Magnetic refrigeration device for a domestic refrigeration appliance and domestic refrigeration appliance

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic refrigeration apparatus for a domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising: an inner magnetic assembly and an outer magnetic assembly arranged to be able to generate magnetized zones and demagnetized zones arranged alternately in a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis, the outer magnetic assembly being arranged radially outward of the inner magnetic assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis; a magnetic working bed located in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis between the outer magnetic assembly and the inner magnetic assembly and arranged to be able to move in the magnetized zones and the demagnetized zones with respect to the magnetized zones and the demagnetized zones around the longitudinal axis; and at least one bearing arranged between at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly and the magnetic working bed to enable the magnetic working bed to rotate with respect to said at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly, the bearing being centrally located with respect to the magnetic working bed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A corresponding domestic refrigeration appliance is also provided. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the magnetic refrigeration apparatus can be made compact and easy to assemble.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a magnetic refrigeration device for a household refrigeration appliance and to a household refrigeration appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays, with the improvement of people's living standards, refrigeration appliances have entered thousands of households, such as refrigerators, wine cabinets, etc. The current mainstream refrigeration method is mechanical vapor compression cycle refrigeration. This refrigeration technology not only has high energy consumption, but also the refrigerant used will destroy the ozone environment in the upper atmosphere, and the alternative working medium now has a large greenhouse effect index and flammability, which not only has low refrigeration efficiency, but also seriously affects the utilization of energy and the living environment of human beings.

[0003] In recent years, magnetic refrigeration technology has attracted much attention due to its high theoretical efficiency, no pollution, no noise, safety and reliability, etc. Magnetic refrigeration technology does not need to use refrigerants that cause destruction of the atmospheric ozone layer and exacerbate global warming, but is based on the magnetic heat effect of magnetic working medium to achieve refrigeration, i.e. the temperature of the magnetic working medium increases when it is magnetized and decreases when it is demagnetized.

