Air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner including: a water tank configured to store water; a heat exchanger having a first heat exchange flow path through which exhaust air flows and a second heat exchange flow path through which supply air flows, and configured to perform heat exchange between the exhaust air and the supply air; a water supply body configured to supply water to the first heat exchange flow path; and a water supply path having a water supply end portion configured to supply the water stored in the water tank to the water supply body, the water supply body including: a plurality of water supply holes formed in a length direction; and a flow rate restriction portion configured to restrict a flow rate of the water supplied from the water supply path to any of the plurality of water supply holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] A vaporization-cooled air conditioner, such as that shown in Patent Document 1, is known. It draws in indoor air, uses the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and then blows the cooled air out of the room. In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, air flowing in a second flow path passes through multiple tubes in a sensible heat exchanger, while air flowing in a first flow path passes around these tubes. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the air flowing in the second flow path and the air flowing in the first flow path.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-092338 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, the air conditioner in Patent Document 1 did not take into account the need to provide an air conditioner with greater usefulness.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an air conditioner with greater usefulness.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a water tank for containing water; a heat exchanger having a first heat exchange flow path for exhaust gas and a second heat exchange flow path for supplying gas, for heat exchange between exhaust gas and supplying gas; a water supply body for supplying water to the first heat exchange flow path; and a water supply passage having a water supply end for supplying water contained in the water tank to the water supply body, the water supply body including: a plurality of water supply holes formed along a length direction; and a flow limiting part for limiting the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply passage to any one of the plurality of water supply holes.

[0007] According to the present invention, a highly useful air conditioner can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic side sectional view showing a structural example of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the air conditioner.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the assembly and disassembly of various components in the exterior of an air conditioner.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view showing a structural example of a rod.

[0012] Figure 5This is a schematic perspective view showing a structural example of a linkage mechanism.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing the sealing components in a heat exchanger.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a schematic side sectional view of the intermediate flow path in a connected state.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic side sectional view of the intermediate flow path in the departing state.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the rod and the shroud with the heat exchanger installed.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the rod and the cover with the heat exchanger removed.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a schematic perspective view showing the exhaust flow path including the branch section.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view showing the power supply board configured in the exhaust flow path.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the through-hole formed in the exhaust flow path.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing the water absorption component and dripping component arranged at both ends below the heat exchanger.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the water-absorbing component and the dripping component.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the water-absorbing components.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing the water absorption component and dripping component arranged in the center below the heat exchanger.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the engagement of the first and second water tanks.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the first and second water tanks in a non-cooperative state.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view showing the second water tank and its cover.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a schematic side sectional view of the interior of the second water tank.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the main body side lock-up valve and the second water tank side lock-up valve.

[0030] Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state changes of the main body-side locking valve and the second water tank-side locking valve.

[0031] Figure 24 This is a schematic perspective view showing the water supply body located above the heat exchanger.

[0032] Figure 25 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the water supply body. Detailed Implementation

[0033] (Implementation Method 1)

[0034] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic side sectional view illustrating a structural example of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioner 1 has a box-shaped body 11, which is mounted on the floor of an air-conditioned space, such as a factory, via casters provided at the bottom of the body 11. The body 11 includes an outer casing that forms the outline of the air conditioner 1, and various components described later are housed within the body 11. Figure 1 The placement of the air conditioner 1 shown is represented by the normal operating state of the air conditioner 1, indicating up, down, left, and right. Figure 1 schematically shown from the left side Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross section along line AA.

[0035] Air conditioner 1 includes a water tank 7 consisting of a first water tank 71 and a second water tank 72, and a cooling unit 2 containing a vaporization filter 21 and a heat exchanger 22. Air conditioner 1 uses the vaporization filter 21 to utilize the heat of vaporization of water supplied from the second water tank 72 to lower the ambient temperature, thus cooling the conditioned space; it is a vaporization-cooling type air conditioner 1. Air conditioner 1 also uses the heat exchanger 22 to utilize the sensible heat and heat of vaporization of water supplied from the second water tank 72 to lower the ambient temperature, further cooling the conditioned space. The heat exchanger 22 serves as a sensible heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat between a first heat exchange path 221 for exhaust gas flow and a second heat exchange path 222 for supply gas flow.

[0036] The air conditioner 1 has an intake 3 for drawing in air into the conditioned space, an air supply outlet 51, and an exhaust outlet 43 on its main body 11. The air supply outlet 51 blows air cooled by the cooling unit 2, which includes a heat exchanger 22 and a vaporization filter 21, into the conditioned space as air supply. The exhaust outlet 43 blows out air that has undergone sensible heat exchange with water and the supplied air through the heat exchanger 22 as exhaust air.

[0037] Air supply outlet 51 and exhaust outlet 43 are provided on the upper surface 100 of the main body 11. The air conditioner 1 is equipped with fans for supplying and exhausting air. The fans include an exhaust fan 61 for supplying exhaust air and an air supply fan 62 for supplying air. A cylindrical duct may be provided at the air supply outlet 51.

[0038] The supply fan 62 and exhaust fan 61 can be centrifugal fans such as Silco fans or propeller fans. The supply fan 62 is located near the supply air outlet 51, and the exhaust fan 61 is located near the exhaust air outlet 43. That is, as part of the airflow of the air conditioner 1, with the intake 3 as the upstream end and the supply air outlet 51 and exhaust air outlet 43 as the downstream ends, the supply fan 62 and exhaust fan 61 are located downstream of the cooling unit 2 in this airflow direction. Therefore, the supply fan 62 and exhaust fan 61 function as so-called intake fans, capable of maintaining a negative pressure within the airflow path of the air conditioner 1, namely the exhaust flow path 4 and the supply airflow path 5. The exhaust flow path 4 corresponds to the first flow path for exhaust flow. The supply airflow path 5 corresponds to the second flow path for supply air flow.

[0039] The heat exchanger 22 includes a first heat exchange path 221 for airflow and a second heat exchange path 222 for airflow that exchanges sensible heat with the air flowing in the first heat exchange path 221, serving as a sensible heat exchanger. The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 has an exhaust path 4 communicating with the first heat exchange path 221, and an intermediate path 41 (described later) is disposed between the first heat exchange path 221 and the exhaust path 4. That is, the first heat exchange path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and the exhaust path 4 of the main body 11 are connected via the intermediate path 41. Therefore, in the overall air conditioner 1, the exhaust flow path includes the first heat exchange path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, the exhaust path 4 of the main body 11, and the intermediate path 41.

[0040] The supply fan 62 and the exhaust fan 61 share a single fan motor 6, each connected to a shaft located at one end of the fan motor 6. A partition, for example, is provided between the supply fan 62 and the exhaust fan 61. This partition reliably prevents the supply air delivered by the supply fan 62 and the exhaust air delivered by the exhaust fan 61 from mixing. The volumetric flow rate of air delivered by the supply fan 62 per unit time can be greater than the volumetric flow rate of air delivered by the exhaust fan 61 per unit time. By making the volumetric flow rate of the supply fan 62 greater than that of the exhaust fan 61, the air conditioning capacity can be improved.

[0041] The fan motor 6 is disposed in the exhaust flow path 4. That is, a baffle is disposed between the fan motor 6 and the air supply fan 62. By disposing the fan motor 6 in this way, the exhaust gas delivered by the exhaust fan 61 can be used to cool the fan motor 6. Therefore, the temperature of the air supplied by the air supply fan 62 will not rise, and the cooling energy of the exhaust gas can be used to effectively cool the fan motor 6. Moreover, the exhaust gas through the exhaust fan 61 blows directly onto the power supply board 12, thereby cooling the power supply board 12.

[0042] Within the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1, an intake flow path 32, a supply flow path 5, and an exhaust flow path 4 are provided as airflow paths. The intake flow path 32 starts from the intake port 3 and connects to the heat exchanger 22 and the drain pan 91 located below the heat exchanger 22. That is, after passing through the dust collection filter 31 arranged to cover the intake port 3, the intake flow path 32 branches into the exhaust flow path 4, which connects to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, and the supply flow path 5, which connects to the drain pan 91. The branching points correspond to the starting points of the exhaust flow path 4 and the supply flow path 5.

[0043] The first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 in the heat exchanger 22 are constructed by alternately stacking multiple membrane components and spacers. Adjacent spacers in the stacking direction are arranged to rotate 90 degrees relative to each other in the length direction, and adjacent spacers separated by the same membrane component intersect each other. Thus, the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are orthogonal, and the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221 form positive AC.

[0044] Sensible heat exchange occurs between the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange path 222 and the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path 221, via their respective stacked membrane components. The stacking direction of these multiple stacked membrane components is perpendicular to the path direction of each of the first heat exchange path 221 and the second heat exchange path 222. That is, in this embodiment, the path direction of the second heat exchange path 222 is from left to right, and the first heat exchange path 221 is from bottom to top. In contrast, the stacking direction is a front-back direction that is perpendicular to both the left-right and top-bottom directions.

[0045] The first heat exchange flow path 221 of the exhaust flow is connected to the exhaust outlet 43 via a portion of the exhaust flow path 4 provided in the body 11. The second heat exchange flow path 222 of the supply air flow is connected to the supply outlet 51 via a portion of the supply air flow path 5 provided in the body 11. The second heat exchange flow path 222 of the supply air flow is connected to the heat exchanger 22 in the left-right direction, i.e., laterally, and the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the exhaust flow is connected to the heat exchanger 22 in the up-down direction, i.e., longitudinally. Thus, the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the first heat exchange flow path 221 are orthogonal to each other.

[0046] A portion of the intake air passing through intake flow path 32 flows into the interior of the second heat exchange flow path 222 of the heat exchanger 22. Additionally, a portion of the intake air passing through intake flow path 32 flows from the gap between the dust collector filter 31 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 into the space between the drain pan 91 and the heat exchanger 22, and then flows into the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. Thus, the intake air passing through intake flow path 32 is split into supply air flowing in the second heat exchange flow path 222 and exhaust air flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221. In other words, a flow-splitting mechanism for splitting the intake air is formed by providing the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22.

[0047] A dust collection filter 31 is provided between the intake 3 and the inlets of the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222. The dust collection filter 31 can be integrally formed with the cover 111 of the main body 11 in a detachable manner. By providing the dust collection filter 31, dust in the intake air drawn in from the intake 3 can be captured, and the adhesion of dust in the airflow path within the air conditioner 1 can be suppressed.

[0048] A drain pan 91 is provided below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 in the heat exchanger 22. Exhaust gas passing through the space between the drain pan 91 and the heat exchanger 22, i.e., the space above the drain pan 91, flows into the interior of the heat exchanger 22 from the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221. Therefore, the exhaust flow path 4 includes the space between the drain pan 91 and the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0049] Exhaust gas flowing into the heat exchanger 22 from the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 flows out to the outside of the heat exchanger 22 from the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed at the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. An exhaust fan 61 is disposed above the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 formed at the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. Exhaust gas delivered by the exhaust fan 61 is blown out from the exhaust outlet 43. As will be described in detail later, a portion of the exhaust gas delivered by the exhaust fan 61 passes through a second downstream exhaust flow path 422 branching from the exhaust flow path 4, cools the power supply board 12 disposed inside the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, and is then discharged to the outside of the body 11 from the branch exhaust outlet 427. The branch exhaust outlet 427 may, for example, be formed by the gap of the outer panel of the body 11. That is, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 may communicate with the gap of the body 11.

[0050] The second heat exchange flow path 222 is arranged in a straight line in the region forming a positive exchange with the first heat exchange flow path 221. That is, the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222, which is the terminal of the second heat exchange flow path 222, is located on the opposite side of the heat exchanger 22 from the side where the inlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222 is provided. In the illustrated example, the second heat exchange flow path 222 is arranged in a straight line from the front surface to the rear surface of the heat exchanger 22.

[0051] In the direction of air supply flow, a vaporization filter 21 is provided downstream of the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222 of the heat exchanger 22. The vaporization filter 21 is provided in the air supply flow path 5, between the heat exchanger 22 and the air supply fan 62.

[0052] The vaporization filter 21 is configured such that one face of its rectangular filter element faces the side surface of the heat exchanger 22, which has the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222. A supply flow path 5 from the vaporization filter 21 to the air supply outlet 51 extends upward from the vaporization filter 21. An air supply fan 62 for delivering supply air is disposed in the supply flow path 5 from the vaporization filter 21 to the air supply outlet 51. The air supply fan 62 is located above the vaporization filter 21. The supply air delivered by the air supply fan 62 is blown out from the air supply outlet 51 into the air-conditioned space.

[0053] As described above, the air conditioner 1 includes a water tank 7 for storing water supplied to the vaporization filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22. This water tank 7 includes a first water tank 71 and a second water tank 72. The first water tank 71, for example, forms a rectangular housing 721 and is positioned below the vaporization filter 21 and the drain pan 91. Alternatively, two first water tanks 71 may be mounted on the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1.

[0054] The second water tank 72, for example, forms a rectangular box 721 and is positioned below the first water tank 71. The capacity of the second water tank 72 may be smaller than that of the first water tank 71. The first water tank 71 serves as a main water tank for storing water supplied from tap water pipes, etc. When the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are installed within the body 11 of the air conditioner 1, the second water tank 72 serves as a secondary water tank for storing water supplied from the first water tank 71. The water stored in the second water tank 72 is supplied to the heat exchanger 22 and the vaporization filter 21 included in the cooling unit 2.

[0055] In the second water tank 72, the recovered water is stored via a recovery water passage 9 for recovering water remaining in the cooling unit 2. The second water tank 72 and the drain pan 91 are connected via the recovery water passage 9. A vaporization filter 21 and a heat exchanger 22 are disposed above the drain pan 91. Unvaporized water remaining in a liquid state from the first heat exchange flow path 221 supplied from the second water tank 72 to the vaporization filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22 is recovered into the drain pan 91.

