HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE, HONEYCOMB UNIT AND INDUCTION HEATING DEVICE

Abstract

honeycomb structure (1) comprising a honeycomb structure section (10) comprising an outer perimeter wall (100), partition walls (101) arranged on an inner side of the outer perimeter wall (100), a central area (12) containing an axial center of the honeycomb structure section (10), and an outer perimeter area (13) adjoining the outer perimeter wall (100), wherein the partitions (101) define several cells (101a) each forming a flow path that runs from one end face to another end face, which include multiple cells (101a), multiple magnetic cells (101b), and multiple non-magnetic cells, the several magnetic cells (101b) have a magnetic material powder (11) which is filled into the cells (101a) in such a way that sealing sections are formed which seal end sections or an entirety of the respective cells (101a), the several non-magnetic cells each do not have magnetic material powder (11) filled into them or attached to their partition walls (101), a volume and / or a weight of the magnetic material powder (11) per unit volume vary in an axial direction and / or an axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section (10), a diameter of the central area (12) is 10% or more and 90% or less of a diameter of the honeycomb structure section (10), the honeycomb structure section (10) has several areas at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with each other and have different numbers of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area, and the number of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area in the central area (12) is greater than the number of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area in the outer perimeter area (13).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a honeycomb structure, an induction heating device and a honeycomb unit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For example, as shown in non-patent literature 1 below, induction heating is known for heating an object by electromagnetic induction. Induction heating is carried out by placing an induction heating coil near a heating object containing magnetic and / or conductive materials and generating a magnetic field near the induction heating coil.

[0003] An induction heating coil can be formed by winding a conductor, such as copper wire or rectangular wire, around a predetermined axis. For example, when heating a column-shaped object, the induction heating coil can be arranged around the object's circumference. Passing an electric current through the induction heating coil generates a magnetic field. The current flowing through the induction heating coil can be a high current, obtained by amplifying an alternating current from a high-frequency inverter using a transformer. Induction heating is particularly useful for heating materials with poor thermal conductivity and for heating objects in conditions where thermal contact is difficult, because the object can be heated without physical contact.

[0004] Further prior art is also known from patent literature 1 to 5. Counter-arguments lists Non-patent literature [Non-patent literature 1] JAPAN ELECTRO-HEAT CENTER (Ed.), “Newly Revised Version: Electro-heat Handbook”, Ohmsha, Ltd. April 10, 2019 (p. 263) [Patent literature 1] US 2019 / 0 297 684 A1 [Patent literature 2] WO 2020 / 110 396 A1 [Patent literature 3] WO 2022 / 076 250 A1 [Patent literature 4] WO 2016 / 021 186 A1 [Patent literature 5] WO 2021 / 186792A1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] When the heating element is arranged in the induction heating coil as described above, the magnetic flux tends to concentrate on the outer circumferential section of the heating element near the induction heating coil, and there is a tendency for an unintended temperature deviation to occur between the outer circumferential section and the center of the heating element in the axial perpendicular direction. There is also a need to intentionally generate the temperature deviation in the axial and / or axial perpendicular direction; however, the conventional configuration is not suitable for fulfilling such a need.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the problems described above. One of the objects of the present invention is to create a honeycomb structure, an induction heating device, and a honeycomb unit that can set a temperature in an axial direction and / or an axis-orthogonal direction during induction heating. Aspect 1.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a honeycomb structure comprising a honeycomb structure section comprising an outer circumferential wall, partitions arranged on an inner side of the outer circumferential wall, a central region containing an axial center of the honeycomb structure section, and an outer circumferential region adjoining the outer circumferential wall, wherein the partitions define multiple cells, each forming a flow path extending from one end face to another end face; wherein the multiple cells comprise multiple magnetic cells and multiple non-magnetic cells, the multiple magnetic cells having a magnetic material powder filled into the cells such that sealing sections are formed therefrom, sealing end sections or an entirety of the respective cells.and the multiple non-magnetic cells each have no magnetic material powder (11) filled into them or attached to their partition walls, wherein a volume and / or a weight of the magnetic material powder per unit volume varies in an axial direction and / or an axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section, wherein a diameter of the central region is 10% or more and 90% or less of a diameter of the honeycomb structure section, wherein the honeycomb structure section has several regions at the end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with one another and have different numbers of magnetic cells per unit area, and wherein the number of magnetic cells per unit area in the central region is greater than the number of magnetic cells per unit area in the outer circumferential region. Aspect 2.

[0008] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 1, wherein the honeycomb structure section has several areas at the end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with one another and which have different proportions of the magnetic cells that are present. Aspect 3

[0009] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 2, wherein the axis orthogonal direction comprises a first and a second direction which intersect each other, and the cells which have a certain number adjacent to each other comprise cell blocks which each contain X cells in both the first and the second direction, wherein X is any positive number, and the magnetic cells which are contained in the cell blocks which have the same size have different numbers between the several areas. Aspect 4.

[0010] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 2, wherein the axis orthogonal direction comprises a first and a second direction which intersect each other, and the cells which have a certain number adjacent to each other comprise cell blocks which each contain X cells in both the first and the second direction, wherein X is any positive number, and the cell blocks which each contain a magnetic cell have different sizes between the several regions. Aspect 5.

[0011] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein a proportion of the magnetic cells present in the central area is greater than that of the magnetic cells present in the outer circumferential area. Aspect 6.

[0012] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 6, wherein the magnetic cells adjacent to one another have different numbers between the several areas. Aspect 7.

[0013] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the honeycomb structure section has end faces that are axially spaced apart from one another, or cross-sections that are perpendicular to the axial direction, and the end faces or cross-sections have different proportions of the magnetic cells that are present, or different numbers of magnetic cells per unit area. Aspect 8.

[0014] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the honeycomb structure section has several areas at the end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with one another and have different filling rates of the magnetic material powder in the magnetic cells. Aspect 9.

[0015] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 8, wherein the filling rate of the magnetic material powder in the central area is greater than that of the magnetic material powder in the outer circumferential area. Aspect 10.

[0016] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 9, wherein the difference between the filling rates in the central area and the outer circumferential area is 10% or more. Aspect 11.

[0017] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the honeycomb structure section has end faces that are axially spaced apart from one another, or cross-sections that are perpendicular to the axial direction, and the end faces or the cross-sections have different filling rates of the magnetic material powder into the magnetic cells. Aspect 12.

[0018] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 11, wherein the filling rate of the magnetic material powder on the side of one end face of the honeycomb structure section is greater than that of the magnetic material powder on the side of the other end face. Aspect 13.

[0019] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a honeycomb structure with a honeycomb structure section having an outer circumferential wall and partitions arranged on an inner side of the outer circumferential wall, wherein the partitions define several cells, each forming a flow path that runs from one end face to another end face;wherein the multiple cells comprise multiple magnetic cells which have a magnetic material powder filled into the cells, such that sealing sections are formed which seal end sections or an entirety of the respective cells, and / or which have a magnetic material powder attached to the partitions, such that coating layers are formed on the surfaces of the partitions which delimit the respective cells, wherein the magnetic material powder comprises multiple magnetic material powders having different magnetic permeabilities and a proportion of the multiple magnetic material powders used varies in an axial direction and / or an axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section. Aspect 14.

