air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner which can make a structure of a drain pan preferable.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a cooling unit; a water supply part which supplies water to the cooling unit; a drain pan which receives water dropped from the cooling unit; a water supply passage which supplies water from the drain pan to the water supply part; a water tank for storing water; and a water refilling passage which refills the drain pan with water from the tank. The water supply part is connected to a bottom hole formed on a bottom surface of the drain pan through the water supply passage. The water tank is connected to a water supply hole formed on a wall surface of the drain pan through the water refilling passage. The water supply hole is located at a higher position than the bottom hole in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vapor-compression 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, from the viewpoint of supplying water stored in the drain pan, the structure of the drain pan has not been considered for optimization.

[0005] The invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner capable of optimizing the structure of the drain pan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a cooling unit, a water supply unit for supplying water to the cooling unit, a drain pan for receiving water dripped from the cooling unit, and a water tank for replenishing water in the drain pan, wherein the water supply unit is connected via a supply water channel to a bottom hole formed in the bottom surface of the drain pan, and the water tank is connected via a replenishment water channel to a water supply hole formed in the wall surface of the drain pan, the water supply hole being located vertically above the bottom hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This allows us to provide an air conditioner with an optimized drain pan structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the front of the air conditioner. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the rear view of the air conditioner. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the underside of the air conditioner. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the front of the air conditioner with the water tank removed. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the water tank. [Figure 7] This is a side cross-section of the water tank. [Figure 8] This is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner with the water tank attached. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the top surface of the cooling unit is exposed by opening the door. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the cooling unit in a removed state. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the water supply section with the door closed. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing the length relationship between the connecting water supply channel and the gate. [Figure 13]It is an explanatory diagram showing the connection structure between the water supply part and the supply water channel. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram showing the displacement of the connected water supply channel when the door is opened and closed. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the heat exchange case. [Figure 16] It is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchange case. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the heat exchange case is inserted into the housing. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing the rising state of the handle part in the appearance of the vaporization filter case. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the falling state of the handle part in the appearance of the vaporization filter case. [Figure 20] It is an exploded perspective view of the vaporization filter case. [Figure 21] It is an explanatory diagram showing the first intermediate air supply channel intervening between the heat exchange case and the vaporization filter case. [Figure 22] It is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a part of the first intermediate air supply channel. [Figure 23] It is a schematic side sectional view of the drain pan located inside the housing. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the bottom hole and the water supply hole of the drain pan. [Figure 25] It is an explanatory diagram showing the left side in the mounting state of the water level sensor by the sensor fixing member. [Figure 26] It is an explanatory diagram showing the right side in the mounting state of the water level sensor by the sensor fixing member. [Figure 27] It is an explanatory diagram showing the mounting state of the drain pan filter. [Figure 28] It is an explanatory diagram showing the detachment and attachment of the drain pan filter. [Figure 29] It is a block diagram showing each functional part in the air conditioner.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] An air conditioner 1, etc., according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following examples and includes the meaning of equivalence to the claims and all modifications within the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the front view of the air conditioner 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the rear view of the air conditioner 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom view of the air conditioner 1. Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section of the air conditioner 1 from the front. In Figure 1, the mounting state of the air conditioner 1 is shown as the normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1, and the top, bottom, left, and right directions are shown. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, the mounting state of the air conditioner 1 is shown as the normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1, and the top, bottom, front, back, left, and right directions are shown. In this embodiment, the vertical direction refers to the up and down direction. The first horizontal direction refers to the left and right direction. The second horizontal direction refers to the front and back direction.

[0011] The air conditioner 1 is mounted on vehicles such as commercial vehicles like forklifts and trucks, towing vehicles, aerial work platforms, mini excavators, and golf carts. When the air conditioner 1 is mounted on a mobile vehicle such as a forklift, the power to the air conditioner 1 may be turned on and off in conjunction with the power switch of the forklift's engine. That is, the power to the air conditioner 1 may be turned on when the forklift's engine is turned on, and the power to the air conditioner 1 may be turned off when the forklift's engine is turned off.

[0012] The housing 10 is a rectangular box made of resin or metal, and has a main body 11 and a door 12 that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 11. The housing 10, which forms the box, has a top surface, a bottom surface, and side walls. The side walls include a first side wall 111, a second side wall 112, a third side wall 113, and a fourth side wall 114. In this embodiment, the first side wall 111 corresponds to the rear side wall. The second side wall 112 corresponds to the front side wall. The third side wall 113 corresponds to the right side wall. The fourth side wall 114 corresponds to the left side wall. Therefore, the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 face each other. The third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 face each other. The third side wall 113 connects the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112. The fourth side wall 114 connects the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112. The first side wall 111 is composed of the main body side first side wall 1111 and the door side first side wall 1112.

[0013] The door 12 is positioned above the main body 11 and is configured to open and close relative to the main body 11. Specifically, the door-side first side wall 1112 is connected to the main body-side first side wall 1111 by two support parts 115. The support parts 115 can be hinges, for example.

[0014] A recessed handle portion 118 is formed on the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 of the housing 10, extending from below to the bottom surface. This handle portion 118 is the part that the user grips when carrying the air conditioner 1.

[0015] A duct 431 for blowing in intake air is located on the top surface of the housing 10. A water tank 8 is located next to the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. Below the second side wall 112 of the housing 10 is a tank base 116 for placing the water tank 8. By being placed on the tank base 116, the water tank 8 covers the second side wall 112. Below the tank base 116 is a drainage channel 781 for draining water from the drain pan 6, which will be described later. The water tank 8 is detachably fitted to the housing 10. The water tank 8 has a handle and can be removed from the housing 10. When refilling the water tank 8, it is possible to take only the water tank 8 to the water tap, reducing the workload for users of the air conditioner 1 when refilling water. A vertically elongated water level confirmation window 82 is located on the side of the water tank 8. Users can visually check the amount of water remaining in the water tank 8 through the water level confirmation window 82.

[0016] The housing 10 has an air intake port 42 and an exhaust intake port 52 for drawing in air from the air-conditioned space. Furthermore, the housing 10 has an air intake port 43 and an exhaust outlet port 53. The air intake port 42 is formed in the third side wall 113 of the housing 10. The exhaust intake port 52 is formed in the door 12 which is part of the housing 10. The air intake port 43 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 10 and communicates with a duct 431. The duct 431 is configured to rotate in the circumferential direction of the air intake port 43 and may have a wind direction adjustment plate 432 for adjusting the wind direction of the air blown out from the duct 431. The exhaust outlet port 53 is formed in the fourth side wall 114 of the housing 10.

[0017] The air conditioner 1 comprises a water tank 8 for storing water and a cooling unit 20 including an vaporization filter 2 and a sensible heat exchanger 3 supplied from the water tank 8. The vaporization filter 2 is housed in a vaporization filter case 22. The sensible heat exchanger 3 is housed in a heat exchanger case 34. Details of the vaporization filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 will be described later. The vaporization filter 2 cools the conditioned space by lowering the ambient temperature using the heat of vaporization of the water supplied from the water tank 8. The sensible heat exchanger 3 cools the conditioned space by lowering the ambient temperature using the sensible and latent heat of the water supplied from the water tank 8. The sensible heat exchanger 3 is an example of a heat exchanger. The vaporization filter 2 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the direction of the air supply flow. That is, the vaporization filter 2 is located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the air supply outlet 43.

[0018] The air that has passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 and been cooled in two stages by the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 is blown out as supply air into the conditioned space from the supply air outlet 43. In addition, the air that has been cooled by the water supplied to the sensible heat exchanger 3 as it passes through the sensible heat exchanger 3 and has exchanged sensible heat with the supply air in the sensible heat exchanger 3 is blown out as exhaust air to the outside of the air conditioner 1 from the exhaust air outlet 53.

[0019] The air intake port 42 and the air outlet port 43 are in communication, and an air intake passage 4 is formed through which the air to be supplied flows, with the air intake port 42 as the inlet and the air outlet port 43 as the outlet. In other words, the supplied air flows into the air intake passage 4 from the air intake port 42 and flows out from the air outlet port 43. The air intake port 42 may also be equipped with an air intake dust collection filter to collect dust from the supplied air drawn in from the air intake port 42.

[0020] The exhaust intake port 52 and the exhaust outlet port 53 are in communication, and an exhaust flow path 5 is formed through which exhaust air flows, with the exhaust intake port 52 as the inlet for exhaust and the exhaust outlet port 53 as the outlet for exhaust. In other words, the exhaust flows into the exhaust flow path 5 from the exhaust intake port 52 and flows out from the exhaust outlet port 53. The exhaust intake port 52 may also be equipped with an exhaust dust collection filter to collect dust from the exhaust drawn in from the exhaust intake port 52.

[0021] The air conditioner 1 is equipped with fans for transporting supply air and exhaust air. The fans include a supply air fan 41 for transporting supply air and an exhaust air fan 51 for transporting exhaust air. The supply air fan 41 and the exhaust air fan 51 may be axial flow fans such as propeller fans or sirocco fans. The supply air fan 41 is located near the supply air outlet 43 and is positioned downstream of the cooling unit 20 in the direction of supply air flow in the supply air passage 4, and functions as a suction fan.

[0022] The exhaust fan 51 is positioned near the exhaust outlet 53 and is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the direction of exhaust flow in the exhaust passage 5, functioning as a suction fan. The supply fan 41 and exhaust fan 51 are not limited to these configurations and may both be push fans or suction fans. When the supply fan 41 and exhaust fan 51 are push fans, the supply fan 41 is positioned near the supply air inlet 42, and the exhaust fan 51 is positioned near the exhaust air inlet 52.

[0023] The exhaust air transported by the exhaust fan 51 is drawn in through the exhaust inlet 52 and flows into the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. Since the exhaust inlet 52 is formed in the door 12, the exhaust air drawn in through the exhaust inlet 52 passes through the door 12 before flowing into the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3.

[0024] The sensible heat exchanger 3 is equipped with an air supply path 31 through which the supply air flows and an exhaust path 32 through which the exhaust air flows. In other words, the sensible heat exchanger 3 includes the air supply path 31 and the exhaust path 32. As described above, the air conditioner 1 is equipped with an air supply path 4 through which the supply air flows and an exhaust path 5 through which the exhaust air flows as air circulation paths. The air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 constitutes a part of the air supply path 4, and the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 constitutes a part of the exhaust path 5.

