to the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B. By increasing the number of magnetic blocks arranged in series, the temperature difference between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the high temperature side heat exchange unit 40B can be increased. In such a case, a magnetocaloric material whose starting temperature is within the operating temperature range is combined with at least the lowest temperature side and the higher temperature side magnetic body. In addition, in the case of a magnetic cooling / heating device with a large refrigerating capacity, not only the magnetic material at the lowest temperature side and the high temperature side, but also the magnetic material arranged between the magnetic material at the lowest temperature side and the high temperature side and the magnetic material at the starting temperature. In this case, it is preferable to combine magnetic materials having a starting temperature.

The magnetic air conditioner according to the second embodiment is applied to an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning, a refrigerator, an air conditioner that performs air conditioning in a vehicle interior, in addition to a vehicle refrigeration apparatus (particularly a fuel cell or secondary battery cooling apparatus). be able to.

In the second embodiment, an example in which permanent magnets and magnetic protrusions are arranged on the magnet arrangement plate 800 is illustrated. Thus, if a permanent magnet and a magnetic protrusion are integrally formed, the magnet arrangement | positioning board 800 can be reduced in size and weight.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800 are illustrated in a disk shape, and both plates are relatively rotated. And the magnet arrangement | positioning board 800 may be made into flat form, and both plates may be reciprocated relatively linearly.

When the magnetic cooling / heating apparatus is configured as described above, magnetic refrigeration can be performed only by relatively moving the magnetic body / heat transfer portion arrangement plate 700 and the magnet arrangement plate 800 in the arrangement direction of the magnetic body unit. The configuration of the magnetic air conditioner can be simplified, and downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be realized.

Next, an example of the heat conduction unit used in the second embodiment will be described. Here, as the heat conducting portion, a member that can switch between conduction and interruption of heat without moving itself is used. Hereinafter, a heat conduction part that switches between conduction and interruption of heat without such movement is referred to as a heat switch part.

The thermal switch section includes, for example, materials and devices whose thermal conductivity changes greatly by applying electricity and a magnetic field, and those which change the thermal conductivity by taking in and out liquid metal due to the electric wetting effect.

Further, in each of the following forms, the magnetic body described as Embodiment 1 is used as the magnetic body.

<Form 1 of thermal switch part>
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first form of the thermal switch section.

In the illustrated magnetic air conditioner, the thermal switch unit 30A is disposed between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A and the magnetic body 10A, and the thermal switch unit 30B is disposed between the magnetic body 10A and the magnetic body 10B. Here, the heat switch units 30A and 30B are configured to switch between transmission and interruption of heat in the same manner as the heat conduction unit in the first and second embodiments (here, the same reference numerals as those of the heat conduction unit described above are also used for the heat switch unit). Attached). Moreover, although not shown in figure, thermal switch part 30A and 30B demonstrated here are arrange | positioned also between other magnetic bodies and between a magnetic body and a high temperature side heat exchange part.

As shown in FIG. 19, thermal switch portions 30A and 30B are arranged on both opposing surfaces of the magnetic body 10A. The thermal switch parts 30A and 30B are integrated on both opposing surfaces of the magnetic body 10A by bonding or adhesion. The low temperature side heat exchange part 40A and the magnetic body 10B exist on both sides of the magnetic body 10A. The heat conducting unit 30A is bonded or bonded to the low temperature side heat exchanging unit 40A and the magnetic body 10A, and the thermal switch unit 30B is bonded or bonded to the magnetic body 10A and the magnetic body 10B. Therefore, the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, the thermal switch unit 30A, the magnetic body 10A, the thermal switch unit 30B, and the magnetic body 10B are integrated.

(Operation of thermal switch)
When the magnetism of about 9 Tesla is applied to the thermal switch units 30A and 30B, the thermal conductivity becomes larger than before the application. The change in the magnitude of the thermal conductivity ranges from 100 times to 3000 times. Therefore, the thermal switch units 30A and 30B have extremely low thermal conductivity unless magnetism is applied, and do not conduct heat among the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, the magnetic body 10A, and the magnetic body 10B that are connected. On the other hand, when the magnetism is applied to the thermal switch units 30A and 30B, the thermal conductivity becomes extremely large, and heat is conducted between the low temperature side heat exchange unit 40A, the magnetic body 10A, and the magnetic body 10B that are connected.

As shown in FIG. 19, the thermal switch sections 30A and 30B include an insulator and a transition body that undergoes a phase transition to metal by applying and removing magnetism. The transition body includes at least one or more types of charge alignment insulators. Therefore, when magnetism is applied to the transition body, the phase transition to the metal occurs and the thermal conductivity becomes relatively large. Further, when magnetism is removed from the transition body, the phase transition to an insulator causes a relatively small thermal conductivity.

In the case of FIG. 19, since magnetism is not applied to the thermal switch part 30A, the thermal switch part 30A has a property as an insulator, and it becomes difficult for conduction electrons to flow, and the low temperature side heat exchange part 40A and the magnetic substance 10A Heat is not conducted between the two. On the other hand, since magnetism is applied to the thermal switch unit 30B by the permanent magnets 21BH and 26BH, the thermal switch unit 30B has a property as a metal, and conduction electrons easily flow, and the magnetic body 10A and the magnetic body 10B. Heat is conducted between them. In general, it is known that phonons and conduction electrons are responsible for heat conduction of solids. That is, here, the flow of conduction electrons is controlled by magnetism.

According to the results of research to elucidate the mechanism of phase transition from insulator to metal by applying magnetism, the following report was made.

