TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A known evaporative cooling type air conditioner, which is disclosed in, for example,
Patent Literature 1, draws in air from a room, lowers the ambient temperature using
the heat of evaporation of water, and blows the cooled air into the room. In the air
conditioner of Patent Literature 1, air flowing through a second flow passage passes
through a plurality of tubes included in a sensible heat exchanger, and air flowing
through a first flow passage passes around the plurality of tubes. As a result, heat
is exchanged between the air flowing through the second flow passage and the air flowing
through the first flow passage.
Citation List
Patent Literature
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0004] However, the air conditioner of Patent Literature 1 does not account for the efficiency
of maintenance work in view of the structural arrangement of a water supply device
for supplying water and a cooling unit.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object
thereof is to provide an air conditioner that offers improved maintenance efficiency.
Solution to Problem
[0006] An air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling
unit and a water supply device to supply water to a surface of the cooling unit. The
water supply unit is movable between a first position in which the water supply device
faces the surface of the cooling unit in a perpendicular direction orthogonal to the
surface and a second position in which the water supply device is located away from
the surface of the cooling unit in a plane direction orthogonal to the perpendicular
direction.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] Easy access to the surface of the cooling unit that faces the water supply device
enables efficient maintenance work of the air conditioner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view illustrating an example configuration of
an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of the air conditioner from its front.
FIG. 3 is a perspective external view of the air conditioner from its rear.
FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of the air conditioner from its bottom.
FIG. 5 is a perspective external view of the air conditioner from its front with a
water tank removed.
FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of the water tank.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the water tank.
FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner with the water tank attached.
FIG. 9 illustrates the air conditioner with a door opened to expose an upper surface
of a cooling unit.
FIG. 10 illustrates the air conditioner from which the cooling unit is removed.
FIG. 11 illustrates water supply devices in a state where the door is closed.
FIG. 12 illustrates a length relationship between a connection supply water channel
and the door.
FIG. 13 illustrates a connection structure between the water supply devices and a
supply water channel.
FIG. 14 illustrates displacement of the connection supply water channel when the door
is opened and closed.
FIG. 15 is a perspective external view of a heat exchanger case.
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger case.
FIG. 17 illustrates the heat exchanger case inserted into the housing.
FIG. 18 is a perspective external view of an evaporative filter case with a handle
raised.
FIG. 19 is a perspective external view of the evaporative filter case with the handle
lowered.
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the evaporative filter case.
FIG. 21 illustrates a first intermediate supply-air flow passage located between the
heat exchanger case and the evaporative filter case.
FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged view of the first intermediate supply-air flow passage.
FIG. 23 is a schematic side sectional view of a drain pan in the housing.
FIG. 24 illustrates a positional relationship between a bottom hole of the drain pan
and a water supply hole.
FIG. 25 illustrates the left side of the water level sensor mounted by the sensor
fixing member.
FIG. 26 illustrates the right side of the water level sensor mounted by the sensor
fixing member.
FIG. 27 illustrates how a drain pan filter is attached.
FIG. 28 illustrates how the drain pan filter is detached.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating functional components in the air conditioner.
FIG. 30 illustrates an exposed upper surface of a cooling unit with a door open, according
to a second embodiment.
FIG. 31 illustrates the air conditioner from which the cooling unit is removed.
FIG. 32 is a schematic side sectional view of a heat exchanger case located in a housing.
FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a part of the heat exchanger case.
FIG. 34 is a plan view of the heat exchanger case housing the sensible heat exchanger.
FIG. 35 is a plan view of the heat exchanger case without the sensible heat exchanger.
FIG. 36 is a schematic side sectional view of an evaporative filter case located in
the housing.
FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a return portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] An air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to
the following examples, and includes meanings equivalent to the scope of the claims
and all modifications within the scope of the claims.
(First Embodiment)
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 is a schematic side sectional view illustrating an example configuration of the
air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective external view
of the air conditioner 1 from its front. FIG. 3 is a perspective external view of
the air conditioner 1 from its rear. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of the
air conditioner 1 from its bottom. FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-section of the
air conditioner 1 as viewed from the front. In FIG. 1, directional terms, up, down,
left, and right, are shown based on the air conditioner 1 placed in a normal usage
mode. In Figs. 2, 3, and 4, directional terms, up, down, front, rear, left, and right,
are shown based on the air conditioner 1 placed in the normal usage mode. In the present
embodiment, the vertical direction indicates the up-down direction. A first horizontal
direction indicates the left-right direction. A second horizontal direction indicates
the front-rear direction.
[0011] The air conditioner 1 is mounted on a vehicle, for example, a commercial vehicle
such as a forklift or a truck, a towing vehicle, a lifting vehicle, a mini excavator
car, or a golf cart. When the air conditioner 1 is mounted on a mobile body such as
a forklift, the power of a main body of the air conditioner 1 may be turned on and
off in conjunction with a key switch of an engine of the forklift. That is, the power
of the air conditioner 1 may be turned on by turning on the engine of the forklift,
and the power of the air conditioner 1 may be turned off by turning off the engine
of the forklift.
[0012] A housing 10 is made of resin or metal and shaped like a rectangular box, and includes
a main body 11 and a door 12 that is openable and closable relative to the main body
11. The housing 10 forming a box has an upper surface, a lower 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 the present embodiment, the first side wall
111 corresponds to a rear side wall. The second side wall 112 corresponds to a front
side wall. The third side wall 113 corresponds to a right side wall. The fourth side
wall 114 corresponds to a left side wall. Thus, 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 constituted by a body-side first
side wall 1111 and a door-side first side wall 1112.
[0013] The door 12 is disposed above the main body 11 and is openable and closable relative
to the main body 11. Specifically, the door-side first side wall 1112 is connected
to the body-side first side wall 1111 by two support portions 115. As the support
portions 115, for example, hinges can be used.
[0014] The third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 of the housing 10 have recessed
handholds 118, which extend from their respective lower portion to a lower surface.
The handholds 118 are portions to be gripped by the user when carrying the air conditioner
1.
[0015] A duct 431 for blowing out supply air is disposed in an upper surface of the housing
10. A water tank 8 is disposed beside the second side wall 112 of the housing 10.
A tank base 116 for arranging the water tank 8 is positioned below the second side
wall 112 of the housing 10. The water tank 8 is disposed on the tank base portion
116, thereby covering the second side wall 112. A drainage channel 781 for draining
water from a drain pan 6, which will be described later, is provided in a lower portion
of the tank base 116. The water tank 8 is detachably fitted to the housing 10. The
water tank 8 has a gripping portion and can be removed from the housing 10. When refilling
the water tank 8, the user of the air conditioner 1 can bring only the water tank
8 to a tap, thereby reducing the workload involved in refilling with water. The water
tank 8 has a water level confirmation window 82 in a side surface thereof. The user
can visually recognize the amount of water remaining in the water tank 8 through the
water level confirmation window 82.
[0016] The housing 10 has a supply air inlet 42 for drawing in air in the space to be air-conditioned,
and an exhaust air inlet 52. Further, the housing 10 has a supply air outlet 43 and
an exhaust air outlet 53. The supply air inlet 42 is defined in the third side wall
113 of the housing 10. The exhaust air inlet 52 is defined in the door 12 forming
a part of the housing 10. The supply air outlet 43 is defined in the upper surface
of the housing 10 and communicates with the duct 431. The duct 431 is rotatable in
a circumferential direction of the supply air outlet 43 and includes a wind direction
adjusting plate 432 that adjusts the wind direction of the supply air blown out from
the duct 431. The exhaust air outlet 53 is defined in the fourth side wall 114 of
the housing 10.
[0017] The air conditioner 1 includes the water tank 8 for storing water, and a cooling
unit 20 including an evaporative filter 2 and a sensible heat exchanger 3, which are
to be supplied with water from the water tank 8. The evaporative filter 2 is housed
in an evaporative filter case 22. The sensible heat exchanger 3 is housed in a heat
exchanger case 34. Details of the evaporative filter case 22 and the heat exchanger
case 34 will be described later. The evaporative filter 2 lowers the ambient temperature
using the heat of evaporation of the water supplied from the water tank 8, and cools
the space to be air-conditioned. The sensible heat exchanger 3 lowers the ambient
temperature using the sensible heat and the latent heat of the water supplied from
the water tank 8, and cools the space to be air-conditioned. The sensible heat exchanger
3 is an example of a heat exchanger. The evaporative filter 2 is disposed downstream
of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in a flow direction of the supply air. That is, the
evaporative filter 2 is disposed between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the supply
air outlet 43.
[0018] Air that has passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter
2 undergoes two-stage cooling processes. The air is cooled by the sensible heat exchanger
3 and the evaporative filter 2, and is blown out through the supply air outlet 43
into the space to be air-conditioned as supply air. Further, when the air passes through
the sensible heat exchanger 3, the air is cooled by the water supplied to the sensible
heat exchanger 3, and then the air that has undergone sensible heat exchange with
the supply air in the sensible heat exchanger 3 is blown outside the air conditioner
1 through the exhaust air outlet 53 as exhaust air.
[0019] The supply air inlet 42 and the supply air outlet 43 communicate with each other.
The supply air inlet 42 as an inlet for supply air and the supply air outlet 43 as
an outlet for supply air define a supply-air flow passage 4 through which air that
will be supply air flows.
[0020] That is, supply air flows into the supply-air flow passage 4 through the supply air
inlet 42 and flows out through the supply air outlet 43. The supply air inlet 42 may
be covered with a supply air dust collecting filter for collecting dust in the supply
air drawn in through the supply air inlet 42.
[0021] The exhaust air inlet 52 and the exhaust air outlet 53 communicate with each other.
The exhaust air inlet 52 as an inlet for exhaust air and the exhaust air outlet 53
as an outlet for exhaust air define an exhaust-air flow passage 5 through which air
that will be exhaust air flows.
[0022] That is, exhaust air flows into the exhaust-air flow passage 5 through the exhaust
air inlet 52 and flows out through the exhaust air outlet 53. The exhaust air inlet
52 may be covered with an exhaust air dust collecting filter for collecting dust in
the exhaust air drawn in through the exhaust air inlet 52.
[0023] The air conditioner 1 includes fans for conveying supply air and exhaust air. The
fans includes a supply fan 41 for conveying supply air, and an exhaust air fan 51
for conveying exhaust air. The supply fan 41 and the exhaust air fan 51 may be, for
example, axial flow fans such as propeller fans or sirocco fans. The supply fan 41
is disposed in the vicinity of the supply air outlet 43 and downstream of the cooling
unit 20 in the flow direction of the supply air in the supply-air flow passage 4,
and functions as a suction fan.
[0024] The exhaust air fan 51 is disposed in the vicinity of exhaust air outlet 53 and downstream
of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in a flow direction in which exhaust air flows in
exhaust-air flow passage 5, and functions as a suction fan. The supply fan 41 and
the exhaust air fan 51 are not limited to these aspects, and both may be either a
push-out fan or a suction fan. When the supply air fan 41 and the exhaust air fan
51 are push-out fans, the supply fan 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the supply
air inlet 42, and the exhaust air fan 51 is disposed in the vicinity of the exhaust
air inlet 52.
[0025] The exhaust air conveyed by the exhaust air fan 51 is drawn in through the exhaust
air inlet 52 and flows into an exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger
3. Since the exhaust air inlet 52 is defined in the door 12, the exhaust air drawn
in through the exhaust air inlet 52 passes through the door 12 and then flows into
the exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3.
[0026] The sensible heat exchanger 3 includes a supply air channel 31, through which supply
air flows, and an exhaust air channel 32, through which exhaust air flows. That is,
the sensible heat exchanger 3 includes the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air
channel 32. As described above, the air conditioner 1 includes the supply-air flow
passage 4, through which supply air flows, and the exhaust-air flow passage 5, through
which exhaust air flows, as air flow passages. The supply air channel 31 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3 forms a part of the supply-air flow passage 4, and the exhaust air
channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 forms a part of the exhaust-air flow passage
5.
[0027] The supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32 in the sensible heat exchanger
3 are defined by a plurality of resin plates, such as corrugated plastic, each having
a hollow structure, and these plates stacked in parallel constitute the sensible heat
exchanger 3. Using thin resin plates in the sensible heat exchanger 3 improves heat
transfer performance and reduces its weight. The hollow structure may be constituted
by metal plates.
[0028] The resin plates are stacked such that the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust
air channel 32 are provided perpendicularly to each other, and sensible heat exchange
between supply air and exhaust air is performed via the resin plates.
[0029] The stacking direction of the stacked resin plates is perpendicular to an extending
direction of each of the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32. That
is, in the present embodiment, the extending direction of the supply air channel 31
is from right to left, and the extending direction of the exhaust air channel 32 is
from top to bottom, whereas the stacking direction is the front-rear direction perpendicular
to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction. Since the supply air channel
31 and the exhaust air channel 32 are orthogonal to each other as described above,
supply air flowing through the supply air channel 31 and exhaust air flowing through
the exhaust air channel 32 form crossflow.
[0030] Two opposite side surfaces of the sensible heat exchanger 3 has an inlet and an outlet
of the supply air channel 31, respectively. In the illustration of the present embodiment,
the inlet of the supply air channel 31 is located in the right surface of the sensible
heat exchanger 3, and the outlet of the supply air channel 31 is located in the left
surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3.
[0031] The supply air channel 31 is defined by stacked spaces communicating with each other
from the inlet of the supply air channel 31 toward the outlet of the supply air channel
31. The sensible heat exchanger 3 has an inlet of the exhaust air channel 32 in its
upper surface, and an outlet of the exhaust air channel 32 in its lower surface. The
exhaust air channel 32 is defined by stacked spaces each extending from the inlet
of the exhaust air channel 32 toward the outlet of the exhaust air channel 32.
[0032] A box-shaped drain pan 6 having an opening at the top is disposed below the cooling
unit 20, that is, the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3. The
drain pan 6 receives water that has been supplied from a heat exchanger water supply
device 33 to be described later and has passed through the sensible heat exchanger
3. The drain pan 6 further receives water that has supplied from a filter water supply
device 21 to be described later and has passed through the evaporative filter 2. The
drain pan 6 is disposed downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the flow direction
of the exhaust air with its opening facing the lower surfaces of the evaporative filter
2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3. That is, a water storage space that is an internal
space of the drain pan 6 forms a part of the exhaust-air flow passage 5.