[0025] The supply air path 31 and exhaust air path 32 in the sensible heat exchanger 3 are formed by multiple resin plates having a hollow structure, such as corrugated plastic, and the sensible heat exchanger 3 is constructed by stacking these plates by arranging them in parallel. By making the thickness of the resin plates thinner, the heat transfer performance of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is improved and the weight of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is reduced. The hollow structure may also be made of metal plates.

[0026] The air intake path 31 and the exhaust path 32 are arranged with multiple resin plates stacked perpendicular to each other, and sensible heat exchange between the intake and exhaust occurs through these resin plates. The stacking direction of these multiple resin plates is perpendicular to the respective path directions of the air intake path 31 and the exhaust path 32. In other words, in this embodiment, the path direction of the air intake path 31 is from right to left, and the path direction of the exhaust path 32 is from top to bottom, while the stacking direction is the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to both the left-to-right and up-to-down directions. Because the air intake path 31 and the exhaust path 32 are perpendicular to each other in this way, a direct alternating current is formed between the intake air flowing through the air intake path 31 and the exhaust air flowing through the exhaust path 32.

[0027] An inlet and an outlet for the air supply path 31 are formed on each of the two opposing sides of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In the illustration of this embodiment, the inlet of the air supply path 31 is located on the right side of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and the outlet of the air supply path 31 is located on the left side of the sensible heat exchanger 3.

[0028] The air supply path 31 is formed by stacking multiple spaces that communicate from the inlet to the outlet of the air supply path 31. The inlet for the exhaust path 32 is formed on the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and the outlet for the exhaust path 32 is formed on the lower surface. The exhaust path 32 is formed by stacking multiple spaces that communicate from the inlet to the outlet of the exhaust path 32.

[0029] Below the cooling unit 20, namely the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3, is a box-shaped drain pan 6 with an opening at its top. The drain pan 6 receives water supplied from the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 (described later) that has passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, the drain pan 6 receives water supplied from the filter water supply unit 21 (described later) that has passed through the vaporization filter 2. The drain pan 6 is positioned with its opening facing the lower surface of the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3, and downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the exhaust flow direction. In other words, the water storage space, which is the internal space of the drain pan 6, forms part of the exhaust flow path 5.

[0030] The exhaust gas, drawn in by the exhaust fan 51 through the exhaust inlet 52 and passing through the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, passes through the water storage space of the box-shaped drain pan 6, which has an open top, and is blown out from the exhaust outlet 53. As the exhaust gas passes through the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, it mixes with the water supplied to the exhaust path 32 from the heat exchange water supply unit 33. In other words, in the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, the direction of the exhaust gas flow and the direction of the water flow are the same, and the exhaust gas and water form a parallel flow.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 1 of this embodiment, the air supply path 31 through which the supply air flows is arranged in a straight line from the right side to the left side of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In the direction of the supply air flow, a vaporization filter 2 is located downstream of the outlet of the air supply path 31. The vaporization filter 2 is located on the air supply flow path 4 between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the air supply outlet 43. A first intermediate air supply flow path 44 is located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, and this first intermediate air supply flow path 44 constitutes a part of the air supply flow path 4.

[0032] The vaporization filter 2 is positioned with one rectangular surface facing the left side of the sensible heat exchanger 3, where the outlet of the air supply path 31 is formed. In this way, the vaporization filter 2 functions as a cooling element. The vaporization filter 2 is made of, for example, rayon / polyester or nonwoven fabric. A filter water supply unit 21 having a nozzle 211 is positioned above the vaporization filter 2. Details of the filter water supply unit 21 will be described later. The vaporization filter 2 is absorbent, and water supplied from the filter water supply unit 21 permeates the entire surface of the vaporization filter 2, promoting the vaporization of water. The air supply path 4 from the vaporization filter 2 to the air supply outlet 43 extends upward from the vaporization filter 2.

[0033] The supply air flowing out from the supply air path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 passes through the vaporization filter 2 and is blown out into the air-conditioned space from the supply air outlet 43. The supply air flowing out from the outlet of the supply air path 31 is first cooled by exhaust through the sensible heat exchanger 3 and then secondarily cooled by the vaporization filter 2, resulting in a two-stage cooling process. Therefore, compared to a direct vaporization method using only the vaporization filter 2, for example, the temperature of the supply air is further reduced.

[0034] The residual water in the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the residual water in the vaporization filter 2 unit is collected by a drain pan 6 located below the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, and is recovered by being stored in the water storage space of the drain pan 6. The water recovered in the drain pan 6 is supplied to the vaporization filter 2 unit and the sensible heat exchanger 3 via the supply water channel 7.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the supply water channel 7 is equipped with a drain pan filter 75, a flow sensor 77, and a water supply pump 76. By driving the water supply pump 76, water stored in the drain pan 6 is supplied by the water supply pump 76 to the filter water supply section 21 located above the vaporization filter 2, and to the heat exchange water supply section 33 located above the sensible heat exchanger 3. Water dripped from the nozzle 211 of the filter water supply section 21 is supplied to the vaporization filter 2. Water dripped from the nozzle 331 of the heat exchange water supply section 33 is supplied to the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In this way, the supply water channel 7, the heat exchange water supply section 33, the filter water supply section 21, and the drain pan 6 form a circulating water channel that circulates water between the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3, which constitute the cooling unit 20, and the drain pan 6.

[0036] The water supply channel 7 communicates with a bottom hole 611 formed in the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6. The water supply channel 7 includes a first water supply channel 71 that extends upward from below along the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, a second water supply channel 72 connected to the heat exchanger water supply section 33, a connecting water supply channel 73 that connects the first water supply channel 71 and the second water supply channel 72, and a water supply section connecting channel 74 that connects the heat exchanger water supply section 33 and the filter water supply section 21. The heat exchanger water supply section 33, the filter water supply section 21, the water supply section connecting channel 74, and the second water supply channel 72 are fixed to the door 12. The first water supply channel 71, the second water supply channel 72, and the water supply section connecting channel 74 are made of, for example, resin or metal pipes. Details regarding the heat exchanger water supply section 33 and filter water supply section 21, and the connecting water supply channel 73, which are fixed to the door 12, will be described later.

[0037] The water supply channel 7 has a branch section 78 that branches off to a drainage channel 781. The drainage channel 781 has the branch section 78 as its base end, and a drain outlet with an on-off valve or cock attached to its tip. The drainage channel 781 is made of, for example, a resin pipe. The drain outlet located at the tip of the drainage channel 781 has its on-off valve fully closed during normal use, such as when the air conditioner 1 is running. During maintenance work such as maintenance of the air conditioner 1, the on-off valve can be opened to discharge the water stored in the drain pan 6 to the outside of the air conditioner 1 through the drain outlet.

[0038] The drain pan 6 and the water tank 8 are connected by a replenishment channel 9. The replenishment channel 9 is made of, for example, a resin or metal pipe. A tank pump 91 and a tank flow sensor 92 are located in the replenishment channel 9. One end of the replenishment channel 9 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 8, and the other end of the replenishment channel 9 is connected to a water supply hole 621 formed in the wall surface 62 of the drain pan 6. The water supply hole 621 is formed above the bottom hole 611 to which the supply channel 7 is connected. A water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6 by a sensor fixing member 64. The water level sensor 63 is fixed at a position offset from the perpendicular to the cross-section of the water supply hole 621. In other words, the water level sensor 63 is positioned away from the water supply hole 621 in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the front exterior of the air conditioner 1 with the water tank 8 removed. A tank base portion 116 for arranging the water tank 8 is formed on the side of the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. The tank base portion 116 is positioned to protrude forward from the second side wall 112, creating a step between the tank base portion 116 and the second side wall 112. A cylindrical boss portion 117 is formed on the upper surface of the tank base portion 116. In this embodiment, two boss portions 117 are arranged on the upper surface of the tank base portion 116. A communication hole is formed between these two boss portions 117 that communicates with the replenishment water channel 9. As described above, when arranging the water tank 8 on the upper surface of the tank base portion 116, the boss portions 117 fit into a concave boss receiving portion 81 formed on the lower surface of the water tank 8. This allows for efficient positioning when attaching the water tank 8 to the housing 10.

[0040] A locking mechanism 14 for maintaining the door 12 in a closed position is provided on the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. The locking mechanism 14 consists of a locking claw 142, an engagement hole 143 into which the locking claw 142 engages, a spring that biases the locking claw 142 in a certain direction, and an operating part 141 for moving the locking claw 142 in a direction against the biasing force of the spring. More specifically, the locking claw 142, spring, and operating part 141 of the locking mechanism 14 are provided on the front wall of the door 12, which constitutes part of the second side wall 112, and the engagement hole 143 into which the locking claw 142 engages is provided on the front wall of the main body 11, which also constitutes part of the second side wall 112. The outer surface of the locking mechanism 14 is configured to be flush with the second side wall 112; that is, the outer surface of the locking mechanism 14 forms part of the second side wall 112. The operating section 141 is located inside a recess formed on the outer surface of the locking mechanism 14 and consists of a lever or the like used when opening and closing the door 12.

[0041] When the water tank 8 is attached to the housing 10, the water tank 8 is positioned on the upper surface of the tank base 116, and at this time, the back of the water tank 8 and the second side wall 112 of the housing 10 face each other. As a result, the locking mechanism 14 located on the second side wall 112 is covered by the back of the water tank 8. Therefore, when the water tank 8 is attached to the housing 10, it is possible to prevent the operator of the air conditioner 1 from operating the control unit 141 and opening the door 12.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the water tank 8. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the water tank 8. The water tank 8 is made of, for example, resin or metal and has a rectangular box shape. A boss receiving portion 81 corresponding to the boss portion 117 of the tank base portion 116 is formed on the lower surface of the water tank 8. When the boss portion 117 is formed in a convex shape as in this embodiment, the boss receiving portion 81 is formed in a concave shape so that the boss portion 117 and the boss receiving portion 81 fit together.

[0043] On the lower surface of the water tank 8, a cylindrical outlet section 83 is formed between two boss receiving sections 81. The internal space of the outlet section 83 functions as an outlet hole through which the water inside the water tank 8 flows out. The water in the water tank 8 flows from the outlet section 83 into the replenishment water channel 9. The outlet section 83 may be equipped with a valve body to stop the outflow of water from the water tank 8 when the water tank 8 is removed.

[0044] An inlet hole is formed on the top surface of the water tank 8, which is used when filling the water tank 8 with water.

