Air conditioner

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger including a heat exchange flow path through which air and water flow, a water supply body for supplying water from above the heat exchange flow path, and a drain pan for receiving water that is supplied from the water supply body and has passed through the heat exchange flow path. A meniscus suppression structure is formed below the heat exchange flow path, the meniscus suppression structure defining a discharge end through which the water that has flowed through the heat exchange flow path passes when discharged outside of the heat exchanger and which has a gap in the vertical direction.

Description

air conditioner

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

[0002] Evaporative cooling air conditioners are known that draw in indoor air, use the heat of vaporization of water to lower the ambient temperature, and then blow the cooled air out into the room, as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, air flowing through the second flow path passes through multiple tubes of a sensible heat exchanger, and air flowing through the first flow path passes around the multiple tubes. As a result, heat is exchanged between the air flowing through the second flow path and the air flowing through the first flow path.

[0003] JP 2014-092338 A

[0004] However, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to providing an air conditioner with higher usability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an air conditioner that is more useful.

[0006] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a heat exchanger including a heat exchange flow path through which air and water flow, a water supply body that supplies water from above the heat exchange flow path, and a drain pan that receives water supplied from the water supply body and passed through the heat exchange flow path, and at the bottom of the heat exchange flow path, a meniscus suppression structure is formed that defines a discharge end through which water that has flowed through the heat exchange flow path passes when being discharged outside the heat exchanger, and that has a difference in the vertical direction.

[0007] It is possible to provide a highly useful air conditioner.

[0008] 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment (configuration in which the ridgeline is inclined); FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the air conditioner; FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the attachment and detachment of each component in the exterior of the air conditioner; FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed below a heat exchanger; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed below a heat exchanger; FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed below a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment (configuration in which the ridgelines are not on the same horizontal plane); FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed below a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment (configuration in which the ridgelines are uneven); FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a comparison between the presence and absence of a step in adjacent plate members; FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed below a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment (configuration in which the spacer protrudes); FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed on a contact member (configuration in which the ridgeline is inclined) arranged below a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment (contact member). FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a meniscus suppression structure formed by a contact member (with uneven ridgelines) arranged below a heat exchanger.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioner 1 has a box-shaped main body 11, and is placed on the floor of a space to be air-conditioned, such as a factory, using casters provided on the bottom of the main body 11. The main body 11 includes a housing that forms the outer shell of the air conditioner 1, and various components, which will be described later, are housed within the main body 11. The placed state of the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown from above, below, left, and right as a normal usage mode of the air conditioner 1. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cross section taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, viewed from the left side of FIG. 2.

[0010] The air conditioner 1 includes a tank 7 consisting of a first tank 71 and a second tank 72 for storing water, an evaporative filter 21, and a cooling unit 2 including a heat exchanger 22. The air conditioner 1 uses the evaporative filter 21 to lower the ambient temperature using the heat of vaporization of water supplied from the second tank 72, thereby cooling the space to be air-conditioned, and is an evaporative cooling type air conditioner 1. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 uses the sensible heat and heat of vaporization of the water supplied from the second tank 72 to lower the ambient temperature and cool the space to be air-conditioned using the heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 functions as a sensible heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat between a first heat exchange flow path 221 through which exhaust air flows and a second heat exchange flow path 222 through which supply air flows.

[0011] The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 is provided with an inlet 3 that draws in air from the space to be conditioned, an air supply outlet 51, and an exhaust outlet 43. The air supply outlet 51 blows out, as supply air, air that has passed through a cooling unit 2 including a heat exchanger 22 and an evaporative filter 21 and been cooled by the cooling unit 2 into the space to be conditioned. The exhaust outlet 43 blows out, as exhaust air, air that has passed through the heat exchanger 22 and has exchanged sensible heat with water and the supply air.

[0012] The supply air outlet 51 and the exhaust air outlet 43 are provided on the top surface 100 of the main body 11. The air conditioner 1 is equipped with fans for transporting supply air and exhaust air. The fans include an exhaust fan 61 that transports exhaust air and an supply air fan 62 that transports supply air. A cylindrical duct may be disposed in the supply air outlet 51.

[0013] The intake fan 62 and the exhaust fan 61 may be, for example, centrifugal fans such as sirocco fans or propeller fans. The intake fan 62 is provided near the intake air outlet 51, and the exhaust fan 61 is provided near the exhaust air outlet 43. In other words, if the air flow in the air conditioner 1 is such that the intake port 3 is the most upstream end and the intake air outlet 51 and the exhaust air outlet 43 are the most downstream ends, the intake fan 62 and the exhaust fan 61 are provided downstream of the cooling unit 2 in the air flow direction. Therefore, the intake air fan 62 and the exhaust fan 61 function as so-called suction fans and can maintain negative pressure within the air flow path in the air conditioner 1, i.e., the exhaust air flow path 4 and the intake air flow path 5. The exhaust air flow path 4 corresponds to the first flow path through which exhaust air flows. The intake air flow path 5 corresponds to the second flow path through which intake air flows.

[0014] The heat exchanger 22 functions as a sensible heat exchanger and includes a first heat exchange flow path 221 through which air flows and a second heat exchange flow path 222 through which air flows that exchanges sensible heat with the air flowing through the first heat exchange flow path 221. The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 has an exhaust flow path 4 that communicates with the first heat exchange flow path 221, and an intermediate flow path 41 (described below) is disposed between the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the exhaust flow path 4. That is, the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and the exhaust flow path 4 of the main body 11 communicate with each other via the intermediate flow path 41. Therefore, the flow path through which exhaust air flows throughout the entire air conditioner 1 includes the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22, the exhaust flow path 4 of the main body 11, and the intermediate flow path 41.

