U.S. patent application number 12/528024 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for liquid transfer device and air conditioner.
Invention is credited to Kenji Masuda.
Application Number | 20110239684 12/528024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39709829 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110239684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Masuda; Kenji |
October 6, 2011 |
LIQUID TRANSFER DEVICE AND AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
A nozzle electrode (44) is connected to a drain pan (30), with
the other end of the nozzle electrode (44) pointing upward and
open. A ring electrode (45) is positioned so as to face the nozzle
electrode (44). When a positive voltage is applied to the nozzle
electrode (44), an electric field is created at a location close to
the tip of the nozzle electrode (44). As a result, a drain water is
sprayed from the nozzle electrode (44) as positively-charged small
droplets. The sprayed droplets are discharged to the outside of the
system through a flow-in pipe (51) and a flow-out pipe (53).
Inventors: |
Masuda; Kenji; (Osaka,
JP) |
Family ID: |
39709829 |
Appl. No.: |
12/528024 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 19, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/000271 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/291 ;
239/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02N 11/006 20130101;
F24F 13/222 20130101; F04B 17/003 20130101; F04B 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/291 ;
239/690 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14; F23D 11/32 20060101 F23D011/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 21, 2007 |
JP |
2007-040878 |
Claims
1. A liquid transfer device for transferring a liquid in a
reservoir (30), comprising: a tubular first electrode (44) whose
one end communicates with the reservoir (30) and whose other end is
open; a second electrode (45) provided at a location corresponding
to the other end of the first electrode (44); and a power source
(60) for applying an potential difference between the first
electrode (44) and the second electrode (45), thereby creating an
electric field at a location close to the other end of the first
electrode (44), wherein the liquid in the reservoir (30) is sprayed
from the other end of the first electrode (44) due to the electric
field, and thereby the liquid is transferred.
2. The liquid transfer device of claim 1, wherein a positive
voltage or a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode
(44) from the power source (60), and the second electrode (45) is
electrically grounded.
3. The liquid transfer device of claim 2, comprising a flow-in side
guide member (51) which forms a flow path for guiding the liquid
sprayed from the first electrode (44).
4. The liquid transfer device of claim 3, wherein a voltage having
a same electric potential as the voltage applied to the first
electrode (44) is applied to the flow-in side guide member
(51).
5. The liquid transfer device of claim 3 or claim 4, comprising a
flow-out side guide member (53) which forms a flow path for guiding
the liquid that flows out of the flow-in side guide member (51) and
which is electrically grounded.
6. The liquid transfer device of claim 2, comprising: a flow-in
pipe (51) through which the liquid sprayed from the first electrode
(44) flows and to which a voltage having a same electric potential
as the voltage applied to the first electrode (44) is applied; a
flow-out pipe (53) through which the liquid that flow out of the
flow-in pipe (51) flows and which is electrically grounded; and an
insulating discharge side connecting pipe (52) for connecting
between the flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53).
7. The liquid transfer device of claim 1, comprising an insulating
reservoir side connecting pipe (43) for connecting between the
reservoir (30) and the first electrode (44).
8. The liquid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the one end of
the first electrode (44) communicates with a lower portion of the
reservoir (30), and the other end of the first electrode (44) is
open at a level equal to or lower than a bottom of the reservoir
(30).
9. An air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger (27) for cooling
air; a reservoir (30) for storing a condensed water generated from
the air cooled by the heat exchanger (27); and a liquid transfer
device (40) for transferring and discharging the condensed water in
the reservoir (30), wherein the liquid transfer device (40) is the
liquid transfer devices of claim 1.
10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein a copper material is
provided in the reservoir (30) so that a copper ion is liberated in
the condensed water.
11. The air conditioner of claim 10, wherein a positive voltage is
applied to the first electrode (44) from the power source (60), and
the second electrode (45) is electrically grounded.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid transfer device
for transferring a liquid in a reservoir, and an air conditioner
including the liquid transfer device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Liquid transfer devices for transferring a liquid have
conventionally been used in various fields. As a liquid transfer
device of this type, Patent Document 1 discloses a drain pump for
discharging a drain water of a room air conditioner.
