Air-conditioning panel

Abstract

Provided is an air-conditioning panel capable of performing operation in a more appropriate manner.　An air-conditioning panel (1-3) is formed in a panel shape to provide an air-conditioning effect, and comprises: an evaporator (10); a condenser (20); a vapor flow path (30) that guides a vapor refrigerant from the evaporator (10) to the condenser (20); a liquid flow path (40) that guides liquid refrigerant of the condenser (20) to the evaporator (10); a thermosensitive valve (50) that is provided in the vapor flow path (30), actuates toward the evaporator (10) side into an open state when a temperature condition is satisfied, and actuates toward the condenser (20) side into a closed state when the temperature condition is not satisfied; and a check valve (60) that is provided in the vapor flow path (30), actuates toward the condenser (20) side into an open state when a pressure on the evaporator (10) side is higher than a pressure on the condenser (20) side by a predetermined pressure or more, and actuates toward the evaporator (10) side into a closed state when the pressure on the evaporator (10) side is not higher than the pressure on the condenser (20) side.

Description

Air conditioning panel

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning panels.

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning panel has been proposed in which an evaporator is formed on one side and a condenser is formed on the other side (see Patent Document 1). In this air conditioning panel, the evaporator and condenser are connected by a refrigerant flow path, and two temperature-sensitive valves are provided in the refrigerant flow path. The first temperature-sensitive valve opens when the temperature on the one side is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The second temperature-sensitive valve opens when the temperature on the other side is lower than the predetermined temperature. As a result, for example, if the one side is the indoor side and the other side is the outdoor side, the refrigerant flow path opens when the indoor side is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature and the outdoor side is lower than the predetermined temperature, and the air conditioning panel can perform cooling operation.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-28555

[0004] However, the air conditioning panel described in Patent Document 1 has two temperature-sensitive valves in the refrigerant flow path, which may open due to back pressure, resulting in an undesirable flow path. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant flow path according to a comparative example. As shown in Fig. 14, the air conditioning panel having the refrigerant flow path performs cooling operation, and for example, the evaporator side is located on the indoor side and the condenser side is located on the outdoor side. In this case, a plate member P and a first temperature-sensitive valve TV1 are located on the evaporator side of the refrigerant flow path, and a plate member P and a second temperature-sensitive valve TV2 are located on the condenser side of the refrigerant flow path.

[0005] The first temperature-sensitive valve TV1 is a so-called warm-open valve equipped with a temperature magnet TV1a and an operating plate TV1b, and opens when the ambient temperature is above a predetermined temperature. The second temperature-sensitive valve TV2 is a so-called cold-open valve equipped with a temperature magnet TV2a and an operating plate TV2b, and opens when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature. For example, assume that the room on the evaporator side is warm, causing the first temperature-sensitive valve TV1 to open (see dashed line). In this case, assume that sunlight hits the exterior surface of the air conditioning panel, causing the condenser to become highly pressurized due to the effects of solar radiation. In this case, the second temperature-sensitive valve TV2 will open due to the pressure on the condenser side (see dashed line) even if the temperature condition is not met.

[0006] In this way, when two temperature-sensing valves TV1 and TV2 are provided in the refrigerant flow path, an undesirable flow path may be formed due to the pressure relationship. Furthermore, when two temperature-sensing valves TV1 and TV2 are provided in the refrigerant flow path, if there is a discrepancy between the temperature settings of the two valves, both may close, causing the air conditioning panel to stop working, or both may open, creating an undesirable flow path. Therefore, there are issues with achieving more appropriate operation.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning panel that can be operated more appropriately.

[0008] The air conditioning panel according to the present disclosure 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 that evaporates the refrigerant by heat from one side; a condenser that introduces vapor refrigerant from the evaporator and condenses and liquefies it by heat dissipation to the other side; a vapor flow path that guides the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser; a liquid flow path that guides liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator; a temperature-sensitive valve that is provided in the vapor flow path and operates toward the evaporator to open when a temperature condition is satisfied, and operates toward the condenser to close when the temperature condition is not satisfied; and a check valve that is provided in the vapor flow path and operates toward the condenser to open when the pressure on the evaporator side is higher than the pressure on the condenser side by a predetermined pressure or more, and operates toward the evaporator to close when the pressure on the evaporator side is not higher than the pressure on the condenser side.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning panel that can operate more appropriately.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a steam flow path shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing details of the interior of the steam flow path shown in FIG. 2, where (a) is a perspective view showing one surface of a plate member shown in FIG. 2, and (b) is a configuration diagram showing a portion of (a). FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the other surface of the plate member shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing details of the interior of the liquid flow path shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the vicinity of the steam flow path. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the liquid flow path. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing details of the air conditioning panel according to the second embodiment, where (a) is an enlarged view of a steam flow path, and (b) is an enlarged view showing a portion of (a). FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one surface of a configuration provided in the shared flow path shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the other surface of a configuration provided in the shared flow path shown in FIG. 10. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the temperature-sensitive valve and the check valve in the vapor flow path according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing an example of a refrigerant flow path according to a comparative example.

