Temperature control system and temperature control device

Abstract

To provide a temperature control system and a temperature control device for supplying temperature-controlled air to a booth body including an internal space which is partitioned from an outer space, in which the temperature control system and the temperature control device can keep a proper environmental condition of a booth body while providing safe operation as a living room irrespective of a type of refrigerant, on the temperature control system and the temperature control device .SOLUTION: A temperature control system includes: a booth body including an internal space which is partitioned from an outer space; a temperature control device for supplying temperature-controlled air into the internal space of the booth body; and gas detection means for detecting a refrigerant gas used for the temperature control device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control system and a temperature control device. In particular, the present invention relates to a temperature control system and a temperature control device that are arranged in a factory or a building and are used to perform various operations and the like under predetermined environmental conditions.

Background Art

[0002] In order to perform various operations such as the assembly of electronic components and precision components, experiments, and the operation of process equipment and precision machinery, it is known to provide booths that form local spaces isolated from the external space in factories or buildings. In such booths, partition members (walls, ceilings, etc.) are used to isolate the internal space from the external space and maintain environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a clean booth device including a clean booth having a fan filter unit and an air conditioner that supplies air adjusted by the fan filter unit of the clean booth in order to maintain the temperature and humidity in the booth at predetermined values.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Generally, in an air conditioner that generates air with adjusted temperature, humidity, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature-controlled air"), a refrigerant for performing heat transfer (heat conveyance) of air is used. On the other hand, in recent years, as one of the measures to suppress the emission of greenhouse gases, it has been planned to reduce the emission amount in terms of carbon dioxide for hydrofluorocarbons used as refrigerants in air conditioners. Therefore, when generating and supplying temperature-controlled air, it is required to use refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP).

[0006] In cases where temperature-controlled air is supplied to a booth that forms a space isolated from the outside, such as the clean booth device described in Patent Document 1, the total amount of refrigerant required to maintain predetermined environmental conditions inside the booth is greater than that of a typical household air conditioner. Therefore, when changing from a conventional refrigerant to a refrigerant with a lower GWP, it becomes necessary to consider the effects of the refrigerant change. In particular, R32, which is expected to be used in the future as a refrigerant with a low GWP, is known to be slightly flammable and burns at specific concentrations. In other words, in order to avoid affecting operational safety due to a change in refrigerant, it is necessary to accurately identify refrigerant leaks from air conditioners and other equipment and take appropriate measures.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control system and temperature control device that supplies temperature-controlled air to a booth body having an internal space separated from the external space, and that can appropriately maintain environmental conditions in the booth body while ensuring safe operation as a living space, regardless of the type of refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of diligent study on the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have found that by providing a means for detecting the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device that supplies temperature-controlled air to a booth body having an internal space separated from the external space, it is possible to accurately detect refrigerant gas leakage, realize safe operation as a living space regardless of the type of refrigerant, and appropriately maintain environmental conditions in the booth body, the present invention has been completed. In other words, the present invention relates to the following temperature control system and temperature control device.

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising: a booth body having an internal space separated from the external space; a temperature control device that supplies temperature-controlled air to the internal space of the booth body; and a gas detection means for detecting the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device. Conventionally, refrigerants used in temperature control devices that generate and supply temperature-controlled air have been non-flammable and have had little impact on the human body. Therefore, rapid detection of refrigerant leaks has not been considered. On the other hand, according to the temperature control system of the present invention, by providing a gas detection means for detecting refrigerant gas, refrigerant gas leakage can be accurately detected, and regardless of the type of refrigerant, it is possible to maintain appropriate environmental conditions while ensuring the safe operation of the booth body as a living space. In particular, it can be remarkably effective when using refrigerants that have low GWP but have characteristics such as slight flammability and odor, which have a significant impact if leakage occurs.

[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the temperature control system of the present invention, the gas detection means is provided on a path through which the temperature-controlled air passes. This feature allows for reliable detection of refrigerant gas leaks into the temperature-controlled air, enabling safer operation.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the temperature control system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a notification means that determines and notifies of an abnormal condition based on the refrigerant gas concentration detected by a gas detection means. This feature allows for a more accurate identification of system abnormalities caused by refrigerant gas leaks, facilitates prompt and appropriate responses by operators, and enables safer operation.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the temperature control system of the present invention, the notification means is characterized by having a display unit that displays the abnormality history in conjunction with the notification of the abnormal condition. This feature makes it easier for operators to understand system abnormal conditions and their history caused by refrigerant gas leaks, and to take appropriate action quickly. Furthermore, by displaying abnormal conditions and their histories unrelated to refrigerant gas leaks, operators can quickly understand the necessary actions and perform the required work for stable system operation.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the temperature control system of the present invention includes a fail-safe mechanism that suppresses the rise in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space of the booth body, and the fail-safe mechanism is characterized in that it functions based on the detection result of the refrigerant gas by the gas detection means. This feature allows the entire system to operate safely even if a malfunction such as a refrigerant gas leak occurs.

