Air conditioning panel

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning panel capable of more appropriately operating. [Solution] The air conditioning panel is formed in a panel shape to provide an air conditioning effect, and is equipped with an evaporator 10 having a liquid refrigerant storage section 11 and evaporating the refrigerant using heat from one side, a condenser 20 which introduces the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator 10 and condenses and liquefies it by heat release to the other side, a refrigerant flow path 30 which connects the evaporator 10 and condenses it, and a temperature-sensing valve 40 which can be switched between an open state which allows the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant flow path 30 and a closed state which prohibits the flow of refrigerant based on the ambient temperature, and the temperature-sensing valve 40 is located within the condenser 20 or at a position closer to the condenser 20 than the evaporator 10 and switches between the open state and the closed state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning panel has been proposed that includes two plates, a refrigerant, and a slope, and performs air conditioning by allowing heat to flow from one plate side to the other plate side (see Patent Document 1). In this air conditioning panel, the two plates form a space between them, and the refrigerant is sealed between the two plates. The slope forms a refrigerant storage section on one of the two plates, and the refrigerant in the storage section evaporates due to the heat from one plate side. The evaporated refrigerant reaches the other plate side and condenses on the other plate side. The condensed refrigerant returns to the storage section by utilizing its own weight. This makes the slope a circulation structure that circulates the refrigerant.

[0003] According to such a structure, in an environment where the refrigerant evaporates due to heat from one of the plate materials, the one plate material side is cooled by absorbing the heat of evaporation. On the other hand, when the evaporated refrigerant reaches the other plate material side, it is cooled and condensed into liquid, and the condensation heat is discarded from the other plate material side. As a result, the heat from one plate material side flows through to the other plate material side. In this way, for example, in summer, the indoor side becomes one of the plate materials, making the room comfortable. Moreover, since the condensed and liquefied refrigerant returns to the storage section by its own weight, the above-mentioned heat transmission can be performed continuously without requiring electrical energy.

[0004] However, in such a structure, the heat transmission direction is from one plate side to the other plate side. Therefore, if the structure is installed in a direction that allows indoor heat to pass through to the outside in summer, the heat from the air conditioner in winter will escape to the outside unless the structure itself is turned over. Therefore, if the structure cannot be turned over, it is desirable to have a structure that can be put into an inoperative state so that the heat in the room in winter does not escape to the outside.

[0005] Therefore, the present inventor has proposed an air conditioning panel equipped with a temperature-sensing valve that opens the refrigerant flow path when the temperature on the evaporator side (one of the plate materials side where the liquid refrigerant is stored) is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and closes the refrigerant flow path when the evaporator side temperature is below a specific temperature equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this air conditioning panel, when the room temperature is high, for example in summer, the temperature-sensing valve opens, allowing the heat inside the room to flow through to the outside. On the other hand, in winter, unless the room temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensing valve is closed, prohibiting the circulation of the refrigerant and preventing the heat inside the room from escaping to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-112886 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-218768 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 2, the air conditioning panel is used for cooling, so when the air conditioning panel is used for heating, the two are reversed, with the evaporator located on the outdoor side and the condenser located on the indoor side. When the outdoor air temperature (the temperature on the evaporator side) is equal to or higher than a specified temperature, the temperature-sensing valve opens to let heat into the room.

[0008] However, this type of heating use also results in heat being taken into the room in the summer. Therefore, one school of thought is to allow heating operation by estimating that heating is needed indoors if it is cold enough outside. However, when air conditioning panels are used for heating in the winter, for example, the exterior surface is treated to increase the solar radiation absorption rate (for example, solar radiation absorption rate of 80% or more) and decrease the emissivity (for example, emissivity of 20% or less) for efficiency reasons. For this reason, during the day in winter, the temperature of the exterior surface becomes sufficiently higher than the ambient temperature due to the treatment of the exterior surface, making it impossible to determine that the outside temperature is sufficiently cold. As a result, heating operation is not performed, making it difficult to perform heating operation based on the temperature on the evaporator side.