[0033] The exhaust air, which has been drawn in through the exhaust air inlet 52 by the
exhaust air fan 51 and has passed through the exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3, passes through the water storage space of the drain pan 6 having
a box shape with an open upper surface, and is blown out through the exhaust air outlet
53. Upon passing through the exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger
3, the exhaust air mixes with water supplied to the exhaust air channel 32 from the
heat exchanger water supply device 33. That is, in the exhaust air channel 32 of the
sensible heat exchanger 3, the flow direction of the exhaust air and the flow direction
of the water are the same direction, and the exhaust air and the water form a parallel
flow.
[0034] In the example of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the supply air channel
31 through which the supply air flows is provided linearly from the right surface
toward the left surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The evaporative filter 2
is disposed downstream of the outlet from the supply air channel 31 in the flow direction
of the supply air. The evaporative filter 2 is disposed on the supply-air flow passage
4 between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the supply air outlet 43. A first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44 is located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the
evaporative filter 2, and the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 forms
a part of the supply-air flow passage 4.
[0035] The evaporative filter 2 is disposed such that one rectangular surface thereof faces
the left surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in which the outlet from the supply
air channel 31 is formed. The evaporative filter 2 thus functions as a cooling element.
The evaporative filter 2 is formed of, for example, rayon polyester or non-woven fabric.
A filter water supply device 21 having nozzles 211 is disposed above the evaporative
filter 2. Details of the filter water supply device 21 will be described later. The
evaporative filter 2 has water absorbency, and water supplied from the filter water
supply device 21 permeates the entire surface of the evaporative filter 2, thereby
promoting the evaporation of water. The supply-air flow passage 4 extends from the
supply-air evaporative filter 2 upward to the supply air outlet 43.
[0036] The supply air flowing out through the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat
exchanger 3 passes through the evaporative filter 2 and is blown out through the supply
air outlet 43 to the space to be air-conditioned. The supply air flowing out from
the outlet from the supply air channel 31 is primarily cooled by the exhaust air through
the sensible heat exchanger 3, and is secondarily cooled through the supply-air evaporative
filter 2, whereby the supply air is cooled in two stages. Therefore, the temperature
of the supply air is further lowered as compared with a direct evaporation method
that uses, for example, only the evaporative filter 2.
[0037] The residual water of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2
unit are received by the drain pan 6 located below the sensible heat exchanger 3 and
the evaporative filter 2, and the residual water is collected by being stored in the
water storage space of the drain pan 6. The water collected in the drain pan 6 is
supplied to the evaporative filter 2 unit and the sensible heat exchanger 3 via a
supply water channel 7.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a drain pan filter 75, a flow rate sensor 77, and a water supply
pump 76 are disposed in the supply water channel 7. The water stored in the drain
pan 6 by driving the water supply pump 76 is supplied to each of the filter water
supply device 21 disposed above the evaporative filter 2 and the heat exchanger water
supply device 33 disposed above the sensible heat exchanger 3 by the water supply
pump 76. The water dripping from the nozzles 211 of the filter water supply device
21 is supplied to the evaporative filter 2. The water dripping from the nozzles 331
of the heat exchanger water supply device 33 is supplied to the exhaust air channel
32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In this manner, the supply water channel 7, the
heat exchanger water supply device 33, the filter water supply device 21, and the
drain pan 6 form a circulation water channel for circulating water between the drain
pan 6, and the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3, which constitute
the cooling unit 20.
[0039] The supply water channel 7 communicates with a bottom hole 611 in the bottom surface
61 of the drain pan 6. The supply water channel 7 includes a first supply water channel
71 extending upward from below along the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, a
second supply water channel 72 connected to the heat exchanger water supply device
33, a connecting supply water channel 73 connecting the first supply water channel
71 and the second supply water channel 72, and a water supply device connection channel
74 connecting the heat exchanger water supply device 33 and the filter water supply
device 21. The heat exchanger water supply devices 33, the filter water supply device
21, the water supply device connection channel 74, and the second supply water channel
72 are fixed to the door 12. The first supply water channel 71, the second supply
water channel 72, and the water supply device connection channel 74 are constructed
from, for example, resin or metal pipes. Details of the heat exchanger water supply
device 33, the filter water supply device 21, and the connecting supply water channel
73 that are fixed to the door 12 will be described later.
[0040] The supply water channel 7 has a branch portion 78 that branches into the drainage
channel 781. The drainage channel 781 has the branch portion 78 at its base end, and
a drain outlet having an on-off valve or a cock at its distal end.
[0041] The drainage channel 781 is constructed from, for example, a resin pipe. The on-off
valve in the drain outlet located at the distal end of the drainage channel 781 is
fully closed during normal use, such as when the air conditioner 1 is operated. At
the time of maintenance work such as maintenance of the air conditioner 1, water stored
in the drain pan 6 can be discharged through the drain outlet outside of the air conditioner
1 by opening the on-off valve.
[0042] The drain pan 6 and the water tank 8 are communicated with each other by a replenishing
water channel 9. The replenishing water channel 9 is constructed from, for example,
a resin or metal pipe. The replenishing water channel 9 includes a tank pump 91 and
a tank flow rate sensor 92. The replenishing water channel 9 has one end connected
to a lower portion of the water tank 8, and the other end connected to a water supply
hole 621 in a wall surface 62 of the drain pan 6. The water supply hole 621 is located
above the bottom hole 611 to which the supply water channel 7 is connected. A water
level sensor 63 is fixed above 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 a perpendicular
line to the cross section of the water supply hole 621. In other words, the water
level sensor 63 is disposed at a position away from the water supply hole 621 in the
up-down direction and the left-right direction.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective external view of the air conditioner 1 from its front with
the water tank 8 removed. The housing 10 has a tank base 116 for positioning the water
tank 8, adjacent to the second side wall 112. The tank base 116 extends forward beyond
the second side wall 112, creating a step between the tank base 116 and the second
side wall 112. The tank base 116 has cylindrical bosses 117 on its upper surface.
In the present embodiment, two bosses 117 are disposed on the upper surface of the
tank base 116. A communication hole, which communicates with the replenishing water
channel 9, is located between the two bosses 117. As described above, when the water
tank 8 is disposed on the upper surface of the tank base 116, the bosses 117 are engaged
in the recessed boss receiving portions 81 formed on the lower surface of the water
tank 8.
[0044] A lock mechanism 14 for maintaining the door 12 in a closed state is disposed on
the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. The lock mechanism 14 includes lock hooks
142, engagement holes 143 in which the lock hooks 142 are engaged, a spring that biases
the lock hooks 142 in a certain direction, and an operation portion 141 for moving
the lock hooks 142 in a direction against the biasing force of the spring. More specifically,
the lock hooks 142, the spring, and the operation portion 141 of the lock mechanism
14 are provided on the front wall of the door 12 constituting a part of the second
side wall 112, and the engagement holes 143 in which the lock hooks 142 are engaged
is provided on the front wall of the main body 11 forming a part of the second side
wall 112. The outer surface of the lock mechanism 14 is configured to be flush with
the second side wall 112, that is, the outer surface of the lock mechanism 14 forms
a part of the second side wall 112. The operation portion 141 is disposed inside a
recessed portion formed on the outer surface of the lock mechanism 14, and is constituted
by a lever used for opening and closing the door 12.
[0045] When the water tank 8 is attached to the housing 10, the water tank 8 is placed on
the upper surface of the tank base 116. At this time, the rear surface of the water
tank 8 faces the second side wall 112 of the housing 10. That is, when the water tank
8 is attached to the housing 10, the outer surface of the lock mechanism 14 faces
the rear surface of the water tank 8. In other words, the lock mechanism 14 is formed
at a position to overlap the water tank 8 in the up-down direction and the left-right
direction. As a result, the lock mechanism 14 located on the second side wall 112
is covered by the rear surface of the water tank 8. Thus, when the water tank 8 is
attached to the housing 10, the operator of the air conditioner 1 is prevented from
using the operation portion 141 to open the door 12.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of the water tank 8. FIG. 7 is a side 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. The water tank 8 has, on its lower surface, the boss
receiving portions 81 corresponding to the bosses 117 of the tank base 116.
[0047] When the bosses 117 are formed in a convex shape as in the present embodiment, the
boss receiving portions 81 are formed in a concave shape, so that the bosses 117 and
the boss receiving portions 81 are engaged with each other.
[0048] The lower surface of the water tank 8 has a cylindrical outflow portion 83 protruding
between the two boss receiving portions 81. The cylindrical outflow portion 83 has
an internal space that functions as an outflow hole through which the water in the
water tank 8 flows out. The water in the water tank 8 flows through the cylindrical
outflow portion 83 into the replenishing water channel 9. The cylindrical outflow
portion 83 may have a valve body for stopping the outflow of water from the water
tank 8 when the water tank 8 is removed.
[0049] The water tank 8 has, on its upper surface, an inflow hole used for adding water
in the water tank 8.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 1 with the water tank
8 attached. This side cross-sectional view shows the housing 10 as viewed from the
third side wall 113. The water tank 8 and the water supply pump 76 for supplying 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 a direction perpendicular
to a direction from the entrance to the supply air channel 31 in the sensible heat
exchanger 3 toward the outlet therefrom. That is, in a side view based on a plane
defined by the extending direction of the supply air channel 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 located at different positions from the sensible
heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6, which are arranged vertically.
[0051] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the air conditioner with the upper surface of the
cooling unit 20 exposed by opening the door 12. FIG. 10 illustrates the air conditioner
from which the cooling unit 20 is removed. FIG. 11 illustrates water supply devices
in a state where the door 12 is closed. The housing 10 has the door 12 configured
to be freely opened and closed. That is, the door 12 forms a part of the housing 10,
and the upper surface of the door 12 forms a part of the upper surface of the housing
10. A front wall of the door 12 forms a part of the second side wall 112 of the housing
10, and includes a part of a lock mechanism 14 for fixing the door 12 to the main
body 11 in a closed state. When the operation portion 141 is operated, the lock mechanism
14 is released, and the door 12 rotates about the support portions 115 disposed on
the first side wall 111 to be in an open state.
[0052] The door 12 has a box shape, and the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply device 33 are disposed inside the door 12. The filter water supply device
21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 are fixed to the inside of the box-shaped
door 12. Therefore, the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water
supply device 33 change their positions or orientations relative to the cooling unit
20 in conjunction with opening or closing of the door 12. The filter water supply
device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 are each an example of a water
supply device.
[0053] When the door 12 is closed, the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply device 33 are in a first position in which they face the upper surface
of the cooling unit 20, in a perpendicular direction to the upper surface. When the
door 12 is open, the filter water supply device 21and the heat exchanger water supply
device 33 are in a second position in which they are located away from the upper surface
in a plane direction orthogonal to the perpendicular direction to the upper surface
of the cooling unit 20. The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water
supply device 33 that are fixed to the door 12 can be moved between the first position
and the second position in conjunction with opening or closing of the door 12.
[0054] The present embodiment shows, but is not limited to, that the filter water supply
device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 are fixed to the door 12.
The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 may
not be fixed to the door 12, but may be disposed on an inner lid located between the
door 12 and the main body 11. The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply device 33 configured as part of the inner lid can be in a first position
or a second position according to the opened or closed state of the inner lid.
[0055] The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 fixed
to the door 12 are connected by the water supply device connection channel 74. In
the present embodiment, two heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are disposed, and
the downstream heat exchanger water supply device 33 in the flow direction of water
in the supply water channel 7 and the filter water supply device 21 are connected
by the water supply device connection channel 74. These two heat exchanger water supply
devices 33 are connected by the second supply water channel 72, and the second supply
water channel 72 is bent in an L shape and connected to one end of the connecting
supply water channel 73. The other end of the connecting supply water channel 73 is
connected to the first supply water channel 71 disposed along the first side wall
111 of the housing 10, more specifically, the body-side first side wall 1111. As will
be described in detail later, the connecting supply water channel 73 is flexible and
relieves or absorbs stress generated when the door 12 is opened and closed.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are constructed from,
for example, rectangular parallelepiped hollow pipes made of resin or metal, and have
a plurality of nozzles 331 with holes 332 formed in their lower surfaces, which face
the sensible heat exchanger 3. The second supply water channel 72 passes over the
heat exchanger water supply devices 33 and is connected to communication ports provided
in upper portions of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33. The water flowing
into the second supply water channel 72 from the connecting supply water channel 73
is supplied to the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 via the communication ports
provided in the upper portions of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33. Then,
the water supplied to the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 falls in drops onto
the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 from the holes 332 of the plurality
of nozzles 331located in the lower surfaces. The upper surface of the sensible heat
exchanger 3 forms a part of the upper surface of the cooling unit 20.
[0057] The filter water supply device 21 is constructed from, for example, a rectangular
parallelepiped hollow pipe made of resin or metal, and has a plurality of nozzles
211 with holes 212 formed in a lower surface, which faces the evaporative filter 2.
Further, the filter water supply device 21 has a hole in its right surface, that is,
adjacent to the side surface of the heat exchanger water supply device 33. The filter
water supply device 21 is positioned, in the up-down direction, at the same height
as the water supply device connection channel 74, which is connected to the communication
port in the side surface of the filter water supply device 21. Water flowing from
the second supply water channel 72 into the water supply device connection channel
74 is supplied to the filter water supply device 21 via the communication port in
the side surface of the filter water supply device 21. Then, the water supplied to
the filter water supply device 21 falls in drops onto the upper surface of the evaporative
filter 2 from the holes 212 of the plurality of nozzles 211 in the lower surface.
The upper surface of the evaporative filter 2 forms the other part of the upper surface
of the cooling unit 20. In other words, the upper surface of the sensible heat exchanger
3 and the upper surface of the evaporative filter 2 constitute the upper surface of
the cooling unit 20. The upper surface of the cooling unit 20 is an example of a surface
of the cooling unit.
[0058] The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply device 33 are
connected in series by the water supply device connection channel 74, and the water
supply device connection channel 74 may have an orifice 741 to be described later.
Thus, the volumetric flow rate by the filter water supply device 21 can be reduced
compared to the volumetric flow rate by the heat exchanger water supply device 33.
The flow rate adjustment in the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply device 33 is not limited to using the orifice 741 of the water supply
device connection channel 74. Instead, the flow rate can also be adjusted by making
the hole diameter of the nozzles 211 of the filter water supply device 21 smaller
than the hole diameter of the nozzle of the heat exchanger water supply device 33.
