Cooling unit and air conditioner

The cooling unit with a detachable vaporization filter design addresses the inefficiency in filter replacement, improving cooling performance and reducing air conditioner size by enhancing vaporization efficiency and ease of maintenance.

JP2024174132AActive Publication Date: 2024-12-13BROTHER KOGYO KK

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024172128
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-01
Publication Date
2024-12-13
Estimated Expiration
2041-02-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing evaporative cooling type air conditioners do not efficiently address the replacement of vaporization filters, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining and improving the cooling performance.

Method used

A cooling unit with a vaporization filter that includes a detachable design, featuring a rectangular shape with a plate member on its side surface to maintain shape, enhance water permeation, and improve vaporization efficiency, along with a configuration that allows easy attachment and detachment, and includes multiple core members and notches for enhanced ease of handling and improved vaporization efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient replacement and maintenance of vaporization filters, enhancing cooling capacity and reducing the size of the air conditioner housing while maintaining high vaporization efficiency and preventing water scattering.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a cooling unit and an air conditioner in which a vaporization filter can be efficiently replaced.SOLUTION: The cooling unit is used in an air conditioner that cools air-conditioned space and is provided with a vaporization filter that is detachably mounted and cools passing air by latent heat of water. The vaporization filter has a rectangular shape and includes a filter element in which water permeates from above and a rectangular plate member provided on a side surface of the filter element. The lower end of the filter element projects below the lower edge of the surface of the plate member facing the filter element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling unit and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] An evaporative cooling type air conditioner is known that draws in indoor air, uses the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and blows the cooled air into the room (for example, Patent Document 1). The air conditioner (cooling fan) of Patent Document 1 includes a blowing means arranged in a casing, a first flow path that connects an intake port and a first outlet and guides the airflow generated by the blowing means to the first outlet, a second flow path that connects an intake port and a second outlet and guides the airflow generated by the blowing means to the second outlet, and an evaporation means arranged in the second flow path that cools the air flowing in the second flow path by the heat of vaporization of water, and a heat exchanger is provided that exchanges heat between the airflow cooled by the evaporation means in the second flow path and the airflow flowing in the first flow path. In the second flow path in which the evaporation means is provided, the mist water (unevaporated sprayed water) sprayed by the evaporation means and the air whose absolute humidity has increased due to the evaporated water (evaporated sprayed water) flow downstream of the evaporation means. This air with increased humidity is blown out as exhaust air from the second outlet, which is the outlet of the second flow path. The air flowing through the first flow path and cooled through the heat exchanger is blown out as supply air from the first outlet into the conditioned space.

[0003] In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the air flowing through the second flow path blown by the blowing means passes through multiple tubes of the sensible heat exchanger, and the air flowing through the first flow path blown by the blowing means passes around the multiple tubes, thereby causing heat exchange between the air flowing through the second flow path and the air flowing through the first flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-092338 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to efficiently replacing the evaporation filter included in the evaporation means.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a cooling unit and an air conditioner that enable efficient replacement of an evaporation filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cooling unit used in an air conditioner that cools a conditioned space, and includes an evaporative filter that is removably attached and cools the air passing through it using the latent heat of water, the evaporative filter including a rectangular filter element through which water penetrates from above, and a rectangular plate member provided on a side of the filter element, and the lower end of the filter element protrudes downwardly beyond the lower edge of the surface of the plate member that faces the filter element.

[0008] In this embodiment, the vaporization filter that cools the air passing through it by the latent heat of water includes a filter element through which water permeates from above, and a rectangular plate member provided on the side of the filter element. By providing the plate member on the side of the filter element, the hard plate member maintains the shape of the filter element, which is softer than the plate member, or suppresses deformation of the shape, making it easy to attach and detach the vaporization filter to and from the cooling unit (unit body). The lower end of the filter element protrudes downward from the lower end of the plate member provided on the side of the filter element, more specifically, from the lower edge of the surface of the plate member that faces the filter element. The surface of the plate member that faces the filter element corresponds to the surface (contact surface) that is in close contact with the side of the filter element. In the height direction, which is the water permeation direction, the filter element is longer than the length of the contact surface (surface that faces the filter element) of the plate member. With this configuration, the filter element can be made larger, the amount of water that permeates the filter element can be increased, and the vaporization efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the lower end of the filter element, which protrudes downward beyond the plate member, covers the drain pan which collects water that drips without being vaporized by the evaporation filter, thereby preventing the water in the drain pan from splashing.

[0009] In a cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the evaporative filter includes a plurality of core members that penetrate the filter element, and ends of the core members are joined to the plate member.

[0010] In this embodiment, the multiple core members penetrating the filter element are joined to the surface (contact surface) of the plate member that is in contact with the side surface of the filter element. The core members maintain the shape of the relatively soft filter element or suppress deformation of the shape, and allow the vaporization filter to be easily attached and detached to the unit body.

[0011] In a cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the filter element has a notch formed by cutting out a corner on the side on which the plate member is provided, and the longitudinal length of the side on which the plate member is provided is smaller than the longitudinal length of the side on which the plate member is not provided.

[0012] In this embodiment, the filter element is provided with a cutout, so that the longitudinal length of the side on which the plate member is provided is smaller than the longitudinal length of the side on which the plate member is not provided. Therefore, when removing the vaporization filter attached to the unit body, the vaporization filter can be pulled out from the side whose longitudinal length has been reduced by the cutout, making it easier to remove the vaporization filter and improving attachment and detachment.

[0013] In a cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plate member is provided with a gripping portion that is gripped when attaching or detaching the plate member.

[0014] In this embodiment, the plate member is provided with a gripping portion that is gripped when attaching or detaching the plate member, and the gripping portion protrudes from the surface (front surface) of the plate member opposite the surface (contact surface) that is in contact with the side surface of the filter element. When removing the vaporization filter attached to the unit body, the plate member is placed in front and the gripping portion is used to pull out the vaporization filter, making it easier to remove the vaporization filter and improving the ease of attachment and detachment.

[0015] A cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mounting portion into which the evaporation filter is mounted, and the mounting portion has a rectangular insertion hole into which the evaporation filter is inserted, and the longitudinal length of the side of the filter element on which the plate member is not provided is greater than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole.

[0016] In this aspect, when the vaporization filter is attached to the attachment portion provided on the unit body, the vaporization filter is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the attachment portion with the plate member facing forward. The longitudinal length of the side surface on which the plate member is not provided is made larger than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole, but since the relatively soft filter element is allowed to deform, the vaporization filter can be easily inserted into the insertion hole. The filter element of the vaporization filter inserted through the insertion hole and attached to the mounting part returns to its original shape, so that the longitudinal length of the side surface on which the plate member is not provided becomes larger than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole. This makes it possible to increase the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the filter element through which air passes, thereby improving the vaporization efficiency. In addition, since the longitudinal length of the insertion hole is smaller than the longitudinal length of the side surface of the filter element on which the plate member is not provided, it is possible to suppress the outflow of water that has not been vaporized by the vaporization filter and has dripped from the insertion hole.

[0017] In a cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plate member is provided with a flange portion protruding from an outer edge of the plate member, and the insertion hole is closed by the flange portion.

[0018] In this aspect, the insertion hole is closed by the flange portion protruding from the outer edge of the plate member, so that it is possible to prevent air from flowing out through the insertion hole.

[0019] In the cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a frame-shaped seal member is provided on a surface of the flange portion facing the insertion hole.

[0020] In this embodiment, a sealing member (frame-shaped sealing member) that forms a frame along the flange portion is provided on the surface of the flange portion facing the insertion hole, so that the sealing member (frame-shaped sealing member) is pressed by the flange portion and the portion of the mounting portion that is located on the periphery of the insertion hole, thereby further preventing air from flowing out from the insertion hole.

[0021] In a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds the bottom of the evaporation filter, and the holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, and a gap is formed between the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element.

[0022] In this embodiment, a gap is formed between the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element, so that when the evaporation filter is pulled out from the mounting portion, the evaporation filter mounted to the unit body can be removed without coming into contact with the dust collected on the dust filter.

[0023] In a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds the bottom of the evaporation filter, and the holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, and the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element abut against each other.

[0024] In this aspect, since the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element are in contact with each other, when air passes through the evaporation filter, it is possible to prevent the air from bypassing the filter element without passing through it.

[0025] In a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds the bottom of the evaporation filter, and the holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, and the bottom of the filter element is deflected due to elastic contact between the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element.

[0026] In this embodiment, the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element are in elastic contact with each other, and the vaporization filter is attached to the attachment part of the unit body in a state where the bottom part of the filter element is bent. This makes it possible to further prevent air from bypassing the vaporization filter without passing through the filter element.

