Cooling unit and air conditioner

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Evaporative cooling air conditioners are known that draw in indoor air, use the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and then blow the cooled air into the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The air conditioner (cooling fan) in Patent Document 1 includes a blower disposed within a casing, a first flow path connecting an air inlet and a first outlet and directing the airflow generated by the blower to the first outlet, a second flow path connecting an air inlet and a second outlet and directing the airflow generated by the blower to the second outlet, and an evaporator disposed in the second flow path and cooling the air flowing through the second flow path using the heat of vaporization of water. A heat exchanger is also provided to exchange heat between the airflow cooled by the evaporator in the second flow path and the airflow flowing through the first flow path. In the second flow path, which includes the evaporator, atomized water (unevaporated sprayed water) sprayed by the evaporator and air whose absolute humidity has increased due to the evaporated water (evaporated sprayed water) flow downstream of the evaporator. 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, cooled by 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 exchanging heat 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-092338 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 allow efficient replacement of an evaporative 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 the side of the filter element, and the lower end of the filter element protrudes below the lower edge of the surface of the plate member facing the filter element.

[0008] In this embodiment, an evaporative filter that cools passing air using the latent heat of water includes a filter element through which water penetrates from above and a rectangular plate member attached to the side of the filter element. By providing the plate member on the side of the filter element, the rigid plate member maintains the shape of the filter element, which is softer than the plate member, or prevents deformation of the shape, facilitating attachment and detachment of the evaporative filter to the cooling unit (unit body). The lower end of the filter element protrudes downward from the lower end of the plate member attached to the side of the filter element, more specifically, from the lower edge of the surface of the plate member facing the filter element. The surface of the plate member facing the filter element corresponds to the surface that is in close contact with the side of the filter element (the contact surface). In the height direction, which is the direction of water penetration, the filter element is longer than the length of the contact surface of the plate member (the surface facing the filter element). This configuration allows the filter element to be larger, increasing the amount of water that penetrates the filter element and improving evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, the lower end of the filter element, which protrudes below the plate member, covers the drain pan, which collects water that drips without being vaporized by the evaporation filter, thereby preventing 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 the ends of the core members are joined to the plate member.

[0010] In this embodiment, the plurality of core members that penetrate the filter element are joined to the surface of the plate member that is in close contact with the side surface of the filter element (contact surface). The core members maintain the shape of the relatively soft filter element or prevent deformation of the shape, making it easy to attach and detach the vaporization filter to and from 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 the corner on the side where 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 has a cutout portion, so that the longitudinal length of the side where the plate member is provided is shorter than the longitudinal length of the side where the plate member is not provided. Therefore, when removing the vaporization filter attached to the unit body, when pulling out the vaporization filter with the plate member facing forward, it can be pulled out from the side where the longitudinal length is reduced by the cutout portion, making it easier to remove the vaporization filter and improving its ease of attachment and detachment.

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

[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 close contact with the side of the filter element. When removing the vaporization filter attached to the unit body, by using the gripping portion to pull out the vaporization filter with the plate member at the front, it is possible to facilitate removal of the vaporization filter and improve attachment and detachment.

[0015] A cooling unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mounting portion into which the evaporative filter is mounted, and the mounting portion has a rectangular insertion hole into which the evaporative 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 plate member is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the attachment portion with the plate member facing forward. The longitudinal length of the side surface where the plate member is not provided is longer than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole. However, because the relatively soft filter element is tolerant of deformation, the vaporization filter can be easily inserted into the insertion hole. When the filter element of the vaporization filter is inserted through the insertion hole and attached to the mounting portion, it returns to its original shape, so the longitudinal length of the side surface where the plate member is not provided becomes longer than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole. This allows the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the filter element through which air passes to be increased, thereby improving vaporization efficiency. Furthermore, because the longitudinal length of the insertion hole is shorter than the longitudinal length of the side surface of the filter element where the plate member is not provided, it is possible to prevent water that drips without being vaporized by the vaporization filter from leaking out of 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 that protrudes 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 that protrudes from the outer edge of the plate member, so that air can be prevented from leaking out from 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 on the side of 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 located on the periphery of the insertion hole, thereby further preventing air from leaking out of the insertion hole.

[0021] In a cooling unit according to one aspect 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 on the unit main body can be removed without coming into contact with the dust captured on the dust filter.