[0059] With such a connection form, the second supply water channel 72, the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33, the water supply device connection channel 74, and the filter
water supply device 21 are arranged in this order in the flow direction of supply
water inside the box-shaped door 12. The internal space of the box-shaped door 12
is divided into a region in which the filter water supply device 21 is disposed and
a region in which the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are disposed. The region
in which the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are disposed communicates with
the exhaust air inlet 52 formed in the upper surface of the door 12, thereby forming
a part of the exhaust-air flow passage 5. That is, the exhaust sucked air drawn in
from the exhaust air inlet 52 passes through the region where the heat exchanger water
supply devices 33 are disposed inside the door 12, and then flows into the exhaust
air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger water supply devices
33, when fixed to the door 12, may be held by, for example, a rectangular tubular
frame body. In this case, the inside of the frame body that holds the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33 forms a part of the exhaust-air flow passage 5. The water
supply device connection channel 74 for connecting the heat exchanger water supply
device 33 and the filter water supply device 21 is arranged by passing through a through-hole
in the frame body.
[0060] Since the region where the filter water supply device 21 is disposed is separate
from the exhaust-air flow passage 5 located inside the door 12, the exhaust air drawn
in from the exhaust air inlet 52 formed in the door 12 does not flow into the region.
That is, when the housing 10 is viewed in a plan view from above, the exhaust air
inlet 52 formed in the door 12 is disposed at a position shifted from the filter water
supply device 21 and overlapping the heat exchanger water supply devices 33.
[0061] The filter water supply device 21 is fixed to the door 12 by a fixing member 122
to which a second sealing member 123 is attached. When the door 12 is closed, the
second sealing member 123 comes into contact with the upper end of a columnar rib
221 of the evaporative filter case 22, thereby ensuring the sealing property in the
supply-air flow passage 4. Details of the evaporative filter case 22 and other elements
will be described later.
[0062] The door 12 is formed with accommodation spaces 121 in which handles 37 of the heat
exchanger case 34 described later are accommodated. The accommodation spaces 121 are
located to correspond with the positions of the handles 37 of the heat exchanger case
34 when the door 12 is closed, and are recessed inside the door 12. When the door
12 is closed, the handles 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 are fitted into the accommodation
spaces 121. The handles 37 can be thus disposed so as not to interfere with the filter
water supply device 21, the heat exchanger water supply devices 33, and the water
supply device connection channel 74. In this manner, the handles 37 disposed on a
supply air inlet-side frame 35 and a supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat exchanger
case 34 are positioned outside the wall body constituting the exhaust-air flow passage
5 inside the door 12, and the ventilation resistance in the exhaust-air flow passage
5 can be reduced. Regarding the positional relationship between the handles 37 and
the connecting supply water channel 73, the connecting supply water channel 73 is
orthogonal to the vertical direction and is located offset from the handles 37 in
a second horizontal direction directed from the first side wall 111 to the second
side wall 112.
[0063] The filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply devices 33
are fixed to the door 12 configured to be openable and closable as described above.
When the door 12 is closed, the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33 can be positioned above the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible
heat exchanger 3 to be in the first position in which water can fall in drops. Further,
by opening the door 12, the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water
supply devices 33 can be moved into the second position in which the upper surfaces
of the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3 are exposed. As described
above, the evaporative filter 2 is accommodated in the evaporative filter case 22,
and the sensible heat exchanger 3 is accommodated in the heat exchanger case 34, and
these two components are disposed in the housing 10. By opening the door 12, the filter
water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 positioned above
the cooling unit 20 during operation of the air conditioner 1 are moved to a position
different from the cooling unit 20 in a plan view when the air conditioner 1 is viewed
from above. Thus, the evaporative filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 can
be pulled out upward and removed from the housing 10, and maintenance work such as
cleaning or replacement of the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger
3 can be performed efficiently.
[0064] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a length relationship between the connecting
supply water channel 73 and the door 12. FIG. 13 illustrates a connection structure
between the water supply devices and the supply water channel 7. The connecting supply
water channel 73, which connects the first supply water channel 71 disposed along
the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, and the second supply water channel 72,
which is connected to the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 fixed to the door
12, has flexibility, and is constructed from, for example, a highly flexible resin
pipe or rubber hose.
[0065] The downstream heat exchanger water supply device 33 and the filter water supply
device 21 are connected by the water supply device connection channel 74 having an
orifice 741. The heat exchanger water supply devices 33 have nozzles at their distal
ends, and a perpendicular line to a cross section of a hole of each nozzle is parallel
to the exhaust air channel 32. Thus, a water discharge direction in which water is
discharged from the nozzles of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 is a direction
along the exhaust air channel 32 in the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 and
is perpendicular, that is, orthogonal, to the supply air channel 31. The filter water
supply device 21 has nozzles at its distal end, and a perpendicular line to a cross
section of a hole of each nozzle is parallel to the exhaust air channel 32. Thus,
a direction in which water is discharged from the nozzles 211 of the filter water
supply device 21 is perpendicular to the flow direction of the supply air in the evaporative
filter 2. In the present embodiment, the flow direction of the exhaust air in the
exhaust air channel 32 is parallel to the water discharge direction in which water
is discharged from each nozzle.
[0066] The connecting supply water channel 73 is connected at one end to the first supply
water channel 71 and at the other end to the second supply water channel 72. The first
supply water channel 71 and the connecting supply water channel 73 are connected by
a first connection portion 731 that is located at a position closer to the third side
wall 113 than to the fourth side wall 114. The first connection portion 731 is constructed
from a connecting component such as an L-shaped elbow. The second supply water channel
72 and the connecting supply water channel 73 are connected by a second connection
portion 732 that is disposed at a position closer to the fourth side wall 114 than
to the third side wall 113. The second connection portion 732 is constructed from
a connecting component such as an L-shaped elbow. The connecting supply water channel
73 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first side wall 111, that
is, a first horizontal direction directed from the third side wall 113 toward the
fourth side wall 114, and the connecting supply water channel 73 can be made relatively
long. Furthermore, the connecting supply water channel 73 is orthogonal to the vertical
direction and is longer than the door 12 in the first horizontal direction directed
from the third side wall 113 toward the fourth side wall 114.
[0067] By increasing the length of the connecting supply water channel 73 in this manner,
even if the connecting supply water channel 73 is twisted due to the opening and closing
of the door 12, the amount of deformation due to the twist per unit length can be
reduced, and the service life of the connecting supply water channel 73 with respect
to the number of times the door 12 is opened and closed can be improved. Further,
the connecting supply water channel 73 can be formed in a linear shape, allowing the
component size to be reduced and saving space compared to using a bellows-shaped pipe,
for example.
[0068] The connecting supply water channel 73 may be held by a holding portion disposed
on an inner surface of the first side wall 111. The holding portion may be constructed
from, for example, an L-shaped resin member to hold the connecting supply water channel
73 by supporting the connecting supply water channel 73 from below. Alternatively,
the holding portion may be constructed from, for example, a link-shaped resin member
to hold the connecting supply water channel 73 by inserting the connecting supply
water channel 73 into the link. The holding portion can hold the connecting supply
water channel 73 close to the first side wall 111. The holding portion may be positioned
to be biased toward the first connection portion 731 that connects the first supply
water channel 71 and the connecting supply water channel 73. That is, the length from
the holding portion to the first connection portion 731 that connects the first supply
water channel 71 and the connecting supply water channel 73 is shorter than the length
from the holding portion to a second connection portion 732 that connects the second
supply water channel 72 and the connecting supply water channel 73. By positioning
the holding portion for holding the connecting supply water channel 73 in this manner,
the connecting supply water channel 73 having flexibility can be prevented from bending.
[0069] FIG. 14 illustrates displacement of the connecting supply water channel 73 when the
door 12 is opened and closed. When the door 12 is closed, the connecting supply water
channel 73 is linearly arranged along the inner surface of the first side wall 111.
In this case, the connecting supply water channel 73 is disposed at a position offset
from the exhaust-air flow passage 5 extending from the exhaust air inlet 52 formed
in the door 12 to the inlet of the exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger
3.
[0070] Thus, the connecting supply water channel 73 can be prevented from causing resistance
to the flow in the exhaust-air flow passage 5.
[0071] When the door 12 is open, the second connection portion 732 that connects the second
supply water channel 72 and the connecting supply water channel 73 is pulled to the
front of the first side wall 111, that is, to the outside of the housing 10, in conjunction
with the rotation of the door 12. Thus, the connecting supply water channel 73 is
positioned toward the second connection portion 732 with the second supply water channel
72 moved to the rear of the first side wall 111, with a portion held by the holding
portion arranged on the inner surface of the first side wall 111 as a base point.
Thus, while the door 12 is opened, the connecting supply water channel 73 can be moved
to a position where the connecting supply water channel 73 does not overlap the evaporative
filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 in a plan view of the housing 10 viewed
from above. When the door 12 is opened and the evaporative filter case 22 and the
heat exchanger case 34 are pulled upward and removed from the housing 10, the connecting
supply water channel 73 is no longer positioned in a direction in which the evaporative
filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 are pulled out. This reduces the likelihood
that the evaporative filter case 22 and the heat exchanger case 34 are caught by the
connecting supply water channel 73.
[0072] FIG. 15 is a perspective external view of the heat exchanger case 34. FIG. 16 is
an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger case 34. FIG. 17 illustrates the
heat exchanger case 34 inserted into the housing 10. The heat exchanger case 34 includes
the supply air inlet-side frame 35, the supply air outlet-side frame 36, a front wall
341, and a rear wall 342, and accommodates the sensible heat exchanger 3.
[0073] The supply air inlet-side frame 35 is disposed to the inlet of the supply air channel
31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The supply air outlet-side frame 36 is disposed
to the outlet from the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The
inlet of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 is formed in a
supply air inlet surface 311. Thus, the supply air inlet-side frame 35 faces the supply
air inlet surface 311. The outlet of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat
exchanger 3 is formed in a supply air outlet surface 312. Thus, the supply air outlet-side
frame 36 faces the supply air outlet surface 312. The supply air inlet-side frame
35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 face each other, and a combination of the
supply air inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 constitutes
a first facing portion.
[0074] The front wall 341 connects the supply air inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air
outlet-side frame 36. The rear wall 342 connects the supply air inlet-side frame 35
and the supply air outlet-side frame 36. The front wall 341 and the rear wall 342
face each other, and a combination of the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 constitutes
a second facing portion.
[0075] The supply air inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 each have
a handle 37 on their upper surfaces, to be gripped when the heat exchanger case 34
is pulled out from the main body. The respective handles 37 of the supply air inlet-side
frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 form a rectangular frame body. The
handle 37 of the supply air inlet-side frame 35 is disposed to be biased toward the
rear wall 342. The handle 37 of the supply air outlet-side frame 36 is disposed to
be biased toward the front wall 341.
[0076] The supply air inlet-side frame 35 is configured to be detachable from the main body
of the heat exchanger case 34. The supply air inlet-side frame 35 has a plurality
of nail-shaped protrusions 353 on its outer edges 352.
[0077] These protrusions 353 may be formed only on portions of the outer edge of the supply
air inlet-side frame 35 that correspond to the rear wall 342 and the front wall 341.
The front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 have a plurality of recesses 343 with which
the nail-shaped protrusions 353 engage. The front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 have
the plurality of recesses 343 at their end edges, which function as a reverse insertion
prevention structure 351 when the heat exchanger case 34 is inserted and accommodated
in the housing 10. Alternatively, the end portion of the main body of the heat exchanger
case 34 may be formed with a groove portion used for inserting the supply air inlet-side
frame 35 from above. The groove portion may have an L shape in a plan view of the
heat exchanger case 34 viewed from the upper surface. The supply air inlet-side frame
35 has a peripheral edge portion corresponding to the groove portion, and the peripheral
edge portion of the supply air inlet-side frame 35 is aligned with the groove portion
formed in the end portion of the main body of the heat exchanger case 34, whereby
the supply air inlet-side frame 35 can be efficiently fitted to the main body of the
heat exchanger case 34. The peripheral edge portion formed on the supply air inlet-side
frame 35 in this manner may function as the reverse insertion prevention structure
351 when the heat exchanger case 34 is inserted into the housing 10.
[0078] That is, since the supply air outlet-side frame 36 does not have the same shape as
the reverse insertion prevention structure 351 formed on the supply air inlet-side
frame 35, the supply air outlet-side frame 36 and the supply air inlet-side frame
35 can have different shapes. The housing 10 has a receiving portion corresponding
to the reverse insertion prevention structure 351 formed on the supply air inlet-side
frame 35. When the heat exchanger case 34 is oriented in the reverse direction, for
example, the heat exchanger case 34 cannot be inserted into the housing 10. Thus,
when maintenance work such as replacement or cleaning of the heat exchanger case 34
is performed, erroneous insertion of the heat exchanger case 34 by a worker can be
reliably prevented.
[0079] The present embodiment shows, but is not limited to, that the reverse insertion prevention
structure 351 is formed on the supply air inlet-side frame 35 in the supply air inlet-side
frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 facing each other. The reverse insertion
prevention shape may be formed on either one of the front wall 341 and the rear wall
342 which face each other. For example, only one of the front wall 341 and the rear
wall 342 may have ribs protruding outward and arranged along the up-down direction.
The inner surface of the housing 10 that faces the front wall 341 or the rear wall
342, whichever has ribs, may have grooves into which the ribs are fitted, along the
up-down direction. Since the ribs are formed on only one of the front wall 341 and
the rear wall 342, when the heat exchanger case 34 is accommodated in the housing
10, the heat exchanger case 34 can be prevented from being inserted into the housing
10 with the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 reversed. That is, the ribs formed
on only one of the front wall 341 and the rear wall 342 can function as the reverse
insertion prevention shape.
[0080] A frame-shaped sealing member 361 is attached to the inner surface of the supply
air outlet-side frame 36. That is, the sealing member 361 is disposed between the
inner surface of the supply air outlet-side frame 36 and the outlet surface of the
supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. The sealing member 361 disposed
in this manner can reduce the possibility that the supply air passing through the
supply air inlet-side frame 35 bypasses the supply air channel 31 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3 without flowing into the supply air channel 31. Further, a similar
sealing member 361 may be disposed in a lower portion of the heat exchanger case 34
to be positioned under the sensible heat exchanger 3. This can reduce the possibility
that the exhaust air from the exhaust air inlet 52 bypasses the exhaust air channel
32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 without flowing into the exhaust air channel 32.