[0027] In a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporation filter includes a first evaporation filter that cools first air blown into the conditioned space using the latent heat of water, and a second evaporation filter that cools second air that exchanges sensible heat with the first air using the latent heat of water, and the first evaporation filter and the second evaporation filter are arranged in an L shape.

[0028] In this embodiment, the vaporization filter is composed of two vaporization filters, the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter, so that the cooling capacity can be improved. These first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are attached in an L-shape by the main unit, so that the storage capacity can be improved and the housing of the air conditioner that stores the main unit (cooling unit) can be made smaller.

[0029] A cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a fixing member for fixing the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter, and the fixing member includes a first pressing portion for pressing and fixing the plate member of the first vaporization filter, and a second pressing portion for pressing and fixing the plate member of the second vaporization filter.

[0030] In this embodiment, the fixing member of the cooling unit includes a first pressing portion that presses and fixes the plate member of the first vaporization filter, and a second pressing portion that presses and fixes the plate member of the second vaporization filter, so that the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter attached to the unit body can be efficiently fixed by a single fixing member.

[0031] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioner comprising a cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a housing that houses the cooling unit, wherein the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are attached to the cooling unit with their respective plate members adjacent to each other, and a door portion that can be opened and closed freely is provided on the side of the housing on which the plate members of each of the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are provided, and the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are provided in a manner that allows them to be freely attached and detached to the housing via the inspection hole.

[0032] In this embodiment, the plate members of the first and second vaporization filters mounted in an L-shape are located at the corners of the L-shape, and the plate members of the first and second vaporization filters are adjacent to each other, and these vaporization filters are mounted on the unit body. In the housing that houses the cooling unit, inspection holes are formed on the side where the plate members of the first and second vaporization filters are provided, and the inspection holes are closed by the door when the air conditioner is in operation. Since the first and second vaporization filters are configured to be freely attached and detached to the inside and outside of the housing via the inspection holes, during maintenance work on the air conditioner, the door can be opened to communicate the inside and outside of the housing via the inspection holes, improving the efficiency of maintenance work including replacement of the first and second vaporization filters.

[0033] In an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction of movement when the first evaporation filter is attached to and detached from the housing intersects with the direction of movement when the second evaporation filter is attached to and detached from the housing.

[0034] In this embodiment, since the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are attached in an L-shape, the moving direction when the first vaporization filter is attached and detached to the inside and outside of the housing intersects with the moving direction when the second vaporization filter is attached and detached to the inside and outside of the housing. By intersecting the moving directions of the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter in this way, a part of the spatial area can be overlapped between the moving space of the first vaporization filter for attaching and detaching these vaporization filters and the moving space of the second vaporization filter, and this can prevent the size of the inspection hole from becoming large. That is, when attaching and detaching these vaporization filters, the inspection hole is shared by the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter, but by intersecting the moving directions of each, the angles (entrance angles) of the moving directions with respect to the inspection hole can be made different from each other, so that the size of the inspection hole can be reduced and the rigidity of the housing can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0035] It is possible to provide a cooling unit and an air conditioner that efficiently replace the evaporative filter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view illustrating one configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of an air conditioner. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are schematic plan views illustrating examples of arrangement of sensible heat exchangers. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of a cooling unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of a vaporization filter (a first vaporization filter and a second vaporization filter). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration of a vaporization filter (a first vaporization filter and a second vaporization filter). [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of a mounting portion of a unit main body. FIG. [Figure 8]4 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration in which vaporization filters (a first vaporization filter and a second vaporization filter) are attached to the attachment portions of the unit body. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of a fixing member (front side). FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of a fixing member (rear side). FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a fixing member is provided. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a fixing member is removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a moving direction when attaching and detaching a vaporization filter (a first vaporization filter and a second vaporization filter). [Figure 14] 11 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration of a vaporization filter (first vaporization filter, second vaporization filter) according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration in which vaporization filters (a first vaporization filter and a second vaporization filter) are attached to the attachment portions of the unit body. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view illustrating one configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the air conditioner 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cross section cut along line AA in FIG. 2, viewed from above. The air conditioner 1 includes a box-shaped housing 11 and a tank 12 configured separately from the housing 11 (main body), and is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, for example, and cools the space around an operator of the moving body as a conditioned space. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 may be mounted indoors, such as a factory. The mounted state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 (viewed from the front, from above) is shown in the front, back, left and right directions as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1. The mounted state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in the up and down directions and the front, back, left and right directions as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0038] The air conditioner 1 is equipped with a cooling unit 3 including a tank 12 for storing water, and two evaporation filters consisting of a first evaporation filter 31 and a second evaporation filter 32. The air conditioner 1 uses the heat of evaporation of water supplied from the tank 12 by the first evaporation filter 31 and the second evaporation filter 32 to lower the atmospheric temperature and cool the conditioned space, and is, for example, an evaporative cooling type air conditioner.

[0039] The cooling unit 3 includes a first vaporization filter 31 and a second vaporization filter 32, a unit body 300 to which these vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32) are detachably attached, a water supply section 33, and a drain pan 34. Details of the unit body 300 will be described later. The water supply section 33 is provided above the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, and supplies water to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 below. The drain pan 34 receives water that has not been vaporized by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. Details of the cooling unit 3 will be described later.

[0040] The air conditioner 1 further includes a sensible heat exchanger 4, which cools the first air by exchanging heat between the second air that has passed through the second vaporization filter 32 and the first air before passing through the first vaporization filter 31, and cools the first air in two stages by passing the cooled first air through the first vaporization filter 31. The first air is cooled by sensible heat exchange without increasing humidity and then evaporatively cooled, so that the first air that has been cooled in two stages is blown out into the conditioned space as service air (SA). The second air is discharged to the outside of the housing 11 as exhaust air (EA).

[0041] The housing 11 of the air conditioner 1 is provided with two intake ports 5 for drawing in air from the conditioned space, a first outlet 71 for blowing out the first air that has passed through the sensible heat exchanger 4 and the first evaporative filter 31 and been cooled in two stages into the conditioned space as supply air, and a second outlet 72 for blowing out the second air that has passed through the second evaporative filter 32 and the sensible heat exchanger 4 and has undergone sensible heat exchange with the first air as exhaust air. The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided on the same side surface of the housing 11 (the left side surface in this embodiment).

[0042] The air conditioner 1 includes fans for transporting the first air and the second air, and the fans include a first fan 81 for transporting the first air and a second fan 82 for transporting the second air. The shapes of the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 in FIG. 1 show an example of an outer shell shape. The fans including the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The first fan 81 is provided near the first air outlet 71, and the second fan 82 is provided near the second air outlet 72. That is, when the two suction ports 5 are the most upstream ends and the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are the most downstream ends of the air flow of the air conditioner 1, the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 are provided downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 4 and the cooling unit 3 in the air flow direction. By providing the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 on the downstream side, these fans function as so-called suction fans, and maintain the inside of the air flow path in the air conditioner 1 at negative pressure. A configuration is adopted in which a negative pressure is maintained inside the air flow path, thereby promoting the penetration (absorption) of water from water supply section 33 into first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the dripping of water from water supply section 33 into first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 is promoted, as described below.

[0043] The first fan 81 and the second fan 82 share a single fan motor 8 and are fastened to shafts provided at both ends of the fan motor 8. A partition plate 83 is provided between the second fan 82 and the first fan 81 to separate the space in which the second fan 82 is provided from the space in which the first fan 81 is provided. The partition plate 83 can prevent the first air transported by the first fan 81 and the second air transported by the second fan 82 from mixing.

[0044] The fan motor 8, the first fan 81, and the second fan 82 are disposed in a fan chamber defined by a fan casing 84. The fan chamber is defined by the fan casing 84, a part of which is made of a heat transfer suppressing member having thermal insulation properties, such as polystyrene foam. A partition plate 83 provided between the second fan 82 and the first fan 81 defines a part of the fan casing 84.

[0045] The air conditioner 1 is provided with an intake passage 51, a branch passage 52, a first passage 61, and a second passage 62 as air circulation paths. The branch passage 52 branches the intake passage 51 into the first passage 61 and the second passage 62. The intake passage 51 starts from two intake ports 5 in the rear direction and the right direction, and communicates with the sensible heat exchanger 4 via the branch passage 52. The first passage 61 is a space that communicates along the arrow representing the supply air (SA) in FIG. 1. The second passage 62 is a space that communicates along the arrow representing the exhaust air (EA) in FIG. 1. The intake passage 51 and the branch passage 52 are a common area before the air is distributed to the first passage 61 and the second passage 62. In other words, the air inside the intake passage 51 and the branch passage 52 is both the first air and the second air.