[0023] In a cooling unit according to one aspect 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, the dust filter and the bottom surface of the filter element are in contact with each other, so that 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 aspect 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 bent 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 of the filter element is bent, which further prevents 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 evaporative filter includes a first evaporative filter that cools the first air blown into the conditioned space using the latent heat of water, and a second evaporative filter that cools the second air that exchanges sensible heat with the first air using the latent heat of water, and the first evaporative filter and the second evaporative filter are arranged in an L-shape.

[0028] In this embodiment, the evaporation filter is composed of two evaporation filters, a first evaporation filter and a second evaporation filter, which improves cooling capacity. These first evaporation filter and second evaporation filter are attached to the main unit in an L-shape, which improves storage efficiency and allows for a reduction in the size of the air conditioner housing that houses the main unit (cooling unit).

[0029] A cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes 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 main 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 evaporative filter and the second evaporative 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 to close an inspection hole is provided on the side of the housing on which the plate members of the first evaporative filter and the second evaporative filter are provided, and the first evaporative filter and the second evaporative filter are attached and detached to the housing through the inspection hole.

[0032] In this embodiment, the plate members of the first and second vaporization filters, which are attached 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 when these vaporization filters are attached to the unit body. The housing that houses the cooling unit has inspection holes formed on the side where the plate members of the first and second vaporization filters are provided, and these inspection holes are closed by a door when the air conditioner is in operation. The first and second vaporization filters are configured to be detachable from the inside and outside of the housing via the inspection holes, so that during maintenance work on the air conditioner, the door can be opened to connect the inside and outside of the housing via the inspection holes, improving the efficiency of maintenance work, including replacing the first and second vaporization filters.

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

[0034] In this embodiment, the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are attached in an L-shape, so that the direction of movement of the first vaporization filter when it is attached to or detached from the housing intersects with the direction of movement of the second vaporization filter when it is attached to or detached from the housing. By intersecting the movement directions of the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter in this manner, a partial spatial area can be overlapped between the movement space of the first vaporization filter and the movement space of the second vaporization filter for attaching and detaching these vaporization filters, thereby preventing 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 movement directions of the first and second vaporization filters, the angles of the movement directions (entrance angles) relative to the inspection hole can be made different from each other, thereby reducing the size of the inspection hole and improving the rigidity of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] It is possible to provide a cooling unit and an air conditioner that allow efficient replacement of the evaporative filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0037] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments 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 top view of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 2. The air conditioner 1 includes a box-shaped housing 11 and a tank 12 configured separately from the housing 11 (main body). The air conditioner 1 is mounted on a moving object such as a vehicle, and cools the space around an operator of the moving object as a conditioned space. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 may be mounted indoors, such as in 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 state of the air conditioner 1. The mounted state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in the top, bottom, front, back, left, and right directions as a normal usage state of the air conditioner 1.

[0038] The air conditioner 1 is equipped with a cooling unit 3 including a tank 12 that stores water, and two evaporative filters consisting of a first evaporative filter 31 and a second evaporative filter 32. The air conditioner 1 uses the heat of evaporation of water supplied from the tank 12 to lower the ambient temperature and cool the space to be conditioned, 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 main body 300 to which these vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32) are detachably attached, a water supply unit 33, and a drain pan 34. Details of the unit main body 300 will be described later. The water supply unit 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 evaporative filter 32 and the first air before passing through the first evaporative filter 31, and cools the first air in two stages by passing the cooled first air through the first evaporative 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 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 exchanged sensible heat 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 is equipped with fans for transporting the first air and the second air, and the fans include a first fan 81 that transports the first air and a second fan 82 that transports the second air. The shapes of the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 in FIG. 1 represent an example of an outer shell shape. The fans including the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 may be, for example, centrifugal fans such as sirocco fans or propeller fans. 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. In other words, if the two air inlets 5 are defined as the most upstream ends and the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are defined as the most downstream ends of the air flow in 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 a negative pressure inside the air flow path in the air conditioner 1. A configuration is adopted in which a negative pressure is maintained within the air flow path, thereby promoting the penetration (absorption) of water from the water supply section 33 into the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the dripping of water from the water supply section 33 into the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is promoted, as will be described later.

[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, separating 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 portion of which is made of a heat-insulating heat-transfer suppressing member such as polystyrene foam. A partition plate 83 provided between the second fan 82 and the first fan 81 constitutes 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 flow 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 at two intake ports 5 located rearward and rightward, and is connected to 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 first air and second air.