[0014] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a booth body having an internal space separated from the external space, and is characterized by comprising: a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the air; a supply unit connected to the booth body for supplying temperature-controlled air from the temperature control unit to the internal space of the booth body; and a gas detection means for detecting the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control unit. According to the temperature control device of the present invention, by providing a gas detection means for detecting refrigerant gas, refrigerant gas leakage can be accurately detected, and regardless of the type of refrigerant, it is possible to maintain appropriate environmental conditions while ensuring the safe operation of the booth body supplying temperature-controlled air as a living space. In particular, it can be remarkably effective when using refrigerants that have low GWP but have characteristics such as slight flammability and odor, which make them highly susceptible to leakage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, in a temperature control system and a temperature control device that supply temperature-controlled air to a booth body having an internal space partitioned from an external space, a temperature control system and a temperature control device that can appropriately maintain environmental conditions in the booth body while realizing safe operation as a living room regardless of the type of refrigerant can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic explanatory diagram (perspective view) showing a temperature control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic explanatory diagram (side view) showing a temperature control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a temperature control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification means in a temperature control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a temperature control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another aspect of a temperature control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another aspect of a temperature control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a temperature control system and a temperature control device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the temperature control system and the temperature control device described in the embodiments are merely examples for explaining the temperature control system and the temperature control device according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0018] 〔First Embodiment〕 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view) showing the structure of a temperature control system 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram (side view) showing the structure of a temperature control system 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the temperature control system 1A in this embodiment comprises a booth body 2 having an internal space S separated from the external space, a temperature control device 3 that supplies temperature-controlled air to the internal space S of the booth body 2, and a gas detection means 4 that detects the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device 3. In Figure 2, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of temperature-controlled air.

[0019] The temperature control system 1A in this embodiment is, for example, installed in a factory or building, and supplies temperature-controlled air from the temperature control device 3 to the internal space S of the booth body 2, thereby creating and maintaining predetermined environmental conditions in a localized area isolated from the external space. Furthermore, the temperature control system 1A in this embodiment is equipped with a gas detection means 4 for detecting the refrigerant gas used when generating and supplying temperature-controlled air, making it possible to accurately detect refrigerant gas leakage.

[0020] In this embodiment, the booth body 2 has an internal space S separated from the external space, and is supplied with temperature-controlled air from the temperature control device 3. In this embodiment, the booth body 2 can be, for example, one that, as shown in Figure 1, is formed by assembling four support columns 21a to 21d arranged on the floor surface, a ceiling section 22, and partition members 23a to 23d to form an internal space S separated from the external space.

[0021] Here, the internal space S is a workspace that enables work under predetermined environmental conditions due to the supply of temperature-controlled air from the temperature control device 3. The size of the internal space S is not limited to a specific value, but can be, for example, approximately 3 to 20 m in the depth direction, 3 to 20 m in the width direction, and 2 to 5 m in the height direction. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the types of work performed in the internal space S, but examples include the assembly of electronic components and precision parts, various tasks such as experiments, and the operation of process equipment and precision machinery, or any work that requires working in a temperature-controlled atmosphere or operating equipment.

[0022] The ceiling section 22 and partition members 23a to 23d can be made of known materials used as wall or ceiling materials, such as vinyl curtains, heat-insulating non-combustible panels, glass, acrylic sheets, or metal sheets, as appropriate. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, it is preferable to assemble the ceiling section 22 and partition members 23a to 23d using support columns 21a to 21d in order to maintain the structural strength of the booth body 2. However, if the structural strength of the booth body 2 is sufficiently maintained by the material, size, etc., of the ceiling section 22 and partition members 23a to 23d, the support columns 21a to 21d may be omitted. Alternatively, instead of the four support columns 21a to 21d shown in Figure 1, frames (frameworks), beams, etc., may be used to assemble the ceiling section 22 and partition members 23a to 23d.