[0003] The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 includes a
so-called ceiling-mounted indoor unit. An indoor heat exchanger
through which air passes, a drain pan (a reservoir) provided under
the indoor heat exchanger, and a drain pump (a liquid transfer
device) provided in the drain pan are accommodated in the casing of
the indoor unit.
[0004] Room air is drawn into the casing and passes through the
indoor heat exchanger during the cooling operation of the air
conditioner. In the indoor heat exchanger, a refrigerant which
flows in the indoor heat exchanger absorbs heat from the air and
evaporates, thereby cooling the air. The cooled air is supplied to
the indoor space through a plurality of air outlets. Here, when the
air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger, moisture in the air is
condensed and results in a condensed water. The condensed water
falls in drops and is collected in the drain pan. The condensed
water stored in the drain pan is transferred upwardly by the drain
pump, and is discharged to the outside of the casing through a
predetermined pipe. [0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open
Patent Application Publication No. 2005-140452
Disclosure of Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In general, the drain pump disclosed in Patent Document 1 is
actuated by a motor, and therefore, the operational sound tends to
be relatively large. Thus, the operational sound of the drain pump
may be a noise for people in the room. In addition, the drain pump
consumes a relatively large amount of power due to the motor
actuation, which is undesirable in terms of energy saving.
[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above, and is
advantageous in providing a liquid transfer device with small
operational sound and low power consumption, and an air conditioner
including the liquid transfer device.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] The first aspect of the present invention is a liquid
transfer device for transferring a liquid in a reservoir (30). The
liquid transfer device includes a tubular first electrode (44)
whose one end communicates with the reservoir (30) and whose other
end is open, a second electrode (45) provided at a location
corresponding to the other end of the first electrode (44), and a
power source (60) for applying an potential difference between the
first electrode (44) and the second electrode (45), thereby
creating an electric field at a location close to the other end of
the first electrode (44), wherein the liquid in the reservoir (30)
is sprayed from the other end of the first electrode (44) due to
the electric field, and thereby the liquid is transferred.
[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the
reservoir (30) for storing a liquid and the first electrode (44)
communicate with each other. In other words, the liquid in the
reservoir (30) can be supplied to the inside of the first electrode
(44). When a potential difference is applied between the first
electrode (44) and the second electrode (45) from the power source
(60), an electric field is created at a location close to the other
end (i.e., open end) of the first electrode (44). As a result, the
liquid in the open end of the first electrode (44) is polarized,
and part of the liquid is pulled apart from the air-liquid
interface as small droplets. The droplets of the liquid are
attracted to the second electrode (45) due to Coulomb force, and
are sprayed while keeping the form of small droplets. As a result,
the droplets of the liquid are transferred in a predetermined
direction while suspended in air.
[0010] The second aspect of the present invention is that in the
liquid transfer device of the first aspect, a positive voltage or a
negative voltage is applied to the first electrode (44) from the
power source (60), and the second electrode (45) is electrically
grounded.
[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a
positive voltage or a negative voltage is applied to the first
electrode (44) from the power source (60). As a result, positively-
or negatively-charged small droplets are transferred from the open
end of the first electrode (44) by being attracted to the second
electrode (45) which is grounded.
[0012] The third aspect of the present invention is that the liquid
transfer device of the second aspect includes a flow-in side guide
member (51) for guiding the liquid sprayed from the first electrode
(44).
[0013] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
liquid sprayed from the first electrode (44) is transferred in a
predetermined direction such that the liquid moves along a flow-in
side guide member (51) while suspended in air. Thus, the flow-in
side guide member (51) can prevent the sprayed liquid from
dispersing, and allows the liquid to be reliably transferred in a
predetermined direction.
[0014] The fourth aspect of the present invention is that in the
liquid transfer device of the third aspect, a voltage having a same
electric potential as the voltage applied to the first electrode
(44) is applied to the flow-in side guide member (51).
[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a
voltage having a same electric potential as the voltage applied to
the first electrode (44) is applied to the flow-in side guide
member (51). Specifically, if a positive voltage is applied to the
first electrode (44), a positive voltage is applied to the flow-in
side guide member (51), as well. In this case, when a
positively-charged liquid is sprayed from the first electrode (44),
the liquid is affected by Coulomb force in a direction separating
from the wall surface of the flow-in side guide member (51). Thus,
the liquid is guided to the flow-in side guide member (51) and
transferred while keeping the form of small droplets without
adhering to the wall of the flow-in side guide member (51).