[0020] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 13, wherein the honeycomb structure section comprises: a central region containing an axial center of the honeycomb structure section; and an outer circumferential region which adjoins the outer circumferential wall at the end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, and the magnetic material powder in the central region has a greater magnetic permeability than the magnetic material powder in the outer circumferential region. Aspect 15.

[0021] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb structure according to aspect 14, wherein the difference between the magnetic permeabilities of the magnetic material powders in the central area and the outer circumferential area is 1000 or more. Aspect 16.

[0022] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a honeycomb unit comprising: several honeycomb structures, each having an outer circumferential wall and partitions arranged on an inner side of the outer circumferential wall, wherein the partitions define several cells, each forming a flow path extending from one end face to another, and the honeycomb structures are arranged side by side in respective axial and / or axis-orthogonal directions; and wherein at least one of the several honeycomb structures is a honeycomb structure according to one of Aspects 1 to 15. Aspect 17.

[0023] The present invention may relate to the honeycomb unit according to aspect 16, wherein a magnetic body or a metal is arranged between the honeycomb structures. Aspect 18.

[0024] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an induction heating device comprising: the honeycomb structure according to one of aspects 1 to 15 or the honeycomb unit according to one of aspects 16 to 17 and an induction heating coil arranged around an outer circumference of the honeycomb structure or the honeycomb unit, wherein the induction heating coil heats the honeycomb structure or the honeycomb unit by induction heating.

[0025] According to the honeycomb structure and the induction heating device of the present invention, the temperature can be adjusted in the axial direction and / or the axis orthogonal direction during induction heating because the volume and / or the weight of the magnetic material powder per unit volume or the proportion of several magnetic material powders used varies in the axial direction and / or the axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the honeycomb unit of the present invention, the temperature can be adjusted in the axial direction and / or the axis orthogonal direction during induction heating because the volume and / or the weight of the magnetic material powder per unit volume or the proportion of several magnetic material powders used varies in the axial direction and / or the axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an induction heating device having a honeycomb structure according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the power supply circuit in Fig. 1 shows; Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing a first mode of arrangement of magnetic cells in an end face of the honeycomb structure section in Fig.1 or in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction AD; Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory view showing a second mode of arrangement of magnetic cells at an end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section in Fig. 1 shows; Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory view showing a first mode of area arrangement at an end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section in Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing a second mode of area arrangement at an end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section in Fig. 1 shows; Fig.Figure 7 is an explanatory view showing a first mode, where the arrangement of magnetic cells in an axial direction AD of a honeycomb structure in Fig. 1 has been changed; Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the magnetic cells in Fig. 7 conceptually shows; Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing a first mode, where the arrangement of magnetic cells is oriented in an axis orthogonal direction OD and an axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure. Fig. 1 changes; Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory view showing a second mode, in which the arrangement of magnetic cells is oriented in an axis orthogonal direction OD and an axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure in Fig. 1 changes; Fig. 11 is an explanatory view showing a main part of a honeycomb structure according to embodiment 2 of the present invention; Fig.Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an induction heating device equipped with a honeycomb unit according to embodiment 4 of the present invention; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the central honeycomb structure in Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the outer perimeter honeycomb structure in Fig. 12 shows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to a single embodiment, and components can be modified and incorporated without departing from the concept of the present invention. Furthermore, different inventions can be formed by suitably combining several components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components of all components shown in the embodiments can be removed. In addition, the components of different embodiments can be selectively combined. Design 1.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an induction heating device having a honeycomb structure according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig.Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the power supply circuit in Fig. Figure 1 shows the induction heating device, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a device configured to heat a honeycomb structure 1 by induction heating. The induction heating device according to this embodiment comprises a honeycomb structure 1, an induction heating coil 2, and a power supply circuit 3.

[0029] The honeycomb structure 1 has a honeycomb structure section 10 and a magnetic material powder 11.

[0030] The honeycomb structure section 10 has an outer circumferential wall 100 and partitions 101 arranged on an inner surface of the outer circumferential wall 100, defining several cells 101a, each forming a flow path extending from one end face to another. The outer shape of the honeycomb structure section 10 can be columnar. The columnar shape is understood to be a three-dimensional form with a thickness in an axial direction (AD). The axial direction can be the orientation of the cells 101a. The ratio of the length of the honeycomb structure section 10 in the axial direction to the diameter or width of the end face of the honeycomb structure section 10 (an aspect ratio) is arbitrary. The columnar shape can also include a form in which the length of the honeycomb structure section 10 in the axial direction is smaller than the diameter or width of the end face (a flat shape).The outer shape of the honeycomb structure section 10 can be a columnar shape, which has circular end faces (cylindrical shape), as in . Fig. Figure 1 shows a column shape with oval end faces and a column shape with polygonal (rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc.) end faces, but is not limited to these.

[0031] The materials of the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partitions 101 are not restricted, but they are typically formed from ceramic materials. Examples of ceramics include cordierite, silicon carbide, aluminum titanate, silicon nitride, mullite, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, silicon-silicon carbide-based composites, silicon carbide-cordierite-based composites, and in particular, a sintered body primarily based on a silicon-silicon carbide composite or on silicon carbide. As used here, "silicon carbide-based" means that the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partitions 101 contain 50 wt% silicon carbide based on the total mass of the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partitions 101.The phrase "the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partition walls 101 mainly use a silicon-silicon carbide composite as a base" means that the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partition walls 101 contain 90% or more by mass of a silicon-silicon carbide composite (total mass) based on the total amount of the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partition walls 101. Here, the silicon-silicon carbide composite contains silicon carbide particles as an aggregate and silicon as a binder to bind the silicon carbide particles. Preferably, several silicon carbide particles are bound by silicon in such a way that pores are formed between the silicon carbide particles.The phrase “the outer circumferential wall 100 and the partition walls 101 mainly use silicon carbide as a basis” means that the outer circumferential wall 100 and the partition walls 101 contain 90% or more silicon carbide (total mass) based on the total amount of the outer circumferential wall 100 and the partition walls 101.

[0032] Preferably, the outer perimeter wall 100 and the partition walls 101 are made of at least one ceramic material selected from the group consisting of cordierite, silicon carbide, silicon-silicon carbide composites, aluminum titanate, silicon nitride, mullite, silicon oxide and aluminum oxide.

[0033] The shape of each cell 101a is not particularly restricted; however, in cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of a honeycomb structure 1, it may preferably be polygonal, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, or oval, or it may be irregularly shaped. Preferably, it is polygonal.

[0034] For ease of production, the thickness of the partition 101 is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.10 to 0.45 mm. For example, if it is 0.05 mm or more, the strength of the honeycomb structure 1 can be further improved, and if it is 0.50 mm or less, pressure loss can be reduced. The thickness of the partition 101 is an average value measured by microscopic observation of the cross-section in the central axial direction.

[0035] The partition walls 101 preferably have a porosity in the range of 20 to 70%. For ease of production, the porosity of the partition walls 101 is preferably 20% or more, and if it is 70% or less, the strength of the honeycomb structure 1 can be maintained.