[0056] A second water tank side locking valve 73 is provided in the second water tank 72, and a body side locking valve 81 is provided in the main body 11. The second water tank side locking valve 73 and the body side locking valve 81 are engaged to be in an open state. The second water tank 72 and the pump 82 are connected through a water supply passage 8. The second water tank side locking valve 73 and the body side locking valve 81 are arranged in the water supply passage 8 between the second water tank 72 and the pump 82. The pump 82 can be arranged at the bottom of the water supply passage 8. Water in the second water tank 72 is transported through the water supply passage 8 by driving the pump 82. The water supply passage 8 can be constructed of a hollow pipe made of resin or metal.

[0057] Pump 82 is connected to a controller, such as a microcomputer, via a communication line, and is driven or stopped according to control signals output from the controller. The controller can be a control board separate from the power supply board 12, and is disposed inside the exhaust flow path 4 located above the main body 11 in the same manner as the power supply board 12. Alternatively, the controller can be a microcomputer or the like mounted on the power supply board 12.

[0058] Pump 82, vaporization filter 21, and heat exchanger 22 are connected via water supply path 8. Therefore, the second water tank 72 is connected to vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22 via pump 82 and water supply path 8. Water supply path 8 branches into multiple branches near vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, water supply path 8 branches into four branches, one of which is connected to the vaporization filter water supply section 211 of vaporization filter 21. Of the four branches of water supply path 8, three branches are connected to three water supply bodies 26 located above the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22. These three water supply bodies 26 serve as sensible heat exchanger water supply sections for supplying water to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22. The connection between water supply path 8 and water supply body 26 serves as a water supply end 25. That is, in water supply path 8, the head end connected to the water supply body 26 corresponds to the water supply end 25.

[0059] Water supplied from water supply line 8 is temporarily held by water supply section 211 for vaporization filter located at the top of vaporization filter 21. Then, water drips from the holes in water supply section 211 into vaporization filter 21, permeating the interior of vaporization filter 21. Water supplied from water supply line 8 drips into the interior of first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22 through water supply body 26 located at the top of heat exchanger 22.

[0060] Water is supplied from the second water tank 72 to the vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22 via a pump 82 installed in the supply water passage 8. Water that remains in the vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22 in a liquid state due to non-vaporization is recovered by gravity into the drain pan 91, and then flows back from the drain pan 91 to the second water tank 72 via the recovery water passage 9. In other words, a water circulation system is formed by the second water tank 72, the supply water passage 8, the cooling unit 2, the drain pan 91, and the recovery water passage 9. When the water level in the second water tank 72 is below a predetermined value, water is supplied from the first water tank 71 to the second water tank 72.

[0061] The first water tank 71 is, for example, a rectangular tank, with the water supply cylinder 712 on its bottom surface facing downwards, positioned above the second water tank 72. The first water tank 71 can be detachably mounted relative to the main body 11, and after being replenished with tap water or the like, it is housed within the main body 11 when detached from it. The volume of the first water tank 71 is larger than the volume of the second water tank 72. In this embodiment, two first water tanks 71 are provided, and the combined volume of the two first water tanks 71 is larger than the volume of the second water tank 72. The number of first water tanks 71 is not limited to two; it can be one or more.

[0062] In the first heat exchange path 221 through which the exhaust gas flows, water supplied from the second water tank 72 drips down via a water supply body 26 located at the top of the heat exchanger 22. That is, the first heat exchange path 221 is a mixture of exhaust gas flowing upwards from below and water dripping from the water supply body 26 flowing downwards from above. The water stored in the second water tank 72 is water recovered from the vaporization filter 21 and is water cooled by the heat of vaporization. Therefore, the temperature of the water supplied from the second water tank 72 is lower than the temperature of the exhaust gas immediately after it flows into the first heat exchange path 221. Sensible heat is exchanged between the exhaust gas and the water dripping from the water supply body 26, i.e., the exhaust gas is cooled by this water. The exhaust path 231 constituting the first heat exchange path 221 is composed of plate members 232 with non-woven fabric attached to their surfaces, serving as membrane members. The water dripping from the water supply body 26 adheres to the non-woven fabric, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the water in contact with the exhaust gas. As a result, a portion of the water dripping from the water supply body 26 vaporizes, and the exhaust gas is further cooled by the heat of vaporization.

[0063] The exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange path 222 form a positive exchange, and sensible heat exchange occurs between the supply gas and the exhaust gas. As described above, the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path 221 is cooled by water supplied from the second water tank 72, and the supply gas is cooled by the exhaust gas cooled by water supplied from the second water tank 72. Moreover, the supply gas can use the membrane member forming the exhaust path 231 constituting the first heat exchange path 221 as a heat transfer member, and be cooled by the sensible heat or latent heat of vaporization of the water attached to the membrane member.

[0064] The supply gas that passes through the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222 of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the supply gas flow path 5 from the heat exchanger 22 to the supply gas outlet 51. In this supply gas flow path 5, a vaporization filter 21 is provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 22, and the supply gas passes through the vaporization filter 21.

[0065] Water supplied from the second water tank 72 drips onto the vaporization filter 21 via the vaporization filter water supply section 211 located at the top of the vaporization filter 21. Because the air supply path 5 is maintained at negative pressure, the water supplied from the second water tank 72 is drawn into the vaporization filter 21 through holes in the bottom surface of the vaporization filter water supply section 211, permeating the vaporization filter 21. The water permeating the vaporization filter 21 is promoted to vaporize as the supplied air passes through the vaporization filter 21, evaporating into water vapor contained within the supplied air. Through this heat of vaporization, the supplied air is cooled, and its temperature decreases. The cooled supplied air is then blown out of the air supply outlet 51 into the air-conditioned space by the air supply fan 62.

[0066] With the above structure, the air supplied to the air-conditioned space can be cooled in two stages: primary cooling by the heat exchanger 22 and secondary cooling by the vaporization filter 21. Therefore, for example, compared to direct vaporization using only the vaporization filter 21, the temperature of the supplied air can be further reduced.

[0067] The exhaust gas flowing into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 mixes with the water dripping from the water supply body 26 and is conveyed to the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 located above the heat exchanger 22. Since the first heat exchange flow path 221 extends upwards from the lower side of the heat exchanger 22, the exhaust gas mixed with the water supplied from the water supply body 26 flows upwards from the lower side of the heat exchanger 22. The water supply body 26 is elongated and arranged side-by-side along its short side. The exhaust gas passing through the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 passes between these side-by-side water supply bodies 26, reaches the exhaust fan 61, and is then blown out from the exhaust outlet 43.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of air conditioner 1. Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the assembly and disassembly of various components in the appearance of the air conditioner 1. The body 11 of the air conditioner 1 is rectangular and has an upper surface 100, a lower surface 105, and side surfaces. The side surfaces include a first side surface 101 located at the front, rear, left, and right, a second side surface, a third side surface 103, and a fourth side surface 104. In this embodiment, the first side surface 101 corresponds to the front surface. The second side surface 102 corresponds to the right surface. The third side surface 103 corresponds to the rear surface. The fourth side surface 104 corresponds to the left surface.

[0069] An air supply outlet 51 and an exhaust outlet 43 with pipes installed are formed on the upper surface 100. A loading and unloading opening 112 is formed on the first side surface 101, which corresponds to the front surface. A cover 111 is installed on the loading and unloading opening 112. In other words, the cover 111 is installed and unloaded freely to cover the loading and unloading opening 112. A dust collection filter 31 is integrally disposed on the cover 111. A rod 16 for operating when removing the housing 24 from the body 11 is disposed above the loading and unloading opening 112. On the first side surface 101, below the loading and unloading opening 112, a passage 113 for accommodating the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 is formed. A first water tank receiving portion 13 for accommodating the first water tank 71 and a second water tank receiving portion 14 for accommodating the second water tank 72 are formed at the depth of this opening.

[0070] By removing the cover 111 from the main body 11, the heat exchanger 22 housed in the housing 24 is exposed through the loading / unloading opening 112, making it visible from the outside of the main body 11. A holding part 241 is formed in the housing 24; by holding the holding part 241, the housing 24 can be pulled out from the main body 11. As will be described in detail later, when the housing 24 is removed from the main body 11 through the loading / unloading opening 112, the connection between the sealing member 233 of the housing 24 and the intermediate flow path 41 formed by the frame 15 is released by the operating lever 16. This prevents wear on the sealing member 233 of the housing 24.

[0071] The first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are also configured, like the housing 24, to be removable from the main body 11. Specifically, a loading / unloading opening 112 for loading / unloading the housing 24 and a passageway 113 for loading / unloading the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are formed on the first side surface 101 of the main body 11. By forming both the loading / unloading opening 112 and the passageway 113 on the first side surface 101, which is the front surface of the main body 11, operator operability is improved. As will be described in detail later, the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are fitted together. Furthermore, the recess 711 formed on the lower surface of the first water tank 71 engages with the protrusion 132 formed on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13. Therefore, a structure can be formed where the first water tank 71 is removed first, and then the second water tank 72 located below the first water tank 71 is removed.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic side sectional view showing a structural example of rod 16. Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing a structural example of the linkage mechanism 17. Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing the sealing member 233 in the heat exchanger 22. A rod 16 is disposed inside the body 11. The rod 16 is positioned to overlap with the loading / unloading opening 12 in the direction in which the housing 24 is mounted to the body 11, i.e., in the front-rear direction. By removing the cover 111 of the body 11, the rod 16 is exposed from the loading / unloading opening 112. The housing 24 is disposed behind the rod 16, with the loading / unloading opening 112 as a reference. With the housing 24 housed within the body 11 and the rod 16 lowered, the intermediate flow path 41 formed by the frame 15 communicates with the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 housed within the housing 24. Thus, exhaust gas passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 flows into the intermediate flow path 41.

[0073] The exhaust gas passing through the intermediate flow path 41 passes between the side-by-side water supply bodies 26 above the housing 24, thereby reaching the exhaust fan 61. The frame 15 includes an outer frame 151 fixed to the body 11 and an inner frame 152 that can slide vertically relative to the outer frame 151. The inner frame 152 is connected to the rod 16 via a linkage mechanism 17. By moving the rod 16 up and down, the inner frame 152 slides vertically relative to the outer frame 151. That is, by lowering the rod 16, the inner frame 152 moves downward, and the lower end of the inner frame 152 contacts or presses against the sealing member 233, which is formed in a rectangular ring shape along the edge of the upper surface of the housing 24, to ensure the airtightness of the intermediate flow path 41.

[0074] The linkage mechanism 17, which moves the inner frame 152 vertically according to the operation of the lever 16, is integrally formed with the water supply body 26. That is, the lever 16, the linkage mechanism 17, and the water supply body 26 are arranged in a rectangular frame. The linkage mechanism 17 is formed on two opposing side surfaces of the rectangular frame, namely the left surface and the right surface. The lever 16 is formed on the side surface connected to the two side surfaces formed by the linkage mechanism 17, namely the front surface. The elongated water supply body 26 is arranged inside the frame 15 between the side surfaces formed by the linkage mechanism 17. In this embodiment, there are three elongated water supply bodies 26, which are arranged side by side along their shorter sides. The frame 15, consisting of an outer frame 151 and an inner frame 152, forms an intermediate flow path 41 through which exhaust gas flowing from the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 flows. In this intermediate flow path 41, multiple water supply bodies 26 are arranged side-by-side, allowing exhaust gas to flow between adjacent water supply bodies 26, thus reducing ventilation resistance. The linkage mechanism 17 is not limited to being integrally formed with the water supply body 26; the linkage mechanism 17 and the water supply body 26 can also be formed separately. In this case, by configuring the water supply body 26, the linkage mechanism 17, and the frame 15 as detachable independent components, the efficiency of cleaning or replacing the water supply body 26 can be improved by removing them.

[0075] The linkage mechanism 17 includes multiple direct-acting linkages 171 and multiple rollers 172. The direct-acting linkages 171 move horizontally according to the operation of the lever 16, and the rollers 172 move the inner frame 152 vertically by converting the movement of the direct-acting linkages 171 into a vertical direction. The direct-acting linkages 171 are formed by S-shaped holes in the side surface of the rectangular frame, guiding the rollers 172 upwards from below. The rollers 172 are disc-shaped and are guided inside the S-shaped holes in the direct-acting linkages 171, moving vertically according to the operation of the lever 16. The rollers 172 are connected to the inner frame 152, thereby causing the inner frame 152 to move vertically according to the movement of the rollers 172. In this embodiment, when the inner frame 152 is moved according to the operation of the lever 16, a linkage mechanism 17 including direct-acting linkages 171 and rollers 172 is used, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the linkage 17 moves the inner frame 152 up and down according to the operation of the lever 16, various mechanisms such as lifting gears or cam mechanisms can also be used.

[0076] As described above, a rectangular cylindrical sealing member 233 is disposed on the edge of the upper surface of the housing 24. The upper surface of the housing 24 forms the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221, that is, the rectangular cylindrical sealing member 233 is disposed in such a way that it surrounds the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 from the outside.