The supply air outlet-side frame 36 includes a first flange for ensuring the sealing
performance in the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. Details of the first
flange will be described later.
[0081] FIG. 18 is a perspective external view of the evaporative filter case 22 with a handle
223 raised. FIG. 19 is a perspective external view of the evaporative filter case
22 with the handle 223 lowered. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the evaporative
filter case 22. The evaporative filter case 22 is constructed from a rectangular frame
body made of, for example, resin or metal. The evaporative filter 2 is accommodated
inside the evaporative filter case 22 constructed from a frame body. The evaporative
filter 2 has a filter inlet surface 201 in which an inlet for supply air is formed,
and a filter outlet surface 202 in which an outlet for supply air is formed. A first
direction from the filter inlet surface 201 to the filter outlet surface 202 thus
corresponds to the flow direction of the supply air through the evaporative filter
2.
[0082] The evaporative filter case 22 has the columnar rib 221 protruding upward on its
upper surface. The columnar rib 221 has a rectangular tubular shape, and an internal
section formed by the columnar rib 221 functions as a channel when water supplied
from the filter water supply device 21 fixed to the door 12 falls in drops onto the
evaporative filter 2.
[0083] Wall surfaces 62 protruding from edges of the upper surface of the evaporative filter
case 22 is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the columnar rib 221 having
a rectangular tubular shape. The handle 223 shaped like a letter U is rotatably attached
to two opposing wall surfaces 62. The handle 223 is rotatable between a lowered position
where the handle 223 is positioned between the columnar rib 221 and the wall surfaces
62 and a raised position upward from the upper surface of the evaporative filter case
22.
[0084] The handle 223 in the lowered position between the columnar rib 221 and the wall
surfaces 62 can be disposed offset from the channel for water supplied from the filter
water supply device 21, that is, the internal space of the columnar rib 221.
[0085] The upper surface of the evaporative filter case 22 extends outward beyond the end
of the evaporative filter 2 accommodated within the evaporative filter case 22. That
is, the upper surface of the evaporative filter case 22 extends in parallel with the
flow direction of the supply air passing through the evaporative filter 2. The upper
surface extending in this manner forms a second flange 222. The second flange 222
functions as a portion for ensuring the sealing performance in the first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44.
[0086] A filter frame 224 is disposed so as to face a surface of the evaporative filter
2 accommodated in the evaporative filter case 22. In the flow direction of the supply
air passing through the evaporative filter 2, the filter frame 224 is located upstream
of the evaporative filter 2. The filter frame 224 is configured to be detachable from
the main body of the evaporative filter case 22, and the evaporative filter 2 can
be detached from the evaporative filter case 22 when the filter frame 224 is detached.
The filter frame 224 has a plurality of claw-shaped protrusions 226 on its outer edge.
The main body of the evaporative filter case 22 has a plurality of recesses 227 in
which the protrusions 226 are engaged, on the peripheral edge to which the filter
frame 224 is fitted. The protrusions 226 of the filter frame 224 are engaged with
the recesses 227 formed in the peripheral edges of the main body of the vaporization
filter case 22, whereby the filter frame 224 is detachable from the main body of the
vaporization filter case 22. Alternatively, the edge portion of the main body of the
evaporative filter case 22 may have a groove portion used for inserting the filter
frame 224 from above. The filter frame 224 may have a peripheral edge portion corresponding
to the groove portion, and the filter frame 224 may be fitted to the main body of
the evaporative filter case 22 by aligning the peripheral edge portion of the filter
frame 224 with the groove portion formed in the edge portion of the main body of the
evaporative filter case 22. The filter frame 224 has an annular rib 225 on its outer
surface, extending along the periphery. The annular rib 225 functions as a portion
that ensures the sealing performance in the first intermediate supply-air flow passage
44.
[0087] FIG. 21 illustrates the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 located between
the heat exchanger case 34 and the evaporative filter case 22. FIG. 22 is a partially
enlarged view of the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. In a front view
when the air conditioner 1 is viewed from the second side wall 112, the heat exchanger
case 34 accommodating the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter case
22 accommodating the evaporative filter 2 are disposed adjacent to each other. The
supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 and the filter frame
224 of the evaporative filter case 22 are disposed to face each other. The first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44 forming a part of the supply-air flow passage 4 is located
between the supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 and the
filter frame 224 of the evaporative filter case 22 which face each other. The first
intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 is defined by, for example, a cylindrical
structural member 441, and allows the outlet of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3 and the inlet for the supplied air in the evaporative filter 2 to
communicate with each other.
[0088] The supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34 includes a first
flange extending in the same direction as the flow of the supply air in the path direction
of the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. Thus, the first flange is located
so as to overlap the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 in a supply air
direction. The filter frame 224 of the evaporative filter case 22 has a second flange
222 extending in a direction opposite to the flow of the supply air in the path direction
of the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. Thus, the second flange 222
is located so as to overlap the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 in the
supply air direction. The supply air direction is a flow direction of the supply air
flowing through the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3. In other
words, the supply air direction is a first direction directed from the supply air
inlet surface 311 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 toward the supply air outlet surface
312. In the present embodiment, the supply air direction is a direction parallel to
the left-right direction.
[0089] The structural member 441 defining the first intermediate supply-air flow passage
44 is U-shaped in a cross-sectional view, and has two upper end portions. Among the
two upper end portions, the end surface of the upper end portion located adjacent
to the heat exchanger case 34 is in contact with the lower surface of the first flange
362 of the supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat exchanger case 34. Among the
two upper end portions, the end surface of the upper end portion located adjacent
to the evaporative filter case 22 is in contact with the lower surface of the second
flange 222 of the filter frame 224 of the evaporative filter case 22. Further, the
outer surface of the upper end portion located adjacent to the evaporative filter
case 22 is in contact with the annular rib 225 formed on the filter frame 224.
[0090] In this manner, the first flange of the supply air outlet-side frame 36 of the heat
exchanger case 34, and the second flange 222 and the annular rib 225 of the filter
frame 224 of the evaporative filter case 22 are in contact with the first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44, thus ensuring the sealing property in the first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44. The present embodiment shows, but is not limited to, that
the end surface of the upper end portion closer to the heat exchanger case 34 is in
contact with the lower surface of the first flange of the supply air outlet-side frame
36 of the heat exchanger case 34. A sealing member or the like may be interposed between
the end surface of the upper end portion closer to the heat exchanger case 34 and
the lower surface of the first flange. The present embodiment shows, but is not limited
to, that the end surface of the upper end portion closer to the evaporative filter
case 22 is in contact with the lower surface of the second flange 222 of the filter
frame 224 of the evaporative filter case 22. A sealing member may be interposed between
the end surface of the upper end portion closer to the evaporative filter case 22
and the lower surface of the second flange 222. The present embodiment shows, but
is not limited to, that the outer surface of the upper end portion closer to the evaporative
filter case 22 is in contact with the annular rib 225formed on the filter frame 224.
A sealing member or the like may be interposed between the outer surface and the annular
rib 225.
[0091] The present embodiment shows, but is not limited to, that the heat exchanger case
34 accommodating the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter case 22
accommodating the evaporative filter 2 are described as separate cases. The sensible
heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter case 22 may be housed in a common case
which is a single case. In this case, the common case that houses the sensible heat
exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter case 22 includes the first intermediate supply-air
flow passage 44 located between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative
filter case 22.
[0092] FIG. 23 is a schematic side sectional view of the drain pan 6 in the housing 10.
FIG. 24 illustrates a positional relationship between the bottom hole 611 of the drain
pan 6 and the water supply hole 621. FIG. 25 illustrates the left side of the water
level sensor 63 mounted by the sensor fixing member 64. FIG. 26 illustrates the right
side of the water level sensor 63 mounted by the sensor fixing member 64. The drain
pan 6 is shaped like a box having an opening, and is disposed below the sensible heat
exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2 with the opening facing the sensible heat
exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2. Water dripping from the sensible heat exchanger
3 and the evaporative filter 2 is received by the drain pan 6 and stored in a water
storage space, which is an internal space of the drain pan 6.
[0093] The drain pan 6 includes a bottom surface 61 and a plurality of wall surfaces 62
extending upward from the edges of the bottom surface 61. The bottom surface 61 has
a bottom hole 611 to which the supply water channel 7 is connected.
[0094] The plurality of wall surfaces 62 include a rear surface located adjacent to the
first side wall 111 of the housing, a front surface located adjacent to the second
side wall 112, a right surface located adjacent to the third side wall 113, and a
left surface located adjacent to the fourth side wall 114. Among the plurality of
wall surfaces 62, the front surface that is the wall surface 62 located adjacent to
the second side wall 112, which is covered by the water tank 8, has a water supply
hole 621. The water supply hole 621 communicates with the water tank 8 via the replenishing
water channel 9. By locating the water supply hole 621 in the wall surface 62 adjacent
to the second side wall 112 covered by the water tank 8, the length of the replenishing
water channel 9 connecting the water tank 8 and the drain pan 6 can be shortened.
[0095] The water supply hole 621 in the wall surface 62 is located above the bottom hole
611 in the bottom surface 61 in the vertical direction. This positional configuration
enables water to be directly supplied from the drain pan 6 to the heat exchanger water
supply devices 33 and the filter water supply device 21 via the supply water channel
7, and water can be directly supplied from the water tank 8 to the drain pan 6 via
the replenishing water channel 9 to replenish water.
[0096] A water level sensor 63 constituted by, for example, a float switch is disposed 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 positioned inside the water storage
space of the drain pan 6, and outputs a water level signal which is a signal relating
to the water level of the water stored in the drain pan 6.
[0097] The water level sensor 63 is disposed at a position offset from a direction perpendicular
to a radial cross section of the water supply hole 621 in the wall surface 62 relative
to the water supply hole 621. That is, the water level sensor 63 is fixed using the
sensor fixing member 64 so as to be positioned offset from the water discharge direction
determined by the path direction of the water supply hole 621, and is disposed in
the water storage space of the drain pan 6. Thus, when the water supplied from the
water tank 8 flows into the water storage space of the drain pan 6 from the water
supply hole 621, the water level sensor 63 can be prevented from being caught by the
water that has flowed in, and the accuracy of the water level sensor 63 can be secured.
[0098] The box-shaped sensor fixing member 64 has, for example, a plate-shaped wall portion
641, and the water level sensor 63 is fixed in a state of being covered by the wall
portion 641. The wall portion 641 covering the water level sensor 63 is positioned
between the water level sensor 63 and the water supply hole 621. Thus, when the water
supplied from the water tank 8 flows into the water storage space of the drain pan
6 from the water supply hole 621, the wall portion 641 of the sensor fixing member
64 can block the water that has flowed in, reduce the possibility of the water coming
into contact with the water level sensor 63, and ensure the accuracy of the water
level sensor 63.
[0099] As described above, the sensible heat exchanger 3 is accommodated in the heat exchanger
case 34, the evaporative filter 2 is accommodated in the evaporative filter case 22,
and the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 forming a part of the supply-air
flow passage 4 is located between the heat exchanger case 34 and the evaporative filter
case 22. In such a positional relationship, the supply air channel 31 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3, the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44, and the passage
channel of the supply air in the evaporative filter 2 form the supply-air flow passage
4 extending linearly.
[0100] The drain pan 6 is positioned below the sensible heat exchanger 3, the first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44, and the evaporative filter 2, and is disposed below the
linear supply-air flow passage 4 formed by these components. In such an arrangement,
the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in
the direction from the supply air inlet to the supply air outlet of the sensible heat
exchanger 3. That is, in a plan view of the air conditioner 1 as viewed from above,
the water level sensor 63 is disposed differently from the sensible heat exchanger
3, and is disposed downstream of the outlet of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible
heat exchanger 3 in the flow direction of the supply air. Further, the water level
sensor 63 is disposed at a position different from the evaporative filter 2 in a direction
from the supply air inlet to the supply air outlet of the evaporative filter 2. That
is, in a plan view of the air conditioner 1 as viewed from above, the water level
sensor 63 is disposed differently from the evaporative filter 2, and is disposed upstream
of the supply air inlet of the evaporative filter 2 in the flow direction of the supply
air.
[0101] Thus, the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger
3 and upstream of the evaporative filter 2 in the direction from the supply air inlet
to the supply air outlet of the sensible heat exchanger 3. As described above, the
first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 is located between the sensible heat
exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2, and the water level sensor 63 is disposed
directly below the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. The water level
sensor 63 is disposed away from a position immediately below the sensible heat exchanger
3 and the evaporative filter 2, thereby reducing the possibility that water dripping
from the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2 directly contacts
the water level sensor 63. This ensures the detection accuracy of the water level
sensor 63.
[0102] FIG. 27 illustrates how a drain pan filter 75 is attached. FIG. 28 illustrates how
the drain pan filter 75 is detached. The supply water channel 7 is connected to the
bottom hole 611 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. The drain pan filter 75, the water supply pump 76, and the
flow rate sensor 77, which are connected to the middle of the path in the supply water
channel 7, are also located below the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6.
[0103] The drain pan filter 75 has a cylindrical shape, and accommodates a cylindrical filter
body inside. The drain pan filter 75 can collect dirt such as dust or impurities contained
in the water flowing through the supply water channel 7, thereby removing the dirt.
This can reduce clogging of the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33, and also reduce contamination of the sensible heat exchanger
3 and the evaporative filter 2.
[0104] The cylindrical drain pan filter 75 has a large-diameter portion in which the filter
body is stored, and a small-diameter portion located downstream of the large-diameter
portion in the flow direction of supply water. The small-diameter portion has an annular
packing that reduces the possibility of flowing dust or similar particles collected
by the filter body into the supply water channel 7. The internal diameter (d1) of
the large-diameter portion is greater than the internal diameter (d2) of the small-diameter
portion, i.e., d1 > d2, and the path length (11) of the large-diameter portion is
greater than the path length (12) of the small-diameter portion, i.e., 11 > 12. With
such a configuration, the size and surface area of the filter body of the drain pan
filter 75 can be relatively increased, thereby reducing the replacement frequency
of the drain pan filter 75.