[0011] The present disclosure will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. 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 applied as appropriate to the details of the omitted technologies within the scope of the content described below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to a first embodiment. Some components are omitted or simplified in FIG. 1 . The air conditioning panel 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a panel (plate) shape and provides an air conditioning effect, and in particular functions to provide a cooling effect in a room. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which the air conditioning panel 1 is used on a vertical surface, it may also be used on an inclined or horizontal surface if possible.

[0013] The air conditioning panel 1 according to the example shown in FIG. 1 is configured to include an evaporator 10, a condenser 20, a vapor flow path 30, and a liquid flow path 40.

[0014] The evaporator 10 is provided on one side (indoor side) of the air conditioning panel 1 and evaporates the refrigerant using 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 draws up and retains the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage section 11 using capillary action. The wick layer 12 is provided on one side of the evaporator 10 so that it can easily receive heat from the one side of the air conditioning panel 1. The evaporator 10 efficiently evaporates the refrigerant using heat from the one side, as the wick layer 12 draws up and retains the liquid refrigerant.

[0015] The condenser 20 introduces the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator 10 and condenses and liquefies it by dissipating heat to the other side (outside the room) of the air conditioning panel 1. The liquid refrigerant obtained by condensation falls downward within the condenser 20.

[0016] The vapor flow path 30 connects the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20, and guides the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator 10 to the condenser 20. The vapor flow path 30 is provided, for example, at a position on the upper side of the air conditioning panel 1, and connects the upper part of the evaporator 10 and the upper part of the condenser 20.

[0017] The liquid flow path 40 connects the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20, similar to the vapor flow path 30. This liquid flow path 40 guides the liquid refrigerant from the condenser 20 to the evaporator 10. This liquid flow path 40 is provided, for example, at a position on the lower side of the air conditioning panel 1, and connects the lower part of the evaporator 10 (but above the reservoir 11) and the lower part of the condenser 20.

[0018] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the vapor flow path 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning panel 1 (see Fig. 1) includes a plate member P and a temperature-sensitive valve 50 in the vapor flow path 30.

[0019] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the details of the inside of the steam flow path 30 shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 3A is a perspective view showing one surface side of the plate member P shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of Fig. 3A.

[0020] First, as shown in Fig. 2, the plate member P is provided to close the steam flow path 30. As shown in Fig. 3(a), this plate member P has a through hole TH. Therefore, the plate member P opens the steam flow path 30 only through the through hole TH. The temperature-sensitive valve 50 also includes a temperature magnet 51 and an operating plate 52.

[0021] The temperature magnet 51 is supported by a plate material or the like (not shown) and is located near one side of the plate member P. As shown in FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b), the temperature magnet 51 is configured to include a permanent magnet 51a, a temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b, and a soft iron yoke 51c. The temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b becomes non-magnetic at or above its Curie temperature (a predetermined temperature) and becomes magnetic below the Curie temperature. The temperature magnet 51 has the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b provided on the plate member P side of the permanent magnet 51a so as to overlap with the permanent magnet 51a, and soft iron yokes 51c provided on both ends of the permanent magnet 51a and the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b so as to sandwich both of them.

[0022] In this type of temperature magnet 51, when the ambient temperature is below the Curie temperature (predetermined temperature), the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b becomes magnetic. As a result, as shown in Figure 3(b), magnetic flux passes through the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b, and no magnetic force is exerted on the surroundings (see solid arrow). On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is above the Curie temperature (predetermined temperature), the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b becomes non-magnetic, and magnetic flux does not pass through the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b, and a magnetic force is exerted on the surroundings (see dashed arrow).