Among transition metal oxides, there are many insulators called charge alignment insulators, where electrons are repelled and localized due to the presence of a large amount of electrons and a strong correlation between the electrons. ing. In a charge alignment insulator, an external field that directly affects the properties (degrees of freedom) of electrons other than charges, such as the spin and orbit of electrons, causes a phase change from an insulator called a charge alignment insulator to a metal. In particular, when magnetism acts on electron spin, it moves a large amount of localized electrons like an avalanche, causing the insulator to phase change to metal. According to the report, when neodymium strontium manganese oxide was used, the electrical resistivity was 500 Ωm at a temperature of 10 K (−236 ° C.) 2.4 Tesla, but it was an insulator, but the electrical resistance was 9 Tesla. It was shown that the rate decreased by about 4 digits to 0.2Ωm. The thermal switch unit of the present embodiment actively utilizes this phenomenon to configure a magnetic air conditioning apparatus. In the present embodiment, Gd _0.55 Sr _0.45 MnO and Pr _0.5 Ca _0.5 MnO ₃ are used as the charge alignment insulator that is metallized when magnetism is applied.

Thus, when the thermal switch portion is formed of a transition body including a charge alignment insulator, the magnitude of thermal conductivity can be greatly changed by applying and removing magnetism, and the thermal switch section can function as a thermal switch. When the thermal switch portions 30A and 30B whose thermal conductivity changes due to the application and removal of magnetism are used, the heat conduction with the adjacent magnetic body can be interrupted only by the application and removal of magnetism. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the heat switch part (heat conduction part) itself, and to insert / remove between the heat exchanger and the magnetic body, and between the magnetic bodies. Reliability is also improved.

<Thermal switch part 2>
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a form 2 of the thermal switch section.

The thermal switch unit 130 according to the second form of the thermal switch unit is configured by the electrodes 31A and 31B attached to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B and the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 attached between the electrodes 31A and 31B. One surface of the electrode 31A is attached to one surface of the magnetic body 10A by bonding or adhesion. One surface of the electrode 31B is attached to one surface of the magnetic body 10B by bonding or adhesion. Similarly, both surfaces of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 are attached to the other surfaces of the electrode 31A and the electrode 31B by bonding or adhesion. Therefore, the magnetic body 10A, the thermal switch unit 130, and the magnetic body 10B are integrated. Although not shown in the drawing, the other magnetic body and the thermal switch part constituting the air conditioning apparatus are also integrated by bonding or bonding as described above. Further, the heat switch unit disposed between the magnetic body and the heat exchanger is also integrated by bonding or bonding as described above (hereinafter, the same applies to other forms).

The electrodes 31A and 31B are made of metal (such as a simple metal or an alloy) such as aluminum or copper having good conductivity. Since heat is conducted between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B via the electrodes 31A and 31B, the electrodes 31A and 31B are preferably made of a metal having a higher thermal conductivity.

As the adhesive for adhering the electrodes 31A and 31B to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B and the metal / insulating phase transition body 32, one having a high thermal conductivity is used. For example, an adhesive having improved thermal conductivity in which metal powder is mixed with the adhesive to such an extent that adhesion is not hindered is used.

When a voltage is applied to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32, the phase transition from the insulator to the metal increases, and the thermal conductivity increases. Conversely, when the voltage is cut off, the phase transition from the metal to the insulator causes a small thermal conductivity. It has the property which becomes. An insulator exhibiting a phase transition between a metal and an insulator is an inorganic oxide mott insulator or an organic mott insulator. The inorganic oxide Mott insulator includes at least a transition metal element. As Mott insulators, LaTiO ₃ , SrRuO ₄ , and BEDT-TTF (TCNQ) are known. Currently known devices capable of phase transition between metal and insulator include a ZnO single crystal thin film electric double layer FET and a TMTSF / TCNQ stacked FET element. Heat can be transferred by thermionic and lattice crystals. The ZnO single crystal thin film electric double layer FET and the TMTSF / TCNQ stacked FET element utilize the property that the thermal electrons move actively when a voltage is applied. Here, the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 includes an inorganic oxide mott insulator containing at least a transition metal element, an organic mott insulator, a ZnO single crystal thin film electric double layer FET, a TMTSF / TCNQ stacked FET element, etc. A material whose thermal conductivity changes greatly by application removal is used.

As shown in FIG. 20, when a DC voltage V is applied between the electrodes 31A and 31B, the thermal conductivity of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 becomes relatively large, and between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B. Heat transfer occurs. On the other hand, when the DC voltage V between the electrodes 31A and 31B is removed, the thermal conductivity of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 becomes relatively small, and the heat transfer between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B is prevented. Is done. Therefore, the thermal switch unit 130 is a thermal switch that controls the movement of heat by applying and removing voltage.

Since the thermal conduction of the thermal switch sections 30A-30G can be controlled by applying and removing voltage, heat can be transported without sliding the thermal switch section between the magnetic bodies. For this reason, it is not necessary to give the thermal switch part sliding durability, and the reliability of the thermal switch part is improved. Moreover, the mechanical loss by friction can be eliminated and the loss for driving a thermal switch part can be reduced. In addition, the thermal switch unit can transport heat only in the direction of alignment with the magnetic material, and the thermal conductivity of the thermal switch unit can be larger than that of the sliding type, so that thermal loss is small when transporting heat. it can. In addition, since the thermal switch unit can connect between the magnetic bodies using all contact surfaces in accordance with the application and removal of voltage, the heat transport capability and the heat transport efficiency can be improved.

The thermal conduction of the thermal switch unit 130 can be interrupted by applying and removing a voltage to the electrodes 31A and 31B. By providing the electrodes 31A and 31B, a voltage can be easily applied to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. Further, when an inorganic oxide Mott insulator, an organic Mott insulator, a ZnO single crystal thin film electric double layer FET, or a TMTSF / TCNQ stacked FET element containing at least a transition metal element is used as the metal / insulating phase transition body 32, Responsiveness of change in conductivity is improved.

<Third form of thermal switch part>
FIG. 21 is an explanatory view for explaining a third form of the thermal switch section.