[0004] In the existing magnetic refrigeration device, the rotary magnetic refrigeration device has the advantages of compact structure, high operating frequency and good refrigeration effect. The rotary magnetic refrigeration device makes the magnetic working medium bear a changing magnetic field through the relative rotation between the magnetic field and the magnetic working medium bed, so that the magnetic working medium periodically undergoes a magnetic heat reaction. During the operation of the magnetic refrigeration device, the magnetic working medium bed and the magnetic field assembly for generating a magnetic field are prone to collide due to the influence of the magnetic field. In addition, the magnetic refrigeration device often includes a large number of components that need to move relatively. This makes the magnetic refrigeration device complex in structure, large in size and difficult to assemble. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of embodiments of the present application to provide an improved magnetic refrigeration device for a household refrigeration appliance and a corresponding household refrigeration appliance to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, embodiments of the present application provide a magnetic refrigeration device for a household refrigeration appliance, wherein the magnetic refrigeration device comprises: an inner magnetic assembly and an outer magnetic assembly arranged to generate magnetized regions and demagnetized regions alternatingly arranged along a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis, wherein the outer magnetic assembly is arranged radially outside the inner magnetic assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis; a magnetic regenerator bed located in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis between the outer magnetic assembly and the inner magnetic assembly and arranged to move in the magnetized regions and the demagnetized regions with respect to the magnetized regions and the demagnetized regions around the longitudinal axis; and at least one bearing arranged between at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly and the magnetic regenerator bed to enable the magnetic regenerator bed to rotate with respect to the at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly, wherein the bearing is centrally located with respect to the magnetic regenerator bed in a direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0007] The relative rotation of the magnetic regenerator bed with respect to the inner magnetic assembly and / or the outer magnetic assembly enables the magnetic working substance in the magnetic regenerator bed to alternately pass through the magnetized regions and the demagnetized regions, and thus to be periodically magnetized and demagnetized. The magnetic regenerator bed is stably rotatable with respect to the inner magnetic assembly and / or the outer magnetic assembly by the at least one bearing, thereby avoiding collision between the magnetic regenerator bed and the inner magnetic assembly and / or the outer magnetic assembly. The at least one bearing is centrally located, so that the magnetic refrigeration device is compact in structure and easy to assemble. In particular, the at least one bearing is not arranged at both ends of the magnetic regenerator bed, so that other components, such as fluid ducts for guiding heat exchange fluid flowing through the magnetic regenerator bed or flow control valves, etc., can be arranged at the ends.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the bearing comprises a first bearing arranged between the inner magnetic assembly and the magnetic regenerator bed, wherein the first bearing is limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis only by the inner magnetic assembly. In this way, the structure and assembly process of the magnetic refrigeration device can be simplified.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inner magnetic assembly comprises a first inner magnet and a second inner magnet separate from the first inner magnet, and the first bearing is clamped between the first inner magnet and the second inner magnet in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first inner magnet and / or the second inner magnet is / are particularly formed as a cylinder surrounding the longitudinal axis. This enables the inner magnetic assembly and the first bearing to be assembled together in a simple and easy-to-assemble manner. The inner magnetic assembly can be arranged as close as possible to the magnetic regenerator bed. This is beneficial for making full use of the magnetization space and improving the magnetic refrigeration efficiency.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the bearing comprises a second bearing arranged between the outer magnetic assembly and the magnetic regenerator bed, wherein the second bearing is limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis only by the outer magnetic assembly. In this way, the structure and assembly process of the magnetic refrigeration device can be simplified.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the outer magnetic assembly comprises first outer magnets and second outer magnets separate from the first outer magnets, the first outer magnets and the second outer magnets being arranged in a circumferential direction with intervals. Such an outer magnetic assembly is conducive to cooperating with the inner magnetic assembly to form magnetized regions and demagnetized regions arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and is convenient for assembly.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the first outer magnets and / or the second outer magnets are formed to have a fan ring cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and / or the first outer magnets and / or the second outer magnets are provided with circular arc grooves for accommodating the second bearings, wherein the circular arc grooves are centrally positioned in the respective first outer magnets and / or the second outer magnets in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and / or the first outer magnets and the second outer magnets are centrosymmetric about the longitudinal axis. Such an outer magnetic assembly is simple in structure, convenient for assembly, and capable of forming a symmetrical magnetic field.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic refrigeration device further comprises first magnetic circuit yoke iron and second magnetic circuit yoke iron formed of soft iron material, which respectively surround the first outer magnets and the second outer magnets on the radially outer side. The first outer magnets and / or the second outer magnets are respectively limited by the first magnetic circuit yoke iron and / or the second magnetic circuit yoke iron in the circumferential direction. The first magnetic circuit yoke iron is provided with a first accommodating groove for accommodating the first outer magnets, which is configured to enable the first outer magnets to move along the longitudinal axis within the first accommodating groove. The second magnetic circuit yoke iron is provided with a second accommodating groove for accommodating the second outer magnets, which is configured to enable the second outer magnets to move along the longitudinal axis within the second accommodating groove. The first magnetic circuit yoke iron and the second magnetic circuit yoke iron can provide good magnetic field shielding effect for the demagnetized regions to reduce the influence of the magnetic field on the demagnetized regions. The first magnetic circuit yoke iron and the second magnetic circuit yoke iron can also support and limit the outer magnetic assembly.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic working medium bed is configured to comprise a cylindrical bed body surrounding the longitudinal axis, the bed body being formed with a plurality of bed channels for accommodating the magnetic working medium penetrating in the longitudinal direction, wherein the magnetic working medium in the bed channels can exchange heat with the heat exchange fluid flowing through the bed channels. This makes the magnetic working medium bed simple in structure and easy to manufacture, and can make full use of the magnetized space.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the bed body comprises a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section separate from the first longitudinal section, the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section are arranged along the direction of the longitudinal axis and are connected to each other. In this way, the magnetic working medium can be more evenly and sufficiently distributed in the bed channel, and the filling operation of the magnetic working medium is easier. In addition, this segmented magnetic working medium bed makes the installation of the magnetic working medium bed more flexible. In particular, at least one of the bearings is opposite to a part of the first longitudinal section and a part of the second longitudinal section in the radial direction. This makes the structure of the magnetic refrigeration device more stable.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic working medium bed further comprises a first connecting flange protruding radially outward at a longitudinal end of the first longitudinal section away from the second longitudinal section and / or a second connecting flange protruding radially outward at a longitudinal end of the second longitudinal section away from the first longitudinal section. With the first connecting flange and / or the second connecting flange, the magnetic working medium bed can be stably and reliably connected to other components of the magnetic refrigeration device, such as fluid pipes or flow control valves, etc. It is particularly advantageous that such outwardly protruding connecting flanges cooperate with the segmented magnetic working medium bed to facilitate the assembly of the magnetic refrigeration device.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic refrigeration device further comprises a rotating shaft for driving the magnetic working medium bed to rotate around the longitudinal axis, the rotating shaft passes through the magnetic working medium bed along the longitudinal axis on the radially inner side of the inner magnetic assembly. This makes the structure of the magnetic refrigeration device more stable and compact.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic refrigeration device further comprises a bushing arranged between the rotating shaft and the inner magnetic assembly. The bushing can provide protection for the inner magnetic assembly. The bushing can be rotatably arranged relative to the rotating shaft. When the rotating shaft rotates, the bushing does not rotate with the rotating shaft. In turn, the inner magnetic assembly also does not rotate with the rotating shaft. Therefore, the bushing forms a motion separation between the rotating shaft and the inner magnetic assembly, and can provide support for the inner magnetic assembly. The bushing can be formed of soft iron material. This is advantageous for forming the desired magnetic field distribution. The bushing comprises a cylindrical bushing body and a bushing boss protruding radially outward from the bushing body, the bushing boss supports the first bearing on the radially inner side of the first bearing. With the bushing boss, the first bearing can be supported. In addition, the bushing boss can also limit the inner magnetic assembly.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the inner magnetic assembly and / or the outer magnetic assembly is formed of permanent magnets. This is advantageous for simplifying the structure of the magnetic refrigeration device.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present application, the magnetic refrigeration device comprises two valve assemblies adapted to direct the flow of heat exchange fluid into and out of the magnetic working bed, which are respectively attached to the two ends of the magnetic working bed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Preferably, each valve assembly comprises: a moving valve provided with a plurality of moving valve channels for the heat exchange fluid, the moving valve being fixedly attached to the longitudinal end of the magnetic working bed through a moving valve flange located at the outer periphery thereof, the magnetic working bed being fixed to a rotating shaft for driving the magnetic working bed to rotate through the moving valve; and a static valve connected to the side of the moving valve away from the magnetic working bed in a relatively rotatable manner, and provided with a first static valve channel, a second static valve channel, a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first static valve channel is arranged to be communicated to the bed channels located in the magnetization zone via the moving valve channels and to the first opening, and the second static valve channel is arranged to be communicated to the bed channels located in the demagnetization zone via the moving valve channels and to the second opening. Through the valve assemblies, the heat exchange fluid can be guided to flow into or out of the bed channels of the magnetic working bed located in the magnetization zone via the first opening, the first static valve channel, the moving valve channel, where the heat exchange fluid is heated; and at the same time, the heat exchange fluid is guided to flow out of or into the bed channels of the magnetic working bed located in the demagnetization zone via the moving valve channel, the second static valve channel and the second opening, where the heat exchange fluid is cooled.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present application, embodiments of the present application provide a domestic refrigeration appliance, wherein the domestic refrigeration appliance comprises a magnetic refrigeration device according to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The principles, features and advantages of the present application can be better understood by the following more detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a domestic refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 schematically illustrates Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the magnetic refrigeration device shown along section A-A;