[0009] In addition, the following problems also occur in cooling operation. First, heat enters the room from outside the building when the exterior surface temperature is higher than the interior surface temperature, so when the exterior surface temperature is high, the interior surface temperature is rising. When the exterior surface temperature is high and it is predicted that the interior temperature will be higher than the comfort range, it is desirable to dissipate heat in advance to the lower limit of the comfort temperature range, for example, about 20°C. Conversely, when the outdoor temperature is low, the interior temperature is likely to tend to decrease, so it is desirable not to dissipate heat even if it is at the upper limit of the comfort temperature range. Considering this, it may not be appropriate to perform or prohibit cooling operation based on the indoor temperature on the evaporator side.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning panel that can be operated more appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The air conditioning panel according to the present invention is an air conditioning panel formed in a panel shape to obtain an air conditioning effect, and includes an evaporator having a liquid refrigerant storage portion and evaporating the refrigerant by heat from one side, a condenser into which the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator is introduced and condensed and liquefied by heat radiation to the other side, a refrigerant flow path connecting the evaporator and the condenser and allowing the refrigerant to flow, and a temperature-sensitive valve that can be switched between an open state that allows the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant flow path and a closed state that prohibits the flow of the refrigerant based on the ambient temperature, and the temperature-sensitive valve is provided in a position inside the condenser or a position closer to the condenser than the evaporator and switches between the open state and the closed state. Here, the refrigerant flow path may be any one that allows the refrigerant to flow, and may be a flow path that allows the vapor refrigerant to flow, a flow path that allows the liquid refrigerant to flow, or a flow path that allows both to flow. In addition, the flow path that allows both to flow may be a single common flow path or may be separate flow paths that are not common. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning panel that is capable of operating more appropriately. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the air conditioning panel according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of the refrigerant flow path shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing details of the inside of the refrigerant flow path shown in FIG. 2, in which (a) is a perspective view showing one surface side of the plate member shown in FIG. 2, and (b) is a diagram showing a partial configuration of (a). [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view showing the other surface side of the plate member shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a modified example near a refrigerant flow path. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams showing details of a temperature-sensitive valve according to a second embodiment, in which (a) is an enlarged view of a refrigerant flow path, and (b) is a front view of a temperature magnet. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic diagram showing a horizontal cross section of an air conditioning panel according to a third embodiment, showing a cross section taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 5 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of a temperature sensing valve and a check valve in a refrigerant flow path according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described below along with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, some configurations are omitted from illustration and description, but it goes without saying that publicly known or well-known technologies are appropriately applied to the details of the omitted technologies within the scope of no contradiction with the contents described below.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to the first embodiment. Note that some components are not shown in Fig. 1. The air conditioning panel 1 shown in Fig. 1 is formed in a panel shape (plate shape) and provides an air conditioning effect, and in particular functions to provide a heating effect in a room. Note that Fig. 1 shows an example in which the air conditioning panel 1 is used on a vertical surface, but it may also be used on an inclined surface or a horizontal surface if possible.

[0016] The air conditioning panel 1 according to the example shown in FIG.

[0017] The evaporator 10 is provided on one side (outdoor side) of the air conditioning panel 1 and evaporates the refrigerant by heat from the one side. The evaporator 10 has a liquid refrigerant storage section 11 and a wick layer 12. The storage section 11 is a section capable of storing the liquid refrigerant and is located below the evaporator 10. The wick layer 12 sucks up and holds the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage section 11 by capillary action. The wick layer 12 is provided on one side of the evaporator 10 so as to be easily subjected to heat from the one side of the air conditioning panel 1. The evaporator 10 efficiently evaporates the refrigerant by heat from the one side, as the wick layer 12 sucks up and holds the liquid refrigerant. In addition, it is preferable that the outdoor surface of the air conditioning panel 1 is treated to increase the solar absorptance (for example, solar absorptance of 80% or more) and decrease the emissivity (for example, emissivity of 20% or less). This is because the refrigerant can be evaporated more efficiently.

[0018] The condenser 20 introduces the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator 10 and condenses and liquefies it by heat dissipation to the other side (indoor side) of the air conditioning panel 1. The liquid refrigerant obtained by condensation falls downward within the condenser 20.

[0019] The refrigerant flow path 30 connects the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20. The refrigerant flow path 30 connects the lower parts of the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20. For example, the refrigerant flow path 30 is provided such that the lower end position when viewed in the height direction coincides with the upper end position of the storage section 11 of the evaporator 10 and the lower end position of the condenser 20.

[0020] Such a refrigerant flow path 30 allows the refrigerant to flow between the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20. That is, the refrigerant flow path 30 guides the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator 10 to the condenser 20. The refrigerant flow path 30 also returns the liquid refrigerant that has been condensed and liquefied in the condenser 20 and dropped downward to the evaporator 10. In particular, the refrigerant flow path 30 according to this embodiment allows both the vapor refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant to flow through it, and therefore functions as a single path for circulating the refrigerant.