The thermal switch unit 130 according to the thermal switch unit form 3 further includes auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B in addition to the thermal switch unit 130 (FIG. 20) described in the thermal switch unit form 2. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second form of the thermal switch section.

Auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B are attached to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 by bonding or adhesion. The auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B need not take thermal conductivity into consideration. Further, the adhesive for adhering the auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 need not take thermal conductivity into consideration. This is because thermoelectrons do not pass through the auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B and the adhesive.

The auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B apply a voltage in the orthogonal direction to the electrodes 31A and 31B. When a DC voltage is applied between the auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B, the distribution of electrons in the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 is biased toward the auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B. For this reason, the resistance of the thermoelectrons moving between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B is reduced, and the thermoelectrons easily move. That is, by providing the auxiliary electrodes 33A and 33B, the thermal conductivity of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 can be further increased.

<Thermal switch part form 4>
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a fourth mode of the thermal switch section.

The thermal switch unit 130 according to the fourth form of the thermal switch unit does not include the electrodes 31A and 31B between the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 and the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, and the inside of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. Is provided so that a voltage can be applied from a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the thermoelectrons moving. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second form of the thermal switch section.

Therefore, the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 is directly attached to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B. The metal / insulating phase transition body 32 and the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B are attached by bonding or an adhesive. The adhesive used at this time has a high thermal conductivity.

The electrodes 31A and 31B are attached to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 by bonding or adhesion. The electrodes 31A and 31B do not have to consider thermal conductivity. Further, the adhesive for adhering the electrodes 31A and 31B to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 need not take thermal conductivity into consideration. This is because thermoelectrons do not pass through the electrodes 31A and 31B and the adhesive.

The electrodes 31A and 31B apply a voltage in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the thermoelectrons moving in the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. When a DC voltage is applied between the electrodes 31A and 31B, the distribution of electrons in the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 is shifted in the direction of the electrodes 31A and 31B. For this reason, the resistance of the thermoelectrons moving between the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B is reduced, and the thermoelectrons easily move.

In the cases 2 and 3 of the thermal switch part, since the electrodes 31A and 31B exist in the direction of the passage of the thermoelectrons, the electrodes 31A and 31B become obstacles for the thermoelectrons. For this reason, the presence of the electrodes 31A and 31B works in the direction of decreasing the thermal conductivity. In the case of the form 4 of the thermal switch portion, the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 is directly attached to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B, so the presence of the electrodes 31A and 31B does not work in the direction of lowering the thermal conductivity. Therefore, the thermal conductivity of the thermal switch unit 30 according to the present embodiment is larger than in the case of the thermal switch units 2 and 3.

<Thermal switch part form 5>
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fifth mode of the thermal switch section.

The thermal switch section 130 according to the fifth form of the thermal switch section is configured such that the metal / insulating phase transition body (32) is directly attached to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B so that a DC voltage can be applied to the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B. . The metal / insulating phase transition body and the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B are attached by bonding or an adhesive. An adhesive having a high thermal conductivity is used. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second form of the thermal switch section.

When the magnetic bodies 10A and 10B are used instead of electrodes, the structure is simplified, and the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified. Similarly to the case of the thermal switch unit form 4, the thermal conductivity of the thermal switch unit 30 is larger than that of the thermal switch unit forms 2 and 3.

<Thermal switch form 6>
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a thermal switch section 6.

In the thermal switch section 6, an insulator 34 is added to the thermal switch section 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, an insulator 34 that prevents the movement of thermoelectrons is provided between the electrode 31 </ b> A and the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. In FIG. 24, the insulator 34 is added to the configuration of FIG. 20, but the insulator 34 may be added to the configurations of FIGS. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second form of the thermal switch section.

The insulator 34 is provided to prevent the movement of electrons other than thermal electrons. When a DC voltage is applied between the electrodes 31A and 31B, a current flows between the electrodes 31A and 31B, but in addition to the thermoelectrons that are originally desired to move, electrons that are not involved in heat transport are excessively moved. there is a possibility. In order to prevent the excessive movement of electrons not involved in the heat transport, by attaching the insulator 34 to the metal / insulating phase transition body 32, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the thermal conductivity of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32.

<Thermal switch form 7>
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the form 7 of the thermal switch section.

In the thermal switch part form 7, a polarizing body 35 is added to the thermal switch part 130 of FIG. 22 according to the thermal switch part form 4. Specifically, a polarizing body 35 that promotes the movement of thermoelectrons is disposed between the electrode 31 </ b> A and the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. The polarizing body 35 is formed from at least one of a dielectric and an ionic liquid. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the thermal switch unit 4.

The polarizing body 35 takes out electrons moving in the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 and injects electrons into the metal / insulating phase transition body 32. For this reason, the distribution state of the electrons in the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 changes, and thermal electrons easily flow. By disposing the polarization body 35, the thermal conductivity of the metal / insulating phase transition body 32 can be further increased.

When the thermal switch 130 whose thermal conductivity changes as a result of applying or removing voltage is used, as in forms 2 to 7 of the thermal switch, thermal conduction with the adjacent magnetic material is intermittently applied only by applying or removing voltage. Can be made. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the heat switch part itself and insert / remove between the heat exchanger and the magnetic body, and between the magnetic bodies, so that the durability of the heat switch part is improved and at the same time the reliability is improved. .

<Thermal switch part form 8>
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal switch portion for explaining the configuration of the thermal switch portion in Embodiment 8 of the thermal switch portion. FIG. 27 is a plan view of the thermal switch part for explaining the configuration of the thermal switch part in the eighth form of the thermal switch part (a view of arrow A in FIG. 26).

The thermal switch part of the present embodiment utilizes an electric wetting (electrowetting) effect.

