air conditioner

Abstract

To provide more useful air conditioners. [Solution] The air conditioner includes vaporization filters 31 and 32 that cool the air passing through using the heat of vaporization of water, water supply bodies 33A and 33B located above the vaporization filters and supplying water to the vaporization filters, and a water supply guide disposed between the vaporization filters and the water supply bodies. The water supply guide has a guide wall that guides the water received from the water supply bodies toward the vaporization filters, and a rib that guides the water guided by the guide wall into the interior of the vaporization filters. The rib is inserted into the vaporization filters from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an evaporative cooling type air conditioner that sucks indoor air, utilizes the latent heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and blows out the cooled air into the room. For example, it is shown in Patent Document 1. In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the air flowing through the second flow path passes through a plurality of tubes of the sensible heat exchanger, and the air flowing through the first flow path passes around the plurality of tubes. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the air flowing through the second flow path and the air flowing through the first flow path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to providing a more useful air conditioner.

[0005] The invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a more useful air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an evaporative filter that cools the air passing through it using the heat of vaporization of water, a water supply body located above the evaporative filter and supplying water to the evaporative filter, and a water supply guide disposed between the evaporative filter and the water supply body, wherein the water supply guide has a guide wall that guides the water received from the water supply body toward the evaporative filter, and ribs that guide the water guided by the guide wall into the interior of the evaporative filter, and the ribs are inserted into the evaporative filter from above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] We can provide highly useful air conditioning units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view from above illustrating one configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of an air conditioner. [Figure 3] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensible heat exchanger. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram (top view) illustrating the internal structure of the water supply unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a water supply guide, etc. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of water supply guides and other related elements. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view from above illustrating a water supply guide. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective view from below illustrating a water supply guide. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water supply guide. [Figure 10] This is a schematic plan view of the water supply guide. [Figure 11] This is a schematic front view of the water supply guide. [Figure 12] This is a schematic bottom view of the water supply guide. [Figure 13]This is a schematic side view of the water supply guide. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of water from a water supply guide. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Embodiment 1) The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view from above illustrating one configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the air conditioner 1. Note that Figure 1 is a schematic view from above of a cross-section (a cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction) obtained by cutting Figure 2 horizontally. The air conditioner 1 comprises a box-shaped housing 11 and a tank 12 which is constructed separately from the housing 11 (main body). For example, it is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle and cools the space around the operator of the moving body as the space to be air-conditioned. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 may be mounted indoors, such as in a factory. The mounting state of the air conditioner 1 shown in Figure 1 (top view, viewpoint from above) is shown as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1, with front, back, left, and right views. The mounting state of the air conditioner 1 shown in Figure 2 is shown as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1, with top, bottom, front, back, left, and right views.

[0010] The air conditioner 1 comprises a water storage tank 12 and a cooling unit 3 including two vaporization filters consisting of a first vaporization filter 31 and a second vaporization filter 32. The air conditioner 1 cools the conditioned space by using the heat of vaporization of water supplied from the tank 12 through the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 to lower the ambient temperature, and is, for example, an evaporative cooling type air conditioner.

[0011] The cooling unit 3 includes a first vaporization filter 31 and a second vaporization filter 32, a unit body 300 to which these vaporization filters (the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32) are detachably attached, a water supply body 33, and a drain pan 34. Details of the unit body 300 will be described later. The water supply body 33 is provided above the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and supplies water to the lower first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32. That is, the water supply body 33 includes a first water supply body 33A disposed above the first vaporization filter 31 and a second water supply body 33B disposed above the second vaporization filter 32. A water supply guide 2 is interposed between the first water supply body 33A and the first vaporization filter 31 and between the second water supply body 33B and the second vaporization filter 32. Details of the water supply guide 2 will be described later. The drain pan 34 is located below the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 and receives water that has not vaporized in the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. Details of the cooling unit 3 will be described later.

[0012] The air conditioner 1 further includes a sensible heat exchanger 4, which cools the first air by performing heat exchange between the second air that has passed through the second vaporization filter 32 and the first air before it passes through the first vaporization filter 31, and passes the cooled first air through the first vaporization filter 31 to cool the first air in two stages. The first air is cooled in two stages by being cooled by sensible heat exchange without increasing its humidity and then being vaporization-cooled, and the first air cooled in two stages is blown into the air-conditioned space as supply air (SA: Service Air). The second air is discharged to the outside of the housing 11 as exhaust air (EA: Exhaust Air).

[0013] The housing 11 of the air conditioner 1 is provided with two suction ports 5 for sucking air from the air-conditioned space, a first blowout port 71 for blowing out the first air that has passed through the sensible heat exchanger 4 and the first vaporization filter 31 and has been cooled in two stages into the air-conditioned space as supply air, and a second blowout port 72 for blowing out the second air that has passed through the second vaporization filter 32 and the sensible heat exchanger 4 and has exchanged sensible heat with the first air as exhaust air. The first blowout port 71 and the second blowout port 72 are provided on the same side surface (the left side surface in this embodiment) of the housing 11.

[0014] The air conditioner 1 includes a fan for conveying the first air and the second air, and the fan includes a first fan 81 for conveying the first air and a second fan 82 for conveying the second air. The shapes of the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 in FIG. 1 represent an example of the outer shell shape. The fan including the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The first fan 81 is provided near the first air outlet 71, and the second fan 82 is provided near the second air outlet 72. That is, as the air flow of the air conditioner 1, when the two suction ports 5 are the most upstream ends and the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are the most downstream ends, the first fan 81 and the second fan 82 are provided on the downstream side 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 keep the air circulation path in the air conditioner 1 under negative pressure. By keeping the air flow path under negative pressure, a configuration is adopted to promote the penetration (absorption) of water from the water supply body 33 to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, a configuration is adopted to promote the dripping of water from the water supply body 33 to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32.

[0015] The first fan 81 and the second fan 82 share a single fan motor 8 and are fastened to the respective shafts provided at both ends of the fan motor 8. Between the second fan 82 and the first fan 81, a partition plate 83 is provided to partition the space where the second fan 82 is provided and the space where the first fan 81 is provided. By the partition plate 83, it is possible to prevent the first air conveyed by the first fan 81 and the second air conveyed by the second fan 82 from mixing.

[0016] The fan motor 8, the first fan 81, and the second fan 82 are arranged in a fan chamber partitioned by a fan casing 84. This fan chamber is partitioned by the fan casing 84, which is partly made of a heat-insulating material such as expanded polystyrene. A partition plate 83 provided between the second fan 82 and the first fan 81 constitutes part of the fan casing 84.

[0017] The air conditioner 1 is provided with an intake passage 51, a branch passage 52, a first passage 61, and a second passage 62 as air circulation paths. The branch passage 52 branches the intake passage 51 into the first passage 61 and the second passage 62. The intake passage 51 starts from two intake ports 5 located in the rear and right directions and communicates with the sensible heat exchanger 4 via the branch passage 52. The first passage 61 is the space communicated along the arrow representing supply air (SA) in Figure 1. The second passage 62 is the space communicated along the arrow representing exhaust air (EA) in Figure 1. Furthermore, the intake passage 51 and the branch passage 52 are common areas before air is distributed to the first passage 61 and the second passage 62. In other words, the air inside the intake passage 51 and the branch passage 52 is both the first air and the second air.