[0016] The fifth aspect of the present invention is that the liquid
transfer device of the third aspect or the fourth aspect includes a
flow-out side guide member (53) which forms a flow path for guiding
the liquid that flows out of the flow-in side guide member (51) and
which is electrically grounded.
[0017] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
liquid which flows out of the flow-in side guide member (51) is
further guided to the flow-out side guide member (53). Here, the
flow-out side guide member (53) is grounded while a positive
voltage or a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode
(44). Thus, if a positively-charged liquid is sprayed from the
first electrode (44) and this liquid flows into the flow path of
the flow-out side guide member (53), the liquid is attracted to the
inside wall surface of the flow-out side guide member (53) due to
Coulomb force. After the small droplets successively adhere to the
inside wall surface of the flow-out side guide member (53), these
droplets aggregate. Thus, the liquid which has aggregated can flow
down in a predetermined direction due to its own weight.
[0018] The sixth aspect of the present invention is that the liquid
transfer device of the second aspect includes: a flow-in pipe (51)
through which the liquid sprayed from the first electrode (44)
flows and to which a voltage having a same electric potential as
the voltage applied to the first electrode (44) is applied; a
flow-out pipe (53) through which the liquid that flow out of the
flow-in pipe (51) flows and which is electrically grounded; and an
insulating discharge side connecting pipe (52) for connecting
between the flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53).
[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the
liquid sprayed from the first electrode (44) flows through the
flow-in pipe (51). Since a voltage having the same electric
potential as the voltage applied to the first electrode (44) is
applied to the flow-in pipe (51), positively- or negatively-charged
small droplets can be prevented from adhering to the inside wall of
the flow-in pipe (51). The liquid which flows out of the flow-in
pipe (51) as described in the above flows through the discharge
side connecting pipe (52) into the flow-out pipe (53). The flow-out
pipe (53) is grounded, and thus, the positively- or
negatively-charged small droplets are attracted to the inside wall
of the flow-out pipe (53) due to Coulomb force. As a result, the
small droplets successively adhere to the inside wall of the
flow-out pipe (53) and aggregate. Here, in the present invention,
the flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53) are connected to
each other by the insulating discharge side connecting pipe (52).
Thus, even when a positive voltage or a negative voltage is applied
to the flow-in pipe (51), the discharge side connecting pipe (52)
can prevent a current from flowing from the flow-in pipe (51) to
the flow-out pipe (53).
[0020] The seventh aspect of the present invention is that any one
of the liquid transfer devices of the first to sixth aspects
includes an insulating reservoir side connecting pipe (43) for
connecting between the reservoir (30) and the first electrode
(44).
[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention,
the reservoir (30) and the first electrode (44) are connected to
each other through the insulating reservoir side connecting pipe
(43). Thus, even when a predetermined voltage is applied to the
first electrode (44), the reservoir side connecting pipe (43) can
prevent a current from flowing from the first electrode (44) to the
reservoir (30).
[0022] The eighth aspect of the present invention is that in any
one of the liquid transfer devices of the first to seventh aspects,
the one end of the first electrode (44) communicates with a lower
portion of the reservoir (30), and the other end of the first
electrode (44) is open at a level equal to or lower than a bottom
of the reservoir (30).
[0023] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, one
end of the first electrode (44) communicates with a lower portion
of the reservoir (30). Thus, the liquid in the reservoir (30) can
be transferred into the first electrode (44) due to the head of the
liquid stored in the reservoir (30). On the other hand, the other
end of the first electrode (44) is open at the level equal to or
lower than the bottom of the reservoir (30). Thus, when the liquid
is transferred from the reservoir (30) into the first electrode
(44), the first electrode (44) is filled with this liquid to its
open end. Thus, by creating an electric field at a location close
to the open end of the first electrode (44), the liquid at the
location close to the open end can be smoothly sprayed and
transferred.
[0024] The ninth aspect of the present invention is an air
conditioner including a heat exchanger (27) for cooling air, a
reservoir (30) for storing a condensed water generated from the air
cooled by the heat exchanger (27), and a liquid transfer device
(40) for transferring and discharging the condensed water in the
reservoir (30). Any one of the liquid transfer devices of the first
to eighth aspects of the present invention is used as a liquid
transfer device of the air conditioner.