[0077] Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the intermediate flow path 41 connected to the first heat exchange flow path 221. Figure 8 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the intermediate flow path 41 exiting the first heat exchange flow path 221. As described above, in conjunction with the up-and-down operation of the rod 16, the linkage mechanism 17 causes the inner frame 152 to move up and down relative to the outer frame 151. That is, the frame 15 is a dual structure consisting of the inner frame 152 and the outer frame 151. Through the operation of the rod 16, when the roller portion 172 of the linkage mechanism 17 moves downward, the inner frame 152 connected to the roller portion 172 also moves downward. Thus, the lower end of the inner frame 152 contacts or applies pressure to the sealing member 233, ensuring the airtightness of the inner frame 152 and the sealing member 233, i.e., the airtightness of the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the intermediate flow path 41. That is, through the intermediate flow path 41 formed by the frame 15, the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and the exhaust flow path 4 equipped with the exhaust fan 61 are connected in a state of ensuring airtightness, and the intermediate flow path 41 becomes connected.

[0078] When the roller portion 172 of the linkage mechanism 17 moves upward, the inner frame 152 connected to the roller portion 172 also moves upward, as the rod 16 operates. This causes the lower end of the inner frame 152 to separate from the sealing member 233, and the inner frame 152 and the sealing member 233 become non-contact. That is, the intermediate flow path 41 formed by the frame 15 separates from the first heat exchange flow path 221, becoming a disconnected state. Thus, the rod 16 switches between the connected state and the disconnected state.

[0079] By operating the lever 16, the intermediate flow path 41 is disengaged. This prevents the lower end of the inner frame 152 from rubbing against the sealing member 233 of the housing 24 when the inner frame 152 is pulled out from the loading / unloading opening 112 of the body 11, thus suppressing wear on the sealing member 233. In this embodiment, the inner frame 152 moves relative to the outer frame 151 fixed to the body 11, but this is not a limitation; the inner frame 152 can also be fixed while the outer frame 151 moves up and down. In this case, the outer frame 151 contacts or applies pressure to the sealing member 233.

[0080] Figure 9 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration relationship between rod 16 and cover 111 with heat exchanger 22 installed. Figure 10 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the rod 16 and the cover 111 with the heat exchanger 22 removed. When the housing 24 is not installed within the body 11, i.e., when the heat exchanger 22 is removed, the head end of the rod 16 is positioned to interfere with the cover 111 when it is installed on the body 11. Since one or more ribs or protrusions are formed inside the cover 111, if the rod 16 is moved downwards when the heat exchanger 22 is removed, the rod 16 interferes with the ribs of the cover 111, preventing the cover 111 from being properly installed on the body 11. In this case, a gap corresponding to the protrusion height of the ribs of the cover 111 may also be created between the cover 111 and the body 11.

[0081] With the housing 24 inside the body 11, i.e., with the heat exchanger 22 installed, when the rod 16 is moved downwards, it stops at a position where the rod 16 and the ribs of the cover 111 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, the cover 111 can be properly installed on the body 11. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the cover 111 from being installed on the body 11 when the housing 24 is not inside the body 11.

[0082] Furthermore, in the departed state, for example, the head end of rod 16 can be positioned to interfere with cover 111 when it is mounted on body 11. In the departed state, the intermediate flow path 41 in body 11 is not connected to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22, resulting in a state where airtightness cannot be guaranteed. In contrast, in the departed state where rod 16 moves upward, interference between rod 16 and the ribs of cover 111 effectively prevents cover 111 from being mounted on body 11 in the departed state.

[0083] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view showing the exhaust flow path 4, including the branch section. Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view showing the power supply board 12 disposed in the exhaust flow path 4. Figure 13 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the through hole 423 formed in the exhaust flow path 4. Exhaust gas passing through the exhaust flow path 4, which is configured with the intermediate flow path 41 and the water supply body 26, reaches the exhaust fan 61. In the exhaust flow direction, the exhaust flow path 4 downstream of the first heat exchange flow path 221 corresponds to the downstream exhaust flow path 42. That is, the downstream exhaust flow path 42 forms part of the exhaust flow path 4. The downstream exhaust flow path 42 connects the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the exhaust outlet 43 via the intermediate flow path 41. The downstream exhaust flow path 42 is located above the frame 15. More specifically, in the exhaust flow direction, the downstream exhaust flow path 42 is located downstream of the intermediate flow path 41 and upstream of the exhaust outlet 43.

[0084] The downstream exhaust flow path 42 is branched into a first downstream exhaust flow path 421 and a second downstream exhaust flow path 422. That is, the downstream exhaust flow path 42 includes branches of the first downstream exhaust flow path 421 and the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. The first downstream exhaust flow path 421 communicates with an exhaust outlet 43 formed on the upper surface 100 of the body 11. The second downstream exhaust flow path 422 communicates with a branch exhaust outlet 427 formed in a gap or other opening in any side surface of the body 11, such as the second side surface 102. The volumetric flow rate of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, which communicates with the branch exhaust outlet 427, is smaller than the volumetric flow rate of the first downstream exhaust flow path 421, which communicates with the exhaust outlet 43. Specifically, the volumetric flow rate of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 is set to, for example, less than 1 / 5 and more than 1 / 50 of the volumetric flow rate of the first downstream exhaust flow path 421. That is, the first downstream exhaust flow path 421 can be considered the main flow, and the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 can be considered a branch flow.

[0085] The second downstream exhaust flow path 422 includes an inlet-side flow path 4221 communicating with the branch and an outlet-side flow path 4222 located downstream of the inlet-side flow path 4221. The second downstream exhaust flow path 422 is curved and includes multiple bends 424. That is, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 is composed of a labyrinth structure with multiple bends 424 in the flow path from the branch to the part where the power supply board 12 is disposed.

[0086] The bend 424 includes an inlet-side connecting portion 425 formed on the inlet-side flow path 4221 and an outlet-side connecting portion 426 formed between the inlet-side flow path 4221 and the outlet-side flow path 4222. The bend 424 is formed along the inlet-side flow path 4221 relative to two adjacent surfaces in the body 11. The inlet-side connecting portion 425 is formed at the portion that connects the flow paths of the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the upper surface 100 and the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the front surface, i.e., the first side surface 101. The outlet-side connecting portion 426 is formed at the portion that connects the flow paths of the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the first side surface 101 and the outlet-side flow path 4222 along the right surface, i.e., the second side surface 102.

[0087] A power supply board 12 is disposed in the outlet-side flow path 4222 downstream of the outlet-side connection portion 426. The power supply board 12 is rectangular and is arranged such that its length direction is along the flow path direction of the outlet-side flow path 4222. An electronic component 121 is mounted on the surface of the power supply board 12. The electronic component 121 protrudes from the surface of the power supply board 12 toward the inside of the outlet-side flow path 4222. In other words, the electronic component 121 is disposed between the surface of the power supply board 12 and the second side surface 102. In the outlet-side flow path 4222, a branch exhaust outlet 427 is formed on the downstream side of the power supply board 12. Therefore, the exhaust flowing in the outlet-side flow path 4222 can directly contact the surface of the power supply board 12, and the power supply board 12 and the electronic component 121 can be effectively cooled by the exhaust.

[0088] The power supply board 12 supplies power to the fan motor 6. When the fan motor 6 is a DC motor driven by DC electricity, the power supply board 12 serves as an AC / DC board that converts AC power to DC power. Even if the AC / DC board generates a significant amount of heat, the power supply board 12 can be effectively cooled by the cold energy of the exhaust gas cooled by its latent heat of vaporization. The exhaust gas passing through the portion where the power supply board 12 is located is discharged to the outside of the main body 11 from the branch exhaust outlet 427.

[0089] A through hole 423 is formed in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. The through hole 423 can be formed at the lowest part of the inner wall forming the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. In this embodiment, the through hole 423 is formed at the bottom of the outlet-side connection portion 426. By forming the through hole 423 at the bottom of the outlet-side connection portion 426, which is part of the bend portion 424, the water mist contained in the exhaust gas is separated from the exhaust gas by centrifugal force when passing through the outlet-side connection portion 426, and the separated water liquid can be drained from the through hole 423 to the outside of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. In this way, by separating the liquid water from the exhaust gas, the moisture contained in the exhaust gas blown onto the power supply board 12 can be reduced. A drain tray 91 can be arranged directly below the through hole 423. In this case, the drain tray 91 can receive the water dripping from the through hole 423 of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422.

[0090] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing the water absorption member 242 and the dripping member 243 disposed at both ends below the heat exchanger 22. Figure 15 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243. Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the water-absorbing member 242. The water-absorbing member 242 is positioned below the heat exchanger 22, specifically below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. Below the water-absorbing member 242, a dripping member 243 with a protruding end 244 is positioned.

[0091] The water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243 can be integrally formed with the housing 24 housing the heat exchanger 22. That is, the housing 24 includes the water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243. The housing 24 has a rectangular frame at the bottom that covers the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, and the water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243 can be respectively arranged on the opposing frames within the rectangular frame constituting the housing 24.

[0092] The absorbent member 242 is formed of a soft material with high water absorption, such as sponge or polyurethane foam, and is elongated. The absorbent member 242 is also formed of a material softer than the plate member 232 that forms the exhaust path 231 of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The dripping member 243 is also elongated like the absorbent member 242, and its length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as that of the absorbent member 242. The dripping member 243 has a protruding end 244, such as a rib with a triangular cross-section.

[0093] The protruding end 244 faces downwards. Thus, from top to bottom, the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, the water suction member 242, and the dripping member 243 with the protruding end 244 facing downwards are arranged in this order. The inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 becomes the outlet for water dripping from the water supply body 26. Therefore, water dripping from the water supply body 26 and flowing down into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 is absorbed by the water suction member 242 and drips from the protruding end 244 of the dripping member 243 located below the water suction member 242. Since a drain pan 91 is arranged below the heat exchanger 22, the water dripping from the protruding end 244 of the dripping member 243 is collected by the drain pan 91.

[0094] Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust path 231, which constitutes the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, is relatively small, there is a concern that water may accumulate in the exhaust path 231. However, by arranging the water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243 below the first heat exchange flow path 221, the formation of a meniscus can be suppressed, or a meniscus that does occur can be disrupted. Therefore, the increase in ventilation resistance of the first heat exchange flow path 221 due to water blockage of the exhaust path 231 can be suppressed, ensuring the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 22.

[0095] The elongated absorbent member 242 and dripping member 243 are arranged along the stacking direction of the exhaust path 231. This allows the absorbent member 242 and dripping member 243 to correspond to all the stacked exhaust paths 231. Figure 14 In this design, two elongated water-absorbing components 242 and dripping components 243 are arranged in a manner that runs along the shorter side. Furthermore, the water-absorbing components 242 and dripping components 243 are respectively positioned at both ends of the length of the exhaust path 231, which has a rectangular cross-section. By positioning the water-absorbing components 242 and dripping components 243 at both ends of the length of the exhaust path 231, the increase in ventilation resistance within the exhaust path 231 can be suppressed.

[0096] The heat exchanger 22 is composed of an orthogonal first heat exchange flow path 221 and a second heat exchange flow path 222. The first heat exchange flow path 221 includes multiple exhaust paths 231, and the second heat exchange flow path 222 includes multiple supply paths. The first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are constructed by alternately stacking multiple plate members 232 and spacers. The plate members 232 may be composed of membrane members with non-woven fabric attached to their surfaces. Adjacent spacers in the stacking direction are arranged to rotate 90 degrees relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. Spacers adjacent to the same plate member 232 intersect each other. Thus, the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are orthogonal, and the supply air flowing in the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the exhaust air flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221 form positive AC flow.

[0097] The water-absorbing member 242, located below the heat exchanger 22 and below the exhaust inlet in the first heat exchange flow path 221, is pressurized by the lower end of the plate member 232. The water-absorbing member 242 is molded from a material softer than the resinous plate member 232, such as a sponge. Therefore, by being pressurized by the lower end of the plate member 232, a portion of the upper part of the water-absorbing member 242 enters the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221, that is, the interior of each of the stacked exhaust paths 231. This increases the contact area of ​​the water-absorbing member 242 with the water flowing down in the first heat exchange flow path 221. As a result, the water absorption of the water-absorbing member 242 is improved, and the formation of menisci can be effectively suppressed. A dripping member 243 is disposed below the water-absorbing member 242, with its protruding end 244 protruding downwards. This allows water absorbed by the water-absorbing member 242 to drip effectively from the tip of the protruding end 244 of the dripping member 243.

[0098] In this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, two water-absorbing components 242 and a dripping component 243 are respectively configured, but it is not limited to these. Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the arrangement of the water-absorbing member 242 and the dripping member 243. For example... Figure 17 As shown, a water-absorbing component 242 and a dripping component 243 can be respectively arranged at the center below the heat exchanger 22. That is, the water-absorbing component 242 and the dripping component 243 can be arranged at the center along the length of the exhaust path 231, which has a rectangular cross-section. In this case, the water-absorbing component 242 and the dripping component 243 can be integrally formed with the housing 24. In this way, by arranging the water-absorbing component 242 and the dripping component 243 only at the center below the heat exchanger 22, the increase in ventilation resistance of the first heat exchange flow path 221 can be suppressed.

[0099] Figure 18 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 in conjunction with the body 11. Figure 19This is a schematic side sectional view showing the first water tank 71 not engaged with the body 11. The body 11 includes a first water tank receiving portion 13 that accommodates the first water tank 71 and a second water tank receiving portion 14 that accommodates the second water tank 72. The first water tank receiving portion 13 is formed above the second water tank receiving portion 14. Therefore, when the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are accommodated, the first water tank 71 is positioned above the second water tank 72.

[0100] The first water tank 71 is formed as a cuboid box, with a water supply cylinder 712 and a recess 711 formed on its lower surface. When the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank housing 13, the water supply cylinder 712 is positioned closer to the loading / unloading opening 112 formed on the main body 11 than the recess 711. That is, with the loading / unloading opening 112 as a reference, the water supply cylinder 712 is closer to the front than the recess 711. The length of the water supply cylinder 712 protruding from the lower surface of the first water tank 71, i.e., its length in the vertical direction, is greater than the depth of the recess 711 recessed from the lower surface of the first water tank 71.