[0036] The partitions 101 preferably have an average pore diameter in the range of 2 to 30 µm and more preferably in the range of 5 to 25 µm. An average pore diameter of 2 µm or more facilitates production, while an average pore diameter of 30 µm or less ensures that the strength of the honeycomb structure 1 is maintained. As used herein, the terms "average pore diameter" and "porosity" refer to an average pore diameter and average porosity, respectively, as measured by a mercury penetration technique.

[0037] The density of cells 101a is not particularly limited, however it can preferably be in the range of 5 to 150 cells / cm². 2 and more strongly preferred in the range of 5 to 100 cells / cm² 2 and even more strongly preferred in the range of 31 to 80 cells / cm² 2 lay.

[0038] The honeycomb structure 1 is produced by forming a green body containing ceramic raw materials into a honeycomb mold having partitions 101 extending from one end face to the next to form multiple cells 101a, which serve as fluid flow paths to form a honeycomb body, and then firing the honeycomb body after it has dried. When the resulting honeycomb structure 1 is used for the honeycomb structure 1, the outer perimeter wall 100 can be extruded in one piece with the honeycomb structure 1 and, as things stand, used as the outer perimeter wall 100, or the outer perimeter of the honeycomb structure 1 can be ground to a predetermined shape after forming or firing, and the honeycomb structure, whose outer perimeter has been ground, is coated with a coating material to form an outer perimeter coating. In this embodiment, for example,The honeycomb structure 1 can be used with the outer perimeter without grinding the outer perimeter of the honeycomb structure 1, and the outer perimeter surface of the honeycomb structure 1 with this outer perimeter (i.e., a more outer side of the outer perimeter of the honeycomb structure 1) can further be coated with the coating material described above to form an outer perimeter coating. The former case will result in an outer perimeter wall 100, wherein only the outer perimeter coating, consisting of the coating material, is arranged at the outer perimeter for the outer perimeter surface of the honeycomb structure 1. On the other hand, the latter case results in the formation of a two-layer outer perimeter wall 100, which is arranged at the outer perimeter, and wherein the outer perimeter coating, consisting of the coating material, is further laminated onto the outer perimeter surface of the honeycomb structure 1.The outer perimeter wall 100 can be extruded in one piece with the honeycomb structure section 10 and fired unchanged, and can be used as the outer perimeter wall 100 without any processing.

[0039] The honeycomb structure 1 is not limited to an integrated honeycomb structure 1 with which the partitions 101 are formed in one piece. It can, for example, be a honeycomb structure 1 (a connected honeycomb structure) that has a structure in which several columnar honeycomb segments, each having ceramic partitions 101 and several cells 101a defined by the partitions 101 to form fluid flow paths, are combined by means of connecting material layers.

[0040] The magnetic material powder 11 is attached to or filled into at least one of the multiple cells 101a. The magnetic material powder 11 can form coating layers provided on the surfaces of the partitions 101, or can be filled into the cells 101a to form sealed sections that seal the end sections or the entirety of the cells 101a. Fig. Figure 1 shows a mode in which the magnetic material powder forms 11 sealed sections.

[0041] If the magnetic material powder 11 forms the coating layer, the coating layer can contain a fixative in which the magnetic material powder 11 is dispersed. Examples of the fixative that can be used here include glass containing silicate, borate, or borosilicate; crystallized glass and ceramics; or glass, crystallized glass, ceramics, and the like containing further oxides.

[0042] When the magnetic material powder 11 forms the sealed sections, it can have a columnar outer shape that matches the shape of the cells 101a. The magnetic material powder 11 can have such an outer shape before being filled into the cells 101a, or it can have such an outer shape as a result of being filled into the cells 101a. In other words, the magnetic material powder 11 can form a solid material with a predetermined shape, or it can form a paste-like, irregularly shaped material.

[0043] The solid material and the irregularly shaped material can be formed from a composition in which the magnetic material powder 11 and a binder or an adhesive are combined. Examples of the binder include materials based on metal or glass. The adhesive includes materials based on silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide. In addition to the binder or adhesive, it may also contain an organic or an inorganic substance. The magnetic material powder 11 can be filled from one end face to another across the entire honeycomb structure 1. Furthermore, the magnetic material powder 11 can be filled from one end face of the honeycomb structure 1 to the center of the cells 101a.

[0044] The types of magnetic material that form the magnetic material powder 11 are, for example: Co-20 wt% Fe; Co-25 wt% Ni-4 wt% Fe; Fe in the range of 15 to 35 wt% Co; Fe-17 wt% Co-2 wt% Cr-1 wt% Mo; Fe-49 wt% Co-2 wt% V; Fe-18 wt% Co-10 wt% Cr-2 wt% Mo-1 wt% Al; Fe-27 wt% Co-1 wt% Nb; Fe-20 wt% Co-1 wt% Cr-2 wt% V; Fe-35 wt% Co-1 wt% Cr; pure cobalt; pure iron; electromagnetic soft iron; Fe in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 wt% Mn; Fe-3 wt% by mass of Sis; Fe-6.5 wt% Si; balance Fe-18 mass% Cr; Rest Fe-16 mass% Cr-8 mass% Al; Rest Ni-13 mass% Fe-5.3 mass% Mo; balance Fe-45 mass% Ni; balance Fe-10% by mass Si-5% by mass Al; balance Fe-36 mass% Ni; balance Fe-45 mass% Ni; balance Fe-35 mass% Cr; balance Fe-13 mass% Cr-2 mass% Si; Rest Fe-20% by mass Cr-2% by mass Si-2% by mass Mo; Rest Fe-20% by mass Co-1% by mass V;Remainder Fe-13 mass-% Cr-2 mass-% Si; Remainder Fe-17 mass-% Co-2 mass-% Cr-1 mass-% Mo and the like.;

[0045] The induction heating coil 2 is formed by winding a conductor 20 around a predefined axis AL. The induction heating coil 2 is arranged on the outer circumference of the honeycomb structure 1. The axis AL of the induction heating coil 2 can be parallel to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure 1. The axis AL can be coaxial with the central axis of the honeycomb structure 1.

[0046] The induction heating coil 2 is connected to a power supply circuit 3. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the power supply circuit 3 can include a DC power supply 30, an inverter 31, a transformer 32, and a resonant capacitor 33. DC power from the DC power supply 30 is converted into AC power by the inverter 31. The transformer 32 has a primary coil 32a, which is connected to the inverter 31, and a secondary coil 32b, which is connected to the resonant capacitor 33 and the induction heating coil 2. The turns ratio of the primary coil 32a to the secondary coil 32b is N:1. The symbol N is a number greater than 1, and the transformer 32 can amplify the current of an AC power supply. The capacitance of the resonant capacitor 33 is set to adjust the resonant frequency of the power supply circuit 3.The induction heating coil 2 can be connected in series with the resonant capacitor 33 and can be connected to both ends of the secondary coil 32b together with the resonant capacitor 33.

[0047] Alternating current is supplied from the power circuit 3 to the induction heating coil 2, and a magnetic flux is generated near the induction heating coil 2. The honeycomb structure 1 can be inductively heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 2.