[0023] The operation plate 52 is a magnetic plate member having an upper end 52a integrally connected to the plate member P. In the base state, the lower end 52b of the operation plate 52 contacts the plate member P, blocking the through-hole TH. When the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the temperature magnet 51 exerts a magnetic force on the surroundings, the operation plate 52 rotates around the upper end 52a due to the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 51. That is, the lower end 52b moves toward the evaporator 10 and separates from the plate member P. This opens the through-hole TH. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature and the temperature magnet 51 does not exert a magnetic force on the surroundings, the operation plate 52 is in the base state. That is, the lower end 52b moves toward the condenser 20 and contacts the plate member P, blocking the through-hole TH.

[0024] As described above, in the temperature-sensitive valve 50 according to the first embodiment, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (i.e., when the temperature condition is met), the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 51 operates the operating plate 52, resulting in an open state. Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is below the predetermined temperature (i.e., when the temperature condition is not met), the magnetic force from the temperature magnet 51 does not act on the operating plate 52, resulting in a closed state. The operating plate 52 of the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is configured to rotate around the upper end 52a, but the direction of rotation is not particularly important.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning panel 1 is provided with a check valve 60 in the vapor flow path 30. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the other surface of the plate member P shown in Fig. 2. The check valve 60 prevents backflow of the vapor refrigerant and includes an operating plate 61.

[0026] The operating plate 61 is a plate material whose lower end 61a is integrally connected to the plate member P. In the basic state, the operating plate 61 has an upper end 61b in contact with the plate member P, blocking the through-hole TH. The operating plate 61 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic plate material so as not to be affected when the temperature magnet 51 exerts its magnetic force.

[0027] 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 61 operates toward the condenser 20 side so that the upper end 61b separates 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 61 is in the basic state, and the upper end 61b comes into contact with the plate member P (operates toward the evaporator 10 side) and closes the through-hole TH.

[0028] The operating plate 61 of the check valve 60 is configured to rotate around the lower end 61 a, but the direction of rotation is not particularly important. Also, the operating plate 52 of the temperature sensitive valve 50 and the operating plate 61 of the check valve 60 have their rotation centers on opposite sides of the through hole TH, but this is not limited to being on the opposite side.

[0029] Furthermore, in the air conditioning panel 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 (particularly the temperature magnet 51) is located closer to the condenser 20 than the evaporator 10. In other words, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is located closer to the condenser 20 than the center line C, which is the midpoint between the evaporator 10 and the condenser 20 shown in Figure 2. As a result, in the air conditioning panel 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 operates according to the temperature on the condenser 20 side.

[0030] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view showing details of the inside of the liquid flow path 40 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the air conditioning panel 1 (see Fig. 1) also includes a plate member P, a temperature-sensitive valve 50, and a check valve 60 inside the liquid flow path 40. The configurations of the plate member P, the temperature-sensitive valve 50, and the check valve 60 are similar to those provided in the steam flow path 30.

[0031] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing a modified example near the steam flow path 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioning panel 1 (see Fig. 1) may have an extension flow path EL that continues from the steam flow path 30 and extends into the condenser 20. The plate member P, the temperature-sensitive valve 50, and the check valve 60 may be provided in the extension flow path EL. In this case, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 (particularly the temperature magnet 51) is provided in the condenser 20. This makes it easier for the temperature-sensitive valve 50 to be controlled by the temperature on the condenser 20 side.

[0032] 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the liquid flow path 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid flow path 40 may be configured with a float valve 41. This float valve 41 has a vertically installed cylindrical float chamber 41a, whose upper end 41b is narrowed into an inverted funnel shape and connected to the condenser 20, and whose lower end 41c is narrowed into a funnel shape and connected to the evaporator 10. A float 41d is placed in the float chamber 41a, and can close the liquid flow path 40 regardless of whether it is pressed against the upper or lower funnel or the inverted funnel. Therefore, the float valve 41 opens the liquid flow path 40 only when the refrigerant liquid level is within the height range of the float chamber 41a.

[0033] In addition, the liquid flow path 40 may be configured to be entirely liquid, rather than being partially gaseous and partially liquid, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the liquid flow path 40 may or may not be provided with a temperature-sensitive valve 50. Also, the liquid flow path 40 may be provided with a check valve 60, or the amount of refrigerant must be adjusted to ensure a sufficient liquid level as described in paragraphs 0038 and 0040 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-28555.

[0034] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, in winter, the outdoor temperature is low. Therefore, the ambient temperatures of the temperature-sensitive valves 50 of the vapor flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 do not exceed a predetermined temperature (do not satisfy the temperature condition), and the temperature-sensitive valves 50 are closed. This prevents heat from passing from the indoors to the outdoors in winter.