[0046] The branch flow passage 52 communicates with two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4. The two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4 include an inlet of a first passage 41 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 into which the first air flows, and an inlet of a second passage 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 into which the second air flows. The inlet of the first passage 41 is formed in the first inlet side opening surface 431. The inlet of the second passage 42 is formed in the second inlet side opening surface 432. The first passage 41 constitutes a part of the first flow passage 61. The second passage 42 constitutes a part of the second flow passage 62. That is, the branch flow passage 52 and the sensible heat exchanger 4 are provided in this order downstream of the suction flow passage 51 in the flow direction of the intake air flowing in the suction flow passage 51.

[0047] The intake air flows into the inlet of either the first path 41 or the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 at the branch flow path 52. That is, the intake air is divided at the branch flow path 52 into the first air flowing into the first path 41 and the second air flowing into the second path 42.

[0048] A dust collection filter 53 is interposed between the two suction ports 5 and the two inlets (the inlet of the first path 41 and the inlet of the second path 42) of the sensible heat exchanger 4. The dust collection filter 53 is made of polyester or olefin-based fibers and includes a filter portion that captures dust and a lattice-shaped frame body that fixes the filter portion. The dust collection filter 53 may be formed by insert molding in which the filter portion is placed inside a resin mold and then a resin that is the material of the frame body is poured in. The dust collection filter 53, which is made of a resin frame body, has flexibility and is curved to cover the inlets of the first path 41 and the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4. When the dust collection filter 53 is curved, a guide portion formed of a groove or the like into which the longitudinal edge of the dust collection filter 53 fits may be provided on the inner surface of the housing 11.

[0049] Dust collection filter 53 is curved as shown in Fig. 1 because first inlet side opening surface 431 and second inlet side opening surface 432 are provided on different end surfaces (side surfaces) of sensible heat exchanger 4. This allows dust collection filter 53 to cover first inlet side opening surface 431 and second inlet side opening surface 432 with a single filter. By using a single filter 53, the effort of attaching and detaching dust collection filter 53 is reduced, and the number of steps in maintenance work can be reduced.

[0050] A seal member 531 is provided at each end of the dust collection filter 53. The ends of the dust collection filter 53 include an end on the first path 41 side and an end on the second path 42 side. The end on the first path 41 side is located at a contact point between a first inlet side opening surface 431 where the inlet of the first path 41 is provided and an inner surface of the housing 11 facing the first inlet side opening surface 431. The end on the second path 42 side is located between a drain pan 34 (to be described later) and an inner surface of the housing 11 adjacent to the drain pan 34. The seal member 531 fills a gap between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the dust collection filter 53.

[0051] The space between the two inlets (the inlet of the first path 41 and the inlet of the second path 42) of the sensible heat exchanger 4 and the suction port 5 is divided by the dust collection filter 53 into an upstream space and a downstream space in the flow direction of the first air and the second air. In other words, the dust collection filter 53 divides the space into an upstream space surrounded by the housing 11 having the suction port 5 and the dust collection filter 53, and a downstream space surrounded by the dust collection filter 53, the first inlet side opening surface 431, and the second inlet side opening surface 432. The upstream space corresponds to the suction flow path 51. The downstream space corresponds to the branch flow path 52. The suction flow path 51 is a path shared by the first path 41 and the second path 42 upstream of the branch flow path 52. Therefore, the two suction ports 5 can also be shared by the first path 41 and the second path 42, and the opening area of ​​the two suction ports 5 can be increased to reduce the flow path resistance (pressure loss) of the suction air. In addition, in order to reduce the flow path resistance, a configuration in which two suction ports are connected may be adopted. Specifically, the side surface of the housing 11 may be curved in the same manner as the dust collection filter 53, and one suction port 5 may be formed on the curved side surface to increase the opening area. In this case, the volume of the upstream space can be minimized, and the influence of turbulence that may occur in the upstream space can be minimized.

[0052] As described above, the sensible heat exchanger 4 is provided with the first path 41 through which the first air flows and the second path 42 through which the second air flows. The first path 41 constitutes a part of the first flow path 61 that is in communication with the first air outlet 71. The second path 42 constitutes a part of the second flow path 62 that is in communication with the second air outlet 72. The first path 41 and the second path 42 in the sensible heat exchanger 4 are formed by a plurality of resin plates having a hollow structure, and are formed by arranging these resin plates in parallel. By reducing the plate thickness of the resin plates, it is possible to improve the heat transfer property and reduce the weight of the sensible heat exchanger 4. The hollow structure may be formed by a metal plate.

[0053] The resin plates constituting the first path 41 and the resin plates constituting the second path 42 are stacked perpendicular to the flow direction of the first air and the second air, and sensible heat exchange between the first air and the second air is performed through these resin plates. The first path 41 and the second path 42 are perpendicular to each other, so that a cross flow is formed by the first air flowing through the first path 41 and the second air flowing through the second path 42.

[0054] An inlet of first path 41, an inlet of second path 42, an outlet of first path 41, and an outlet of second path 42 are provided on each end face (side face) of sensible heat exchanger 4. The end face (side face) on which the inlet of first path 41 is provided corresponds to first inlet side opening face 431. The end face (side face) on which the inlet of second path 42 is provided corresponds to second inlet side opening face 432. The end face (side face) where the outlet of the first path 41 is provided corresponds to the first outlet side opening face 441. The end face (side face) where the outlet of the second path 42 is provided corresponds to the second outlet side opening face 442. In other words, the first path 41 is formed by stacking a plurality of spaces that communicate from the first inlet side opening face 431 toward the first outlet side opening face 441. Moreover, the second path 42 is formed by stacking a plurality of spaces that communicate from the second inlet side opening face 432 toward the second outlet side opening face 442.

[0055] In the flow direction of the second air, a second vaporization filter 32 is provided upstream of the second inlet side opening surface 432. The second vaporization filter 32, which has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front in FIG. 1, is provided with one surface facing the second inlet side opening surface 432. In the flow direction of the first air, a first vaporization filter 31 is provided downstream of the first outlet side opening surface 441. The first vaporization filter 31, which has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front in FIG. 1, is provided with one surface facing the first outlet side opening surface 441.

[0056] The second air branched at branch flow path 52 passes through second vaporization filter 32 and is cooled by second vaporization filter 32, and then flows into the inside of sensible heat exchanger 4 (second path 42) from the inlet of second path 42 provided at second inlet side opening surface 432. The first air branched at branch flow path 52 flows into the inside of sensible heat exchanger 4 (first path 41) from the inlet of first path 41 provided at first inlet side opening surface 431.

[0057] The first air flowing through the first path 41 and the second air flowing through the second path 42 exchange heat through the sensible heat exchanger 4. The second air flowing through the second path 42 is cooled by the second vaporization filter 32, and the temperature of the second air is lower than the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is sucked in through the intake port 5. The temperature of the first air immediately after it flows into the inlet of the first path 41 is the same (equivalent) as the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is sucked in through the intake port 5, but it is cooled by the second air flowing through the second path 42 via the sensible heat exchanger 4. Specifically, since the temperature of the first air is higher than that of the second air, heat is absorbed by the second air. As a result, the first air and the second air are in a lower temperature state than the intake air and the air outside the housing 11.

[0058] The first air flowing out from the outlet of the first path 41 is further cooled by the first vaporization filter 31. As a result, the first air is cooled in two stages. That is, the first air is cooled by two cold sources, using the second air of the second vaporization filter 32 as an indirect cold source via the second air and the first vaporization filter 31 as a direct cold source. That is, only sensible heat is exchanged in the first stage, and total heat exchange is performed in the second stage. As a result, the wet-bulb temperature is lower than cooling by only evaporation or sensible heat exchange and cooling by sensible heat exchange from evaporation cooling. In addition, the amount of water evaporated during total heat exchange can be reduced, so that an uncomfortable increase in humidity can be prevented.

[0059] The first air that flows out from the outlet (the outlet provided on the first outlet side opening surface 441) of the first path 41 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 and passes through the first vaporization filter 31 is transported by the first fan 81 located downstream of the first vaporization filter 31, and is blown out from the first blowing outlet 71 to the conditioned space as supply air (SA). The first blowing outlet 71 may be provided with a blowing duct 711 having a bellows structure, for example, and the first air may be blown out as supply air (SA) in a blowing direction adjusted by the blowing duct 711. This allows the space around the operator of the moving object to be cooled as the conditioned space. The first fan 81 is located downstream of the first vaporization filter 31, but is not limited thereto, and the first fan 81 may be located upstream of the first vaporization filter 31.