[0015] The supply air fan 62 and the exhaust air fan 61 share a single fan motor 6, and are connected to shafts provided at both ends of the fan motor 6. For example, a partition plate is provided between the supply air fan 62 and the exhaust air fan 61. This partition plate reliably prevents the supply air transported by the supply air fan 62 and the exhaust air transported by the exhaust fan 61 from mixing. The volumetric flow rate of air transported per unit time by the supply air fan 62 may be greater than the volumetric flow rate of air transported per unit time by the exhaust fan 61. By making the volumetric flow rate of the supply air fan 62 greater than the volumetric flow rate of the exhaust fan 61, the air conditioning capacity can be improved.

[0016] The fan motor 6 is disposed in the exhaust flow path 4. In other words, the partition plate is provided between the fan motor 6 and the supply air fan 62. By providing the fan motor 6 on the exhaust fan 61 side in this way, the fan motor 6 can be cooled by the exhaust air transported by the exhaust fan 61. Therefore, the fan motor 6 can be efficiently cooled by utilizing the cold heat from the exhaust air without increasing the temperature of the supply air transported by the supply air fan 62.

[0017] The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 is provided with an intake passage 32, an air supply passage 5, and an exhaust passage 4 as air circulation paths. The intake passage 32 starts at the air intake port 3 and is connected to the heat exchanger 22 and a drain pan 91 located below the heat exchanger 22. That is, after passing through a dust collection filter 31 arranged to cover the air intake port 3, the intake passage 32 branches into an exhaust passage 4 that communicates with the first heat exchange passage 221 of the heat exchanger 22, and an air supply passage 5 that communicates with the drain pan 91. The branching points correspond to the starting points of the exhaust passage 4 and the air supply passage 5.

[0018] The first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 in the heat exchanger 22 are configured by stacking multiple membrane members and spacers alternately. Adjacent spacers in the stacking direction are arranged with their longitudinal directions rotated 90 degrees relative to each other, and adjacent spacers separated by the same membrane member intersect with each other, so that the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are perpendicular to each other, and a cross flow is formed between the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0019] Sensible heat exchange occurs between the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange passage 222 and the exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange passage 221 via each of the stacked membrane members. The stacking direction of these stacked membrane members is perpendicular to the respective path directions of the first heat exchange passage 221 and the second heat exchange passage 222. That is, in this embodiment, the path direction of the second heat exchange passage 222 is from left to right, and the path direction of the first heat exchange passage 221 is from bottom to top, whereas the stacking direction is the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to both the left-right and top-to-bottom directions.

[0020] The first heat exchange passage 221 through which the exhaust air flows communicates with the exhaust air outlet 43 via a portion of the exhaust air passage 4 provided in the main body 11. The second heat exchange passage 222 through which the supply air flows communicates with the supply air outlet 51 via a portion of the supply air passage 5 provided in the main body 11. The second heat exchange passage 222 through which the supply air flows communicates with the heat exchangers 22 in the left-right direction, i.e., horizontal direction, while the first heat exchange passage 221 through which the exhaust air flows communicates with the heat exchangers 22 in the up-down direction, i.e., vertical direction. In this way, the second heat exchange passage 222 and the first heat exchange passage 221 are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] A portion of the intake air that has passed through the intake passage 32 flows into the second heat exchange passage 222 of the heat exchanger 22. Furthermore, a portion of the intake air that has passed through the intake passage 32 flows into the gap between the dust collection filter 31 and the second heat exchange passage 222, into the gap between the drain pan 91 and the heat exchanger 22, and then flows into the first heat exchange passage 221 of the heat exchanger 22. As a result, the intake air that has passed through the intake passage 32 is divided into supply air that flows into the second heat exchange passage 222 and exhaust air that flows into the first heat exchange passage 221. In other words, the second heat exchange passage 222 and the first heat exchange passage 221 provided in the heat exchanger 22 form a flow dividing mechanism that divides the intake air.

[0022] A dust collection filter 31 is provided between the air inlet 3 and the inlets of the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222. The dust collection filter 31 may be configured as one unit with the cover 111 that is detachably attached to the main body 11. By providing the dust collection filter 31, dust in the intake air drawn in through the air inlet 3 can be captured, and adhesion of dust to the air flow path within the air conditioner 1 can be suppressed.

[0023] A drain pan 91 is provided below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 in the heat exchanger 22. The exhaust gas that passes between the drain pan 91 and the heat exchanger 22, i.e., through the upper space of the drain pan 91, flows into the heat exchanger 22 from the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221. Therefore, the exhaust flow path 4 includes the space between the drain pan 91 and the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0024] The exhaust air that flows into the heat exchanger 22 from the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 flows out to the outside of the heat exchanger 22 from the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed in the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. An exhaust fan 61 is disposed above the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 formed in the upper part of the heat exchanger 22. The exhaust air transported by the exhaust fan 61 is blown out from the exhaust outlet 43.

[0025] The second heat exchange passage 222 is provided linearly in a region where a cross flow with the first heat exchange passage 221 is formed. That is, the outlet at the end of the second heat exchange passage 222 is provided on the side surface of the heat exchanger 22 opposite to the side surface on which the inlet of the second heat exchange passage 222 is provided. In the illustrated example, the second heat exchange passage 222 is provided linearly from the front surface to the rear surface of the heat exchanger 22.

[0026] In the flow direction of the supply air, an evaporation filter 21 is provided at the end of the second heat exchange passage 222 of the heat exchanger 22, i.e., downstream of the outlet of the second heat exchange passage 222. The evaporation filter 21 is provided in the supply air passage 5, between the heat exchanger 22 and the supply air fan 62.