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

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

[0048] Dust collecting filter 53 is interposed between two air intakes 5 and two inlets (the inlet of first path 41 and the inlet of second path 42) of sensible heat exchanger 4. Dust collecting filter 53 is made of polyester or olefin fiber and includes a filter portion that captures dust and a lattice-shaped frame that fixes the filter portion. Dust collecting filter 53 may be formed by insert molding, in which the filter portion is placed inside a resin mold and then a resin frame is poured into the mold. Dust collecting filter 53, which is made of a resin frame, is flexible and curved to cover the inlets of first path 41 and second path 42 of sensible heat exchanger 4. In providing the curved dust collecting filter 53, a guide portion formed of a groove or the like that fits over the longitudinal edge of dust collecting filter 53 may be provided on the inner surface of 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 faces (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. Using only one dust collection filter 53 reduces the effort required to attach and detach dust collection filter 53, and reduces the number of steps required for maintenance.

[0050] Seal members 531 are provided at both ends of the dust collecting filter 53. The end ends of the dust collecting 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 the inner surface of the housing 11 that faces the first inlet-side opening surface 431. The end on the second path 42 side is located between a drain pan 34 (described later) and the inner surface of the housing 11 that is adjacent to the drain pan 34. The seal members 531 fill the gap between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the dust collecting filter 53.

[0051] The space between the two inlets of sensible heat exchanger 4 (the inlet of first path 41 and the inlet of second path 42) and suction port 5 is divided by dust collecting 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, dust collecting filter 53 divides the space into an upstream space surrounded by dust collecting filter 53 and housing 11 having suction port 5, and a downstream space surrounded by dust collecting filter 53, first inlet side opening surface 431, and second inlet side opening surface 432. The upstream space corresponds to suction flow path 51. The downstream space corresponds to branch flow path 52. suction flow path 51 is a path shared by first path 41 and second path 42 upstream of branch flow path 52. Therefore, the two suction ports 5 can also be shared by first path 41 and second path 42, and the opening areas of the two suction ports 5 can be increased, thereby reducing flow path resistance (pressure loss) of the suction air. Furthermore, in order to reduce flow path resistance, a configuration in which two suction ports are connected may be adopted. Specifically, similar to the dust collection filter 53, the side surface of the housing 11 may be curved, 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 effects 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 communicates with the first air outlet 71. The second path 42 constitutes a part of the second flow path 62 that communicates 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 these resin plates are arranged in parallel. By reducing the thickness of the resin plates, it is possible to improve heat transfer 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 directions of the first air and the second air, and sensible heat exchange occurs between the first air and the second air 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 between the first air flowing through the first path 41 and the second air flowing through the second path 42.

[0054] An inlet for first path 41, an inlet for second path 42, an outlet for first path 41, and an outlet for 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 for first path 41 is provided corresponds to first inlet-side opening face 431. The end face (side face) on which the inlet for 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 diverted at branch flow path 52 passes through second vaporization filter 32, is cooled by second vaporization filter 32, and then flows into the interior of sensible heat exchanger 4 (second path 42) from the inlet of second path 42 provided in second inlet side opening surface 432. The first air diverted at branch flow path 52 flows into the interior of sensible heat exchanger 4 (first path 41) from the inlet of first path 41 provided in first inlet side opening surface 431.

[0057] The first air flowing through first path 41 and the second air flowing through second path 42 exchange heat via sensible heat exchanger 4. The second air flowing through second path 42 is cooled by second evaporative filter 32, and the temperature of the second air is lower than the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is drawn in through air inlet 5. The temperature of the first air immediately after it flows into the inlet of first path 41 is the same (equivalent to) the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is drawn in through air inlet 5, but it is cooled by the second air flowing through second path 42 via sensible heat exchanger 4. Specifically, the temperature of the first air is higher than that of the second air, and therefore heat is absorbed by the second air. As a result, the first air and the second air become at temperatures lower than the intake air and the air outside housing 11.

[0058] The first air flowing out from the outlet of the first path 41 is further cooled by the first evaporative filter 31. As a result, the first air is cooled in two stages. That is, the first air is cooled by two cold sources: the first air is used as an indirect cold source via the second air of the second evaporative filter 32, and the first evaporative filter 31 is used 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. This results in a lower wet-bulb temperature than cooling by evaporative or sensible heat exchange alone and cooling by sensible heat exchange from evaporative cooling. Furthermore, the amount of water evaporated during total heat exchange is reduced, preventing an uncomfortable increase in humidity.