[0048] In general, the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 2 tends to concentrate on the outer circumferential section of the honeycomb structure 1 near the induction heating coil 2, and an unintended temperature deviation between the outer circumferential section and the central section of the honeycomb structure 1 in the axial orthogonal direction OD is easily generated. There is also a need to intentionally generate the temperature deviation in the axial direction AD and / or the axial orthogonal direction OD during induction heating; however, it has proven difficult to intentionally generate such a temperature deviation.

[0049] The honeycomb structure 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume varies in the axial direction AD and / or the axis orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb structure section 10. The magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 2 is induced more strongly at a position where the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume is greater, i.e., where the magnetic permeability is greater. The distribution of the magnetic flux can be designed arbitrarily by the distribution of the magnetic material powder 11, and the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 in the axial direction AD and / or the axis orthogonal direction OD during induction heating can be adjusted. In other words, the honeycomb structure 1 according to this embodiment can create a uniform temperature distribution within the honeycomb structure 1 and also generate intentional temperature variations.

[0050] The mode of distribution of the magnetic material powder 11 is described in more detail below. Among the multiple cells 101a, those cells 101a that are filled with the magnetic material powder 11, or that have the magnetic material powder 11 attached to the partitions 101, are referred to as magnetic cells 101b. That is, the multiple cells 101a contain multiple magnetic cells 101b. Furthermore, a cell can be of any size and shape, not limited to a quadrilateral, and can be modified, for example, to a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or the like.

[0051] The honeycomb structure 1 according to this embodiment can have several coaxially arranged regions at its end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD, each region containing different proportions of the magnetic cells 101b present. By creating such regions, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume at its end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD can be adjusted, and the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 during induction heating in the axis orthogonal direction OD can be adjusted.

[0052] As described above, more magnetic flux is induced in the section where the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume is greater. Therefore, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the area where the temperature is to be increased can be relatively larger. The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present can be calculated based on the number of magnetic cells 101b that have a certain number of adjacent cells 101a. It can also be expressed as "a proportion of magnetic cells 101b" = "number of magnetic cells 101b" / "number of cells 101a". Here, "the number of cells 101a" is the number that contains the number of cells 101a without the magnetic material powder 11 being either filled into them or attached to them.

[0053] Then is Fig.3 an explanatory view showing a first mode of arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b at the end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section 10 in Fig. Figure 1 shows. Any method can be used to adjust the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present. For example, the arrangement of magnetic cells 101b shown in (a) and (b) of Fig. 3 shown, are used. As in (a) and (b) of Fig.As shown in Figure 3, the axial orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb structure 1 includes a first and a second direction OD1, OD2, which intersect each other. The first and second directions OD1, OD2 are directions from the central position of cell 101a to two different partitions 101 that form cell 101a. In particular, the first and second directions OD1, OD2 can be directions that pass through the central position of cell 101a and the central latitude positions of the two different partitions 101 that form this cell 101a. The latitude of the partition 101 can be understood as a distance between the points of intersection of the partitions 101. If the cells 101a are square, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second directions OD1, OD2 can be directions that are orthogonal to each other.A predetermined number of adjacent cells 101a can form cell blocks 101c, each containing X cells 101a, where X is any positive number, in the first and second directions OD1 and OD2, respectively. The number of magnetic cells 101b contained in cell blocks 101c of the same size can vary between areas with different proportions of magnetic cells 101b present. By varying the number of magnetic cells 101b contained in cell blocks 101c of the same size, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present can be easily adjusted.

[0054] In (a) and (b) of Fig. 3. Four cells 101a form each cell block 101c in the first and second directions OD1, OD2. In a cell block 101c in (a) of Fig. 3 contains a magnetic cell 101b and is in a cell block 101c in (b) of Fig.3 contains two magnetic cells 101b. In the arrangement mode shown in (a) of Fig. As shown in 3, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present is 1 / 16 and in the arrangement mode shown in (b) of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present is 1 / 8.

[0055] The cell block 101c can contain three or more magnetic cells 101b. As in (b) of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, several magnetic cells 101b can be adjacent to each other, or a single cell block 101c can contain several magnetic cells 101b that are spaced apart from each other.

[0056] Then is Fig. 4 an explanatory view showing a second mode of arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b at the end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section 10 in Fig. Figure 1 shows. For the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, the arrangement of magnetic cells 101b shown in (a) to (c) can be used, for example. Fig. Figure 4 shows how this can be used. In other words, the sizes of the cell blocks 101c, each containing a magnetic cell 101b, can differ between the areas, with the proportions of magnetic cells 101b present varying. By varying the sizes of the cell blocks 101c, each containing a magnetic cell 101b, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present can be easily adjusted.

[0057] Fig. 4(a) shows a mode in which one magnetic cell 101b is contained in each cell block 101c, which contains three cells 101a in each of the first and second directions OD1, OD2 (a mode in which the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present is 1 / 9). Fig.Figure 4(b) shows a mode in which one magnetic cell 101b is contained in each cell block 101c, which contains four cells 101a in each of the first and second directions OD1, OD2 (a mode in which the proportion of magnetic cell 101b that is present is 1 / 16). Fig. Figure 4(c) shows a mode in which one magnetic cell 101b is contained in each cell block 101c, which contains five cells 101a in each of the first and second directions OD1, OD2 (a mode in which the fraction of magnetic cell 101b is 1 / 25). One magnetic cell 101b can be contained in a smaller or a larger cell block 101c (the fraction of magnetic cell 101b that is present can be greater than 1 / 9 or less than 1 / 25).

[0058] Then is Fig. 5 an explanatory view showing a first mode of area arrangement at the end face or in cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section 10 in Fig. 1 shows. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the honeycomb structure section 10 can include a central region 12 containing an axial center 10c of the honeycomb structure section 10, and an outer circumferential region 13 adjacent to the outer circumferential wall 100. The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the central region 12 can be greater than that of magnetic cells 101b present in the outer circumferential region 13, although it is not particularly restricted to this. This mode is especially useful when it is desired to introduce more magnetic flux into the central region 12 and to increase the temperature of the central region 12. For example, the mode of arranging the magnetic cells 101b in the central region 12 is the mode used in Figure 5. Fig. 3(b) or Fig. 4(a) is shown, and the mode of arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in the outer circumferential region 13 can be the mode that is shown in Fig. 3(a) or Fig. 4(b) is shown.

[0059] The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the central area 12 can be 20% or more greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the outer circumferential area 13.

[0060] The diameter of the central region 12 can be in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 25% to 75%, and more preferably in the range of 40% to 60% of the diameter of the honeycomb structure section 10. The width of the outer circumferential region 13 in the axis orthogonal direction OD (the width of one side) can be in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 25% to 75%, and more preferably in the range of 40% to 60% of the diameter of the honeycomb structure section 10.

[0061] Then is Fig. 6 an explanatory view showing a second mode of area arrangement at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section 10 in Fig. 1 shows. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the honeycomb structure section 10 can contain at least one intermediate region 14 between the central region 12 and the outer circumferential region 13. The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in at least one intermediate region 14 can be smaller than that of the magnetic cells 101b present in the central region 12 and larger than that of the magnetic cells 101b present in the outer circumferential region 13. If two or more intermediate regions 14 are provided, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the inner intermediate regions 14 can be larger than that of the magnetic cells 101b in the outer intermediate region 14.