[0060] The second air flowing out from the outlet of the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (the outlet provided on the second outlet side opening surface 442) is transported by the second fan 82 located downstream of the outlet of the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4, and is blown out as exhaust air (EA) from the second blowing outlet 72 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0061] The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided on the same side (left side in this embodiment) of the housing 11. The second air outlet 72 faces the direction of the first air outlet 71, and the exhaust air (EA) blown out from the second air outlet 72 may be blown out near the periphery of an air outlet duct 711 attached to the first air outlet 71. More specifically, the second air outlet 72 is provided in front of the second fan 82, so that the second air sent from the second fan 82 is blown out in the left front direction. Furthermore, if the air outlet 711 is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in the outer surface temperature of the air outlet duct 711 due to direct sunlight or lighting.

[0062] As shown in the drawings in this embodiment, the side of the housing 11 on which the two suction ports 5, the first outlet 71, and the second outlet 72 are not provided is provided with a door section 111 that is configured to be freely opened and closed. The side on which the door section 111 is provided is the side corresponding to the location where the end of the first vaporization filter 31 and the end of the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent to each other, and is the side closest to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. By opening (putting the door section 111 in an open state), the inside of the housing 11 can be accessed from the outside, and maintenance work such as replacing the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 can be performed. The door section 111 is preferably fixed to the housing 11 in such a configuration that one end other than the upper end is connected to the housing 11 by a hinge, and the end opposite to the end connected by the hinge of the door section 111 is fixed to the housing 11 by a lock mechanism that can be opened and closed. This prevents door section 111 from falling off when opened, and makes it easy to maintain the open state during maintenance. At the locations where the ends of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent to each other, fixing members 38 are provided to abut against these ends and to fix first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 by pressing these ends when door section 111 is closed. The relative positions of door section 111, fixing members 38, and vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32), including maintenance work such as replacement of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, will be described later.

[0063] When carrying out the maintenance work, after opening door 111, first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 can be slid horizontally to be removable, and the height of housing 11, i.e., the height of the product, can be reduced, thereby improving maintainability. Only one side of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is integrally molded with a plate member 36 (see FIG. 5) made of a resin member or the like. This improves the ease of maintenance of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, while suppressing wind leakage from the element parts of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, i.e., preventing air from flowing without passing through the element parts. A resin member (plate member 36) integrally molded on one side of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 is provided with a handle or grip 361. When performing maintenance work, an operator can easily attach and detach first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 by holding the handle, thereby improving maintainability. The two vaporization filters, consisting of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, may be pulled out in a crossed relationship. With such a configuration, it is possible to standardize parts and reduce costs by reducing the cost of parts. In addition, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be pulled out from the inspection hatch space that is limited according to the size of the housing 11, and the size of the housing 11, i.e., the product size, can be reduced. In order to prevent the two vaporization filters consisting of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 from moving, fixing parts such as a pressing part for fixing these vaporization filters are provided, and the pressing part (fixing part) presses against a part of the door part 111 to press the door part 111. With this configuration, leakage of the first air and the second air, that is, mixing of the first air and the second air, can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deviation of the vaporization filter due to vibration or the like. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the vaporization filter from being installed incorrectly when the vaporization filter is detached during maintenance work or the like.

[0064] A suppression member may be provided on the inner surface of door portion 111 to suppress air from entering first flow path 61 without passing through first vaporization filter 31. The suppression member is formed of, for example, a sealing material, and by closing door portion 111 (closed state), the suppression member is sandwiched between the inner surface of door portion 111 and the edge of first vaporization filter 31 or the end face of fixing member 38 to exert a sealing function, and it is possible to suppress air from entering first flow path 61 without passing through first vaporization filter 31.

[0065] The air conditioner 1 includes a tank 12 that stores water to be supplied to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The tank 12 is configured as a separate body from the housing 11 that houses the first vaporization filter 31, the second vaporization filter 32, and the like. The housing 11, which is the main body of the air conditioner 1, and the tank 12, which is configured as a separate body, are connected (communicated) by a supply water channel 91 and a recovery water channel 92. Water to be supplied from the tank 12 to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 housed in the housing 11 flows through the supply water channel 91. Water that is not vaporized in the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 flows through the recovery water channel 92 and is recovered in the tank 12. The supply water channel 91 and the recovery water channel 92 are configured by hoses made of soft resin or piping made of hard resin. When the tank 12 is installed on a moving body as in this embodiment, it is preferable to install the tank 12 on the back or at the feet of an operator, where water can be easily supplied and replaced. In addition, it is preferable that the supply water channel 91 and the recovery water channel 92 are tied to a pillar of a head guard or the like in order to ensure visibility for the operator and to prevent water leakage if they get caught during operation.

[0066] A water supply pump 913 and a water supply sensor are provided in the water supply passage 91. When the housing 11 and the tank 12 are placed in different locations and a difference in height (head) occurs between the housing 11 and the tank 12, water can be pumped from the tank 12 located below to the housing 11 located above by the water supply pump 913 having a water supply capacity corresponding to the head. The water supply sensor is provided, for example, inside the water supply passage 91, and outputs a sensor value (detection value) corresponding to the amount of water flowing in the water supply passage 91.

[0067] A part of the supply water passage 91 extending from the tank 12 is housed inside the housing 11 and communicates with the water supply unit 33 attached above the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. A part of the supply water passage 91 housed inside the housing 11 is provided in an upstream space (intake passage 51) separated by a dust collection filter 53. When the air conditioner 1 is mounted on a moving body and used outdoors, the temperature of the water in the tank 12 may be heated by direct sunlight or the like and become higher than the outside air temperature (the temperature of the intake air). Even in such a case, the water (supply water) flowing in the supply water passage 91 located in the upstream space (intake passage 51) is heat exchanged with the intake air flowing in the intake passage 51, and the water (supply water) is cooled by the intake air, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner 1. For example, fins or the like may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of supply water passage 91 arranged in the upstream space to increase the heat transfer area during heat exchange with the intake air, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. In addition, as a configuration for cooling the water in supply water passage 91, supply water passage 91 may be arranged to pass downstream of sensible heat exchanger 4 in second flow path 62.

[0068] The water (supply water) flowing into the water supply unit 33 is divided into a first supply water passage 911 on the first vaporization filter 31 side and a second supply water passage 912 on the second vaporization filter 32 side, passes through a first water supply hole 331 provided in the water supply unit 33, drips onto the first vaporization filter 31, and passes through a second water supply hole 332 to drip onto the second vaporization filter 32. The water dripping onto the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 permeates into the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, respectively. At this time, the water (supply water) drips from the first water supply hole 331 and the second water supply hole 332 in sequence due to the water pressure from the water supply pump 913, the weight of the water, and the negative pressure inside the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62.

[0069] The water that penetrates the first evaporation filter 31 and the second evaporation filter 32 is evaporated as the first air and the second air pass through, but depending on the amount of water supplied and the relative humidity of the environment in which the air conditioner 1 is used, some of the supplied water flows in liquid form into the drain pan 34 located below the first evaporation filter 31 and the second evaporation filter 32.

[0070] As shown in the figure in this embodiment, the water supply pump 913 and the recovery pump 923 are provided side by side above the sensible heat exchanger 4. The water supply pump 913 is provided in the supply water passage 91 as in the first embodiment, and in the supply water passage 91, the housing 11 (main body) and the tank 12 (separate body) communicate with each other via, for example, a stop valve (close valve).

[0071] Recovery pump 923 and water supply pump 913 may be mounted side by side above sensible heat exchanger 4, and these pumps may be made accessible by opening the top plate of housing 11. This can improve the efficiency of work such as inspecting or replacing recovery pump 923 and water supply pump 913 during maintenance of air conditioner 1. By mounting water supply pump 913 and recovery pump 923 side by side, it is no longer necessary to provide mounting space above and below, and the height of housing 11 can be reduced, making the product more compact.

[0072] Water (supply water) pumped up from tank 12 by water supply pump 913 is supplied to water supply section 33 (first water supply section 33A, second water supply section 33B) through supply water passage 91. Supply water passage 91 between water supply pump 913 and first water supply section 33A and second water supply section 33B is provided with a branch passage branching into first supply water passage 911 and second supply water passage 912. The branch passage may be located above sensible heat exchanger 4. The first supply water passage 911 and second supply water passage 912 branched by the branch passage formed in supply water passage 91 are connected to first water supply section 33A and second water supply section 33B. That is, first supply water passage 911 communicates with first water supply section 33A, and second supply water passage 912 communicates with second water supply section 33B.

[0073] The water (supply water) flowing into the first water supply section 33A via the first supply water passage 911 drips onto the first vaporization filter 31 via the first water supply hole 331, similar to the first embodiment. The water (supply water) flowing into the second water supply section 33B via the second supply water passage 912 drips onto the second vaporization filter 32 via the second water supply hole 332, similar to the first embodiment.