[0101] With the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 contained, the water supply cylinder 712 is inserted into the second water tank 72. The water supply cylinder 712 is, for example, a spring-loaded check valve. When the water level in the second water tank 72 is below the head end of the water supply cylinder 712, air flows in, supplying the amount of water containing the air from the first water tank 71 to the second water tank 72.

[0102] The first water tank receiving portion 13 forms a space surrounded by the inner surfaces of various structural components disposed on the main body 11. The first water tank receiving portion 13 has a mounting surface 131 for mounting the first water tank 71 and inner surfaces on the top and sides. A protrusion 132 is formed on the mounting surface 131 corresponding to a recess 711 formed on the lower surface of the first water tank 71. That is, when the first water tank 71 is mounted on the mounting surface 131 and received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the recess 711 of the first water tank 71 engages with the protrusion 132 of the mounting surface 131. The recess 711 and the protrusion 132 can be formed into a triangular or trapezoidal shape in cross-section.

[0103] The protrusion 132 formed on the mounting surface 131 is tapered with a predetermined angle relative to the mounting surface 131. The predetermined angle, i.e., the cone angle relative to the inclined surface of the mounting surface 131, is, for example, 30 degrees, and is between 5 and 40 degrees. As the loading / unloading opening 112 moves away, the vertical distance between the mounting surface 131 and the inclined surface increases. That is, when the first water tank 71 is inserted into the first water tank receiving portion 13, the protrusion 132 of the mounting surface 131 is formed in such a way that the distance between the first water tank receiving portion 13 and the mounting surface 131 increases along the depth direction of the first water tank receiving portion 13. In this way, by making the protrusion 132 of the mounting surface 131 have a tapered angle, when the first water tank 71 is inserted into the first water tank receiving portion 13, the first water tank 71 can slide on the protrusion 132 of the mounting surface 131, and the first water tank 71 can be easily accommodated in the first water tank receiving portion 13.

[0104] With the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 contained, the first water tank 71 is positioned above the second water tank 72. At this time, the first water tank 71 rests on both the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank accommodating part 13 and the upper surface of the second water tank 72, i.e., the cover 722. Therefore, the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank accommodating part 13 and the upper surface of the second water tank 72 are located on the same plane.

[0105] The length of the water supply cylinder 712 protruding from the lower surface of the first water tank 71 is greater than the length of the protrusion 132 protruding from the mounting surface 131. That is, when the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank housing 13, the vertical length of the water supply cylinder 712 is greater than the vertical length of the highest point of the protrusion 132. Therefore, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out of the first water tank housing 13, the vertical length of the water supply cylinder 712 moves upward. This disengages the engagement between the protrusion 132 and the recess 711, allowing the first water tank 71 to be in a non-engaging state with the main body 11. Thus, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out of the first water tank housing 13, the operator of the air conditioner 1 can install and remove the first water tank 71 from the main body 11 without being aware of the engagement between the protrusion 132 and the recess 711.

[0106] With the first water tank 71 housed in the first water tank housing 13, the upper surface of the first water tank 71 is separated from the inner surface forming the upper part of the first water tank housing 13 by a distance greater than the vertical length of the water supply cylinder 712. Therefore, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out of the first water tank housing 13, interference between the upper surface of the first water tank 71 and the inner surface forming the upper part of the first water tank housing 13 can be prevented when the first water tank 71 is moved upward, and the loading and unloading of the first water tank 71 relative to the main body 11 can be performed effectively.

[0107] Figure 20This is a schematic perspective view showing a second water tank 72 and a cover 722. The second water tank 72 includes a tank body 721 with an opening formed at the top and a cover 722 covering the opening. The cover 722 can be installed onto and removed from the tank body 721. The second water tank 72 has a connecting portion 724 connecting the tank body 721 and the cover 722. The connecting portion 724 includes a pivot 725 and a snap fastener 726. The pivot 725 and the snap fastener 726 are respectively formed on opposite side surfaces of the tank body 721. In this way, by forming the pivot 725 on one side surface and the snap fastener 726 on the other side surface, accidental operation such as reversing the installation of the cover 722 relative to the tank body 721 can be prevented.

[0108] A cylindrical hole 723 is formed on the cover 722 for inserting the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71. The cylindrical hole 723 is circular, and its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the water supply cylinder 712. In this embodiment, since the two first water tanks 71 are housed within the body 11, two cylindrical holes 723 corresponding to the two first water tanks 71 are formed on the cover 722 of the second water tank 72. A hole may also be formed on the cover 722 of the second water tank 72 for inserting the recovery water passage 9 extending from the drain pan 91. In this case, the hole for inserting the recovery water passage 9 may be located between the two cylindrical holes 723.

[0109] A water level float 733 for measuring the water level stored in the second water tank 72 is disposed inside the second water tank 72. A cylindrical protrusion is formed on the bottom surface of the tank body 721 constituting the second water tank 72, which is inserted into the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71. This cylindrical protrusion is positioned directly below the cylindrical hole 723 formed in the cover 722.

[0110] A recessed portion can be formed on the side surface of the housing 721 of the second water tank 72 for use when pulling the second water tank 72 out of the second water tank receiving portion 14. When the second water tank 72 is received in the second water tank receiving portion 14, the recessed portion protrudes from the passage 113 and is positioned in a position visible from the outside of the body 11. As described above, when the first water tank 71 is received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the recessed portion 711 formed on the lower surface of the first water tank 71 engages with the protrusion 132 formed on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13, therefore, the horizontal movement of the first water tank 71 is restricted by the protrusion 132.

[0111] Based on this, the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71 is inserted into the cylinder hole 723 formed on the upper surface of the second water tank 72, i.e., the cover 722, and is located inside the second water tank 72. Thus, the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 are engaged. Therefore, the horizontal movement of the second water tank 72 is restricted by the water supply cylinder 712. Thus, with the first water tank 71 housed in the first water tank housing 13, accidental pulling of the second water tank 72 out of the second water tank housing 14 can be prevented. Furthermore, it can prevent the first water tank 71, positioned above the second water tank 72, from falling or breaking due to such accidental operation.

[0112] Figure 21 This is a schematic side sectional view of the second water tank 72 when it is installed. When housing the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72, the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71 is inserted into the interior of the second water tank 72 through a cylinder hole 723 formed on the cover 722 of the second water tank 72. A water level float 733 is disposed inside the second water tank 72. A magnetic sensor 734 for detecting the position of the water level float 733 is disposed outside the second water tank 72. A pipeline filter 732 is disposed inside the second water tank 72, and water passing through the pipeline filter 732 flows into the water supply passage 8 connected to the second water tank 72. By configuring the pipeline filter 732, even if dust or other particles are mixed into the water stored in the second water tank 72, these particles can be captured by the pipeline filter 732.

[0113] The second water tank 72 has a second water tank-side locking valve 73. The second water tank-side locking valve 73 is located downstream of the pipeline filter 732 in the flow direction of the water flowing through the water supply line 8. A body-side locking valve 81 disposed on the main body 11 is connected to the second water tank-side locking valve 73. When the second water tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81 are connected, the second water tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81 are in an open state, and water from the second water tank 72 passes through the open second water tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81.

[0114] Water passing through the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 is collected by pump 82 and supplied to water supply body 26. Water supply body 26 serves as the water supply section 211 for the vaporization filter of cooling unit 2 and the water supply section for the sensible heat exchanger. When the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 are separated, the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 are closed, and the water stored in the second water tank 72 is intercepted by the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73.

[0115] Figure 22 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the main body side locking valve 81 and the second water tank side locking valve 73. Figure 23This is an explanatory diagram showing the state changes of the main body-side locking valve 81 and the second water tank-side locking valve 73. The second water tank-side locking valve 73, disposed in the second water tank 72, includes a tank-side pin 731. A portion of the tank-side pin 731 is inserted into the interior of the housing 721 constituting the second water tank 72. A portion of the tank-side pin 731, inserted into the interior of the housing 721 constituting the second water tank 72, is fitted into the outlet of a pipeline filter 732 disposed inside the second water tank 72. Thus, water passing through the pipeline filter 732 flows into the second water tank-side locking valve 73, preventing water mixed with dust or the like from flowing into the second water tank-side locking valve 73.

[0116] The body-side locking valve 81, configured on the main body 11, includes a body-side pin 811. The second tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81 are in an open state through contact between the body-side pin 811 and the tank-side pin 731. Both the body-side pin 811 and the tank-side pin 731 are cylindrical, including a pin portion that is thin at the head and a disc-shaped contact portion located on the opposite side of the pin portion in the length direction.

[0117] Before the second water tank 72 is accommodated in the second water tank receiving part 14, the second water tank side locking valve 73 and the main body side locking valve 81 are in a separated state, and the main body side pin 811 and the tank side pin 731 are also in a non-contact state. At this time, the main body side pin 811 and the tank side pin 731 are pressed against the inner wall by the helical springs and the like, which are respectively built into the second water tank side locking valve 73 and the main body side locking valve 81. As a result, the second water tank side locking valve 73 and the main body side locking valve 81 are in a closed state.

[0118] By accommodating the second water tank 72 within the second water tank receiving portion 14, the second water tank-side locking valve 73 is inserted into the interior of the body-side locking valve 81. By further inserting the second water tank-side locking valve 73 into the body-side locking valve 81 by, for example, approximately 4 mm from the point of insertion, the contact portion of the body-side pin 811 contacts the contact portion of the tank-side pin 731. As a result, the body-side pin 811 contacts the tank-side pin 731.

[0119] After the main body side pin 811 and the tank side pin 731 come into contact, by further insertion, for example, about 5 mm, the main body side pin 811 moves, and the main body side locking valve 81 becomes open. After the main body side locking valve 81 becomes open, by further insertion, for example, about 10 mm, the tank side pin 731 moves, and the second water tank side locking valve 73 becomes open. Thus, in order to make the second water tank side locking valve 73 open, by inserting the second water tank side locking valve 73 about 10 mm, the required OFF distance for using the magnetic sensor 734 can be ensured. This OFF distance, for example, needs to be 8.5 mm, which is shorter than the insertion distance of 10 mm used to make the second water tank side locking valve 73 open.

[0120] Figure 24 This is a schematic perspective view showing the water supply body 26 located above the heat exchanger 22. Figure 25 This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the water supply body 26. The water supply body 26 is positioned above the heat exchanger 22, specifically above the exhaust outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The water supply body 26 is connected to the second water tank 72 via a water supply passage 8. More specifically, a water supply end 25, which is the end of the water supply passage 8, is connected to the water supply body 26. Thus, water drawn by the pump 82 located in the water supply passage 8 flows from the water supply end 25 into the water supply body 26.

[0121] The water supply body 26 is composed of an elongated cylindrical body or a U-shaped groove, and has a plurality of water supply holes 261 formed at equal intervals along its length with the same inner diameter. Water dripping from the water supply holes 261 is supplied to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the water supply holes 261 of the water supply body 26 serve as nozzles. In this embodiment, there are three water supply bodies 26, which are arranged parallel to each other in the short side direction.

[0122] The water supply end 25 is connected to the elongated water supply body 26 at a position closer to either end than the center along its length. That is, when taking the connection point between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 as a reference, the distance from this connection point to one end of the water supply body 26 along its length is different from the distance to the opposite end. Specifically, the distance from the connection point to one end of the water supply body 26 is shorter than the distance from the connection point to the other end of the water supply body 26. Since the water supply holes 261 are formed at equal intervals along the length of the elongated water supply body 26, the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection point to one end is less than the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection point to the other end. For example, the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection part to one end can be less than half, less than 1 / 3, or less than 1 / 4 of the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection part to the other end.

[0123] Inside the water supply body 26, specifically in the water guide passage through which water supplied from the water supply end 25 flows, a flow restriction section 262 is formed to limit the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply end 25. The flow restriction section 262 can be, for example, a plate-like portion consisting of ribs or plate-like protrusions. The flow restriction section 262 can be formed by protruding upwards from the bottom surface of the water guide passage formed inside the water supply body 26. By forming a plate-like flow restriction section 262, i.e., a plate-like portion, in the water guide passage formed inside the water supply body 26, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the water supply body 26 where the flow restriction section 262 is formed can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the water supply body 26 where the flow restriction section 262 is not formed. In other words, the flow restriction section 262 acts as a weir to suppress the flow rate of water flowing inside the water supply body 26.

[0124] One or more through holes may be formed in the flow restriction section 262, communicating with the left and right water guides of the flow restriction section 262. In this case, the total area of ​​the formed through holes is equivalent to the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply body 26 at the location where the flow restriction section 262 is formed.

[0125] When the distance from the connection point between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 to one end of the water supply body 26 is shorter than the distance from the connection point to the other end of the water supply body 26, a flow restriction section 262 is formed between the connection point and one end. The flow restriction section 262 is formed between two adjacent water supply holes 261. Therefore, based on the location where the flow restriction section 262 is formed, the number of water supply holes 261 formed between the flow restriction section 262 and one end is less than the number of water supply holes 261 formed between the flow restriction section 262 and the other end.

[0126] The connection portion is configured such that the ratio of the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the flow limiting portion 262 to one end to the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the flow limiting portion 262 to the other end is approximately equal to the ratio of the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection portion between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 to one end to the number of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection portion between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 to the other end. In this embodiment, the flow limiting portion 262 is formed between: the water supply hole 261 adjacent to the connection portion among the plurality of water supply holes 261 formed from the connection portion between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 to one end; and the connection portion between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26.