[0027] The vaporization filter 21 is provided with one surface of the rectangular filter element facing the side surface of the heat exchanger 22 on which the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222 is provided. The air supply flow path 5 from the vaporization filter 21 to the air supply outlet 51 extends upward from the vaporization filter 21. An air supply fan 62 for transporting the air is disposed in the air supply flow path 5 from the vaporization filter 21 to the air supply outlet 51. The air supply fan 62 is provided above the vaporization filter 21. The air supply transported by the air supply fan 62 is blown out from the air supply outlet 51 into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0028] As described above, the air conditioner 1 includes the tank 7 that stores water to be supplied to the evaporative filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22. The tank 7 includes a first tank 71 and a second tank 72. The first tank 71 is, for example, a rectangular box, and is disposed below the evaporative filter 21 and the drain pan 91. Two first tanks 71 may be mounted on the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1.

[0029] The second tank 72 has, for example, a rectangular box shape and is disposed below the first tank 71. The capacity of the second tank 72 may be smaller than the capacity of the first tank 71. The first tank 71 functions as a main tank that stores water supplied from a water supply or the like. The second tank 72 functions as a sub-tank that stores water supplied from the first tank 71 when the first tank 71 and the second tank 72 are installed inside the main body 11 of the air conditioner 1. The water stored in the second tank 72 is supplied to the heat exchanger 22 and the evaporative filter 21 included in the cooling unit 2.

[0030] The second tank 72 stores the recovered water via a recovery water channel 9 for recovering water remaining in the cooling unit 2. The second tank 72 and a drain pan 91 are connected via the recovery water channel 9. The evaporation filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are disposed above the drain pan 91. The drain pan 91 recovers water that has been supplied from the second tank 72 to the evaporation filter 21 and the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and remains in a liquid state without being evaporated.

[0031] A second tank-side shut-off valve is disposed in the second tank 72, and a main body-side shut-off valve is disposed in the main body 11. These second tank-side shut-off valve and main body-side shut-off valve are both opened when joined together. The second tank 72 and the pump are connected via a supply water passage 8, and the second tank-side shut-off valve and the main body-side shut-off valve are disposed in the supply water passage 8 between the second tank 72 and the pump. The pump may be disposed at the bottom of the supply water passage 8. Driving the pump transports water from the second tank 72 through the supply water passage 8. The supply water passage 8 may be formed of a hollow pipe made of resin or metal.

[0032] The pump is connected to a controller, such as a microcomputer, via a communication line, and is driven or stopped based on a control signal output from the controller. The controller may be disposed as a control board inside the exhaust flow path 4 located above the main body 11. Alternatively, the controller may be configured as a microcomputer mounted on a power supply board.

[0033] The pump, the vaporization filter 21, and the heat exchanger 22 are connected to each other via a supply water passage 8. Therefore, the second tank 72, the vaporization filter 21, and the heat exchanger 22 are connected to each other via the pump and the supply water passage 8. The supply water passage 8 branches into multiple paths near the vaporization filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, the supply water passage 8 branches into four paths, and one of the branches connects to the vaporization filter water supply section 211 of the vaporization filter 21. Of the four branched supply water passages 8, three of them connect to three water supply bodies 26 located above the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. Each of the three water supply bodies 26 functions as a sensible heat exchanger water supply section that supplies water to the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. The connection between the supply water passage 8 and the water supply body 26 functions as a water supply end 25. That is, the tip of the supply water channel 8 that is connected to the water supply body 26 corresponds to the water supply end 25.

[0034] The water supplied from the water supply passage 8 is temporarily held in the water supply section 211 for the vaporization filter provided at the top of the vaporization filter 21. Then, the water drips onto the vaporization filter 21 from holes provided in the water supply section 211 for the vaporization filter and permeates into the vaporization filter 21. The water supplied from the water supply passage 8 drips into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 via the water supply body 26 provided at the top of the heat exchanger 22.

[0035] A pump provided in the supply water passage 8 transports water from the second tank 72 to the evaporative filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22. Water that does not evaporate in the evaporative filter 21 and the heat exchanger 22 and remains in liquid form is collected by gravity in the drain pan 91 and returned from the drain pan 91 to the second tank 72 via the recovery water passage 9. In other words, a water circulation passage is formed by the second tank 72, the supply water passage 8, the cooling unit 2, the drain pan 91, and the recovery water passage 9. When the amount of water stored in the second tank 72 falls below a predetermined value, water is supplied from the first tank 71 to the second tank 72.

[0036] The first tank 71 is disposed above the second tank 72 with the water supply tube portion provided on the bottom surface facing downward. The first tank 71 may be detachably attached to the main body 11, for example, and may be stored inside the main body 11 after being removed from the main body 11 and refilled with tap water or the like. The volume of the first tank 71 is larger than the volume of the second tank 72. In this embodiment, two first tanks 71 are provided, and the total volume of the two first tanks 71 is larger than the volume of the second tank 72. The number of first tanks 71 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0037] Water supplied from the second tank 72 drips through the water supply body 26 provided above the heat exchanger 22 into the first heat exchange flow path 221, through which the exhaust gas flows. In other words, the first heat exchange flow path 221 is a mixture of exhaust gas flowing from bottom to top and water dripping from the water supply body 26 and flowing from top to bottom. The water stored in the second tank 72 is water recovered from the evaporative filter 21 and is cooled by the heat of vaporization. Therefore, the temperature of the water supplied from the second tank 72 is lower than the temperature of the exhaust gas immediately after it flows into the first heat exchange flow path 221. The exhaust gas exchanges sensible heat with the water dripping from the water supply body 26, i.e., is cooled by the water. Each exhaust path 231 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221 is composed of a plate member 232 with a nonwoven fabric attached to its surface, which functions as a membrane member. The water dripping from the water supply body 26 adheres to the nonwoven fabric, increasing the surface area of ​​the water in contact with the exhaust gas. As a result, some of the water dripping from the water supply body 26 evaporates, and the heat of evaporation also further cools the exhaust gas.