[0074] The drain pan 34 and the tank 12 are in communication with each other via a recovery water passage 92. A recovery pump 923 is provided in the recovery water passage 92, and the recovery water passage 92 is in communication with the housing 11 (main body) and the tank 12 (separate body) via, for example, a stop valve (close valve). Water (recovered water) that has flowed down into the drain pan 34 is recovered into the tank 12 via the recovery water passage 92.

[0075] The water that flows down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 may be collected in one place in the drain pan 34, merged as the recovery water passage 92, and connected to the recovery pump 923. That is, in the drain pan 34, the first recovery water passage 921 after the first vaporization filter 31 is added and the second recovery water passage 922 after the second vaporization filter 32 is added may be collected (merged) in one place. With this configuration, for example, even if the air conditioner 1 is placed on a moving body and the housing 11 is tilted due to the behavior of the moving body, the water that flows down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be collected in one place in the drain pan 34, that is, in a communication hole that communicates with the recovery water passage 92, and the water can be reliably transported by the recovery pump 923. In other words, for example, if the drain pan 34 has multiple communication holes, there is a concern that when the housing 11 is tilted, air will be drawn in through one of the communication holes by the recovery pump 923, making it impossible to draw water from the other communication holes. However, by collecting the water that has flowed down from the first evaporation filter 31 and the second evaporation filter 32 in one place in the drain pan 34 and transporting it by the recovery pump 923 via the recovery water passage 92, the water can be reliably recovered in the tank 12.

[0076] The tank 12 and the first and second vaporization filters 31 and 32 are connected by a supply water passage 91 and a recovery water passage 92. Thus, a circulation circuit is formed in which water is recovered (returned) to the tank 12 via the tank 12, the supply water passage 91, the water supply unit 33, the first and second vaporization filters 31 and 32, the drain pan 34, and the recovery water passage 92. This circulation circuit allows water that has not been vaporized by the first and second vaporization filters 31 and 32 to be efficiently recovered into the tank 12, reducing the amount of water remaining inside the housing 11 and improving hygiene inside the housing 11.

[0077] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating an arrangement of sensible heat exchanger 4. Fig. 3 omits some components such as dust collection filter 53 and water supply section 33. Sensible heat exchanger 4 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and has an appearance of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. First path 41 and second path 42 provided in sensible heat exchanger 4 are perpendicular to each other, and in this embodiment, the intersection angle between first path 41 and second path 42 is, for example, 90°.

[0078] The sensible heat exchanger 4 has a first inlet side opening surface 431, a second inlet side opening surface 432, a first outlet side opening surface 441, and a second outlet side opening surface 442 as end surfaces (side surfaces), and the angle between the adjacent end surfaces (side surfaces) is, for example, 90°. The first inlet side opening surface 431, the second inlet side opening surface 432, the first outlet side opening surface 441, and the second outlet side opening surface 442 are provided in this order in the circumferential direction when the sensible heat exchanger 4 is viewed from the front. That is, the first inlet side opening surface 431 is adjacent to the second inlet side opening surface 432, the second inlet side opening surface 432 is adjacent to the first outlet side opening surface 441, the first outlet side opening surface 441 is adjacent to the second outlet side opening surface 442, and the second outlet side opening surface 442 is adjacent to the first inlet side opening surface 431.

[0079] Sensible heat exchanger 4 is housed in housing 11 such that an acute angle is formed between the inner surface of housing 11 and the end face of sensible heat exchanger 4 facing the inner surface. For the following explanation, the angle formed between the inner surface of the front side of housing 11 and first outlet side opening surface 441 is defined as angle θ. For example, angle θ is an acute angle that is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees. The lower limit value of angle θ, 10 degrees, may be set to ensure the path diameter of first flow path 61. In addition, the upper limit value of angle θ may be set depending on the arrangement of fan motor 8 and electric unit 13 provided downstream of second path 42 and the arrangement of partition plate 83. Specifically, angle θ may be set so that the left end of first outlet side opening surface 441 and the right end of partition plate 83 are in a positional relationship that allows connection. In addition, in order to facilitate the flow of the second air to the fan motor 8 and the electric unit 13 as well, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the left end of the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the right end of the partition plate 83 are positioned forward of the rear end of at least one of the fan motor 8 and the electric unit 13, and to set an upper limit value for the angle θ. This allows the second air to easily flow into the fan motor 8 and the electric unit 13, and the cooling efficiency of the fan motor 8 and the electric unit 13 can be improved. The sensible heat exchanger 4 is stored in the housing 11 in a state rotated by an angle θ corresponding to the acute angle from a parallel state (attitude position) in which the angle between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the end surface of the sensible heat exchanger 4 facing the inner surface is 0 degrees. As a result, for example, since the housing 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped and the sensible heat exchanger 4 is a cube, the angle between the first inlet side opening surface 431 and the inner surface of the rear side of the housing 11 facing the first inlet side opening surface 431 and the angle between the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the inner surface of the front side of the housing 11 facing the first outlet side opening surface 441 are equal in value. By storing the sensible heat exchanger 4 in the housing 11 in a state rotated by a predetermined rotation angle in this way, it is possible to ensure a large area (heat exchange area) available for heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 4 relative to the size of the housing 11. Furthermore, by setting θ to an angle greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees, and not equal to 45 degrees, the length of the housing 11 in the front-rear and left-right directions can be made shorter than when the housing 11 is installed at 45 degrees. This allows the front-to-back and left-to-right length of housing 11 relative to the heat exchange area to be reduced, making it possible to reduce the size. Similarly, since first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are provided along second inlet side opening surface 432 and first outlet side opening surface 441 of sensible heat exchanger 4, the left-to-right length of cooling unit 3 can be shortened and the area of ​​door section 111 provided for maintenance can also be reduced.

[0080] By rotating and arranging the housing 11 by an angle θ corresponding to a predetermined acute angle, the inter-surface distance between the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the inner surface of the front side of the housing 11 facing the first outlet side opening surface 441 can be increased stepwise toward the downstream side of the first air. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the inter-surface distance increases stepwise as it approaches the first air outlet 71 (d3>d2>d1). That is, the inter-surface distance between the first outlet side opening surface 441 at the most downstream side and the inner surface of the housing 11 can be maximized. This can reduce the flow path resistance (pressure loss) when the first air flows out from the first outlet side opening surface 441. Incidentally, the inter-surface distance between the second inlet side opening surface 432 and the inner surface on the right side of the housing 11 facing the second inlet side opening surface 432 decreases as it moves away from the first outlet side opening surface 441 (k3>k2>k1).

[0081] The first vaporization filter 31 facing the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the second vaporization filter 32 facing the second inlet side opening surface 432 are detachably attached to the unit body 300 and arranged in an L-shape. The unit body 300 includes a drain pan 34 provided below, and therefore the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 attached to the unit body 300 may be fastened to a casing covering the upper part of the drain pan 34, and in this case, the casing covering the upper part of the drain pan 34 functions as a fastening member for fastening the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The angle (β) formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 arranged in an L-shape is equal to or greater than the intersection angle (α) of the first path 41 and the second path 42, and is, for example, 60 degrees to 120 degrees. In addition, when the relationship between the angle (β) and the angle (α) is expressed by a formula, taking into consideration the case where the sensible heat exchanger 4 is rhombic, for example, it is preferable that β=α±30 (degrees). By providing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 by bending them into an L-shape, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be arranged with the inside of the L-shape formed by the end faces of each of them aligned along the corner of the sensible heat exchanger 4. This improves the storability of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, and allows the housing 11 to be made compact. In FIG. 3, the length of the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the first vaporization filter 31 is slightly shorter in order to make it compact. However, the length of the first vaporization filter 31 may be changed as appropriate. As an example, it is preferable that the length of the first outlet side opening surface 441 and the first vaporization filter 31 are determined so that the flow path stage area is approximately the same. This reduces the pressure loss caused by the change in the flow path cross-sectional area. Moreover, it is preferable that a wall surface (sealing member) that defines a flow path is provided between first outlet side opening surface 441 and first vaporization filter 31 so that the first air that has passed through first outlet side opening surface 441 passes through first vaporization filter 31. This wall surface may be formed on a casing of first vaporization filter 31, or on a member that fixes sensible heat exchanger 4. Second vaporization filter 32 may also be modified as appropriate, similar to first vaporization filter 31.The length of the second inlet side opening surface 432 and the second vaporization filter 32 is slightly shorter in order to reduce the size. However, the length of the second vaporization filter 32 may be changed as appropriate. As an example, it is preferable that the length of the second outlet side opening surface 442 and the length of the second vaporization filter 32 are determined so that the flow path step area is approximately the same. This can reduce pressure loss due to a change in the flow path cross-sectional area. In addition, it is preferable that a wall surface that defines the flow path is formed between the second outlet side opening surface 442 and the second vaporization filter 32 so that the second air that has passed through the second outlet side opening surface 442 passes through the second vaporization filter 32.