[0023] In this embodiment, the booth body 2 is provided with an inlet 24 on the ceiling 22 side for supplying temperature-controlled air from the temperature control device 3. Additionally, an outlet 25 is provided below the partition member 23 (partition member 23a) of the booth body 2 for returning the temperature-controlled air from the internal space S to the temperature control device 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, the booth body 2, as shown in Figure 2, preferably has a ceiling section 22 where the inlet 24 is provided, which extends horizontally, and further preferably has a plurality of inlet holes 24a on the internal space S side. As a result, the temperature-controlled air supplied from the inlet 24 diffuses horizontally within the space of the ceiling section 22 and is supplied to the internal space S from each inlet hole 24a. In other words, it becomes possible to supply uniformly rectified temperature-controlled air to the entire internal space S. Alternatively, an air filter unit such as a ULPA filter may be installed in the space of the ceiling section 22 to remove dust, airborne microorganisms, etc. from the temperature-controlled air and supply it to the internal space S.

[0025] In this embodiment, a doorway 26 is provided in a part of the partition member 23 of the booth body 2, allowing entry and exit from the external space to the internal space S. The specific structure of the doorway 26 is not particularly limited, as long as it allows workers and / or equipment to enter and exit the internal space S and maintains isolation between the external space and the internal space S. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it may be formed by creating a door-like structure that can be opened and closed using the partition member 23 (partition member 23b), or an opening may be provided in a part of the partition member 23, and an air curtain or an opening / closing mechanism for the opening may be provided separately.

[0026] Furthermore, the booth body 2 in this embodiment may be equipped with adjusters 27 and casters 28 at the bottom of the support columns 21a to 21d, as shown in Figure 1. The adjusters 27 attached to the support columns 21a to 21d fix the position of the temperature control system 1A and allow for individual adjustment of the height of each support column. The casters 28 facilitate the movement of the temperature control system 1A. This makes it possible to move and fix the temperature control system 1A simply and freely.

[0027] In this embodiment, the temperature control device 3 is for supplying temperature-controlled air to the internal space S of the booth body 2. In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air supplied from the temperature control device 3 mainly refers to air whose temperature has been adjusted, but is not limited to this. The temperature-controlled air may also be air that has been subjected to humidity adjustment or cleanliness adjustment, for example.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the temperature control device 3 of this embodiment includes a temperature control unit 31 that introduces air (temperature-controlled air) from the internal space S via a pipe L1 and intake port 34 connected to the outlet port 25 of the booth body 2 and adjusts (temperature-controlled) this air to meet predetermined conditions (temperature, humidity, cleanliness, etc.), a supply unit 32 connected to the booth body 2 that supplies temperature-controlled air from the temperature control unit 31 to the internal space S through the intake port 24 of the booth body 2, and a blower fan 33 that blows temperature-controlled air from the temperature control unit 31 to the supply unit 32. Furthermore, the temperature control device 3 includes a housing 35 that has an intake port 34, houses the temperature control unit 31 and the blower fan 33, and forms a flow path 35a that connects the temperature-controlled air in the order described above. As a result, the temperature-controlled air from the outlet 25 of the booth body 2 is temperature-controlled to meet predetermined conditions as it flows through the enclosure 35 along the flow path 35a, and is then supplied again to the internal space S from the inlet 24 of the booth body 2 via the supply unit 32. In other words, since the temperature-controlled air circulates within the temperature control system 1A while being appropriately temperature-controlled, it is possible to maintain the environmental conditions in the internal space S in a predetermined state.

[0029] The temperature control unit 31 can be any unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the air to meet predetermined conditions, and examples include those having functions related to cooling / heating, dehumidification / humidification. In particular, the temperature control unit 31 in this embodiment is one that uses a refrigerant gas to control the temperature. Specific examples of the temperature control unit 31 in this embodiment include, for example, one equipped with a cooling function consisting of a refrigeration circuit that includes a known compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, etc. Alternatively, a reheater may be provided that heats the temperature-controlled air by utilizing the heat of the refrigerant gas flowing through the refrigeration circuit.