[0035] On the other hand, in the summer, the outdoor temperature becomes high. As a result, the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive valve 50 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (satisfying the temperature condition), and the temperature-sensitive valve 50 opens due to the magnetic force of the temperature magnet 51. Also, in the summer, when heat is trapped indoors, the temperature of the evaporator 10 rises 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 60 also opens. Therefore, heat can be released to the outside in the summer when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, suppose that the outdoor temperature becomes higher in summer, and the temperature on the condenser 20 side becomes higher than that on the evaporator 10 side. In this case, heat cannot flow from the indoor side to the outdoor side, and the steam flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 should be closed. In this case, in the air conditioning panel 1 according to this embodiment, the pressure on the evaporator 10 side does not exceed the pressure on the condenser 20 side by a predetermined pressure or more, and the check valve 60 is closed. Therefore, it is also possible to prevent the steam flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 from being opened, thereby preventing the formation of undesirable flow paths.

[0037] Furthermore, two temperature-sensitive valves 50 are not provided for each flow path 30, 40, and this prevents a mismatch in the temperature settings of the two temperature-sensitive valves from causing both to close and the air conditioning panel 1 to stop moving, or both to open and form an undesirable flow path.

[0038] Thus, the air conditioning panel 1 according to this embodiment includes a temperature-sensitive valve 50 that opens when the temperature conditions are met and closes when they are not. Furthermore, the air conditioning panel 1 includes a check valve 60 that operates toward the condenser 20 side to open when the pressure on the evaporator 10 side is higher than the pressure on the condenser 20 side, and closes when the pressure on the evaporator 20 side is not higher. Therefore, even if the condenser 20 side is heated by solar radiation and the pressure on the condenser 20 side becomes higher than that on the evaporator 10 side, the check valve 60 maintains the closed state, preventing the check valve 60 from being forced open by pressure even when the temperature conditions are not met. Additionally, because one check valve 60 is pressure-activated, the possibility of problems related to temperature mismatch is reduced compared to when both valves are temperature-sensitive valves 50. This makes it possible to provide an air conditioning panel 1 that can operate more appropriately.

[0039] Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is provided on the evaporator 10 side of the plate-shaped plate member P having the through-hole TH provided in the steam flow path 30, and the check valve 60 is provided on the condenser 20 side of the plate member P, so the through-hole TH is closed and opened on one side and the other side of the same plate member P. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 , which will be described later, if the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 are separated, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 may open too early or may not open easily due to the pressure in the area between them. However, if a valve is provided on one side and the other side of the plate member P, the area between them becomes very narrow, and the effect of pressure within the area on the operation of the temperature-sensitive valve 50 can be reduced.

[0040] Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 opens when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. For this reason, when, for example, one side of the temperature-sensitive valve 50, which faces the evaporator 10, is the indoor side and the other side, which faces the condenser 20, is the outdoor side, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 opens when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, cooling operation can be performed in the summer or other seasons when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, and cooling operation can be performed appropriately in the summer or other seasons.

[0041] 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. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning panel 2 shown in Fig. 8 is arranged upside down compared to the air conditioning panel 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the evaporator 10 is arranged on the outdoor side and the condenser 20 is arranged on the indoor 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 heating effect to the indoor space. 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.

[0043] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing details of an air conditioning panel 2 according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the steam flow path 30, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view showing a portion of the configuration of FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the second embodiment, the steam flow path 30 is provided with a plate member P, a temperature-sensitive valve 50, and a check valve 60. As in the first embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 (particularly the temperature magnet 51) is provided closer to the condenser 20 than the evaporator 10. Alternatively, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 may be provided inside the condenser 20.

[0044] Here, the temperature-sensitive bulb 50 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the temperature magnet 51 differs from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the temperature magnet 51 includes a permanent magnet 51a and a temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b, as shown in FIG. 9B . The temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b is provided at both ends of the permanent magnet 51a and protrudes toward the plate member P beyond the permanent magnet 51a. Therefore, when the ambient temperature of the temperature magnet 51 is below a predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b becomes magnetic and exerts a magnetic force on the surroundings (see dashed arrows). When the ambient temperature is above the predetermined temperature, the temperature-sensitive ferrite 51b becomes non-magnetic and does not exert a magnetic force on the surroundings (see solid arrows). Therefore, when the ambient temperature of the temperature magnet 51 is below the predetermined temperature, the operating plate 52 moves away from the plate member P (toward the evaporator 10) to open the through-hole TH. Furthermore, when the ambient temperature of the temperature magnet 51 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the operating plate 52 operates toward the plate member P (condenser 20 side) to close the through hole TH.