[0045] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 1 with the water tank 8 installed. This side cross-sectional view shows the housing 10 as seen from the third side wall 113. The water tank 8 and the water supply pump 76 that supplies water from the water tank 8 to the drain pan 6 are positioned differently from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6 in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the air intake inlet to the air outlet of the air supply path 31 in the sensible heat exchanger 3. That is, in a side view based on a plane defined by the path direction of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vertical direction, the water tank 8 and the water supply pump 76 located below the water tank 8 are positioned differently from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6, which are arranged vertically. By arranging the water tank 8 and the water supply pump 76 to the side of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6, the overall height of the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1, i.e., the product height, can be reduced.

[0046] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the top surface of the cooling unit 20 is exposed by opening the door 12. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the cooling unit 20 has been removed. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the water supply section with the door 12 closed. The housing 10 has a door 12 that is configured to open and close. That is, the door 12 constitutes a part of the housing 10, and the top surface of the door 12 forms a part of the top surface of the housing 10. The front wall of the door 12 forms a part of the second side wall 112 of the housing 10, and a part of the locking mechanism 14 for fixing the door 12 to the main body 11 in the closed state is located there. By operating the operating part 141, the lock of the locking mechanism 14 is released, and the door 12 rotates on an axis at the support part 115 located on the first side wall 111, and opens.

[0047] The door 12 is box-shaped, and inside the door 12 are the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchange water supply unit 33. These filter water supply unit 21 and heat exchange water supply unit 33 are fixed inside the box-shaped door 12. Therefore, the position or orientation of the filter water supply unit 21 and heat exchange water supply unit 33 relative to the cooling unit 20 changes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 12.

[0048] When the door 12 is closed, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchange water supply unit 33 assume a first position facing the upper surface of the cooling unit 20, i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface. When the door 12 is open, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchange water supply unit 33 assume a second position positioned away from the upper surface in a planar direction perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the cooling unit 20. By fixing the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchange water supply unit 33 to the door 12 in this way, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchange water supply unit 33 can be moved between the first and second positions in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 12.

[0049] In this embodiment, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 are fixed to the door 12, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 may not be fixed to the door 12, but may be arranged as an intermediate cover interposed between the door 12 and the main body 11. The filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33, which are configured as the intermediate cover, can assume a first position and a second position depending on the open / closed state of the intermediate cover.

[0050] The filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33, which are fixed to the door 12, are connected by a water supply section connecting passage 74. In this embodiment, there are two heat exchanger water supply sections 33, and the heat exchanger water supply section 33 located downstream in the direction of water flow in the water supply channel 7 and the filter water supply section 21 are connected by the water supply section connecting passage 74. These two heat exchanger water supply sections 33 are connected by a second water supply passage 72, which bends in an L-shape and is then connected to one end of the connecting water supply passage 73. The other end of the connecting water supply passage 73 is connected to a first water supply passage 71 located along the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, more specifically, along the first side wall 1111 on the main body side. As will be described in detail later, the connecting water supply passage 73 is flexible and relieves or absorbs the stress generated when opening and closing the door 12.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, the heat exchange water supply section 33 is made of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped made of, for example, resin or metal, and multiple nozzles 331 with holes 332 are arranged on the lower surface, which is the surface facing the sensible heat exchanger 3. The second water supply channel 72 passes above the heat exchange water supply section 33 and is connected to a communication port provided at the top of the heat exchange water supply section 33. Water flowing from the connecting water supply channel 73 into the second water supply channel 72 is supplied to the heat exchange water supply section 33 through the communication port provided at the top of the heat exchange water supply section 33. The water supplied to the heat exchange water supply section 33 then drips onto the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 through the holes 332 of the multiple nozzles 331 located on the lower surface. The upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 forms part of the upper surface of the cooling unit 20.

[0052] The filter water supply section 21 is composed of a hollow, rectangular pipe made of, for example, resin or metal. Multiple nozzles 211 with holes 212 are arranged on the lower surface, which faces the vaporization filter 2. Holes are also provided on the right side of the filter water supply section 21, i.e., the side facing the heat exchanger water supply section 33. The filter water supply section 21 is located at the same height as the water supply section connecting passage 74 in the vertical direction and is connected to a communication port provided on the side of the filter water supply section 21. Water flowing from the second water supply passage 72 into the water supply section connecting passage 74 is supplied to the filter water supply section 21 via the communication port provided on the side of the filter water supply section 21. The water supplied to the filter water supply section 21 then drips onto the upper surface of the vaporization filter 2 through the holes 212 of the multiple nozzles 211 located on the lower surface. The upper surface of the vaporization filter 2 forms the other part of the upper surface of the cooling unit 20. In other words, the top surface of the cooling unit 20 is composed of the top surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the top surface of the vaporization filter 2. The top surface of the cooling unit 20 is an example of one surface of the cooling unit.

[0053] The filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33 are connected in series by a water supply section connecting passage 74, and an orifice 741, described later, may be formed in the water supply section connecting passage 74. This makes it possible to reduce the volumetric flow rate from the filter water supply section 21 to less than the volumetric flow rate from the heat exchanger water supply section 33. Flow rate adjustment in the filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33 is not limited to using the orifice 741 in the water supply section connecting passage 74, and may also be performed by making the hole diameter of the nozzle 211 of the filter water supply section 21 smaller than the hole diameter of the nozzle of the heat exchanger water supply section 33.

[0054] With this connection configuration, the second water supply channel 72, the heat exchanger water supply section 33, the water supply section connecting channel 74, and the filter water supply section 21 are arranged in this order in the direction of water flow inside the box-shaped door 12. Inside the box-shaped door 12, the area where the filter water supply section 21 is located and the area where the heat exchanger water supply section 33 is located are separated. The area where the heat exchanger water supply section 33 is located communicates with the exhaust intake port 52 formed on the upper surface of the door 12, thereby forming part of the exhaust flow path 5. That is, the exhaust drawn in from the exhaust intake port 52 passes through the area where the heat exchanger water supply section 33 is located inside the door 12, and then flows into the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger water supply section 33 may be held in place by, for example, a rectangular cylindrical frame when fixed to the door 12. In this case, the interior of the frame that holds the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 constitutes part of the exhaust flow path 5. The water supply unit connecting passage 74 that connects the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 and the filter water supply unit 21 is arranged by passing through a through hole formed in the frame.

[0055] The area where the filter water supply section 21 is located is separated from the exhaust passage 5 located inside the door 12. Therefore, exhaust gas drawn in from the exhaust intake port 52 formed in the door 12 does not flow into this area. In other words, when the housing 10 is viewed from above in a plan view, the exhaust intake port 52 formed in the door 12 is positioned offset from the filter water supply section 21, and is located in a position that overlaps with the heat exchanger water supply section 33.

[0056] The filter water supply unit 21 is fixed to the door 12 by a fixing member 122, and a second sealing member 123 is attached to the fixing member 122. When the door 12 is closed, the second sealing member 123 contacts the upper end of the columnar rib 221 of the vaporization filter case 22, thereby ensuring a seal in the air supply passage 4. Details of the vaporization filter case 22 and other components will be described later.

[0057] The door 12 has a housing section 121 that accommodates the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34, which will be described later. When the door 12 is closed, the housing section 121 is positioned corresponding to the position of the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 and is formed to be concave on the inside of the door 12. When the door 12 is closed, the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 is fitted into the housing section 121, so that the handle portion 37 can be positioned so as not to interfere with the filter water supply section 21, the heat exchanger water supply section 33, and the water supply section connecting passage 74. In this way, the handle portions 37 formed on the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 are located on the outside of the walls and other structures that constitute the exhaust passage 5 inside the door 12, thereby reducing the airflow resistance in the exhaust passage 5. Regarding the positional relationship between the handle portion 37 and the connecting water supply channel 73, the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned offset from the handle portion 37 in the second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends from the first side wall 111 to the second side wall 112. This allows the connecting water supply channel 73 to be positioned outside the flow path through which water is supplied from the water supply portion to the cooling unit 20.

[0058] The door 12, which is configured to open and close as described above, has a filter water supply unit 21 and a heat exchanger water supply unit 33 fixed to it. By closing the door 12, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 are positioned above the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3, creating a first position where water can be dripped onto them. Furthermore, by opening the door 12, the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 are positioned in a second position where the upper surfaces of the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3 are exposed. As described above, the vaporization filter 2 is housed in the vaporization filter case 22, and the sensible heat exchanger 3 is housed in the heat exchanger case 34, and these are arranged inside the housing 10. By opening the door 12, the filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33, which are located above the cooling unit 20 when the air conditioner 1 is in operation, are moved to a different position from the cooling unit 20 when viewed from above. This allows the vaporization filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 to be pulled upwards and removed from the housing 10, enabling efficient maintenance work such as cleaning or replacement of the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3.

[0059] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the length relationship between the connecting water supply channel 73 and the door 12. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection structure between the water supply section and the supply water channel 7. The connecting water supply channel 73, which connects the first water supply channel 71, which is arranged along the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, and the second water supply channel 72, which is connected to the heat exchanger water supply section 33 fixed to the door 12, is flexible and is made of, for example, a highly flexible resin pipe or rubber hose.

[0060] The heat exchanger water supply section 33 and the filter water supply section 21 are connected by a water supply section connecting passage 74 in which an orifice 741 is located. A nozzle is located at the tip of the heat exchanger water supply section 33, and the perpendicular line of the cross-section of the nozzle hole is parallel to the exhaust path 32. As a result, the direction of water discharge from the nozzle of the heat exchanger water supply section 33 is along the direction of the exhaust path 32 in the heat exchanger water supply section 33, and is perpendicular to the air supply path 31. A nozzle is located at the tip of the filter water supply section 21, and the perpendicular line of the cross-section of the nozzle hole is parallel to the exhaust path 32. As a result, the direction of water discharge from the nozzle 211 of the filter water supply section 21 is perpendicular to the air supply flow direction in the vaporization filter 2. In this embodiment, the direction of exhaust flow within the exhaust path 32 is parallel to the direction of water discharge from each nozzle.

[0061] One end of the connecting water supply channel 73 is connected to the first water supply channel 71, and the other end of the connecting water supply channel 73 is connected to the second water supply channel 72. The first connecting section 731, which is the connection between the first water supply channel 71 and the connecting water supply channel 73, is positioned closer to the third side wall 113 than to the fourth side wall 114. The first connecting section 731 is made up of connecting parts such as an L-shaped elbow. The second connecting section 732, which is the connection between the second water supply channel 72 and the connecting water supply channel 73, is positioned closer to the fourth side wall 114 than to the third side wall 113. The second connecting section 732 is made up of connecting parts such as an L-shaped elbow. The connecting water supply channel 73 can be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 111, that is, along the first horizontal direction from the third side wall 113 to the fourth side wall 114, thereby making the path length of the connecting water supply channel 73 relatively long. Furthermore, the length of the connecting water supply channel 73 is longer than the length of the door 12 in the first horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends from the third side wall 113 to the fourth side wall 114.