Here, the thermal switch unit 230 provided between the magnetic body 10 and the adjacent magnetic body 10 'will be described as an example. The magnetic body 10 and the magnetic body 10 'adjacent thereto described here correspond to the magnetic body 10A in FIG. 1 as 10B, 10C and 10D, 10E and 10F. Moreover, it corresponds similarly to the low temperature side heat exchange part 40A and the magnetic body 10A, the magnetic body 10F, and the high temperature side heat exchange part 40B. However, in that case, one of the magnetic bodies 10 or 10 'becomes the low temperature side heat exchange part 40A or the high temperature side heat exchange part 40B.

The thermal switch unit 230 includes a first electrode structure 11 in contact with the magnetic body 10, a second electrode structure 21 in contact with the magnetic body 10 ′, and a gap between the first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21. 20 and the liquid metal 18 withdrawn into and out of the gap 20. In addition, a liquid reservoir 17 that stores the liquid metal 18 is provided at one end of the gap 20. In the gap 20, the end opposite to the one end where the liquid reservoir 17 is provided is an open end.

The first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21 have the same structure and have a symmetrical structure with the gap 20 as the center line. The first electrode structure 11 includes a first electrode 12, a dielectric 13, a second electrode 14, and a liquid repellent coating layer 15 in order from the magnetic body 10 side. Similarly, the second electrode structure 21 includes the first electrode 12, the dielectric 13, the second electrode 14, and the liquid repellent coating layer 15 in this order from the magnetic body 10 'side. That is, when the gap 20 is taken as the center, both the first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21 are in order from the gap 20 side, the liquid repellent coating layer 15, the second electrode 14, the dielectric 13, and the first electrode 12. It is arranged to become.

A lower substrate 16 is provided below the entire magnetic material. The lower substrate 16 has a liquid reservoir 17 communicating with the gap 20.

The second electrode 14 extends into the liquid reservoir 17 and can be electrically connected to the liquid metal 18. On the other hand, the first electrode 12 is insulated from the liquid reservoir 17. That is, the first electrode 12 is insulated from the liquid metal 18.

As a result, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 have a capacitor structure with the dielectric 13 between them, and this acts as a capacitor of the liquid metal 18 and the first electrode 12 (details). Later).

The upper substrate 100 on which wirings led from the first and second electrodes 12 and 14 are formed is provided above the first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21. The upper substrate 100 is separated and insulated by the extension of the gap 20 on the first electrode structure 11 side and the second electrode structure 21 side, and the gap is the same as the first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21. 20 is the same structure symmetrical. In the upper substrate 100, the first wiring 111 from the first electrode 12 and the second wiring 112 from the second electrode 14 are insulated by an insulating layer 113. The first and second wirings 111 and 112 are connected to a control device (not shown) of the magnetic air conditioner in order to control the thermal switch unit 230. The control device switches between the heat transfer state and the heat insulation state by the heat switch unit 230 in synchronization with the magnetic movement.

Hereinafter, each part of the thermal switch section will be described in detail.

The first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are conductive, such as copper and aluminum. The shapes of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are the same, and are electrode plates that match the size of the gap 20 (excluding the gap interval).

The dielectric 13 is not particularly limited as long as it is between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 and is a dielectric 13 such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. The shape of the dielectric 13 is the same size as the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14, and the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are not short-circuited.

The liquid repellent coating layer 15 has liquid repellency with respect to the liquid metal 18. The liquid repellent coating layer 15 is preferably conductive. Examples of the material used for the liquid repellent coating layer 15 include a conductive oxide film, a conductive glass material, a conductive ceramic material, and graphene.

Thus, since the liquid repellent coating layer 15 is liquid repellent with respect to the liquid metal 18, the liquid metal 18 can be easily accommodated in the liquid reservoir 17 when no electricity is applied. become. Further, by having conductivity, electricity that has flowed to the second electrode 14 can be directly flowed to the liquid metal 18, which is efficient. Further, when the liquid metal 18 is filled in the gap 20 between the first electrode structure 11 and the second electrode structure 21 by supplying electricity to the second electrode 14, the liquid reservoir 17 can be emptied. The amount of metal 18 used can be reduced.

If a part of the liquid metal 18 always remains in the liquid reservoir 17 and electricity can flow from the second electrode 14 to the liquid metal 18, the liquid repellent coating layer 15 only has liquid repellency and is conductive. It may be non-sexual. Further, an insulating liquid repellent member such as an extremely thin silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film may be formed on the surface of the second electrode 14 on the gap 20 side. If it is an extremely thin silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film, electricity can be passed through the liquid metal 18 by the tunnel effect when electricity is passed through the second electrode 14 even if they are present.

The shape of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 constituted by such a member is large enough to cover the second electrode 14.

Further, a member that is conductive for the second electrode 14 and has a liquid repellent surface may be used. That is, the second electrode 14 itself is formed of a conductive oxide film, a conductive glass material, a conductive ceramic material, graphene, or the like. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a liquid repellent coating layer on the gap side surface of the second electrode 14.

The lower substrate 16 only needs to be insulated from at least the first and second electrodes 12 and 14. For example, an epoxy substrate, a phenol substrate, an ABS resin substrate, or the like is used as a material having insulation properties as a whole. A liquid reservoir 17 is provided on these substrates. In this case, the inner wall surface of the liquid reservoir is made lyophilic so that the liquid metal 18 can be easily stored in the liquid reservoir 17. In order to impart lyophilicity, it is preferable to form a metal film 19 (for example, a metal film of copper, nickel, aluminum, etc.) on the liquid reservoir wall surface.

Further, as the lower substrate 16, for example, a silicon substrate can be used. In the case of using a silicon substrate, first, after the liquid reservoir 17 is formed, an insulating layer (not shown) is formed on the entire surface including the wall surface inside the liquid reservoir 17 with a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, or the like. Then, a metal film 19 (for example, a metal film such as copper, nickel, aluminum or the like, or polysilicon provided with conductivity in the case of a silicon substrate) may be formed in order to make the liquid reservoir 17 lyophilic. It is preferable to do.

