Air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner including a heat exchanger including a heat exchange flow path through which air and water flow, a water supply body for supplying water from above the heat exchange flow path, and a drain pan for receiving water supplied from the water supply body and passing through the heat exchange flow path, a meniscus suppression structure being formed at a lower portion of the heat exchange flow path, the meniscus suppression structure demarcating a discharge end through which water flowing in the heat exchange flow path passes when being discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger, the discharge end having a difference in a vertical direction.

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 heat exchanger including a heat exchange flow path through which air and water flow; a water supply body for supplying water from above the heat exchange flow path; and a drain pan for receiving water supplied from the water supply body and passing through the heat exchange flow path, wherein a meniscus suppression structure is formed in the lower part of the heat exchange flow path, the meniscus suppression structure defining a discharge end, the discharge end being the discharge end through which water flowing in the heat exchange flow path passes when discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger, the discharge end having a difference in the vertical direction.

[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 in Embodiment 1 (with a ridge tilt).

[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 perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure formed below the heat exchanger.

[0012] Figure 5This is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure formed below the heat exchanger.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure formed below the heat exchanger in Embodiment 2 (where the ridges are not on the same horizontal plane).

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the meniscus suppression structure formed below the heat exchanger in Embodiment 3 (with staggered ridges).

[0015] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the comparison between adjacent plate members with and without height differences.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure formed below the heat exchanger in embodiment 4 (with the spacer protruding).

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed by a contact member (with an inclined ridge) disposed below the heat exchanger in Embodiment 5 (contact member).

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed by contact members (with staggered ridges) arranged below the heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (Implementation Method 1)

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The fan motor 6 is positioned in the exhaust flow path 4. That is, a baffle is provided between the fan motor 6 and the supply fan 62. By positioning the fan motor 6 on the side of the exhaust fan 61 in this way, the exhaust gas supplied by the exhaust fan 61 can be used to cool the fan motor 6. Therefore, the temperature of the supply air supplied by the supply fan 62 will not rise, and the cooling energy of the exhaust gas can be used to effectively cool the fan motor 6.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 in the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. An exhaust fan 61 is arranged above the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 formed in the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. Exhaust gas delivered by the exhaust fan 61 is blown out from the exhaust outlet 43.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 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.

[0040] The second water tank 72, for example, is a rectangular tank 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] A second water tank side shut-off valve is provided in the second water tank 72, and a body side shut-off valve is provided in the main body 11. The second water tank side shut-off valve and the main body side shut-off valve are engaged to be in an open state. The second water tank 72 and the pump are connected through a water supply passage 8. The second water tank side shut-off valve and the main body side shut-off valve are provided in the water supply passage 8 between the second water tank 72 and the pump. The pump can be located at the bottom of the water supply passage 8. By driving the pump, water from the second water tank 72 is supplied through the water supply passage 8. The water supply passage 8 can be constructed of hollow pipes made of resin or metal.

[0043] The pump 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 configured as a control board inside the exhaust flow path 4 located above the main body 11. Alternatively, the controller can be a microcomputer or the like mounted on a power supply board.

[0044] The pump, vaporization filter 21, and heat exchanger 22 are connected via the water supply path 8. Therefore, the second water tank 72 is connected to the vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22 via the pump and the water supply path 8. The water supply path 8 branches into multiple branches near the vaporization filter 21 and heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, the water supply path 8 branches into four branches, one of which is connected to the vaporization filter water supply section 211 of the vaporization filter 21. Of the four branches of the 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 the 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 the heat exchanger 22. The connection between the water supply path 8 and the water supply body 26 serves as a water supply end 25. That is, in the water supply path 8, the head end connected to the water supply body 26 corresponds to the water supply end 25.

[0045] 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 through water supply body 26 located at the top of heat exchanger 22 into the interior of first heat exchange flow path 221 of heat exchanger 22.

[0046] A pump installed in the supply water passage 8 delivers water from the second water tank 72 to the vaporization filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22. Water that remains in the vaporization filter 21 and the 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, the second water tank 72, the supply water passage 8, the cooling unit 2, the drain pan 91, and the recovery water passage 9 form a water circulation path. 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.