[0062] The width (the width of one side) of the intermediate area 14 in the axis orthogonal direction OD can be in the range of 10% to 80%, preferably in the range of 10% to 60%, and more preferably in the range of 10% to 40% of the diameter of the honeycomb structure section 10.

[0063] The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present can be changed as desired, and if necessary, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the inner area (e.g., the central area 12) can be smaller than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the outer area (e.g., the outer circumferential area 13 or the intermediate area 14). The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the intermediate area 14 can be larger or smaller than in both the central area 12 and the outer circumferential area 13.

[0064] Although the honeycomb structure 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above on the basis of the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, the honeycomb structure 1 according to the present embodiment can also be understood from a further point of view as follows:

[0065] Specifically, the honeycomb structure section 10 can have several regions that are arranged coaxially with each other and have different numbers of magnetic cells 101b per unit area at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area can be determined, for example, from the number of magnetic cells 101b per square of any plurality of cells.

[0066] Furthermore, the number of adjacent magnetic cells 101b can vary between the different areas. That is, a magnetic cell 101b can be spaced apart in one area, as in Fig. 3(a) is shown, and two magnetic cells 101b can be arranged such that they are adjacent to each other in a wider area, as shown in Fig. Figure 3(b) shows that several magnetic cells 101b can be arranged such that they are adjacent to each other.

[0067] Furthermore, the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area in the central area 12 can be greater than the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area in the outer perimeter area 13.

[0068] Then is Fig. 7 an explanatory view showing changes in the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure section 10 in Fig. 1 shows, and is Fig. 8 an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in Fig.Figure 7 conceptually illustrates this. The honeycomb structure section 10 can have end faces spaced apart from each other in the axial direction AD, or multiple cross-sections perpendicular to the axial direction AD, which differ from each other in the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present or the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area. Hereinafter, “the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present or the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area” can be referred to as “the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present or the like”.

[0069] Fig. Figure 7 shows a state in which the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, at an end face E1 is greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, in a cross-section S1 at an intermediate position in the axial direction AD. Fig.Figure 7 also shows a state in which the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, in cross-section S1 at the intermediate position in the axial direction AD is greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, at the other end face E2. That is, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, on the side of one end face E1 can be greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, or the like, on the side of the other end face E2. By creating such an end face or such a cross-section, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume in the axial direction AD can be adjusted, and the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 during induction heating in the axial direction AD can be adjusted.

[0070] The arrangement that is in Fig.As shown in 7, this can be achieved by the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b, which are in Fig. 8 is shown. That is, as in Fig. As shown in 8, the arrangement shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, this can be achieved such that some of the magnetic cells 101b present on one end surface E1 do not reach the intermediate position, and the magnetic cells 101b that have reached the intermediate position do not reach the other end surface E2. Although in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. If the magnetic cells 101b are not provided at the further end surface E2, the magnetic cells 101b may be provided at the further end surface E2.

[0071] Then is Fig. 9 an explanatory view showing a first mode, wherein the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b is oriented in the axis orthogonal direction OD and the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure 1 in Fig. 1 changes and is Fig.10 an explanatory view showing a second mode, wherein the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b is oriented in the axis orthogonal direction OD and the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure 1 in Fig. 1 changes. The change in the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in the axial direction OD is made with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 described, and the change in the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in the axial direction AD is described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig.8 described. The changes in the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b in the orthogonal direction OD and the axial direction AD can be combined. This makes it possible to adjust the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume in the orthogonal direction OD and the axial direction AD, and to adjust the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 during induction heating in the orthogonal direction OD and the axial direction AD.

[0072] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the central region 12, which has the arrangement of magnetic cells 101b as described above, can be gradually reduced from one end face E1 to another end face E2. As the central region 12 is reduced, the outer circumferential region 13 can be increased.

[0073] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 10, the central region 12, which has the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b described above, gradually decreases in the axial direction AD from an end face E1 to the intermediate position and can be terminated at the intermediate position. That is, no such arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b is required from the intermediate position to the further end face E2. From the intermediate position to the further end face E2, the same arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b as that of the outer circumferential region 13 at the first end face E1 can be provided, but a different arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b is also possible. No magnetic cell 101b is required from the intermediate position to the further end face E2. Design 2.

[0074] Fig.Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing a main part of a honeycomb structure 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. The overall configuration of the honeycomb structure 1 according to embodiment 2 is the same as that according to embodiment 1, and the descriptions can be reduced to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10. Reference is made to this.

[0075] In embodiment 1, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 differs per unit volume depending on the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b. However, as described in Fig. Figure 11 shows that the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume can be varied by changing the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b. Fig. Figure 11(a) shows a state in which the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 is relatively low, and Fig.Figure 11(b) shows a state in which the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 is relatively high.

[0076] The honeycomb structure section 10 can have several regions arranged coaxially with each other and exhibit different fill rates of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD. In embodiment 2, all cells 101a can be magnetic cells 101b, and the fill rate of the magnetic material powder 11 can be varied in the axis orthogonal direction OD, although it is not limited to this. The fill rate can be determined by image analysis. In particular, the measurement can be carried out using a photograph of the cross-section of the magnetic cell 101b with an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope, acquisition of the image by an image analysis device, and determination of the ratio of magnetic material powder 11 to cavities in the imaged area.

[0077] The filling rate can be varied for each region by changing the particle size distribution of the magnetic material powder 11. The filling rate tends to increase as the particle size of the magnetic material powder 11 increases. Using a mixture of magnetic material powder 11 with a coarse particle size and magnetic material powder 11 with a fine particle size can further increase the filling rate. The particle size of the magnetic material powder 11 can range from 5 to 100 µm for D50 (median diameter).

[0078] As with embodiment 1, the honeycomb structure section 10 can include a central area 12, which contains an axial center 10c of the honeycomb structure section 10, and an outer circumferential area 13, which adjoins an outer circumferential wall 100 (see Fig. 5) The filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the central area 12 can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 in the outer circumferential area 13.

[0079] It is preferred that the difference between the filling rate in the central region 12 and the filling rate in the outer circumferential region 13 is 10% or more. In other words, the filling rate in the central region 12 is preferably 10% or more higher than the filling rate in the outer circumferential region 13. A higher amount of magnetic flux can be induced in the central region 12 if the difference between the filling rates is 10% or more. The difference between the filling rates is more preferably 20% or more, and even more preferably 30% or more.

[0080] The honeycomb structure section 10 can have end faces spaced apart from each other in the axial direction AD, or cross-sections perpendicular to the axial direction AD, which have different filling rates of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b. That is, instead of changing the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b, as referred to in Fig. 7 to Fig.As described in section 10, the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the axial direction AD can be changed.

[0081] The filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 on the side of one end face E1 of the honeycomb structure section 10 can be greater than the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 on the side of the other end face E2. The temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 can be more reliably controlled during induction heating in the axial direction AD. Further configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0082] It should be noted that embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 can be combined for implementation. That is, the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b can be changed in the axial direction AD and / or the axis orthogonal direction OD, as in embodiment 1, while the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b is adjusted. Design 3.