[0082] 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of the cooling unit. The cooling unit 3 includes a unit body 300, a first vaporization filter 31, a second vaporization filter 32, a drain pan 34, and a water supply unit 33, and the water supply unit 33 includes a first water supply unit 33A and a second water supply unit 33B that are configured separately. The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are detachably attached to the unit body 300, and the drain pan 34 is provided below the unit body 300. A fixing member 38 for fixing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is provided at a location where the end of the first vaporization filter 31 and the end of the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent to each other, that is, at a location corresponding to a corner of an L shape formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32.

[0083] Drain pan 34 is made of, for example, resin or metal, and is in the shape of a dish with an opening at the top. Drain pan 34 is L-shaped when viewed from the front and is bent. First vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are placed in the areas that form each side of the L shape. First vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are placed on drain pan 34, and thereby arranged in an L shape.

[0084] First water supply section 33A is placed on top of first vaporization filter 31, and second water supply section 33B is placed on top of second vaporization filter 32, whereby first water supply section 33A and second water supply section 33B are arranged to form an L shape similar to first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32. With this configuration, the outer shell of cooling unit 3 can be configured to be L-shaped, improving the storage ability of cooling unit 3 and enabling the size of housing 11 of air conditioner 1 that stores cooling unit 3 to be reduced.

[0085] In the illustration of this embodiment, the structure of the first water supply unit 33A will be described based on the first water supply unit 33A constituting the water supply unit 33. The first water supply unit 33A forms a box body with a hollow structure inside. A plurality of first water supply holes 331 are provided on the bottom surface of the first water supply unit 33A along the longitudinal direction of the container unit 333. That is, the first water supply holes 331 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the first vaporization filter 31 on which the first water supply unit 33A is placed. As an example, the first water supply holes 331 are arranged in the longitudinal direction point-symmetrically with the first water supply hole 331 provided in the center of the container unit 333 as the center point. The container unit 333 may be arranged on the upstream side of the first air passing through the first vaporization filter 31, so that the first water supply hole 331 provided in the container unit 333 is biased toward the upstream side of the first air. The structure of second water supply section 33B is similar to that of first water supply section 33A, and a plurality of second water supply holes 332 are provided on the bottom surface of second water supply section 33B along the longitudinal direction of container section 333. The structure of second water supply section 33B can be explained by replacing the description of first water supply section 33A with the description of second water supply section 33B.

[0086] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are detachably attached to the unit body 300 and arranged in an L-shape. The unit body 300 includes a drain pan 34 provided below, and the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are placed on the L-shaped drain pan 34 and arranged in an L-shape. The angle between the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 configured in an L-shape is, for example, 60 degrees to 120 degrees. By providing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 in an L-shape, the inside of the L shape can be directed toward a corner of the rectangular sensible heat exchanger 4, and the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be arranged with the inside of the L shape facing the corner, and the inside of the L shape can be aligned with the corner, improving the storage efficiency of these filters and the like and reducing the size of the housing 11.

[0087] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 each include a rectangular filter element 35, which is formed from, for example, rayon, polyester, nonwoven fabric, etc. The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are water-absorbent, and water (supply water) supplied from the tank 12 penetrates the entire surface of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 (filter element 35), thereby promoting the evaporation of the water.

[0088] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32). Fig. 6 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration of the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32). The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 attached to the unit body 300 of the cooling unit 3 include a rectangular filter element 35 and a rectangular plate member 36 provided on a side of the filter element 35, and may be the same parts (common parts) having the same configuration and shape.

[0089] The filter element 35 is made of a soft material that allows deformation due to an external force, such as rayon, polyester, or nonwoven fabric. The filter element 35 is water-absorbent, and water (supplied water) supplied from the tank 12 penetrates the entire surface of the filter element 35, promoting evaporation of the water. The filter element 35 is rectangular or square in side view, and forms a rectangular parallelepiped according to the thickness of the filter element 35.

[0090] In the rectangular filter element 35, a notch 351 is provided at a lower corner in the flow direction of the dripping water (lower left corner in this embodiment). The notch 351 forms a step structure on the lower surface of the filter element 35. The step structure is not limited to a step structure with one step, and may be a step structure with two or more steps. The notch 351 is not limited to one that forms such a step structure, and may be, for example, a tapered shape in which the corner is cut obliquely. Each of the left and right side surfaces formed by the thickness of the filter element 35 forms a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction. On both side surfaces of the filter element 35, the longitudinal length of the side surface on which the notch 351 is provided is smaller than the longitudinal length of the side surface on which the notch 351 is not provided.

[0091] A plate member 36 made of, for example, resin is provided on the side surface on which the cutout portion 351 is provided. That is, the back surface of the plate member 36 faces the side surface on which the cutout portion 351 is provided, and the plate member 36 is affixed to the side surface of the filter element 35. The area of ​​the rear surface of the plate member 36 facing the side surface on which the cutout portion 351 is provided is equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the side surface.

[0092] The plate member 36 is provided such that the upper end of the plate member 36 and the upper end of the filter element 35 are aligned at the same position in the vertical direction. The plate member 36 is provided such that the lower end of the plate member 36 is aligned slightly above the lower end of the filter element 35. Alternatively, the plate member 36 may be provided such that the lower end of the plate member 36 and the lower end of the filter element 35 are aligned at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0093] A flange portion 362 protruding from the outer edge of the front plate member 36 is provided on the front surface of the plate member 36, the front surface being located opposite the filter element 35. By providing the flange portion 362 on the front surface, the area of ​​the front surface becomes larger than the area of ​​the rear surface.

[0094] A plate-shaped grip portion 361 is provided on the front surface. Grip portion 361 is provided so as to protrude vertically from the front surface. A recess is provided on the front surface at a location inside flange portion 362, and grip portion 361 may be provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the recess. The protruding height of grip portion 361 may be greater than the depth of the recess.

[0095] A frame-shaped (rectangular annular) frame-shaped seal member 363 is provided on the peripheral edge of the surface of the flange portion 362 facing the filter element 35 (the back surface of the flange portion 362) and attached along the peripheral edge of the flange portion 362. The frame-shaped seal member 363 is made of, for example, EPDM foam.

[0096] A plurality of core members 37 are provided penetrating the filter element 35, and ends of the core members 37 are joined to the rear surface of the plate member 36. The core members 37 are made of resin or the like like the plate member 36, and penetrate the filter element 35 in a direction perpendicular (left-right) to the direction in which water drips (up-down).

[0097] The filter element 35, the plate member 36, and the evaporation filter including the plate member 36 (the first evaporation filter 31 and the second evaporation filter 32) may be formed by insert molding, in which the filter element 35 is placed inside a resin mold and then the plate member 36 and the resin that will be the material for the plate member 36 are poured in.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of the mounting portion 301 of the unit body 300. As shown in FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration in which the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) are attached to the attachment portion 301 of the unit body 300. The unit body 300 constitutes the outer shell of the cooling unit 3, and includes the attachment portion 301 to which the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) are detachably attached. The unit body 300 may include a drain pan 34 located below the attached first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, or the drain pan 34 may be configured as a separate body from the unit body 300 and configured to be detachable from the unit body 300.

[0099] The unit body 300 includes two mounting parts 301, one to which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached, and the other to which the second vaporization filter 32 is attached. The mounting part 301 to which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached forms a rectangular frame, and includes an insertion hole 304 to which the first vaporization filter 31 is inserted, and a holding part 302 to hold the bottom of the inserted first vaporization filter 31.

[0100] Mounting portion 301 to which second vaporization filter 32 is attached has a similar configuration to mounting portion 301 to which first vaporization filter 31 is attached. Two mounting portions 301 to which first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are inserted, respectively, are provided in unit body 300 so as to form an L shape.

[0101] The insertion hole 304 is defined by the inner edge of the frame of the mounting part 301, and is a rectangular hole that is long in the vertical direction similar to the side surface of the filter element 35. The location where the insertion hole 304 of the mounting part 301 to which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached and the insertion hole 304 of the mounting part 301 to which the second vaporization filter 32 is attached are adjacent corresponds to the corner of the L shape formed by the two mounting parts 301.

[0102] First vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are inserted through insertion holes 304 with the side surface on which plate member 36 is not provided facing said insertion holes 304, and are attached to each mounting portion 301. First vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 thus attached are housed inside the frame of mounting portion 301.

[0103] The holding portion 302 is a box-shaped body with an open top, and the box-shaped body is provided with a plurality of communication holes that communicate with the drain pan 34. When the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are attached to the attachment portion 301, the bottoms (lower parts) of the filter elements 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are located within the box-shaped body of the holding portion 302 and are held by the holding portion 302.