[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a
condensed water generated from air when the air is cooled by the
heat exchanger (27) is stored in the reservoir (30). In other
words, the reservoir (30) constitutes a drain pan for collecting
the drain water generated at a location close to the heat exchanger
(27). Here, in the present invention, the liquid stored in the
reservoir (30) is transferred and discharged to the outside of the
system by the liquid transfer device of the first to eighth aspects
of the present invention.
[0026] The tenth aspect of the present invention is that in the air
conditioner of the ninth aspect, a copper material is provided in
the reservoir (30) so that a copper ion is liberated in the
condensed water.
[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a
copper material is provided in the reservoir (30). If the copper
material is submerged in the condensed water, copper ions are
liberated from the copper material into the condensed water. The
copper ions suppress the proliferation of bacteria in the condensed
water and, consequently, reduce generation of slime due to the
proliferation of the bacteria. As a result, a clogging of the first
electrode (44) with a bacteria-induced solid matter can be
avoided.
[0028] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is that in the
air conditioner of the tenth aspect, a positive voltage is applied
to the first electrode (44) from the power source (60), and the
second electrode (45) is electrically grounded.
[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
since a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode (44), a
positively-charged liquid is sprayed from the first electrode (44).
Here, if a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode (44),
the copper ions in the reservoir (30) are not likely to be
attracted to the first electrode (44), i.e., a positive electrode.
As a result, the copper ions are prevented from being sprayed from
the first electrode (44) discharged to the outside of the system
together with the liquid. In other words, in the present invention,
the copper ions liberated from the copper material can be retained
in the reservoir (30). Consequently, the bactericidal effect of the
copper material can last for a long time.
Effects of the Invention
[0030] According to the present invention, a potential difference
is applied between the first electrode (44) and the second
electrode (45), and thereby, a liquid in the form of small droplets
is sprayed from the first electrode (44), and the liquid is
transferred while suspended in air. If the liquid is transferred in
this way, the volume of the operational sound generated during the
transfer of the liquid is decreased, compared to the case in which
a motor is used to transfer the liquid. Thus, according to the
liquid transfer device of the present invention, a noise generated
during the transfer of the liquid can be reliably prevented. In
addition, almost no current flows from a power source (60) when the
liquid is transferred by utilizing Coulomb force as in this case.
Thus, power consumption required to transfer the liquid can be
significantly reduced as compared to the conventional devices in
which a motor is used to transfer the liquid, thereby making it
possible to improve energy saving characteristics of the liquid
transfer device.
[0031] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a
positive or negative voltage is applied to the first electrode (44)
from the power source (60), and the second electrode (45) is
electrically grounded. Thus, according to the present invention, a
positively-charged liquid can be sprayed from the first electrode
(44) and transferred. On the other hand, the second electrode (45)
can be simply grounded, and therefore, the structure of the liquid
spray device can be simplified.
[0032] According to the third aspect of the present invention, a
flow-in side guide member (51) guides the liquid sprayed from the
first electrode (44), and therefore, the liquid can be reliably
transferred in a desired direction.
[0033] Specifically, according to the fourth aspect of the present
invention, a voltage having the same electric potential as the
voltage applied to the first electrode (44) is applied to the
flow-in side guide member (51). Thus, according to the present
invention, the small droplets of the liquid which flow through the
flow path of the flow-in side guide member (51) can be effectively
prevented from adhering to the wall surface of the flow-in side
guide member (51). As a result, the liquid can be transferred in a
predetermined direction while keeping the form of small droplets
and suspended in air.
[0034] Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present
invention, a flow-out side guide member (53) is grounded. Thus,
according to the present invention, the small droplets of the
liquid can be attracted to the inner surface of the flow-out side
guide member (53) and aggregate. After having aggregated, the
liquid can smoothly flow down due to its own weight, and can be
discharged to the outside of the system.
[0035] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the
flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53) are connected to each
other by the insulating discharge side connecting pipe (52). Thus,
according to the present invention, a current can be reliably
prevented from flowing from the flow-in pipe (51) to the flow-out
pipe (53) even when a positive or negative voltage is applied to
the flow-in pipe (51).