[0030] The refrigerant gas used in the temperature control unit 31 can be any gas that enables temperature control of the air, but it is particularly preferable to use a refrigerant with a low GWP. Examples of such refrigerant gases include A2L (slightly flammable) refrigerants such as R32, R1234yf, and R1234ze, as well as ammonia. These refrigerant gases have low GWP values ​​and are expected to be next-generation refrigerants that can contribute to climate change countermeasures. The refrigerant gas used in this embodiment may be one that focuses on physical properties other than GWP. Furthermore, the type of refrigerant gas may be selected considering environmental impact, cost, etc. In addition, in the temperature control system 1A of this embodiment, regardless of the type of refrigerant, a gas detection means 4 is provided as a means to accurately detect refrigerant gas leakage in order to ensure safe operation as a living space while appropriately maintaining environmental conditions in the booth body 2.

[0031] The supply unit 32 is for supplying temperature-controlled air from the temperature control unit 31 to the inlet 24 of the booth body 2 by using a blower fan 33, thereby supplying it to the internal space S. A specific example of the supply unit 32 is, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a supply pipe 32a for transporting temperature-controlled air flowing through the housing 35 which houses the temperature control unit 31 and the blower fan 33, and this supply pipe 32a is connected to the inlet 24 of the booth body 2.

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 show a configuration in which a single supply pipe 32a is provided as the supply unit 32, but the system is not limited to this configuration. Multiple supply pipes may be provided as the supply unit 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is preferable to provide a flow control valve MD1 on the supply pipe 32a near the inlet 24 as the supply unit 32 of this embodiment. In addition, it is preferable to enable control of the amount of temperature-controlled air supplied to the internal space S of the booth body 2, and to control the amount of temperature-controlled air supplied so that the internal space S is under positive pressure. This makes it difficult for air from the outside space to flow into the internal space S, and makes it easier to maintain appropriate environmental conditions in the internal space S.

[0033] The gas detection means 4 is for detecting the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device 3. This makes it possible to accurately detect refrigerant gas leaks in the temperature control system 1A. In particular, when using refrigerants that have a low GWP but are highly susceptible to leaks due to characteristics such as slight flammability and odor, accurately detecting refrigerant gas leaks allows for prompt and necessary countermeasures, resulting in significant benefits.

[0034] The gas detection means 4 can be any device capable of detecting refrigerant gas, and depending on the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device 3, known gas detectors and gas sensors can be used. Furthermore, the gas detection means 4 may measure the refrigerant gas concentration continuously or periodically, or it may only detect when the refrigerant gas concentration exceeds a predetermined concentration.

[0035] The location where the gas detection means 4 is installed is not particularly limited, but as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it can be installed inside the temperature control device 3. In this case, the refrigerant gas leaking from the temperature control unit 31 will flow through the housing 35 (flow path 35a) and the supply unit 32 together with the temperature-controlled air by the airflow using the blower fan 33. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable to install the gas detection means 4 on the path through which the temperature-controlled air passes (flow path 35a or supply unit 32). This makes it possible to reliably detect when refrigerant gas has leaked into the temperature-controlled air, enabling safer operation. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to install the gas detection means 4 on the flow path 35a of the temperature control device 3. This makes it possible to detect the leak closer to the location where refrigerant gas leakage may occur (temperature control unit 31), so that when refrigerant gas has leaked into the temperature-controlled air, it is possible to quickly and reliably detect the leak, enabling safer operation. Furthermore, the location where the gas detection means 4 is installed is not limited to within the temperature control device 3. For example, the gas detection means 4 may be installed on the booth body 2 side.

[0036] Thus, in the temperature control system 1A of this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air circulated by the temperature control device 3 controls the internal space S of the booth body 2 to satisfy predetermined environmental conditions. Furthermore, by including a gas detection means 4, the temperature control system 1A of this embodiment can accurately detect refrigerant gas leakage from the temperature control device 3, enabling the safe operation of the booth body 2 as a living space while maintaining appropriate environmental conditions, regardless of the type of refrigerant. In particular, it can be especially effective when using refrigerants that are useful in that they have a low GWP, but have characteristics such as slight flammability and odor, which make them highly susceptible to leakage.

[0037] In this embodiment, the configuration of the temperature control device 3 equipped with the gas detection means 4 can be made independent as a temperature control device according to the present invention. Furthermore, by connecting this temperature control device to an existing booth body, it is possible to provide the temperature control system of the present invention with simple installation work.

[0038] The following describes another embodiment of the temperature control system and temperature control device of the present invention, which includes specific means for an operator to accurately identify and respond to refrigerant gas leaks based on the detection results of the gas detection means 4, and specific means for ensuring safe operation.