[0021] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the refrigerant flow path 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning panel 1 (see Fig. 1) is provided with a plate member P and a temperature-sensitive valve 40 in the refrigerant flow path 30.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing details of the inside of the refrigerant flow path 30 shown in Fig. 2, where (a) is a perspective view showing one surface side of the plate member P shown in Fig. 2, and (b) is a configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration of (a). First, the plate member P is provided so as to close the refrigerant flow path 30 as shown in Fig. 2, and is formed with a through hole TH as shown in Fig. 3(a). In addition, the temperature sensitive valve 40 includes a temperature magnet 41 and an operating plate 42.

[0023] The temperature magnet 41 is supported by a plate material or the like (not shown) and is located near one surface of the plate member P. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the temperature magnet 41 is configured to include a permanent magnet 41a and a temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b. The temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b becomes a non-magnetic material at or above the Curie temperature (predetermined temperature) and becomes a magnetic material below the Curie temperature. The temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b is provided at both ends of the permanent magnet 41a. The temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b is shaped to protrude toward the plate member P side more than the permanent magnet 41a. Therefore, when the ambient temperature of the temperature magnet 41 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b becomes a magnetic material and a magnetic force acts on the plate member P side through the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b (see the dashed arrow). On the other hand, when the ambient temperature of the temperature magnet 41 is higher than the predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b becomes a non-magnetic material. As a result, the magnetic force does not act through the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b. Therefore, the temperature magnet 41 is in a state where the magnetic force acts only on the vicinity of the temperature magnet 41, and does not act on the plate member P side (see the solid line arrow).

[0024] The operation plate 42 is a plate material of a magnetic material with an upper end portion 42a integrally connected to the plate member P. In the basic state, the lower end portion 42b of the operation plate 42 comes into contact with the plate member P to block the through hole TH. When the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature and the temperature magnet 41 exerts a magnetic force on the plate member P side, the operation plate 42 rotates around the upper end portion 42a due to the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 41, and the lower end portion 42b moves away from the plate member P. As a result, the through hole TH is opened. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature and the temperature magnet 41 does not exert a magnetic force on the plate member P side, the operation plate 42 comes into contact with the plate member P to block the through hole TH in the basic state.

[0025] Therefore, the temperature sensing valve 40 is switched between an open state in which the through hole TH is opened (allowing the refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerant flow path 30) and a closed state in which the through hole TH is closed (prohibiting the refrigerant to circulate) based on the ambient temperature. Note that the operating plate 42 of the temperature sensing valve 40 is configured to rotate around the upper end portion 42a, but the direction of rotation is not particularly important.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning panel 1 is provided with a check valve 50 in the refrigerant flow path 30. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the other surface side of the plate member P shown in Fig. 2. The check valve 50 prevents the backflow of the vapor refrigerant, and includes an operating plate 51.

[0027] The operating plate 51 is a plate material having a lower end portion 51a integrally connected to the plate member P. In the basic state, the operating plate 51 has an upper end portion 51b in contact with the plate member P to close the through hole TH. The operating plate 51 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic plate material so as not to be affected when the temperature magnet 41 exerts a magnetic force.

[0028] When the pressure on the evaporator 10 side is higher than the pressure on the condenser 20 side by a predetermined pressure (any pressure greater than 0), the operating plate 51 operates such that the upper end 51b moves away from the plate member P due to the pressure difference. As a result, the through hole TH is opened. On the other hand, when the pressure on the evaporator 10 side is not higher than the pressure on the condenser 20 side by a predetermined pressure or more, the operating plate 51 is in the basic state, and the upper end 51b comes into contact with the plate member P to close the through hole TH.

[0029] The operating plate 51 of the check valve 50 is configured to rotate around the lower end portion 51a, but the direction of rotation is not particularly important. The operating plate 42 of the temperature sensing valve 40 and the operating plate 51 of the check valve 50 have their rotation centers on opposite sides of the through hole TH, but this is not limited to the opposite side. The predetermined pressure may be any pressure that is greater than 0.

[0030] Here, in the air conditioning panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the temperature sensing valve 40 (particularly the temperature magnet 41) is provided at a position closer to the condenser 20 than the evaporator 10. In other words, the temperature sensing valve 40 is provided on the condenser 20 side of the center line C which is the midpoint between the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20 shown in Fig. 2. This is because the temperature sensing valve 40 operates according to the temperature on the condenser 20 side.