The metal film 19 formed in the liquid reservoir 17 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 14.

Note that the metal film 19 in the liquid reservoir 17 may be omitted. As described above, the metal film 19 in the liquid reservoir 17 makes the liquid metal 18 easily stored in the liquid reservoir 17 when the liquid metal 18 is lowered by making the inner wall surface of the liquid reservoir 17 lyophilic. belongs to. For this reason, the metal film 19 may be omitted if the liquid reservoir 17 is sufficiently large and the liquid metal 18 can be smoothly stored even if the inner wall surface of the liquid reservoir 17 is not lyophilic.

Further, the liquid reservoir 17 of the lower substrate 16 is provided with an air hole 25 that does not leak the liquid metal 18 (the function of the air hole 25 will be described later).

The upper substrate 100 has the same configuration on the first electrode structure 11 side and the second electrode structure 21 side, and is electrically connected to the first wiring 111 electrically connected to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14. And a second wiring 112 connected to each other and an insulating layer 113 for insulating and separating them. Further, as already described, the first electrode structure 11 side and the second electrode structure 21 side are insulated and separated by the gap 20, so that the upper substrate 100 is naturally separated from the first electrode structure 11 side by the first electrode structure 11 side. The two electrode structures 21 are provided so as to be separated and have the same configuration. In addition, a liquid repellent coating layer 15 is formed on the portion of each second wiring 112 facing the gap 20. Further, when viewed from above, the gap 20 portion is formed so that the liquid repellent coating layer 15 surrounds the gap 20 as shown in FIG. 27 so that the liquid metal does not leak from the side surface portion 15a of the gap 20. It has become. Although not shown, the side surface portion 15a of the gap 20 has a structure (not shown) that covers the side surface portion of the gap (or the entire side surface including the side surface of the magnetic body) outside the liquid repellent coating layer 15. May be. Such a structure is preferably a non-magnetic, non-conductive member such as resin or ceramic.

A portion of the upper substrate 100 facing the wiring (a portion surrounded by a circle in FIG. 26) is an open end so that the pressure in the gap 20 does not increase or decrease due to the movement of the liquid metal 18. Yes. For this reason, the liquid metal 18 can move in the gap 20 smoothly.

The wirings 111 and 112 used for the upper substrate 100 are made of copper, aluminum or the like, like the first and second electrodes 12 and 14. On the other hand, the insulating layer 113 is preferably an insulator (insulating material) having a dielectric constant lower than that of the dielectric 13 at least.

The wirings 111 and 112 are wirings for applying a voltage to the first and second electrodes 12 and 14. For this reason, the same voltage as that of the first and second electrodes 12 and 14 is applied to the portion where the wiring is opposed (portion near the open end in FIG. 26). Then, if a material having a high dielectric constant is used for the insulating layer 113 of the upper substrate 100, a capacitor structure is formed between the liquid metal 18 and the wiring 112 even in this portion. Then, when the liquid metal 18 rises, there is a possibility that the liquid metal 18 may come from the enclosed portion to the upper side and be discharged at that momentum. In order to prevent this, in the part where the wirings 112 face each other through the gap 20, the liquid metal 18 enters the gap 20 where the wirings 112 face each other by using an insulating material having a low dielectric constant. Is preventing. Specifically, for example, a so-called Low-k material used in a semiconductor device can be used. For example, silicon oxide added with fluorine or carbon, organic polymer, and the like. In addition, any material having a lower dielectric constant than the dielectric 13 used between the first and second electrodes 12 and 14 may be used. These Low-k materials may be used. These Low-k materials are known to have a relative dielectric constant of 3.0 or less with respect to a relative dielectric constant of 4.2 to 4.0 of SiO ₂ .

The portion near the open end where the insulating layer 113 that is an insulator is disposed has a thickness at which the wirings 112 and 113 are insulated. For example, if there is a thickness about the thickness of the dielectric 13 from the upper end of the gap, When the metal 18 rises, it is not discharged from the upper end.

The liquid metal 18 (sometimes referred to as a conductive fluid) is a liquid metal at least in a temperature range in which the magnetic air conditioner is used. For example, galinstan which is a eutectic alloy of gallium, indium and tin can be used. Galinstan is a metal that is liquid at room temperature and has a different melting point depending on the composition of gallium, indium, and tin. For example, a galinstan of 68.5% gallium, 21.5% indium and 10% tin has a melting point: −19 ° C., a boiling point: 1300 ° C. or more, a specific gravity: 6.44 g / cm ³ , and a viscosity: 0.0024 Pa · s ( at 20 ° C.) and thermal conductivity: 16.5 W / (m · K). In addition, various known liquid metals 18 may be used, and those having a high heat transfer coefficient are preferable.

Next, the operation of the thermal switch unit 230 configured as described above will be described.

As described above, the function of the heat switch unit 230 is to transfer and block heat (heat insulation) between magnetic bodies and the like. Since it has such a function, it may be called a thermal switch.

In this embodiment, this thermal switch function is performed by the liquid metal 18 that moves back and forth between the gap 20 and the liquid reservoir 17. Electrowetting is used to move the liquid metal 18 back and forth between the gap 20 and the liquid reservoir 17. The movement of the liquid metal 18 by electrowetting is known per se and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-103363. Therefore, the principle necessary for understanding this embodiment will be described here.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of electrowetting.

Electrowetting is performed by placing a liquid metal 18 (shown here as a droplet) on the surface of a dielectric 301 provided on the electrode plate 300 and applying a voltage between the electrode plate 300 and the liquid metal 18. This is a technique for controlling wettability with the liquid metal 18 on the dielectric surface.