[0059] The first air that flows out from the outlet of first path 41 of sensible heat exchanger 4 (the outlet provided on first outlet-side opening surface 441) and passes through first vaporization filter 31 is transported by first fan 81 located downstream of first vaporization filter 31 and blown out as supply air (SA) from first outlet 71 into the space to be air-conditioned. First outlet 71 may be provided with outlet duct 711 having, for example, a bellows structure, and the first air may be blown out as supply air (SA) in a blowing direction adjusted by outlet duct 711. This allows the space around the operator of the mobile object to be cooled as the space to be air-conditioned. While first fan 81 is located downstream of first vaporization filter 31 in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto and first fan 81 may be located upstream of 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 blow-out port 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 (the 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 in the vicinity of 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, a door 111 configured to be freely opened and closed is provided on one of the side surfaces of the housing 11 on which the two intake ports 5, the first outlet 71, and the second outlet 72 are not provided. The side surface on which the door 111 is provided corresponds to the location where the end of the first vaporization filter 31 and the end of the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent, and is the side surface closest to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. By opening the door 111 (putting it in an open state), the interior of the housing 11 can be accessed from the outside, allowing maintenance work such as replacing the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 to be performed. The door 111 is preferably fixed to the housing 11 in such a manner that one end other than the upper end is connected to the housing 11 by a hinge, and the end opposite to the end of the door 111 connected by the hinge is fixed to the housing 11 by a locking mechanism that can be opened and closed. This prevents the door portion 111 from falling off when the door portion 111 is open, and makes it easy to maintain the open state during maintenance. At the locations where the ends of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent to each other, fixing members 38 are provided to abut against these ends and press against these ends when the door portion 111 is closed, thereby fixing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The relative positions of the door portion 111, fixing members 38, and the vaporization filters (the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32), as well as maintenance work such as replacing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, will be described later.

[0063] When performing the maintenance work, after opening door 111, first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 can be slid horizontally to be removable, thereby lowering the height of housing 11, i.e., the height of the product, 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 material or the like. This improves the ease of maintenance of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, while also preventing air from leaking from the element portions of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, i.e., preventing air from flowing without passing through the element portions. A resin member (plate member 36) integrally molded on one side of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is provided with a handle or grip 361. When performing maintenance work, an operator can easily attach and detach the first vaporization filter 31 and the 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. This configuration allows for the use of common parts, which is expected to reduce costs by reducing the cost of parts. Furthermore, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be pulled out from the inspection hatch space, which is limited due to the size of the housing 11, and the size of the housing 11, i.e., the product size, can be reduced. To prevent the two vaporization filters consisting of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 from moving, fixing portions such as retaining portions are provided to fix these vaporization filters, and the retaining portions (fixing portions) contact and press against a portion of the door portion 111, thereby pressing the door portion 111. This configuration can suppress leakage of the first air and the second air, i.e., mixing of the first air and the second air. Furthermore, it can suppress displacement of the vaporization filters due to vibrations, etc. Furthermore, it can prevent the vaporization filters from being installed incorrectly when they are removed during maintenance work, etc.

[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, thereby performing a sealing function and suppressing 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 a 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 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 as hoses made of soft resin or piping made of hard resin. When the tank 12 is installed on a mobile object as in this embodiment, it is preferable to install the tank 12 behind or at the feet of an operator so that it can be easily supplied with water 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 the head guard or the like to ensure visibility for the operator and to prevent leakage due to being caught during operation.

[0066] A water supply pump 913 and a water supply sensor are provided in the water supply channel 91. When the housing 11 and the tank 12 are placed in different locations and a difference in elevation (head) occurs between the housing 11 and the tank 12, water can be sent 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 channel 91, and outputs a sensor value (detection value) corresponding to the amount of water flowing in the water supply channel 91.

[0067] A portion 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. The portion of the supply water passage 91 housed inside the housing 11 is provided in an upstream space (intake flow path 51) separated by a dust collection filter 53. When the air conditioner 1 is mounted on a mobile 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 flow path 51) exchanges heat with the intake air flowing in the intake flow path 51, and the water (supply water) is cooled by the intake air, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner 1. 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 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 through second flow path 62 downstream of sensible heat exchanger 4.