[0038] The exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 and the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange flow path 222 cross each other, and sensible heat is exchanged between the supply air and the exhaust air. As described above, the exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange flow path 221 is cooled by water supplied from the second tank 72, and the supply air is cooled by the exhaust air cooled by the water supplied from the second tank 72. Furthermore, the supply air may be cooled by the sensible heat or latent heat of vaporization of water attached to a film member that forms the exhaust path 231 that constitutes the first heat exchange flow path 221, using the film member as a heat transfer member.

[0039] The supply air that has passed through the outlet of the second heat exchange flow path 222 of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the supply air flow path 5 that runs from the heat exchanger 22 to the supply air outlet 51. In the supply air flow path 5, a vaporization filter 21 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 22, and the supply air passes through the vaporization filter 21.

[0040] Water supplied from the second tank 72 drips onto the vaporization filter 21 via the vaporization filter water supply section 211 provided above the vaporization filter 21. Because negative pressure is maintained within the air intake flow path 5, the water supplied from the second tank 72 is sucked into the vaporization filter 21 through holes provided in the bottom surface of the vaporization filter water supply section 211 and permeates into the vaporization filter 21. The water that permeates the vaporization filter 21 is promoted by the supply air passing through the vaporization filter 21, and vaporizes, i.e., evaporates into water vapor, which is then contained in the supply air. The heat of evaporation cools the supply air, lowering its temperature. The cooled supply air is blown out by the supply air fan 62 from the supply air outlet 51 into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0041] With this configuration, the supply air blown into the conditioned space can be cooled in two stages, including primary cooling by the heat exchanger 22 and secondary cooling by the evaporative filter 21. Therefore, the temperature of the supply air can be further reduced compared to, for example, a direct evaporation method that uses only the evaporative filter 21.

[0042] The exhaust air that flows into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 is mixed with water dripping from the water supply body 26 and transported toward the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 located above the heat exchanger 22. Because the first heat exchange flow path 221 extends from below to above the heat exchanger 22, the exhaust air mixed with the water supplied from the water supply body 26 flows from below to above the heat exchanger 22. The water supply bodies 26 are elongated and arranged in parallel in the short direction. The exhaust air that has passed through the outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 passes between the water supply bodies 26 arranged in parallel in this manner, reaches the exhaust fan 61, and is then blown out from the exhaust outlet 43.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the air conditioner 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the attachment and detachment of each component in the exterior of the air conditioner 1. The main body 11 of the air conditioner 1 is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and has an upper surface 100, a lower surface 105, and side surfaces. The side surfaces include a first side surface 101, a second side surface 102, a third side surface 103, and a fourth side surface 104 located on the front, rear, left, and right sides. In this embodiment, the first side surface 101 corresponds to the front surface. The second side surface 102 corresponds to the right surface. The third side surface 103 corresponds to the rear surface. The fourth side surface 104 corresponds to the left surface.

[0044] The top surface 100 is formed with an air supply outlet 51 to which a duct is attached, and an exhaust outlet 43. A removable opening 112 is formed in a first side surface 101, which corresponds to the front surface. A cover 111 is attached to the removable opening 112. In other words, the cover 111 is removably attached so as to cover the removable opening 112. A dust collection filter 31 is integrally disposed on the cover 111. A lever that is operated when removing the case 24 from the main body 11 is disposed above the removable opening 112. A passage 113 is formed below the removable opening 112 on the first side surface 101, through which the first tank 71 and the second tank 72 are stored. A first tank housing section that houses the first tank 71 and a second tank housing section that houses the second tank 72 are formed at the back of the opening.

[0045] By removing the cover 111 from the main body 11, the heat exchanger 22 housed in the case 24 is exposed through the attachment / detachment opening 112 so as to be visible from the outside of the main body 11. A grip portion 241 is formed on the case 24, and the case 24 can be pulled out from the main body 11 by gripping the grip portion 241.

[0046] The first tank 71 and the second tank 72 are configured to be removable from the main body 11, similar to the case 24. That is, the first side surface 101 of the main body 11 is formed with an attachment / detachment opening 112 used when attaching or detaching the case 24, and a passage opening 113 used when attaching or detaching the first tank 71 and the second tank 72. By forming both the attachment / detachment opening 112 and the passage opening 113 on the first side surface 101, which is the front surface of the main body 11, in this way, it is possible to improve the ease of operation by an operator.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below the heat exchanger 22. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed below the heat exchanger 22, i.e., below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by extending downward the lower end of a plate member 232 that constitutes the first heat exchange flow path 221. The lower end of the plate member 232 that extends downward forms ridges at multiple discharge ends 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0048] When water that has flowed through the first heat exchange flow path 221 is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 22, it passes through the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. The meniscus suppression structure 27 has a plurality of discharge ends 271, and the plurality of discharge ends 271 have different positions in the vertical direction. In other words, the meniscus suppression structure 27 is a structure that defines the discharge ends 271 that have different positions in the vertical direction. In this way, the plate member 232 that constitutes the first heat exchange flow path 221 includes the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0049] The heat exchanger 22 is composed of a first heat exchange flow path 221 and a second heat exchange flow path 222 that are orthogonal to each other. The first heat exchange flow path 221 includes multiple exhaust paths 231, and the second heat exchange flow path 222 includes multiple supply paths. The first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are composed of multiple plate members 232 and spacers 234 stacked alternately. The plate member 232 may be composed of a film member with a nonwoven fabric attached to its surface. Adjacent spacers 234 in the stacking direction are arranged with their longitudinal directions rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. As adjacent spacers 234 intersect with each other via the same plate member 232, the first heat exchange flow path 221 and the second heat exchange flow path 222 are orthogonal to each other, and a cross flow is formed between the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange flow path 222 and the exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange flow path 221. The heat exchanger 22 configured in this manner may be, for example, a sensible heat exchanger as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-113426.

[0050] The ridgeline of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of the downwardly extending plate member 232 is in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction along the direction of gravity, i.e., has a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal line. In this embodiment, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate member 232 is configured to increase from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22. Alternatively, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate member 232 may be configured to increase from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22.