[0018] The branched flow path 52 communicates with the two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4. The two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4 include the inlet of the first path 41 into which the first air flows, and the inlet of the second path 42 into which the second air flows. The inlet of the first path 41 is formed on the first inlet-side opening surface 431. The inlet of the second path 42 is formed on the second inlet-side opening surface 432. The first path 41 constitutes a part of the first flow path 61. The second path 42 constitutes a part of the second flow path 62. That is, in the direction of the flow of suction air flowing into the suction flow path 51, the branched flow path 52 and the sensible heat exchanger 4 are provided downstream of the suction flow path 51 in this order.

[0019] The intake air flows into either the first path 41 or the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 through the branched flow path 52. In other words, the intake air is divided in the branched flow path 52 into a first air that flows into the first path 41 and a second air that flows into the second path 42.

[0020] A dust collection filter 53 is interposed between the two suction ports 5 and the two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (the inlet of the first path 41 and the inlet of the second path 42). The dust collection filter 53 is made of polyester or olefin fibers and includes a filter portion that captures dust and a grid-like frame that fixes the filter portion. The dust collection filter 53 may be formed by insert molding, in which the filter portion is placed inside a resin mold and then resin, which will be the material for the frame, is poured in. The dust collection filter 53, which is made of a resin frame, is flexible and is provided in a curved shape so as to cover the inlets of the first path 41 and the second path 42 of the sensible heat exchanger 4. When providing the dust collection filter 53 in a curved shape, a guide portion, which is made of a groove or the like, is provided on the inner surface of the housing 11, into which the longitudinal edge of the dust collection filter 53 fits.

[0021] The dust collection filter 53 is curved as shown in Figure 1 because its first inlet-side opening surface 431 and second inlet-side opening surface 432 are located on different end faces (side surfaces) of the sensible heat exchanger 4. This allows the dust collection filter 53 to cover both the first inlet-side opening surface 431 and the second inlet-side opening surface 432 with a single filter. By using a single dust collection filter 53, the effort required to attach and detach the filter 53 is reduced, thereby reducing the man-hours required for maintenance work.

[0022] Each end of the dust collection filter 53 is provided with a sealing member 531. The ends of the dust collection filter 53 include the end on the first path 41 side and the end on the second path 42 side. The end on the first path 41 side is located at the point of contact between the first inlet side opening surface 431, where the inlet of the first path 41 is provided, and the inner surface of the housing 11 facing the first inlet side opening surface 431. The end on the second path 42 side is located between the drain pan 34, which will be described later, and the inner surface of the housing 11 adjacent to the drain pan 34. The sealing member 531 fills the gap between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the dust collection filter 53.

[0023] The space between the two inlets of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (the inlet of the first path 41 and the inlet of the second path 42) and the suction port 5 is divided by the dust collection filter 53 into an upstream space and a downstream space in the flow direction of the first and second air. In other words, the dust collection filter 53 divides the space into an upstream space, which is the space surrounded by the housing 11 having the suction port 5 and the dust collection filter 53, and a downstream space, which is the space surrounded by the dust collection filter 53, the first inlet side opening surface 431, and the second inlet side opening surface 432. The upstream space corresponds to the suction flow path 51. The downstream space corresponds to the branch flow path 52. The suction flow path 51 is a path shared by the first path 41 and the second path 42 upstream of the branch flow path 52. Therefore, the two suction ports 5 can also be shared by the first path 41 and the second path 42, and the opening area of ​​the two suction ports 5 can be increased to reduce the flow resistance (pressure loss) in the intake air. Furthermore, in order to reduce flow resistance, a configuration in which the two suction ports 5 are connected may be adopted. Specifically, similar to the dust collection filter 53, the side of the housing 11 may be curved, and one suction port 5 may be formed on the curved side to widen the opening area. In this case, the volume of the upstream space can be minimized, and the effects of turbulence and other factors that may occur in the upstream space can be minimized.

[0024] As described above, the sensible heat exchanger 4 is provided with a first path 41 through which first air flows and a second path 42 through which second air flows. The first path 41 constitutes a part of the first flow path 61 which communicates with the first outlet 71. The second path 42 constitutes a part of the second flow path 62 which communicates with the second outlet 72. The first path 41 and the second path 42 in the sensible heat exchanger 4 are made up of a plurality of resin plates having a hollow structure, and these resin plates are arranged in parallel. By making the thickness of the resin plates thinner, the heat transfer performance can be improved and the weight of the sensible heat exchanger 4 can be reduced. The hollow structure may also be made up of metal plates.

[0025] The resin plates constituting the first path 41 and the resin plates constituting the second path 42 are stacked and arranged perpendicular to the flow directions of the first and second air, and sensible heat exchange takes place between the first and second air through these resin plates. The first path 41 and the second path 42 are perpendicular to each other, so that a direct alternating current is formed by the first air flowing through the first path 41 and the second air flowing through the second path 42.

[0026] Each end face (side surface) of the sensible heat exchanger 4 is provided with an inlet for the first path 41, an inlet for the second path 42, an outlet for the first path 41, and an outlet for the second path 42. The end face (side surface) where the inlet for the first path 41 is provided corresponds to the first inlet-side opening surface 431. The end face (side surface) where the inlet for the second path 42 is provided corresponds to the second inlet-side opening surface 432. The end face (side surface) where the outlet for the first path 41 is provided corresponds to the first outlet-side opening surface 441. The end face (side surface) where the outlet for the second path 42 is provided corresponds to the second outlet-side opening surface 442. In other words, the first path 41 is formed by stacking multiple spaces that communicate from the first inlet-side opening surface 431 toward the first outlet-side opening surface 441. Similarly, the second path 42 is formed by stacking multiple spaces that communicate from the second inlet-side opening surface 432 toward the second outlet-side opening surface 442.

[0027] In the second airflow direction, a second vaporization filter 32 is provided upstream of the second inlet opening surface 432. The second vaporization filter 32, which has a rectangular shape in the top view of Figure 1, is provided with one surface facing the second inlet opening surface 432. In the first airflow direction, a first vaporization filter 31 is provided downstream of the first outlet opening surface 441. The first vaporization filter 31, which has a rectangular shape in the top view of Figure 1, is provided with one surface facing the first outlet opening surface 441.

[0028] The second air, which is diverted in the branch channel 52, passes through the second vaporization filter 32, is cooled by the second vaporization filter 32, and then flows into the interior of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (second path 42) from the inlet of the second path 42 provided on the second inlet side opening surface 432. The first air, which is diverted in the branch channel 52, flows into the interior of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (first path 41) from the inlet of the first path 41 provided on the first inlet side opening surface 431.

[0029] The first air flowing through the first path 41 and the second air flowing through the second path 42 exchange heat via the sensible heat exchanger 4. The second air flowing through the second path 42 is cooled by the second vaporization filter 32, and the temperature of the second air is lower than the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is drawn in at the intake port 5. The temperature of the first air immediately after it flows into the inlet of the first path 41 is the same as (equivalent to) the temperature of the intake air immediately after it is drawn in at the intake port 5, but it is cooled by the second air flowing through the second path 42 via the sensible heat exchanger 4. Specifically, since the temperature of the first air is higher than that of the second air, heat is absorbed by the second air. As a result, the temperature of the first air and the second air becomes lower than that of the intake air and the air outside the housing 11.

[0030] The first air flowing out from the outlet of the first path 41 is further cooled by the first vaporization filter 31. As a result, the first air is cooled in two stages. That is, the first air is cooled by two cooling sources: the first air is used as an indirect cooling source via the second air from the second vaporization filter 32, and the first vaporization filter 31 is used as a direct cooling source. In other words, only sensible heat is exchanged in the first stage, and total heat exchange occurs in the second stage. This results in a lower wet-bulb temperature than cooling by vaporization or sensible heat exchange alone, or cooling by sensible heat exchange after vaporization cooling. In addition, the amount of water vaporized during total heat exchange is reduced, which prevents an unpleasant increase in humidity.