[0104] A plate-shaped dust filter 303 is provided on the bottom surface of the box, and the lower surface of the dust filter 303 faces the bottom surface of the box, and the dust filter 303 is stored in the box. By providing the dust filter 303, when the water supplied from the water supply unit 33 does not evaporate and drips downward from the filter element 35 in a liquid state, even if the dripped water contains dust, the dust filter 303 can collect the dust. The dust filter 303 is removable and can be cleaned.

[0105] Regarding the dimensional relationship between the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301 and the vaporization filters (the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32), an explanation will be given based on the state in which the first vaporization filter 31 is mounted on the mounting portion 301. Note that the second vaporization filter 32 has the same configuration as the first vaporization filter 31. By replacing the description regarding the first vaporization filter 31 with the description regarding the second vaporization filter 32, the state in which the second vaporization filter 32 is mounted on the mounting portion 301 is explained.

[0106] Since the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 is provided with a notch portion 351, a stepped structure is formed on the lower surface of the filter element 35. As a result, in the filter element 35, the longitudinal length (h2) of the side surface on the side where the notch portion 351 is provided is smaller than the longitudinal length (h3) of the side surface on the side where the notch portion 351 is not provided (h2 < h3). The longitudinal length (h1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301 is larger than the longitudinal length (h2) of the side surface on the side where the notch portion 351 is provided and smaller than the longitudinal length (h3) of the side surface on the side where the notch portion 351 is not provided (h2 < h1 < h3).

[0107] With such a configuration, when removing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 mounted on the unit body 300, the plate member 36 can be used as the front side, and the filter can be pulled out from the side surface whose longitudinal length is reduced by the notch portion 351. Since the longitudinal length (h2) of the side surface on the side where the notch portion 351 is provided is smaller than the longitudinal length (h1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301, it is possible to facilitate the removal of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and improve the detachability.

[0108] Since the plate member 36 is provided with a gripping portion 361 that is gripped by an operator performing maintenance work when attaching and detaching the plate member 36, it is possible to facilitate the removal of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and improve the work efficiency of the maintenance work.

[0109] The longitudinal length (h3) of the side surface on which the cutout portion 351 is not provided is greater than the longitudinal length (h1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301. However, since the filter element 35 is made of a soft material such as rayon, polyester, or nonwoven fabric, it temporarily deforms when inserted into the insertion hole 304 and is attached to the unit body 300. Filter element 35 inserted through insertion hole 304 and attached to mounting portion 301 returns to its original shape, so that the longitudinal length of the side surface on which plate member 36 is not provided becomes greater than the longitudinal length of insertion hole 304. Therefore, in first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​filter element 35 through which air passes can be made relatively large, and vaporization efficiency can be improved.

[0110] When first vaporization filter 31 is attached to attachment portion 301, insertion hole 304 is closed by flange portion 362 of plate member 36 of first vaporization filter 31. A frame-shaped seal member 363 is provided between the contact surface of the frame that forms insertion hole 304 and the back surface of flange portion 362 that faces the contact surface, thereby improving sealing performance.

[0111] When the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301, a gap is formed between the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 and the dust filter 303 provided in the holding portion 302. That is, the length (height) from the top surface (upper surface) to the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 is shorter (smaller) than the surface-to-surface distance between the top surface (upper surface) of the filter element 35 and the upper surface of the dust filter 303 when the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301. With this configuration, a gap is formed between the dust filter 303 and the bottom surface of the filter element 35, so that when the first vaporization filter 31 is pulled out from the attachment portion 301, the bottom surface of the filter element 35 does not come into contact with the dust collected by the dust filter 303, and the first vaporization filter 31 attached to the unit body 300 can be removed.

[0112] Alternatively, the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 may be in contact with the upper surface of the dust filter 303 provided in the holding portion 302. That is, the length (height) from the top surface (upper surface) to the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 is the same as the inter-surface distance between the top surface (upper surface) of the filter element 35 and the upper surface of the dust filter 303 in a state in which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301. With this configuration, the dust filter 303 and the bottom surface of the filter element 35 are in contact with each other, so that when air passes through the first vaporization filter 31, it is possible to efficiently prevent the air from bypassing the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 without passing through it.

[0113] Alternatively, the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 and the upper surface of the dust filter 303 provided in the holding portion 302 may be in elastic contact with each other, and the bottom of the filter element 35 may be bent by elastic contact with the dust filter 303. That is, the length (height) from the top surface (upper surface) to the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 is longer (larger) than the inter-surface distance between the top surface (upper surface) of the filter element 35 and the upper surface of the dust filter 303 in a state in which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301. With this configuration, the dust filter 303 and the bottom surface of the filter element 35 are in elastic contact with each other, and the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301 of the unit body 300 in a state in which the bottom of the filter element 35 is bent. This can further prevent air from bypassing the first vaporization filter 31 without passing through the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 when the air passes through the first vaporization filter 31.

[0114] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of the fixing member 38 (front side). Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one configuration of the fixing member 38 (rear side). The fixing member 38 forms a box body having an opening, and includes a first pressing portion 381 that presses and fixes the plate member 36 of the first vaporization filter 31, and a second pressing portion 382 that presses and fixes the plate member 36 of the second vaporization filter 32.

[0115] The fixing member 38 is provided at a location where the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent to each other in a state where the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are attached to the unit body 300. In other words, the fixing member 38 is disposed between the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, and is located at a corner of the L shape formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32.

[0116] When the fixing member 38 is disposed between the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, the fixing member 38 is disposed with its opening facing the opposite side to the plate members 36. That is, the fixing member 38 is disposed with its opening facing the door portion 111 provided on the side of the housing 11. As a result, the bottom plate portion (bottom surface) of the box constituting the fixing member 38 functions as a second pressing portion 382 that presses the plate member 36 of the second vaporization filter 32. The left side plate portion (left side surface) of the box constituting the fixing member 38 functions as a first pressing portion 381 that presses the plate member 36 of the first vaporization filter 31.

[0117] By closing door portion 111 provided on the side surface of housing 11, the inner surface of door portion 111 presses the edge of the opening of fixing member 38. As a result, first pressing portion 381 (side plate portion) and second pressing portion 382 (bottom plate portion) of fixing member 38 press the plate portions of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, respectively, to fix first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, and the state in which first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are attached to mounting portion 301 can be maintained.

[0118] The first pressing portion 381 (side plate portion) and the second pressing portion 382 (bottom plate portion) are formed with recesses or the like to form recessed portions 383 toward the inside of the box. When the fixing member 38 is disposed between the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are pressed and fixed, the gripping portions 361 provided on the plate members 36 are positioned within the recessed portions 383.

[0119] The upper and lower side plate portions of the box body constituting fixing member 38 are provided with engaging portions such as convex portions protruding from the outer surfaces of these side plate portions, and these convex portions engage with engaged portions such as concave portions provided in unit body 300, thereby positioning fixing member 38 relative to unit body 300. With this configuration, first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 attached to unit body 300 can be efficiently fixed by single fixing member 38.

[0120] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which fixing member 38 is provided. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which fixing member 38 has been removed. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the movement direction when attaching and detaching the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32). In the illustrations of this embodiment, the attachment and detachment of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 will be described in a state in which door portion 111 provided on the side of housing 11 is open (open state).

[0121] The fixing member 38 is provided at a location located at a corner of the L shape formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, i.e., disposed between the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. When the fixing member 38 is disposed, i.e., attached to the unit body 300, the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are covered with the fixing member 38.

[0122] By removing fixing member 38 from unit body 300, plate members 36 of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are exposed, that is, they become visible through door portion 111 provided on the side of housing 11. In this state, first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 can be removed from unit body 300 by pulling out gripping portions 361 provided on each plate member 36, and first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 can be taken out of housing 11.

[0123] Since the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are attached to the unit body 300 so as to form an L shape, the direction of movement of the first vaporization filter 31 when pulled out from the unit body 300 is the vertical side direction of the L shape, and the direction of movement of the second vaporization filter 32 when pulled out from the unit body 300 is the horizontal side direction of the L shape. Therefore, the directions of movement of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 when pulled out from the unit body 300 intersect with each other.

[0124] Similarly, the directions of movement of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 when they are attached to unit body 300, i.e., when they are inserted into insertion hole 304 of attachment portion 301, also intersect. In this manner, the directions of movement of first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 when they are freely attached to and detached from housing 11 intersect, which makes it possible to cause a partial overlap of the spatial region between the movement space of first vaporization filter 31 and the movement space of second vaporization filter 32, thereby preventing the size of the inspection hole from becoming large.

[0125] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 14 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration of the vaporization filter (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) according to embodiment 2. Fig. 15 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration of the vaporization filter (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) attached to the attachment portion 301 of the unit body. The vaporization filter (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) of embodiment 2 includes a rectangular filter element 35 and a rectangular plate member 36 provided on a side of the filter element 35, similar to embodiment 1.