[0083] The overall configuration of the honeycomb structure 1 according to embodiment 3 is the same as that according to embodiment 1, and for the descriptions, reference can be made to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 to Fig. Reference is made to Figure 10. Embodiments 1 and 2 are described such that the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume are different in order to adjust the magnetic flux induction and the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 in the axial direction AD and / or the axial orthogonal direction OD. However, by using several types of magnetic material powders 11 exhibiting different magnetic permeabilities, the magnetic flux induction can be adjusted and the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 in the axial direction AD and / or the axial direction OD can be adjusted during induction heating.

[0084] That is, in the honeycomb structure 1 according to embodiment 3, several magnetic material powders 11 are used in different ratios in the axial direction AD and / or the axial direction OD of the honeycomb structure section 10. For example, assuming that a first magnetic material powder having a first magnetic permeability and a second magnetic material powder having a second magnetic permeability are used, and the first magnetic permeability is greater than the second magnetic permeability, only the first magnetic material powder (100%) can be attached to or filled in the cells 101a, or only the second magnetic material powder (100%) can be attached to or filled in the cells 101a, or the first magnetic material powder and the second magnetic material powder can be mixed in a predetermined ratio and attached to or filled in the cells 101a.At a position with a higher proportion of the first magnetic material powder used, the magnetic permeability is higher and a greater amount of magnetic flux is induced. The magnetic flux distribution can be arbitrarily designed by the distribution of the proportions of the several magnetic material powders 11 used, such that the temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 in the axial direction AD and / or the axis orthogonal direction OD can be adjusted during induction heating.

[0085] As in embodiment 1, the honeycomb structure section 10 can include a central area 12, which contains an axial center 10c of the honeycomb structure section 10, and an outer circumferential area 13, which adjoins an outer circumferential wall 100 (see Fig.5) The magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 in the central region 12 can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 in the outer circumferential region 13. For example, only the first magnetic material powder described above can be used in the central region 12 and only the second magnetic material powder described above can be used in the outer circumferential region 13.

[0086] It is preferred that the difference between the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 in the central region 12 and the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 in the outer circumferential region 13 is 1000 or more. A difference of 1000 or more between the magnetic permeabilities can lead to the induction of a larger amount of magnetic flux in the central region 12. A difference of 1500 or more between the magnetic permeabilities is more preferably preferred, and 2000 or more again is even more preferably preferred.

[0087] The magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 on the side of one end face E1 of the honeycomb structure section 10 can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 on the side of the other end face E2. The temperature of the honeycomb structure 1 can be more reliably controlled during induction heating in the axial direction AD. Further configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1.

[0088] At least one embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 can be combined with embodiment 3 for implementation. That is, the proportion of the multiple magnetic material powders 11 used can be changed during the adjustment of the arrangement of the magnetic cells 101b as in embodiment 1 and / or changing the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b as in embodiment 2. Design 4.

[0089] Fig.Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an induction heating device equipped with a honeycomb unit 4 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a central honeycomb structure 41 in Fig. 12 shows and Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an outer perimeter honeycomb structure 42 in Fig. Figure 12 shows. While embodiments 1 to 3 have been described for a honeycomb structure 1 and the induction heating device containing it, for example, in a large plant or the like, a honeycomb unit 4 in which several honeycomb structures 1 are combined and an induction heating device containing the honeycomb unit 4 can be used. The present invention can also be applied to such a honeycomb unit 4 and such an induction heating device.

[0090] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 12, the induction heating device according to this embodiment has a honeycomb unit 4, an induction heating coil 2 and a power supply circuit 3.

[0091] The honeycomb unit 4 contains several honeycomb structures 1 arranged side by side in their respective axial directions AD and / or axis orthogonal directions OD. The overall configuration of the honeycomb structure 1 is the same as that of embodiments 1 to 3, and its descriptions can refer to the descriptions of the present embodiment. That is, each of the several honeycomb structures 1 contains an outer circumferential wall 100 and partitions 101 arranged on an inner surface of the outer circumferential wall 100, the partitions 101 defining several cells 101a, each forming a flow path extending from one end face to another.

[0092] As illustrated, the honeycomb structure 1 according to this embodiment has a columnar shape with rectangular end faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the honeycomb structures 1 are arranged side by side in the axial direction AD such that their end faces are opposite each other. Furthermore, the honeycomb structures 1 are arranged side by side in the axially orthogonal direction OD such that their respective outer circumferential walls 100 face each other. The axial direction AD and the axially orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb structure 1 can be synonymous with the axial direction AD and the axially orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb unit 4 as a whole.

[0093] The number of honeycomb structures 1 arranged in the axial direction AD and the axis-orthogonal direction OD is arbitrary. In the illustrated embodiment, three sets of honeycomb structures 1 are arranged in the axial direction AD, each of the three sets consisting of nine honeycomb structures 1 arranged in the axis-orthogonal direction OD. A larger or smaller number of honeycomb structures 1 can be arranged in the axis-orthogonal direction OD and / or the axial direction AD. For example, the number of honeycomb structures 1 arranged in the axis-orthogonal direction OD or the axial direction AD can be one, such as three honeycomb structures 1 arranged in the axial direction AD.

[0094] In each of the honeycomb structures 1, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume and the proportion of the magnetic material powder 11 used can be adjusted as described in embodiments 1 to 3, however, in a honeycomb structure 1 according to embodiment 4, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume and the proportion of the magnetic material powder 11 used can be constant.

[0095] The honeycomb unit 4 can include magnetic bodies or metals 5 arranged between the honeycomb structures 1. By arranging such magnetic bodies or metals 5, the thermal radiation of the honeycomb unit 4 is suppressed, and the temperature of the central section of the honeycomb unit 4 can be improved. In the illustrated embodiment, all magnetic bodies or metals 5 are formed in a flat plate shape and arranged between the outer circumferential walls 100 of the respective honeycomb structures 1. All magnetic bodies or metals 5 can abut the outer circumferential wall 100 of each honeycomb structure 1. No magnetic body or metal 5 is arranged between the end faces of the respective honeycomb structures 1. The magnetic body or metal 5 can be omitted as a whole, and the outer circumferential walls 100 of the respective honeycomb structures 1 can abut each other.

[0096] The overall configuration of the induction heating coil 2 and the power supply circuit 3 is the same as that of embodiments 1 to 3, and their descriptions can refer to the descriptions of the present embodiment. However, the induction heating coil 2 is arranged on the outer circumference of the honeycomb unit 4. An axis AL of the induction heating coil 2 can be parallel to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb unit 4. The axis AL can be coaxial with the central axis of the honeycomb unit 4. By supplying an alternating current from the power supply circuit 3 to the induction heating coil 2, a magnetic flux is generated near the induction heating coil 2, and this magnetic flux can heat the honeycomb unit 4 by induction.

[0097] The honeycomb unit 4 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume differ in the axial direction AD and / or the orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb unit 4. The magnetic flux distribution can be arbitrarily designed by the distribution of the magnetic material powder 11, and the temperature of the honeycomb unit 4 in the axial direction AD and / or the orthogonal direction OD can be adjusted during induction heating. That is, in the honeycomb unit 4 of the present embodiment, the temperature distribution of the honeycomb unit 4 can be uniformly produced, and intentional temperature deviations can be generated.