[0051] Water dripping from the water supply body 26 into the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22 flows in the direction of gravity, i.e., vertically. Therefore, the flow path direction of the first heat exchange flow path 221 is parallel to the vertical direction. Furthermore, a line perpendicular to the flow path direction of the first heat exchange flow path 221 extending vertically and a ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 at the lower end of the plate member 232 are inclined at an angle of, for example, about 10°. Alternatively, the angle between the ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 and the horizontal line may be set between 3° and 60°, for example.

[0052] The plurality of plate members 232 that constitute the first heat exchange flow path 221 are stacked in the left-right direction of the air conditioner 1, and the lower ends of all of the stacked plate members 232 may be inclined to form ridgelines that protrude downward. Alternatively, the lower ends of every other plate member 232 among the plurality of stacked plate members 232 may be inclined to form ridgelines that protrude downward.

[0053] The meniscus suppression structure 27 includes an inclined ridgeline formed by the lower end of the downwardly extending plate member 232. This allows water that reaches the meniscus suppression structure 27 located at the bottom of the first heat exchange flow path 221 to collect at the bottom of the ridgeline, along the inclination of the ridgeline formed at the discharge end 271, which is the bottom end of the meniscus suppression structure 27. The water that collects at the bottom of the ridgeline drips under its own weight and is collected in the drain pan 91. This makes it possible to efficiently suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below a heat exchanger 22 according to embodiment 2. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed below the heat exchanger 22, i.e., below the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 221 of the heat exchanger 22. The meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by extending downward the lower ends of the plate members 232 that constitute the first heat exchange flow path 221. Furthermore, among the multiple stacked plate members 232, the shapes of the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 are different. By making the downward protrusion lengths of the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 different in this manner, a ridge line is formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0055] A plurality of plate members 232 are stacked in the left-right direction of the heat exchanger 22. The ridge line formed by the discharge ends 271 of the meniscus suppression structures 27, which are formed by the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232, has a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal line, as in the first embodiment. In one plate member 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of that plate member 232 is configured to increase from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22. In the other plate member 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of that plate member 232 is configured to increase from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22. In this case, in each of the stacked plate members 232, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate members 232 that are even-numbered in the stacking order may be configured to increase from the front to the rear of the heat exchanger 22. Furthermore, the downward protrusion length of the lower end of the plate members 232 that are odd-numbered may be configured to increase from the rear to the front of the heat exchanger 22.

[0056] As a result, the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of one plate member 232 and the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the lower end of the other plate member 232 intersect when viewed from the left and right. By making the shapes of the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 different in this way, it is possible to configure the plurality of ridge lines formed at the lower ends of the meniscus suppression structure 27 so that they are not positioned on the same horizontal plane. In other words, by making the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232 not positioned on the same horizontal plane, it is possible to efficiently suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower end of the plate member 232, i.e., at the opening below the first heat exchange passage 221.

[0057] 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below a heat exchanger 22 according to embodiment 3. A plurality of plate members 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221 are stacked in the left-right direction when the heat exchanger 22 is housed in the air conditioner 1, and the number of exhaust paths 231 is determined according to the stacking.

[0058] In the stacked plate members 232, the protruding lengths of the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 are different. With regard to the protruding lengths, the distance from the lower end of one plate member 232 to the drain pan 91 is different from the distance from the lower end of the other plate member 232 to the drain pan 91. With this configuration, the two adjacent plate members 232 are staggered in the vertical direction and include an upper plate member 232 and a lower plate member 232. The two plate members 232 staggered in the vertical direction can form a meniscus suppression structure 27 that defines a discharge end 271 that is different in the vertical direction.

[0059] When two adjacent plate members 232 are configured to be staggered, only one of the plate members 232 protrudes from the region corresponding to the second heat exchange flow path 222 through which the supply air flows. The other plate member 232 may not protrude downward, but may be configured to fit within the region corresponding to the second heat exchange flow path 222 through which the supply air flows. In this case, among the stacked plate members 232, the plate members 232 that are even-numbered in the stacking order may protrude downward, and the plate members 232 that are odd-numbered may not protrude.

[0060] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison between adjacent plate members 232 with and without a step. In the illustration of this embodiment, the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 are shown on the left and right. The plate member 232 on the right has a configuration in this embodiment where the protruding length of the lower end is different. The plate member 232 on the left is shown as a reference for comparison, and has the same protruding length of the lower end.

[0061] The upward force (F) due to surface tension on the water accumulating at the lower end of the adjacent plate member 232 is calculated as follows: F = 2L × γ · cos Θ. This is calculated by multiplying twice the contact length (L) on one side by the surface tension (γ) at the contact surface with water, which is the inner surface of the plate member 232, and the cosine (cos Θ) of the contact angle (Θ). Furthermore, the condition for retaining a droplet of a predetermined weight (M) is that the upward force (F) due to surface tension must be greater than the weight (M) multiplied by the acceleration of gravity (g) (F > M × g).

[0062] In this case, if the protruding lengths of the lower ends of the plate members 232 shown for reference on the left are the same, it is assumed that the conditions for retaining the droplet are met. This raises concerns about the formation of a meniscus at the lower end of the plate member 232. In contrast, if the protruding lengths of the lower ends of the plate members 232 shown on the right are different, a step is created in the vertical direction at the lower ends of adjacent plate members 232. This causes the component of the force (M x g) acting on the upper plate member 232 to exceed the upward force (F) due to surface tension on one side. This means that the lower plate member 232 alone cannot support the droplet. Consequently, the value obtained by multiplying the weight (M) of the droplet by the acceleration of gravity (g) exceeds the upward force (F) due to surface tension (F < M x g). Water drips, preventing the formation of a meniscus.