A capacitor is formed between the electrode plate 300 and the liquid metal 18 via a dielectric 301. As shown in FIG. 28A, when a voltage is applied between the electrode plate 300 and the liquid metal 18, the electrostatic energy of the capacitor changes (increases), and the corresponding surface energy of the liquid metal 18 decreases. The surface tension of the liquid metal 18 is reduced. As a result, the contact angle θ with respect to the surface of the liquid metal 18 changes. Here, the contact angle θ refers to an angle between the surface of the dielectric 301 on which the liquid metal 18 is placed and the surface of the liquid metal. The contact angle θ varies in the range of 0 ° to 180 ° depending on the surface tension of the liquid metal 18.

Here, as shown in FIG. 28A (when voltage is applied), when the contact angle θ is 0 ° to 90 °, the surface has good wettability with respect to the liquid metal 18, that is, a lyophilic state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28B (when no voltage is applied), the contact angle θ exceeds 90 ° and is 180 °, which is a state of poor wettability, that is, a liquid repellent state. Electrowetting can change the contact angle θ of the liquid metal 18 placed on the dielectric surface in this way by applying a voltage.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the liquid metal in the gap, and is an enlarged view of the liquid metal portion in the gap.

In this embodiment, the surface on which the liquid metal 18 moves is the liquid repellent coating layer 15 provided to face the gap 20 between the magnetic bodies 10 and 10 '. The liquid repellent coating layer 15 has liquid repellency with respect to the liquid metal 18 as already described. Therefore, if no voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes 12 and 14, the liquid metal 18 has a contact angle of 90 ° or more on the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 as shown in FIG. 29A. It becomes liquid repellency (also called lyophobic).

In this way, the contact angle with the liquid contact surface (the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15) is 90 ° or more, so that the center of the liquid surface of the liquid metal 18 is convex as shown in FIG. 29A. Thus, the contact portion of the liquid metal 18 with the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 is lowered. For this reason, the force that the liquid metal 18 travels along the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 does not work, and the liquid metal 18 does not rise due to capillary action.

This state is the state shown in FIG. 26 for the heat transfer section 30 as a whole, and the liquid metal 18 is in the liquid reservoir 17 and the gap 20 is filled with air. Therefore, the gap 20 filled with air provides a heat insulating state between the magnetic bodies 10 and 10 '.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 in each of the magnetic bodies 10 and 10 ′, the dielectric 13 between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is polarized and statically applied. Electric energy changes (increases). At this time, since the second electrode 14 and the liquid metal 18 are electrically connected, the liquid metal 18 and the first electrode 12 have a capacitor structure with the dielectric 13 interposed therebetween. This structure is the same structure as the capacitor structure of the electrode plate 300 in FIG. 28 and the liquid metal 18 through the dielectric 301, explaining the principle of electrowetting.

For this reason, by applying a voltage between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14, the surface energy of the liquid metal 18 increases, and accordingly, the liquid metal 18 on the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 (dielectric film) is increased. Surface tension is reduced and wettability is improved. As a result, as shown in FIG. 29B, the contact angle θ of the surface of the liquid metal 18 in contact with the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 becomes 90 ° or less. As a result, although the surface tension of the liquid metal 18 itself is lost, the tension that climbs the gap 20 by the capillary phenomenon works. In FIG. 29B, h is the amount of increase from the position (FIG. 29A) on the original liquid level. In FIG. 29, d is the gap interval.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the same portion as FIG. 26, showing a state in which the liquid metal 18 has gone up through the gap 20, that is, a heat transfer state.

As shown in the figure, the liquid metal 18 reaches the position of the upper substrate 100 that is the top of the gap 20. As already described, there is no dielectric between the first wiring 111 and the second wiring 112 of the upper substrate 100 (or the dielectric constant is low) in the gap portion of the upper substrate 100. For this reason, since the electrostatic energy in this portion hardly changes, the wettability of the raised liquid metal 18 does not improve, so the liquid metal 18 does not rise any further.

Then, as the liquid metal 18 rises, the gap 20 is filled with the liquid metal 18, and heat transfer occurs between the magnetic bodies 10 and 10 ′, resulting in a heat transfer state.

Thus, in the thermal switch unit 230 of this embodiment, the heat transfer state in which the liquid metal 18 is filled in the gap 20 provided in the thermal switch unit 230 by electrowetting and the heat insulation state in which the liquid metal 18 is excluded from the gap 20. Can be electrically controlled.

The preferable size of each part constituting the thermal switch part 230 is such that when the gallinstan is used as the liquid metal 18, the gap 20 is preferably 10 μm to 50 μm. The reason why the lower limit is set to 10 is to provide sufficient heat insulation when the liquid metal 18 is lowered and air enters the gap 20 by opening the gap 20 of this level. On the other hand, the upper limit of 50 μm is for maintaining the heat transfer performance when the liquid metal 18 rises and fills the gap 20.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, when the liquid metal 18 rises through the gap 20, the liquid metal 18 comes out from the liquid reservoir 17. At this time, if the liquid reservoir 17 is in a sealed state, the inside of the liquid reservoir 17 becomes a negative pressure (vacuum), so that the liquid metal 18 does not easily go out of the liquid reservoir 17 into the gap 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air hole 25 is provided at the lower end of the liquid reservoir 17. The size of the air hole 25 is set such that the liquid metal 18 does not leak and the inflow and outflow of air occur. The position of the air hole 25 may be other than the lower end of the liquid reservoir 17 and may be arranged so that the liquid metal 18 can easily go out from the liquid reservoir 17 into the gap 20.