[0126] The filter elements 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 of the second embodiment are not provided with the notches 351, and the filter elements 35 are rectangular parallelepipeds that do not have any portions missing due to the notches 351. This can improve the productivity of the filter elements 35.

[0127] Similarly to the first embodiment, the plate member 36 includes a front surface located opposite the filter element 35 and a rear surface located on the side of the filter element 35. The rear surface corresponds to a surface (contact surface) that is in close contact with the side surface of the filter element 35. In other words, the rear surface (contact surface) of the plate member 36 faces the side surface of the filter element 35 facing the plate member 36, and the plate member 36 and the filter element 35 are joined together.

[0128] The dimensional relationship between insertion hole 304 of mounting portion 301 and the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) in embodiment 2 will be described based on the state in which first vaporization filter 31 is mounted on mounting portion 301. The configuration of mounting portion 301 of the unit body in embodiment 2 is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0129] In the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31, the longitudinal length of the side surface on the side where the plate member 36 is provided is equal to the longitudinal length of the side surface on the side where the plate member 36 is not provided (the longitudinal length of the side surface of the filter element 35: L3). The longitudinal length (L2) of the rear surface (contact surface) of the plate member 36 that is in close contact with the side surface of the filter element 35 is smaller than the longitudinal length (L3) of the side surface of the filter element 35 (L2 < L3).

[0130] Similar to Embodiment 1, the upper end of the plate member 36 and the upper end of the filter element 35 are aligned so as to be in the same position in the vertical direction. Since the plate member 36 is provided, the lower end portion of the side surface of the filter element 35 protrudes downward from the lower edge of the rear surface (contact surface) of the plate member 36. The longitudinal length (L1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301 is larger than the longitudinal length (L2) of the rear surface (contact surface) of the plate member 36 and smaller than the longitudinal length (L4) of the front surface of the plate member 36 where the flange portion 362 is provided (L2 < L1 < L4). The longitudinal length (L3) of the side surface of the filter element 35 is larger than the longitudinal length (L1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301 and smaller than the longitudinal length (L4) of the front surface of the plate member 36 where the flange portion 362 is provided, similar to Embodiment 1 (L1 < L3 < L4).

[0131] Therefore, the length relationship among the longitudinal length (L1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301, the longitudinal length (L2) of the rear surface (contact surface) of the plate member 36, the longitudinal length (L3) of the side surface of the filter element 35, and the longitudinal length (L4) of the front surface of the plate member 36 where the flange portion 362 is provided is the relationship of (L2 < L1 < L3 < L4). By setting such a dimensional relationship, while mounting the filter element 35 larger than the longitudinal length (L1) of the insertion hole 304 to the mounting portion 301, the insertion hole 304 is closed by the flange portion 362 of the plate member 36, and the vaporization filter (the first vaporization filter 31, the second vaporization filter 32) can be efficiently replaced using the gripping portion of the plate member 36. However, the relationship between L3 and L4 may be appropriately changed, and L3 ≥ L4 may also be acceptable.

[0132] The holding part 302 is a box-shaped body with an open top as in the first embodiment, and the bottom surface of the box is provided with a plurality of communication holes that communicate with the drain pan 34. The bottom surface of the holding part 302 forming the box is provided with a holding rib 305 for holding the dust filter 303. The holding rib 305 is, for example, configured with one or more protrusions (linear ribs) protruding upward from the bottom surface of the holding part 302, and is provided so as to be parallel to the movement direction when the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 is attached or detached. The holding rib 305 is configured as a protrusion that is parallel to the movement direction when the first vaporization filter 31 or the like is attached or detached and protrudes above the dust filter 303, so that the holding rib 305 functions as a movement guide when the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are attached or detached. This can improve the operability when the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are attached or detached. The holding rib 305 can prevent the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 from coming into contact with the dust filter when attaching or detaching the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. This can prevent foreign matter and the like accumulated on the dust filter 303 from coming into contact with the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32. Furthermore, the holding rib 305 can easily hold the dust filter 303.

[0133] In the holder 302 forming a box body, a wall surface (side surface) parallel to the direction of movement when attaching or detaching the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 has a bottom wall portion 306 where the height of the wall surface is partially reduced. The bottom wall portion 306 may be formed by cutting out the upper end portion of the wall surface on the side of the insertion hole 304. By forming the bottom wall portion 306 on the upper end portion of the wall surface on the side of the insertion hole 304, it is possible to improve the ease of attachment when inserting the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 through the insertion hole 304.

[0134] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 Air conditioner 11. Housing (main body) 111 Door section 12 Tank (separate) 13 Electrical Unit 3 Cooling unit 300 Unit Body 301 Mounting part 302 Holding part 303 Dust Filter 304 Insertion hole 305 Retaining Rib 306 Low wall 31 First vaporization filter 32 Second vaporization filter 33 Water supply section 33A 1st water supply section 33B 2nd water supply section 331 1st water supply hole 332 2nd water supply hole 333 Container section 34 Drain pan 35 Filter element 351 Notch 36 Plate members 361 Gripping part 362 Flange part 363 Frame-shaped seal member 37 Core material 38 Fixing member 381 First pressing part 382 Second pressing part 383 Depression 4. Sensible heat exchanger 41 Route 1 42 Route 2 431 First entrance side opening surface 432 Second entrance side opening surface 441 1st exit side opening surface 442 2nd exit side opening surface 5 Intake port 51 Suction passage 52 Branch Channel 53 Dust collection filter 531 Sealing material 61 First Channel 62 Second Stream 71 1st outlet 711 Exhaust Duct 72 2nd outlet 8. Fan motor 81 First Fan 82 Second Fan 83 Partition 84 Fan casing 91 Supply waterway 911 1st Supply Channel 912 2nd supply waterway 913 Water Pump 92 Recovery Channel 921 First Recovery Channel 922 Second Recovery Channel 923 Recovery Pump

Claims

1. A cooling unit used in an air conditioner that cools a conditioned space, The vaporization filter is detachably attached and cools the air passing through it by using the latent heat of water, A filter element having a rectangular shape and through which water permeates from above; a rectangular plate member provided on a side surface of the filter element, A lower end of the filter element protrudes downward beyond a lower edge of a surface of the plate member that faces the filter element. A cooling unit characterized by:

2. The vaporization filter includes: a plurality of core members extending through the filter element; The end of the core member is joined to the plate member.

2. The cooling unit according to claim 1.

3. The filter element has a notch formed by cutting out a corner on the side where the plate member is provided, The length in the longitudinal direction of the side surface on which the plate member is provided is smaller than the length in the longitudinal direction of the side surface on which the plate member is not provided.

3. A cooling unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plate member is provided with a gripping portion that is gripped when attaching or detaching the plate member. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a mounting portion on which the vaporization filter is mounted; The mounting portion has a rectangular insertion hole into which the vaporization filter is inserted, The length of the side surface of the filter element on which the plate member is not provided is greater than the length of the insertion hole in the longitudinal direction. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plate member is provided with a flange portion protruding from an outer edge of the plate member, The insertion hole is closed by the flange portion.

6. The cooling unit according to claim 5.

7. A frame-shaped seal member is provided on the surface of the flange portion on the side of the insertion hole.

7. The cooling unit according to claim 6.

8. The mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds a bottom portion of the vaporization filter, The holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, A gap is formed between the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds a bottom portion of the vaporization filter, The holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, The dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element are in contact with each other. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

10. The mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds a bottom portion of the vaporization filter, The holding portion is provided with a plate-shaped dust filter that collects dust adhering to the filter element, The dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element are in elastic contact with each other, so that the bottom of the filter element is bent. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

11. The evaporation filter includes a first evaporation filter that cools a first air blown into the conditioned space by using latent heat of water, and a second evaporation filter that cools a second air that exchanges sensible heat with the first air by using latent heat of water, The first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are arranged in an L-shape. A cooling unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. a fixing member for fixing the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter, The fixing member is a first pressing portion that presses and fixes the plate member of the first vaporization filter; and a second pressing portion that presses and fixes the plate member of the second vaporization filter.

12. The cooling unit according to claim 11.

13. A cooling unit according to claim 11 or 12; An air conditioner having a housing that houses the cooling unit, the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are attached to the cooling unit with the plate members adjacent to each other, In the housing, a door portion for closing an inspection hole is provided in a freely openable manner on a side surface of each of the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter on the side where the plate member is provided, The first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are detachably provided to the housing through the inspection hole. Air conditioner.

14. A moving direction when the first vaporization filter is attached to and detached from the housing intersects with a moving direction when the second vaporization filter is attached to and detached from the housing.

14. An air conditioner according to claim 13.

Citation Information

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Cited By

  • Air conditioner

    WO2026140963A1