[0127] Thus, even if the connection between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26 is biased towards either end of the elongated water supply body 26, by forming a flow restriction section 262 at the end shorter than the connection point (in this embodiment, at one end), the amount of water flowing into each water supply hole 261 can be equalized. The multiple water supply holes 261 formed on the elongated water supply body 26 are respectively configured corresponding to all exhaust paths 231 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221. By equalizing the volumetric flow rate of each water supply hole 261 through the flow restriction section 262, water can be effectively dripped into each exhaust path 231.

[0128] In this embodiment, the lever 16 switches states by moving the frame 15, so that the intermediate flow path 41 is located at different positions relative to the first heat exchange flow path 221. Thus, the states switched by operating the lever 16 include a connected state and a disconnected state. In the connected state, the intermediate flow path 41 is connected to both the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the exhaust flow path 4. Therefore, the sealing performance, i.e., airtightness, when the first heat exchange flow path 221 is connected to the exhaust flow path 4 can be improved. In the disconnected state, the intermediate flow path 41 is disconnected from the first heat exchange flow path 221, i.e., from the heat exchanger 22, allowing the heat exchanger 22 and the intermediate flow path 41 located on the body 11 to be in a non-contact state. Therefore, when loading or unloading the heat exchanger 22 relative to the body 11, contact between the heat exchanger 22 and the frame 15 can be prevented, thus preventing wear and tear on a portion of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, for example, when loading or unloading the heat exchanger 22 relative to the body 11, the frame 15 can be moved by the operating lever 16, making it possible for the frame 15 to be in a state where it does not contact the heat exchanger 22. By keeping the frame 15 in a non-contact state with the heat exchanger 22, when installing the heat exchanger 22 onto or removing it from the body 11, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger 22 from contacting the frame 15 and causing wear on a portion of the heat exchanger 22, thus suppressing a shortening of the heat exchanger 22's lifespan. By using the lever 16 configured in this way, the intermediate flow path 41 can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state, thus ensuring a tight seal when the first heat exchange flow path 221 is connected to the exhaust flow path 4, and enabling efficient loading and unloading of the heat exchanger 22 relative to the body 11.

[0129] In this embodiment, the frame 15 is positioned above the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the downstream exhaust flow path 42 located above the heat exchanger 22 can be connected to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. Furthermore, when the heat exchanger 22 is being loaded or unloaded from the body 11, even during horizontal movement, interference from the frame 15 in that direction of movement (loading / unloading) can be prevented. This allows for efficient loading and unloading of the heat exchanger 22.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed in a straight line from the lower part to the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. The frame 15 is moved vertically relative to the heat exchanger 22 by an operating lever 16 operated by an operator of the air conditioner 1. The frame 15 is positioned above the heat exchanger 22. By moving the frame 15 downwards using the lever 16, the intermediate flow path 41 is in a connected state. By moving the frame 15 upwards using the lever 16, the intermediate flow path 41 is in a disconnected state. Thus, by moving the frame 15 vertically according to the operation of the lever 16, the intermediate flow path 41 can be easily switched between the connected and disconnected states.

[0131] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 has a sealing member 233 disposed on the outer periphery of the open end of the first heat exchange flow path 221, and the sealing member 233 is formed into a frame-shaped rectangle. The frame 15 is in contact with the sealing member 233 in the connected state and is separated from the sealing member 233 in the disconnected state. The shape of the contact surface of the frame 15 in contact with the sealing member 233 is formed in a shape that corresponds approximately the same as the shape of the frame-shaped rectangular sealing member 233. Thus, in the connected state, the contact surface of the frame 15 applies pressure to the sealing member 233 from above, thereby ensuring the sealing performance when the first heat exchange flow path 221 is connected to the exhaust flow path 4.

[0132] In this embodiment, the frame 15 includes an outer frame 151 and an inner frame 152. The outer frame 151 is fixed relative to the exhaust flow path 4 of the body 11. The inner frame 152 is configured to slide vertically relative to the outer frame 151. By moving the inner frame 152 relative to the outer frame 151, the rod 16 switches between a connected state and a disconnected state. Therefore, this switching can be performed with a relatively simple structure while ensuring a tight seal in the connected state. That is, the frame 15 can have a dual structure consisting of an outer frame 151 and an inner frame 152, where the inner frame 152 is movable and the outer frame 151 is fixed. The frame 15 can also be configured such that the inner frame 152 is fixed while the outer frame 151 is movable.

[0133] In this embodiment, in the connected state, the intermediate flow path 41 is composed of the inner wall surface of the outer frame 151 and the inner wall surface of the inner frame 152, which is disposed inside the outer frame 151 and moves relative to the outer frame 151. At this time, since the inner frame 152 is in close contact with the sealing member 233 disposed at the outer periphery of the opening end of the first heat exchange flow path 221, the sealing performance when the first heat exchange flow path 221 is connected to the exhaust flow path 4 can be improved.

[0134] In this embodiment, a linkage mechanism 17 connecting the connecting rod 16 and the frame 15 is disposed on the main body 11. The linkage mechanism 17 includes a direct-acting connecting rod portion 171 and a roller portion 172. The direct-acting connecting rod portion 171 moves in the horizontal direction according to the operation of the rod 16. The roller portion 172 moves the frame 15 in the vertical direction by converting the operation of the direct-acting connecting rod portion 171 into the vertical direction. In this way, the linkage mechanism 17, through the direct-acting connecting rod portion 171 and the roller portion 172, acts as a cam that converts the stress applied to the rod 16 into the amount of vertical movement of the frame 15. Therefore, by operating the rod 16 with a relatively small force, the frame 15 can be moved vertically.

[0135] In this embodiment, the body 11 includes a cover 111 disposed opposite to one side surface of the heat exchanger 22. The cover 111 is configured to be installable and removable relative to the body 11. A rod 16 is disposed between the cover 111 and one side surface of the heat exchanger 22, so that when the cover 111 is removed from the body 11, the rod 16 is exposed from the outside of the body 11. Therefore, the operator can easily access and operate the rod 16, improving operability of the rod 16.

[0136] In this embodiment, in the disengaged state, for example, at least a portion of the head end of the rod 16 is positioned to interfere with the cover 111 when it is mounted on the body 11. Therefore, when the rod 16 is in the disengaged state, it becomes a structure where the cover 111 cannot be properly mounted on the body 11. In the disengaged state, the heat exchanger 22 is separated from the frame 15, which means that the sealing between the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the exhaust flow path 4 cannot be ensured. The position of the rod 16 in the disengaged state corresponds to the position where it interferes with the cover 111 mounted on the body 11, so it is possible to reliably prevent accidental mounting of the cover 111 on the body 11 in the disengaged state.

[0137] In this embodiment, the cover 111 of the main body 11 is removed when the heat exchanger 22 is attached to or detached from the main body 11. The cover 111 is provided with an intake port 3 communicating with the heat exchanger 22 and a dust filter 31 covering the intake port 3. That is, the cover 111, the intake port 3, and the dust filter 31 are integrally formed. Thus, the cover 111, which is removed when the heat exchanger 22 is attached to or detached from the main body 11, has both the intake port 3 and the dust filter 31, thereby reducing the number of parts and lowering product costs.

[0138] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 is housed within the body 11 in a housing 24 having a gripping portion 241. That is, when the heat exchanger 22 is attached or detached from the body 11, the housing 24 housing the heat exchanger 22 is also attached or detached. A gripping portion 241, for example a rectangular ring, is formed on the housing 24. The operator of the air conditioner 1 can remove the housing 24 from the body 11, i.e., remove the heat exchanger 22 housed within the housing 24, by gripping the gripping portion 241 and pulling it horizontally. The gripping portion 241 is positioned between the rod 16 disposed on the body 11 and the heat exchanger 22 in the attachment / removal direction of the heat exchanger 22. In the connected state, at least a portion of the gripping portion 241 is covered by the rod 16. Therefore, in the connected state, the operator's access to the gripping portion 241 is blocked by the rod 16, preventing accidental removal of the housing 24 in the connected state. When in the off-state, the grip 241 is not covered by the lever 16. Therefore, the operator can access the grip 241 without being obstructed by the lever 16 and can easily remove the housing 24.

[0139] In this embodiment, the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 includes a box-shaped outer shell that forms the outline of the air conditioner 1. An installation / removal opening 112 for attaching and detaching the housing 24 is formed on one surface of the main body 11. A cover 111 is arranged to cover the installation / removal opening 112. The cover 111 is configured to be installable and removable relative to the main body 11, and when the cover 111 is removed, the housing 24 can be accessed from the outside of the main body 11 via the installation / removal opening 112. In this case, air drawn in from the intake port 3 flows through the installation / removal opening 112. A rod 16 is disposed near the installation / removal opening 112. More specifically, in the direction in which the housing 24 is mounted on the main body 11, i.e., in the horizontal direction, the rod 16 is disposed at a position overlapping the installation / removal opening 112. Therefore, the operator who installs or removes the heat exchanger 22 via the installation / removal opening 112 can easily access the rod 16, improving operability related to the installation and removal of the heat exchanger 22.

[0140] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a water supply body 26, which is a long, narrow cylinder, that supplies water to the first heat exchange flow path 221. Multiple nozzles or water guides are formed along the length of the long, narrow water supply body 26, and water dripping from these nozzles is supplied into the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The water supplied from the water supply body 26 vaporizes in the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 by dripping from top to bottom, and the latent heat of vaporization cools the air flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221. Since the water supply body 26 is disposed within the area surrounded by the frame 15, even if water dripping from the water supply body 26 splashes, the splashed water is intercepted by the frame 15, thereby preventing water from flowing out beyond the frame 15, i.e., reliably preventing water leakage.

[0141] In this embodiment, a water supply body 26 is disposed above the heat exchanger 22, which has a first heat exchange flow path 221 for exhaust and a second heat exchange flow path 222 for supply. Water is supplied by dripping water into the first heat exchange flow path 221. The water supplied from the water supply body 26 enters the interior from above the first heat exchange flow path 221, mixes with the exhaust flowing from below the first heat exchange flow path 221, and partially vaporizes, thereby utilizing the latent heat of vaporization to cool the exhaust. A water tank 7, housed within the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1, is connected to the water supply body 26 via a water supply end 25, supplying water to the water supply body 26 through the water supply end 25. The water supply body 26 is formed as a long, cylindrical body or, for example, a U-shaped water channel. The water supplied from the water supply end 25 flows along the length of the long, cylindrical water supply body 26 in the water channel formed inside the water supply body 26. In the lower part of the water supply body 26, that is, on the bottom surface of the water guide channel formed inside the water supply body 26, a plurality of water supply holes 261 are formed along the length direction. Water supplied from the water supply end 25 drips through these water supply holes 261 into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 located below, where it vaporizes inside the first heat exchange flow path 221. In the water guide channel formed inside the water supply body 26, for any of the plurality of water supply holes 261, a flow restriction part 262 is provided to limit the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply end 25. This flow restriction part 262 can be arranged at a position where the amount of water flowing in from the water supply end 25 is large, that is, at a position where the volumetric flow rate per unit time is above a predetermined value. In this way, by limiting the flow rate of water from the water supply end 25 to the location in the water supply body 26 by the flow restriction part 262, the flow rate of the water supply body 26 in the length direction can be made more uniform, and the water can be distributed more evenly in the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22.

[0142] In this embodiment, a water-guiding channel is formed inside the water supply body 26, and this water-guiding channel is configured along the length of the elongated water supply body 26. The water-guiding channel is provided with one or more flow-limiting sections 262, thus a portion of the water-guiding channel is blocked by these flow-limiting sections 262. That is, the water-guiding channel includes portions with flow-limiting sections 262 and portions without flow-limiting sections 262, and these portions have different flow path cross-sectional areas. Comparing these flow path cross-sectional areas, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion with flow-limiting sections 262 is 50% or less but more than 5% of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion without flow-limiting sections 262. Alternatively, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion with flow-limiting sections 262 may be 30% or less but more than 5% of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion without flow-limiting sections 262. Alternatively, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion with flow-limiting sections 262 may be 20% or less but more than 5% of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion without flow-limiting sections 262. The lower limit is not limited to 5% or more; for example, it can be 3% or more or 10% or more. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path where the flow limiting part 262 is provided is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path where the flow limiting part 262 is not provided. In this way, the flow limiting part 262, which limits the water flow, protrudes from the bottom surface of the water guide channel formed inside the water supply body 26. When the water guide channel is formed in a cylindrical shape, it functions as a weir that allows water to pass only between the upper end surface of the protruding flow limiting part 262 and the top surface of the water guide channel. Alternatively, when the water guide channel is formed in a U-shaped channel, the flow limiting part 262, by making the protrusion height of the flow limiting part 262 lower than the channel wall of the U-shaped channel, functions as a weir that allows water to pass when the water level in the water guide channel exceeds the upper end surface of the protruding flow limiting part 262. Alternatively, the flow restriction section 262 can block the water guide passage formed inside the water supply body 26 while simultaneously forming one or more holes, thereby ensuring a flow path cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole, or, in the case of multiple holes, ensuring a flow path cross-sectional area equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of these holes. By using the flow restriction section 262 with this structure, the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply end 25 to the water supply body 26 can be limited with a relatively simple structure or shape, and the flow of water in the water guide passage formed inside the water supply body 26 can be easily made uniform.