[0068] Water (supply water) flowing into the water supply unit 33 is divided into a first supply water passage 911 on the side of the first vaporization filter 31 and a second supply water passage 912 on the side of the second vaporization filter 32, 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, drips onto the second vaporization filter 32. The water dripping onto the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 permeates the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, respectively. At this time, the water (supply water) drips sequentially from the first water supply hole 331 and the second water supply hole 332 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 arranged side by side above the sensible heat exchanger 4. The water supply pump 913 is arranged 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) are in communication with each other via, for example, a stop valve (shut-off 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 accessible by opening the top plate of housing 11. This improves 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, there is no need to provide mounting space above and below, and the height of housing 11 can be reduced, allowing for a more compact product.

[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) via 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 has a branch passage that branches into first supply water passage 911 and second supply water passage 912. This branch passage may be located above sensible heat exchanger 4. The branch passage formed in supply water passage 91 connects first supply water passage 911 and second supply water passage 912 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 evaporation filter 31 via the first water supply hole 331, as in embodiment 1. The water (supply water) flowing into the second water supply section 33B via the second supply water passage 912 drips onto the second evaporation filter 32 via the second water supply hole 332, as in embodiment 1.

[0074] The drain pan 34 and the tank 12 are connected by a recovery water passage 92. A recovery pump 923 is provided in the recovery water passage 92, and the recovery water passage 92 connects the housing 11 (main body) and the tank 12 (separate body) via, for example, a stop valve (shut-off valve). Water (recovered water) that flows 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 location in the drain pan 34, merged as the recovery water channel 92, and connected to the recovery pump 923. That is, in the drain pan 34, the first recovery water channel 921 after the first vaporization filter 31 is added and the second recovery water channel 922 after the second vaporization filter 32 is added may be collected (merged) in one location. With this configuration, even if the air conditioner 1 is placed on a moving body and the housing 11 is tilted due to the movement of the moving body, for example, the water that flows down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be collected in one location in the drain pan 34, i.e., the communication hole that communicates with the recovery water channel 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 tilts, 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 via the recovery water channel 92 by the recovery pump 923, the water can be reliably recovered in the tank 12.

[0076] The tank 12 is connected to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 by a supply water channel 91 and a recovery water channel 92. Therefore, a circulation circuit is formed in which water is recovered (returned) to the tank 12 via the tank 12, the supply water channel 91, the water supply unit 33, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, the drain pan 34, and the recovery water channel 92. This circulation circuit efficiently recovers water that was not vaporized by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 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 example of the arrangement of sensible heat exchanger 4. Fig. 3 omits some components, such as dust collection filter 53 and water supply unit 33. Sensible heat exchanger 4 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. First path 41 and second path 42 provided in sensible heat exchanger 4 are orthogonal to each other, and in this embodiment, the intersection angle between first path 41 and second path 42 is, e.g., 90°.

[0078] Sensible heat exchanger 4 has end faces (side faces) including first inlet-side opening face 431, second inlet-side opening face 432, first outlet-side opening face 441, and second outlet-side opening face 442, and the angle between adjacent end faces (side faces) is, for example, 90°. First inlet-side opening face 431, second inlet-side opening face 432, first outlet-side opening face 441, and second outlet-side opening face 442 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction when sensible heat exchanger 4 is viewed from the front. That is, first inlet-side opening face 431 is adjacent to second inlet-side opening face 432, second inlet-side opening face 432 is adjacent to first outlet-side opening face 441, first outlet-side opening face 441 is adjacent to second outlet-side opening face 442, and second outlet-side opening face 442 is adjacent to first inlet-side opening face 431.

[0079] Sensible heat exchanger 4 is housed in housing 11 so 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 sake of explanation, angle θ is defined as the angle formed between the inner surface of the front side of housing 11 and first outlet-side opening surface 441. For example, angle θ is an acute angle greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees. The lower limit of angle θ, 10 degrees, may be set to ensure a sufficient path diameter for first flow path 61. The upper limit of angle θ may be determined based 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 connectable. In addition, to facilitate the flow of the second air to the fan motor 8 and the electric unit 13, 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 fan motor 8 and electric unit 13, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of fan motor 8 and electric unit 13. Sensible heat exchanger 4 is housed in housing 11 in a state rotated by angle θ corresponding to the acute angle from a parallel state (attitude position) in which the angle formed between the inner surface of housing 11 and the end face of sensible heat exchanger 4 opposite the inner surface is 0°. As a result, for example, since housing 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped and sensible heat exchanger 4 is a cube, the angle between first inlet side opening surface 431 and the inner surface of the rear side of housing 11 opposite first inlet side opening surface 431 is equal to the angle between first outlet side opening surface 441 and the inner surface of the front side of housing 11 opposite first outlet side opening surface 441. By housing sensible heat exchanger 4 in housing 11 in this state rotated by a predetermined rotation angle, it is possible to ensure a large heat exchangeable area (heat exchange area) in sensible heat exchanger 4 relative to the size of housing 11. Furthermore, by setting θ to an angle greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees, but not equal to 45 degrees, the length of the housing 11 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions can be made shorter than when the angle is set at 45 degrees. This reduces the front-to-back and left-to-right length of housing 11 relative to the heat exchange area, thereby enabling miniaturization. Similarly, 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, so the left-to-right length of cooling unit 3 can be shortened, and the area of ​​door portion 111 provided for maintenance can also be reduced.