[0098] In the honeycomb unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present can be varied for each honeycomb structure 1 arranged in the axis orthogonal direction OD. By varying the proportion of magnetic cells 101b in this way, the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume in the axis orthogonal direction OD can be adjusted, and the temperature of the honeycomb unit 4 in the axis orthogonal direction OD can be adjusted during induction heating.

[0099] The method for adjusting the volume and / or weight of the magnetic material powder 11 per unit volume in the axis orthogonal direction OD, which can be used here, includes a method for varying the number of magnetic cells 101b contained in the cell blocks 101c, which have the same size for each honeycomb structure 1 (the method which, with reference to Fig. 3 is described) and / or a method for varying the size of the cell blocks 101c, each containing a magnetic cell 101b for each honeycomb structure 1 (the method described with reference to Fig. 4 is described), without being limited to that.

[0100] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 12, the honeycomb unit 4 contains a central honeycomb structure 41, which is arranged at a position that includes an axis center of the honeycomb unit 4, and an outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42, which is arranged at a position that forms an outer edge of the honeycomb unit 4. The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the central honeycomb structure 41 can be greater than that of magnetic cells 101b present in the outer honeycomb structure 42, although it is not specifically limited to this. This mode is particularly useful when it is desired to induce more magnetic flux to the central honeycomb structure 41 and to increase the temperature of the central honeycomb structure 41. Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 shows an example in which the magnetic cells 101b are arranged more densely in the central honeycomb structure 41 than in the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42.

[0101] Although not shown, an intermediate honeycomb structure may exist between the central honeycomb structure 41 and the outer perimeter honeycomb structure 42, containing a different proportion of the magnetic cells 101b present in the intermediate honeycomb structure compared to those in the central honeycomb structure 41 and the outer perimeter honeycomb structure 42. The proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the intermediate honeycomb structure may be smaller than that present in the central honeycomb structure 41 and larger than that present in the outer perimeter honeycomb structure 42, although it is not specifically restricted to this.If two or more intermediate honeycomb structures arranged side by side in the axis orthogonal direction OD are provided between the central honeycomb structure 41 and the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the intermediate honeycomb structure on the inside can be greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the intermediate honeycomb structure on the outside.

[0102] In honeycomb unit 4, the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area can be varied for each honeycomb structure 1 arranged in the axis orthogonal direction OD. The number of adjacent magnetic cells 101b can also be varied for each honeycomb structure 1. The number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area in the central honeycomb structure 41 can be greater than the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area in the outer perimeter honeycomb structure 42.

[0103] In honeycomb unit 4, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, or the number of magnetic cells 101b per unit area (the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, or the like) can be varied for each of the honeycomb structures 1 that are arranged next to each other in the axial direction AD. For example, in Fig. 12 the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, or the like, of the middle honeycomb structure 1 is greater than the proportion of magnetic cells 101b that are present, or the like, of the upper and lower honeycomb structures 1.

[0104] Furthermore, as in embodiment 2, the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the magnetic cells 101b of the honeycomb unit 4 can be different for each of the honeycomb structures 1 arranged side by side in the axial orthogonal direction OD. The filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 in the central honeycomb structure 41 can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 in the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42. It is preferred that the difference between the filling rates in the central honeycomb structure 41 and the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42 is 10% or more.

[0105] Furthermore, in honeycomb unit 4, the filling rate of the magnetic material powder 11 into the magnetic cells 101b can differ for each of the honeycomb structures 1 arranged side by side in the axial direction AD. The filling rate of the honeycomb structure 1 on one end face in the axial direction AD can be greater than that of the honeycomb structure 1 on the opposite end face.

[0106] Furthermore, as in embodiment 3, the proportion of the multiple magnetic material powders 11 used can differ in the axial direction AD and / or the axis orthogonal direction OD of the honeycomb unit 4. The magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 of the central honeycomb structure 41 can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 of the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42. The difference between the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 of the central honeycomb structure 41 and the magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 of the outer circumferential honeycomb structure 42 is preferably 1000 or more. The magnetic permeability of the magnetic material powder 11 of the honeycomb structure 1 on one end face in the axial direction AD can be greater than that of the magnetic material powder 11 of the honeycomb structure 1 on the other end face. Further configurations are the same as those of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to any one embodiment and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be created by suitably combining several components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components can be removed from all components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, components from different embodiments can be combined as appropriate. EXAMPLES

[0108] A honeycomb structure 1 was produced as follows. In a raw material mixing step, a cordierite-forming raw material was first prepared as a ceramic raw material. Specifically, talc, kaolin, calcined kaolin, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and quartz were mixed to create the cordierite-forming raw material. Methylcellulose and hydroxypropoxymethylcellulose were added as binders, along with a surfactant and water, to obtain a forming raw material, which was then mixed to create a green body. Subsequently, in a forming step, the green body was extruded using a predefined die to form a honeycomb body with partitions forming square cells. Additionally, the portion intended to become the outer perimeter section was formed in one piece. The resulting honeycomb body was then dried and subsequently fired in a firing step.Drying was performed in a microwave dryer for 10 to 30 minutes, firing was maintained at a maximum temperature of 1430 °C for 5 to 15 hours, and a total of 40 to 60 hours was carried out to obtain honeycomb structure 1. The resulting honeycomb structure 1 had an end-face diameter of 82 mm, an axial length of 85 mm, and a cell structure of 4 mil / 400 cpsi.

[0109] The cells 101a in each area of ​​the obtained honeycomb structure 1 were filled with Fe-18Cr powder according to the procedure shown in Table 1 below and heat-treated in a vacuum atmosphere at 1200 °C to produce Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0110] The heat-treated honeycomb structure 1 was arranged in a quartz glass tube with a diameter of 90 mm. An induction heating coil 2, produced by winding a copper wire with a diameter of 100 mm three times, was arranged around the outer circumference of the quartz glass tube. The system was then tested under conditions of a power output of 4 kW, a frequency of 100 kHz, and ambient air at room temperature with a flow rate of 0.45 m³ / h. 3 Induction heating was performed for 180 s by passing air through the quartz glass tube, and the maximum temperature of the center of honeycomb structure 1 (the center in the longitudinal and axial directions) was measured using a thermocouple. The results are also shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1] Area Proportion of magnetic cells that are present Magnetic material powder Max. Temp. (°C) Example 1 Center - 41 mm 1 / 16 cells Fe-18Cr material 280 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Same as above Example 2 Center - 62 mm 1 / 16 cells Same as above 280 62 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Same as above Example 3 Center - 41 mm 1 / 9 cells Same as above 530 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Same as above Example 4 Center - 41 mm 1 / 9 cells Same as above 570 41 mm - 61 mm 1 / 16 cells Same as above 61 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Same as above Example 5 Center - 41 mm 4 / 25 cells Same as above 450 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Same as above Example 6 Center - 41 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr material with D50 = 10 µm 450 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr material with D50 = 60 µm Example 7 Center - 41 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr mixed material with D50 = 10 µm and 60 µm 500 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr material with D50 = 60 µm Example 8 Center - 41 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-49Co-2V mixed material with permeability µ = 4700 500 41 mm - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr material with permeability µ = 1000 Comparison 1 Center - 82 mm 1 / 25 cells Fe-18Cr material 220 Comparison 2 Center - 82 mm 1 / 16 cells Fe-18Cr material 180

[0111] In Table 1, for example, the notation "center-41 mm" refers to a region of a circle with a diameter of 41 mm, where the axial center was the center at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD, and "41 mm-82 mm" refers to an annular region between the circle with a diameter of 41 mm and the outer edge of the honeycomb structure 1. Furthermore, for example, the notation "1 / 25 cells" indicates that a magnetic cell 101b is present in a 5-cell × 5-cell area. The notation "4 / 25 cells" in Example 5 indicates that magnetic cells 101b, measuring 2 cells × 2 cells, are present in a 5-cell × 5-cell area.