[0047] The first water tank 71 is positioned above the second water tank 72, with its water supply cylinder on the bottom facing downwards. 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 can be 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 102, 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.

[0055] An air supply outlet 51 and an exhaust outlet 43 with pipes installed are formed on the upper surface 100. A loading / 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 / unloading opening 112. In other words, the cover 111 is installed and unloaded freely to cover the loading / unloading opening 112. A dust collection filter 31 is integrally disposed on the cover 111. A rod for operating when removing the housing 24 from the body 11 is disposed above the loading / unloading opening 112. A passage 113 for accommodating the first water tank 71 and the second water tank 72 is formed on the first side surface 101, below the loading / unloading opening 112. A first water tank accommodating the first water tank 71 and a second water tank accommodating the second water tank 72 are formed at the depth of this opening.

[0056] By removing the cover 111 from the main body 11, the heat exchanger 22 housed in the housing 24 is exposed through the loading and unloading opening 112 in a manner that allows it to be seen from the outside of the main body 11. A holding part 241 is formed in the housing 24, and by holding the holding part 241, the housing 24 can be pulled out from the main body 11.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22. Figure 5 This is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed below the heat exchanger 22, specifically below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. This meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by extending downward from the lower end of the plate member 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221. The lower end of the downwardly extending plate member 232 forms the ridges of a plurality of discharge ends 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0059] Water flowing in the first heat exchange path 221 exits through the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 as it is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 22. The meniscus suppression structure 27 has multiple discharge ends 271 that differ in the vertical direction. That is, the meniscus suppression structure 27 is a structure that defines discharge ends 271 that differ in the vertical direction. Thus, the plate member 232 constituting the first heat exchange path 221 includes the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0060] 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 234. The plate members 232 can be made of membrane members with non-woven fabric attached to their surfaces. Adjacent spacers 234 in the stacking direction are arranged to rotate 90 degrees relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The spacers 234 adjacent to the same plate member 232 intersect each other, thereby making the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 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 exchange. For example, a sensible heat exchanger as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-113426 can be used for this type of heat exchanger 222.

[0061] The ridge of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of the downwardly extending plate member 232 has a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal line, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction along the direction of gravity. In this embodiment, the downward protruding length of the lower end of the plate member 232 is configured to increase as it moves from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22. Alternatively, the downward protruding length of the lower end of the plate member 232 may also be configured to increase as it moves from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22.

[0062] Water dripping from the water supply body 26 into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 flows in the direction of gravity, i.e., the vertical direction. Therefore, the flow direction of the first heat exchange flow path 221 is parallel to the vertical direction. Based on this, the perpendicular line from the flow direction of the first heat exchange flow path 221 extending in the vertical direction is inclined at an angle of approximately 10 degrees to the ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of the plate member 232. Alternatively, the angle between the ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 and the horizontal line can also be set, for example, between 3 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0063] Multiple plate members 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221 are stacked in the left-right direction of the air conditioner 1. The lower ends of all the stacked plate members 232 may be inclined to form a downward protruding ridge. Alternatively, the lower ends of every other plate member 232 may be inclined to form a downward protruding ridge.

[0064] A meniscus suppression structure 27 with an inclined ridge is used at the lower end of the downward-extending plate member 232. This allows water reaching the meniscus suppression structure 27 located below the first heat exchange flow path 221 to be drawn along the inclined ridge formed on the discharge end 271, which is the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27, and collected at the lowest point of the ridge. The water collected at the lowest point of the ridge drips down due to its own weight and is collected in the drain pan 91. This effectively suppresses the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0065] (Implementation Method 2)

[0066] Figure 6This is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22 in Embodiment 2. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed below the heat exchanger 22, specifically below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. This meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by extending the lower end of the plate member 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221 downwards. Furthermore, the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 have different shapes among the stacked plate members 232. Thus, by making the downward protrusion lengths of the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 different, a ridge is formed by the discharge end 271 in the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0067] Multiple plate members 232 are stacked in the left-right direction within the heat exchanger 22. The ridge formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 has a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal line, similar to Embodiment 1. For some plate members 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate member 232 is configured to increase from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22. For other plate members 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate member 232 is configured to increase from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22. In this case, among the stacked plate members 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the even-numbered plate members 232 in the stacking order may be configured to increase from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22, while the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the odd-numbered plate members 232 may increase from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22.