[0062] By increasing the length of the connecting water supply channel 73 in this way, even if twisting occurs in the connecting water supply channel 73 due to the opening and closing of the door 12, the amount of deformation due to such twisting per unit length can be reduced, and the service life of the connecting water supply channel 73 with respect to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed can be improved. In addition, the connecting water supply channel 73 can be made in a straight shape, and the size of the parts can be made smaller and space can be saved compared to using, for example, a bellows-shaped pipe.

[0063] The connecting water supply channel 73 may be held by a holding portion located on the inner surface of the first side wall 111. The holding portion may, for example, consist of an L-shaped resin member and hold the connecting water supply channel 73 by supporting it from below. Alternatively, the holding portion may, for example, consist of a link-shaped resin member and hold the connecting water supply channel 73 by inserting it into the link. The holding portion allows the connecting water supply channel 73 to be held in close proximity to the first side wall 111. The holding portion may be positioned offset to the side of the first connecting portion 731 between the first water supply channel 71 and the connecting water supply channel 73. That is, the length from the holding portion to the first connecting portion 731 between the first water supply channel 71 and the connecting water supply channel 73 is shorter than the length from the holding portion to the second connecting portion 732 between the second water supply channel 72 and the connecting water supply channel 73. By arranging the holding portion that holds the connecting water supply channel 73 in this manner, it is possible to suppress the bending of the flexible connecting water supply channel 73.

[0064] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the displacement of the connecting water supply channel 73 when the door 12 is opened and closed. When the door 12 is closed, the connecting water supply channel 73 is arranged in a straight line along the inner surface of the first side wall 111. In this case, the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned away from the exhaust flow path 5, which runs from the exhaust intake port 52 formed in the door 12 to the inlet of the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connecting water supply channel 73 from becoming a flow resistance in the exhaust flow path 5.

[0065] With the door 12 open, the second connection portion 732 between the second water supply channel 72 and the connecting water supply channel 73 is pulled forward of the first side wall 111, i.e., outward of the housing 10, in conjunction with the rotation of the door 12. As a result, the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned with respect to the second connection portion 732 with the second water supply channel 72, which is located in front of the first side wall 111, with the portion held by the retaining portion located on the inner surface of the first side wall 111 as the base point. This allows the connecting water supply channel 73 to be moved to a position where it does not overlap with the vaporization filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 when the door 12 is opened and the housing 10 is viewed from above. Therefore, when opening the door 12 and pulling out the vaporization filter case 22 and heat exchanger case 34 upward to remove them from the housing 10, the connecting water supply channel 73 is no longer located in the direction in which the vaporization filter case 22 and heat exchanger case 34 are pulled out, thus preventing the vaporization filter case 22 and heat exchanger case 34 from getting caught in the connecting water supply channel 73.

[0066] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the heat exchanger case 34. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger case 34. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the heat exchanger case 34 inserted into the housing 10. The heat exchanger case 34 has an air inlet side frame 35, an air outlet side frame 36, a front wall 341 and a rear wall 342, and houses the sensible heat exchanger 3.

[0067] The air inlet side frame 35 is positioned on the inlet side of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The air outlet side frame 36 is positioned on the outlet side of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The inlet of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is formed on the air inlet surface 311. Therefore, the air inlet side frame 35 faces the air inlet surface 311. The outlet of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is formed on the air outlet surface 312. Therefore, the air outlet side frame 36 faces the air outlet surface 312. The air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36 face each other, and the combination of these two frames constitutes the first opposing section.

[0068] The front wall 341 connects the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake side frame 36. The rear wall 342 connects the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake side frame 36. The front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 face each other, and the combination of these front wall 341 and rear wall 342 constitutes a second opposing section.

[0069] Handles 37 are formed on the upper surfaces of the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake side frame 36, respectively, for gripping when pulling the heat exchanger case 34 out of the main body. The handles 37 of the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake side frame 36 each form a rectangular frame. The handles 37 of the air intake side frame 35 are positioned offset towards the rear wall 342. The handles 37 of the air intake side frame 36 are positioned offset towards the front wall 341.

[0070] The air intake side frame 35 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the heat exchanger case 34. Multiple claw-shaped protrusions 353 are formed on the outer edge 352 of the air intake side frame 35. These protrusions 353 may be formed only on the outer edge of the rear wall 342 and the outer edge of the front wall 341 of the air intake side frame 35. Multiple recesses 343 are formed in the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342, into which the claw-shaped protrusions 353 engage. The edges of the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342, where the multiple recesses 343 are formed, function as a reverse insertion prevention shape 351 when the heat exchanger case 34 is inserted and stored in the housing 10. Alternatively, a groove may be formed on the edge of the main body of the heat exchanger case 34 for inserting the air intake side frame 35 from above. This groove may form an L-shape in a plan view when the heat exchanger case 34 is viewed from above. The air intake side frame 35 has a peripheral edge corresponding to the groove, and by aligning the peripheral edge of the air intake side frame 35 with the groove formed on the edge of the main body of the heat exchanger case 34, the air intake side frame 35 can be efficiently fitted into the main body of the heat exchanger case 34. The peripheral edge formed on the air intake side frame 35 in this manner may also function as a reverse insertion prevention shape 351 when inserting the heat exchanger case 34 into the housing 10.

[0071] In other words, the air intake outlet side frame 36 does not have a part similar to the reverse insertion prevention shape 351 formed on the air intake inlet side frame 35, so the shapes of the air intake outlet side frame 36 and the air intake inlet side frame 35 can be made different. The housing 10 has a receiving part that corresponds to the reverse insertion prevention shape 351 formed on the air intake inlet side frame 35, so for example, if the heat exchanger case 34 is oriented in the wrong direction, the heat exchanger case 34 cannot be inserted into the housing 10. Therefore, when performing maintenance work such as replacing or cleaning the heat exchanger case 34, it is possible to reliably prevent the worker from incorrectly inserting the heat exchanger case 34.

[0072] In this embodiment, the reverse insertion prevention shape 351 is formed on the air inlet side frame 35, but is not limited to this. The reverse insertion prevention shape may be formed on either the front wall 341 or the rear wall 342, which are opposite each other. A rib protruding outward may be formed along the vertical direction on only one of the front wall 341 or the rear wall 342. On the inner surface of the housing 10 opposite the wall on which the rib is formed, a groove for the rib to fit into may be formed along the vertical direction. Since the rib is formed on only one of the front wall 341 or the rear wall 342, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted into the housing 10 with the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 reversed when housing the heat exchanger case 34 in the housing 10. In other words, a rib formed on either the front wall 341 or the rear wall 342 can function as a shape to prevent reverse insertion.

[0073] A frame-shaped sealing member 361 is attached to the inner surface of the air supply outlet side frame 36. That is, the sealing member 361 is interposed between the inner surface of the air supply outlet side frame 36 and the outlet surface of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. By arranging the sealing member 361 in this way, it is possible to prevent the air supply that has passed through the air supply inlet side frame 35 from bypassing the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 without flowing into it. Furthermore, a similar sealing member 361 may be placed at the bottom of the heat exchanger case 34 so as to be located below the sensible heat exchanger 3. This prevents the exhaust from the exhaust intake port 52 from bypassing the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 without flowing into it. The air supply outlet side frame 36 has a first flange portion formed therein to ensure sealing performance in the first intermediate air supply passage 44. Details of the first flange portion will be described later.

[0074] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the handle portion 223 in the raised position in the external view of the vaporization filter case 22. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the handle portion 223 in the lowered position in the external view of the vaporization filter case 22. Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the vaporization filter case 22. The vaporization filter case 22 consists of a rectangular frame and is made of, for example, resin or metal. The vaporization filter 2 is housed inside the vaporization filter case 22, which consists of the frame. The vaporization filter 2 has a filter inlet surface 201 where the air intake inlet is formed, and a filter outlet surface 202 where the air intake outlet is formed. Therefore, the first direction from the filter inlet surface 201 to the filter outlet surface 202 corresponds to the flow direction of the air intake passing through the vaporization filter 2.

[0075] The upper surface of the vaporization filter case 22 has upward-projecting columnar ribs 221. The columnar ribs 221 are rectangular in shape, and the internal section formed by the columnar ribs 221 functions as a flow path for water supplied from the filter water supply unit 21 fixed to the door 12 as it drips onto the vaporization filter 2.

[0076] Wall surfaces 62 are arranged so as to cover the outer circumference of the rectangular cylindrical columnar rib 221, protruding from each edge on the upper surface of the vaporization filter case 22. On these wall surfaces 62, two opposing wall surfaces 62 are rotatably attached to a U-shaped handle portion 223. The rotatably configured handle portion 223 can take two positions: a downward position located between the columnar rib 221 and the wall surface 62, and an upward position extending upward from the upper surface of the vaporization filter case 22. By positioning the handle portion 223 in the downward position located between the columnar rib 221 and the wall surface 62, the handle portion 223 can be positioned offset from the water flow path supplied from the filter water supply unit 21, i.e., from the internal space of the columnar rib 221.

[0077] The upper surface of the vaporization filter case 22 is positioned such that, when the vaporization filter 2 is housed inside, the leading edge of the upper surface is located outside the vaporization filter 2. In other words, the upper surface of the vaporization filter case 22 extends parallel to the direction of airflow through the vaporization filter 2. This extended upper surface forms a second flange portion 222. The second flange portion 222 functions as a part that ensures sealing performance in the first intermediate airflow channel 44.

[0078] With the vaporization filter 2 housed in the vaporization filter case 22, a filter frame 224 is positioned opposite one side of the vaporization filter 2. In the direction of the airflow through the vaporization filter 2, the filter frame 224 is positioned upstream of the vaporization filter 2. The filter frame 224 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the vaporization filter case 22, and the vaporization filter 2 can be removed from the vaporization filter case 22 when the filter frame 224 is removed. Multiple claw-shaped protrusions 226 are formed on the outer edge of the filter frame 224. Multiple recesses 227 are formed on the periphery of the main body of the vaporization filter case 22 where the filter frame 224 fits, with the protrusions 226 engaging. The filter frame 224 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the vaporization filter case 22 by the engagement of the protrusions 226 of the filter frame 224 with the recesses 227 formed on the periphery of the main body of the vaporization filter case 22. Alternatively, the edge of the main body of the vaporization filter case 22 may have a groove formed therein for inserting the filter frame 224 from above. The filter frame 224 may have a peripheral edge corresponding to the groove, and the filter frame 224 may be fitted into the main body of the vaporization filter case 22 by aligning the peripheral edge of the filter frame 224 with the groove formed on the edge of the main body of the vaporization filter case 22. An annular rib 225 is formed on the outer surface of the filter frame 224 in the circumferential direction. The annular rib 225 functions as a part that ensures sealing performance in the first intermediate air supply passage 44.