[0143] In this embodiment, the outlet of the water supply end 25, i.e., the connection between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26, is located closer to either end of the elongated water supply body 26 than to its center in the length direction. Furthermore, the flow restriction part 262 is located in the water supply body 26 at a position corresponding to the outlet of the water supply end 25, i.e., at the connection between the water supply end 25 and the water supply body 26, and at one end of the water supply body 26 in the length direction. Therefore, in the length direction of the water supply body 26, the distance from the flow restriction part 262 to one end is shorter than the distance from the flow restriction part 262 to the other end, i.e., the end in the other direction, i.e., the end located on the opposite side in the length direction from one end. The outlets of the water supply body 26 and the water supply end 25 are not directly connected. The outlet of the water supply end 25 is located above the water supply body 26. When water dripping from this outlet is supplied to the water supply body 26, the position of the water supply body 26 corresponding to the outlet of the water supply end 25 can also be described as the position of the water supply body 26 located vertically below the outlet. The water flowing out of the outlet of the water supply end 25 is split into water flowing towards one end and water flowing towards the other end located in the opposite direction. At this time, since the outlet of the water supply end 25 is configured to be biased towards either end than the center in the length direction of the elongated water supply body 26, assuming there is no flow restriction part 262, water flows more easily from the outlet of the water supply end 25 to one end than from the outlet of the water supply end 25 to the other end. The amount of water split to one end, i.e., the volumetric flow rate per unit time, is greater than the amount of water split to the other end, i.e., the volumetric flow rate per unit time, which raises concerns about achieving uniformity. In contrast, since the flow restriction unit 262 is arranged at the position where the water supply end 25 is arranged and at one end, the flow of water from the outlet of the water supply end 25 to one end is easily made smooth, the amount of water diverted to one end is reduced, and the amount of water diverted to the other end can be increased accordingly, so that the flow of water in the water supply body 26 can be easily made uniform.

[0144] In this embodiment, in its normal configuration, the first heat exchange path 221 of the air conditioner 1 is formed from below and above the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing through the first heat exchange path 221 is from below and upward. Conversely, a water supply body 26 is positioned above the heat exchanger 22, directly above the outlet of the first heat exchange path 221, i.e., directly above the exhaust outlet. The elongated length of the water supply body 26 intersects, for example, orthogonally with, the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing through the first heat exchange path 221. By arranging the water supply body 26 relative to the heat exchanger 22, the exhaust gas flow is simplified, the exhaust path 4 of the water supply body 26 is simplified, and miniaturization of the air conditioner 1 is achieved.

[0145] In this embodiment, the plurality of water supply holes 261 formed on the water supply body 26 each have the same inner diameter and are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the water supply body 26. By arranging the plurality of water supply holes 261 at equal intervals along the length direction with the same inner diameter, the amount of water dripping from these water supply holes 261 can be made more uniform, and the shape of the water supply body 26 can be made simpler, thereby improving the manufacturability of the water supply body 26.

[0146] In this embodiment, since at least two water supply bodies 26 are arranged in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221, when the first heat exchange flow path 221 is composed of multiple exhaust paths 231, water can drip from at least two positions relative to each exhaust path 231, thereby supplying water to the exhaust path 231. Furthermore, at least two or more water supply bodies 26 are arranged such that the length direction of each of the multiple water supply bodies 26 intersects, for example, the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221 orthogonally, and they are arranged parallel in the width direction. At this time, the exhaust gas passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 flows between two adjacent water supply bodies 26 arranged in parallel. Thus, even when the air conditioner 1 has multiple water supply bodies 26, by arranging these water supply bodies 26 parallel to the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221, the flow of exhaust gas becomes simple, the exhaust flow path 4 of the water supply bodies 26 can be simplified, and the air conditioner 1 can be miniaturized.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange flow path 221 includes a plurality of stacked plate members 232, which are formed by exhaust paths 231 formed by the gaps between two adjacent plate members 232. That is, the first heat exchange flow path 221 has a plurality of stacked exhaust paths 231. The length direction of the water supply body 26 is parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of plate members 232, i.e., the stacking direction of the plurality of exhaust paths 231. Therefore, water can be supplied from the water supply holes 261 formed along the length direction of the water supply body 26, respectively, relative to each dripping water in the plurality of exhaust paths 231.

[0148] In this embodiment, a plurality of water supply holes 261 formed along the length of the water supply body 26 are arranged at equal intervals. Among the plurality of plate members 232 stacked in constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221, the plate members 232 are stacked with gaps spaced at predetermined intervals, such that the interval between two adjacent plate members 232 is equal. These gaps are formed by spacers disposed between two plate members 232, constituting exhaust paths 231. At this time, the interval between two adjacent water supply holes 261, that is, the distance between the centers of the two water supply holes 261, the interval between two adjacent plate members 232, and the interval between two adjacent exhaust paths 231 are equal and correspond to each other. Therefore, water can be supplied by dripping from each water supply hole 261 formed along the length of the water supply body 26 to each exhaust path 231 corresponding to that water supply hole 261.

[0149] In this embodiment, the plurality of water supply holes 261 include: any water supply hole 261 whose water flow is limited by the flow limiting unit 262; and other water supply holes 261 that are not limited by the flow limiting unit 262. At this time, the volumetric flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the water supply hole 261 that is limited by the flow is less than the volumetric flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the other water supply holes 261 that are not limited by the flow. Even in this case, since the number of water supply holes 261 that are limited by the flow is less than the number of other water supply holes 261 that are not limited by the flow, the flow limiting unit 262 can make the volumetric flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the plurality of water supply holes 261 uniform according to the water flow limitation.

[0150] In this embodiment, the flow restriction section 262 is composed of a rib-shaped plate formed in the water guide channel, which is formed inside the water supply body 26. Therefore, the flow restriction section 262 can be configured with a relatively simple shape or structure.

[0151] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a heat exchanger 22, which is built into the body 11, which constitutes the outer casing of the air conditioner 1. The heat exchanger 22 has a first heat exchange flow path 221 for exhaust gas flow and a second heat exchange flow path 222 for supply gas flow, serving as a sensible heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat between the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange flow path 222. The first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 each have multiple flow paths, and by intersecting these flow paths, a positive AC current is formed between the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222. The body 11 of the air conditioner 1 includes an exhaust flow path 4 for supply and exhaust gas flow, which is connected to the first heat exchange flow path 221. That is, as a whole, the exhaust flow path 4 includes the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. In the exhaust flow direction, an exhaust fan 61 is disposed in the downstream exhaust flow path 42, which is located downstream of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The exhaust fan 61 is powered by the power supply board 12 provided on the main body 11. The exhaust flow path 4 includes the downstream exhaust flow path 42, that is, the downstream exhaust flow path 42 constitutes a part of the exhaust flow path 4. Since the power supply board 12, which is a heat-generating element, is disposed in the downstream exhaust flow path 42, the exhaust gas passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 can be directly blown onto the power supply board 12. Therefore, compared with the case where cooling is performed indirectly, for example, through a heat transfer medium such as the wall constituting the exhaust flow path 4, the cooling efficiency of the power supply board 12 can be improved.

[0152] In this embodiment, in the exhaust flow direction, a water supply body 26 supplying water to the first heat exchange flow path 221 is arranged in the exhaust flow path 4 downstream of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The exhaust flowing in the first heat exchange flow path 221 is cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the water supplied by dripping from the water supply body 26. The cooled exhaust is cooled by exchanging sensible heat with the supplied gas flowing in the second heat exchange flow path. In the exhaust flow direction, a branch exhaust flow path is formed in the exhaust flow path 4 downstream of the water supply body 26. That is, the exhaust flow path 4 downstream of the water supply body 26 includes: a branch exhaust flow path; and a downstream exhaust flow path 42 downstream of the branch point, i.e., the branch exhaust flow path. At this time, the branch exhaust flow path is equivalent to the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. The first downstream exhaust flow path 421 is equivalent to the main flow of the downstream exhaust flow path 42, and an exhaust fan 61 is arranged inside it. That is, the first downstream exhaust flow path 421 on the downstream side of the branch is connected to the exhaust outlet 43 that discharges exhaust to the outside of the air conditioner 1, i.e., the exterior of the main body 11. By adopting such a configuration structure, in the exhaust flow direction, the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the sensible heat exchanger, the water supply body 26, the exhaust fan 61, the branch, and the power supply board 12 can be arranged in the exhaust flow path 4 including the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 in the order of exhaust flow path 221 of the sensible heat exchanger, the water supply body 26, the exhaust fan 61, the branch, and the power supply board 12. The exhaust passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 contains water from the water supply body 26. Since the power supply board 12, which is the heating element, is located inside the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, the water content in the flowing exhaust can be relatively less compared to the first downstream exhaust flow path 421. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the power supply board 12 can be improved by utilizing the cooling energy of the exhaust cooled by the latent heat of vaporization while mitigating the effect of moisture on the power supply board 12.

[0153] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 is smaller than that of the first downstream exhaust flow path 421. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 can be less than 1 / 5 and more than 1 / 50 of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first downstream exhaust flow path 421. In this way, by making the cross-sectional area of ​​the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 smaller than that of the first downstream exhaust flow path 421, the water content in the exhaust flowing in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 can be relatively low.

[0154] In this embodiment, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 extends from a branch portion indicating the location where the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 branches to a branch exhaust outlet 427, which becomes the outlet of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. The branch exhaust outlet 427 can, for example, be formed in a gap in the housing of the air conditioner 1 constituting the body 11. Thus, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 has a flow path length from the branch portion to the branch exhaust outlet 427. The power supply board 12 is disposed along the flow path length of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, between the center of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 and the branch exhaust outlet 427. The exhaust flowing in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 contains moisture from the water supply body 26 in a mist-like liquid form. However, when the moisture from the liquid, which is heavier than air, flows in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 along with the exhaust, it adheres to the walls or other surfaces constituting the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 and separates from the exhaust. Therefore, by arranging the power supply board 12 on the downstream side of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, the cooling efficiency of the power supply board 12 can be improved by utilizing the cold energy of the exhaust cooled by the latent heat of vaporization while mitigating the impact of moisture on the power supply board 12.

[0155] In this embodiment, in the exhaust flow direction, one or more bends 424 are formed in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 upstream of the power supply board 12. In other words, one or more bends 424 are formed from the inlet of the branch, i.e., the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, to the power supply board 12. When the exhaust passes through the bends 424 formed in the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, the water in the liquid, which is heavier than air, is biased to the outside of the bends 424 due to centrifugal force. As a result, the water is separated from the exhaust, i.e., gas-liquid separation. The separated liquid water adheres to the inner wall or the like on the outside of the bends 424. In this way, by allowing the exhaust to pass through the bends 424, the water from the water supply body 26 is effectively separated from the exhaust, mitigating the effect of water on the power supply board 12. At the same time, the cooling energy of the exhaust cooled by the latent heat of vaporization can be utilized to improve the cooling efficiency of the power supply board 12.

[0156] In this embodiment, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 includes an inlet-side flow path 4221 extending from the branch and an outlet-side flow path 4222 located downstream of the inlet-side flow path 4221 in the exhaust flow direction. That is, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 is configured in the exhaust flow direction starting from the branch, in the order of inlet-side flow path 4221, outlet-side flow path 4222, and branch exhaust outlet 427. The inlet-side flow path 4221 is formed along the upper surface 100 and side surface of the body 11 in which the heat exchanger 22 is housed. It also includes a curved inlet-side connecting portion 425, which connects the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the upper surface 100 and the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the side surface. The inlet-side connecting portion 425 is curved and forms part of the curved portion 424. Furthermore, the outlet-side flow path 4222, which is continuous with the inlet-side flow path 4221, is formed along the second side surface 102 adjacent to the first side surface 101. Additionally, the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 includes an outlet-side connecting portion 426 that connects the inlet-side flow path 4221 along the first side surface 101 and the outlet-side flow path 4222 along the second side surface 102. The outlet-side connecting portion 426 has a curved shape and forms part of the bend 424. Thus, by making the branch exhaust flow paths follow different surfaces in the body 11, the branch exhaust flow paths can be formed into curved shapes; that is, by utilizing the box-shaped shape of the body 11, multiple bends 424 in the branch exhaust flow paths can be formed with a relatively simple structure. In this way, multiple curved shapes, namely curved sections 424, are formed in the branch exhaust flow path. By allowing the exhaust to pass through multiple curved sections 424, the water from the water supply body 26 and the exhaust can be effectively separated into gas and liquid. While mitigating the impact of moisture on the power board 12, the cooling energy of the exhaust cooled by the latent heat of vaporization can be utilized to improve the cooling efficiency of the power board 12.

[0157] In this embodiment, a through hole 423 is provided at the bottom of the outlet-side connection portion 426. The through hole 423 serves as a discharge hole for water contained in the exhaust gas, allowing water to be discharged through it. The bottom of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422, where the through hole 423 is formed, can be equivalent to the lowest point in the inlet-side flow path 4221. Thus, the through hole 423 is formed at the bottom of the outlet-side connection portion 426 upstream of the power supply board 12. Therefore, water adhering to the inner wall or other surfaces constituting the second downstream exhaust flow path 422 can be guided into the through hole 423 by gravity and discharged to the outside of the second downstream exhaust flow path 422. At this time, a drain pan 91 can be disposed directly below the through hole 423, receiving water supplied from the water supply body 26 and passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221. In this case, water discharged from the through hole 423 can be received by the drain pan 91.

[0158] In this embodiment, since the fan motor 6 is a DC motor driven by direct current, it is possible to miniaturize the fan motor 6 compared to, for example, using an AC motor. Furthermore, since the power supply board 12 uses an AC / DC board that converts alternating current to direct current, even if the AC / DC board generates a significant amount of heat, the cooling energy from the exhaust gas cooled by latent heat of vaporization can be utilized, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the power supply board 12, which serves as the AC / DC board.