[0068] Therefore, viewed from the left and right, the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of one part of the plate member 232 intersects with the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of the other part of the plate member 232. In this way, by making the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 have different shapes, the multiple ridge lines formed at the lower ends of the meniscus suppression structure 27 can be prevented from being arranged on the same horizontal plane. That is, by preventing the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 from being located on the same horizontal plane, the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the lower end of the plate member 232, i.e., below the first heat exchange flow path 221, can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] (Implementation Method 3)

[0070] Figure 7 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22 in Embodiment 3. Multiple plate members 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221 are stacked in the left-right direction while the heat exchanger 22 is housed in the air conditioner 1, and the number of exhaust paths 231 is determined by this stacking.

[0071] In the stacked plate members 232, the protruding lengths of the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 are different. Regarding these protruding lengths, the distance from the lower end of one plate member 232 to the drain pan 91 differs from the distance from the lower end of the other plate member 232 to the drain pan 91. By employing this structure, adjacent plate members 232 are offset vertically, including the upper plate member 232 and the lower plate member 232. By using two vertically offset plate members 232, a meniscus suppression structure 27 that defines the discharge ends 271 that differ in the vertical direction can be formed.

[0072] When two adjacent plate members 232 are formed in a staggered structure, only one plate member 232 protrudes from the region corresponding to the second heat exchange flow path 222 where the gas supply flows. The other plate member 232 may not protrude downwards, but rather remain within the region corresponding to the second heat exchange flow path 222 where the gas supply flows. In this case, among the stacked plate members 232, the plate members 232 in even-numbered stacking order may protrude downwards, while the plate members 232 in odd-numbered stacking order may not protrude.

[0073] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison of whether there is a height difference between adjacent plate members 232. In the illustration of this embodiment, the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 are shown on the left and right sides, respectively. The plate member 232 on the right side is shown in this embodiment with a different protrusion length at its lower end. The plate member 232 on the left side, as a reference for comparison, is shown with the same protrusion length at its lower end.

[0074] For water retained at the lower end of adjacent plate members 232, the upward force (F) generated by surface tension is calculated by multiplying twice the single-sided contact length (L) by the surface tension (γ) of the inner surface of plate member 232, i.e., the contact surface with water, and the cosine (cosθ) of the contact angle (θ) (F=2L×γ·cosθ). Based on this, the condition for maintaining a droplet of a specified weight (M) is that the upward force (F) generated by surface tension needs to be greater than the weight (M) multiplied by the gravitational acceleration (g) (F>M×g).

[0075] At this time, in the case where the protruding lengths of the lower end portions of the plate members 232 shown on the left side as a reference are the same, it is assumed that the condition for retaining the droplet is satisfied. Accordingly, there is a concern that a meniscus is generated at the lower end portion of the plate member 232. In contrast, in the case where the protruding lengths of the lower end portions of the plate members 232 shown on the right side are different, a height difference in the vertical direction is formed at the lower end portions of the adjacent plate members 232. Accordingly, the component force of the force (M×g) applied to the upper plate member 232 exceeds the upward force (F) generated by the surface tension on one side. As a result, the lower plate member 232 alone cannot support it. Therefore, as a result, the value obtained by multiplying the weight (M) of the droplet by the gravitational acceleration (g) exceeds the upward force (F) generated by the surface tension (F<M×g). Water drips down, and the generation of a meniscus can be suppressed.

[0076] (Embodiment 4)

[0077] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22 according to Embodiment 4. The first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members 232, and a spacer 234 that maintains the spacing distance between the plate members 232 is disposed between two adjacent plate members 232. For example, three spacers 234 are disposed between two adjacent plate members 232, and the three spacers 234 are respectively disposed at the center and both ends of the plate member 232. Accordingly, two exhaust paths 231 are formed between two adjacent plate members 232.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the lower end portion of the spacer 234 disposed at the center of the plate member 232 protrudes further downward than the plate member 232, thereby forming a ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 in the meniscus suppression structure 27. That is, the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the lower end portion of the plate member 232, the protruding portion of the spacer 234 that protrudes further downward than the plate member 232, and the lowermost lower end portion that is the lowest part of the protruding portion. At this time, one or more vertical grooves extending downward, that is, in the vertical direction, may be formed on the side surface of the protruding portion of the spacer 234 that protrudes further downward than the plate member 232.