[0031] The first air, which flows out from the outlet of the first path 41 of the sensible heat exchanger 4 (an outlet provided on the first outlet-side opening surface 441) and passes through the first vaporization filter 31, is transported by the first fan 81 located downstream of the first vaporization filter 31 and blown out as supply air (SA) into the conditioned space from the first outlet 71. The first outlet 71 may be provided with a discharge duct 711, for example, which is made of a bellows structure, and the first air may be blown out as supply air (SA) in a direction adjusted by the discharge duct 711. This makes it possible to cool the space around the operator of the mobile unit as the conditioned space. The first fan 81 is located downstream of the first vaporization filter 31, but is not limited to this, and the first fan 81 may be located upstream of the first vaporization filter 31.

[0032] The second air that flows 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 (EA) from the second outlet 72 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0033] The first outlet 71 and the second outlet 72 are located on the same side of the housing 11 (the left side in this embodiment). The second outlet 72 faces the direction of the first outlet 71, and the exhaust air (EA) blown out from the second outlet 72 may be blown out near the vicinity of the discharge duct 711 attached to the first outlet 71. More specifically, the second outlet 72 is located in front of the second fan 82, so that the second air supplied by the second fan 82 is blown out in the left-front direction. In addition, if there is a discharge duct 711, the rise in the external surface temperature of the discharge duct 711 due to direct sunlight or lighting can be suppressed.

[0034] As shown in the illustration of this embodiment, a door portion 111 that can be opened and closed is provided on one of the sides of the housing 11 that does not have the two intake ports 5, the first outlet port 71, and the second outlet port 72. The side on which the door portion 111 is provided is the side corresponding to the location where the end of the first vaporization filter 31 and the end of the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent, and is the side closest to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. By opening the door portion 111 (setting it to the open state), the inside of the housing 11 can be accessed from the outside, and maintenance work such as replacing the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 can be performed. Preferably, the door portion 111 is fixed to the housing 11 by a hinge connecting one end other than the upper end, and the end of the door portion 111 opposite to the hinged end is fixed to the housing 11 by an openable and closable locking mechanism. This prevents the door portion 111 from falling off when open and makes it easier to maintain the open state during maintenance. At the point where the end of the first vaporization filter 31 and the end of the second vaporization filter 32 are adjacent, fixing members 38 are provided that abut against each of these ends and, when the door portion 111 is closed, press against these ends to fix the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 in place. The arrangement of the door portion 111, the fixing members 38, and the vaporization filters (first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32), including maintenance work such as replacing the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 as described above, will be described later.

[0035] When performing the maintenance work, after opening the door 111, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be slid horizontally to make them detachable, thereby reducing the height of the housing 11, and thus the height of the product. This improves maintainability. The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are integrally molded with a plate member 36 (see Figure 5) made of resin or the like on only one side. This improves maintainability for the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 while suppressing air leakage from the element portions of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, that is, preventing air from flowing without passing through the element portion. A handle or grip portion 361 is provided on the resin member (plate member 36) integrally molded on one side of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. When performing maintenance work, the worker can easily attach and detach the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 by holding the handle portion, thereby improving maintainability. The two vaporization filters, consisting of a first vaporization filter 31 and a second vaporization filter 32, may be designed to be pull out in an intersecting manner. This configuration allows for the commonality of parts, which can lead to cost reductions through reduced part costs. Furthermore, the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be removed from a limited inspection opening space depending on the size of the housing 11, thereby enabling miniaturization of the housing 11 and, consequently, the product size. Fixing parts, such as retainers, are provided to prevent the two vaporization filters, consisting of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, from moving. These retainers (fixing parts) contact and press against a part of the door 111, thereby pressing the door 111 against it. This configuration suppresses leakage between the first and second air, i.e., mixing of the first and second air. In addition, it can suppress displacement of the vaporization filters due to vibration, etc. Furthermore, this prevents the vaporization filter from being improperly installed when it is removed or reinstalled during maintenance work.

[0036] The inner surface of the door portion 111 may be provided with a suppression member to prevent air from entering the first flow path 61 without passing through the first vaporization filter 31. The suppression member may be made of, for example, a sealing material, and when the door portion 111 is closed (closed state), it is sandwiched between the inner surface of the door portion 111 and the edge of the first vaporization filter 31 or the end face of the fixing member 38, thereby performing a sealing function and preventing air from entering the first flow path 61 without passing through the first vaporization filter 31.

[0037] The air conditioner 1 includes a tank 12 for storing water supplied to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The tank 12 is constructed separately from the housing 11 that houses the first vaporization filter 31, the second vaporization filter 32, etc. In the air conditioner 1, the housing 11, which is the main body, and the tank 12, which is constructed separately, are connected (in communication) 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 does not vaporize 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 constructed by hoses made of flexible resin or pipes made of rigid resin. When installed on a mobile unit as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the tank 12 be installed behind or at the feet of the operator for easy water supply and replacement. Furthermore, it is preferable to tie the supply channel 91 and the recovery channel 92 to the pillars of the head guard or the like to ensure visibility for the operator and to prevent water leakage due to snagging during operation.

[0038] The water supply channel 91 is equipped with a water supply pump 913 and a water supply sensor. When the housing 11 and the tank 12 are placed in different locations and there is a difference in height (head) between the housing 11 and the tank 12, the water supply pump 913, which has a water supply capacity corresponding to the head, can send water from the tank 12 below to the housing 11 above. The water supply sensor is installed, for example, inside the water supply channel 91 and outputs a sensor value (detection value) corresponding to the amount of water flowing through the water supply channel 91.

[0039] A portion of the supply water channel 91 extending from the tank 12 is housed inside the housing 11 and communicates with a water supply body 33 mounted above the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32. The portion of the supply water channel 91 housed inside the housing 11 is located in the upstream space (suction channel 51) separated by the dust collection filter 53. When the air conditioner 1 is mounted on a mobile device and used outdoors, the temperature of the water in the tank 12 may be heated by direct sunlight, etc., and may become higher than the outside air temperature (temperature of the intake air). Even in such cases, the water (supply water) flowing in the supply water channel 91 located in the upstream space (suction channel 51) exchanges heat with the intake air flowing in the suction channel 51, cooling the water (supply water) with the intake air and improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner 1. The outer surface of the supply water channel 91, which is located in the upstream space, may be provided with fins or the like to increase the heat transfer area when exchanging heat with the intake air, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. Alternatively, to cool the water in the supply water channel 91, the supply water channel 91 may be arranged to pass downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 4 in the second flow path 62.

[0040] The water (supply water) flowing into the water supply body 33 is divided into a first supply channel 911 on the side of the first vaporization filter 31 and a second supply channel 912 on the side of the second vaporization filter 32. The water passes through the first water supply hole 331 provided in the water supply body 33 and drips onto the first vaporization filter 31, and then passes through the second water supply hole 332 and drips onto the second vaporization filter 32. The water that drips onto the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 permeates into the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, respectively. At this time, the water (supply water) drips 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.

[0041] The water that permeates the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 is vaporized as the first air and the second air pass through. 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 vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32.

[0042] As shown in the illustration of this embodiment, the water supply pump 913 and the recovery pump 923 are installed side by side above the sensible heat exchanger 4. The water supply pump 913 is installed in the water supply channel 91, similar to Embodiment 1, and in the water supply channel 91, the housing 11 (main body) and the tank 12 (separate body) are in communication via, for example, a stop valve (closing valve).