[0079] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the first intermediate air supply passage 44 interposed between the heat exchanger case 34 and the vaporization filter case 22. Figure 22 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of a part of the first intermediate air supply passage 44. In a front view of the air conditioner 1 from the side of the second side wall 112, the heat exchanger case 34 housing the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter case 22 housing the vaporization filter 2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The air supply outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 and the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22 are arranged opposite each other. Between these opposing air supply outlet side frames 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 and the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22 lies the first intermediate air supply passage 44, which constitutes a part of the air supply passage 4. The first intermediate air supply passage 44 consists of, for example, a cylindrical structural member 441 and connects the outlet of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 with the air supply inlet of the vaporization filter 2.

[0080] The air supply outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 has a first flange portion that extends in the same direction as the air supply flow in the path direction of the first intermediate air supply passage 44. As a result, the first flange portion is positioned to overlap with the first intermediate air supply passage 44 in the air supply direction. The filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22 has a second flange portion 222 that extends in the opposite direction to the air supply flow in the path direction of the first intermediate air supply passage 44. As a result, the second flange portion 222 is positioned to overlap with the first intermediate air supply passage 44 in the air supply direction. The air supply direction is the direction of the air flow through the air supply passage 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, or in other words, the air supply direction is the first direction from the air supply inlet surface 311 to the air supply outlet surface 312 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In this embodiment, the air supply direction is parallel to the left-right direction.

[0081] The upper part of the structural member 441 constituting the first intermediate air supply passage 44 is U-shaped in cross-section, with two upper ends formed upwards. At these two upper ends, the end faces of the upper ends located on the side of the heat exchanger case 34 are in surface contact with the lower surface of the first flange 362 of the air supply outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34. At the two upper ends, the end faces of the upper ends located on the side of the vaporization filter case 22 are in surface contact with the lower surface of the second flange 222 of the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22. Furthermore, the outer surface of the upper end located on the side of the vaporization filter case 22 is in contact with the annular rib 225 formed on the filter frame 224.

[0082] In this manner, the first flange portion of the air intake outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 and the second flange portion 222 and annular rib 225 of the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22 come into contact with the first intermediate air intake passage 44, thereby ensuring a seal in the first intermediate air intake passage 44. In this embodiment, the end face of the upper end of the heat exchanger case 34 is in surface contact with the lower surface of the first flange portion of the air intake outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34, but this is not limited to this, and a sealing member or the like may be interposed between the end face of the upper end of the heat exchanger case 34 and the lower surface of the first flange portion. In this embodiment, the end face of the upper end of the vaporization filter case 22 is in surface contact with the lower surface of the second flange 222 of the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a sealing member or the like may be interposed between the end face of the upper end of the vaporization filter case 22 and the lower surface of the second flange 222. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the upper end of the vaporization filter case 22 is in contact with the annular rib 225 formed on the filter frame 224. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a sealing member or the like may be interposed between the outer surface and the annular rib 225.

[0083] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 housing the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter case 22 housing the vaporization filter 2 have been described as separate cases, but this is not limited to them. The sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter case 22 may be housed in a common case that forms a single case. In this case, the common case housing the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter case 22 will include a first intermediate air supply passage 44 located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter case 22.

[0084] Figure 23 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the drain pan 6 located inside the housing 10. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the bottom hole 611 and the water supply hole 621 of the drain pan 6. Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the left side of the mounting state of the water level sensor 63 by the sensor fixing member 64. Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the right side of the mounting state of the water level sensor 63 by the sensor fixing member 64. The drain pan 6 is box-shaped with an opening, and the opening faces the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, and is positioned below the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2. Water dripping from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 is received by the drain pan 6 and stored in the water storage space, which is the internal space of the drain pan 6.

[0085] The drain pan 6 has a bottom surface 61 and a plurality of wall surfaces 62 extending upward from the edge of the bottom surface 61. A bottom hole 611 is formed in the bottom surface 61, and a supply water channel 7 is connected to the bottom hole 611.

[0086] The multiple wall surfaces 62 include the rear surface located on the side of the first side wall 111 of the housing, the front surface located on the side of the second side wall 112, the right surface located on the side of the third side wall 113, and the left surface located on the side of the fourth side wall 114. Of the multiple wall surfaces 62, the front surface, which is located on the side of the second side wall 112 covered by the water tank 8, has a water supply hole 621 formed therein. The water supply hole 621 communicates with the water tank 8 via a replenishment water channel 9. By positioning the water supply hole 621 on the wall surface 62 located on the side of the second side wall 112 covered by the water tank 8, the route length of the replenishment water channel 9 connecting the water tank 8 and the drain pan 6 can be shortened.

[0087] The water supply holes 621 formed in the wall surface 62 are located vertically above the bottom holes 611 formed in the bottom surface 61. This configuration allows water to be supplied directly from the drain pan 6 to the heat exchanger water supply section 33 and the filter water supply section 21 via the supply water channel 7, and water can also be replenished by supplying water directly from the water tank 8 to the drain pan 6 via the replenishment water channel 9.

[0088] A water level sensor 63, such as a float switch, is positioned on the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6. The water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6 by a box-shaped sensor fixing member 64. The water level sensor 63, fixed in this manner, is located inside the water storage space of the drain pan 6 and outputs a water level signal, which is a signal related to the water level of the water stored in the drain pan 6.

[0089] The water level sensor 63 is positioned in the wall surface 62 at a location offset from the perpendicular direction from the diameter cross-section of the water supply hole 621 formed in the wall surface 62. That is, the water level sensor 63 is fixed by a sensor fixing member 64 and placed in the water storage space of the drain pan 6 so as to be offset from the water outlet direction determined by the path direction of the water supply hole 621. This prevents the incoming water from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63 when water supplied from the water tank 8 flows into the water storage space of the drain pan 6 from the water supply hole 621, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the water level sensor 63.

[0090] The box-shaped sensor fixing member 64 has, for example, a flat wall portion 641, and the water level sensor 63 is fixed in a state where it is covered by the wall portion 641. The wall portion 641 covering the water level sensor 63 is located between the water level sensor 63 and the water supply hole 621. As a result, when water supplied from the water tank 8 flows into the water storage space of the drain pan 6 through the water supply hole 621, the wall portion 641 of the sensor fixing member 64 can shield the incoming water, preventing the incoming water from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of the water level sensor 63.

[0091] As described above, the sensible heat exchanger 3 is housed in the heat exchanger case 34, and the vaporization filter 2 is housed in the vaporization filter case 22. Between the heat exchanger case 34 and the vaporization filter case 22 lies the first intermediate supply air passage 44, which forms part of the supply air passage 4. In this positional relationship, the supply air passage 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, the first intermediate supply air passage 44, and the air passage in the vaporization filter 2 form a straight supply air passage 4.

[0092] The drain pan 6 is located below the sensible heat exchanger 3, the first intermediate air supply passage 44, and the vaporization filter 2, and is positioned below the linear air supply passage 4 formed by these components. In this configuration, the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the direction from the air supply inlet to the air supply outlet. That is, when the air conditioner 1 is viewed from above in a plan view, the water level sensor 63 is positioned differently from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and is located downstream in the direction of air supply flow from the outlet of the air supply passage 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, in the direction from the air supply inlet to the air supply outlet of the vaporization filter 2, the water level sensor 63 is positioned differently from the vaporization filter 2. That is, when the air conditioner 1 is viewed from above in a plan view, the water level sensor 63 is positioned differently from the vaporization filter 2 and is located upstream in the direction of air supply flow from the air supply inlet of the vaporization filter 2.

[0093] As a result, in the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet of the sensible heat exchanger 3, the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and upstream of the vaporization filter 2. As described above, the first intermediate air supply passage 44 is located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, and the water level sensor 63 is positioned directly below the first intermediate air supply passage 44. Therefore, since the water level sensor 63 is positioned away from being directly below the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, it is possible to suppress water dripping from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 from directly coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the water level sensor 63.

[0094] Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the installation state of the drain pan filter 75. Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the attachment and detachment of the drain pan filter 75. A supply water channel 7 is connected to a bottom hole 611 formed in the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6. One end of the supply water channel 7 connected to the bottom hole 611 is located below the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6, and the drain pan filter 75, water supply pump 76, and flow sensor 77 connected along the path of the supply water channel 7 may also be located below the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6.

[0095] The drain pan filter 75 is cylindrical in shape, and a cylindrical filter body is housed inside. The drain pan filter 75 can remove dirt such as dust or impurities contained in the water flowing through the water supply channel 7 by capturing it. This prevents clogging of the filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33, and also suppresses fouling of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2.

[0096] The cylindrical drain pan filter 75 has a large-diameter section in which the filter body is housed, and a small-diameter section located downstream of the large-diameter section in the direction of water flow. An annular packing is placed in the small-diameter section, and this packing may prevent dust and other particles collected by the filter body from flowing out into the water supply channel 7. The inner diameter (d1) of the large-diameter section is larger than the inner diameter (d2) of the small-diameter section, i.e., d1 > d2, and furthermore, the path length (l1) of the large-diameter section is longer than the path length (l2) of the small-diameter section, i.e., l1 > l2. By having such a configuration, the size and surface area of ​​the filter body of the drain pan filter 75 can be made relatively large, and the frequency of replacement of the drain pan filter 75 can be reduced.

[0097] The drain pan filter 75 is configured to be detachable from the front wall of the tank base 116, which is parallel to the second side wall 112. More specifically, a hole for the drain pan filter 75 is formed in the front wall of the tank base 116, and the drain pan filter 75 is inserted into this hole and positioned in the middle of the supply water channel 7. The end face of the cylindrical drain pan filter 75 may have, for example, a +-shaped knob, and a cap covering the knob may be attached. With the drain pan filter 75 configured in this way, the installation and removal of the drain pan filter 75 can be performed efficiently. The outer surface of the front wall of the tank base 116 constitutes one surface of the housing 10.