[0045] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. First, in the summer, the indoor temperature becomes high. Therefore, the ambient temperatures of the temperature-sensitive valves 50 of the vapor flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 do not fall below a predetermined temperature (the temperature condition is not satisfied), and the temperature-sensitive valves 50 are closed. This prevents heat from passing from the outside into the room during the summer.

[0046] On the other hand, in winter, the indoor temperature is low. As a result, the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive valve 50 falls below a predetermined temperature (satisfying the temperature condition), and the temperature-sensitive valve 50 opens due to the magnetic force of the temperature magnet 51. Also, in winter, when the outdoor surface of the air conditioning panel 2 is exposed to sunlight, the temperature of the evaporator 10 rises 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 60 also opens. Therefore, heat can be taken into the room in winter when the indoor temperature is below the predetermined temperature.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, suppose that the indoor temperature becomes high in winter due to an air conditioner or the like, and the temperature on the condenser 20 side becomes higher than that on the evaporator 10 side. In this case, even if the pressure on the condenser 20 side becomes high, the check valve 60 closes the steam flow path 30, etc. This prevents the steam flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 from being opened, thereby preventing the formation of undesirable flow paths.

[0048] Furthermore, two temperature-sensitive valves 50 are not provided for each flow path 30, 40, and this prevents a mismatch in the temperature settings of the two temperature-sensitive valves 50 from causing both to close and the air conditioning panel 2 to stop moving, or both to open and form an undesirable flow path.

[0049] In this way, the air conditioning panel 2 of the second embodiment can operate more appropriately, as in the first embodiment, and can reduce the impact on the operation of the temperature-sensitive valve 50.

[0050] Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is open when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when, for example, one side of the temperature-sensitive valve 50, which is the evaporator 10 side, faces the outdoor side and the other side, which is the condenser 20 side, faces the indoor side, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is open when the temperature on the indoor side is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, heating operation can be performed in winter or other seasons when the temperature on the indoor side is below the predetermined temperature, and heating operation can be performed appropriately in winter or other seasons.

[0051] 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 those of the first and second embodiments, but has a partial configuration different from those of the first and second embodiments. Differences from the first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning panel according to the third embodiment. The air conditioning panel 3 shown in Fig. 10 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 the summer and a heating effect to the room in the winter. Note that, like the first and second embodiments, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment may also be used on an inclined or horizontal surface if possible.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10 , the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment includes a first evaporative condenser 70 and a second evaporative condenser 80 .

[0054] The first evaporative condenser 70 is provided on the outdoor 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 reservoir 71 and a wick layer 72, and evaporates the refrigerant drawn up from the reservoir 71 by the wick layer 72 using 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.

[0055] The second evaporative condenser 80 is provided on the indoor 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 reservoir 81 and a wick layer 82, and evaporates the refrigerant drawn 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.

[0056] The air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment also includes a common flow path 90 that combines the vapor flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40. Both vapor and liquid refrigerant flow through the common flow path 90. This common flow path 90 may include two common flow paths, one for heating and one for cooling. However, in the third embodiment, a single common flow path 90 is provided for both heating and cooling. Therefore, during heating, the common flow path 90 serves as a flow path through which vapor refrigerant from the first evaporative condenser 70 flows toward the second evaporative condenser 80, and also serves as a flow path through which liquid refrigerant liquefied in the second evaporative condenser 80 flows toward the first evaporative condenser 70. During cooling, the common flow path 90 serves as a flow path through which vapor refrigerant from the second evaporative condenser 80 flows toward the first evaporative condenser 70, and also serves as a flow path through which liquid refrigerant liquefied in the first evaporative condenser 70 flows toward the second evaporative condenser 80.

[0057] In the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment, the height position of the shared flow path 90 is optimized. That is, the shared flow path 90 needs to be installed at a position that is lower than the water level when the refrigerant in the first evaporative condenser 70 and the second evaporative condenser 80 is entirely diverted to one side (the side that functions as a condenser) during operation, and higher than the water level when the water levels in the first evaporative condenser 70 and the second evaporative condenser 80 are equal.

[0058] Here, the shared flow path 90 is provided with a temperature-sensitive valve 50 and a check valve 60 as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing one side of the configuration provided in the shared flow path 90 shown in Figure 10, and Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the other side of the configuration provided in the shared flow path 90 shown in Figure 10.