Here, in this embodiment, the first and second electrode structures 11 and 21 that face each other with the gap 20 are provided with the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 in parallel with the dielectric 13 interposed therebetween, respectively. Yes. Among these, the capacitor that is constituted by the first electrode 12, the liquid metal 18, and the dielectric 13 between them is acting on the electrowetting. For this reason, as a principle of electrowetting, the second electrode 14 may be omitted as long as a voltage can be applied to the liquid metal 18. For example, an electrode electrically connected to the liquid metal is provided through the lower substrate. In this case, since the second electrode does not exist in the gap, the opposing surface of the gap becomes a dielectric and has liquid repellency with respect to the liquid metal.

However, in such a case (when the second electrode is omitted), the electrode structure is increased or decreased because the liquid metal 18 serving as the counter electrode of the first electrode 12 moves as the capacitor structure. For this reason, the electrostatic energy in the dielectric material that causes the electrowetting action also increases or decreases. Therefore, even if the same voltage is applied, the force for moving the liquid metal is changed by the electrowetting action depending on the rising amount of the liquid metal, and the rising speed of the liquid metal may change (the second electrode is omitted). Even in this case, although the moving speed of the liquid metal may be slightly unstable, it is possible to switch between heat transfer and heat insulation without generating friction as in the case of providing the second electrode).

In this embodiment, since the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are provided in parallel via the dielectric 13, the size of the capacitor by the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is determined by the movement of the liquid metal 18. It does not change. Therefore, even when the same voltage is applied, the transfer speed of the liquid metal is not changed by the movement of the liquid metal, and the heat transfer and the heat insulation can be switched stably.

<Thermal switch section 9>
FIG. 31 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the thermal switch part in the ninth form of the thermal switch part, as seen from the direction corresponding to the arrow A in FIG.

The thermal switch of this embodiment also uses the electric wetting (electrowetting) effect. Therefore, this is a modification of the thermal switch section 8.

In the thermal switch section 9, the blades 31 are arranged on the wall surfaces of the first electrode structure 11 side and the second electrode structure 21 side in the gap 20 of the thermal switch section 230, that is, on the surface of the liquid repellent coating layer 15. Is. The blade 31 extends vertically from the liquid reservoir 17 of the lower substrate 16 in the direction of the upper substrate 100, and the blade 31 on the first electrode structure 11 side and the blade 31 on the second electrode structure 21 side do not contact each other. It has become. The blade 31 itself may be formed, for example, so that the material of the liquid repellent coating layer 15 has the structure of the blade 31 as it is.

Other configurations are the same as those of the thermal switch section 8 and will not be described.

By doing so, the contact surface area between the liquid metal 18 and the wall surface of the first electrode structure 11 and the wall surface of the second electrode structure 21 is increased, and the heat transfer efficiency is improved. Further, since the gap d _B is formed between the blade 31 of the first electrode structure 11 side and the blade 31 of the second electrode structure 21 side, the liquid metal to the blade wall even gap d _B between the blade 31 The surface tension of 18 works and the liquid metal 18 is more likely to rise (when voltage is applied). As the gap d _B also previously described between the blade 31, it is preferably about 10 [mu] m ~ 50 [mu] m.

As in Embodiment 2 described above, the magnetic cooling / heating device can be reduced in size by using a heat switch that can transfer and block heat without moving itself as the heat conducting unit. it can. For example, in order to mount a magnetic air conditioner on-board, downsizing is required, and in order to reduce the size, it is necessary to increase the frequency of the magnetic air conditioner. In order to increase the frequency, it is necessary to conduct heat conduction between magnetic bodies at high speed (for example, about 0.1 second). By the thermal switch unit of the second embodiment, the frequency can be increased by shortening the cycle of turning on and off the voltage.

Note that the thermal switch unit can also be used as a heat transfer member in the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

(1) Among at least one magnetic body arranged in a row, at least one magnetic body has at least two magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges, one of which is Magneto-caloric material including start-up temperature as operating temperature range. For this reason, this magnetic material contains a magnetocaloric material whose starting temperature is within the operating temperature range, so that the temperature changes from the starting time, and the transient characteristics from the starting time to the steady state are improved. A steady state can be achieved in a short time.

(2) The arrangement of each magnetocaloric material when combining a plurality of magnetocaloric materials is arranged in the center with the magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range in the cross section along the direction in which the magnetic bodies are arranged in a line. In addition, a magnetocaloric material that bears the operating temperature range of the magnetic material itself is disposed outside thereof. Thereby, the heat transfer between magnetic bodies can be made efficient.

(3) The arrangement of each magnetocaloric material when combining a plurality of magnetocaloric materials is arranged in the center with the magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range in the cross section along the direction in which the magnetic bodies are arranged in a line. A plurality of the basic arrangements are combined with the basic arrangement of a configuration in which a magnetocaloric material bearing the operating temperature range of the magnetic material itself is arranged on the outside. Thereby, the heat transfer between magnetic bodies can be made efficient.

(4) A magnetic body having at least two magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges in one magnetic body is a magnetic body adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange section and / or the high temperature side heat exchange section. . Thereby, even if it is a magnetic body adjacent to the heat exchange part of the low temperature side or high temperature side which becomes the operating temperature range most distant from the temperature at the time of starting, a temperature changes from the time of starting.

(5) The magnetic body adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange section or the high temperature side heat exchange section is further combined with a magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range of the magnetic body other than itself. As a result, even when the temperature deviates from the start-up temperature and does not reach the operating temperature range of itself, a temperature change is caused by the combined magnetocaloric material. For this reason, it is possible to quickly pass through the middle stage from the start to the steady state to be in the steady state.

(6) By making a plurality of magnetic bodies have the same mass, it is possible to eliminate (or reduce) the difference in heat capacity of each and suppress the variation in heat transfer. And when setting it as the same mass, while being able to make it quick and a steady state by setting the combination rate of the magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range to 5% by mass or more and less than 50% by mass. A stable cooling operation can be performed even after a steady state is reached.