[0063] 9 is a schematic side view showing a meniscus suppression structure 27 formed below a heat exchanger 22 according to a fourth embodiment. The first heat exchange flow path 221 is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members 232, and spacers 234 are disposed between two adjacent plate members 232 to maintain a separation distance between the plate members 232. For example, three spacers 234 are disposed between the two adjacent plate members 232, and these three spacers 234 are disposed at the center and both ends of the plate members 232. As a result, two exhaust paths 231 are formed between the two adjacent plate members 232.

[0064] In this embodiment, the lower end of the spacer 234 disposed at the center of the plate member 232 protrudes downward from the plate member 232, thereby forming a ridge line by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. In other words, the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the lower end of the plate member 232, the protruding portion of the spacer 234 protruding downward from the plate member 232, and the lower end that is the lowest part of the protruding portion. In this case, one or more vertical grooves may be formed downward, i.e., along the vertical direction, on the side surface of the protruding portion of the spacer 234 protruding downward from the plate member 232.

[0065] Although the lower end of the spacer 234 arranged in the center of the plate member 232 protrudes downward from the plate member 232 in the above description, this is not limited to this. The lower end of the spacer 234 arranged at either end of the plate member 232 may protrude downward from the plate member 232 to form a ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. In this way, the ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the lower end of the plate member 232 and one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward from the lower end. Therefore, by guiding water along the ridge line, water that reaches the lower end of the plate member 232 can be guided to one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward and drip downward from the one end of the spacer 234.

[0066] 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by a contact member 270 arranged below a heat exchanger 22 according to a fifth embodiment. The contact member 270 is arranged directly below the lower opening of the first heat exchange flow path 221, and contacts the lower part of the first heat exchange flow path 221. The contact member 270 constitutes the meniscus suppression structure 27, and the lower end of the contact member 270 forms a ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. The contact member 270 constituting the meniscus suppression structure 27 may be formed, for example, as a portion below the case 24 that houses the heat exchanger 22, or as a portion of the internal structure of the main body 11 that corresponds to the case 24 when the case 24 is installed inside the main body 11.

[0067] The contact members 270 constituting the meniscus suppression structure 27 may include contact plates corresponding to the plate members 232 constituting the first heat exchange flow path 221. In this case, the upper ends of the contact plates contact the lower ends of the plate members 232. The lower ends of the contact plates, for example, have a predetermined angle with respect to a perpendicular line to the vertical direction, i.e., the horizontal line, similar to the lower ends of the plate members 232 in the first embodiment. The lower ends of the contact plates form the ridge line of the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27.

[0068] In this way, by arranging the contact member 270 that constitutes the meniscus suppression structure 27 in contact with the lower end of the plate member 232 that constitutes the first heat exchange flow path 221, water that has passed through the first heat exchange flow path 221 is guided from the plate member 232 to the contact plate of the contact member 270. The inclined ridge at the lower end of the contact member 270 allows the water to drip downward. This makes it possible to efficiently suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the first heat exchange flow path 221.

[0069] 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by a contact member 270 arranged below the heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, the contact member 270 arranged below the first heat exchange flow path 221 includes multiple contact plates, and the contact plates may be arranged alternately with respect to the stacked plate members 232. That is, the upper ends of the contact plates of the contact member 270 contact the lower ends of the plate members 232. In this manner, for two adjacent plate members 232, the contact member 270 contacts one plate member 232 and does not contact the other plate member 232. As a result, by combining the plate members 232 and the contact member 270, it is possible to form the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 having portions with different lengths in the vertical direction.

[0070] The ridge line formed by the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by a ridge line formed by the lower end of the plate member 232 that does not contact the contact member 270, and a ridge line formed by the lower end of the contact member 270 whose upper end contacts the lower end of the plate member 232. As in the third embodiment, these ridge lines are not located on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, two adjacent plate members 232 can be made to have a difference in height in the vertical direction depending on whether or not the contact member 270 is disposed. Therefore, the generation of a meniscus can be efficiently suppressed at the lower opening of the first heat exchange passage 221.

[0071] In this embodiment, a water supply body 26 is disposed above a heat exchanger 22 having a heat exchange passage, and supplies water by dripping it into the heat exchange passage. The water supplied from the water supply body 26 enters the heat exchange passage from above and mixes with exhaust gas flowing from below the heat exchange passage, where a portion of the water vaporizes. The unvaporized water reaches the lower portion of the heat exchange passage in liquid form, passes through the heat exchange passage, and is collected in a drain pan 91 disposed below the heat exchange passage. If the opening below the heat exchange passage is relatively narrow, some of the liquid water that reaches the lower portion of the heat exchange passage adheres to the lower opening of the heat exchange passage, i.e., the exhaust gas inlet of the heat exchange passage, without dripping into the drain pan 91, and forms a meniscus that blocks the exhaust gas inlet. In response to this, a meniscus suppression structure 27 having discharge ends 271 with different lengths in the vertical direction is formed at the lower portion of the heat exchange passage of the air conditioner 1. The discharge ends 271 with different vertical lengths may be formed by multiple plate portions constituting the heat exchange flow path, and may have different vertical lengths depending on the shape of a single plate portion. Alternatively, the different vertical lengths may be formed by the shape of two adjacent plate portions. Alternatively, the discharge ends 271 with different vertical lengths may be separate portions that contact the plate portions. The discharge ends 271 with different vertical lengths thus form a ridgeline in the meniscus suppression structure 27 that suppresses water accumulation. The ridgeline of the discharge end 271 included in the meniscus suppression structure 27 suppresses the destruction or creation of a meniscus, allowing water that has passed through the heat exchange flow path to efficiently drip into the drain pan 91. In other words, by directing water along the ridgeline of the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27, a bias in the accumulation of water is created in the opening located at the bottom of the heat exchange flow path. This allows the water to flow down under its own weight before forming a meniscus across the entire width of the opening, thereby ensuring the opening of the heat exchange flow path. In this way, when the air conditioner 1 is in a normal installation state, the water supply body 26, the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 22, the meniscus suppression structure 27, and the drain pan 91 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.This allows water supplied from the water supply body 26 to the heat exchange flow passage of the heat exchanger 22 to drip into the drain pan 91 without generating a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange flow passage. This prevents the lower opening of the heat exchange flow passage, i.e., the exhaust gas inlet of the heat exchange flow passage, from being blocked by water, ensuring a sufficient flow passage cross-sectional area. In addition, this prevents an increase in ventilation resistance when the exhaust gas flows, ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 22.