[0080] By rotating 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 the distance 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 reduces 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 the distance from the first outlet-side opening surface 441 increases (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. 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. 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 to 120 degrees. Furthermore, considering a case where the sensible heat exchanger 4 is rhombic, the relationship between the angle (β) and the angle (α) is preferably expressed as approximately β = α ± 30 degrees. By providing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 in an L-shaped bend, the inside of the L-shape formed by the end faces of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be aligned with the corners of the sensible heat exchanger 4. This improves the storability of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and allows for a more compact housing 11. In FIG. 3 , the length of the first outlet-side opening surface 441 and the first vaporization filter 31 is slightly shorter for compactness. However, the length of the first vaporization filter 31 may be changed as appropriate. As an example, the lengths of the first outlet-side opening surface 441 and the first vaporization filter 31 are preferably determined so that the flow path stage areas are approximately the same. This reduces pressure loss due to changes in the flow path cross-sectional area. Furthermore, it is preferable that a wall surface (sealing member) that defines a flow path be installed 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 to achieve compactness. However, the length of the second vaporization filter 32 may be changed as appropriate. As an example, the lengths of the second outlet side opening surface 442 and the second vaporization filter 32 are preferably determined so that the flow path step areas are approximately the same. This reduces pressure loss due to changes in the flow path cross-sectional area. In addition, it is preferable that a wall surface defining the flow path be formed between the second outlet side opening surface 442 and the second vaporization filter 32 so that the second air passing 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 main body 300, a first vaporization filter 31, a second vaporization filter 32, a drain pan 34, and a water supply unit 33. The water supply unit 33 includes a first water supply unit 33A and a second water supply unit 33B, which are configured separately. The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are detachably attached to the unit main body 300, and the drain pan 34 is provided below the unit main 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, i.e., at a location corresponding to the corner of the L-shape formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32.

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

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

[0085] In the illustrations of this embodiment, the structure of the first water supply section 33A constituting the water supply section 33 will be described based on the first water supply section 33A. The first water supply section 33A is a box-shaped body with a hollow interior. A plurality of first water supply holes 331 are provided on the bottom surface of the first water supply section 33A along the longitudinal direction of the container section 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 section 33A is placed. As an example, the first water supply holes 331 are arranged in the longitudinal direction point-symmetrically with respect to the first water supply hole 331 provided in the center of the container section 333. By arranging the container section 333 upstream of the first air passing through the first vaporization filter 31, the first water supply holes 331 provided in the container section 333 may be 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 main body 300 and arranged in an L-shape. The unit main 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, thereby being arranged in an L-shape. The angle between the L-shaped first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is, for example, 60 to 120 degrees. By arranging 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 aligned with the corner. This improves the storability of these filters and allows the housing 11 to be made more compact.

[0087] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 each include a rectangular filter element 35, which is made of, 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 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 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 the side of the filter element 35, and may be the same part (common part) having the same configuration and shape.

[0089] The filter element 35 is made of a soft material, such as rayon, polyester, or nonwoven fabric, that can be deformed by external forces. The filter element 35 is water-absorbent, and water (supply water) supplied from the tank 12 penetrates the entire surface of the filter element 35, promoting evaporation of the water. The filter element 35 has a rectangular or square shape in side view, and forms a rectangular parallelepiped corresponding to the thickness of the filter element 35.

[0090] The rectangular filter element 35 has a notch 351 at a lower corner in the flow direction of dripping water (the lower left corner in this embodiment). The notch 351 forms a step structure on the underside of the filter element 35. The step structure is not limited to a single-step structure, but may be a multi-step structure with two or more steps. The notch 351 is not limited to a structure that forms such a step structure, and may be, for example, a tapered shape in which a 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 shorter 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 attached 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 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 in the vertical direction.