[0039] [Second Embodiment] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a temperature control system 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification means in the temperature control system 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the temperature control system 1B of the second embodiment further includes a notification means 5 that determines and notifies of an abnormal state based on the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas detection means 4 in the temperature control system 1A of the first embodiment. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment will not be explained. Also, the solid arrows in Figure 3 indicate connections that enable the input and output of information (data).

[0040] In this embodiment, notification means 5 is one of the specific means for an operator to accurately identify and respond to a refrigerant gas leak, and it determines and notifies of an abnormal condition based on the detection result (refrigerant gas concentration) of the gas detection means 4. This allows the operator to quickly determine whether the temperature control system 1B is in an abnormal state due to a refrigerant gas leak, and to take necessary actions promptly in accordance with the information notified by the notification means 5.

[0041] Specific examples of the notification means 5 include, for example, as shown in Figure 3, a system comprising a discrimination unit 51 that determines whether or not an abnormal condition exists based on the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas detection means 4, and a notification unit 52 that outputs and notifies the discrimination result from the discrimination unit 51. Furthermore, it is preferable that the notification means 5 further includes a display unit 53 that displays the abnormality history along with the content notified by the notification unit 52.

[0042] The discrimination unit 51 uses the detection results of the gas detection means 4 to determine whether the temperature control system 1B is in a situation (abnormal state) that requires action based on refrigerant gas leakage. More specifically, the discrimination unit 51 is connected to the gas detection means 4 in an input / output manner, acquires information related to the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas detection means 4, and performs calculations to determine whether or not an abnormal state is present based on this information.

[0043] The information from the gas detection means 4 acquired by the discrimination unit 51 may be information relating to the refrigerant gas concentration acquired continuously or periodically by the gas detection means 4, or it may be information relating to the results detected by the gas detection means 4 only when the refrigerant gas concentration exceeds a threshold or falls within a predetermined range. For example, when the discrimination unit 51 continuously or periodically acquires information from the gas detection means 4, it sets a discrimination criterion value in advance, and when this discrimination criterion value is exceeded or falls within the discrimination criterion value, it determines that refrigerant gas is leaking and sends a determination result indicating an abnormal condition to the notification unit 52. Furthermore, when the discrimination unit 51 obtains detection results from the gas detection means 4 based on certain criteria such as a threshold or a predetermined range, it determines that refrigerant gas is leaking at the time the detection result is obtained and sends the determination result that an abnormal condition is present to the notification unit 52.

[0044] Here, the determination of abnormal conditions by the discrimination unit 51 may be performed in stages. For example, if the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device 3 is A2L refrigerant, a leakage level smaller than the explosion limit of A2L refrigerant (e.g., 1 / 20 to 1 / 50 of the explosion limit) may be designated as "refrigerant leakage level 1 (stage 1)", a value close to the explosion limit of A2L refrigerant (e.g., 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 of the explosion limit) may be designated as "refrigerant leakage level 2 (stage 2)", and the determination results for each level of abnormal conditions may be sent to the notification unit 52 or displayed on the display unit 53 as shown in Figure 4. This makes it possible to accurately grasp abnormal conditions based on refrigerant gas leakage, whether the leakage is occurring slowly or rapidly, and to take appropriate action quickly.

[0045] The notification unit 52 is for notifying the discrimination result sent from the discrimination unit 51, and is primarily intended to notify the operator. The notification from the notification unit 52 may also be used as an instruction signal to activate the fail-safe mechanism 6, which will be described later. The output means for notifications from the notification unit 52 is not particularly limited, as long as it allows the operator to understand the notification content. For example, it could output the notification content as text, terms, or symbols, or output sound or light corresponding to the notification content. In addition, the output means in the notification unit 52 may be a combination of multiple means.

[0046] In particular, for notifications from the notification unit 52, it is preferable to output the notification content as text, terms, and symbols so that the notification content can be accurately and easily understood. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, by providing a display unit 53 that displays the abnormality history together with the notification content from the notification unit 52, it becomes easier to understand and review the notification content, as well as grasp the timeline in which the abnormal condition occurred, enabling the worker to quickly grasp the actions that need to be taken and to carry out the necessary work. Note that the lower part of Figure 4 shows an example of the abnormality history displayed by the display unit 53, with items such as "Abnormality Name," "Date and Time of Occurrence," and "Recovery," but it is not limited to these.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the notification unit 52 and the display unit 53 may be integrated and directly mounted on the exterior of the temperature control device 3 (housing 35), or the functions of the notification unit 52 and the display unit 53 may be provided on a communication terminal such as a PC or tablet. When the notification unit 52 and the display unit 53 are directly mounted on the temperature control device 3 as shown in Figure 4, it is preferable to use a touch panel display and input method to enable operations related to checking and recalling detailed information about abnormal conditions and abnormal history, and to also enable input that the issue has been resolved. This makes it possible to improve the work efficiency of the operator.