[0043] The recovery pump 923 and the water supply pump 913 may be mounted side-by-side above the sensible heat exchanger 4, and these pumps may be made accessible by opening the top panel of the housing 11. This improves the efficiency of work such as inspection or replacement of the recovery pump 923 and the water supply pump 913 during maintenance of the air conditioner 1. By mounting the water supply pump 913 and the recovery pump 923 side-by-side, it is not necessary to provide separate mounting spaces above and below them, which reduces the height of the housing 11 and allows for a more compact product.

[0044] Water (supply water) pumped from the tank 12 by the water supply pump 913 is supplied to the water supply bodies 33 (first water supply body 33A, second water supply body 33B) via the water supply channel 91. The water supply channel 91 between the water supply pump 913 and the first water supply body 33A and the second water supply body 33B is provided with branching channels that branch into the first water supply channel 911 and the second water supply channel 912. These branching channels may be located above the sensible heat exchanger 4. The first water supply channel 911 and the second water supply channel 912, which are branched by the branching channels formed in the water supply channel 91, are connected to the first water supply body 33A and the second water supply body 33B. That is, the first water supply channel 911 is in communication with the first water supply body 33A, and the second water supply channel 912 is in communication with the second water supply body 33B.

[0045] The water (supply water) that flows into the first water supply body 33A via the first water supply channel 911 is dripped onto the first vaporization filter 31 via the first water supply hole 331, similar to Embodiment 1. The water (supply water) that flows into the second water supply body 33B via the second water supply channel 912 is dripped onto the second vaporization filter 32 via the second water supply hole 332, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0046] The drain pan 34 and the tank 12 are connected by a recovery channel 92. The recovery pump 923 is located in the recovery channel 92, and the recovery channel 92 is connected to the housing 11 (main body) and the tank 12 (separate unit) via, for example, a stop valve (closing valve). The water that flows into the drain pan 34 (recovered water) is recovered into the tank 12 via the recovery channel 92.

[0047] The water flowing down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 may be collected in one place in the drain pan 34, merged into a recovery channel 92, and connected to a recovery pump 923. In other words, in the drain pan 34, the first recovery channel 921 after the addition of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second recovery channel 922 after the addition of the second vaporization filter 32 may be collected (merged) in one place. With this configuration, for example, even if the air conditioner 1 is placed on a mobile body and the housing 11 tilts due to the movement of the mobile body, the water flowing down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 can be collected in one place in the drain pan 34, i.e., in a communication hole that communicates with the recovery channel 92, and the water can be reliably transported by the recovery pump 923. In other words, for example, if the drain pan 34 is provided with multiple communication holes, there is a concern that when the housing 11 tilts, air may be drawn in by the recovery pump 923 from one of the communication holes, preventing water from being drawn in from the other communication holes. However, by collecting the water that has flowed down from the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 in one place in the drain pan 34 and transporting it through the recovery water channel 92 by the recovery pump 923, the water can be reliably recovered into the tank 12.

[0048] The tank 12 and the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are connected by a supply water channel 91 and a recovery water channel 92. Thus, a circulation circuit is formed in which water is recovered (returned) to the tank 12 via the tank 12, supply water channel 91, water supply body 33, first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32, drain pan 34, and recovery water channel 92. This circulation circuit efficiently recovers water that has 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.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the arrangement of the sensible heat exchanger 4. In this figure, the positional relationship between the water supply body 33 and the water supply guide 2 with respect to the sensible heat exchanger 4 is explained using a schematic bottom view shown from below the housing 11 of the air conditioner 1, and only the outer frames 21 of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are schematically shown. From below the air conditioner 1, the water supply guides 2 attached below the first water supply body 33A and the second water supply body 33B are located. The water supply guide 2 attached to the first water supply body 33A and the water supply guide 2 attached to the second water supply body 33B are of the same shape, and the details of the water supply guides 2 will be described later.

[0050] Above the first vaporization filter 31, the first water supply body 33A and the water supply guide 2 are positioned, and these first water supply body 33A and water supply guide 2 are positioned offset to the upstream side in the first airflow direction of the first vaporization filter 31. In this case, the nozzle 330 of the first water supply body 33A is located inside the through hole 26 of the water supply guide 2 attached to the first water supply body 33A. Between any two adjacent nozzles 330 of the first water supply body 33A, the rib 25 of the water supply guide 2 attached to the first water supply body 33A is located.

[0051] Above the second vaporization filter 32, the second water supply body 33B and the water supply guide 2 are positioned, and these two components are positioned offset to the upstream side in the second airflow direction of the second vaporization filter 32. In this configuration, the nozzle 330 of the second water supply body 33B is located inside the through-hole 26 of the water supply guide 2 to which the second water supply body 33B is attached. Between any two adjacent nozzles 330 of the second water supply body 33B, the rib 25 of the water supply guide 2 to which the second water supply body 33B is attached is located.

[0052] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram (top view) illustrating the internal structure of the water supply body. In this embodiment, the water supply body 33 is shown as viewed from above, and the structure of the first water supply body 33A, which constitutes the water supply body 33, will be explained based on the first water supply body 33A. The structure of the second water supply body 33B is the same as the structure of the first water supply body 33A.

[0053] The first water supply body 33A is a box-shaped body with a hollow interior, and includes a horizontally elongated container section 333 into which water (supply water) flows, and a rectangular top section 334 that seals the container section 333 from above. The opening located at the top of the container section 333 is closed by the top section 334, thereby sealing the container section 333 and forming the first water supply body 33A with a hollow interior.

[0054] The area of ​​the top surface 334 (the area of ​​the top surface 334 as viewed from above) is larger than the opening area of ​​the opening located at the top of the container portion 333, and the periphery of the top surface 334 is located outside the opening edge of the container portion 333. Therefore, the lower surface of the top surface 334 is formed with a region where the container portion 333 is provided and a peripheral region surrounding the region where the container portion 333 is provided.

[0055] A cylindrical pipe section 335 is provided in the central part of the side surface of the container section 333, and the supply water channel 91 (first supply water channel 911) is connected to this pipe section 335. The water (supply water) flowing through the first supply water channel 911 flows into the container section 333 via the pipe section 335. In other words, the pipe section 335 of the first water supply body 33A and the internal space of the container section 333 constitute a part of the first supply water channel 911. The container section 333 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the first vaporization filter 31 on which the first water supply body 33A is placed, and a T-shaped water channel is formed by the container section 333 and the pipe section 335 protruding from the side surface of the container section 333. This T-shaped water channel forms a part of the first supply water channel 911.

[0056] Multiple first water supply holes 331 are provided on the bottom surface of the container portion 333 along the longitudinal direction of the container portion 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 body 33A is placed. As an example, the first water supply holes 331 are arranged longitudinally in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the first water supply hole 331 provided in the center of the container portion 333. The container portion 333 may be positioned upstream of the first air passing through the first vaporization filter 31, thereby biasing the first water supply holes 331 provided in the container portion 333 toward the upstream side of the first air. These multiple first water supply holes 331 are formed inside the nozzle 330. The nozzle 330 is a cylindrical body that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the container portion 333, and the first water supply holes 331 are formed inside this cylindrical body.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view illustrating the water supply guide 2, etc. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of the water supply guide 2, etc. This figure explains the arrangement of the water supply guide 2 and the first water supply body 33A in the first vaporization filter 31. The same arrangement applies to the water supply guide 2 and the second water supply body 33B in the second vaporization filter 32.