[0093] The plate member 36 has a flange portion 362 that protrudes from the outer edge of the front plate member 36 on the front surface 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 position that is more inward than 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 the ends of the core members 37 are joined to the rear surface of the plate member 36. The core members 37 are made of the same resin as 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 used to make 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 main body 300. As shown in FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating one configuration in which vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) are attached to attachment portion 301 of unit main body 300. Unit main body 300 forms the outer shell of cooling unit 3 and includes attachment portion 301 to which vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31, second vaporization filter 32) are detachably attached. Unit main body 300 may include drain pan 34 located below attached first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, or drain pan 34 may be configured as a separate body from unit main body 300 and detachably attached to unit main body 300.

[0099] The unit body 300 has two mounting portions 301, one for mounting the first vaporization filter 31 and the other for mounting the second vaporization filter 32. The mounting portion 301 for mounting the first vaporization filter 31 forms a rectangular frame, and includes an insertion hole 304 for inserting the first vaporization filter 31, and a holding portion 302 for holding the bottom of the inserted first vaporization filter 31.

[0100] The mounting portion 301 to which the second vaporization filter 32 is attached has the same configuration as the mounting portion 301 to which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached. The two mounting portions 301 to which the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are respectively inserted are arranged in the unit body 300 so as to form an L-shape.

[0101] The insertion hole 304 is formed by the inner edge of the frame of the mounting portion 301, and is a rectangular hole that is long in the vertical direction, similar to the side surface of the filter element 35. The point where the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301 to which the first vaporization filter 31 is attached and the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 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 portions 301.

[0102] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are inserted through the insertion holes 304 with the side surfaces on which the plate member 36 is not provided facing the insertion holes 304, and are attached to the respective mounting portions 301. The attached first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are housed inside the frame of the mounting portion 301.

[0103] The holding part 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 part 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 part 302 and are held by the holding part 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, so that the dust filter 303 is stored inside the box. By providing the dust filter 303, even if dust is contained in the dripping water 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, the dust filter 303 can capture 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 main body 300, the plate member 36 can be used as the front side and 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 notch 351 is not provided is greater than the longitudinal length (h1) of the insertion hole 304 of the mounting portion 301, but 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 main body 300. The filter element 35 inserted through the insertion hole 304 and attached to the mounting portion 301 returns to its original shape, so that the longitudinal length of the side surface on which the plate member 36 is not provided becomes greater than the longitudinal length of the insertion hole 304. Therefore, in the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the filter element 35 through which air passes can be made relatively large, thereby improving the vaporization efficiency.

[0110] When the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301, the insertion hole 304 is closed by the flange portion 362 of the plate member 36 of the first vaporization filter 31. A frame-shaped seal member 363 is provided between the contact surface of the frame that forms the insertion hole 304 and the back surface of the 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 inter-surface distance between the top surface (upper surface) of the filter element 35 and the top 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. Therefore, when the first vaporization filter 31 is pulled out from the attachment portion 301, the first vaporization filter 31 attached to the unit main body 300 can be removed without the bottom surface of the filter element 35 coming into contact with the dust collected by the dust filter 303.

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

[0113] Alternatively, the bottom surface (lower surface) of the filter element 35 may be in elastic contact with the upper surface of the dust filter 303 provided in the holding portion 302, 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 (greater) 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 when 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, and the first vaporization filter 31 is attached to the attachment portion 301 of the unit main body 300 with the bottom of the filter element 35 in a bent state. This further prevents air from bypassing the first vaporization filter 31 without passing through the filter element 35.

[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 is a box-shaped 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 when 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 the 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 away from these 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 body 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 body 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 these first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, and can maintain the state in which first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are attached to mounting portion 301.

[0118] The first pressing portion 381 (side plate portion) and the second pressing portion 382 (bottom plate portion) are formed with recessed portions 383 formed by recesses or the like, and have a shape recessed toward the inside of the box. When the fixing member 38 is placed 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 plates of the box body that constitutes the fixing member 38 are provided with engaging portions such as convex portions that protrude from the outer surfaces of these side plates, and these convex portions engage with engaging portions such as concave portions provided in the unit body 300, thereby positioning the fixing member 38 relative to the unit body 300. With this configuration, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 attached to the unit body 300 can be efficiently fixed by the single fixing member 38.

[0120] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which fixing member 38 is installed. 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 or 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 the corner of the L-shape formed by the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, i.e., it is 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., when it is attached to the unit body 300, the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are covered by the fixing member 38.