[0159] In this embodiment, a plurality of electronic components 121 are mounted on the surface of the power supply substrate 12. That is, the power supply substrate 12 is constructed using SMT (Surface Mount Technology). The power supply substrate 12 is configured such that the electronic components 121 face inward toward the exhaust flow path 4. Specifically, the protruding direction of the electronic components 121 is arranged radially inward toward the branch exhaust flow path, i.e., toward the axial center of the flow path. In other words, the electronic components 121 are disposed between the surface of the power supply substrate 12 and the second side surface 102. Thus, by aligning the electronic components 121 inward and disposing the power supply substrate 12 inside the exhaust flow path 4, the contact area of ​​the electronic components 121 with the exhaust can be effectively ensured, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the power supply substrate 12.

[0160] In this embodiment, the power supply board 12 is rectangular, i.e., it is composed of a rectangular substrate. Since the rectangular power supply board 12 is arranged inside the exhaust flow path 4 with its length direction aligned with the flow path direction of the branch exhaust flow path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 4 can be reduced compared to, for example, when the short side direction is aligned with the flow path direction of the branch exhaust flow path. In particular, when the power supply board 12 is arranged in a branch exhaust flow path branching from the exhaust flow path 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch exhaust flow path can be made smaller, thus suppressing an increase in the size of the main body 11.

[0161] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 has a first water tank 71 and a second water tank 72, which are detachably housed within the body 11 constituting the outer casing of the air conditioner 1. The first water tank 71 serves as the main water tank for storing water supplied from a tap or similar source. When the first and second water tanks 71 are housed within the body 11 of the air conditioner 1, the second water tank 72 serves as a secondary water tank for retaining water supplied from the first water tank 71. For example, there are two first water tanks 71, and the two water tanks 72 can be arranged below these two first water tanks 71. The volume of the first water tank 71 is larger than that of the second water tank 72, and the first water tank 71 can store water supplied from a tap or similar source while detached from the air conditioner 1. The second water tank 72 retains water dripping from the upper first water tank 71, i.e., it holds water, and the water held by the second water tank 72 circulates within the air conditioner 1. The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 has a first water tank receiving portion 13 and a second water tank receiving portion 14. The first water tank 71 is received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, and the second water tank 72 is received in the second water tank receiving portion 14. When the first water tank 71 is received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, its horizontal movement is restricted by the engagement between the lower part of the first water tank 71 and the first water tank receiving portion 13. The second water tank 72 engages with the first water tank 71 and is disposed below it; therefore, its horizontal movement is also restricted by the engagement between the lower part of the first water tank 71 and the first water tank receiving portion 13. Therefore, in order to remove the second water tank 72 from the main body 11, the first water tank 71 must first be removed from the main body 11. Thus, even when attempting to remove the second water tank 72 while both the first and second water tanks 71 and 72 are present, it is possible to prevent the first and second water tanks 71 from being removed simultaneously. In this way, when removing the second water tank 72, by preventing the simultaneous removal of the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72, damage to the mating parts of the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 can be prevented, or the first water tank 71 can fall off due to the disengagement of the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72, thereby preventing damage to the first water tank 71.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first water tank 71 is formed, for example, as a cuboid-shaped box 721. The first water tank receiving portion 13 is composed of multiple inner surfaces or inner walls forming a cuboid-shaped space corresponding to the shape of the first water tank 71 forming the box 721. Among the multiple inner surfaces constituting the first water tank receiving portion 13, the bottom surface, which serves as the inner surface on which the first water tank 71 is placed, corresponds to the mounting surface 131, and an upwardly protruding protrusion 132 is formed on the mounting surface 131. A recess 711 corresponding to the protrusion 132 of the first water tank receiving portion 13 is formed at the lower part of the first water tank 71. When the first water tank 71 is received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the first water tank 71 is placed on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13, and the lower surface of the first water tank 71 is in contact with the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13. At this time, by fitting the protrusion 132 formed on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank accommodating portion 13 into the recess 711 formed on the lower surface of the first water tank 71, the first water tank 71 and the first water tank accommodating portion 13 cooperate, thereby restricting the horizontal movement of the first water tank 71, that is, the movement relative to the parallel direction of the mounting surface 131. By using the protrusion 132 and the recess 711 formed in this way, the first water tank 71 and the first water tank accommodating portion 13 can be cooperated with a relatively simple structure.

[0163] In this embodiment, the protrusion 132 of the first water tank receiving portion 13 includes an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the mounting surface 131. In a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 131, it is formed as a triangle with the mounting surface 131 as its base. Alternatively, the mounting surface 131 may also be formed as a trapezoid. The inclined surface is formed such that the distance between it and the mounting surface 131 increases with the insertion direction when the first water tank 71 is received in the first water tank receiving portion 13, that is, with the depth direction of the first water tank receiving portion 13. In other words, the inclined surface is formed as a cone relative to the mounting surface 131. The distance between the mounting surface 131 and the inclined surface represents the distance between the mounting surface 131 and the inclined surface on a vertical line perpendicular to the mounting surface 131. That is, it represents the distance from the intersection of the vertical line and the mounting surface 131 to the intersection of the vertical line and the inclined surface, which is equivalent to the distance between the two surfaces of the mounting surface 131 and the inclined surface. The cone angle, which is the angle between the inclined surface and the mounting surface 131, can be between 5 degrees and 40 degrees, for example, 30 degrees. When the first water tank 71 is accommodated in the first water tank receiving portion 13, it is assumed that the lower surface of the first water tank 71 contacts the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13, and the first water tank 71 slides on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13 to accommodate the first water tank 71. Since the protrusion 132 on the mounting surface 131 has a cone angle formed by the inclined surface, the first water tank 71 can slide even on the inclined surface. That is, since the inclined surface is formed such that the distance between the first water tank receiving portion 131 and the mounting surface 131 increases along the depth direction of the first water tank receiving portion 13, when the first water tank 71 is inserted into the first water tank receiving portion 13, the protrusion 132 will not create a step at the moment when the first water tank 71 contacts the inclined surface. By continuing to insert, the first water tank 71 can slide on the inclined surface, so that the protrusion 132 and the recess 711 fit together. This improves the efficiency of the operation when the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank housing section 13.

[0164] In this embodiment, a water supply cylinder 712 for supplying water to the second water tank 72 is formed at the lower part of the first water tank 71. The water supply cylinder 712 can be formed, for example, in a cylindrical or rectangular shape, and a pipe communicating with the internal space of the second water tank 72 is disposed inside the cylinder. The water supply cylinder 712 is, for example, a spring-loaded check valve. When the water level in the second water tank 72 is below the head end of the water supply cylinder 712, air flows in, and the amount of water supplied by the inflowing air is supplied from the first water tank 71 to the second water tank 72. The protrusion 132 and the water supply cylinder 712 are formed such that the vertical length of the protrusion 132 is smaller than the vertical length of the water supply cylinder 712. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 131, the length from the base end of the protrusion 132 of the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank accommodating portion 13 to the top of the protrusion 132 is less than the length from the base end of the water supply cylinder portion 712 on the lower surface of the first water tank 71 to the head end of the water supply cylinder portion 712. When the first water tank 71 is removed from the body 11, that is, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out of the first water tank accommodating portion 13, in order to disengage the first water tank 71 from the second water tank 72 and to disengage the protrusion 132 from the recess 711, the first water tank 71 is moved upward relative to the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank accommodating portion 13. At this time, the engagement of the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 is achieved by inserting the water supply cylinder portion 712 of the first water tank 71 into the interior of the second water tank 72. Therefore, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out of the first water tank receiving portion 13, the upward movement distance of the first water tank 71 relative to the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13 is greater than the vertical length of the water supply cylinder portion 712, and this movement distance is greater than the vertical length of the protrusion 132. By setting the length relationship between the protrusion 132 and the water supply cylinder portion 712 in the vertical direction in this way, when performing the operation of pulling the first water tank 71 out of the first water tank receiving portion 13, the first water tank 71 can be removed without being aware of the engagement between the protrusion 132 and the recess 711, thereby improving the efficiency of loading and unloading the first water tank 71.

[0165] In this embodiment, a passageway 113 is formed on the body 11, such as the outer casing of the air conditioner 1, through which the first water tank 71 passes when it is installed or removed. Specifically, a rectangular passageway 113 for installing or removing the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 is formed below the side surface of the outer casing. When the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank housing 13, the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71 is located closer to the passageway 113 than the protrusion 132 of the first water tank housing 13. Within the first water tank 71, the water supply cylinder 712 is located closer to the passageway 113 than the recess 711. A handle for holding during installation or removal from the first water tank housing 13 can be provided on the first water tank 71. In this case, the water supply cylinder 712 is located closer to the handle than the recess 711. In this way, when the first water tank 71 is pulled out from the first water tank receiving part 13 and removed, the water supply cylinder part 712 is located closer to the operator than the protrusion 132, thus ensuring the operator's visibility of the water supply cylinder part 712 and improving the efficiency of loading and unloading the first water tank 71.

[0166] In this embodiment, when the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the first water tank 71 is located on the mounting surface 131 of the first water tank receiving portion 13, that is, above the lower inner surface. The first water tank receiving portion 13 is composed of multiple inner surfaces, forming a space for accommodating the first water tank 71. When the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the upper surface of the first water tank 71 is separated from the upper inner surface of the first water tank receiving portion 13. At this time, the distance between the upper surface of the first water tank 71 and the upper inner surface of the first water tank receiving portion 13, that is, the distance in the vertical direction, is greater than the length of the water supply cylinder portion 712 of the first water tank 71 in the vertical direction, that is, the length of the water supply cylinder portion 712 protruding from the upper surface of the first water tank 71. Therefore, when the water supply cylinder 712 is disengaged from the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72, and the first water tank 71 is moved upward relative to the second water tank 72, a sufficient space is provided between the upper surface of the first water tank 71 and the inner surface above the first water tank receiving part 13 for the moving distance, which can improve the efficiency of loading and unloading the first water tank 71.

[0167] In this embodiment, a cylindrical hole 723 with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71 is formed on the upper part of the second water tank 72. This cylindrical hole 723 can be formed in a flat cover 722 that covers the opening of the second water tank 72 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. When the first water tank 71 is housed in the first water tank receiving portion 13, the water supply cylinder 712 of the first water tank 71 is inserted into and fitted into the cylindrical hole 723 of the second water tank 72, thus allowing the second water tank 72 and the first water tank 71 to cooperate. In this way, by using the water supply cylinder 712 and the cylindrical hole 723 used when supplying water from the first water tank 71 to the second water tank 72, the second water tank 72 can be fitted to the first water tank 71 with a relatively simple structure, that is, no special part is needed for fitting the second water tank 72 and the first water tank 71 together.

[0168] In this embodiment, a second water tank-side locking valve 73 is installed on the second water tank 72, and a body-side locking valve 81 is installed on the main body 11. When the second water tank 72 is removed from the main body 11, i.e., the second water tank housing 14, the second water tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81 are disconnected, and both become closed. Therefore, when the second water tank 72 is removed from the main body 11, water leakage from the second water tank 72 or from the water supply passage 8 equipped with the body-side locking valve 81 to the outside can be prevented. By housing the second water tank 72 in the second water tank housing 14, the second water tank-side locking valve 73 and the body-side locking valve 81 are connected in an open state, thus improving the efficiency of loading and unloading the second water tank 72. That is, the side-locking valve and the main body side-locking valve 81 can be linked to the loading and unloading of the second water tank 72 to change between the closed and open states, without the need for direct operation of the side-locking valve and the main body side-locking valve 81 themselves.

[0169] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a cooling unit 2 that uses water supplied from a second water tank 72 to cool the air drawn into the main body 11, and a pump 82 that supplies water from the second water tank 72 to the cooling unit 2. The cooling unit 2 and the second water tank 72 are connected via a water supply passage 8. The pump 82, the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73, and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 are disposed on the water supply passage 8. The second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 are disposed above the pump 82, meaning the pump 82 can be disposed at the lowest point in the water supply passage 8. Thus, by distributing the pump 82 below the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 and the main body-side shut-off valve 81 in the water supply passage 8, water from the water supply passage 8 can be immersed into the pump 82 according to the height difference (head) between the pump 82 and the second water tank-side shut-off valve 73 or the main body-side shut-off valve 81, allowing water to be injected based on the water level difference. Therefore, it is possible to suppress air from entering the pump 82 and to suppress idling during the operation of the pump 82.

[0170] In this embodiment, a pipeline filter 732 is disposed inside the second water tank 72. That is, the pipeline filter 732 is disposed inside the water supply passage 8 connecting the second water tank 72 and the cooling unit 2, forming part of the water supply passage 8. If foreign matter such as dust is mixed into the flowing water, the pipeline filter 732 traps the foreign matter. Since the pipeline filter 732 is located upstream of the second water tank side shut-off valve 73 in the flow direction of the water supplied by the pump 82, it can prevent foreign matter from entering the pump 82 or the second water tank side shut-off valve 73.

[0171] In this embodiment, an opening is formed at the top of the second water tank 72, meaning the second water tank 72 includes a tank body 721 with an upper opening. A cover 722 is disposed at the opening of the second water tank 72 to cover the opening, and the cover 722 is configured to open and close between a closed position covering the opening and an open position opening the opening. Therefore, when the second water tank 72 is removed from the main body 11 for transport, water overflow from the second water tank 72 can be prevented by keeping the cover 722 in the closed position. Furthermore, when the second water tank 72 is removed from the main body 11 and its interior is cleaned, the interior of the second water tank 72 can be easily cleaned by keeping the cover 722 in the open position.