[0058] A first water supply unit 33A is positioned above the first vaporization filter 31, and the water supply guide 2 is positioned between the first vaporization filter 31 and the first water supply unit 33A. Therefore, from top to bottom, that is, in the direction of water flow, the first water supply unit 33A, the water supply guide 2, and the first vaporization filter 31 are arranged in this order. The first water supply unit 33A is positioned above the water supply guide 2, and in this case, the multiple nozzles 330 protruding downward from the container portion 333 of the first water supply unit 33A are located inside the outer frame 21 formed above the water supply guide 2. In other words, the lower part of the first water supply unit 33A is located inside the water supply guide 2.

[0059] Furthermore, the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A is in surface contact with the upper surface of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2. At this time, the upper surface of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2 is pressed by the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A. The first water supply body 33A is formed of a hard resin such as polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene, and the water supply guide 2 is formed of silicone, for example; that is, the water supply guide 2 is made of a softer material than the first water supply body 33A. Therefore, when the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A and the upper surface of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2 come into surface contact, the upper surface of the water supply guide 2, which is softer than the first water supply body 33A, deforms to match the shape of the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A. This improves the airtightness between the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A and the upper surface of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2. By improving the airtightness between the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A and the upper surface of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2 in this way, it is possible to suppress or prevent gaps from forming between these surfaces, thereby preventing water from leaking from between them.

[0060] Multiple nozzles 330 are formed protruding from the lower surface of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A. In this embodiment, thirteen nozzles 330 are formed. Each nozzle 330 forms a cylindrical body protruding downward from the bottom surface of the container portion 333, and a water supply hole (first water supply hole 331) is formed inside the cylindrical body. These multiple nozzles 330 may be arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the container portion 333 of the first water supply body 33A.

[0061] When the water supply guide 2 is positioned below the first water supply body 33A, a partition portion 23 of the water supply guide 2 is positioned between any two adjacent nozzles 330 in the plurality of nozzles 330 arranged side by side. In this embodiment, the partition portions 23 of the water supply guide 2 are positioned between the second and third nozzles 330, between the fifth and sixth nozzles 330, between the eighth and ninth nozzles 330, and between the eleventh and twelfth nozzles 330 from the left end of the first water supply body 33A.

[0062] A rectangular outer frame 21 is formed above the water supply guide 2, and a plurality of partitions 23 are formed inside the outer frame 21. The partitions 23 are plate-shaped and, in this embodiment, four are formed along the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 21. In this case, the plate-shaped partitions 23 are formed by spanning across the short direction of the outer frame 21. As a result, openings 22 are formed above the water supply guide 2 by the inner surface of the outer frame 21 and the sides of the partitions 23, and in this embodiment, five openings 22 are formed.

[0063] The multiple nozzles 330 of the first water supply body 33A are inserted into the water supply guide 2 through the openings 22. Of the multiple nozzles 330 of the first water supply body 33A, two nozzles 330 at each of the left and right ends are inserted into the water supply guide 2 through the openings 22 at the left and right ends, respectively. The other nozzles 330 are inserted into the water supply guide 2 through the central opening 22 of the water supply guide 2, or through the openings 22 located to the left and right of the central opening 22.

[0064] The water supply guide 2 has guide walls 24, and the outer frame 21 and the guide walls 24 constitute the outer casing of the water supply guide 2. The guide walls 24 are formed projecting downward from the lower part of the outer frame 21, and in the rectangular outer frame 21, they include long-side guide walls 242 located on the long side of the outer frame 21 and short-side guide walls 241 located on the short side of the outer frame 21. That is, the guide walls 24 include two opposing long-side guide walls 242 and two opposing short-side guide walls 241.

[0065] The two opposing short-side guide walls 241 constitute the longitudinal end of the water supply guide 2, and these end is inclined downwards as it approaches the central part of the water supply guide 2, that is, the inside of the water supply guide 2, and is formed in a mortar shape. In other words, the two short-side guide walls 241 that constitute the longitudinal end of the water supply guide 2 are configured such that the distance between the inner surfaces of these short-side guide walls 241 decreases as they move from top to bottom, that is, in the direction of water flow.

[0066] Similarly, in the case of two opposing long-side guide walls 242, the distance between the inner surfaces of these long-side guide walls 242 decreases as you move from top to bottom, that is, in the direction of water flow. With the guide walls 24, i.e., the long-side guide walls 242 and the short-side guide walls 241, configured in this way, the water supply guide 2 is configured to have a tapered shape from top to bottom, that is, in the direction of water flow.

[0067] Multiple ribs 25 are formed on the lower part of the water supply guide 2, projecting downwards. These multiple ribs 25 include two end ribs 251 positioned at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the water supply guide 2, and a middle rib 252 formed between these two end ribs 251. In this embodiment, four middle ribs 252 are formed between these two end ribs 251. By forming the middle ribs 252 between the end ribs 251 in this way, the rigidity of the water supply guide 2 can be ensured. That is, even if the water supply guide 2 is made of a relatively soft material such as silicone, the rigidity of the water supply guide 2 can be ensured or secured by arranging the middle ribs 252, and deformation of the water supply guide 2 due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0068] The water supply guide 2 is not limited to being attached to the first water supply body 33A during the production and shipping stages of the air conditioner 1, but may also be retrofitted to the bottom of the first water supply body 33A after it has been shipped to the market. In this case, the central rib 252 formed on the water supply guide 2 can suppress deformation due to the weight of the water supply guide 2, thereby improving the workability when attaching the water supply guide 2 to the first water supply body 33A. Alternatively, the water supply guide 2 and the first water supply body 33A may be manufactured as a single unit and consist of a single component.

[0069] The end rib 251 is formed downward from the lower part of the short-side guide wall 241. Therefore, the short-side guide wall 241 and the end rib 251 are continuous. The middle rib 252 is formed downward from the lower part of the partition 23. Therefore, the partition 23 and the middle rib 252 are continuous. These end ribs 251 and middle ribs 252 may be formed in a triangular, V-shaped, or U-shaped form that tapers towards the direction of protrusion.

[0070] Multiple through-holes 26 are formed on the lower surface of the water supply guide 2; in this embodiment, five through-holes 26 are formed. The through-holes 26 are separated by a rib 25 formed below the water supply guide 2 and the lower part of the guide wall 24.

[0071] Each of the through holes 26 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the water supply guide 2 is demarcated by an end rib 251, two opposing long-side guide walls 242, and a middle rib 252 adjacent to the end rib 251. Each of the through holes 26 located in the center of the water supply guide 2, and the through holes 26 adjacent to the left and right of the central through hole 26, is demarcated by two adjacent middle ribs 252 and two opposing long-side guide walls 242.

[0072] Each of the partitioned through-holes 26 communicates with each of the openings 22 through which the nozzle 330 of the first vaporization filter 31 is inserted. Therefore, water dripping from the first water supply hole 331 of the nozzle 330 inserted into the opening 22 passes through the through-hole 26 corresponding to the opening 22 and is supplied to the inside of the first vaporization filter 31 located below the water supply guide 2. At this time, the sum of the opening areas of all the through-holes 26 in the water supply guide 2, i.e., the path cross-sectional area of ​​the through-holes 26, is greater than the sum of the opening areas of all the first water supply holes 331 in the first water supply body 33A, i.e., the path cross-sectional area of ​​the first water supply holes 331. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of water flowing in from the first water supply body 33A from exceeding the amount of water flowing out from the water supply guide 2 to the first vaporization filter 31, and to prevent water from overflowing from the water supply guide 2.