[0122] By removing the fixing member 38 from the unit body 300, the plate members 36 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are exposed, i.e., they become visible through the door portion 111 provided on the side of the housing 11. In this state, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be removed from the unit body 300 by pulling out the grip portions 361 provided on the respective plate members 36, and the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be taken out of the 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 when the first vaporization filter 31 is pulled out of the unit body 300 is the vertical side of the L, and the direction of movement when the second vaporization filter 32 is pulled out of the unit body 300 is the horizontal side of the L. Therefore, the directions of movement when the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are pulled out of the unit body 300 intersect.

[0124] Similarly, when first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are attached to unit body 300, i.e., when they are inserted into insertion hole 304 of attachment portion 301, their respective movement directions also intersect. In this way, the respective movement directions when first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32 are attached and detached to and from housing 11 intersect, which allows a partial spatial area to overlap 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 larger.

[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 the 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 cutout portions 351, and the filter elements 35 are rectangular parallelepipeds that do not have any portions missing due to the cutout portions 351. This improves the productivity of the filter elements 35.

[0127] Similar to the first embodiment, the plate member 36 includes a front surface positioned opposite the filter element 35 and a rear surface positioned on the filter element 35 side. 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 and the side surface of the filter element 35 facing the plate member 36 are opposed to each other, and the plate member 36 and the filter element 35 are joined together.

[0128] The dimensional relationship between the insertion hole 304 of the 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 the first vaporization filter 31 is mounted on the mounting portion 301. The configuration of the mounting portion 301 of the unit main body in embodiment 2 is the same as 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 and the longitudinal length of the side surface on the side where the plate member 36 is not provided are equal lengths (the longitudinal length of the side surface of the filter element 35: L3). The longitudinal length (L2) of the rear surface (adhesive 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 (adhesive 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 (adhesive 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 (adhesive 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 dimensional relationships, 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 holder 302 is a box-shaped body with an open top, as in the first embodiment, and has a bottom surface provided with a plurality of communication holes that communicate with the drain pan 34. The bottom surface of the holder 302, which forms a box, is provided with a holding rib 305 for holding the dust filter 303. The holding rib 305 is, for example, formed of one or more protrusions (linear ribs) that protrude upward from the bottom surface of the holder 302 and are arranged 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 formed as a protrusion that is parallel to the movement direction when the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 is attached or detached and protrudes above the dust filter 303. Therefore, 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 improves the operability when attaching or detaching the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The retaining rib 305 prevents 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 prevents foreign matter accumulated on the dust filter 303 from coming into contact with the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32. The retaining rib 305 also makes it possible to 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 reduced in part. 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 to be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. 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 meaning and scope of 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 363 Frame-shaped sealing member 37 Core member 38 Fixing member 381 First pressing part 382 Second pressing part 383 Recess 4. Sensible heat exchanger 41 Route 1 42 Route 2 431 First entrance side opening 432 Second entrance side opening 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 Channel 71 1st outlet 711 Air outlet duct 72 2nd outlet 8 Fan motor 81 First Fan 82 Second Fan 83 Divider 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 space to be air-conditioned, a detachable evaporative filter that cools the air passing through it with the latent heat of water; The vaporization filter is a rectangular filter element through which water penetrates from above; a rectangular plate member provided on a side surface of the filter element, The lower end of the filter element protrudes downward from the lower edge of the surface of the plate member that faces the filter element. A cooling unit characterized by:

2. The vaporization filter is a plurality of core members penetrating 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. The cooling unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plate member is provided with a grip portion that is gripped when attaching or detaching the plate member.

4. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit having a cooling function.

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 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.

5. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit having a cooling function.

6. The plate member is provided with a flange portion that protrudes from an outer edge of the plate member, The flange portion closes the insertion hole.

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.

8. The cooling unit according to claim 5, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit having a cooling element.

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.

8. The cooling unit according to claim 5, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit having a cooling element.

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.

8. The cooling unit according to claim 5, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit having a cooling element.

11. the evaporative filter includes a first evaporative filter that cools first air blown into the conditioned space by using latent heat of water, and a second evaporative filter that cools 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.

11. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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; 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; and 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 and closable manner on a side surface of each of the first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter on which the plate member is provided, The first vaporization filter and the second vaporization filter are detachably provided on the housing through the inspection hole. Air conditioner.

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

14. The air conditioner according to claim 13.

Images