[0098] As described above, the second side wall 112 houses not only the drain pan filter 75, but also the water tank 8 and the drain channel 781. Therefore, workers performing maintenance on the air conditioner 1 can efficiently carry out maintenance work by attaching and detaching the water tank 8, attaching and detaching the drain pan filter 75, and operating the on / off valve or cock of the drain channel 781 from the second side wall 112. Furthermore, by removing the water tank 8, the locking mechanism 14 is exposed, and the operating part 141 of the locking mechanism 14 can also be operated from the second side wall 112. Thus, a series of maintenance operations, including opening and closing the door 12, and removing and installing the vaporization filter case 22 and heat exchanger case 34, can all be performed from the second side wall 112. In this way, the parts necessary for maintenance work are concentrated on the second side wall 112, allowing the second side wall 112 to function as a service surface that workers face during maintenance work.

[0099] Figure 29 is a block diagram showing the various functional parts of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 has a circuit board 100 which includes a control unit 101. The circuit board 100 is equipped with a microcontroller including memory and an MPU, and the microcontroller functions as a control unit 101 that controls the operation of the water supply pump 76 and the tank pump 91. The memory stores the program that the control unit 101 executes.

[0100] The substrate 100 may, for example, be placed on the outer surface of the flow path wall forming the exhaust flow path 5 and be thermally connected to the flow path wall, thereby being cooled by the exhaust flowing through the exhaust flow path 5. The electrical components of the air conditioner 1, namely the supply fan 41, exhaust fan 51, water level sensor 63, water supply pump 76, flow sensor 77, tank pump 91, and tank flow sensor 92, are communicated with the control unit 101 provided on the substrate 100 via communication lines.

[0101] The water level sensor 63 is, for example, a float sensor, and outputs a water level signal to the control unit 101, which is a signal related to the detection result of the water level of the water stored in the drain pan 6. The flow rate sensor 77 and the tank flow rate sensor 92 are, for example, impeller type or clamp-on type sensors. The flow rate sensor 77 outputs a first flow rate signal to the control unit 101, which is a signal related to the detection result of the flow rate of water flowing in the supply water channel 7. The tank flow rate sensor 92 outputs a second flow rate signal to the control unit 101, which is a signal related to the detection result of the flow rate of water flowing in the replenishment water channel 9.

[0102] The control unit 101 determines whether the water level in the drain pan 6 is below a predetermined value based on the water level signal obtained from the water level sensor 63. If it determines that the water level is below a predetermined value, it drives the tank pump 91 to replenish the drain pan 6 with water from the water tank 8. The control unit 101 may also detect a fault or determine whether the water tank 8 is empty based on the first flow signal and second flow signal from the flow sensor 77 and the tank flow sensor 92.

[0103] In this embodiment, a sensible heat exchanger 3 is used as the heat exchanger, but the heat exchanger may be a total heat exchanger. Also, although a door 12 that can be opened and closed by rotating relative to the main body 11 with a support part 115 such as a hinge is used as the door 12, it is not limited to this. The door 12 may slide forward and backward or left and right. Alternatively, the door 12 may be made up of a lid that can be attached to and removed from the main body 11. In this case, there are claws on both sides of the lid that are configured to be inserted into holes on the main body 11 side, and when the claws are removed the lid lifts up, making it possible to replace the sensible heat exchanger 3, etc. In this state where the claws are removed, the lid is connected to the main body only by the connecting water supply channel 73. When the housing 10 has a main body 11 and a lid connected to the main body 11 in this way, the top surface, which is one side of the cooling unit 20 arranged inside the main body 11, is covered by the lid. Between the lid and the top surface of the cooling unit 20, there is a water supply section that supplies water to the top surface, a water supply channel 7 located inside the main body 11, and a flexible connecting water supply channel 73 that connects the water supply section and the water supply channel 7. Because the connecting water supply channel 73 is flexible, maintenance work such as replacing the cooling unit 20 can be performed without completely removing the lid.

[0104] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a cooling unit 20 that includes an air supply path 31 and an exhaust path 32, and a water supply unit that supplies water to one surface of the cooling unit 20. The water supply unit moves between a first position facing the surface in the direction perpendicular to the surface and a second position positioned away from the surface in a planar direction perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the surface. Since the water supply unit is configured to be rotatable so as to move between the first position facing the surface of the cooling unit 20 and the second position positioned away from the surface, water can be supplied to the water supply unit in the first position when the air conditioner 1 is in operation. Furthermore, when performing maintenance work on the air conditioner 1, by setting the water supply unit to the second position, one surface of the cooling unit 20 is exposed in the field of view from above, so that maintenance work such as replacement or cleaning of the cooling unit 20 can be performed efficiently. Note that the water supply unit only needs to supply water to at least a part of one surface of the cooling unit. Also, one surface of the cooling unit may be the side of the cooling unit.

[0105] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a housing 10 that houses the cooling unit 20. The housing 10 has a door 12 located above the cooling unit 20 that can be opened and closed, and the water supply unit is fixed to the door 12. The water supply unit is configured to move between a first position and a second position in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 12, taking the first position when the door 12 is closed and the second position when the door 12 is open. By displacing the position of the water supply unit in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 12 in this way, maintenance work such as replacement or cleaning of the cooling unit 20 can be performed efficiently.

[0106] In this embodiment, a support portion 115, which is composed of, for example, a hinge, is attached to the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, and the door 12 is supported by the support portion 115, so that the door 12 can be opened and closed smoothly by rotating the support portion 115 around the pivot. The water supply channel 7 for supplying water to the water supply section includes a first water supply channel 71 arranged along the first side wall 111, a second water supply channel 72 fixed to the door 12 and connected to the water supply section, and a connecting water supply channel 73 connecting the first water supply channel 71 and the second water supply channel 72, the connecting water supply channel 73 being flexible. The connecting water supply channel 73 will be subjected to deformation or stress as the door 12 is opened and closed, but it can cope with such deformation etc. within the range of elastic deformation due to its flexibility, and the resistance of the connecting water supply channel 73 to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed can be improved.

[0107] In this embodiment, the housing 10 has a second side wall 112 facing the first side wall 111, a third side wall 113 connecting the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112, and a fourth side wall 114 connecting the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 and facing the third side wall 113. The first connecting section 731 connecting the first water supply channel 71 and the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned closer to the third side wall 113 than to the fourth side wall 114, and the second connecting section 732 connecting the second water supply channel 72 and the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned closer to the fourth side wall 114 than to the third side wall 113. By adopting this arrangement configuration, the path length of the connecting water supply channel 73 can be made relatively long, and the amount of deformation per unit length in the deformation that occurs when the door 12 is opened and closed can be reduced. This improves the resistance of the connected water supply channel 73 to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed.

[0108] In this embodiment, the length of the connecting water supply channel 73 in the first horizontal direction, perpendicular to the vertical direction and extending from the third side wall 113 to the fourth side wall 114, is longer than the length of the door 12 in the first horizontal direction. This allows for a relatively long path length of the connecting water supply channel 73, and reduces the amount of deformation per unit length that occurs when the door 12 is opened and closed. This improves the resistance of the connecting water supply channel 73 to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed.

[0109] In this embodiment, the connecting water supply channel 73 is offset from the cooling unit 20 in the vertical direction and the second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. As a result, the connecting water supply channel 73 can be positioned outside the flow path through which water is supplied from the water supply section to the cooling unit 20.

[0110] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 20 includes a sensible heat exchanger 3 with an air supply path 31 and an exhaust path 32, and a vaporization filter 2 communicating with the air supply path 31. The water supply section includes a heat exchanger water supply section 33 that supplies water to the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and a filter water supply section 21 that supplies water to the vaporization filter 2. Therefore, water can be supplied individually to the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 from the heat exchanger water supply section 33 and the filter water supply section 21, respectively. The water supply channel 7 includes a water supply section connecting channel 74 that connects the heat exchanger water supply section 33 and the filter water supply section 21, and a second water supply channel 72 is connected to the heat exchanger water supply section 33. As a result, the heat exchanger water supply section 33 can be positioned upstream of the filter water supply section 21 in the direction of water flow, and water can be supplied to the heat exchanger water supply section 33 preferentially.

[0111] In this embodiment, for example, an orifice 741 is arranged in the water supply connecting passage 74, and the inner diameter of at least a portion of the water supply connecting passage 74 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of any part of the second water supply passage 72. That is, the flow resistance of the water supply connecting passage 74 is greater than the flow resistance of the second water supply passage 72. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the filter water supply section 21, which is located downstream of the water supply connecting passage 74 in the direction of water flow, can be reduced compared to the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger water supply section 33, and water can be supplied preferentially to the heat exchanger water supply section 33.

[0112] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a water tank 8 that is detachably disposed on the housing 10 along the outer surface of the second side wall 112. The housing 10 is provided with a locking mechanism 14 that secures the door 12 to the main body 11 when it is closed. The locking mechanism 14 is located on the same plane as the outer surface of the second side wall 112 and is covered by the water tank 8 when the water tank 8 is attached to the housing 10, thus physically restricting access to the operating section 141 so that it is only possible when the water tank 8 is removed. This prevents the door 12 from being opened when the water tank 8 is attached to the air conditioner 1.

[0113] In this embodiment, the filter water supply section 21 and the heat exchanger water supply section 33, which constitute the water supply section, have nozzles positioned downwards, and the perpendicular line of the cross-section of the nozzle holes is parallel to the exhaust path 32 in the sensible heat exchanger 3. In other words, the direction of water discharge from the nozzles is along the direction of the exhaust path 32, and water can be efficiently supplied to the exhaust path 32.

[0114] In this embodiment, the sensible heat exchanger 3 is housed in a heat exchanger case 34 with a handle portion 37 formed thereon, and is positioned inside the housing 10. A housing portion 121 into which the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 is inserted is formed on the inner surface of the door 12 which constitutes part of the housing 10. When the door 12 is closed, the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 is inserted into the housing portion 121. This prevents the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 from interfering with the heat exchanger water supply portion 33 and the filter water supply portion 21, etc., which are fixed to the housing 10.

[0115] In this embodiment, the connecting water supply channel 73 is positioned offset from the handle portion 37 in the second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends from the first side wall 111 to the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. This prevents the connecting water supply channel 73 from interfering with the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34, and prevents the connecting water supply channel 73 from getting caught or damaged when the heat exchanger case 34 is removed from the housing 10.