[0073] When the water supply guide 2 is positioned above the first vaporization filter 31, each of the ribs 25 protruding from the bottom of the water supply guide 2, i.e., in this embodiment, the two end ribs 251 and the four middle ribs 252, is inserted into the interior of the first vaporization filter 31. The end ribs 251 and the middle ribs 252 are V-shaped or U-shaped with tapered tips, and at least a portion of them, including the tips, is inserted into the gap formed between the folds 350 of the filter element 35 that constitutes the first vaporization filter 31, thereby inserting them into the interior of the first vaporization filter 31.

[0074] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 include a rectangular filter element 35, which is formed from, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 are absorbent, and water supplied from the tank 12 (supply water) permeates the entire surface of the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 (filter element 35), thereby promoting the vaporization of the water.

[0075] The first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, which are 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.

[0076] The filter element 35 is made of a flexible material that allows deformation due to external force, such as rayon, polyester, or nonwoven fabric. The filter element 35 is absorbent, and water supplied from the tank 12 (supply water) permeates the entire surface of the filter element 35, thereby promoting the vaporization of the water. The filter element 35 has a rectangular or square shape when viewed from the side, and forms a rectangular parallelepiped corresponding to the thickness of the filter element 35.

[0077] The filter element 35 is folded multiple times along the vertical folds 350, thereby giving the first vaporization filter 31 a bellows-like folding structure. The ribs 25 of the water supply guide 2, namely the end ribs 251 and the middle ribs 252, are inserted into the gap formed between two adjacent folds 350 in the filter element 35, that is, between two opposing surfaces when the filter element 35 is folded.

[0078] The filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 is formed from a nonwoven fabric or the like, and is made of a softer material than the water supply guide 2 which is made of silicone. Therefore, when inserting the rib 25 of the water supply guide 2 into the first vaporization filter 31, deformation of the rib 25 can be suppressed, and insertion can be done efficiently.

[0079] The first vaporization filter 31 is detachably attached to the unit body 300. The ribs 25 of the water supply guide 2 are harder than the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 and softer and more flexible than the first water supply body 33A. Therefore, damage to the ribs 25 can be prevented when attaching or detaching the first vaporization filter 31. In other words, when removing or attaching the first vaporization filter 31 from the unit body 300, the first vaporization filter 31 moves relative to the unit body 300 in a lateral direction (indicated by arrow X in Figure 5), and this lateral direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the ribs 25. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the first vaporization filter 31 to the unit body 300, stress is applied perpendicular to the side surface of the rib 25, i.e., perpendicular to the side surface. However, the flexible rib 25 elastically deforms in the direction perpendicular to the side surface, and can return to its original shape after the first vaporization filter 31 is attached or detached. Furthermore, since the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 is even softer than the rib 25 of the water supply guide 2, deformation during attachment and detachment of the first vaporization filter 31 can be tolerated, and damage can be suppressed.

[0080] Multiple core members 37 are provided through 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 or the like as the plate member 36, and penetrate the filter element 35 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of water dripping (up and down direction) (left and right direction).

[0081] The filter element 35, the plate member 36, and the vaporization filter (first vaporization filter 31 and second vaporization filter 32) including the plate member 36 may be formed by insert molding, which involves placing the filter element 35 inside a resin mold and then pouring in the plate member 36 and the resin that will be the material for the plate member 36.

[0082] The short-side guide wall 241 is formed below the end rib 251, and the short-side guide wall 241 is inclined downwards as it approaches the center. Therefore, the end rib 251 is located on the central side, which is inward from the longitudinal end of the water supply guide 2, that is, the longitudinal end of the rectangular outer frame 21.

[0083] The water supply guide 2 and the first vaporization filter 31 are positioned in a configuration where the longitudinal ends of the rectangular outer frame 21 and the ends of the filter element 35 in the first vaporization filter 31 are generally aligned. In other words, the water supply guide 2 is positioned above the first vaporization filter 31 such that the longitudinal ends of the outer frame 21 in the water supply guide 2 and the left and right ends of the filter element 35, i.e., the ends perpendicular to the vertical direction, generally coincide in a plan view. Thus, in a plan view, the water supply guide 2 and the filter element 35 of the first vaporization filter 31 are rectangular in shape, and their longitudinal lengths are generally the same.

[0084] The short-side guide wall 241, formed by projecting downward from the short side of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2, is inclined toward the center of the water supply guide 2 as it extends in the direction of projection. The lower tip of the short-side guide wall 241 is located on the side of the center of the water supply guide 2, i.e., inward, than the longitudinal end of the outer frame 21. Furthermore, since the short-side guide wall 241 is formed by projecting vertically downward from its lower tip, this short-side guide wall 241 is also located on the side of the center of the water supply guide 2, i.e., inward, than the longitudinal end of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2. In this case, the longitudinal end of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2 and the end of the filter element 35 are located approximately the same in a plan view, so the short-side guide wall 241 is located inward from the end of the filter element 35.

[0085] In this embodiment, each of the short-side guide walls 241 is positioned on the central side, which is inward from each of the nozzles 330 at both ends of the first water supply body 33A. Therefore, water dripping from each of the nozzles 330 at both ends of the first water supply body 33A is guided along the inwardly sloping short-side guide walls 241 to the end ribs 251, and flows along the inner side surface of the end ribs 251 into the gap between the folds 350 in the filter element 35 that constitutes the first vaporization filter 31. Since the end ribs 251 are inserted into the gap between the folds 350 in the filter element 35, water can flow into the inside of the filter element 35, and water from the water supply guide 2 can be prevented from flowing out of the first vaporization filter 31 by flowing along the top of the filter element 35.

[0086] Furthermore, since the end rib 251 is inserted on the central side, i.e., inward, of the end of the filter element 35, a separation distance can be ensured between the end rib 251 and the end of the filter element 35. This separation distance may be set, for example, to 10% to 15% of the end-to-end distance, which is the distance between the two ends of the filter element 35. By ensuring this separation distance, even if the air conditioner 1 is tilted in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent water flowing out from the end rib 251 from flowing over the top of the filter element 35 and out of the first vaporization filter 31.

[0087] In the water supply guide 2, water dripped from the first water supply body 33A is similarly supplied to the first vaporization filter 31 through the through-hole 26, which is partitioned by adjacent central ribs 252. At this time, each of the two central ribs 252 that partition the through-hole 26 is inserted into the gap formed between the folds 350 of the filter element 35, thereby being inserted into the interior of the first vaporization filter 31, and thus water can be efficiently supplied into the interior of the first vaporization filter 31. Similar to the end ribs 251, the central ribs 252 also contribute to preventing water that flows down the central ribs 252 from flowing out of the first vaporization filter 31 by flowing down the top of the filter element 35 when the air conditioner 1 is tilted horizontally.

[0088] Figure 7 is a schematic top perspective view illustrating the water supply guide 2. Figure 8 is a schematic bottom perspective view illustrating the water supply guide 2. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water supply guide 2. Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the water supply guide 2. Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the water supply guide 2. Figure 12 is a schematic bottom view of the water supply guide 2. Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the water supply guide 2. The water supply guide 2 is mounted below the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32, respectively, and the water supply guides 2 mounted to the first vaporization filter 31 and the second vaporization filter 32 may be of the same shape, i.e., made of parts with the same part number.

[0089] The water supply guide 2 includes an outer frame 21, a guide wall 24, and ribs 25. Multiple openings 22 are formed in the upper part of the water supply guide 2, and multiple through holes 26 are formed in the lower part of the water supply guide 2. It is molded from a soft material such as water-repellent silicone.

[0090] Each of the openings 22 and through holes 26 formed along the longitudinal direction of the water supply guide 2 are in communication with each other, and in the case of corresponding openings 22 and through holes 26 in the longitudinal direction, the opening 22 corresponds to the entrance of the through hole 26. As described above, water dripped from the nozzle 330 inserted through the opening 22 passes through the through hole 26 and is supplied to the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32.