[0026] Figure 4 schematically illustrates Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the magnetic refrigeration device shown along section B-B;

[0027] Figure 5 schematically illustrates Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the outer magnetic assembly and the inner magnetic assembly in along section B-B; and

[0028] Figure 6 The magnetic working fluid bed of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] 1. Magnetic Refrigeration Device

[0031] 10 Internal Magnetic Components

[0032] 11 First internal magnet

[0033] 12 Second internal magnet

[0034] 20 External Magnetic Assembly

[0035] 21 First external magnet

[0036] 22 Second external magnet

[0037] 23. Circular groove

[0038] 30 Magnetic working fluid bed

[0039] 31 Bed Main Body

[0040] 310 Bed Passage

[0041] 311 First longitudinal segment

[0042] 312 Second longitudinal segment

[0043] 33 First connecting flange

[0044] 34 Second connecting flange

[0045] 40 bearing

[0046] 41 First Bearing

[0047] 42 Second Bearing

[0048] 51 First magnetic circuit yoke

[0049] 510 First Receiving Tank

[0050] 52 Second magnetic circuit yoke

[0051] 520 Second Reception Tank

[0052] 60 swivel

[0053] 70 bushing

[0054] 71 Bushing Body

[0055] 72 Bushing Boss

[0056] 80 Valve Assembly

[0057] 81. Dynamic valve

[0058] 810 Dynamic Valve Passage

[0059] 811 First moving valve passage

[0060] 812 Second moving valve passage

[0061] 813 Dynamic valve flange

[0062] 82 Static Valve

[0063] 821 First Static Valve Passage

[0064] 822 Second Static Valve Passage

[0065] 823 First Opening

[0066] 824 Second Opening

[0067] 2. Heat exchange fluid

[0068] 3. Cold end heat exchanger

[0069] 4. Hot-end heat exchanger

[0070] 5 pumps

[0071] 6. Shell

[0072] L longitudinal axis Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0074] First, to facilitate understanding, let's return to the description in the background technology section. Existing magnetic refrigeration devices suffer from problems such as easy collisions between the magnetic working fluid bed and the magnetic field components, complex structure, large size, and difficult assembly.

[0075] To at least one of the above technical problems or other possible technical problems, an exemplary embodiment of the present application provides a magnetic refrigeration device for a household refrigerating appliance, wherein the magnetic refrigeration device comprises: an inner magnetic assembly and an outer magnetic assembly arranged to be capable of generating magnetized regions and demagnetized regions arranged alternately in a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis, wherein the outer magnetic assembly is arranged radially outward of the inner magnetic assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis; a magnetic regenerator bed located in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis between the outer magnetic assembly and the inner magnetic assembly and arranged to be capable of moving in the magnetized regions and the demagnetized regions with respect to the magnetized regions and the demagnetized regions around the longitudinal axis; and at least one bearing arranged between at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly and the magnetic regenerator bed to enable the magnetic regenerator bed to rotate with respect to the at least one of the inner magnetic assembly and the outer magnetic assembly, wherein the bearing is centrally positioned with respect to the magnetic regenerator bed in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0076] For better understanding of the present application, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Before going into the specific description, it is to be noted that the directional terms used in the description refer to the conventional use state of the household refrigerating appliance for the sake of convenience and are not to be construed as absolute limitation of the corresponding features.

[0078] Figure 1 A household refrigerating appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. The household refrigerating appliance is here configured as a refrigerator and comprises a magnetic refrigeration device 1 and a heat exchange fluid 2 flowing through the magnetic refrigeration device 1. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 is arranged to be capable of heating and cooling the heat exchange fluid 2 using the magnetocaloric effect. The magnetocaloric effect refers to a phenomenon that the order arrangement of magnetic moments of a magnetic material (i.e., a magnetic regenerator) changes when an applied magnetic field changes, causing the magnetic regenerator to absorb and release heat by itself. The magnetic regenerator is a material having the magnetocaloric effect, including but not limited to metallic room-temperature magnetocaloric materials (e.g., gadolinium metal, gadolinium-dysprosium alloy, manganese-arsenic alloy, nickel-manganese-gallium alloy, etc.), ceramic room-temperature magnetocaloric materials (e.g., lanthanum-calcium-manganese-oxygen material having a perovskite structure, etc.), or combinations thereof. The magnetic regenerator can include a composite room-temperature magnetocaloric material having high thermal conductivity, i.e., a material obtained by compounding a high-thermal-conductivity material with a room-temperature magnetocaloric material. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 can exchange heat with the magnetic regenerator within the magnetic refrigeration device 1 using the heat exchange fluid 2, thereby cooling and heating the heat exchange fluid 2. The heat exchange fluid 2 can be, for example, water. The heat exchange fluid 2 can also be other fluids having good thermal conductivity, such as alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, a solution doped with micro-scale graphite powder, or a mixture thereof. Figure 1The refrigerator is exemplarily shown to have a single compartment, which can be a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment. In further embodiments, the domestic refrigeration appliance can also be configured to have multiple compartments, for example to be configured as a combined refrigerator-freezer. Further, the present application can also be applied to other domestic refrigeration appliances than a refrigerator, for example a wine cooler, an air conditioner, etc., as desired.