[0079] Although the lower end of the spacer 234, which is positioned at the center of the plate member 232, protrudes further downward than the plate member 232, this is not a limitation. Alternatively, the lower end of the spacer 234, positioned at either end of the plate member 232, can protrude further downward than the plate member 232, thus forming a ridge at the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. In this way, the ridge formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed through the lower end of the plate member 232 and one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward from that lower end. Therefore, by following this ridge, water reaching the lower end of the plate member 232 can be guided to one end of the downwardly protruding spacer 234, causing it to drip downward from that end of the spacer 234.

[0080] (Implementation Method 5)

[0081] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the contact member 270 disposed below the heat exchanger 22 in Embodiment 5. The contact member 270 is disposed directly below the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221, contacting the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The contact member 270 constitutes the meniscus suppression structure 27, that is, the lower end of the contact member 270 forms the ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. The contact member 270 constituting the meniscus suppression structure 27 can, for example, be formed as a portion below the housing 24 housing the heat exchanger 22, or as a portion of the internal structure of the body 11 corresponding to the housing 24 when the housing 24 is housed within the body 11.

[0082] The contact member 270 constituting the meniscus suppression structure 27 may include contact plates corresponding to the plate member 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221. In this case, the upper end of the contact plate contacts the lower end of the plate member 232. The lower end of the contact plate, for example, similar to the lower end of the plate member 232 in Embodiment 1, has a predetermined angle relative to a horizontal line perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower end of the contact plate forms the ridge line of the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0083] In this way, by configuring the contact member 270 constituting the meniscus suppression structure 27 to contact the lower end of the plate member 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221, water passing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 is guided from the plate member 232 to the contact plate of the contact member 270. Due to the inclined ridge at the lower end of the contact member 270, water can drip downwards. As a result, the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221 can be effectively suppressed.

[0084] Figure 11This is a schematic perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by contact members 270 disposed below the heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, the contact member 270 disposed below the first heat exchange flow path 221 includes a plurality of contact plates, which are arranged at intervals relative to the stacked plate members 232. That is, the upper end of the contact plate of the contact member 270 contacts the lower end of the plate member 232. Thus, in two adjacent plate members 232, the contact member 270 contacts one plate member 232, but does not contact the other plate member 232. Therefore, by combining the plate members 232 and the contact member 270, a discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 having portions of different lengths in the vertical direction can be formed.

[0085] The ridge formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the ridge formed by the lower end of the plate member 232 that does not contact the contact member 270 and the ridge formed by the lower end of the contact member 270 whose upper end contacts the lower end of the plate member 232. These ridges, like in Embodiment 3, are not located on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, in two adjacent plate members 232, they can be staggered in the vertical direction depending on whether the contact member 270 is present. Therefore, the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the first heat exchange flow path 221 can be effectively suppressed.