[0172] In this embodiment, a cover 722 is connected to the second water tank 72 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The connection portion 724 between the cover 722 and the upper opening of the tank body 721 includes a pivot 725 and a latch 726. The pivot 725 is formed at one end of the second water tank 72 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction when the second water tank 72 is accommodated in the second water tank accommodating portion 14. By providing the pivot 725, the cover 722 can be rotated relative to the second water tank 72 with the pivot 725 as a fulcrum, thereby opening and closing the opening. The latch 726 is formed at the other end of the second water tank 72 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction when the second water tank 72 is accommodated in the second water tank accommodating portion 14, that is, the end opposite to the end where the pivot 725 is formed. By providing a snap fastener 726, and utilizing the elasticity of the material of the cover 722, it is inserted into the housing 721 that forms the upper opening of the second water tank 72, thereby easily fixing or attaching the cover 722 to the second water tank 72. In this way, the connecting portion 724 of the cover 722 in the second water tank 72 has a pivot 725 at one end and a snap fastener 726 at the other end, thus facilitating the installation of the cover 722 relative to the second water tank 72 and preventing the cover 722 from being installed with an incorrect orientation.

[0173] In this embodiment, a water supply body 26 is disposed above the heat exchanger 22, which has a first heat exchange flow path 221 for exhaust and a second heat exchange flow path 222 for supply. Water is supplied by dripping water into the first heat exchange flow path 221. The water supplied from the water supply body 26 enters the interior from above the first heat exchange flow path 221 and mixes with the exhaust flowing from below the first heat exchange flow path 221, partially vaporizing. The unvaporized water, in liquid state, reaches below the first heat exchange flow path 221 and is received by a drain pan 91 disposed below the first heat exchange flow path 221. When the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221 is relatively narrow, a portion of the liquid water reaching below the first heat exchange flow path 221 does not drip into the drain pan 91, but instead adheres to the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221, i.e., the exhaust inlet in the first heat exchange flow path 221, creating a meniscus that blocks the lower opening, i.e., the exhaust inlet. In contrast, the air conditioner 1 has a water-absorbing member 242 that absorbs water supplied from the water supply body 26 and a dripping member 243 that drips the water absorbed by the water-absorbing member 242 into the drain pan 91. Therefore, it can disrupt or suppress the formation of a meniscus, and can effectively drip water that has passed through the first heat exchange flow path 221 into the drain pan 91. That is, in the normal setting state, the air conditioner 1 is arranged from top to bottom in the following order: water supply body 26, first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22, water-absorbing member 242, dripping member 243 and drain pan 91. This allows water supplied from the water supply body 26 to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22 to drip into the drain pan 91 without forming a meniscus at the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221. At this point, the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221 separates from the water absorption member 242. This separation distance can be shorter than the protruding length of the water droplet formed by the surface tension at the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221. That is, even in a configuration where the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221 does not contact the water absorption member 242, water can still be absorbed by bringing the water droplet formed at the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221 into contact with the water absorption member 242. Alternatively, the structure can also be one where the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221 contacts the water absorption member 242. This prevents the opening at the bottom of the first heat exchange flow path 221, i.e., the exhaust inlet in the first heat exchange flow path 221, from being blocked by water, thereby ensuring sufficient flow path cross-sectional area, suppressing the increase in ventilation resistance during exhaust flow, and ensuring the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 22.

[0174] In this embodiment, since the upper part of the dripping member 243 is in contact with the water-absorbing member 242, the water absorbed by the water-absorbing member 242 can be effectively guided to the dripping member 243. Furthermore, at the lower part of the dripping member 243, a plurality of protruding ends 244, for example, composed of ribs or needles, are formed protruding downwards toward the drain pan 91. By forming the protruding ends 244 downwards in this way, water from the water-absorbing member 242 can be effectively guided toward the tip of the protruding end 244 by interfacial tension or capillary action, dripping from the tip of the protruding end 244 into the drain pan 91.

[0175] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the water-absorbing member 242 is configured to enter the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221 through an opening below it. This increases the area of ​​the water-absorbing member 242 in contact with the water flowing below the first heat exchange flow path 221, thus improving its water absorption efficiency. Consequently, even with an increase in the water supply rate per unit time from the water supply body 26, the water-absorbing member 242 can reliably absorb unvaporized liquid water, which is then dripped into the drain pan 91 via the dripping member 243, effectively preventing the formation of menisci.

[0176] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the water-absorbing member 242 is configured to enter the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221 through an opening below it. This increases the area of ​​the water-absorbing member 242 in contact with the water flowing below the first heat exchange flow path 221, thus improving its water absorption efficiency. Consequently, even with an increase in the water supply rate per unit time from the water supply body 26, the water-absorbing member 242 can reliably absorb unvaporized liquid water, which is then dripped into the drain pan 91 via the dripping member 243, effectively preventing the formation of menisci.

[0177] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members 232. Each plate member 232 may be a membrane member with a nonwoven fabric attached to the surface of a thin-walled plate. This membrane member is rectangular or square, and is constructed of a thin wall with high thermal conductivity and shielding properties, for example, molded from resin or metal. The absorbent member 242 is molded from a foamed member, such as polyurethane foam, and is made of a softer material compared to the membrane member molded from resin or metal. Thus, by making the absorbent member 242 a softer material than the membrane member constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221, when pressure is applied to the absorbent member 242 through the opening at the bottom of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, a portion of the absorbent member 242 can more easily enter the interior of the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0178] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 is constructed by stacking multiple exhaust paths 231 with rectangular openings along the short side of their openings. The dripping member 243 and the absorbent member 242 are integrally formed as elongated strips and disposed at the center of the length direction of each opening of the exhaust path 231. When the exhaust paths 231 are each constructed of spacers, i.e., when the spacers ensure the separation distance between two opposing membrane members, the dripping member 243 and the absorbent member 242 can be disposed corresponding to the spacers located at the center of the membrane members. That is, the integrally formed elongated dripping member 243 and absorbent member 242 are orthogonally or intersectingly arranged with respect to the length direction of each opening of all exhaust paths 231. By arranging a dripping member 243 and a water-absorbing member 242 at the center of each opening (i.e., the exhaust inlet) of the exhaust path 231, water arriving at each opening (i.e., the exhaust inlet) of the exhaust path 231 is guided by the water-absorbing member 242 to the center of the exhaust path 231, and can be effectively dripped into the drain pan 91 via the dripping member 243. The dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 are only arranged at the center of the length direction of the opening of the exhaust path 231, thereby preventing excessive coverage of the opening of the exhaust path 231, ensuring sufficient flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust path 231 (i.e., the first heat exchange flow path 221), and suppressing the increase in ventilation resistance to the exhaust.

[0179] In this embodiment, the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242, which are integrally formed into elongated strips, are orthogonal to the length direction of the openings of all exhaust paths 231 and are respectively disposed at both ends of the length direction of the openings of each exhaust path 231. When the exhaust paths 231 are each composed of spacers, the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 can be disposed corresponding to the spacers located at both ends. By distributing the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 at both ends of the openings of each exhaust path 231, i.e., the exhaust inlets, the water that reaches the openings of each exhaust path 231, i.e., the exhaust inlets, can be guided by the water-absorbing member 242 to either end of the exhaust path 231 and effectively dripped into the drain pan 91 via the dripping member 243.

[0180] In this embodiment, the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 are integrally formed, for example, in a strip shape, and are arranged to extend in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the first heat exchange flow path 221. That is, relative to the heat exchanger 22 which is configured as a cuboid, the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the first heat exchange flow path 221 is from bottom to top, and in contrast, the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 are arranged below the heat exchanger 22, such that the ends of the strip-shaped dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 reach the opposite side surfaces of the cuboid heat exchanger 22. In this way, by forming the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 into a strip shape and arranging them orthogonal to the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the first heat exchange flow path 221, the contact area of ​​the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 with respect to the exhaust gas can be ensured, which can promote the vaporization of the water absorbed by the water-absorbing member 242.

[0181] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 is housed in a cuboid housing 24 composed of multiple frames, and is internally housed in the body 11 that constitutes the outer casing of the air conditioner 1. The dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242, formed integrally in the shape of elongated strips, are integrally formed with the housing 24, for example, arranged between two opposing frames among the multiple frames constituting the housing 24. Thus, by integrally forming the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 with the housing 24, and housing the heat exchanger 22 within the housing 24, the positions of the dripping member 243 and the water-absorbing member 242 can be matched relative to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, thereby improving the manufacturability and maintainability of the air conditioner 1.

[0182] Multiple claims in a claim statement may be combined with each other regardless of the form of reference. A claim statement may include multiple dependent claims that are subordinate to multiple claims, and may also include multiple dependent claims that are subordinate to multiple dependent claims. The inclusion of multiple dependent claims is not limited even if multiple dependent claims that are subordinate to multiple dependent claims are not described.

[0183] The embodiments described in this specification are exemplary in any respect and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the invention is defined not by the specification but by the claims, including all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0184] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0185] 1: Air conditioner

[0186] 11: Main body (outer shell)

[0187] 100: Top surface

[0188] 101: First side surface (front surface)

[0189] 102: Second side surface (right surface)

[0190] 103: Third side surface (rear surface)

[0191] 104: Fourth side surface (left surface)

[0192] 105: Lower surface

[0193] 111: Cover

[0194] 112: Loading and unloading opening

[0195] 113: Through the mouth

[0196] 12: Power supply board

[0197] 121: Electronic Components

[0198] 13: First water tank containing section

[0199] 131: Placement Surface

[0200] 132: convex part

[0201] 14: Second water tank containment section

[0202] 15: Frame

[0203] 151: Outer Frame

[0204] 152: Inner frame

[0205] 16: Pole

[0206] 17: Linkage Mechanism

[0207] 171: Direct-acting connecting rod section

[0208] 172: Roller section

[0209] 2: Cooling unit

[0210] 21: Vaporization Filter

[0211] 211: Water supply unit for vaporization filters

[0212] 22: Heat exchanger (sensible heat exchanger)

[0213] 221: First heat exchange flow path

[0214] 222: Second heat exchange flow path

[0215] 231: Exhaust path

[0216] 232: Plate components

[0217] 233: Sealing components

[0218] 24: Heat exchange shell

[0219] 241: Control Department

[0220] 242: Water-absorbing component

[0221] 243: Drip component

[0222] 244: Protruding end

[0223] 25: Water supply end

[0224] 26: Water supply unit (water supply section for sensible heat exchanger)

[0225] 261: Water supply hole (nozzle)

[0226] 262: Flow control section (plate section)

[0227] 3: Suction port

[0228] 31: Dust Collection Filter

[0229] 32: Inhalation Flow Path

[0230] 4: Exhaust flow path (first flow path)

[0231] 41: Intermediate Flow Path

[0232] 42: Downstream exhaust flow path

[0233] 421: First downstream exhaust flow path

[0234] 422: Second downstream exhaust flow path

[0235] 4221: Inlet side flow path

[0236] 4222: Outlet side flow path

[0237] 423: Through hole

[0238] 424: Bend

[0239] 425: Entrance-side connecting part

[0240] 426: Outlet-side connection part

[0241] 427: Branch exhaust outlet

[0242] 43: Exhaust outlet

[0243] 5: Air supply path (secondary flow path)

[0244] 51: Gas supply outlet

[0245] 6: Fan motor

[0246] 61: Exhaust fan

[0247] 62: Air supply fan

[0248] 7: Water tank

[0249] 71: First water tank

[0250] 711: Concave

[0251] 712: Water Supply Unit

[0252] 72: Second water tank

[0253] 721: Box

[0254] 722: Cover

[0255] 723: Cylindrical perforation

[0256] 724: Connecting part

[0257] 725: Shaft

[0258] 726: Buckle

[0259] 73: Second water tank side shut-off valve

[0260] 731: Box side pin

[0261] 732: Pipeline Filter

[0262] 733: Water level float

[0263] 734: Magnetic Sensor

[0264] 8: Water supply route

[0265] 81: Body-side locking valve

[0266] 811: Body side pin

[0267] 82: Pump

[0268] 9: Recycling water system

[0269] 91: Drainage tray

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: A water tank is used to hold water. A heat exchanger having a first heat exchange path through which exhaust gas flows and a second heat exchange path through which supply gas flows, for heat exchange between exhaust gas and supply gas; A water supply body is used to supply water to the first heat exchange flow path; as well as The water supply passage has a water supply end for supplying water contained in the water tank to the water supply body. The water supply body includes: Multiple water supply holes formed along the length direction; as well as A flow limiting unit is used to limit the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply path to any one of the plurality of water supply holes.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the water supply body, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the part where the flow restriction part is provided is less than 50% of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the part where the flow restriction part is not provided.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the water supply end is positioned closer to either end than the center of the elongated water supply body along its length. The flow limiting part is disposed in the water supply body at a position corresponding to the connection position of the water supply end and on one end side.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length direction of the water supply body intersects with the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of water supply holes has the same inner diameter and is formed at equal intervals along the length of the water supply body.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the water supply bodies are arranged in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path. At least two of the water supply bodies are arranged parallel to each other along the short side of the elongated water supply body. The exhaust gas that has passed through the first heat exchange path flows between the two adjacent water supply bodies.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange flow route is formed by stacked membrane components. The length direction of the water supply body is parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of membrane components.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent water supply holes in the plurality of water supply holes is equal to the distance between two adjacent membrane components in the plurality of membrane components.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of water supply holes includes any water supply hole whose water flow rate is limited by the flow rate limiting unit and other water supply holes whose water flow rate is not limited by the flow rate limiting unit. The volumetric flow rate of water flowing to any of the water supply holes is less than the volumetric flow rate of water flowing to the other water supply holes per unit time. The number of any water supply holes is less than the number of other water supply holes.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow restriction section is composed of a plate.

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