[0105] The drain pan filter 75 is detachable from the front wall of the tank base portion
116 parallel to the second side wall 112. More specifically, the front wall of the
tank base portion 116 has a hole for the drain pan filter 75, and the drain pan filter
75 is inserted into the hole to be located in the middle of the path of the supply
water channel 7. The drain pan filter 75 includes a knob portion having a cross shape,
for example, at an end surface of the drain pan filter 75, and a cap may be attached
to cover the knob portion. The drain pan filter 75 thus configured allows for efficient
mounting and removal.
[0106] The outer surface of the front wall of the tank base portion 116 constitutes a surface
of the housing 10.
[0107] As described above, not only the drain pan filter 75, but also the water tank 8 and
the drainage channel 781 are located adjacent to the second side wall 112. Thus, a
worker who performs maintenance on the air conditioner 1 can attach and detach the
water tank 8, attach and detach the drain pan filter 75, and operate the on-off valve
or cock of the drainage channel 781 from the second side wall 112. This arrangement
allows the maintenance work to be performed efficiently. Furthermore, by removing
the water tank 8, the lock mechanism 14 is exposed, and the operation portion 141
of the lock mechanism 14 can be operated from the second side wall 112. Accordingly,
a series of maintenance operations including opening and closing of the door 12, and
further removing and attaching the evaporative filter case 22 and the heat exchanger
case 34 can be all performed from the second side wall 112. In this manner, the parts
required for the maintenance work are concentrated adjacent to the second side wall
112, which can function as a service surface for the worker to face during the maintenance
work.
[0108] FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating functional components in the air conditioner
1. The air conditioner 1 has a substrate 100 including a controller 101. The substrate
100 is populated with a microcomputer including a memory and an MPU. The microcomputer
functions as the controller 101 that controls driving of the water supply pump 76,
the tank pump 91, and other electrical components. The memory stores a program executed
by the controller 101.
[0109] The substrate 100 may be, for example, disposed on an outer surface of a flow path
wall defining the exhaust-air flow passage 5, and may be thermally connected to the
flow path wall to be cooled by the exhaust air flowing through the exhaust-air flow
passage 5. The supply air fan 41, the exhaust air fan 51, the water level sensor 63,
the water supply pump 76, the flow rate sensor 77, the tank pump 91, and the tank
flow rate sensor 92, which are electrical components included in the air conditioner
1, are communicably connected to the controller 101 on the substrate 100 via a communication
line.
[0110] The water level sensor 63 is, for example, a float sensor, and outputs, to the controller
101, a water level signal, 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, to the controller 101, a first flow rate signal,
which is a signal related to a detection result of the flow rate of the water flowing
through the supply water channel 7. The tank flow rate sensor 92 outputs, to the controller
101, a second flow rate signal, which is a signal related to the detection result
of the flow rate of the water flowing through the replenishing water channel 9.
[0111] The controller 101 determines whether the water level of the drain pan 6 is lower
than or equal to a predetermined value based on a water level signal which is a signal
received from the water level sensor 63. When determining that the water level is
equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the controller 101 drives the tank
pump 91, thereby replenishing the drain pan 6 with water from the water tank 8. The
controller 101 may use the first flow rate signal from the flow rate sensor 77 and
the second flow rate signal from the tank flow rate sensor 92 to detect a failure
or determine whether the water tank 8 is empty based on the first flow rate signal.
[0112] In the present embodiment, the sensible heat exchanger 3 is used as the heat exchanger,
but the heat exchanger may be a total heat exchanger. Further, the door 12 is openable
and closable relative to the main body 11 by rotating about the support portions 115,
which are hinges. The door 12 may be slidable back and forth or right and left. Alternatively,
the door 12 may be configured by a lid that is detachable from the main body 11. In
this case, the lid has hooks on both sides, and are configured to be inserted into
the holes in the main body 11. As the hooks are pulled out of position, the lid is
raised, and the sensible heat exchanger 3 is in a state where it can be replaced.
The lid is connected to the main body only by the connecting supply water channel
73 in such a state that the hooks are out of position. As described above, when the
housing 10 includes the main body 11 and the lid connected to the main body 11, the
upper surface, which is a surface, of the cooling unit 20 disposed inside the main
body 11 is covered by the lid. Between the lid and the upper surface of the cooling
unit 20, the water supply device for supplying water to the upper surface, the supply
water channel 7 located inside the main body 11, and the flexible connecting supply
water channel 73 for connecting the water supply device and the supply water channel
7 are located. Since the connecting supply water channel 73 is flexible, maintenance
work such as replacement of the cooling unit 20 can be performed without completely
removing the lid.
[0113] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the cooling unit 20 and the water
supply device that supplies water to a surface of the cooling unit 20. The cooling
unit 20 includes the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32. The water
supply device is movable between a first position in which the water supply device
faces the surface in a perpendicular direction to the surface and a second position
in which the water supply device is located away from the surface in a planar direction
orthogonal to the perpendicular direction. Therefore, during operation of the air
conditioner 1, the water supply device in the first position can supply water to the
cooling unit 20. Then, when maintenance work of the air conditioner 1 is performed,
the water supply device is moved from the first position to the second position. Thus,
since the surface of the cooling unit 20 is exposed in a view from above, maintenance
work such as replacement or cleaning of the cooling unit 20 can be performed efficiently.
The water supply device supplies water to at least a part of the surface of the cooling
unit. Further, the surface of the cooling unit may be a side surface of the cooling
unit.
[0114] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the housing 10 that houses the
cooling unit 20. The housing 10 includes the door 12 that is located above the cooling
unit 20 and can be opened and closed, and the water supply device is fixed to the
door 12. The water supply device is configured to move between a first position and
a second position in conjunction with opening or closing of the door 12. Specifically,
the water supply device is in the first position when the door 12 is closed, and in
the second position when the door 12 is opened. By displacing the positions of the
water supply device in conjunction with the opening or closing of the door 12 in this
manner, maintenance work such as replacement or cleaning of the cooling unit 20 can
be performed efficiently.
[0115] In this embodiment, the support portions 115 constituted by, for example, hinges
are attached to the first side wall 111 of the housing 10, and the door 12 is supported
by the support portions 115. Therefore, the door 12 can be opened and closed smoothly
by rotating about the support portions 115. The air conditioner 1 includes the supply
water channel 7 connected to the water supply device. The supply water channel 7 includes
a first supply water channel 71 routed along the first side wall 111, a second supply
water channel 72 fixed to the door 12 and connected to the water supply device, and
a connecting supply water channel 73 connecting the first supply water channel 71
and the second supply water channel 72. The connecting supply water channel 73 is
flexible. The connecting supply water channel 73 deforms or experiences stress due
to the opening or closing of the door 12, but can cope with the deformation and stress
within its elastic range due to its flexibility. This flexibility improves resistance
of the connecting supply water channel 73 to the repeated opening and closing of the
door 12.
[0116] In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes the second side wall 112 that faces the
first side wall 111, the third side wall 113, and the fourth side wall 114. 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 and faces
the third side wall 113. The first connection portion 731 that connects the first
supply water channel 71 and the connecting supply water channel 73 is located at a
position closer to the third side wall 113 than to the fourth side wall 114. The second
connection portion 732 that connects the second supply water channel 72 and the connecting
supply water channel 73 is located at a position closer to the fourth side wall 114
than to the third side wall 113. Such an arrangement configuration allows for a relatively
longer path length of the connecting supply water channel 73, and results in a smaller
amount of deformation per unit length due to the opening and closing of the door 12.
This improves the resistance of the connecting supply water channel 73 to the repeated
opening and closing of the door 12.
[0117] In this embodiment, the length of the connecting supply water channel 73 is longer
than the length of the door 12 in the first horizontal direction, which is orthogonal
to the vertical direction and extending from the third side wall 113 to the fourth
side wall 114. This allows for a relatively longer path length of the connecting supply
water channel 73, and results in a smaller amount of deformation per unit length due
to the opening and closing of the door 12. This improves the resistance of the connecting
supply water channel 73 to the repeated opening and closing of the door 12.
[0118] In this embodiment, the connecting supply water channel 73 is located offset relative
to the cooling unit 20 in the second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the
vertical direction and the first horizontal direction. Thus, the connecting supply
water channel 73 can be located at a position deviated from a flow passage when water
is supplied from the water supply device to the cooling unit 20.
[0119] In the present embodiment, the cooling unit 20 includes the sensible heat exchanger
3 including the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32, and the evaporative
filter 2 communicating with supply air channel 31. The water supply device includes
the heat exchanger water supply device 33 for supplying water to the exhaust air channel
32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and the filter water supply device 21 for supplying
water to the evaporative filter 2. Therefore, water can be individually supplied to
the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2 from the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33 and the filter water supply device 21. The supply water channel
7 includes the water supply device connection channel 74 for connecting the heat exchanger
water supply device 33 and the filter water supply device 21, and the second supply
water channel 72 is connected to the heat exchanger water supply devices 33. Thus,
the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 can be disposed upstream of the filter
water supply device 21 in the flow direction of the supplied water, and water can
be preferentially supplied to the heat exchanger water supply devices 33.
[0120] In this embodiment, the water supply device connection channel 74 has, for example,
the orifice 741, and is structured such that the internal diameter of at least a portion
of the water supply device connection channel 74 is smaller than the internal diameter
of any portion of the second supply water channel 72. That is, the flow path resistance
of the water supply device connection channel 74 is greater than the flow path resistance
of the second supply water channel 72. This can reduce the amount of water supplied
to the filter water supply device 21, which is located in a downstream portion of
the water supply device connection channel 74 in the flow direction of supply water,
compared to the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger water supply device
33, allowing the water to be preferentially supplied to the heat exchanger water supply
devices 33.
[0121] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the water tank 8 that is detachably
attached to the housing 10 along the outer surface of the second side wall 112. The
housing 10 includes the lock mechanism 14 for fixing the door 12 in a closed state
to the main body 11. The outer surface of the lock mechanism 14 forms a part of the
outer surface of the second side wall 112. The water tank 8 attached to the housing
10 faces the outer surface of the lock mechanism 14. Thus, when the water tank 8 is
attached to the housing 10, the lock mechanism 14 is covered by the rear surface of
the water tank 8. This physically restricts access to the operation portion 141 while
the water tank 8 is attached. Thus, the door 12 can be prevented from being opened
in a state where the water tank 8 is attached to the air conditioner 1.
[0122] In this embodiment, the water supply device has nozzles on its lower surface facing
the cooling unit 20. Specifically, the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 has
nozzles 331 on their lower surfaces facing the upper surface of the sensible heat
exchanger 3. The vertical line of the cross section of the hole of nozzle 331 is parallel
to the exhaust air channel 32 in the sensible heat exchanger 3. That is, the water
discharge direction in which water is discharged from the nozzles is along the exhaust
air channel 32, and water can be efficiently supplied to the exhaust air channel 32.
[0123] In this embodiment, the sensible heat exchanger 3, which is accommodated in the heat
exchanger case 34 having the handles 37, is disposed inside the housing 10. The inner
surface of the door 12, which forms a part of the housing 10, has the accommodation
spaces 121 into which the handles 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 are insertable.
Thus, when the door 12 is closed, the handles 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 are
in the accommodation spaces 121. This can reduce the possibility of the handles 37
of the heat exchanger case 34 interfering with the heat exchanger water supply devices
33 and the filter water supply device 21 that are fixed to the housing 10.
[0124] In this embodiment, the connecting supply water channel 73 is located offset relative
to the handles 37 in the second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the vertical
direction and is directed from the first side wall 111 to the second side wall 112
of the housing 10. This can reduce the possibility that the connecting supply water
channel 73 interferes with the handles 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 and is damaged
by the handles or other components when the heat exchanger case 34 is detached from
the housing 10.
[0125] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the housing 10, the cooling unit
20, the water supply device, the supply water channel 7 disposed inside the main body
11, and the connecting supply water channel 73 having flexibility. The housing 10
includes the main body 11 and the door 12 connected to the main body 11. The cooling
unit 20 is disposed inside the main body 11 and has a surface to be covered by the
door 12. The water supply device is located between the door 12 and the surface of
the cooling unit 20, and supplies water to the surface of the cooling unit 20. The
connecting supply water channel 73 connects the water supply device and the supply
water channel 7. When the cooling unit 20 is replaced, the door 12 is moved to expose
the surface of the cooling unit 20. When the door 12 is moved in this manner, the
connecting supply water channel 73 deforms or experiences stress. However, the connecting
supply water channel 73 can cope with the deformation and stress within its elastic
range due to its flexibility. This improves resistance of the connecting supply water
channel 73 to the repeated opening and closing of the door 12.
[0126] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the housing 10, the sensible heat
exchanger 3 that is disposed inside the housing 10 and includes the supply air channel
31 and the exhaust air channel 32, and the heat exchanger case 34 that is attachable
to and detachable from the housing 10 in a state of accommodating the sensible heat
exchanger 3. The sensible heat exchanger 3 has a supply air inlet surface 311 with
an inlet of the supply air channel 31, and a supply air outlet surface 312 with an
outlet of the supply air channel 31. The heat exchanger case 34 includes a first portion
and a second portion. The first portion includes a first wall 341 that is parallel
to the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32, and a supply air inlet-side
frame 35 that faces the supply air inlet surface 311 and to which the first wall 341
is connected. The second portion includes a second wall 342 that faces the first wall
341 and is connected to the supply air inlet-side frame 35, and the supply air outlet-side
frame 36 that faces the supply air outlet surface 312 and is connected to the first
wall 341 and the second wall 342. Since the first portion has a shape different from
that of the second portion, the first portion and the second portion have bilaterally
asymmetric shapes. Thus, the heat exchanger case 34 can be prevented from being inserted
into the housing 10 with its orientation reversed. Alternatively, the heat exchanger
case 34 may include a facing portion including portions facing each other, and one
portion and the other portion constituting the facing portion may have different shapes.
As described above, since the facing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 is formed
such that one portion and the other portion have different shapes, meaning they are
bilaterally asymmetric, the heat exchanger case 34 can be prevented from being inserted
into the housing 10 with its orientation reversed.
[0127] In this embodiment, the supply air inlet-side frame 35 has a shape different from
that of the supply air outlet-side frame 36. As described above, since the supply
air inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36 forming the facing
portion of the heat exchanger case 34 have different shapes, the heat exchanger case
34 can be prevented from being inserted into the housing 10 with its orientation reversed.