[0116] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 comprises a housing 10 having a main body 11 and a door 12 connected to the main body 11; a cooling unit 20 disposed inside the main body 11 and having one surface covered by the door 12; a water supply unit disposed between the door 12 and one surface of the cooling unit 20 and supplying water to that surface; a water supply channel 7 disposed inside the main body 11; and a flexible connecting water supply channel 73 connecting the water supply unit and the water supply channel 7. When replacing the cooling unit 20, the door 12 is moved to expose one surface of the cooling unit 20. Moving the door 12 in this way causes the connecting water supply channel 73 to deform or be subjected to stress, but because it is flexible, it can respond to such deformation within the range of elastic deformation, thereby improving the resistance of the connecting water supply channel 73 to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed.

[0117] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is located inside the housing 10 and includes a sensible heat exchanger 3 which includes an air supply path 31 and an exhaust path 32, and a heat exchanger case 34 which is attached to and detached from the housing 10 with the sensible heat exchanger 3 housed inside. The heat exchanger case 34 has a first part which includes a first wall 341 parallel to the air supply path 31 and the exhaust path 32, and an air supply inlet side frame 35 which is located opposite the air supply inlet surface 311 and to which the first wall 341 is connected; and a second part which includes a second wall 342 which is opposite the first wall 341 and connected to the air supply inlet side frame 35, and an air supply outlet side frame 36 which is located opposite the air supply outlet surface 312 and connected to the first wall 341 and the second wall 342. Since the first part has a different shape from the second part, the first part and the second part are formed to have an asymmetrical shape. Therefore, when inserting the heat exchanger case 34 into the housing 10, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted in the wrong direction. Alternatively, the heat exchanger case 34 may have opposing parts, and one part and the other part constituting the opposing parts may have different shapes. In this way, the opposing parts of the heat exchanger case 34 are formed so that one part and the other part have different shapes, i.e., they have an asymmetrical shape, so when inserting the heat exchanger case 34 into the housing 10, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted in the wrong direction.

[0118] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 has an air inlet side frame 35 positioned on the inlet side of the air supply path 31, and an air outlet side frame 36 positioned on the outlet side of the air supply path 31 and facing the air inlet side frame 35. The opposing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 consists of the air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36, and the air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36 have different shapes. Because the air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36 that form the opposing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 are formed to have different shapes, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted into the housing 10 in the wrong orientation.

[0119] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 includes an air inlet side frame 35 positioned on the inlet side of the air supply path 31, an air outlet side frame 36 positioned on the outlet side of the air supply path 31, a first wall 341 connecting the air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36, and a second wall 342 connecting the air inlet side frame 35 and the air outlet side frame 36 and facing the first wall 341. The opposing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 consists of the first wall 341 and the second wall 342, and the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 have different shapes. Because the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 that form the opposing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 are formed to have different shapes, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted into the housing 10 in the wrong orientation.

[0120] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is provided with a sealing member 361 that is in close contact with the inner surface of the air supply outlet side frame 36 and the outlet surface of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. That is, the sealing member 361 is positioned between the outlet surface of the air supply path 31 and the inner surface of the air supply outlet side frame 36. By positioning the sealing member 361 in this manner, sealing performance in the air supply path 4 can be ensured, and the mixing of uncooled air, i.e., air that has not passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3, into the air supply can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to suppress the air supply bypassing the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 without passing through it.

[0121] In this embodiment, the sealing member 361, which is in close contact with the inner surface of the air intake outlet side frame 36 and the outlet surface of the air intake path 31, is fixed to the air intake outlet side frame 36. This further improves the sealing performance in the air intake path 4, and also improves the sealing performance compared to integrating the sealing member 361 with the sensible heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, the air intake outlet side frame 36 may be integrally molded with the heat exchanger case 34. By integrating and fixing the air intake outlet side frame 36 and the sealing member 361 to the main body of the heat exchanger case 34 in this way, the sealing performance on the outlet surface side of the air intake path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 can be improved in the air intake path 4.

[0122] In this embodiment, an air supply passage 4, which is partly formed by the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, is arranged inside the housing 10. The air supply passage 4 includes a first intermediate air supply passage 44 located downstream of the air supply outlet surface 312, where the outlet of the air supply path 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is formed, in a first direction toward the air supply outlet surface, i.e., the air supply direction. The air supply outlet side frame 36 has a first flange portion 362 that protrudes downstream in the first direction, and the first flange portion 362 is arranged to overlap with the first intermediate air supply passage 44 in the first direction, thereby improving the sealing performance of the first intermediate air supply passage 44. This prevents uncooled air, i.e., air that has not passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3, from mixing into the air supply to the air supply passage 4 located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3.

[0123] In this embodiment, the air intake side frame 35 is detachably attached to the heat exchanger case 34. That is, while the air intake outlet side frame 36 is integrally molded with the main body of the heat exchanger case 34, the air intake side frame 35 and the main body of the heat exchanger case 34 are configured to be separable. By detachably attaching the air intake side frame 35 to the main body of the heat exchanger case 34 in this way, the sensible heat exchanger 3 housed in the heat exchanger case 34 can be removed from the side to which the air intake side frame 35 is attached when the air intake side frame 35 is removed. Therefore, the sensible heat exchanger 3 housed in the heat exchanger case 34 can be replaced efficiently. Furthermore, damage to the sealing member 361 can be suppressed when attaching or detaching the sensible heat exchanger 3 to the heat exchanger case 34.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 of the heat exchanger case 34 have reverse insertion prevention shapes 351 formed thereon. As a result, the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 have different shapes. The reverse insertion prevention shape 351 is formed by the edges located on the side of the air intake side frame 35 on each of the first wall 341 and the second wall 342. The reverse insertion prevention shape 351 configured in this way makes it possible to make the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 have different shapes, and prevents the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted into the housing 10 in the wrong orientation. On the first wall 341 and the second wall 342, the edges on which the reverse insertion prevention shape 351 is formed have recesses 343 that engage with projections 353 formed on the outer edge 352 of the air intake side frame 35, thereby allowing the reverse insertion prevention shape 351 to be formed on the side of the air intake side frame 35.

[0125] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes an evaporative filter 2 and an evaporative filter case 22 that can be attached to and detached from the housing 10 while the evaporative filter 2 is housed in it. By removing the evaporative filter case 22 from the housing 10, maintenance work such as replacing the evaporative filter 2 can be performed efficiently. The air conditioner 1 further includes a filter water supply unit 21 that supplies water to the evaporative filter 2. The water supplied from the filter water supply unit 21 passes through a space surrounded by columnar ribs 221 that extend from the top surface of the evaporative filter case 22 toward the filter water supply unit 21 and is supplied to the evaporative filter 2. By using the space surrounded by the columnar ribs 221 as a water flow path for the water supplied from the filter water supply unit 21, the water can be reliably guided to the evaporative filter 2 located inside the evaporative filter case 22, and water can be supplied to the evaporative filter 2 efficiently.

[0126] In this embodiment, the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1 has an openable and closable door 12, and the filter water supply unit 21 is fixed to the door 12 by a fixing member 122. A second sealing member 123 is arranged on the fixing member 122, and the second sealing member 123 contacts the upper end of the columnar rib 221 when the door 12 is closed. The internal space of the columnar rib 221, which is the water passage from the filter water supply unit 21 to the vaporization filter 2, is in communication with the air supply passage in the vaporization filter 2. When the door 12 is closed for operation of the air conditioner 1, the upper end of the columnar rib 221 contacts the second sealing member 123 located on the inner surface of the door 12, thereby suppressing the mixing of uncooled air into the air supply passing through the vaporization filter 2. In addition, leakage of air from above the columnar rib 221 to the outside of the air supply passage 4 can be suppressed.

[0127] In this embodiment, the vaporization filter case 22 has a protruding second flange portion 222 that protrudes in the first direction, i.e., upstream in the air supply direction. More specifically, the filter frame 224 of the vaporization filter case 22 has a second flange portion 222 that extends in the opposite direction to the air supply flow in the path direction of the first intermediate air supply passage 44. Since the second flange portion 222 of the vaporization filter case 22 is arranged to overlap with the first intermediate air supply passage 44 in the first direction, the sealing performance in the first intermediate air supply passage 44 can be improved, and the mixing of uncooled air into the air supply passage 4 located upstream of the vaporization filter 2 can be suppressed.

[0128] In this embodiment, the vaporization filter case 22 that houses the vaporization filter 2 has a rotatable handle portion 223. By using such a rotatable handle portion 223, when removing the vaporization filter case 22 from the housing 10, the handle portion 223 is rotated so that it can be gripped, and by gripping the rotated handle portion 223, the vaporization filter case 22 can be easily removed from the housing 10. In other words, the rotatable handle portion 223 improves the ease of removing the vaporization filter case 22 without increasing the size of the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1.

[0129] In this embodiment, the handle portion 223 of the vaporization filter case 22 is configured to be rotatable and is located outside the wall constituting the columnar rib 221 when the door 12 is closed. As a result, the internal space of the columnar rib 221 formed in the vaporization filter case 22 becomes the water flow path from the filter water supply section 21 to the vaporization filter 2, and the handle portion 223 can be positioned outside of this flow path.

[0130] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 has a handle portion 37. More specifically, the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake outlet side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 each have a handle portion 37. By gripping the handle portions 37 formed on the air intake side frame 35 and the air intake outlet side frame 36, the heat exchanger case 34 can be easily removed from the housing 10. The door 12, which forms part of the housing 10, has an exhaust intake port 52 and an exhaust passage 5 into which exhaust air is drawn. Since the handle portion 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 is located outside the exhaust passage 5 formed in the door 12, the airflow resistance in the exhaust passage 5 can be reduced.

[0131] In this embodiment, the filter water supply unit 21, which supplies water to the vaporization filter 2 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33, and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 are connected via a supply water channel 7 to a bottom hole 611 formed in the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6. The water tank 8, which replenishes water in the drain pan 6, is connected via a replenishment water channel 9 to a water supply hole 621 formed in the wall surface 62 of the drain pan 6. Since the water supply hole 621 formed in the wall surface 62 is located vertically above the bottom hole 611 formed in the bottom surface 61, the water supplied via the water supply hole 621 can be temporarily stored in the drain pan 6, and the stored water can be directly supplied to the filter water supply unit 21 and the heat exchanger water supply unit 33 via the bottom hole 611, thus providing an optimized structure for the drain pan 6. As a result, compared to, for example, a case where a separate water storage tank or the like is placed in the supply water channel 7 between the drain pan 6 and the water supply unit, water leakage from the drain pan 6 can be suppressed. Furthermore, it becomes unnecessary to place a separate water storage tank or the like in the water supply channel 7 between the drain pan 6 and the water supply section, thereby enabling a reduction in product size and weight.