[0079] As Figure 1 indicated, the domestic refrigeration appliance can further comprise a cold-end heat exchanger 3, which is connected to the first end of the magnetic refrigeration device 1, a hot-end heat exchanger 4, which is connected to the second end of the magnetic refrigeration device 1, and a pump 5 for pumping the heat exchange fluid 2 such that the heat exchange fluid 2 can flow through the magnetic refrigeration device 1, the cold-end heat exchanger 3 and the hot-end heat exchanger 4. The domestic refrigeration appliance can further comprise a housing 6, which delimits a compartment for storing items to be cooled. The housing 6 can be formed as a thermally insulated cabinet, which for example comprises a thermally insulating foam formed by a foaming process.

[0080] The heat exchange fluid 2 flowing through the magnetic refrigeration device 1 exchanges heat with the magnetic working substance within the magnetic refrigeration device 1, thereby being cooled and heated. The heat exchange fluid 2 being cooled within the magnetic refrigeration device 1 can flow out of the first end of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 and be pumped to the cold-end heat exchanger 3 for cooling the compartment. Then, the heat exchange fluid 2 returns from the cold-end heat exchanger 3 to the magnetic refrigeration device 1 via the first end and is heated. The heat exchange fluid 2 being heated within the magnetic refrigeration device 1 can flow out of the second end of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 and be pumped to the hot-end heat exchanger 4 for releasing heat, for example to the ambient environment. Then, the heat exchange fluid 2 returns from the hot-end heat exchanger 4 to the magnetic refrigeration device 1 via the second end and is cooled again. Thereby, a refrigeration cycle can be achieved.

[0081] The magnetic refrigeration device 1 according to the present application will be explained in more detail below. Figure 2 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 according to the present application will be explained in more detail below. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0082] As Figure 2As shown, the magnetic refrigeration device 1 comprises an inner magnetic assembly 10 and an outer magnetic assembly 20 arranged to generate magnetized and demagnetized zones alternatingly arranged along a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis L, wherein the outer magnetic assembly 20 is arranged radially outside the inner magnetic assembly 10 with respect to the longitudinal axis L; a magnetic regenerator bed 30 located between the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the inner magnetic assembly 10 in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L and arranged to move in the magnetized and demagnetized zones with respect to the magnetized and demagnetized zones around the longitudinal axis L; and at least one bearing 40 arranged between at least one of the inner magnetic assembly 10 and the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the magnetic regenerator bed 30 to enable the magnetic regenerator bed 30 to rotate stably with respect to said at least one of the inner magnetic assembly 10 and the outer magnetic assembly 20, wherein the bearing 40 is centrally located with respect to the magnetic regenerator bed 30 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0083] It can be seen that the magnetic refrigeration device 1 is a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. The magnetic regenerator bed 30 rotates relatively to the inner magnetic assembly 10 and / or the outer magnetic assembly 20, so that the magnetic regenerator inside the magnetic regenerator bed 30 passes through the magnetized and demagnetized zones alternately, and is magnetized and demagnetized periodically. Through the at least one bearing 40, the magnetic regenerator bed 30 can rotate stably with respect to the inner magnetic assembly 10 and / or the outer magnetic assembly 20, so as to avoid collision between the magnetic regenerator bed 30 and the inner magnetic assembly 10 and / or the outer magnetic assembly 20. The at least one bearing 40 is centrally located, so that the magnetic refrigeration device 1 is compact in structure and easy to assemble. In particular, the at least one bearing 40 is not arranged at both ends of the magnetic regenerator bed 40, so that other components, such as fluid pipes or flow control valves for guiding the heat exchange fluid flowing through the magnetic regenerator bed, can be arranged at the ends.

[0084] Here, the bearing 40 is "centrally located" with respect to the magnetic regenerator bed 30 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, which means that, as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the bearing 40 is substantially located at the center of the magnetic regenerator bed 30, in particular, the distance of the bearing 40 from both ends of the magnetic regenerator bed 30 is substantially equal. It should be understood that a deviation of 20% or less, in particular 10% or less, is allowed here. "The bearing is arranged between the inner magnetic assembly or the outer magnetic assembly and the magnetic regenerator bed" is intended to mean that the bearing is arranged to support the relative rotation between the inner magnetic assembly 10 or the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the magnetic regenerator bed 30, and to reduce the friction coefficient during the relative rotation. More specifically, one of the inner ring and the outer ring of the bearing 40 can be fixedly connected to the inner magnetic assembly 10 or the outer magnetic assembly 20, and the other one of the inner ring and the outer ring can be fixedly connected to the magnetic regenerator bed 30.