[0128] In this embodiment, the first wall 341 has a shape different from that of the second
wall 342. As described above, since the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 forming
the facing portion of the heat exchanger case 34 have different shapes, the heat exchanger
case 34 can be prevented from being inserted into the housing 10 with its orientation
reversed.
[0129] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the sealing member 361 that is
in close contact with the inner surface of the supply air outlet-side frame 36 and
the outlet surface of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3.
That is, the sealing member 361 is located between the outlet surface of the supply
air channel 31 and the inner surface of the supply air outlet-side frame 36. The sealing
member 361, located in this manner, ensures the sealing performance in the supply-air
flow passage 4, thus reducing the possibility of non-cooled air, which is, air that
has not passed through the sensible heat exchanger 3, mixing with the supply air.
This can further reduce the possibility that the supply air bypasses the supply air
channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 without passing through the supply air
channel 31.
[0130] In this embodiment, the sealing member 361 is fixed to the supply air outlet-side
frame 36. This can improve the sealing performance in the supply-air flow passage
4 compared with a case where the sealing member 361 is integrated with the sensible
heat exchanger 3. Further, the supply air outlet-side frame 36 may be integrally molded
with the heat exchanger case 34. The supply air outlet-side frame 36 and the sealing
member 361, which are integrally fixed to the main body of the heat exchanger case
34, can improve the sealing performance at the outlet surface of the supply air channel
31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in the supply-air flow passage 4.
[0131] In this embodiment, the supply-air flow passage 4, a portion of which is constituted
by the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, is located inside the
housing 10. The supply-air flow passage 4 includes a first intermediate supply-air
flow passage 44 located downstream of the supply air outlet surface 312having the
outlet of the supply air channel 31 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, in a first direction
from the supply air inlet surface toward the supply air outlet surface, that is, in
the supply air direction. The supply air outlet-side frame 36 has a first flange 362
protruding downstream in the first direction. The first flange 362 is located so as
to overlap the first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44 in the supply air direction.
Therefore, the sealing performance in the first intermediate supply-air flow passage
44 can be improved. This can reduce the possibility of non-cooled air entering the
supply-air flow passage 4 located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3, thereby
reducing the possibility of air that has not passed through the sensible heat exchanger
3 mixing with the supply air.
[0132] In this embodiment, the supply air inlet-side frame 35 is detachably attached to
the heat exchanger case 34. That is, while the supply air outlet-side frame 36 is
integral with the main body of the heat exchanger case 34, the supply air inlet-side
frame 35 is separable from the main body of the heat exchanger case 34. The supply
air inlet-side frame 35 is thus detachably attached to the main body of the heat exchanger
case 34, thereby enabling removal of the sensible heat exchanger 3 housed in the heat
exchanger case 34 from the side on which the supply air inlet-side frame 35 has been
detached. Thus, the sensible heat exchanger 3 housed in the heat exchanger case 34
can be replaced efficiently. Furthermore, the sealing member 361 can be prevented
from being damaged when the sensible heat exchanger 3 is attached to or detached from
the heat exchanger case 34.
[0133] In the embodiment, the reverse insertion prevention structure 351 is provided to
the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 of the heat exchanger case 34. Thus, the
first wall 341 and the second wall 342 have different shapes. The reverse insertion
prevention structure 351 is constituted by end edges of the first wall 341 and the
second wall 342, which are located adjacent to the supply air inlet-side frame 35.
Due to the reverse insertion prevention structure 351 constituted as described above,
the first wall 341 and the second wall 342 can have different shapes. This can prevent
the heat exchanger case 34 from being inserted into the housing 10 with its orientation
reversed. The first wall 341 and the second wall 342 have recesses 343 at their end
edges, which constitute the reverse insertion prevention structure 351. The recesses
343 are engageable with the protrusions 353 on the outer edges 352 of the supply air
inlet-side frame 35, thereby forming the reverse insertion prevention structure 351
on the supply air inlet-side frame 35 side.
[0134] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 20 includes the evaporative filter 2. The air
conditioner 1 includes the evaporative filter case 22 attachable to and detachable
from the housing 10 in a state of housing the evaporative filter 2. Therefore, the
evaporative filter case 22 is removed from the housing 10, thereby allowing efficient
maintenance work such as replacement of the evaporative filter 2. The air conditioner
1 further includes a filter water supply device 21 that supplies water to the evaporative
filter 2. The evaporative filter case 22 has the columnar rib 221 extending from its
upper surface toward the filter water supply device 21. Water supplied from the filter
water supply device 21 passes through the space surrounded by the columnar rib 221
and is supplied to the evaporative filter 2. The space surrounded by the columnar
rib 221 is used as a channel for water supplied from the filter water supply device
21 as described above, thereby allowing water to be reliably guided to and efficiently
supplied to the evaporative filter 2 located in the evaporative filter case 22.
[0135] In this embodiment, the housing 10 has a door 12 that can be opened and closed, and
the filter water supply device 21 is fixed to the door 12 by the fixing member 122.
The second sealing member 123 is attached to the fixing member 122. The second sealing
member 123 is in contact with an upper end portion of the columnar rib 221 when the
door 12 is in the closed state. The inner space of the columnar rib 221 serving as
the channel for water supplied from the filter water supply device 21 to the evaporative
filter 2 communicates with the supply-air flow passage in the evaporative filter 2.
When the door 12 is closed to operate the air conditioner 1, the upper end portion
of the columnar rib 221 comes into contact with the second sealing member 123 located
on the inner surface of the door 12, thereby reducing the possibility of non-cooled
air mixing with the supply air passing through the evaporative filter 2. This can
further reduce the possibility of the supply air leaking outside the supply-air flow
passage 4 from above the columnar rib 221.
[0136] In this embodiment, the evaporative filter case 22 includes the second flange 222
that protrudes in the first direction, that is, upstream in the supply air direction.
More specifically, the second flange 222 of the evaporative filter case 22 extends
in a direction opposite to the flow of the supply air in the path direction of the
first intermediate supply-air flow passage 44. The second flange 222 of the evaporative
filter case 22 is located overlapping the first intermediate supply-air flow passage
44 in the first direction, thus improving the sealing performance in the first intermediate
supply-air flow passage 44. This reduces the possibility of non-cooled air entering
the supply-air flow passage 4 located upstream of the evaporative filter 2.
[0137] In this embodiment, the evaporative filter case 22 for housing the evaporative filter
2 has a rotatable handle 223. By using the rotatable handle 223 in this manner, the
evaporative filter case 22 can be easily removed from the housing 10. The handle 223
rotated to a gripping position allows for easily removal of the evaporative filter
case 22 from the housing 10. That is, the rotatable handle 223 can improve the ease
of removing the evaporative filter case 22 without increasing the size of the housing
10 of the air conditioner 1.
[0138] In this embodiment, the handle 223 of the evaporative filter case 22 is rotatable,
and is located outside the wall constituting the columnar rib 221 when the door 12
is in the closed state. Accordingly, when the internal space of the columnar rib 221
in the evaporative filter case 22 serves as a channel for water supplied from the
filter water supply device 21 to the evaporative filter 2, the handle 223 can be located
offset from the channel.
[0139] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 has handles 37. More specifically,
each of the supply air inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36
of the heat exchanger case 34 includes a handle 37. The heat exchanger case 34 can
be easily removed from the housing 10 by gripping the handles 37 on the supply air
inlet-side frame 35 and the supply air outlet-side frame 36. The door 12 forming part
of the housing 10 has the exhaust air inlet 52 for sucking exhaust air and the exhaust-air
flow passage 5. The handles 37 of the heat exchanger case 34 are positioned outside
the exhaust-air flow passage 5 formed in the door 12, thus reducing ventilation resistance
in the exhaust-air flow passage 5.
[0140] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the cooling unit 20, the water
supply device that supplies water to the cooling unit 20, the drain pan 6, the supply
water channel 7, the water tank 8 that stores water, and the replenishing water channel
9. The cooling unit 20 includes the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger
3. The water supply device includes the filter water supply device 21 for supplying
water to the evaporative filter 2 and a heat exchanger water supply device 33 for
supplying water to the sensible heat exchanger 3. The drain pan 6 receives water dripping
from the cooling unit 20. The supply water channel 7 connects the drain pan 6 and
the water supply device. The replenishing water channel 9 connects the water tank
8 and the drain pan 6. The water supply device is connected to the bottom hole 611
in the bottom surface 61 of the drain pan 6 via the supply water channel 7. The water
tank 8 is connected to the water supply hole 621 in the wall surface 62 of the drain
pan 6 via the replenishing water channel 9. The water supply hole 621 in the wall
surface 62 is positioned above the bottom hole 611 in the bottom surface 61 in the
vertical direction. Therefore, water supplied through the water supply hole 621 can
be temporarily stored in the drain pan 6. The stored water can be directly supplied
to the filter water supply device 21 and the heat exchanger water supply devices 33
through the bottom hole 611. The drain pan 6 has a suitable structure to facilitate
the process. This can reduce the likelihood of water leakage from the drain pan 6
compared with a case where a separate water storage tank is disposed in the supply
water channel 7 between the drain pan 6 and the water supply device. In addition,
this eliminates the need for the provision of a separate water storage tank in the
supply water channel 7 between the drain pan 6 and the water supply device, thereby
preventing any increase in the physical size and weight of the product.
[0141] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the water level sensor 63. The
water level sensor 63 is disposed in the internal space that is a water storage space
of the drain pan 6 having a box shape. The water level sensor 63 is disposed at a
position offset from a perpendicular line to the cross section of the water supply
hole 621 in the side surface of the drain pan 6. In other words, the water level sensor
63 is disposed at a position offset from a water discharge direction in which water
is supplied from the water supply hole 621. Thus, water supplied from the water supply
hole 621 can be prevented from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63,
thereby reducing erroneous detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the
detection accuracy of the water level.
[0142] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the
drain pan 6 using the sensor fixing member 64. The sensor fixing member 64 has, for
example, a box shape and includes a wall portion 641. The wall portion 641 is located
between the water level sensor 63 and the water supply hole 621. Therefore, even if
water supplied from the water supply hole 621 is partially ejected in the direction
of the water level sensor 63, it is blocked by the wall portion 641 of the sensor
fixing member 64. Thus, water supplied from the water supply hole 621 can be prevented
from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby reducing erroneous
detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the detection accuracy of the
water level. Further, this structure can prevent any increase in the number of components
compared with a case where, for example, a baffle plate, separate from the sensor
fixing member 64 is used to exhibit the same function as that of the wall portion
641, thus reducing product costs, weight, and size by saving space.
[0143] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 20 includes the sensible heat exchanger 3 having
the supply air channel 31 and the exhaust air channel 32. The sensible heat exchanger
3 has the supply air inlet surface 311 with the inlet of the supply air channel 31,
and the supply air outlet surface 312 with the outlet of the supply air channel 31.
The water level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6, and the
drain pan 6 is positioned below the sensible heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the water
level sensor 63 is also positioned below the sensible heat exchanger 3. In addition,
the water level sensor 63 is located downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 3 in
the first direction from the supply air inlet surface 311 toward the supply air outlet
surface 312 in the sensible heat exchanger 3. That is, the water level sensor 63 is
disposed away from a position immediately below the sensible heat exchanger 3. The
position immediately below the sensible heat exchanger 3 is a position immediately
below the outlet of the exhaust air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and
water that has not been evaporated drips from the outlet of the exhaust air channel
32. Since the water level sensor 63 is positioned downstream of the sensible heat
exchanger 3 in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the supply air channel
31, water dripping from the outlet of the exhaust air channel 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, water dripping from the outlet of the exhaust
air channel 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 3 can be prevented from reaching the
water level sensor 63, thereby reducing erroneous detections by the water level sensor
63 and ensuring the detection accuracy of the water level.
[0144] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 20 includes the evaporative filter 2. The evaporative
filter 2 has a filter inlet surface 201 in which an inlet for supply air is formed,
and a filter outlet surface 202 in which an outlet for supply air is formed. The water
level sensor 63 is fixed to the bottom plate of the drain pan 6, and the drain pan
6 is positioned below the evaporative filter 2. Therefore, the water level sensor
63 is also positioned below the evaporative filter 2. In addition, the water level
sensor 63 is disposed at a position different from that of the evaporative filter
2 in the flow direction of the supply air passing through the evaporative filter 2.
That is, the water level sensor 63 is disposed away from a position immediately below
the evaporative filter 2. The position immediately below the evaporative filter 2
corresponds to a position where water that has not been evaporated at the evaporative
filter 2 drips. Since the water level sensor 63 is at a position different from the
evaporative filter 2 in the flow direction of the supply air passing through the evaporative
filter 2, the water dripping from below the evaporative 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, water dripping from the evaporative filter
2 can be prevented from reaching the water level sensor 63, thereby reducing erroneous
detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the detection accuracy of the
water level.
[0145] 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 positioned below the evaporative filter 2 and
the sensible heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the water level sensor 63 is also positioned
below the evaporative filter 2 and the sensible heat exchanger 3. In addition, the
water level sensor 63 is positioned between the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the
evaporative filter 2, which are disposed along the flow direction of the supply air.
That is, the water level sensor 63 is disposed away from a position immediately below
the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2. Therefore, water dripping
from both of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2 can be prevented
from coming into contact with the water level sensor 63, thereby reducing erroneous
detections by the water level sensor 63 and ensuring the detection accuracy of the
water level.
[0146] In this embodiment, the water supply pump 76 and the drain pan filter 75 are disposed
in the supply water channel 7. Water stored in the drain pan 6 is pumped up by the
water supply pump 76. The drain pan filter 75 is disposed between the water supply
pump 76 and the bottom hole 611 of the drain pan 6 in the supply water channel 7.
Therefore, the water stored in the drain pan 6 passes through the drain pan filter
75 before reaching the water supply pump 76. Even when the water stored in the drain
pan 6 contains dirt such as dust and impurities, the drain pan filter 75 can collect
such dirt. That is, it can remove dirt from the water recirculated through the supply
water channel 7 and the drain pan 6, that is, the water which is reused by being circulated.
This can reduce clogging in the water supply pump 76, the filter water supply device
21, and the heat exchanger water supply devices 33, and contamination in the sensible
heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2, thereby reducing the frequency of replacement
of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the evaporative filter 2.