[0059] 11 and 12, the shared flow path 90 (see FIG. 10) is provided with one plate member P, a temperature-sensitive valve 50, and a check valve 60. The temperature-sensitive valve 50 includes a first temperature-sensitive valve 501 and a second temperature-sensitive valve 502, and the check valve 60 includes a first check valve 601 and a second check valve 602.

[0060] 11 and 12 , the plate member P has a first through hole TH1 and a second through hole TH2. This plate member P closes the shared flow path 90 except for the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2. A first temperature-sensitive valve 501 is provided on one surface of the plate member P in correspondence with the first through hole TH1. Furthermore, a first check valve 601 is provided on the other surface of the plate member P in correspondence with the first through hole TH1 (i.e., corresponding to the first temperature-sensitive valve 501). The first temperature-sensitive valve 501 and the first check valve 601 are similar to the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 shown in the first embodiment.

[0061] 11 , the first temperature-sensitive valve 501 includes a temperature magnet 511 that applies a magnetic force to the operating plate 521 when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (when the first temperature condition is satisfied). Therefore, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the lower end 52 b 1 of the operating plate 521 moves toward the second evaporative condenser 80 (see FIG. 10 ) to open the first through-hole TH1, resulting in an open state. Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the first temperature-sensitive valve 501 no longer applies a magnetic force to the operating plate 521, and the lower end 52 b 1 moves toward the first evaporative condenser 70 (see FIG. 10 ) to close the first through-hole TH1, resulting in a closed state.

[0062] 12, when the pressure of the second evaporative condenser 80 (see FIG. 10) becomes higher than the pressure of the first evaporative condenser 70 (see FIG. 10) by a predetermined pressure (first predetermined pressure) or more, the first check valve 601 is in an open state where the upper end 61 b ​​1 of the operating plate 611 moves toward the first evaporative condenser 70 to open the first through-hole TH1. Furthermore, when the pressure of the second evaporative condenser 80 is not higher than the pressure of the first evaporative condenser 70 by the predetermined pressure or more, the first check valve 601 is in a closed state where the upper end 61 b ​​1 of the operating plate 611 moves toward the second evaporative condenser 80 to close the first through-hole TH1.

[0063] A second temperature-sensitive valve 502 is provided on the other surface of the plate member P in correspondence with the second through-hole TH2. A second check valve 602 is provided on one surface of the plate member P in correspondence with the second through-hole TH2 (i.e., corresponding to the second temperature-sensitive valve 502). The second temperature-sensitive valve 502 and the second check valve 602 are similar to the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 shown in the second embodiment.

[0064] That is, the second temperature-sensitive valve 502 is equipped with a temperature magnet 512 that applies a magnetic force to the operating plate 522 when the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature (when the second temperature condition is satisfied). Therefore, when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined temperature, the second temperature-sensitive valve 502 enters an open state in which the lower end 52b2 of the operating plate 522 moves toward the first evaporative condenser 70 to open the second through-hole TH2. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature rises above the predetermined temperature, the second temperature-sensitive valve 502 no longer applies a magnetic force to the operating plate 522, and the lower end 52b2 moves toward the second evaporative condenser 80 to close the second through-hole TH2, entering a closed state.

[0065] 11 , when the pressure of the first evaporative condenser 70 is higher than the pressure of the second evaporative condenser 80 by a predetermined pressure (second predetermined pressure) or more, the second check valve 602 is in an open state where the upper end 61 b2 of the operating plate 612 moves toward the second evaporative condenser 80 to open the second through-hole TH2. Furthermore, when the pressure of the first evaporative condenser 70 is not higher than the pressure of the second evaporative condenser 80 by the predetermined pressure or more, the second check valve 602 is in a closed state where the upper end 61 b2 of the operating plate 612 moves toward the second evaporative condenser 80 to close the second through-hole TH2.

[0066] As described above, in the third embodiment, the first temperature sensitive valve 501, the second temperature sensitive valve 502, the first check valve 601, and the second check valve 602 are arranged in the same pipe. Here, the predetermined temperature of the first temperature sensitive valve 501 and the predetermined temperature of the second temperature sensitive valve 502 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the predetermined pressure of the first check valve 601 and the predetermined pressure of the second check valve 602 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the position of the plate member P may be on the first evaporative condenser 70 side or the second evaporative condenser 80 side of the shared flow path 90. Furthermore, the position of the plate member P may be an intermediate position, i.e., on neither side.