[0086] In this embodiment, a water supply body 26 is disposed above the heat exchanger 22 having a heat exchange flow path, supplying water by dripping water into the heat exchange flow path. Water supplied from the water supply body 26 enters the interior from above the heat exchange flow path, mixes with exhaust gas flowing from below the heat exchange flow path, and partially vaporizes. The unvaporized water, in a liquid state, reaches below the heat exchange flow path and is received by a drain pan 91 disposed below the heat exchange flow path. When the opening below the heat exchange flow path is relatively narrow, a portion of the liquid water reaching below the heat exchange flow path does not drip into the drain pan 91, but instead adheres to the opening below the heat exchange flow path, i.e., adheres to the exhaust gas inlet in the heat exchange flow path, creating a meniscus that blocks the exhaust gas inlet. In contrast, a meniscus suppression structure 27 with discharge ends 271 of different lengths in the vertical direction is formed at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path of the air conditioner 1. The discharge ends 271, which have different lengths in the vertical direction, are formed by multiple plates constituting the heat exchange flow path. The difference in length in the vertical direction can be achieved by the shape of a single plate. Alternatively, the difference in length in the vertical direction can be achieved by the shape of two adjacent plates. Alternatively, the discharge ends 271, which have different lengths in the vertical direction, can also be formed by another component in contact with the plate. Thus, the discharge ends 271, with their different lengths in the vertical direction, form ridges in the meniscus suppression structure 27 that inhibit water retention. Through the ridges of the discharge ends 271 included in the meniscus suppression structure 27, the meniscus can be disrupted or its formation can be inhibited, allowing water passing through the heat exchange flow path to drip effectively into the drain pan 91. That is, by guiding water along the ridges of the discharge ends 271 in the meniscus suppression structure 27, water retention is inhibited at the opening located at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path. Before water forms a meniscus across the entire width of the opening, it can flow down by its own weight, ensuring the opening of the heat exchange flow path. In this way, in its normal setting, the air conditioner 1 is arranged from top to bottom as follows: water supply body 26, heat exchange flow path of heat exchanger 22, meniscus suppression structure 27, and drain pan 91. This ensures that water supplied from the water supply body 26 to the heat exchange flow path of heat exchanger 22 drips into the drain pan 91 without forming a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange flow path. This prevents water from clogging the lower opening of the heat exchange flow path, i.e., the exhaust inlet in the heat exchange flow path, thus ensuring sufficient flow path cross-sectional area. Furthermore, it suppresses the increase in ventilation resistance during exhaust flow, ensuring heat exchange efficiency in heat exchanger 22.

[0087] In this embodiment, multiple ridges are formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27. When constructing a heat exchange flow path, the multiple ridges can be formed from the lower ends of multiple stacked plate members 232. In normal use, when the air conditioner 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a floor, the flow direction of the heat exchange flow path is parallel to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity. Thus, water dripping from the water supply body 26 flows downwards from the top of the heat exchange flow path under the influence of gravity. At this time, at least a portion of the multiple ridges formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 are inclined, for example, at about 10 degrees, relative to a line perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange flow path, i.e., a horizontal line. A predetermined inclination is formed by any ridge and a line perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange flow path. This angle can also be set, for example, between 3 degrees and 60 degrees. Thus, by having an inclination on a portion of the ridges, the multiple ridges formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 are not arranged on the same horizontal plane. Alternatively, all the ridges formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 can be inclined. Thus, the ridge of the meniscus suppression structure 27 has a predetermined angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e., relative to a horizontal line. Therefore, water reaching the meniscus suppression structure 27 located at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path collects along the ridge formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27, converging at the lowest point of the ridge. Because the weight of the water collected at the lowest point of the ridge exceeds the surface tension between the water and the meniscus suppression structure 27, the water collected at the lowest point of the ridge drips from the meniscus suppression structure 27. The water is then collected by the drain pan 91 located below the meniscus suppression structure 27. This creates a relatively simple structure where the ridge is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to a line perpendicular to the vertical direction. This suppresses the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the heat exchange flow path, ensuring the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 22.

[0088] In this embodiment, the heat exchange flow path is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members 232. The lower ends of the plate members 232 form ridges in the meniscus suppression structure 27. That is, the plurality of plate members 232 constituting the heat exchange flow path includes the meniscus suppression structure 27. In the stacked plurality of plate members 232, the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 have different shapes. For example, the ridge formed by the lower end of one plate member 232 and the ridge formed by the lower end of another plate member 232 may intersect in a side view viewed from the stacking direction. That is, the ridge formed by the lower end of one plate member 232 may slope upwards, and the ridge formed by the lower end of another plate member 232 may slope downwards. Alternatively, in two adjacent plate members 232, only the ridge at the lower end of one plate member 232 may be inclined. Thus, by making the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 have different shapes, the adjacent ridges in the meniscus suppression structure 27 can be inclined. The water reaching the lower ends of the two adjacent plate members 232 can be guided along an inclined ridge, thereby suppressing the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the heat exchange flow path.