[0091] The outer frame 21 is composed of a rectangular frame and is located at the top of the water supply guide 2. The guide wall 24 is located below the outer frame 21 and includes two short-side guide walls 241 and two long-side guide walls 242. The short-side guide walls 241 are located at the bottom of the short sides of the outer frame 21, and the short-side guide walls 241 are continuous with the short sides of the outer frame 21. The long-side guide walls 242 are located at the bottom of the long sides of the outer frame 21, and the short-side guide walls 241 are continuous with the long sides of the outer frame 21.

[0092] The two short-side guide walls 241 are positioned with their inner sides facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 21. In this case, the distance between the sides of these two opposing short-side guide walls 241 decreases as they move away from the outer frame 21, meaning that the two short-side guide walls 241 are formed in a mortar-like shape, tapering downwards. The two long-side guide walls 242 are positioned with their inner sides facing each other in the short-side direction of the outer frame 21. In this case, the distance between the sides of these two opposing long-side guide walls 242 decreases as they move away from the outer frame 21, meaning that the two long-side guide walls 242 are formed in a mortar-like shape, tapering downwards. Thus, the water supply guide 2 includes an outer frame 21 located above and a guide wall 24 located below, and since the guide wall 24 is formed to taper downwards, the overall shape is that of a mortar.

[0093] Multiple partitions 23 are arranged inside the outer frame 21. The partitions 23 are plate-shaped and are arranged to span the long sides of the outer frame 21. Multiple openings 22 are formed by the outer frame 21 and the multiple partitions 23 arranged inside the outer frame 21. In this case, the number of openings 22 is the number of partitions 23 plus 1, and in this embodiment, 5 openings 22 are formed by 4 partitions 23.

[0094] The opening area of ​​the opening 22 is determined according to the position of the partition portion 23 in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 21. In this embodiment, the opening areas of the openings 22 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 21 are smaller than the opening areas of the other openings 22. Therefore, the number of nozzles 330 inserted into the openings 22 located at both ends is less than the number of nozzles 330 inserted into the other openings 22.

[0095] The rib 25 includes end ribs 251 and middle ribs 252. The end ribs 251 are formed projecting downward from the lower part of the short-side guide wall 241. Therefore, the water supply guide 2 has two end ribs 251, each formed at the short-side guide wall 241 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The middle ribs 252 are formed projecting downward from the lower part of the partition section 23. Therefore, the water supply guide 2 has four middle ribs 252, each formed at the four partition sections 23. As described above, the end ribs 251 are formed at the lower part of the short-side guide wall 241 which slopes downward towards the center of the water supply guide 2, and are therefore located on the side of the central part of the water supply guide 2, i.e., inward, than the longitudinal ends of the outer frame 21 of the water supply guide 2.

[0096] The tip of the rib 25, including the end rib 251 and the middle rib 252, is formed in a V or U shape, and the rib 25 tapers toward the direction of protrusion. Therefore, the rib 25 can be efficiently inserted into the gap between two adjacent folds 350 in the filter element 35. When the rib 25 is inserted into the filter element 35, it comes into contact with the inner surface of the filter element 35.

[0097] The end ribs 251 and the middle ribs 252 are formed so that the protruding length and thickness of these ribs 25 are the same. By making the protruding length and thickness of the ribs 25 uniform in this way, the moldability of the water supply guide 2 can be improved.

[0098] The through-holes 26 are formed in the lower part of the water supply guide 2 by being partitioned by guide walls 24 and ribs 25. The number of through-holes 26 is the number of ribs 25 minus 1, and in this embodiment, 4 through-holes 26 are formed by 5 ribs 25. The through-holes 26 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction are partitioned by the end rib 251, the middle rib 252 opposite the end rib 251, and the long-side guide wall 242 located between these end ribs 251 and middle rib 252. The through-holes 26 located other than the ends in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the three through-holes 26 located in the center and to the left and right of the center, are partitioned by the opposing middle ribs 252 and the long-side guide wall 242 located between these middle ribs 252. The through-holes 26 formed by being partitioned in this way have a rectangular shape.

[0099] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of water from the water supply guide 2. In this embodiment, for reference, it is shown that the air conditioner 1 is placed at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to the horizontal. Even when the air conditioner 1 is tilted in this way, the water from the first water supply body 33A or the second water supply body 33B drips in the vertical direction, which is the direction of gravity. The water dripping from the nozzle 330 of the first water supply body 33A, etc., is received by the inner surface of the short-side guide wall 241 and guided to the end rib 251.

[0100] Since at least a portion of the end rib 251, including its tip, is inserted into the interior of the first vaporization filter 31, etc., that is, into the gap between the folds 350 in the filter element 35, water guided from the short-side guide wall 241 to the end rib 251 can be reliably supplied to the interior of the first vaporization filter 31, etc. The water supply guide 2, having the rib 25 and the guide wall 24, is molded from silicone and is water-repellent, so water can be efficiently guided to the filter element 35.

[0101] Furthermore, in the filter element 35, the position where the end rib 251 is inserted is spaced apart from the end of the filter element 35. Therefore, a separation distance, as shown by the arrows at both ends in this figure, can be secured between the end of the filter element 35 and the end rib 251. As a result, even if the air conditioner 1 is tilted, water dripping from the water supply body 33 can be prevented from flowing out of the first vaporization filter 31 or the second vaporization filter 32 by running along the top of the filter element 35 without penetrating the filter.

[0102] In this embodiment, a water supply guide 2 having a guide wall 24 and ribs 25 is positioned between the vaporization filter (cooling element) and the water supply body 33 that supplies water to the vaporization filter. The guide wall 24 of the water supply guide 2 guides the water received from the water supply body 33 toward the vaporization filter, thereby preventing the water flowing from the water supply body 33 into the water supply guide 2 from going beyond the guide wall 24 and toward a location other than the vaporization filter. Furthermore, since the ribs 25 of the water supply guide 2 are inserted into the vaporization filter, the water guided toward the guide wall 24 can be directed into the interior of the vaporization filter. This ensures that the water supplied from the water supply body 33 flows reliably into the vaporization filter.

[0103] In this embodiment, the vaporization filter includes, for example, a rectangular filter element 35, which is formed from, for example, rayon / polyester, nonwoven fabric, etc. The filter element 35 is folded multiple times with folds 350 in the vertical direction to form a bellows-like folding structure. At this time, the ribs 25 of the water supply body 33 are inserted from above the vaporization filter into the gaps formed vertically in the folding structure, that is, the gaps formed between two adjacent folds 350, so that at least a part of the ribs 25, including the tip of the rib 25, is positioned inside the vaporization filter. In a vaporization filter having such a bellows-like folding structure, by inserting the ribs 25 inside the vaporization filter between the bellows, water guided toward the guide wall 24 can be guided along the ribs 25 into the inside of the vaporization filter, and when water from the water supply guide 2 flows into the vaporization filter, it is possible to prevent water from leaking to places other than the vaporization filter.

[0104] In this embodiment, the number of ribs 25 is less than the number of folds 350 formed in the vaporization filter, i.e., the number of bellows. If the number of ribs 25 is greater than the number of folds 350 (bellows), or if there are too many ribs 25, they will not fit into the bellows, and there is a concern that the vaporization filter may be damaged when attaching or detaching it. By making the number of ribs 25 less than the number of bellows, the vaporization filter can be attached and detached smoothly.