[0112] In comparative examples 1 and 2, the magnetic cells 101b are uniformly arranged in the radial direction, whereas in examples 1 to 8, the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the radial direction was varied. As shown in Table 1, it was found that by changing the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present, as in examples 1 to 8, the magnetic flux induction can be adjusted and the maximum temperature at the center of the honeycomb structure 1 can be changed. In particular, the maximum temperature is higher in examples 1 to 8 than in comparative examples 1 and 2. This is because the proportion of magnetic cells 101b present in the central region 12 is greater than the proportion of magnetic cells present in the outer circumferential region 13. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 honeycomb structure 10 honeycomb structure section 100 outer perimeter wall 101 Partition wall 101a Cell 101b Magnetic cell 101c cell block 11 Magnetic material powder 12 Central Area 13 Outer circumference

Claims

[1] Honeycomb structure (1) comprising a honeycomb structure section (10) comprising an outer perimeter wall (100), partition walls (101) arranged on an inner side of the outer perimeter wall (100), a central area (12) containing an axial center of the honeycomb structure section (10), and an outer perimeter area (13) adjoining the outer perimeter wall (100), wherein the partitions (101) define several cells (101a) each forming a flow path that runs from one end face to another end face, which include multiple cells (101a), multiple magnetic cells (101b), and multiple non-magnetic cells, the several magnetic cells (101b) have a magnetic material powder (11) which is filled into the cells (101a) in such a way that sealing sections are formed which seal end sections or an entirety of the respective cells (101a), the several non-magnetic cells each do not have magnetic material powder (11) filled into them or attached to their partition walls (101), a volume and / or a weight of the magnetic material powder (11) per unit volume vary in an axial direction and / or an axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section (10), a diameter of the central area (12) is 10% or more and 90% or less of a diameter of the honeycomb structure section (10), the honeycomb structure section (10) has several areas at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with each other and have different numbers of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area, and the number of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area in the central area (12) is greater than the number of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area in the outer perimeter area (13). [2] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the honeycomb structure section (10) has several areas at the end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with each other and which have different proportions of the magnetic cells (101b) that are present. [3] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein The axis orthogonal direction comprises a first and a second direction that intersect each other, the cells (101a) which have a certain number adjacent to each other, comprise cell blocks (101c) which each contain X cells (101a) in both the first and second directions, where X is any positive number, and the magnetic cells (101b) contained in the cell blocks (101c) of the same size have different numbers between the several areas. [4] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the axis orthogonal direction comprises a first and a second direction that intersect each other, the cells (101a) which have a certain number adjacent to each other, comprise cell blocks (101c) which each contain X cells (101a) in both the first and second directions, where X is any positive number, and the cell blocks (101c), each containing a magnetic cell (101b), have different sizes between the several areas. [5] Honeycomb structure (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a proportion of the magnetic cells (101b) present in the central region (12) is greater than that of the magnetic cells (101b) present in the outer circumferential region (13). [6] Honeycomb structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the magnetic cells (101b) which are adjacent to each other have different numbers between the multiple areas. [7] Honeycomb structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the honeycomb structure section (10) has end faces that are axially spaced apart from one another, or cross-sections perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the end faces or the cross-sections have different proportions of the magnetic cells (101b) that are present, or different numbers of magnetic cells (101b) per unit area. [8] Honeycomb structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the honeycomb structure section (10) has several areas at the end face or in the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction which are arranged coaxially with each other and have different filling rates of the magnetic material powder (11) into the magnetic cells (101b). [9] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 8, wherein the filling rate of the magnetic material powder (11) in the central region (12) is greater than that of the magnetic material powder (11) in the outer circumferential region (13). [10] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 9, wherein the difference between the filling rates in the central area (12) and the outer circumferential area (13) is 10% or more. [11] Honeycomb structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the honeycomb structure section (10) has end faces which are axially spaced apart from one another, or cross-sections perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the end faces or the cross-sections have different filling rates of the magnetic material powder (11) into the magnetic cells (101b). [12] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 11, wherein the filling rate of the magnetic material powder (11) on the side of one end face of the honeycomb structure section (10) is greater than that of the magnetic material powder (11) on the side of the other end face. [13] Honeycomb structure (1) with a honeycomb structure section (10) having an outer perimeter wall (100) and partition walls (101) arranged on an inner side of the outer perimeter wall (100), wherein the partitions (101) define several cells (101a) each forming a flow path that runs from one end face to the next end face; the multiple cells (101a) comprise multiple magnetic cells (101b) which have a magnetic material powder (11) filled into the cells (101a) in such a way that sealing sections are formed which seal end sections or an entirety of the respective cells (101a), and / or which have a magnetic material powder (11) attached to the partitions (100) in such a way that coating layers are formed on the surfaces of the partitions (101) which delimit the respective cells (101a), the magnetic material powder (11) comprises several magnetic material powders (11) that have different magnetic permeabilities, and a proportion of the several magnetic material powders (11) used varies in an axial direction and / or an axis orthogonal direction of the honeycomb structure section (10). [14] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 13, wherein the honeycomb structure section (10) comprises: a central area (12) containing an axial center of the honeycomb structure section (10); and an outer circumferential area (13) which adjoins the outer circumferential wall (100) at the end face or in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, and the magnetic material powder (11) in the central area (12) has a greater magnetic permeability than the magnetic material powder (11) in the outer circumferential area (13). [15] Honeycomb structure (1) according to claim 14, wherein the difference between the magnetic permeabilities of the magnetic material powders (11) in the central region (12) and the outer circumferential region (13) is 1000 or more. [16] Honeycomb unit comprising the following: several honeycomb structures (1), each comprising an outer circumferential wall (100) and partitions (101) arranged on an inner side of the outer circumferential wall (100), wherein the partitions (101) define several cells (101a), each forming a flow path extending from one end face to another end face, and the honeycomb structures (1) are arranged side by side in respective axial directions and / or axis orthogonal directions; and wherein at least one of the several honeycomb structures (1) is a honeycomb structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. [17] Honeycomb unit according to claim 16, wherein a magnetic body or a metal is arranged between the honeycomb structures (1). [18] Induction heating device comprising the following: the honeycomb structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 or the honeycomb unit according to one of claims 16 to 17 and an induction heating coil arranged around an outer circumference of the honeycomb structure (1) or the honeycomb unit, wherein the induction heating coil heats the honeycomb structure (1) or the honeycomb unit by induction heating.

Images