[0067] Next, the operation of the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. First, due to the high temperatures in the summer, both the indoor and outdoor temperatures become high. Therefore, the first temperature-sensitive valve 501 of the shared flow path 90 opens when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, when heat builds up indoors in the summer, the temperature of the second evaporative condenser 80 rises, increasing the pressure within the second evaporative condenser 80. 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 at least a predetermined pressure, and the first check valve 601 of the shared flow path 90 also opens. Furthermore, due to this pressure relationship, at least the second check valve 602 remains closed and does not open.

[0068] On the other hand, in winter, the air temperature drops, and both the indoor and outdoor temperatures become low. Therefore, the second temperature-sensitive valve 502 of the shared flow path 90 opens when the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature. In winter, depending on the installation location of the air conditioning panel 3, sunlight may strike the outdoor surface. In such cases, the temperature of the first evaporative condenser 70 rises, and the pressure inside 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 602 also opens. Due to this pressure relationship, at least the first check valve 601 does not open and remains closed.

[0069] Therefore, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment can appropriately perform heating and cooling operations by taking in heat indoors in winter and releasing heat outdoors in summer. Furthermore, the formation of undesirable flow paths is prevented. Additionally, the shared flow path 90 simplifies the configuration.

[0070] In this way, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment can perform more appropriate operation, similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the system includes a first evaporative condenser 70, a second evaporative condenser 80, a first temperature-sensitive valve 501, a second temperature-sensitive valve 502, and a first check valve 601 and a second check valve 602. Therefore, cooling operation can be performed appropriately in situations such as summer when the ambient temperature of the first temperature-sensitive valve 501 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and heat is trapped inside the room. Furthermore, heating operation can be performed appropriately in situations such as winter when the ambient temperature of the second temperature-sensitive valve 502 is lower than a predetermined temperature and the outdoor surface is exposed to sunlight. Additionally, because these components are arranged in the same shared flow path 90, the system configuration is simplified. Therefore, cooling and heating operation can be performed appropriately in summer and winter while minimizing the complexity of the configuration.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the vapor flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 are the same shared flow path 90, and the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 are provided in the shared flow path 90. Therefore, the flow paths for the vapor refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are made common, thereby further simplifying the configuration.

[0073] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure, and publicly known or well-known technologies may be combined to the extent possible.

[0074] For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 switches between an open state and a closed state using the temperature magnets 51, 511, and 512, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 may be of another type, such as one that is opened or closed by a control unit in response to a temperature detected by a temperature sensor. Furthermore, if possible, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 may be formed of another structure, such as a bimetal.

[0075] Furthermore, in the air conditioning panels 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments, the vapor flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40 are configured as separate structures, but a common flow path may be used for the vapor refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant as in the third embodiment. The temperature sensing valve 50 and the check valve 60 may be provided in a common flow path, which simplifies the structure.

[0076] Furthermore, the air conditioning panel 3 according to the third embodiment may have a steam flow path 30 and a liquid flow path 40 separately, instead of a single shared flow path 90. In this case, the first temperature-sensitive valve 501, the second temperature-sensitive valve 502, the first check valve 601, and the second check valve 602 are provided in each of the steam flow path 30 and the liquid flow path 40. In this case, the liquid flow path 40 may be configured to include a float valve 41. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid flow path 40 may be configured to be entirely liquid, rather than being partially gaseous and partially liquid. In this case, as described above, the liquid flow path 40 may or may not be provided with a temperature-sensitive valve 50, and a check valve 60 may be provided, or the amount of refrigerant must be adjusted to ensure a sufficient liquid level as described in paragraphs 0038 and 0040 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-28555.

[0077] Furthermore, the steam flow path 30 may be configured as follows. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 in the steam flow path 30 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 and the check valve 60 are provided on either side of a plate member P. However, this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 13, the steam flow path 30 may include two plate members P, each of which is provided with a temperature-sensitive valve 50 and a check valve 60. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the temperature-sensitive valve 50 is provided on the plate member P on the evaporator 10 side, and the check valve 60 is provided on the plate member P on the condenser 20 side. However, this positional relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, instead of two plate members P, a reduced diameter tube having a diameter equivalent to the through hole TH (see FIG. 3, etc.) may be provided between the two plate members P. This also applies to the liquid flow path 40 and the second and third embodiments.