[0072] In this embodiment, multiple ridges are formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27. Each of the multiple ridges may be formed by the lower ends of multiple stacked plate members 232 that form the heat exchange flow path. In normal use, with the air conditioner 1 placed on a horizontal surface such as a floor, the flow path direction of the heat exchange flow path is parallel to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity. As a result, water dripping from the water supply body 26 flows from the top to the bottom of the heat exchange flow path due to gravity. At this time, at least some of the multiple ridges formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 are inclined, for example, by approximately 10° relative to a line perpendicular to the flow path direction of the heat exchange flow path, i.e., the horizontal line, and a predetermined inclination is formed between any of the ridges and the line perpendicular to the flow path direction of the heat exchange flow path. This angle may be set, for example, between 3° and 60°. By providing some of the ridges with an inclination, the multiple ridges formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 are configured so that they are not located on the same horizontal plane. Alternatively, all of the ridgelines formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27 may be inclined. In this manner, the ridgelines of the meniscus suppression structure 27 have a predetermined angle with respect to a perpendicular line perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e., the horizontal line. Therefore, water reaching the meniscus suppression structure 27 located at the lower part of the heat exchange flow path is collected at the lowest part of the ridgeline along the ridgeline formed at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure 27. When the weight of the water collected at the lowest part of the ridgeline exceeds the surface tension between the water and the meniscus suppression structure 27, the water collected at the lowest part of the ridgeline drips from the meniscus suppression structure 27. As a result, the water is collected in the drain pan 91 located below the meniscus suppression structure 27. In this way, the ridgelines are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a perpendicular line to the vertical direction, which is a relatively simple structure. This suppresses the formation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange flow path, thereby ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 22.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heat exchange flow path is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members 232. The lower ends of the plate members 232 form a ridgeline in the meniscus suppression structure 27. That is, the plurality of plate members 232 constituting the heat exchange flow path include the meniscus suppression structure 27. Among the plurality of stacked plate members 232, the shapes of the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 are different. For example, the ridgeline formed by the lower end of one plate member 232 and the ridgeline formed by the lower end of the other plate member 232 may intersect in a side view from the stacking direction. That is, the ridgeline formed by the lower end of one plate member 232 may be inclined upward, and the ridgeline formed by the lower end of the other plate member 232 may be inclined downward. Alternatively, among two adjacent plate members 232, only the ridgeline formed by the lower end of one of the plate members 232 may be inclined. By making the shapes of the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 different in this way, a slope can be formed by two adjacent ridgelines in the meniscus suppression structure 27. Water that reaches the lower ends of the two adjacent plate members 232 is guided along the inclined ridge line, thereby making it possible to prevent the formation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange flow path.

[0074] In this embodiment, among the plurality of plate members 232 forming the heat exchange flow path, the distances between the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 and the drain pan 91 are different. That is, the downward protrusion lengths of the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 are different. In this manner, a difference is created between the downward protrusion lengths of one plate member 232 and the other plate member 232. This allows the heights of the ridge lines formed by the lower ends of one plate member 232 and the other plate member 232 to be staggered. As a result, the weight of water accumulated at the lower ends of two adjacent plate members 232 cannot be supported by the lower ends of the plate member 232 located below the staggered height, allowing the water to drip. In this manner, the distances between the lower ends of one plate member 232 and the drain pan 91 are different between the lower ends of the other plate member 232 and the drain pan 91 of two adjacent plate members 232. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange passage with a relatively simple structure.

[0075] In this embodiment, a spacer 234 is disposed between two adjacent plate members 232 of the plurality of plate members 232 that form the heat exchange flow path, maintaining a distance between the plate members 232. The spacer 234 is, for example, an elongated body having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. One end of the elongated spacer 234 protrudes from below the heat exchange flow path. This protruding end of the spacer 234, together with the lower end of the plate member 232, forms the discharge end 271 of the meniscus suppression structure 27. In this case, a vertical groove for guiding water may be formed downward on the side of the spacer 234. As a result, the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27 is formed by the lower end of the plate member 232 and one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward from the lower end. Therefore, by aligning the ridge line, water that reaches the lower end of the plate member 232 can be guided to one end of the spacer 234 protruding downward and drip downward from one end of the spacer 234. In this way, with the relatively simple structure of having one end of the spacer 234 protruding from below the heat exchange flow path, it is possible to prevent the formation of a meniscus at the opening below the heat exchange flow path.

[0076] In this embodiment, a contact member 270 configured separately from the heat exchanger 22 is disposed in the lower portion of the heat exchange flow path, i.e., between the heat exchanger 22 and the drain pan 91. The contact member 270 is disposed in contact with the lower portion of the heat exchange flow path and functions as the meniscus suppression structure 27. The contact member 270 includes a plurality of stacked contact plates, and the upper ends of these contact plates contact the lower ends of the plurality of plate members 232 that form the first heat exchange flow. The lower ends of the plurality of contact plates included in the contact member 270 form the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27. For example, the lower ends of the contact plates may be formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal line. Alternatively, the lower ends of the plurality of contact plates included in the contact member 270 may be configured to have different downward protrusion lengths between adjacent contact plates, resulting in staggered heights, thereby forming the ridge line of the meniscus suppression structure 27. In this staggered configuration, the multiple contact plates included in the contact member 270 may be arranged alternately with respect to the multiple stacked plate members 232. By forming the meniscus suppression structure 27 on the contact member 270, which is separate from the heat exchanger 22, it is possible to suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the heat exchange flow path. Furthermore, since the meniscus suppression structure 27 formed by the contact member 270 forms part of the case 24 that houses the heat exchanger 22 or the main body 11 in which the case 24 is installed, it is not necessary to form the meniscus suppression structure 27 in the heat exchanger 22.