[0031] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view showing a modified example near the refrigerant flow path 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the air conditioning panel 1 (see Fig. 1) may have an extension flow path 60 that is continuous with the refrigerant flow path 30 and extends into the condenser 20. The plate member P, the temperature sensing valve 40, and the check valve 50 may be provided in the extension flow path 60. In this case, the temperature sensing valve 40 (particularly the temperature magnet 41) is provided in the condenser 20. This makes it easier for the temperature sensing valve 40 to be controlled by the temperature on the condenser 20 side.

[0032] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, in summer, the outdoor temperature becomes high, and the indoor temperature also becomes high. Therefore, the ambient temperature of the temperature sensing valve 40 does not fall below a predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensing valve 40 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent heat from passing from the outdoors to the indoors in summer.

[0033] Even if the room temperature drops to a certain extent in summer due to an air conditioner or the like, the temperature sensing valve 40 can be kept closed by optimizing the Curie temperature of the temperature magnet 41. This makes it possible to prevent heat from passing from the outside to the room when the air conditioner or the like is in use in summer.

[0034] On the other hand, in winter, the temperature inside the room becomes low. Therefore, the temperature around the temperature sensing valve 40 becomes lower than a predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensing valve 40 opens due to the magnetic force of the temperature magnet 41. Also, in winter, the outdoor surface of the air conditioning panel 1 may be exposed to sunlight depending on its installation position, and in such a case, the temperature of the evaporator 10 becomes high and the pressure inside the evaporator 10 becomes large. As a result, the pressure on the evaporator 10 side becomes higher than the pressure on the condenser 20 side by a predetermined pressure or more, and the check valve 50 also opens.

[0035] Therefore, heat can be taken into the room in winter when the temperature inside the room is below a predetermined temperature. In particular, even if the outdoor surface of the air conditioning panel 1 is surface-treated and the outdoor surface is sufficiently hot in both summer and winter, the temperature-sensing valve 40 can be operated only in winter according to the temperature on the condenser 20 side, and heating operation can be performed appropriately.

[0036] In this way, the air conditioning panel 1 of the first embodiment operates at the temperature of the condenser 20 side rather than the evaporator 10 side, making it possible to determine that it is winter when it is cold indoors and to take in heat from outside, or determine that it is summer when it is hot outdoors and to expel heat from inside the room, thereby enabling more appropriate operation.

[0037] Moreover, the temperature sensing valve 40 is opened when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when one side of the temperature sensing valve 40, which is the evaporator 10 side, is the outdoor side and the other side, which is the condenser side, is the indoor side, the temperature sensing valve 40 is opened when the temperature on the indoor side is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, heating operation can be performed in winter or the like when the temperature on the indoor side is below the predetermined temperature, and heating operation can be performed appropriately in winter or the like.

[0038] Next, an air conditioning panel according to a second embodiment will be described. The air conditioning panel according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but has a partially different configuration. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning panel 2 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged upside down compared to the air conditioning panel 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the evaporator 10 is arranged on the indoor side, and the condenser 20 is arranged on the outdoor side. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20, the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment provides a cooling effect in the room. Note that, like the first embodiment, the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment may also be used on an inclined or horizontal surface if possible.

[0040] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing details of the temperature-sensitive valve 40 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is an enlarged view of the refrigerant flow path 30 and (b) is a front view of the temperature magnet 41. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the second embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 30 is provided with a plate member P, a temperature-sensitive valve 40, and a check valve 50. The temperature-sensitive valve 40 (particularly the temperature magnet 41) is provided at a position closer to the condenser 20 than the evaporator 10, as in the first embodiment. The temperature-sensitive valve 40 may also be provided inside the condenser 20.

[0041] Here, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the structure of the temperature magnet 41 is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the temperature magnet 41 has a temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b arranged next to the plate member P side of the permanent magnet 41a, and soft iron yokes 41c are provided on both ends of the permanent magnet 41a and the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b so as to sandwich both of them.