[0048] Furthermore, the display unit 53 may display not only abnormal conditions and abnormal history based on the detection results of the gas detection means 4, but also abnormal conditions and abnormal history related to the entire temperature control system 1B. This makes it possible for operators to quickly understand the actions they need to take and to appropriately carry out the necessary work for the stable operation of the system. Examples of what the display unit 53 displays include, for example, abnormalities related to refrigerant gas leakage, abnormalities (malfunctions) of the gas detector itself as the gas detection means 4, abnormalities of the blower fan 33, and abnormalities of the temperature control unit 31.

[0049] In this embodiment, the temperature control system 1B is equipped with a notification means that identifies and notifies of abnormal conditions based on the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas detection means. This makes it possible to more accurately grasp abnormal conditions in the system caused by refrigerant gas leakage, facilitates prompt and appropriate responses by operators, and enables safer operation.

[0050] In this embodiment, the configuration of the temperature control device 3, which includes the gas detection means 4 and the notification means 5, can be made independent as a temperature control device according to the present invention. Furthermore, by connecting this temperature control device to an existing booth body, it is possible to provide the temperature control system of the present invention with simple installation work.

[0051] [Third Embodiment] Figures 5 to 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of a temperature control system 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5, the upper figure is a side view of the temperature control system 1C, and the lower figure is a plan view of the temperature control system 1C as seen from the ceiling 22. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the temperature control system 1C of the third embodiment further includes a fail-safe mechanism 6 that suppresses the rise in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space S of the booth body 2, in addition to the temperature control system 1A of the first embodiment. This fail-safe mechanism 6 functions based on the detection result of the refrigerant gas by the gas detection means 4. The same configuration as in the first embodiment will not be described.

[0052] The fail-safe mechanism 6 in this embodiment is one of the specific means for achieving safe operation, and suppresses the rise in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space S of the booth body 2 based on the detection result of the refrigerant gas by the gas detection means 4.

[0053] Here, fail-safe generally refers to the safe operation of the entire device even if some abnormality occurs in the device. In this embodiment, the fail-safe mechanism 6, based on the detection results of the refrigerant gas by the gas detection means 4, suppresses the rise in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space S of the booth body 2 when an abnormal condition such as refrigerant gas leakage is detected, thereby enabling operation that particularly improves the safety of the internal space S as a living space where workers enter and exit.

[0054] The means for obtaining the refrigerant gas detection result by the gas detection means 4, which is used to ensure that the fail-safe mechanism 6 in this embodiment functions properly, is not particularly limited, but for example, the notification means 5 described above can be used. More specifically, this could involve directly inputting the discrimination result delivered from the discrimination unit 51 to the fail-safe mechanism 6, manual input by an operator based on the notification result from the notification unit 52, or inputting the notification result from the notification unit 52 as an instruction signal to the fail-safe mechanism 6.

[0055] The following describes a specific example of the fail-safe mechanism 6 in this embodiment. As an example of the fail-safe mechanism 6, as shown in Figure 5, the supply unit 32 of the temperature control device 3 is provided with at least two supply pipes (supply pipes 32a and 32b) connected to the inlet 24 of the booth body 2, with flow control valves MD1 and MD2 provided near the inlet 24 of the supply pipes 32a and 32b, respectively, and further flow control valves VD1 and VD2 provided near the housing 35 of the supply pipes 32a and 32b, respectively. Furthermore, a control unit 61a is provided that can individually control the opening and closing operations of flow control valves VD1 and VD2, as well as the opening and closing operations of flow control valves MD1 and MD2. Based on the refrigerant gas detection results from the gas detection means 4, the control unit 61a performs the opening and closing operations of each flow control valve. Furthermore, a chemical filter CF capable of adsorbing or removing refrigerant gas is installed between the supply pipe 32b and the housing 35.