[0085] The inner magnetic component 10 and / or the outer magnetic component 20 may be formed of permanent magnets. The inner magnetic component 10 and the outer magnetic component 20 may be arranged to generate a stationary magnetic field. Regions covered by the magnetic field and with a high magnetic field strength form magnetized regions, where the magnetic working material will be magnetized and release heat. Regions with a low magnetic field strength or even not covered by the magnetic field (i.e., magnetic field strength as low as 0) form demagnetized regions, where the magnetic working material will be demagnetized and absorb heat. The magnetized and demagnetized regions are alternately distributed in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis L.

[0086] The following is combined with Figures 2 to 4 Further description of the magnetic refrigeration device 1. Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown is a cross-sectional view along section AA. Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 2 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown is a cross-sectional view along section BB.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the bearing 40 may include a first bearing 41, which is arranged between the inner magnetic assembly 10 and the magnetic working fluid bed 30. The magnetic working fluid bed 30 is rotatably mounted relative to the inner magnetic assembly 10 by means of the first bearing 41. The first bearing 41 is limited only by the inner magnetic assembly 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Therefore, no additional components are needed to achieve axial positioning of the first bearing 41, nor is it necessary to provide a structure on the magnetic working fluid bed 30 for axial positioning of the first bearing 41. This simplifies the structure and assembly process of the magnetic refrigeration device 1.

[0088] The internal magnetic assembly 10 may include a first internal magnet 11 and a second internal magnet 12 separate from the first internal magnet 11. A first bearing 41 is sandwiched between the first internal magnet 11 and the second internal magnet 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This allows the internal magnetic assembly 10 and the first bearing 41 to be assembled together in a simple and convenient manner. Furthermore, the internal magnetic assembly 10 can be arranged as close as possible to the magnetic working fluid bed 30. This facilitates full utilization of the magnetization space and improves magnetic refrigeration efficiency. Figure 2 As shown, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first inner magnet 11 and the second inner magnet 12 are close to the inner peripheral surface of the magnetic working fluid bed, and the gap between them is very small. The first inner magnet 11 and / or the second inner magnet 12 are specifically formed as a cylinder surrounding the longitudinal axis L. The first inner magnet 11 and / or the second inner magnet 12 may each be composed of multiple magnets. Alternatively, the first inner magnet 11 and the second inner magnet 12 may each be formed as a single magnet.

[0089] The magnetic working bed 30 can be configured to comprise a cylindrical bed body 31 which surrounds the longitudinal axis L, the bed body 31 being formed with a plurality of bed channels 310 which pass through in the longitudinal direction for accommodating the magnetic working substance, wherein the magnetic working substance within the bed channels 310 is capable of exchanging heat with the heat exchange fluid 2 flowing through the bed channels 310.

[0090] Optionally, the bearing 40 comprises a second bearing 42 which is arranged between the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the magnetic working bed 30. By means of the second bearing 42, the magnetic working bed 30 is rotatably mounted relative to the outer magnetic assembly 20. The second bearing 42 is only limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis L by the outer magnetic assembly 20. Therefore, no additional components are required to achieve the axial positioning of the second bearing 42, nor is it necessary to provide structures on the magnetic working bed 30 for the axial positioning of the second bearing 42. In this way, the structure and assembly process of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 can be simplified.

[0091] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the outer magnetic assembly 20 can comprise a first outer magnet 21 and a second outer magnet 22 which is separate from the first outer magnet 21. The first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 can be respectively mounted in place relative to the magnetic working bed 30 in a generally radially inward direction. Such an outer magnetic assembly 20 facilitates cooperation with the inner magnetic assembly 10 to form magnetized regions and demagnetized regions which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and facilitates assembly. In particular, the first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 which are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction can cooperate with the cylindrical first inner magnet 11 and the second inner magnet 12, thereby forming magnetized regions and demagnetized regions which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction with a clear difference in the magnitude of the magnetic field strength, in a simple structure. In such a structure, the cylindrical first inner magnet 11 and the second inner magnet 12 do not need to be positioned at a specific angle in the circumferential direction when mounted.

[0092] The first outer magnet 21 and / or the second outer magnet 22 can be formed to have a sector ring cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The first outer magnet 21 and / or the second outer magnet 22 can be provided with an arcuate groove 23 for accommodating the second bearing 42, wherein the arcuate groove 23 is centrally positioned in the respective first outer magnet 21 and / or the second outer magnet 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along section B-B of the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the inner magnetic assembly 10 is schematically shown in Figure 2 From Figure 5 it can be clearly seen that the arcuate groove 23.

[0093] The first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 are centrosymmetric about the longitudinal axis L. This is advantageous for making the magnetic field formed by the outer magnetic assembly 20 and the inner magnetic assembly 10 centrosymmetric about the longitudinal axis L.

[0094] In one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration device 1 further comprises a first magnetic circuit yoke 51 and a second magnetic circuit yoke 52 formed of soft iron material, which respectively surround the first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 radially outwardly, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first magnetic circuit yoke 51 and the second magnetic circuit yoke 52 can be formed of soft iron material with high magnetic permeability, which are arranged to be able to provide good magnetic field shielding effect for the demagnetization zone, so as to reduce the influence of the magnetic field on the demagnetization zone.