[0147] In this embodiment, both the drain pan filter 75 and the water tank 8 are disposed
adjacent to the same surface of the housing 10, that is, the second side wall 112,
and are detachably attached to the surface of the housing 10. Thus, an operator of
the air conditioner 1 or a worker who performs maintenance work can remove the drain
pan filter 75 and the water tank 8 from the same surface that is the second side wall
112 of the housing 10. This facilitates efficient operations.
[0148] In this embodiment, the tank pump 91 is disposed in the replenishing water channel
9. The water tank 8 and the tank pump 91 are disposed at positions different from
those of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain pan 6 in the vertical direction
and the 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 vertically arranged and disposed beside the sensible heat exchanger 3 and
the drain pan 6, that is, in front of the sensible heat exchanger 3 and the drain
pan 6 in the present embodiment. This arrangement maintains a low overall height for
the housing 10 of the air conditioner 1.
[0149] In this embodiment, the housing 10 has bosses 117 on the outer wall thereof. The
water tank 8 includes boss receiving portions 81 having a hole shape and corresponding
to the bosses 117. The boss receiving portions 81 of the water tank 8 are engaged
with the bosses 117 of the housing 10. Thus, the water tank 8 can be efficiently positioned
when attached to the housing 10. The water tank may have a cylindrical boss on its
lower surface, and the housing may have a boss receiving portion having a hole shape
and corresponding to the boss.
(Second Embodiment)
[0150] Hereinafter, an air conditioner 1 according to a second embodiment will be described
with reference to the drawings. FIG. 30 illustrates an exposed upper surface of the
cooling unit 20 with the door 12 open, according to the second embodiment. FIG. 31
illustrates the air conditioner 1 from which the cooling unit 20 is removed. In the
air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment, the inside of the door 12 has
a filter water supply device 21 and heat exchanger water supply devices 33 as in the
first embodiment. Further, the inside of the door 12 has a water receiver for receiving
water dripping from the water supply device. The water receiver includes a heat exchanger
water receiver 131 and an evaporative filter water receiver 132.
[0151] The heat exchanger water receiver 131 has a scoop shape and is disposed so as to
protrude perpendicularly from the inner surface of the door 12. The heat exchanger
water receiver 131 is disposed between the heat exchanger water supply devices 33
and the support portions 115. That is, the heat exchanger water receiver 131 has a
base end portion located, on the inner surface of the door 12, between the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33 and the support portions 115.
[0152] The scoop-shaped heat exchanger water receiver 131 has a distal end portion located
further away from the inner surface of the door 12 than the nozzles 331 of the heat
exchanger water supply devices 33. The protruding direction of the heat exchanger
water receiver 131 is parallel to the orientation of the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger
water supply devices 33. When the door 12 is closed, the protruding direction of the
heat exchanger water receiver 131 and the orientation of the nozzles 331 of the heat
exchanger water supply devices 33 are directed downward. When the door 12 is open,
the protruding direction of the heat exchanger water receiver 131 and the orientation
of the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are directed forward.
[0153] The heat exchanger water receiver 131 includes a rectangular flat plate portion extending
in the direction where the two heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are spaced,
and two side wall portions formed at opposite ends of the flat plate portion in the
longitudinal direction, forming a scoop shape. The heat exchanger water receiver 131
is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of its flat plate portion intersects
perpendicularly with the longitudinal direction of the rectangular box-shaped heat
exchanger water supply devices 33.
[0154] When the door 12 is open, the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 are positioned
so that their longitudinal direction is vertical, and the nozzles 331 arranged in
the longitudinal direction vary in height. Thus, it is assumed that water adhering
to or remaining in the plurality of nozzles 331 drips from the nozzles 331 located
below. Thus, even when water in the nozzles 331 drips upon opening the door 12, the
water can be received at the heat exchanger water receiver 131, which has a scoop
shape. Further, condensed water or dripped water may also adhere to the surfaces of
the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33. It is assumed that
water adhering to the surfaces of the nozzles 331 is shaken off when the door 12 is
opened. Even when water adhering to the surfaces of the nozzles 331 is shaken off
by opening the door 12 in this manner, the water can be received at the heat exchanger
water receiver 131, which has a scoop shape.
[0155] FIG. 32 is a schematic side sectional view of the heat exchanger case 34 located
in the housing 10. FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a part of the heat exchanger case
34. FIG. 34 is a plan view of the heat exchanger case 34 housing the sensible heat
exchanger 3. FIG. 35 is a plan view of the heat exchanger case 34 without the sensible
heat exchanger 3. The first wall 341 of the heat exchanger case 34 is formed with
an inclined surface that is inclined from the upper end of the first wall 341 toward
the bottom wall 383 of the heat exchanger case 34. The inclined surface constitutes
a heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381. That is, when the heat exchanger case
34 is disposed in the housing 10, the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381
is formed on the first wall 341 which is a side surface facing the first side wall
111 of the housing 10 on which the support portions 115 are located.
[0156] The heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 is inclined such that a distance
between the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 of the first wall 341 and
the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 facing the first wall 341 decreases
from the upper side toward the lower side. Thus, the heat exchanger inclined surface
portion 381 is wider at its upper end, and the upper end of the heat exchanger inclined
surface portion 381 and the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 define an
insertion portion where the distal end portion of the heat exchanger water receiver
131 is inserted.
[0157] The length of the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 in the left-right direction
is greater than the length of the heat exchanger water receiver 131 in the left-right
direction. The heat exchanger water receiver 131 is located at a position overlapping
the heat exchanger case 34 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the left end
of the heat exchanger water receiver 131 is located further to the right than the
left end of the heat exchanger case 34, and the right end of the heat exchanger water
receiver 131 is located further to the left than the right end of the heat exchanger
case 34. Therefore, when the door 12 is closed, the distal end portion of the heat
exchanger water receiver 131 is located between the heat exchanger inclined surface
portion 381 of the first wall 341 and the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger
3. That is, the distal end portion of the heat exchanger water receiver 131 is inserted
into the insertion portion defined by the heat exchanger inclined surface portion
381 and the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 facing the heat exchanger
inclined surface portion 381. Upon closing the door 12, water received by the heat
exchanger water receiver 131 can flow from the heat exchanger inclined surface portion
381 into a space between the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 and the side
surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and can be guided to the bottom wall 383
located below the heat exchanger case 34. The water received by the heat exchanger
water receiver 131 flows between the inner surface of the first wall 341 on which
the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 is formed and the side surface of
the sensible heat exchanger 3 facing the first wall 341. The inner surface of the
first wall 341 and the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3 define a heat
exchanger drainage channel 382. That is, the heat exchanger drainage channel 382 includes
the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 and a bottom wall hole 384 in the
bottom wall 383 of the heat exchanger case 34.
[0158] The heat exchanger case 34 includes a frame-shaped bottom wall 383 connected to the
supply air inlet-side frame 35, the supply air outlet-side frame 36, the first wall
341, and the second wall 342. The bottom wall 383 has a triangular hole, for example,
which corresponds to a bottom wall hole 384. At least one bottom wall hole 384 is
formed at a connection portion with any one of the first wall 341, the second wall,
the supply air inlet-side frame 35, or the supply air outlet-side frame 36. That is,
it is located at any one of four corners or angular portions of the bottom wall 383,
which has a rectangular frame shape. The bottom wall hole 384 is formed, for example,
at each of two corners located at both ends of a connection portion with the supply
air inlet-side frame 35. The bottom wall 383 of the heat exchanger case 34 has the
bottom wall hole 384 in the vicinity of the connection portion with the supply air
inlet-side frame 35, thereby preventing the water that has flowed down to the bottom
wall 383 from flowing out from the supply air inlet located in the vicinity of the
supply air inlet-side frame 35.
[0159] The drain pan 6 is disposed below the heat exchanger case 34, and a heat exchanger
fitting member 39 is located between the heat exchanger case 34 and the drain pan
6. When placed in the housing 10, the heat exchanger case 34 is fitted into the heat
exchanger fitting member 39. The heat exchanger fitting member 39 may function as
a structural member constituting the inner wall of the housing 10. The heat exchanger
fitting member 39 has a heat exchanger communication hole 391, which corresponds to
the bottom wall hole 384 and forms part of the heat exchanger drainage channel 382.
Since the heat exchanger communication hole 391, which forms part of the heat exchanger
drainage channel 382, communicates with the drain pan 6, the water flowing down through
the heat exchanger drainage channel 382 finally flows into the drain pan 6 via the
heat exchanger communication hole 391. Upon closing the door 12, water received by
the heat exchanger water receiver 131 can be collected in the drain pan 6 via the
heat exchanger drainage channel 382, and water dripping from the nozzles 331 of the
heat exchanger water supply devices 33 when the door 12 is opened or closed can be
prevented from flowing outside the housing 10.
[0160] The internal diameter of the heat exchanger communication hole 391 is, for example,
3 mm (Φ 3), and the area of the bottom wall hole 384 is set to the same value as that
of the heat exchanger communication hole 391. By setting the areas of the heat exchanger
communication hole 391 and the bottom wall hole 384 to relatively small values, the
ventilation resistance in the heat exchanger drainage channel 382 is increased. This
sufficiently can reduce the possibility that the supply air bypasses without passing
through the sensible heat exchanger 3.
[0161] FIG. 36 is a schematic side sectional view of an evaporative filter case 22 located
in the housing 10. The evaporative filter water receiver 132 has a scoop shape and
is disposed so as to protrude perpendicularly from the inner surface of the door 12.
The evaporative filter water receiver 132 is disposed between the filter water supply
device 21 and the support portion 115, that is, the base end portion of the evaporative
filter water receiver 132 is located between the filter water supply device 21 and
the support portion 115 on the inner surface of the door 12.
[0162] The scoop-shaped evaporative filter water receiver 132 has a distal end portion located
further away from the inner surface of the door 12 than the nozzles 211 of the filter
water supply device 21. The protruding direction of the evaporative filter water receiver
132 is parallel to the orientation of the nozzles 211 of the filter water supply device
21. When the door 12 is closed, the protruding direction of the evaporative filter
water receiver 132 and the orientation of the nozzles 211 of the filter water supply
device 21 are directed downward. When the door 12 is open, the protruding direction
of the evaporative filter water receiver 132 and the orientation of the nozzles 211
of the filter water supply device 21 are directed forward.
[0163] The evaporative filter water receiver 132 includes a rectangular flat plate portion
and two side wall portions formed at opposite ends of the flat plate portion in the
longitudinal direction, forming a scoop shape. The longitudinal direction of the flat
plate portion of the evaporative filter water receiver 132 and the longitudinal direction
of the rectangular box-shaped filter water supply device 21 intersect perpendicularly.
[0164] When the door 12 is open, the evaporative filter water receiver 132 are positioned
so that its longitudinal direction is vertical, and the nozzles 211 arranged in the
longitudinal direction vary in height.
[0165] Thus, it is assumed that water adhering to or remaining in the plurality of nozzles
211 drips from the nozzles 211 located below. Thus, even when water in the nozzles
211 drips upon opening the door 12, the water can be received at the evaporative filter
water receiver 132, which has a scoop shape. Further, condensed water or dripped water
may also adhere to the surfaces of the nozzles 211 of the evaporative filter water
receiver 132. It is assumed that water adhering to the surfaces of the nozzles 211
is shaken off when the door 12 is opened. Even when water adhering to the surfaces
of the nozzles 211 is shaken off by opening the door 12 in this manner, the water
can be received at the evaporative filter water receiver 132, which has a scoop shape.
[0166] The evaporative filter case 22 has, on its upper surface, a columnar rib 221 protruding
upward, as in the case of the first embodiment, and a water dripping rib 231 also
protruding upward. The water dripping rib 231 has a rectangular shape similarly to
the columnar rib 221, and is located adjacent to the outer edge of the columnar rib
221. When the evaporative filter case 22 is disposed in the housing 10, the water
dripping rib 231 is located between the columnar rib 221 and the support portion 115.
The upper surface of the evaporative filter case 22 has a hole inside the water dripping
rib 231, and the hole corresponds to the water dripping hole 232.
[0167] The drain pan 6 is disposed below the evaporative filter case 22, and an evaporative
filter fitting member 24 is located between the evaporative filter case 22 and the
drain pan 6. When placed in the housing 10, the evaporative filter case 22 is fitted
into the evaporative filter fitting member 24. The evaporative filter fitting member
24 may function as a structural member constituting the inner wall of the housing
10.
[0168] The evaporative filter fitting member 24 is formed with an inclined surface that
slopes downward. The inclined surface constitutes an evaporative filter inclined surface
portion 241. Similarly to the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381, the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 is located adjacent to the first side wall 111
of the housing 10 on which the support portions 115 is located. Therefore, the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 is located between the water dripping rib 231
and the support portion 115.
[0169] On the inner surface of the evaporative filter fitting member 24, the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 is inclined such that a distance between the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 and a side surface of the evaporative filter case
22 facing the inner surface on which the evaporative filter inclined surface portion
241 is formed decreases from the upper side to the lower side. Thus, the upper end
of the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 is widened, and the upper end
of the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 and the side surface of the
evaporative filter case 22 define an insertion portion into which the distal end portion
of the evaporative filter water receiver 132 is inserted.
[0170] The length of the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 in the left-right
direction is greater than the length of the evaporative filter water receiver 132
in the left-right direction. Further, the evaporative filter water receiver 132 is
located at a position overlapping the evaporative filter inclined surface portion
241 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the left end of the evaporative filter
water receiver 132 is located further to the right than the left end of the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241, and the right end of the evaporative filter water
receiver 132 is located further to the left than the right end of the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241. Thus, when the door 12 is closed, the distal
end portion of the evaporative filter water receiver 132 is located between the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 and the side surface of the evaporative filter
case 22. That is, the distal end portion of the evaporative filter water receiver
132 is inserted into the insertion portion defined by the evaporative filter inclined
surface portion 241 and the side surface of the evaporative filter case 22 facing
the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241. Upon closing the door 12, water
received by the evaporative filter water receiver 132 can flow from the evaporative
filter inclined surface portion 241 into a space between the evaporative filter inclined
surface portion 241 and the side surface of the evaporative filter case 22, and can
be guided to the bottom of the evaporative filter fitting member 24.
[0171] The bottom of the evaporative filter fitting member 24 has a hole, which corresponds
to an evaporative filter communication hole 243. The evaporative filter communication
hole 243 communicates with the drain pan 6 located below the evaporative filter case
22. In this manner, water received by the evaporative filter water receiver 132 flows
between the inner surface of the evaporative filter fitting member 24 on which the
evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 is formed and the side surface of
the evaporative filter case 22 facing the inner surface. The inner surface of the
evaporative filter fitting member 24 and the side surface of the evaporative filter
case 22 define an outer drainage channel 242. The outer drainage channel 242 includes
the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 and an evaporative filter communication
hole 243.