[0056] An example of control related to the opening and closing operation of the flow control valve in the control unit 61a will be described. First, if the gas detection means 4 detects no abnormal conditions related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valves VD1 and MD1 of the supply pipe 32a are opened, while the flow control valves VD2 and MD2 of the supply pipe 32b are closed. At this time, the flow control valve MD1 of the supply pipe 32a may be configured to adjust the opening degree in order to adjust the amount of temperature-controlled air supplied to the internal space S.

[0057] On the other hand, if the gas detection means 4 detects an abnormal condition related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valves VD1 and / or MD1 of the supply pipe 32a are closed, while the flow control valves VD2 and MD2 of the supply pipe 32b are opened. As a result, the temperature-controlled air mixed with the leaked refrigerant gas (hereinafter referred to as "refrigerant gas mixed temperature-controlled air") passes through the chemical filter CF and is then supplied to the internal space S via the supply pipe 32b. Therefore, even if refrigerant gas leakage occurs, the increase in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space S of the booth body 2 is suppressed, enabling safe operation. Furthermore, since temperature-controlled air is passed through the chemical filter CF only when refrigerant gas leakage occurs, it is also possible to reduce the deterioration rate of the chemical filter CF.

[0058] Furthermore, if the gas detection means 4 detects a large degree of refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valves VD1 and / or MD1 of the supply pipe 32a are closed, while the flow control valve VD2 of the supply pipe 32b is opened and the flow control valve MD2 is closed. As a result, the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air passes through the chemical filter CF and is then stored in the supply pipe 32b. Therefore, when the degree of refrigerant gas leakage is large, the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air is not supplied to the internal space S of the booth body 2, thus suppressing the rise in refrigerant gas concentration and enabling safe operation. In this case, it is preferable to dilute the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air stored in the supply pipe 32b in order to reduce the refrigerant gas concentration. Dilution methods include, for example, making the flow control valve MD2 of the supply pipe 32b a three-way valve and opening the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air in the supply pipe 32b to the atmosphere, or, after eliminating the refrigerant gas leak in the temperature control device 3, opening the flow control valves VD1 and MD1 of the supply pipe 32a and the flow control valve MD2 of the supply pipe 32b, thereby diluting the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air stored in the supply pipe 32b with temperature-controlled air that does not contain refrigerant gas.

[0059] Furthermore, as an alternative embodiment of the fail-safe mechanism 6 in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a pipe 36 is provided above the housing 35 of the temperature control device 3 to bypass the temperature-controlled air to the pipe L1 side, in addition to the supply pipe 32c that connects to the inlet 24 of the booth body 2, and flow control valves VD3 and VD4 are provided near the housing 35 of the supply pipe 32c and pipe 36, respectively. Furthermore, a control unit 61b is provided that can individually control the opening and closing operations of the flow control valves VD3 and VD4, and the control unit 61b performs the opening and closing operations of each flow control valve based on the refrigerant gas detection results from the gas detection means 4.

[0060] An example of control related to the opening and closing operation of the flow control valve in the control unit 61b will be described below. First, if the gas detection means 4 detects no abnormal conditions related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valve VD3 of the supply pipe 32c is opened, while the flow control valve VD4 of the piping 36 is closed. At this time, a flow control valve (not shown) may be provided near the inlet 24 of the supply pipe 32c, and its opening degree may be adjusted to control the amount of temperature-controlled air supplied to the internal space S.

[0061] On the other hand, if the gas detection means 4 detects an abnormal condition related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valve VD3 of the supply pipe 32c is closed, while the flow control valve VD4 of the piping 36 is opened. As a result, the refrigerant gas mixed temperature-controlled air is stored in the piping 36. Therefore, since the refrigerant gas mixed temperature-controlled air is not supplied to the internal space S of the booth body 2, the rise in refrigerant gas concentration is suppressed, enabling safe operation. In this case, it is preferable to dilute the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air stored in the piping 36 in order to reduce the refrigerant gas concentration. As mentioned above, the dilution method may include venting to the atmosphere or diluting with temperature-controlled air that does not contain refrigerant gas.

[0062] Furthermore, as an alternative embodiment of the fail-safe mechanism 6 in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a pipe 37 for releasing temperature-controlled air to the atmosphere is provided above the housing 35 of the temperature control device 3, in addition to the supply pipe 32d that connects to the inlet 24 of the booth body 2, and flow control valves VD5 and VD6 are provided near the housing 35 of the supply pipe 32d and pipe 37, respectively. Furthermore, a control unit 61c is provided that can individually control the opening and closing operations of the flow control valves VD5 and VD6, and the control unit 61c performs the opening and closing operations of each flow control valve based on the refrigerant gas detection results from the gas detection means 4.