[0095] The first outer magnet 21 can be limited in the circumferential direction by the first magnetic circuit yoke 51. Alternatively or additionally, the second outer magnet 22 is limited in the circumferential direction by the second magnetic circuit yoke 52. The first magnetic circuit yoke and the second magnetic circuit yoke 52 are able to support the first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22.

[0096] The first magnetic circuit yoke 51 can be provided with a first accommodating groove 510 for accommodating the first outer magnet 21, which is configured to enable the first outer magnet 21 to move along the longitudinal axis L within the first accommodating groove 510. Similarly, the second magnetic circuit yoke 52 can be provided with a second accommodating groove 520 for accommodating the second outer magnet 22, which is configured to enable the second outer magnet 22 to move along the longitudinal axis L within the second accommodating groove 520.

[0097] The first magnetic circuit yoke 51 and the second magnetic circuit yoke 52 can be directly located on a base for arranging the magnetic refrigeration device 1. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 can further comprise two magnetic circuit yoke supports fixed on the base, which are connected to the first magnetic circuit yoke 51 and / or the second magnetic circuit yoke 52 from both ends in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, so as to define the position of the first magnetic circuit yoke 51 and / or the second magnetic circuit yoke 52. At the same time, the magnetic circuit yoke supports can also limit the position of the outer magnetic assembly 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, because the end faces of the first outer magnet 21 and the second outer magnet 22 abut against the magnetic circuit yoke supports.

[0098] The magnetic refrigeration device 1 can further comprise a rotating shaft 60 for driving the magnetic working medium bed 30 to rotate about the longitudinal axis L. The rotating shaft 60 passes through the magnetic working medium bed 30 along the longitudinal axis L radially inwardly of the inner magnetic assembly 10. The rotating shaft 60 is driven by, for example, an electric motor. The rotating movement of the magnetic working medium bed 30 causes the magnetic working medium therein to alternately pass through the magnetization zone and the demagnetization zone. The rotating shaft 60 passing through the magnetic working medium bed 30 and the inner magnetic assembly 10 makes the structure of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 more stable and compact.

[0099] Optionally, a bushing 70 is arranged between the rotating shaft 60 and the inner magnetic assembly 10. The bushing 70 can be formed of soft iron material. As shown in Figure 2 The bushing 70 can include a cylindrical bushing body 71 and a bushing boss 72 protruding radially outward from the bushing body 71. The bushing boss 72 supports the first bearing 41 radially inward of the first bearing 41. The first inner magnetic body 11 and the second inner magnetic body 12 are sleeved on the bushing 70 on both sides of the bushing boss 72 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0100] The bushing 70 is rotatably arranged relative to the rotating shaft 60. When the rotating shaft 60 rotates, the bushing 70 does not rotate with the rotating shaft 60. In turn, the inner magnetic assembly 10 also does not rotate with the rotating shaft 60. Thus, the bushing 70 forms a motion separation between the rotating shaft 60 and the inner magnetic assembly 10, and is capable of providing support to the inner magnetic assembly 10.

[0101] To this end, a third bearing can be provided between the bushing 70 and the rotating shaft 60. For example, at least two third bearings are provided between the bushing 70 and the rotating shaft 60, which are arranged at both ends of the bushing 70 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0102] Figure 6 A magnetic working substance bed 30 of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 according to an example embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6 The magnetic working substance bed 30 is configured to include a cylindrical bed body 31 surrounding the longitudinal axis L. The bed body 31 is formed with a plurality of bed channels 310 for accommodating magnetic working substances therethrough in the longitudinal direction. The magnetic working substances in the bed channels 310 are capable of exchanging heat with the heat exchange fluid 2 flowing through the bed channels 310. The bed body 31 can include a first longitudinal section 311 and a second longitudinal section 312 separate from the first longitudinal section 311. The first longitudinal section 311 and the second longitudinal section 312 are arranged along the direction of the longitudinal axis L and connected to each other. Thus, the first longitudinal section 311 and the second longitudinal section 312 can be filled with magnetic working substances respectively, and then connected to each other. In this way, the magnetic working substances can be more evenly and sufficiently distributed in the bed channels 310, and the filling operation of the magnetic working substances is easier. In addition, such a segmented magnetic working substance bed 30 makes the installation of the magnetic working substance bed 30 more flexible. For example, after the second bearing 42 is sleeved on the first longitudinal section 311, the first longitudinal section 311 can be connected to the second longitudinal section 312, and then the second bearing 42 is moved to the final installation position along the direction of the longitudinal axis L. At least one of the bearings 40 is opposite to a part of the first longitudinal section 311 and a part of the second longitudinal section 312 in the radial direction. See Figure 2Both the first bearing 41 and the second bearing 42 are opposite to a part of the first longitudinal section 311 and a part of the second longitudinal section 312 in the radial direction. This makes the structure of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 more stable.

[0104] The magnetic regenerator bed 30 further comprises a first connecting flange 33 radially outwardly protruding at a longitudinal end of the first longitudinal section 311 away from the second longitudinal section 312 and / or a second connecting flange 34 radially outwardly protruding at a longitudinal end of the second longitudinal section 312 away from the first longitudinal section 311. With the first connecting flange 33 and / or the second connecting flange 34, it is facilitated to stably and reliably connect the magnetic regenerator bed 30 to other components of the magnetic refrigeration device 1, such as fluid conduits or flow control valves, etc. Generally, such outwardly protruding connecting flanges are not favorable for the assembly of the magnetic refrigeration device 1, especially in the case that additional components, such as the second bearing 42, need to be sleeved on the outside of the magnetic regenerator bed 30. However, in the present application, by having the magnetic regenerator bed 30 comprising a separate first longitudinal section 311 and a separate second longitudinal section 312, it is facilitated to assemble the magnetic refrigeration device 1. For example, the second bearing 42 can be sleeved on the first longitudinal section 311 through an end thereof without the first connecting flange 33, and then the first longitudinal section 311 is connected with the second longitudinal section 312.