[0078] 1 to 3: Air conditioning panel 10: Evaporator 11: Storage section 20: Condenser 30: Vapor flow path 40: Liquid flow path 50: Temperature-sensitive valve 60: Check valve 70: First evaporative condenser 71: Storage section 80: Second evaporative condenser 81: Storage section 90: Shared flow path 501: First temperature-sensitive valve 502: Second temperature-sensitive valve 601: First check valve 602: Second check valve P: Plate member TH: Through-hole TH1: First through-hole TH2: Second through-hole

Claims

1. An air conditioning panel formed in the shape of a panel to provide an air conditioning effect, comprising: an evaporator having a liquid refrigerant storage portion that evaporates the refrigerant using heat from one side; a condenser that introduces vapor refrigerant from the evaporator and condenses and liquefies it by heat released to the other side; a vapor flow path that leads the vapor refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser; a liquid flow path that leads liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator; a temperature-sensitive valve that is provided in the vapor flow path and operates toward the evaporator to open when a temperature condition is met, and operates toward the condenser to close when the temperature condition is not met; and a check valve that is provided in the vapor flow path and operates toward the condenser to open when the pressure on the evaporator side is higher than the pressure on the condenser side by a predetermined pressure or more, and operates toward the evaporator to close when the pressure on the evaporator side is not higher than the pressure on the condenser side.

2. The air conditioning panel according to claim 1, further comprising a plate-shaped plate member having a through hole provided in the steam flow path, wherein the temperature-sensitive valve is provided on the evaporator side of the plate member, and when the temperature condition is satisfied, it operates in a direction away from the plate member to open the through hole and assume an open state, and when the temperature condition is not satisfied, it operates toward the plate member to close the through hole and assume a closed state, and the check valve is provided on the condenser side of the plate member on which the temperature-sensitive valve is provided, and when the pressure on the evaporator side is higher than the pressure on the condenser side by a predetermined pressure or more, it operates in a direction away from the plate member to open the through hole and assume a closed state, and when the pressure on the evaporator side is not higher than the pressure on the condenser side by a predetermined pressure or more, it operates toward the plate member to close the through hole.

3. The air conditioning panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-sensitive valve satisfies the temperature condition and opens when the temperature on the condenser side is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

4. The air conditioning panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature-sensitive valve satisfies the temperature condition and opens when the temperature on the condenser side is lower than a predetermined temperature.

5. The condenser is a first evaporative condenser having a refrigerant storage portion and evaporating the refrigerant also by heat from the other side, and the evaporator is a second evaporative condenser that introduces vapor refrigerant evaporated by heat from the other side and condenses and liquefies it by heat dissipation to the one side, and the vapor flow path guides the vapor refrigerant from the first evaporative condenser to the second evaporative condenser and also guides the vapor refrigerant from the second evaporative condenser to the first evaporative condenser, and the liquid flow path guides the liquid refrigerant from the first evaporative condenser to the second evaporative condenser and also guides the liquid refrigerant from the second evaporative condenser to the first evaporative condenser, and the temperature-sensitive valve is a first temperature-sensitive valve that operates toward the second evaporative condenser to be open when a first temperature condition is satisfied and operates toward the first evaporative condenser to be closed when the first temperature condition is not satisfied, a second temperature-sensitive valve that operates toward the first evaporative condenser side to become an open state when a second temperature condition is satisfied, and operates toward the second evaporative condenser side to become a closed state when the second temperature condition is not satisfied, wherein the check valve is a first check valve that is arranged corresponding to the first temperature-sensitive valve, and operates toward the first evaporative condenser side to become an open state when the pressure on the second evaporative condenser side is higher than the pressure on the first evaporative condenser side by a first predetermined pressure or more, and operates toward the second evaporative condenser side to become a closed state when the pressure on the second evaporative condenser side is not higher than the pressure on the first evaporative condenser side by the first predetermined pressure or more; and a second check valve that is arranged corresponding to the second temperature-sensitive valve, and operates toward the second evaporative condenser to be open when the pressure on the first evaporative condenser side is higher than the pressure on the second evaporative condenser side by a second predetermined pressure or more, and operates toward the second evaporative condenser to be closed when the pressure on the first evaporative condenser side is not higher than the pressure on the second evaporative condenser side by the second predetermined pressure or more, wherein the first temperature-sensitive valve, the second temperature-sensitive valve, the first check valve, and the second check valve are arranged in the same piping.

6. The air conditioning panel according to claim 1, wherein the vapor flow path and the liquid flow path are the same shared flow path, and the temperature-sensitive valve and the check valve are provided in the shared flow path.

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