(7) By making the plurality of magnetic bodies have the same volume, it is possible to eliminate (or reduce) the difference in the heat capacities of each and suppress the variation in heat transfer. And when setting it as the same volume, when the magnetocaloric material which bears the operating temperature range of each magnetic body itself is 100 mass%, the magnetocaloric energy including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range with respect to 100 mass%. The combination ratio of the materials is set to 5% by mass or more and less than 50% by mass. As a result, the steady state can be achieved faster and a stable cooling operation can be performed even after the steady state is reached.

Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the magnetic body including the startup temperature as the operating temperature range may be arranged at a biased position, not in the central portion of the row in which a plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, as the magnetic body 10F, a magnetic body including the startup temperature as the operating temperature range is disposed (or conversely, the magnetic body 10A may be set as the startup temperature). In such a case, the magnetic body 10A adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchanging portion is combined with the magnetocaloric material at the start-up temperature, that is, the magnetic calorific material of the magnetic body 10F in this case (in the opposite case, the magnetic calorific value of the magnetic body 10A). Combine material with magnetic body 10F). Of course, in this case as well, a magnetocaloric material in the operating temperature range of the adjacent magnetic material may be further combined. Moreover, you may combine the magnetocaloric material of starting temperature with the magnetic body in the middle. Even in such a case, the steady-state temperature can be reached quickly as in the above-described embodiment.

Also, the magnetic body combined with the magnetocaloric material at the starting temperature is not limited to the magnetic body adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange section or the high temperature side heat exchange section. For example, the magnetocaloric material at the start-up temperature may be combined only with the magnetic body in the middle of the magnetic body adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange section or the high temperature side heat exchange section and the magnetic body in the center. Even in this way, at least one of the magnetic materials whose operating temperature range is out of the starting temperature will cause a temperature change from the starting time, so that the steady state can be reached quickly by just that much. It becomes like this.

In the above-described embodiment, the normal temperature (20 ° C.) is assumed as the temperature at the start-up, but the case where the temperature at the start-up is not necessarily the normal temperature is applicable.

In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention can be modified in various forms determined by matters defined by the scope of claims.

Furthermore, this application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-193449 filed on September 3, 2012, the disclosures of which are referenced and incorporated as a whole.

10, 10A-10F, 10Aa-10Af, 10Ba-10Bf magnetic material,
20A-20F, 20Aa-20Ae, 20Ba-20Be Permanent magnet,
20Ab-20Af Magnetic protrusion,
30, 30A-30G, 30Ab-30Af, 30Ba-30Bg, 230 Heat conduction part (thermal switch part),
40A low temperature side heat exchange section,
40B high temperature side heat exchange section,
500 Magnetic air conditioner,
700 Magnetic body / heat transfer part arrangement plate,
800 Magnet placement plate.

Claims (7)

1. A plurality of magnetic bodies arranged in rows at intervals, and
   A magnetic application unit for applying and removing magnetism to each of the plurality of magnetic bodies;
   A low temperature side heat exchanging portion disposed at one end of the row of the plurality of magnetic bodies and spaced from the magnetic body;
   A high temperature side heat exchanging portion disposed at a distance from the magnetic body at the other end of the row of the plurality of magnetic bodies;
   It is arranged between the magnetic bodies, between the magnetic body and the low temperature side heat exchange section, and between the magnetic body and the high temperature side heat exchange section, and performs heat transfer and heat insulation between them. A heat conduction part;
   Have
   The plurality of magnetic bodies have at least one magnetocaloric material that changes in temperature in different operating temperature ranges by applying and removing the magnetism,
   At least one of the plurality of magnetic bodies has at least two magnetocaloric materials having different operating temperature ranges in one magnetic body, and one of them has a startup temperature as the operating temperature range. A magnetic air conditioner comprising a magnetocaloric material.
2. The magnetic body having the at least two magnetocaloric materials, one of which has a magnetocaloric material including a startup temperature as an operating temperature range, is along a direction in which the plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged in a line. In the cross section, a magnetocaloric material including a starting temperature as the operating temperature range is arranged in the center, and a magnetocaloric material that bears the operating temperature range of the magnetic body itself is arranged outside thereof. The magnetic air conditioner according to 1.
3. The magnetic body having the at least two magnetocaloric materials, one of which has a magnetocaloric material including a startup temperature as an operating temperature range, is along a direction in which the plurality of magnetic bodies are arranged in a line. In the cross-section, the basic arrangement is a configuration in which the magnetocaloric material including the starting temperature as the operating temperature range is arranged in the center, and the magnetocaloric material bearing the operating temperature range of the magnetic body itself is arranged outside the basic arrangement. The magnetic air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of these are combined.
4. The magnetic body having the at least two magnetocaloric materials, one of which includes a magnetocaloric material including a startup temperature as an operating temperature range, includes the low temperature side heat exchange section and / or the high temperature side heat exchange. The magnetic air-conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic air-conditioning apparatus is a magnetic body adjacent to the section.
5. The magnetic body adjacent to the low temperature side heat exchange part and / or the high temperature side heat exchange part,
   It has a magnetocaloric material in its own operating temperature range, a magnetocaloric material including a starting temperature as a dynamic temperature range, and a magnetocaloric material in an operating temperature range other than the operating temperature range of these magnetocaloric materials. Item 5. A magnetic air conditioner according to item 4.
6. The plurality of magnetic bodies have the same mass, and a ratio of a magnetocaloric material including a startup temperature as an operating temperature range included in one magnetic body is 5 mass% or more and less than 50 mass%. The magnetic air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 5.
7. The plurality of magnetic bodies have the same volume, and when the magnetocaloric material responsible for the operating temperature range of each magnetic body is 100% by mass, the magnetocaloric amount including the startup temperature as the operating temperature range with respect to 100% by mass. The magnetic air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of the material is 5 mass% or more and less than 50 mass%.

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