[0042] In such a temperature magnet 41, when the ambient temperature is below the Curie temperature (predetermined temperature), the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b becomes a magnetic material. As a result, the magnetic flux passes through the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b, and the temperature magnet 41 is in a state where it does not exert a magnetic force on the surroundings (see the solid line arrow). On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the Curie temperature (predetermined temperature), the temperature-sensitive ferrite 41b becomes a non-magnetic material, and the temperature magnet 41 is in a state where it exerts a magnetic force on the surroundings (see the dashed line arrow). As described above, in the temperature-sensitive valve 40 according to the second embodiment, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 41 operates the operating plate 42 to open the through hole TH, and when the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 41 does not act on the operating plate 42, and the through hole TH is closed.

[0043] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. First, in winter, the outdoor temperature is low. Therefore, the ambient temperature of the temperature sensing valve 40 does not reach a predetermined temperature or higher, and the temperature sensing valve 40 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent heat from passing from the inside of the room to the outside of the room in winter.

[0044] Even if the room temperature rises to a certain extent in winter due to an air conditioner or the like, the temperature sensing valve 40 can be kept closed by optimizing the Curie temperature of the temperature magnet 41. This makes it possible to prevent heat from passing from the room to the outside even when the air conditioner or the like is in use in winter.

[0045] In addition, in order to prevent the temperature of the exterior surface (the temperature on the condenser 20 side) from becoming high due to solar radiation in winter, appropriate measures may be taken, such as installing the air-conditioning panel 2 in a location that is not exposed to solar radiation or treating the exterior surface of the air-conditioning panel 2 to reduce solar absorptance (for example, solar absorptance of 20% or less) and increase emissivity (for example, emissivity of 80% or more).

[0046] On the other hand, in summer, the outdoor temperature becomes high. Therefore, the ambient temperature of the temperature sensing valve 40 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and the temperature sensing valve 40 opens due to the magnetic force of the temperature magnet 41. Also, in summer, when heat is trapped indoors, the temperature of the evaporator 10 becomes high and the pressure inside the evaporator 10 increases. As a result, the pressure on the evaporator 10 side becomes higher than the pressure on the condenser 20 side by a predetermined pressure or more, and the check valve 50 also opens.

[0047] Therefore, heat can be released to the outside in summer when the temperature outside the room is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. In particular, in summer when the temperature outside the room is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the temperature inside the room also rises, so it is desirable to operate the air conditioning panel 2 to release heat to near the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range, for example, to about 20°C. Here, if the temperature-sensing valve 40 is controlled based on the temperature on the evaporator 10 side, it is possible that heat will be released to the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range in winter because the outdoor conditions are unknown and it is unclear whether it is summer or winter. However, since the air conditioning panel 2 controls the temperature-sensing valve 40 based on the temperature on the condenser 20 side, such problems do not occur and appropriate cooling operation can be performed.

[0048] In this way, the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment can perform more appropriate operation, similar to the first embodiment.

[0049] Moreover, the temperature sensing valve 40 opens when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when one side of the temperature sensing valve 40, which is the evaporator 10 side, is the indoor side and the other side, which is the condenser 20 side, is the outdoor side, the temperature sensing valve 40 opens when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, cooling operation can be performed in the summer or the like when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, and cooling operation can be performed appropriately in the summer or the like.

[0050] Next, an air conditioning panel according to a third embodiment will be described. The air conditioning panel according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments, but has a partly different configuration. Below, the differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a third embodiment. The air conditioning panel 3 shown in Fig. 8 is configured by combining the air conditioning panel 1 according to the first embodiment and the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the air conditioning panel 3 provides a cooling effect to the room in summer and a heating effect to the room in winter. Note that the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment may also be used on an inclined surface or a horizontal surface if possible, similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment includes a first evaporator-condenser 70 and a second evaporator-condenser 80. The first evaporator-condenser 70 and the second evaporator-condenser 80 are arranged in a first direction.

[0053] The first evaporative condenser 70 is provided on the indoor side of the air conditioning panel 3, and is based on the condenser 20 according to the first embodiment, with the addition of the functions of the evaporator 10 according to the second embodiment. That is, the first evaporative condenser 70 has a storage section 71 and a wick layer 72, and evaporates the refrigerant sucked up from the storage section 71 by the wick layer 72 and held therein by heat from the other side. Furthermore, the first evaporative condenser 70 introduces the vapor refrigerant from the second evaporative condenser 80, and condenses and liquefies it by heat dissipation to the other side of the air conditioning panel 3.