[0077] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the heat exchange flow path is made of a wettable material. That is, the inner surfaces of the multiple plate members 232 that make up the heat exchange flow path are made of a wettable material. When forming the heat exchange flow path, the inner surfaces of the multiple stacked plate members 232 are the surfaces that come into contact with the air flowing through the heat exchange flow path. A wettable material, such as a water-absorbent nonwoven fabric, may be attached to the inner surface of the plate member 232. In this case, the plate member 232 functions as a membrane member. By forming the inner surface of the heat exchange flow path from a wettable material such as a nonwoven fabric, it is possible to absorb and retain water from the water supply body 26. Furthermore, the contact time with the air flowing through the heat exchange flow path is increased, promoting water evaporation and improving the cooling capacity of the air.

[0078] In this embodiment, the heat exchange passage is a first heat exchange passage 221 through which exhaust air flows, and the heat exchanger 22 includes the first heat exchange passage 221 and a second heat exchange passage 222 through which supply air flows. The heat exchanger 22 functions as a sensible heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the exhaust air flowing through the first heat exchange passage 221 and the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange passage 222. The air conditioner 1 including the heat exchanger 22 is an indirect evaporative cooling air conditioner 1. In this way, even in an indirect evaporative cooling air conditioner 1, a meniscus suppression structure 27 having a ridgeline that suppresses water accumulation is applied to suppress the generation of a meniscus at the lower opening of the first heat exchange passage 221. This suppresses an increase in ventilation resistance in the first heat exchange passage 221 through which exhaust air flows, thereby ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 22.

[0079] Multiple claims may be combined with each other regardless of the form of reference. Multiple dependent claims may be included in the claims, depending on multiple claims. Multiple dependent claims may be included in a multiple dependent claim. If multiple dependent claims are not included in a multiple dependent claim, this does not limit the number of multiple dependent claims that are included in a multiple dependent claim.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0081] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner 11 Main body (housing) 100 Top surface 101 First side surface (front surface) 102 Second side surface (right surface) 103 Third side surface (rear surface) 104 Fourth side surface (left surface) 105 Bottom surface 111 Cover 112 Detachable opening 113 Passage opening 2 Cooling unit 21 Evaporative filter 211 Evaporative filter water supply section 22 Heat exchanger (sensible heat exchanger) 221 First heat exchange flow path 222 Second heat exchange flow path 231 Exhaust path 232 Plate member 234 Spacer 24 Heat exchanger case 241 Grip section 25 Water supply end 26 Water supply body (water supply section for sensible heat exchanger) 27 Meniscus suppression structure 270 Contact member 271 Discharge end 3 Intake port 31 Dust collection filter 32 Suction flow path 4 Exhaust flow path (first flow path) 43 Exhaust air outlet 5 Air supply flow path (second flow path) 51 Air supply outlet 6 Fan motor 61 Exhaust fan 62 Air supply fan 7 Tank 71 First tank 72 Second tank 8 Supply water path 9 Recovery water path 91 Drain pan

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger including a heat exchange flow path through which air and water flow; a water supply body that supplies water from above the heat exchange flow path; and a drain pan that receives water that has been supplied from the water supply body and passed through the heat exchange flow path, wherein a meniscus suppression structure is formed at the bottom of the heat exchange flow path, which is a discharge end through which the water that has flowed through the heat exchange flow path passes when it is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger, and which defines a discharge end that has a difference in the vertical direction.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the ridges formed by the plurality of discharge ends at the lower end of the meniscus suppression structure are inclined relative to the horizontal line.

3. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein the heat exchange flow path is formed by a plurality of plate members stacked in a stacking direction, the lower ends of the plate members form a ridge line formed by the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure, and the shapes of the lower ends of two adjacent plate members are made different, thereby forming a slope by the two adjacent ridge lines in the meniscus suppression structure.

4. An air conditioner as described in claim 3, wherein in a plurality of stacked plate members, the ridge line of the discharge end defined by the lower end of one plate member intersects with the ridge line of the discharge end defined by the lower end of the other plate member when viewed from the side in the stacking direction.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, among the plurality of stacked plate members, only the ridge line of the discharge end formed by the lower end of any one of the plate members is inclined with respect to the horizontal line.

6. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein the heat exchange flow path is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members, and the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure is formed by making the distance between the lower end of one plate member and the drain pan different from the distance between the lower end of the other plate member and the drain pan for two adjacent plate members.

7. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein the heat exchange flow path is formed by a plurality of stacked plate members, and a spacer is disposed between two adjacent plate members to maintain a separation distance between the plate members, and the spacer protrudes from below the heat exchange flow path to form the discharge end of the meniscus suppression structure.

8. An air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein the meniscus suppression structure is arranged in contact with the lower part of the heat exchange flow path and is composed of a contact member that is separate from the heat exchanger, and the meniscus suppression structure composed of the contact member forms part of a heat exchanger case that houses the heat exchanger or a main body in which the heat exchanger case is installed.

9. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner surface of the heat exchange passage is made of a material having wettability.

10. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat exchange passage is a first heat exchange passage through which exhaust air flows, and the heat exchanger includes a second heat exchange passage through which supply air flows, and heat is exchanged between the exhaust air flowing through the heat exchange passage and the supply air flowing through the second heat exchange passage.

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