[0089] In this embodiment, among the multiple plate members 232 forming the heat exchange flow path, the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 are spaced at different distances from the drain pan 91; that is, the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 protrude downwards at different lengths. Thus, a difference exists between the downward protrusion lengths of one plate member 232 and the downward protrusion lengths of the other plate member 232. This allows the ridge lines formed by the lower ends of one plate member 232 to be staggered in height from those formed by the lower ends of the other plate member 232. Consequently, the weight of water retained at the lower ends of the adjacent plate members 232 cannot be supported solely by the lower ends of the staggered lower plate members 232, allowing the water to drip down. Thus, the distance between the lower ends of one plate member 232 and the drain pan 91 differs from the distance between the lower ends of the other plate member 232 and the drain pan 91. Therefore, with a relatively simple structure, it is possible to suppress the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the heat exchange flow path.

[0090] In this embodiment, among the plurality of plate members 232 forming the heat exchange flow path, a spacer 234 is disposed between two adjacent plate members 232 to maintain the spacing between the plate members 232. The spacer 234 is, for example, a long strip that is rectangular in cross-section. One end of the spacer 234 forming the long strip protrudes from below the heat exchange flow path. This protruding end of the spacer 234, together with the lower end of the plate member 232, forms the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. At this time, a longitudinal groove for guiding water can be formed on the side surface of the spacer 234 facing downward. Thus, the ridge of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the lower end of the plate member 232 and one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward from the lower end. Therefore, by following this ridge, water reaching the lower end of the plate member 232 can be guided to one end of the downward protruding spacer 234 and dripped downward from one end of the spacer 234. In this way, by making one end of the spacer 234 protrude from below the heat exchange flow path in a relatively simple structure, it is possible to suppress the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the heat exchange flow path.

[0091] In this embodiment, a contact member 270, separately formed from the heat exchanger 22, is disposed at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path, between the heat exchanger 22 and the drain pan 91. The contact member 270 is configured to contact the lower part of the heat exchange flow path, serving as the meniscus suppression structure 27. The contact member 270 includes a plurality of stacked contact plates, the upper ends of which contact the lower ends of the plurality of plate members 232 forming the first heat exchange flow. The lower ends of the plurality of contact plates included in the contact member 270 form the ridge of the meniscus suppression structure 27. The lower ends of the contact plates can, for example, be formed at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal line. Alternatively, the lower ends of the plurality of contact plates included in the contact member 270 can be configured such that adjacent contact plates have different downward protrusion lengths, thus being staggered in height, thereby forming the ridge of the meniscus suppression structure 27. When forming this staggered structure, the plurality of contact plates included in the contact member 270 can be arranged every other one relative to the stacked plurality of plate members 232. Thus, by forming a meniscus suppression structure 27 at the contact member 270, which is separate from the heat exchanger 22, the generation of meniscus can be suppressed at the opening below the heat exchange flow path. Moreover, since the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the contact member 270 is formed by a portion of the housing 24 that houses the heat exchanger 22 or the body 11 containing the housing 24, it is not necessary to form the meniscus suppression structure 27 in the heat exchanger 22.

[0092] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the heat exchange flow path is made of a wettable material. That is, the inner surface of the plurality of plate members 232 constituting the heat exchange flow path is made of a wettable material. When constituting the heat exchange flow path, the inner surface of the stacked plurality of plate members 232 is the surface that comes into contact with the air flowing in the heat exchange flow path. For example, a wettable material such as a water-absorbing non-woven fabric can be attached to the inner surface of the plate member 232. In this case, the plate member 232 acts as a membrane member. In this way, by constituting the inner surface of the heat exchange flow path with a wettable material such as a non-woven fabric, water from the water supply body 26 can be absorbed and retained. In addition, the contact time with the air flowing in the heat exchange flow path can be increased, promoting water vaporization and improving the cooling capacity of the air.