[0054] The second evaporative condenser 80 is provided on the outdoor side of the air conditioning panel 3, and is based on the evaporator 10 according to the first embodiment, with the addition of the functions of the condenser 20 according to the second embodiment. That is, the second evaporative condenser 80 has a storage section 81 and a wick layer 82, and evaporates the refrigerant sucked up and held by the wick layer 82 using heat from one side. Furthermore, the second evaporative condenser 80 introduces the vapor refrigerant from the first evaporative condenser 70, and condenses and liquefies it by heat dissipation to one side of the air conditioning panel 3.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a horizontal cross section of the air-conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment, showing the cross section taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, in the third embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 30 includes a first refrigerant flow path 30a and a second refrigerant flow path 30b.

[0056] The first refrigerant flow path 30a is the same as the refrigerant flow path 30 shown in the first embodiment. That is, the first refrigerant flow path 30a guides the vapor refrigerant evaporated in the second evaporative condenser 80 to the first evaporative condenser 70. The first refrigerant flow path 30a returns the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the first evaporative condenser 70 to the second evaporative condenser 80. The first refrigerant flow path 30a is provided with a first plate member Pa, a first temperature-sensitive valve 40a, and a first check valve 50a. These are the same as the plate member P, the temperature-sensitive valve 40, and the check valve 50 shown in FIG. 2. These components are provided at a position closer to the first evaporative condenser 70 than the second evaporative condenser 80, as shown in FIG. 9. These components may also be provided in the first evaporative condenser 70. The first temperature-sensitive valve 40a provided in the first refrigerant flow path 30a opens to allow refrigerant circulation when the ambient temperature is below a first predetermined temperature, and closes to prohibit refrigerant circulation when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature.

[0057] The second refrigerant flow path 30b is the same as the refrigerant flow path 30 shown in the second embodiment. That is, the second refrigerant flow path 30b guides the vapor refrigerant evaporated in the first evaporative condenser 70 to the second evaporative condenser 80. The second refrigerant flow path 30b returns the liquid refrigerant condensed and liquefied in the second evaporative condenser 80 to the first evaporative condenser 70. The second refrigerant flow path 30b is provided with a second plate member Pb, a second temperature-sensitive valve 40b, and a second check valve 50b. These are the same as the plate member P, the temperature-sensitive valve 40, and the check valve 50 shown in FIG. 7. These configurations are provided at a position closer to the second evaporative condenser 80 than the first evaporative condenser 70, as shown in FIG. 9. These configurations may also be provided in the second evaporative condenser 80. The second temperature-sensitive valve 40b provided in the second refrigerant flow path 30b opens to allow refrigerant circulation when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature, and closes to prohibit refrigerant circulation when the ambient temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature. Here, the second predetermined temperature may be the same as or different from the first predetermined temperature of the first temperature-sensitive valve 40a provided in the first refrigerant flow path 30a.

[0058] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. First, in winter, the temperature inside the room is low. Therefore, the first temperature-sensitive valve 40a of the first refrigerant flow path 30a is opened when the ambient temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature. In addition, in winter, the air conditioning panel 3 may be exposed to sunlight on the surface on the outdoor side depending on the installation position. In such a case, the temperature of the second evaporative condenser 80 increases and the pressure inside the second evaporative condenser 80 increases. As a result, the pressure on the second evaporative condenser 80 side becomes higher than the pressure on the first evaporative condenser 70 side by a predetermined pressure or more, and the first check valve 50a provided in the first refrigerant flow path 30a is also opened. In addition, in this case, in order to prevent the second temperature-sensitive valve 40b of the second refrigerant flow path 30b from being opened, a surface treatment may be applied to the outdoor surface near the second refrigerant flow path 30b to minimize the influence of sunlight, for example, a solar absorptance of 20% or less and an emissivity of 80% or more. Furthermore, even if such surface treatment is not performed, since the second refrigerant flow path 30b is provided with the second check valve 50b, the second refrigerant flow path 30b will be closed by the second check valve 50b even if the second temperature sensing valve 40b is in the open state.

[0059] Therefore, heat can be taken into the room in winter when the temperature on the indoor side is lower than the first predetermined temperature. In particular, even if the outdoor surface of the air conditioning panel 3 is surface-treated and the outdoor surface is sufficiently hot both in summer and winter, the first temperature sensing valve 40a can be operated only in winter according to the temperature on the first evaporator condenser 70 side, and heating operation can be performed appropriately.