[0105] In one exemplary embodiment, the first connecting flange 33 and / or the second connecting flange 34 are formed as separate components relative to the bed body 31. Such a magnetic regenerator bed 30 is convenient for assembly.

[0106] The magnetic refrigeration device 1 can comprise two valve assemblies 80 adapted to guide the flow of the heat exchange fluid 2 into and out of the magnetic regenerator bed 30, which are attached to the two ends of the magnetic regenerator bed 30 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, respectively (see Fig. 1). Figure 2 The centrally arranged bearing 40 makes enough space for the magnetic refrigeration device 1 to arrange the valve assemblies 80 without interference between the bearing 40 and the valve assemblies 80, and without the need to increase the volume of the magnetic refrigeration device 1.

[0107] Each valve assembly 80 comprises a moving valve 81 and a static valve 82. The moving valve 81 is provided with a plurality of moving valve channels 810 for the heat exchange fluid 2. The moving valve 81 is fixedly attached to the longitudinal end of the magnetic regenerator bed 30 through a moving valve flange 813 located at the outer periphery thereof. The magnetic regenerator bed 30 is fixed to the rotating shaft 60 for driving the magnetic regenerator bed 30 to rotate through the moving valve 81. To this end, on the one hand, the moving valve 81 is fixed to the rotating shaft 60 so as to be able to rotate together with the rotating shaft 60. On the other hand, the moving valve flange 813 is fixed to the first connecting flange 33 of the magnetic regenerator bed 30, for example, through a connecting member such as a bolt, so that the moving valve 81 is stably connected to the magnetic regenerator bed 30.

[0108] The static valve 82 is connected to the side of the dynamic valve 81 facing away from the magnetic working substance bed 30 in a rotatable manner and is provided with a first static valve passage 821, a second static valve passage 822, a first opening 823, and a second opening 824. The first static valve passage 821 is configured to be able to communicate with the bed passage 310 in the magnetization region via the dynamic valve passage 810 and to communicate it to the first opening 823. The second static valve passage 822 is configured to be able to communicate with the bed passage 310 in the demagnetization region via the dynamic valve passage 810 and to communicate it to the second opening 824. As shown in Figure 6 The static valve 82 and the dynamic valve 81 can be formed in a substantially disc shape and provided with a central hole allowing the rotation shaft 60 to pass through, as shown in

[0109] In one exemplary embodiment, the dynamic valve passage 810 includes a first dynamic valve passage 811 and a second dynamic valve passage 812. On the inner side of the dynamic valve 81 facing the magnetic working substance bed 30, the first dynamic valve passage 811 and the second dynamic valve passage 812 open to the bed passage 310. On the outer side of the dynamic valve 81 facing away from the magnetic working substance bed 30, the first dynamic valve passage 811 and the second dynamic valve passage 812 open at a first radial position and a second radial position, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis L, without overlapping each other. The first static valve passage 821 opens to the first dynamic valve passage 811 in the magnetization region at the first radial position and communicates it to the first opening 823, and the second static valve passage 822 opens to the second dynamic valve passage 812 in the demagnetization region at the second radial position and communicates it to the second opening 824. Thereby, the mixing of the heat exchange fluid 2 at the interface between the magnetization region and the demagnetization region can be prevented. Thereby, the refrigeration efficiency can be improved.

[0110] It is to be understood that the terms "first", "second", and the like, used herein merely describe a difference, and are not to be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or a specific number of the technical features indicated. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In this context, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless specifically limited otherwise.

[0111] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even if a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The features provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In actual implementation, a plurality of features can be combined with each other as technically feasible according to actual needs. In particular, features in different embodiments can also be combined with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and changes can also be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A magnetic refrigeration device (1) for a domestic refrigeration appliance, wherein, The magnetic refrigeration device (1) comprises: an inner magnetic assembly (10) and an outer magnetic assembly (20) arranged to generate magnetized and demagnetized zones alternatingly arranged along a circumferential direction around a longitudinal axis, wherein the outer magnetic assembly (20) is arranged radially outside the inner magnetic assembly (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis; a magnetic regenerator bed (30) located between the outer magnetic assembly (20) and the inner magnetic assembly (10) in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and arranged to move in the magnetized and demagnetized zones with respect to the magnetized and demagnetized zones around the longitudinal axis; at least one bearing (40) arranged between at least one of the inner magnetic assembly (10) and the outer magnetic assembly (20) and the magnetic regenerator bed (30) to enable rotation of the magnetic regenerator bed (30) with respect to the at least one of the inner magnetic assembly (10) and the outer magnetic assembly (20), wherein the bearing (40) is centrally located with respect to the magnetic regenerator bed (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and two valve assemblies (80) adapted to guide a flow of heat exchange fluid into and out of the magnetic regenerator bed (30), which are attached to both ends of the magnetic regenerator bed (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein each valve assembly (80) comprises: a moving valve (81) provided with a plurality of moving valve channels (810) for the heat exchange fluid, the moving valve (81) being fixedly attached to a longitudinal end of the magnetic regenerator bed (30) by a moving valve flange (813) located at an outer circumference thereof, the magnetic regenerator bed (30) being fixed to a rotation shaft (60) for driving rotation of the magnetic regenerator bed (30) by the moving valve (81); and a stationary valve (82) connected to a side of the moving valve (81) facing away from the magnetic regenerator bed (30) in a rotatable manner and provided with a first stationary valve channel (821), a second stationary valve channel (822), a first opening (823) and a second opening (824), wherein the first stationary valve channel (821) is arranged to communicate to the bed channels (310) located in the magnetized zones via the moving valve channels (810) and to the first opening (823), and the second stationary valve channel (822) is arranged to communicate to the bed channels (310) located in the demagnetized zones via the moving valve channels (810) and to the second opening (824).

2. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing (40) comprises a first bearing (41) arranged between the inner magnetic assembly (10) and the magnetic regenerator bed (30), wherein the first bearing (41) is limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis only by the inner magnetic assembly (10).

3. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner magnetic assembly (10) comprises a first inner magnet (11) and a second inner magnet (12) separate from the first inner magnet (11), the first bearing (41) being sandwiched between the first inner magnet (11) and the second inner magnet (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first inner magnet (11) and / or the second inner magnet (12) is / are in particular formed as a cylinder around the longitudinal axis.

4. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The bearing (40) comprises a second bearing (42) arranged between the outer magnetic assembly (20) and the magnetic working bed (30), wherein the second bearing (42) is only limited in the direction of the longitudinal axis by the outer magnetic assembly (20).

5. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 4, wherein The outer magnetic assembly (20) comprises first outer magnets (21) and second outer magnets (22) separate from the first outer magnets (21) in the circumferential direction.

6. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The first outer magnets (21) and / or the second outer magnets (22) are formed to have a sector ring cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and / or The first outer magnets (21) and / or the second outer magnets (22) are provided with an arc slot (23) for accommodating the second bearing (42), wherein the arc slot (23) is centrally positioned in the respective first outer magnet (21) and / or second outer magnet (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and / or The first outer magnets (21) and the second outer magnets (22) are centrosymmetric about the longitudinal axis.

7. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The magnetic refrigeration device (1) further comprises a first magnetic circuit yoke (51) and a second magnetic circuit yoke (52) formed of soft iron material, which respectively surround the first outer magnets (21) and the second outer magnets (22) radially outward, wherein The first outer magnets (21) and / or the second outer magnets (22) are respectively limited in the circumferential direction by the first magnetic circuit yoke (51) and / or the second magnetic circuit yoke (52); and / or The first magnetic circuit yoke (51) is provided with a first accommodating slot (510) for accommodating the first outer magnets (21), which is configured to enable the first outer magnets (21) to move along the longitudinal axis within the first accommodating slot (510); and / or The second magnetic circuit yoke (52) is provided with a second accommodating slot (520) for accommodating the second outer magnets (22), which is configured to enable the second outer magnets (22) to move along the longitudinal axis within the second accommodating slot (520).

8. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein The magnetic working bed (30) is configured to comprise a cylindrical bed body (31) encircling the longitudinal axis, the bed body (31) being formed with a plurality of bed channels (310) penetrating through in the longitudinal direction for accommodating the magnetic working substance, wherein the magnetic working substance within the bed channels (310) is capable of exchanging heat with the heat exchange fluid (2) flowing through the bed channels (310).

9. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 8, wherein The bed body (31) comprises a first longitudinal section (311) and a second longitudinal section (312) separate from the first longitudinal section (311), the first longitudinal section (311) and the second longitudinal section (312) being arranged along the direction of the longitudinal axis and connected to each other, wherein, in particular, at least one of the bearings (40) opposes a portion of the first longitudinal section (311) and a portion of the second longitudinal section (312) in the radial direction.

10. Magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 9, wherein The magnetic regenerator bed (30) further comprises a first connection flange (33) protruding radially outward at a longitudinal end of the first longitudinal section (311) facing away from the second longitudinal section (312) and / or a second connection flange (34) protruding radially outward at a longitudinal end of the second longitudinal section (312) facing away from the first longitudinal section (311).

11. Magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The magnetic refrigeration device (1) further comprises a rotation shaft (60) for driving the magnetic regenerator bed (30) in rotation about the longitudinal axis, the rotation shaft (60) passing through the magnetic regenerator bed (30) along the longitudinal axis radially inside the inner magnetic assembly (10).

12. Magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The magnetic refrigeration device (1) further comprises a bushing (70) arranged between the rotation shaft (60) and the inner magnetic assembly (10), wherein The bushing (70) is rotatably arranged relative to the rotation shaft (60); and / or The bushing (70) is formed of soft iron material; and / or The bushing (70) comprises a cylindrical bushing body (71) and a bushing boss (72) protruding radially outward from the bushing body (71), the bushing boss (72) supporting the first bearing (41) radially inside the first bearing (41).

13. Magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The inner magnetic assembly (10) and / or the outer magnetic assembly (20) are formed of permanent magnets.

14. A domestic refrigeration appliance comprising, The household refrigeration appliance comprises the magnetic refrigeration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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