[0172] The upper surface of the evaporative filter case 22 has, inside the water dripping
rib 231, a water dripping hole 232, which communicates with the inside of the evaporative
filter case 22. The evaporative filter 2 is accommodated inside the evaporative filter
case 22. Thus, water entering the evaporative filter case 22 through the water dripping
hole 232 flows into the drain pan 6 via an inner drainage channel 233, which is defined
as a gap between the evaporative filter 2 and the evaporative filter case 22. Alternatively,
the water entering the evaporative filter case 22 through the water dripping hole
232 permeates the evaporative filter 2.
[0173] When the door 12 is opened, even if water drips from the nozzles 211 of the filter
water supply device 21, the water can be received at the evaporative filter water
receiver 132. Then, when the door 12 is closed, the water received at the evaporative
filter water receiver 132 can be collected in the drain pan 6 through the outer drainage
channel 242 including the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 and the
evaporative filter communication hole 243. Furthermore, by locating the water dripping
rib 231 adjacent to the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241, any water
that has overflowed the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 can be contained
within the water dripping rib 231. This water can then be directed into the inner
drainage channel 233, inside the evaporative filter case 22, through the water dripping
hole 232 formed within the water dripping rib 231. This can prevent water dripping
from the nozzles 211 of the filter water supply device 21 from flowing outside the
housing 10 when the door 12 is opened and closed.
[0174] The internal diameter of the evaporative filter communication hole 243 is, for example,
3 mm (Φ 3), and the hole surface of the evaporative filter communication hole 243
is set to a sufficiently small value with respect to the cross-sectional area of the
path through which the supply air flows in the evaporative filter 2. By setting the
area of the evaporative filter communication hole 243 to a relatively small value
as described above, the ventilation resistance in the outer drainage channel 242 is
increased. This sufficiently reduces the possibility that the supply air bypasses
the evaporative filter 2 without passing through the evaporative filter 2.
[0175] The present embodiment shows, but is not limited to, that the heat exchanger water
receiver 131 and the evaporative filter water receiver 132 have a scoop shape with
a tip portion. The heat exchanger water receiver 131 and the evaporative filter water
receiver 132 may be, for example, flexible members such as films, with one end coupled
to the inner side of the door 12 and the other end coupled to the inner side of the
housing 10. The heat exchanger water receiver 131 and the evaporative filter water
receiver 132, formed of soft films, have flexibility, and can thus accommodate deformation
when the door 12 is opened and closed.
[0176] FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a return portion 392. The
heat exchanger fitting member 39 into which the heat exchanger case 34 is fitted has
a return portion 392 that prevents the outflow of water outside the heat exchanger
fitting member 39. The return portion 392 functions as a water collection structure.
[0177] The return portion 392 is formed on a side plate of the heat exchanger fitting member
39 facing the supply air inlet-side frame 35 of the heat exchanger case 34, and protrudes
outward from the side plate. The return portion 392 is located in a lower portion
of the side plate and in the vicinity of the lower frame body of the supply air inlet-side
frame 35.
[0178] The return portion 392 is formed to cover part of the supply-air flow passage, through
which the supply air passes, in the heat exchanger fitting member 39 from the lower
side to the upper side. This can prevent water accumulating in the heat exchanger
case 34 or the heat exchanger fitting member 39 from flowing outside the heat exchanger
fitting member 39. Thus, for example, even when the air conditioner 1 is mounted on
a moving body such as a vehicle and is inclined due to the movement of the vehicle,
water can be prevented from flowing outside the housing 10.
[0179] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the housing 10 that houses the
cooling unit 20. The housing 10 includes the door 12 that can be opened and closed,
and the support portions 115 that support the door 12 on the first side wall 111 of
the housing 10. The door 12 to which the water supply device is fixed has a water
receiver. The water receiver is located between the water supply device and the support
portions 115. Thus, even if water drips from the water supply device when the door
12 is opened, the dripping water can be received at the water receiver. This can prevent
water dripping from the water supply unit from flowing outside the housing 10.
[0180] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the evaporative filter case 22
and the evaporative filter fitting member 24. The housing 10 includes the evaporative
filter fitting member 24, which engages with the evaporative filter case 22 when the
evaporative filter case 22 is housed in the housing 10. The water receiver includes
the evaporative filter water receiver 132. The evaporative filter water receiver 132
is disposed at a position overlapping the evaporative filter fitting member 24 in
a first horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and parallel
to the first wall 341, that is, in the left-right direction. An inner wall of the
evaporative filter fitting member 24 and an outer wall of the evaporative filter case
22, which is opposed to the inner wall, form the outer drainage channel 242 through
which water from the evaporative filter water receiver 132 flows. Thus, water received
by the evaporative filter water receiver 132 can be directed into the outer drainage
channel 242. In addition, the evaporative filter fitting member 24 has, in its bottom
portion, the evaporative filter communication hole 243, which forms part of the outer
drainage channel 242. This enables water that has flowed into the outer drainage channel
242 from the evaporative filter water receiver 132 to be discharged from the evaporative
filter communication hole 243.
[0181] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the evaporative filter fitting member 24 has
the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 that slopes downward. In the first
horizontal direction, the length of the evaporative filter inclined surface portion
241 is greater than the length of the evaporative filter water receiver 132. Upon
closing the door 12, the distal end portion of the evaporative filter water receiver
132 is located between the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 and the
side surface of the evaporative filter case 22, and is inserted into the insertion
portion defined by the evaporative filter inclined surface portion 241 and the side
surface of the evaporative filter case 22 facing the evaporative filter inclined surface
portion 241. Thus, water received by the evaporative filter water receiver 132 can
be efficiently guided to the bottom portion located below the evaporative filter fitting
member 24 via the insertion portion.
[0182] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the heat exchanger case 34 that
houses the sensible heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger case 34 has the first wall
341 which faces the first side wall 111 of the housing 10 in a state of being accommodated
in the housing 10. The first wall 341 is formed with the heat exchanger inclined surface
portion 381 that is inclined from the upper end toward the bottom wall 383. The heat
exchanger inclined surface portion 381 is located below the support portions 115 that
rotatably support the door 12. When the door 12 is opened, water may drip from the
nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water supply devices 33 disposed inside the door
12. However, water dripping from the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water supply
devices 33 moves on the inclined surface formed on the first wall 341 of the heat
exchanger case 34, that is, the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381, and flows
down from the upper portion of the first wall 341 to the bottom wall 383 positioned
below. Thus, even when water drips from the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water
supply devices 33, water can be prevented from flowing outside the housing 10 of the
air conditioner 1.
[0183] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger case 34 includes the frame-shaped bottom wall
383 that is connected to the supply air inlet-side frame 35, the supply air outlet-side
frame 36, the first wall 341, and the second wall 342. The bottom wall 383 has a hole.
The hole of the bottom wall 383 is located in the vicinity of a connection portion
with any one of the first wall 341, the second wall, the supply air inlet-side frame
35, or the supply air outlet-side frame 36. That is, at least one bottom wall 383
is located at any one of four corners or angular portions of the bottom wall 383 of
the heat exchanger case 34, which has a rectangular frame shape. The bottom wall hole
384 is an example of the hole in the bottom wall 383. The hole of the bottom wall
383 is, for example, triangular in shape to match an angular portion of the bottom
wall 383. The hole of the bottom wall 383 may be formed at each of two angular portions
located at both ends of a connection portion with, for example, the supply air inlet-side
frame 35. The hole of the bottom wall 383 is not limited to a hole in the bottom wall
383, and may be configured by, for example, a combination of an arc-shaped cutout
portion at the outer edge of the bottom wall 383 and the supply air inlet-side frame
35 connected to the bottom wall 383. When water drips from the nozzles 331 upon opening
the door 12, it is assumed that water dripping from the nozzles 331 accumulates on
the bottom wall 383 of the heat exchanger case 34. Even when water dripping from the
nozzles 331 accumulates on the bottom wall 383 of the heat exchanger case 34, the
water can be discharged outside the heat exchanger case 34 through the hole in the
bottom wall 383. That is, since the drain pan 6 is disposed below the heat exchanger
case 34, water dripping from the nozzles 331 of the heat exchanger water supply devices
33 can be discharged to the drain pan 6 via the bottom wall hole 384.
[0184] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the first wall 341 of the heat exchanger
case 34 has the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 inclined from the upper
end toward the bottom wall 383. The water receiver includes the heat exchanger water
receiver 131. The heat exchanger water receiver 131 is located at a position overlapping
the evaporative filter fitting member 24 in the first horizontal direction. In the
first horizontal direction, the length of the heat exchanger inclined surface portion
381 is greater than the length of the heat exchanger water receiver 131. Upon closing
the door 12, the distal end portion of the heat exchanger water receiver 131 is located
between the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 of the first wall 341 and
the side surface of the sensible heat exchanger 3, and is inserted into the insertion
portion defined by the heat exchanger inclined surface portion 381 and the side surface
of the sensible heat exchanger 3 facing the heat exchanger inclined surface portion
381. This enables water received by the heat exchanger water receiver 131 to be efficiently
guided to the bottom wall 383 located below the heat exchanger case 34 via the insertion
portion.
[0185] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes the heat exchanger case 34 that
houses the sensible heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger case 34 has the first wall
341 which faces the first side wall 111 of the housing 10 in a state of being accommodated
in the housing 10. The inner surface of the first wall 341 and the side surface of
the sensible heat exchanger 3, which faces the first wall 341, form the heat exchanger
drainage channel 382 through which water from the heat exchanger water receiver 131
flows. Thus, water received by the heat exchanger water receiver 131 can be directed
into the heat exchanger drainage channel 382. In addition, since the bottom wall 383
of the heat exchanger case 34 has the hole (bottom wall hole 384) that forms part
of the heat exchanger drainage channel 382, water flowing into the heat exchanger
drainage channel 382 from the water receiver can be discharged from the bottom wall
hole 384.
[0186] In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes the heat exchanger fitting member 39,
which engages with the heat exchanger case 34 when the heat exchanger case 34 is housed
in the housing 10. The heat exchanger fitting member 39 has the return portion 392
that prevents water from the heat exchanger water receiver 131 from flowing outside
the heat exchanger fitting member 39. This can prevent water accumulating in the heat
exchanger case 34 or the heat exchanger fitting member 39 from flowing outside the
heat exchanger fitting member 39. In addition, the return portion 392 is formed on
the side plate of the heat exchanger fitting member 39, which faces the supply air
inlet-side frame 35 of the heat exchanger case 34 in the first horizontal direction.
More specifically, the return portion 392 protrudes from the side plate of the heat
exchanger fitting member 39 toward the upstream side in the supply air direction.
This can efficiently prevent water accumulating in the heat exchanger case 34 or the
heat exchanger fitting member 39 from flowing outside the housing 10 from the supply
air inlet 42.
[0187] A plurality of claims in the scope of claims may be combined with each other regardless
of the form of citation. A claim may contain multiple dependent claims that are dependent
on more than one claim. A multiple dependent claim may be set forth, which depends
on another multiple dependent claim.
[0188] Even if a multiple dependent claim that depends on another multiple dependent claim
is not set forth, this does not limit the description of a multiple dependent claim
that depends on another multiple dependent claim.
[0189] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be illustrative and non-restrictive in all
respects. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense
set forth above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and
scope of the claims and equivalents.
Reference Signs List
[0190]
1 air conditioner
100 substrate
101 controller
10 housing
11 main body
111 first side wall
1111 body-side first side wall
1112 door-side first side wall
112 second side wail
113 third side wail
114 fourth side wail
115 support portion
116 tank base
117 boss
118 handhold
12 door
121 accommodation space
122 fixing member
123 second sealing member
131 heat exchanger water receiver (water receiver)
132 evaporative filter water receiver (water receiver)
14 lock mechanism
141 operation portion
142 lock hook
143 engagement hole
20 cooling unit
2 evaporative filter
201 filter inlet surface
202 filter outlet surface
21 filter water supply device (water supply device)
211 nozzles (of filter water supply device)
212 hole
22 evaporative filter case
221 columnar rib
222 second flange
223 handle (of evaporative filter case)
224 filter frame
225 annular rib
226 protrusion
227 recess
231 water dripping rib
232 water dripping hole
233 inner drainage channel
24 evaporative filter fitting member
241 evaporative filter inclined surface portion
242 outer drainage channel
243 evaporative filter communication hole
3 sensible heat exchanger
31 supply air channel
311 supply air inlet surface
312 supply air outlet surface
32 exhaust air channel
33 heat exchanger water supply device
331 nozzles (of heat exchanger water supply device)
332 hole
34 heat exchanger case
341 front wall (first wall, facing portion, second facing portion)
342 rear wall (second wall, facing portion, second facing portion)
343 recess
35 supply air inlet-side frame (facing portion, first facing portion)
351 reverse insertion preventing shape
352 outer edge
353 protrusion
36 supply air outlet-side frame (facing portion, first facing portion)
361 sealing member
362 first flange
37 handle (of heat exchanger case)
381 heat exchanger inclined surface portion
382 heat exchanger drainage channel
383 bottom wall
384 bottom wall hole
39 heat exchanger fitting member
391 heat exchange communication hole
392 return portion (water collection structure)
4 supply-air flow passage
41 supply air fan
42 supply air inlet
43 supply air outlet
431 duct
432 wind direction adjusting plate
44 first intermediate supply-air flow passage
441 structural member
5 exhaust-air flow passage
51 exhaust air fan
52 exhaust air inlet
53 exhaust air outlet
6 drain pan
61 bottom surface
611 bottom hole
62 wall surface
621 water supply hole
63 water level sensor
64 sensor fixing member
641 wall portion
7 supply water channel
71 first supply water channel
72 second supply water channel
73 connecting supply water channel
731 first connection portion
732 second connection portion
74 water supply device connection channel
741 orifice
75 drain pan filter
76 water supply pump
77 flow rate sensor
78 branch portion
781 drainage channel
8 water tank
81 boss receiving portion
82 water level confirmation window
83 cylindrical outflow portion
9 replenishing water channel
91 tank pump
92 tank flow rate sensor