[0105] In this embodiment, the water supply guide 2 has a through-hole 26 that penetrates vertically, and water flows into the vaporization filter through the through-hole 26. In this case, the through-hole 26 is partitioned by the guide wall 24 and the rib 25, so that the water supplied from the water supply body 33 can be reliably supplied to the vaporization filter through the through-hole 26.

[0106] In this embodiment, the water supply body 33 has a plurality of nozzles 330 that protrude from the bottom surface of the water supply body 33 toward the vaporization filter, and the water that passes through the nozzles 330 is dripped onto the water supply guide 2 located below the water supply body 33. At this time, each rib 25 of the water supply guide 2 is positioned between two adjacent nozzles 330, so even if, for example, the air conditioner 1 is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction and the water dripping vertically from each of these two adjacent nozzles 330 flows in the direction in which the two nozzles 330 are positioned, the rib 25 between the two nozzles 330 can reliably guide the water into the vaporization filter.

[0107] In this embodiment, the water supply body 33 has a plurality of nozzles 330 formed thereon, and the water that passes through the nozzles 330 is dripped onto the water supply guide 2. The water supply guide 2 has a plurality of through holes 26 that are partitioned by a guide wall 24 and ribs 25, and the water that passes through the through holes 26 is dripped onto the vaporization filter. In this case, the total opening area of ​​all the through holes 26 formed in the water supply guide 2 is greater than the opening area of ​​the nozzles 330 of the water supply body 33, i.e., the total path cross-sectional area of ​​the holes in the nozzles 330. In other words, in the path of water flow, the path cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply guide 2 is greater than the path cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply body 33, so that the water that flows from the water supply body 33 into the water supply guide 2 does not overflow from the water supply guide 2.

[0108] In this embodiment, when viewed from above, both the vaporization filter and the water supply guide 2 are rectangular in shape, and their longitudinal lengths are substantially the same. In this case, the ribs 25 formed at each of the longitudinal ends of the water supply guide 2 are positioned inward from each of the longitudinal ends of the vaporization filter, thereby preventing water from flowing out of the vaporization filter from its longitudinal ends.

[0109] In this embodiment, the longitudinal end of the water supply guide 2 is inclined inward, so that the water supply guide 2 is formed in a mortar shape. In this case, the longitudinal end may be composed of a guide wall 24 located at the longitudinal end. Therefore, even if the air conditioner 1 is tilted, the longitudinal end of the water supply guide 2 is formed in a mortar shape inclined inward, so that water flowing from the water supply body 33 into the water supply guide 2 does not leak out of the water supply guide 2, thereby increasing the allowable tilt angle when installing the air conditioner 1 and improving the usability of the air conditioner 1.

[0110] In this embodiment, the water supply guide 2 is formed of a flexible material such as silicone, meaning that the amount of elastic deformation of the rib 25 in the thickness direction of the water supply guide 2 can be made relatively large. When the vaporization filter is configured to be detachable from the air conditioner 1, the rib 25 inserted into the interior from above the vaporization filter elastically deforms and returns to its original shape when the vaporization filter is attached or detached, thereby reliably preventing damage to the rib 25 and facilitating the attachment and detachment of the vaporization filter.

[0111] In this embodiment, in a configuration in which the vaporization filter is attached and detached by moving it in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, when attempting to insert the rib 25 into the vaporization filter from above, the rib 25 and the upper surface of the vaporization filter interfere with each other during movement. In this case, if the rib 25 is flexible, the rib 25 will bend when the vaporization filter is moved, thereby preventing damage.

[0112] In this embodiment, the water supply guide 2, for example, which is made of silicone, is made of a harder material than the vaporization filter, which consists of a folded structure of a filter element 35 molded from, for example, rayon, polyester, or nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the water supply body 33 is made of a hard resin such as polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene, and therefore the water supply guide 2 is made of a softer material than the water supply body 33. In this way, the water supply body 33, the water supply guide 2, and the vaporization filter are formed in such an order that their hardness decreases. Therefore, when arranging the water supply body 33 and the water supply guide 2 in the vertical direction, the upper surface of the water supply guide 2 can be brought into close contact with the bottom surface of the water supply body 33, preventing a gap from forming between the water supply body 33 and the water supply guide 2, and preventing water from leaking from between the water supply body 33 and the water supply guide 2.

[0113] With respect to the multiple claims described in the claims, they can be combined with each other regardless of the form of reference. Multiple dependent claims that depend on multiple claims may be described in the claims. Multiple dependent claims that depend on multiple dependent claims may also be described. Even if multiple dependent claims that depend on multiple dependent claims are not described, this does not limit the description of multiple dependent claims that depend on multiple dependent claims.

[0114] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications within the sense and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Air conditioner 11. Enclosure (main unit) 111 Door section 12 tanks (separate) 13 Electrical Unit 2. Water supply guide 21 Outer frame 22 Opening 23 Partition 24 Guide Wall 241 Short-side guide wall 242 Long side guide wall 25 Ribs 251 End ribs 252 Central Rib 26 through holes 3 Cooling Unit 300 Unit Body 31. First vaporization filter 32. Second vaporization filter 33 Water supply body 33A 1st water supply body 33B 2nd water supply body 330 nozzles 331 1st water supply hole 332 2nd water supply hole 333 Container section 334 Top section 335 Pipe section 34 Drain pan 35 filter elements 350 folds 36 Plate members 361 Gripping part 37 Core component 38 Fixing member 4. Sensible heat exchanger 41. First Route 42 Second Route 431 First entrance side opening 432 Second entrance side opening 441 1st exit side opening surface 442 2nd exit side opening surface 5. Inlet 51 Suction channel 52 Branch channel 53 Dust collection filter 531 Sealing member 61 First channel 62 Second channel 71 1st outlet 711 Outlet duct 72 2nd outlet 8 Fan motor 81 First Fan 82 Second Fan 83 Partition Plate 84 Fan Casing 91 Supply waterway 911 1st Supply Channel 912 2nd supply waterway 913 Water supply pump 92 Recovery channel 921 First Recovery Channel 922 Second Recovery Channel 923 Recovery Pump

Claims

1. A vaporization filter that cools the air passing through it using the heat of vaporization of water, A water supply unit located above the vaporization filter for supplying water to the vaporization filter, It has a water supply guide disposed between the vaporization filter and the water supply body, The aforementioned water supply guide is A guide wall that directs the water received from the water supply body toward the vaporization filter, It has ribs that guide the water guided by the guide wall into the interior of the vaporization filter, The ribs are inserted into the vaporization filter from above the vaporization filter. Air conditioner.

2. The aforementioned vaporization filter is folded multiple times using the vertical direction as a fold, thereby forming a folded structure. The ribs are inserted from above the vaporization filter into the gap formed in the vertical direction in the folding structure. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The number of ribs is less than the number of folds. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The water supply guide has a through hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, The through hole is partitioned by the guide wall and the rib. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. The water supply body has a plurality of nozzles that protrude from the bottom surface of the water supply body toward the vaporization filter, The rib is positioned between two adjacent nozzles. The air conditioner according to claim 4.

6. The sum of the opening areas of the multiple through holes in the water supply guide is Larger than the sum of the opening areas of the multiple nozzles in the water supply body. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

7. The vaporization filter and the water supply guide are rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The rib located at the longitudinal end of the water supply guide is positioned inward from the longitudinal end of the vaporization filter. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

8. The longitudinal ends of the water supply guide are inclined downwards as they move towards the center. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

9. The water supply guide is formed from a flexible member. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

10. The vaporization filter is configured to be detachable by moving in a direction that intersects the vertical direction. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

11. The water supply guide is harder than the vaporization filter and softer than the water supply body. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

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