[0063] An example of control related to the opening and closing operation of the flow control valve in the control unit 61c will be described below. First, if the gas detection means 4 detects no abnormal conditions related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valve VD5 of the supply pipe 32d is opened, while the flow control valve VD6 of the piping 37 is closed. At this time, a flow control valve (not shown) may be provided near the inlet 24 of the supply pipe 32d, and its opening degree may be adjusted to control the amount of temperature-controlled air supplied to the internal space S.

[0064] On the other hand, if the gas detection means 4 detects an abnormal condition related to refrigerant gas leakage, the flow control valve VD5 of the supply pipe 32d is closed, while the flow control valve VD6 of the piping 37 is opened. As a result, the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, since the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air is not supplied to the internal space S of the booth body 2, the rise in refrigerant gas concentration is suppressed, enabling safe operation. In this case, the control unit 61c may increase the rotation speed of the blower fan 33 in order to effectively release the refrigerant gas-mixed temperature-controlled air inside the housing 35 to the atmosphere. In particular, it is preferable to control the rotation of the blower fan 33 when the refrigerant gas is a gas with a specific gravity heavier than air. Furthermore, the control units 61a and 61b described above may also control the rotation of the blower fan 33 to prevent refrigerant gas from stagnating at the bottom of the housing 35.

[0065] In this embodiment, the temperature control system 1C is equipped with a fail-safe mechanism that suppresses the rise in refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space of the booth body based on the detection results of the refrigerant gas by the gas detection means. This makes it possible to operate the entire system safely even if a malfunction such as refrigerant gas leakage occurs.

[0066] In this embodiment, the configuration of the temperature control device 3, which includes the gas detection means 4 and the fail-safe mechanism 6, can be made independent as a temperature control device according to the present invention. Furthermore, by connecting this temperature control device to an existing booth body, it is possible to provide the temperature control system of the present invention with simple installation work.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely examples of temperature control systems and temperature control devices. The temperature control systems and temperature control devices according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and the temperature control systems and temperature control devices according to the embodiments described above may be modified without changing the gist of the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The temperature control system and temperature control device of the present invention are suitably used to provide a workspace for manufacturing processes and machine operation in the production of products such as electronic components, semiconductors, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and paints, in order to perform work under predetermined environmental conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1A~1C Temperature control system, 2 Booth body, 21a~21d Support columns, 22 Ceiling section, 23a~23d Partition members, 24 Inlet, 24a Inlet hole, 25 Outlet, 26 Inlet / Outlet, 27 Adjuster, 28 Caster, 3 Temperature control device, 31 Temperature control section, 32 Supply section, 32a~32 Supply pipe, 33 Blower fan, 34 Inlet, 35 Housing, 35a Flow path, 36 Bypass piping, 37 Piping, 4 Gas detection means, 5 Notification means, 51 Discrimination section, 52 Notification section, 53 Display section, 6 Fail-safe mechanism, 61a~61c Control section, CF Chemical filter, L1 Piping, MD1, MD2 Flow control valve, S Internal space, VD1~VD6 Flow control valve

Claims

1. The booth body has an interior space separated from the external space, A temperature control device provided on the outside of the booth body and supplying temperature-controlled air to the internal space of the booth body, A supply pipe connects the temperature control device and the booth body, and supplies temperature-controlled air, which has been heated by the temperature control device, to the internal space of the booth body. A return pipe that returns air from the internal space of the booth body to the temperature control device, The device comprises a gas detection means for detecting the refrigerant gas used in the temperature control device, The gas detection means is provided on a path through which the temperature-controlled air passes and through which the refrigerant gas enters when it leaks. A temperature control system characterized by comprising a fail-safe mechanism that suppresses an increase in the refrigerant gas concentration in the internal space of the booth body when a refrigerant gas leak is detected by the gas detection means.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for determining and notifying of an abnormal condition based on the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas detection means.

3. The temperature control system according to claim 2, characterized in that the notification means has a display unit that displays the abnormality history in conjunction with the notification of the abnormal condition.

4. The fail-safe mechanism is A temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flow of temperature-controlled air from the supply piping that supplies temperature-controlled air from the temperature control device to the booth body is switched to a different path from the booth body, thereby preventing temperature-controlled air containing refrigerant gas from being supplied to the internal space of the booth body.

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