[0093] In this embodiment, the heat exchange path is a first heat exchange path 221 through which exhaust gas flows, and the heat exchanger 22 includes the first heat exchange path 221 and a second heat exchange path 222 through which supply gas flows. The heat exchanger 22 functions as a sensible heat exchanger that facilitates heat exchange between the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path 221 and the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange path 222. The air conditioner 1 including this heat exchanger 22 is an air conditioner 1 using an indirect vaporization cooling method. Thus, for the air conditioner 1 using the indirect vaporization cooling method, a meniscus suppression structure 27 with a ridge line that suppresses water retention is also applicable, which can suppress the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the first heat exchange path 221. As a result, the increase in ventilation resistance of the first heat exchange path 221 through which exhaust gas flows can be suppressed, and the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 22 can be ensured.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0097] 1: Air conditioner

[0098] 11: Main body (outer shell)

[0099] 100: Top surface

[0100] 101: First side surface (front surface)

[0101] 102: Second side surface (right surface)

[0102] 103: Third side surface (rear surface)

[0103] 104: Fourth side surface (left surface)

[0104] 105: Lower surface

[0105] 111: Cover

[0106] 112: Loading / unloading opening

[0107] 113: Through the mouth

[0108] 2: Cooling unit

[0109] 21: Vaporization Filter

[0110] 211: Water supply unit for vaporization filters

[0111] 22: Heat exchanger (sensible heat exchanger)

[0112] 221: First heat exchange flow path

[0113] 222: Second heat exchange flow path

[0114] 231: Exhaust path

[0115] 232: Plate components

[0116] 234: Spacer

[0117] 24: Heat exchange shell

[0118] 241: Control Department

[0119] 25: Water supply end

[0120] 26: Water supply unit (water supply section for sensible heat exchanger)

[0121] 27: Meniscus Suppression Structure

[0122] 270: Contact component

[0123] 271: Discharge end

[0124] 3: Suction port

[0125] 31: Dust Collection Filter

[0126] 32: Inhalation Flow Path

[0127] 4: Exhaust flow path (first flow path)

[0128] 43: Exhaust outlet

[0129] 5: Air supply path (secondary flow path)

[0130] 51: Gas supply outlet

[0131] 6: Fan motor

[0132] 61: Exhaust fan

[0133] 62: Air supply fan

[0134] 7: Water tank

[0135] 71: First water tank

[0136] 72: Second water tank

[0137] 8: Water supply route

[0138] 9: Recycling water system

[0139] 91: Drainage tray

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: A heat exchanger, comprising the heat exchange path through which air and water flow; A water supply body for supplying water from above the heat exchange flow path; as well as A drain pan is used to receive water supplied from the water supply body and passing through the heat exchange path. A meniscus suppression structure is formed at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path. The meniscus suppression structure defines the discharge end, which is the discharge end through which water flowing in the heat exchange flow path passes when it is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger. The discharge end has a difference in the vertical direction.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the ridges formed by the plurality of discharge ends formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure, at least a portion of the ridges are inclined relative to the horizontal line.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange flow route is formed by multiple plate components stacked in the stacking direction. The lower end of the plate member forms a ridge line formed by the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure. By making the lower ends of two adjacent plate members different, an inclination is formed by two adjacent ridges in the meniscus suppression structure.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the stacked plurality of plate members, the ridge line of the discharge end formed by the lower end of one plate member and the ridge line of the discharge end formed by the lower end of the other plate member intersect in a side view viewed from the stacking direction.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the stacked plurality of plate members, the ridge line of the discharge end formed only by the lower end of any plate member is inclined relative to the horizontal line.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange flow is formed by multiple stacked plate components. In two adjacent plate members, the spacing between the lower end of one plate member and the drain pan is different from the spacing between the lower end of the other plate member and the drain pan, thereby forming the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange flow is formed by multiple stacked plate components. A spacer is provided between two adjacent plate members to maintain the spacing between the plate members. The spacer protrudes from below the heat exchange flow path, thereby forming the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The meniscus suppression structure is composed of contact members configured to contact the lower part of the heat exchange flow path and is separate from the heat exchanger. The meniscus suppression structure, formed by the contact members, forms part of the heat exchange housing that accommodates the heat exchanger or the body that houses the heat exchange housing.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The inner surface of the heat exchange flow path is made of a wettable material.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange flow path is the first heat exchange flow path through which the exhaust gas flows. The heat exchanger includes a second heat exchange path through which the supplied gas flows. Heat exchange occurs between the exhaust gas flowing in the first heat exchange path and the supply gas flowing in the second heat exchange path.

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