[0060] Furthermore, in summer, the outdoor temperature is high. Therefore, the second temperature-sensitive valve 40b of the second refrigerant flow path 30b is opened when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature. Also, in the case where heat is trapped indoors in summer, the temperature of the first evaporative condenser 70 increases, and the pressure in the first evaporative condenser 70 increases. As a result, the pressure on the first evaporative condenser 70 side becomes higher than the pressure on the second evaporative condenser 80 side by a predetermined pressure or more, and the second check valve 50b of the second refrigerant flow path 30b is also opened. Also, because of such a temperature relationship, the first temperature-sensitive valve 40a of the first refrigerant flow path 30a is not opened and is maintained in a closed state.

[0061] Therefore, heat can be released to the outside in summer when the temperature outside the room is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature. In particular, in summer when the temperature outside the room is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature, the temperature inside the room also rises, so it is desirable to operate the air conditioning panel 3 to release heat to the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range, for example, to about 20°C. Here, if the second temperature-sensing valve 40b is controlled based on the temperature on the first evaporative condenser 70 side, it is possible that heat will be released to the lower limit of the comfortable temperature range in winter because the outdoor situation is unknown and it is unclear whether it is summer or winter. However, since the air conditioning panel 3 controls the second temperature-sensing valve 40b based on the temperature on the second evaporative condenser 80 side, such a problem does not occur and appropriate cooling operation can be performed.

[0062] In this way, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment can perform more appropriate operation, similar to the first embodiment.

[0063] According to the third embodiment, the first evaporative condenser 70 and the second evaporative condenser 80, the first refrigerant flow path 30a and the second refrigerant flow path 30b, and the first temperature-sensitive valve 40a and the second temperature-sensitive valve 40b are provided. The first temperature-sensitive valve 40a is in an open state when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature, and is provided in the first evaporative condenser 70 or on the first evaporative condenser 70 side, and is switched between an open state and a closed state. The second temperature-sensitive valve 40b is in an open state when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and is provided in the second evaporative condenser 80 or on the second evaporative condenser 80 side, and is switched between an open state and a closed state. Therefore, when the first evaporative condenser 70 side is the indoor side and the second evaporative condenser 80 side is the outdoor side, the first temperature-sensitive valve 40a is in an open state when the indoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, heating operation can be performed appropriately in winter and the like. Moreover, when the temperature outside the room is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the second temperature sensing valve 40b is opened. Therefore, cooling operation can be performed appropriately in the summer, etc. Therefore, heating and cooling operation can be performed appropriately in the summer and winter, etc.

[0064] The present invention has been described above based on an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and known or well-known technologies may be combined to the extent possible.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 switches between an open state and a closed state using the temperature magnet 41, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 may be something else, such as one that is opened and closed by a control unit according to a temperature detected by a temperature sensor. Furthermore, if possible, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 may be formed of another structure, such as a bimetal.

[0066] In addition, in the air conditioning panels 1 to 3 according to this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 30 is a common flow path for the vapor refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant, but it is not limited to being common, and may be a separate flow path for the vapor refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant. In this case, the refrigerant flow path 30 may be formed by both a flow path for the vapor refrigerant provided in the gas phase and a flow path for the liquid refrigerant provided so that part of the flow path is in the gas phase and part is in the liquid phase. In that case, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 and the check valve 50 are provided in the flow path for the vapor refrigerant and the flow path for the liquid refrigerant, respectively. Furthermore, when the refrigerant flow path 30 is formed by both a flow path for the vapor refrigerant provided in the gas phase and a flow path for the liquid refrigerant provided in the liquid phase, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 is provided at least in the flow path for the vapor refrigerant, and the check valve 50 is provided in the flow path for the liquid refrigerant in addition to the flow path for the vapor refrigerant, or a sufficient liquid level height needs to be secured as described in paragraphs 0038 and 0040 of JP 2021-28555 A. In addition, particularly in the air conditioning panels 1 and 2 in which the heat transfer direction is only in one direction as in the first and second embodiments, the temperature sensing valve 40 and the check valve 50 may be provided only in the flow path for the vapor refrigerant, and the flow path for the liquid refrigerant may be configured with a float valve as shown in Figure 7 of Patent Publication No. 2021-28555, for example.