[0132] In this embodiment, a water level sensor 63 is placed in the internal space of the box-shaped drain pan 6, which is the water storage space. The water level sensor 63 can obtain detection results regarding the water level of the water stored in the drain pan 6. The water level sensor 63 is positioned offset from the perpendicular to the cross-section of the water supply hole 621 formed on the side surface of the drain pan 6, that is, it is fixed at a position offset from the water outlet direction, which is the direction in which the water supplied from the water supply hole 621 is ejected. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the water supplied from the water supply hole 621 coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby suppressing false detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of water level detection.

[0133] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6 by a sensor fixing member 64. The sensor fixing member 64 is, for example, box-shaped and has a wall portion 641. Since the wall portion 641 of the box-shaped sensor fixing member 64 is located between the water level sensor 63 and the water supply hole 621, even if some of the water supplied from the water supply hole 621 is ejected in the direction of the water level sensor 63, it is shielded by the wall portion 641 of the sensor fixing member 64. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water supplied from the water supply hole 621 from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby suppressing false detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of water level detection. Furthermore, compared to the case where a baffle plate or the like, which is configured separately from the sensor fixing member 64 to perform the same function as such a wall portion 641, is arranged, the number of parts can be reduced, and product costs, product weight, and product size can be reduced by saving space.

[0134] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6, and the drain pan 6 is located below the sensible heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the water level sensor 63 is also located below the sensible heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the air supply path 31 in the sensible heat exchanger 3, the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3, that is, the water level sensor 63 is positioned away from the position directly below the sensible heat exchanger 3. The position directly below the sensible heat exchanger 3 is the position directly below the outlet of the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, from which unvaporized water drips. Since the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the air supply path 31, the water dripping from the outlet of the exhaust path 32 is received by the drain pan 6 without coming into contact with the water level sensor 63. By positioning the water level sensor 63 in this manner, it is possible to prevent water dripping from the outlet of the exhaust path 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby suppressing false detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of water level detection.

[0135] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6, and the drain pan 6 is located below the vaporization filter 2. Therefore, the water level sensor 63 is also located below the vaporization filter 2. Furthermore, the water level sensor 63 is positioned at a different location from the vaporization filter 2 in the direction of the airflow passing through the vaporization filter 2; that is, the water level sensor 63 is positioned away from the position directly below the vaporization filter 2. The position directly below the vaporization filter 2 corresponds to the position where water that did not vaporize in the vaporization filter 2 drips down. Because the water level sensor 63 is positioned at a different location from the vaporization filter 2 in the direction of the airflow passing through the vaporization filter 2, water dripping from below the vaporization filter 2 is received by the drain pan 6 without coming into contact with the water level sensor 63. By positioning the water level sensor 63 in this manner, it is possible to prevent water dripping from the vaporization filter 2 from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby suppressing false detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of water level detection.

[0136] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6, and the drain pan 6 is located below the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the water level sensor 63 is also located below the vaporization filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, the water level sensor 63 is located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, which are arranged in the direction of the air supply flow. In other words, the water level sensor 63 is positioned away from being directly below both the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2. Therefore, it is possible to avoid water dripping from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2 coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby suppressing false detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the accuracy of water level detection.

[0137] In this embodiment, a water supply pump 76 is located in the water supply channel 7 connecting the water supply hole 621 of the drain pan 6 to the water supply section 21 for the filter and the water supply section 33 for the heat exchanger, and the water stored in the drain pan 6 is pumped up by the water supply pump 76. A drain pan filter 75 is located between the water supply pump 76 and the bottom hole 611 of the drain pan 6, that is, in the water supply channel 7 connecting the water supply pump 76 and the bottom hole 611 of the drain pan 6. Therefore, the water stored in the drain pan 6 passes through the drain pan filter 75 before passing through the water supply pump 76, and even if the water stored in the drain pan 6 contains dirt such as dust or impurities, the drain pan filter 75 can capture such dust. In other words, dirt can be removed from the water that is recirculated through the water supply channel 7 and the drain pan 6, i.e., the water that is reused by being circulated. This suppresses clogging in the water supply pump 76, the water supply section for the filter 21, and the water supply section for the heat exchanger 33, and further suppresses fouling in the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2, thereby reducing the frequency of replacement of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the vaporization filter 2.

[0138] In this embodiment, the drain pan filter 75 and the water tank 8 are both located on the same side of the housing 10, that is, on the side of the second side wall 112 in this embodiment, and are detachably attached from one side of the housing 10. Therefore, the operator of the air conditioner 1 or a worker performing maintenance work can remove the drain pan filter 75 and the water tank 8 from the same side, such as the second side wall 112 of the housing 10, and perform such work efficiently.

[0139] In this embodiment, a tank pump 91 is positioned in the replenishment water channel 9 that connects the water supply hole 621 of the drain pan 6 to the water tank 8. The water tank 8 and the tank pump 91 are positioned differently from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6 in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the supply air passing through the sensible heat exchanger 3. This allows the water tank 8 and the water supply pump 76 to be placed vertically, next to the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6, i.e., in front of them in this embodiment, thus reducing the overall height of the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1, i.e., the product height.

[0140] In this embodiment, the housing 10 has, for example, a cylindrical boss portion 117 formed thereon, and the lower surface of the water tank 8 has a boss receiving portion 81 with a hole shape corresponding to the boss portion 117 formed on the housing 10. By fitting the boss receiving portion 81 of the water tank 8 to the boss portion 117 of the housing 10, the positioning of the water tank 8 when attaching it to the housing 10 can be performed efficiently.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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]

[0143] 1 Air conditioner 100 circuit boards 101 Control Unit 10 cabinets 11 Main unit 111 First side wall 1111 Main body side first side wall 1112 Door side, first side wall 112 Second side wall 113 Third side wall 114 Fourth side wall 115 Support part 116 Tank base 117 Boss Section 118 Handle 12 doors 121 Storage Unit 122 Fixing member 123 Second sealing member 14. Locking mechanism 141 Operation section 142 Locking claws 143 Engagement holes 20 Cooling Units 2. Evaporation filter 201 Filter inlet surface 202 Filter outlet surface 21. Water supply section for filter (water supply section) 211 Nozzle (Nozzle for water supply section of filter) 212 holes 22 Evaporation filter case 221 Columnar ribs 222 Second guard section 223 Handle (Handle of the vaporization filter case) 224 Filter Frames 225 Annular Rib 226 Protrusion 227 recess 3. Sensible heat exchanger 31 Air supply route 311 Air intake surface 312 Air intake outlet surface 32 Exhaust path 33 Heat exchange water supply section (water supply section) 331 Nozzle (Nozzle for the water supply section of the heat exchanger) 332 holes 34 Heat exchanger case 341 Front wall (first wall, opposing section, second opposing section) 342 Rear wall (second wall, opposing section, second opposing section) 343 Recess 35 Air intake side frame (opposing section, first opposing section) 351 Reverse insertion prevention shape 352 Outer edge 353 Protrusion 36 Air intake outlet side frame (opposing section, first opposing section) 361 Sealing member 362 First guard section 37 Handle (Handle of the heat exchanger case) 4. Air intake path 41. Intake fan 42 Air intake port 43 Air supply outlet 431 Duct 432 Wind direction adjustment plate 44 First Intermediate Air Supply Channel 441 Structural members 5. Exhaust passage 51 Exhaust fan 52 Exhaust Inlet 53 Exhaust outlet 6 Drain pan 61 Bottom 611 Bottom hole 62 Wall surface 621 Water supply hole 63 Water level sensor 64 Sensor fixing member 641 Wall 7 Supply waterway 71 First water supply channel 72 Second water supply channel 73 Connected water supply channel 731 1st connection part 732 2nd connection part 74 Water supply connection road 741 Orifice 75 Drain Pan Filter 76 Water supply pump 77 Flow Sensor 78 Branching point 781 Drainage Channel 8 water tanks 81 Boss receiving section 82 Water level confirmation window 83 Outflow tube 9 Refill waterway 91 Tank pump 92 Tank Flow Sensor

Claims

1. Cooling unit and A water supply unit for supplying water to the cooling unit, A drain pan that receives water dripping from the cooling unit, The water supply section includes a water supply channel that supplies water from the drain pan, A water tank for storing water, The drain pan is provided with a replenishment channel for supplying water from the water tank, The water supply section is connected to a bottom hole formed in the bottom surface of the drain pan via the water supply channel. The water tank is connected to a water supply hole formed in the wall surface of the drain pan via the replenishment water channel. The water supply hole is located vertically above the bottom hole. An air conditioner characterized by the following features.

2. The drain pan is equipped with a water level sensor located in the water storage space, The water level sensor is positioned offset from the perpendicular to the cross-section of the water supply hole. The air conditioner according to feature 1.

3. The water level sensor is provided with a sensor fixing member for fixing it to the drain pan. The sensor fixing member has a wall portion located between the water level sensor and the water supply hole. The air conditioner according to feature 2.

4. The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger having an air supply path and an exhaust path. The heat exchanger has an air inlet surface where the inlet of the air supply path is formed and an air outlet surface where the outlet of the air supply path is formed. The water level sensor is located downstream of the heat exchanger in the first direction from the air inlet surface to the air outlet surface. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the feature.

5. The cooling unit includes a vaporization filter through which the intake air passes, The vaporization filter has a filter inlet surface where the air intake inlet is formed and a filter outlet surface where the air intake outlet is formed. The water level sensor is positioned differently from the vaporization filter in a first direction from the filter inlet surface to the filter outlet surface. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the feature.

6. The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger having an air supply path and an exhaust path, and a vaporization filter into which the air supplied from the air supply path flows in. The heat exchanger has an air inlet surface where the inlet of the air supply path is formed and an air outlet surface where the outlet of the air supply path is formed. In the first direction from the air intake inlet surface to the air intake outlet surface, the vaporization filter is positioned downstream of the heat exchanger, and the water level sensor is positioned between the heat exchanger and the vaporization filter. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the feature.

7. The aforementioned water supply channel is equipped with a water supply pump and a drain pan filter. The drain pan filter is positioned in the water supply channel between the water supply pump and the bottom hole of the drain pan. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The housing comprises the aforementioned cooling unit, The drain pan filter and the water tank are located on the same side of the housing. The drain pan filter is detachably attached to one side of the housing. The air conditioner according to feature 7.

9. A tank pump is installed in the aforementioned replenishment water channel. The water tank and the pump for the tank are positioned differently from the heat exchanger and the drain pan in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The air conditioner according to feature 4.

10. The housing comprises the aforementioned cooling unit, The housing has a boss portion on the outer wall of the housing, The water tank has a boss receiving portion that fits into the boss portion. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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