[0067] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path 30 may be as follows. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the temperature-sensitive valve 40 and the check valve 50 in the refrigerant flow path 30 according to the first embodiment. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 and the check valve 50 are provided on either side of the plate member P. However, this is not limited to the above, and as shown in FIG. 10, the refrigerant flow path 30 may include two plate members P, each of which may include a temperature-sensitive valve 40 and a check valve 50. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the temperature-sensitive valve 40 is provided on the plate member P on the evaporator 10 side, and the check valve 50 is provided on the plate member P on the condenser 20 side, but this positional relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, instead of the two plate members P, the space between the two plate members P may be formed of a reduced diameter tube having a diameter equivalent to the through hole TH (see FIG. 3, etc.). The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0068] Further, in the third embodiment, the first temperature sensing valve 40a is provided in the first evaporative condenser 70 or at a position closer to the first evaporative condenser 70 than the second evaporative condenser 80. Similarly, the second temperature sensing valve 40b is provided in the second evaporative condenser 80 or at a position closer to the second evaporative condenser 80 than the first evaporative condenser 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second temperature sensing valve 40b may be provided in the first evaporative condenser 70 or at a position closer to the first evaporative condenser 70 than the second evaporative condenser 80. In this case, both the first temperature sensing valve 40a and the second temperature sensing valve 40b are opened and closed depending on the temperature on the indoor side, and a heating operation is performed when the indoor temperature is cold, and a cooling operation is performed when the indoor temperature is hot, so that an operation according to the indoor environment can be performed.

[0069] In addition, as shown in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the air conditioning panels 1 to 3 include a check valve 50, but this is not essential and may not be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1~3: Air conditioning panel 10: Evaporator 11: Storage section 20: Condenser 30: Coolant flow path 30a: First refrigerant flow path 30b: second refrigerant flow path 40: Temperature-sensitive bulb 40a: First temperature-sensitive valve 40b: Second temperature-sensitive valve 70: First evaporative condenser 71: Storage section 80: Second evaporative condenser 81: Storage section

Claims

1. An air conditioning panel formed in a panel shape to obtain an air conditioning effect, an evaporator having a liquid refrigerant storage section and evaporating the refrigerant by heat from one side; a condenser that introduces the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator and condenses and liquefies the vapor refrigerant by dissipating heat to the other side; a refrigerant flow path that connects the evaporator and the condenser and through which a refrigerant flows; a temperature-sensing valve that is switchable between an open state that allows the flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerant flow path and a closed state that prohibits the flow of the refrigerant based on an ambient temperature; The temperature-sensing valve is provided in a position within the condenser or in a position closer to the condenser than the evaporator, and switches between the open state and the closed state based on the temperature on the condenser side rather than the temperature on the evaporator side. The temperature-sensing valve is in the open state when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and in the closed state when the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature. An air conditioning panel characterized by:

2. An air conditioning panel formed in a panel shape to obtain a cooling effect and a heating effect, a first evaporator condenser that is provided on the other side, has a liquid refrigerant storage section, and functions as a condenser that introduces vapor refrigerant evaporated by heat from one side during heating operation and condenses and liquefies the vapor refrigerant by dissipating heat to the other side during heating operation, and functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant by heat from the other side during cooling operation; a second evaporator condenser that is provided on the one side, has a liquid refrigerant storage section, and functions as a condenser that introduces vapor refrigerant evaporated by heat from the other side during cooling operation and condenses and liquefies the vapor refrigerant by dissipating heat to the one side during heating operation, and functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant by heat from the one side; a first refrigerant flow path that connects the first evaporative condenser and the second evaporative condenser and through which a refrigerant flows during a heating operation; a first temperature sensing valve that is switchable between an open state that allows the flow of the refrigerant through the first refrigerant flow path and a closed state that prohibits the flow of the refrigerant based on an ambient temperature; a second refrigerant flow path that connects the first evaporative condenser and the second evaporative condenser and through which a refrigerant flows during a cooling operation; a second temperature sensing valve that is switchable between an open state that allows the flow of refrigerant through the second refrigerant flow path and a closed state that prohibits the flow of refrigerant based on an ambient temperature of the second refrigerant flow path; the first temperature sensing valve is provided in a position within the first evaporative condenser or in a position closer to the first evaporative condenser than the second evaporative condenser, and is in an open state when its own ambient temperature is lower than a first predetermined temperature, and is in a closed state when its own ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature; The second temperature sensing valve is provided in a position within the second evaporative condenser or in a position closer to the second evaporative condenser than the first evaporative condenser, and is in an open state when the ambient temperature of the second temperature sensing valve is equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature, and is in a closed state when the ambient temperature of the second temperature sensing valve is lower than the second predetermined temperature. An air conditioning panel characterized by:

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