[0036] Similarly, according to the seventh aspect of the present
invention, the reservoir (30) and the first electrode (44) are
connected to each other by the insulating reservoir side connecting
pipe (43). Thus, according to the present invention, a current can
be reliably prevented from flowing from the first electrode (44) to
the reservoir (30) even when a positive or negative voltage is
applied to the first electrode (44).
[0037] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, one
end of the first electrode (44) is connected to a lower portion of
the reservoir (30), and the other end of the first electrode (44)
is open at the level equal to or lower than the bottom of the
reservoir (30). This stricture enables the liquid in the reservoir
(30) to be transferred to the other end of the first electrode (44)
due to its own weight, and thereby, the liquid in the open end of
the first electrode (44) can be. reliably sprayed.
[0038] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, any
one of the first to eighth liquid transfer devices is used to drain
water from an air conditioner. Thus, the volume of the operational
sound of the drain pump and the power consumption of the same can
be reduced, which consequently can achieve low-noise operation and
improvement in energy saving characteristics of the air
conditioner.
[0039] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a
copper material is provided in the reservoir (30) so that copper
ions are liberated in the drain water in the reservoir (30). This
structure of the present invention can prevent generation of slime
and prevent a solid matter from consolidating within the first
electrode (44). As a result, stable operation of the liquid
transfer device (40) can be ensured for a long time. In addition,
since the generation of the slime is prevented, a foul odor from
the reservoir (30) can be prevented, as well.
[0040] Specifically, according to the eleventh aspect of the
present invention, a positive voltage is applied to the first
electrode (44). Thus, according to the present invention, the
copper ions liberated in the reservoir (30) are not likely to flow
out of the reservoir (30) to the first electrode (44), and a high
concentration of copper ions can be retained in the reservoir (30).
Thus, the bactericidal effect of the copper material can last for a
long time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing the outer appearance of an
indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an indoor
unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a decorative panel of an indoor
unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a liquid transfer device
according to an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting an area close to a
nozzle of a liquid transfer device according to an embodiment. FIG.
5(A) illustrates a state of liquid before spraying. FIG. 5(B)
illustrates a state of liquid at the beginning of spraying.
[0046] Description of Characters [0047] 10 air conditioner [0048]
27 indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) [0049] 30 drain pan
(reservoir) [0050] 40 drain device (liquid transfer device) [0051]
43 first insulating pipe (reservoir side connecting pipe) [0052] 44
nozzle electrode (first electrode) [0053] 45 ring electrode (second
electrode) [0054] 51 flow-in pipe (flow-in side guide member)
[0055] 52 second insulating pipe (discharge side connecting pipe)
[0056] 53 flow-out pipe (flow-out side guide member) [0057] 60
power source
Example Embodiments
[0058] Embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter
described in detail based on the drawings. An sir conditioner (10)
of the present embodiment is for room-air heating and cooling. The
air conditioner (10) includes an indoor unit (20) mounted in the
ceiling of a room. The indoor unit (20) is connected to an outdoor
unit (not shown) via a refrigerant pipe, and a refrigerant circuit
for providing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle is
configured in the air conditioner (10). A refrigerant circuit of
the outdoor unit is provided with element devices, such as a
compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit (20) includes a casing
body (21) and a decorative panel (22). The casing body (21) is like
a flat box whose bottom is open. The decorative panel (22) is
attached to the casing body (21) so as to cover the open bottom of
the casing body (21). The decorative panel (22) has an air inlet
(23) in the center. The decorative panel (22) has four enlongated
air outlets (24) along the periphery of the air inlet (23).
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, a bell-mouth (25), an indoor fan (26),
an indoor heat exchanger (27), and a drain pan (30) are
accommodated within the casing body (21). The bell-mouth (25) is
like a cylinder whose bottom is connected to the air inlet (23).
The internal diameter of the bell-mouth (25) becomes wider as it
gets closer to the bottom. The indoor fan (26) is located above the
bell-mouth (25). The indoor fan (26) constitutes a turbofan. The
indoor fan (26) includes a fan motor (26a) and a blade (26b)
connected to the drive shaft of the fan motor (26a). When the
indoor fan (26) is put into operation, room air is drawn into the
casing body (21) through the air inlet (23) and the bell-mouth
(25). The room air is dispersed radially outward by the blade (26b)
within the casing body (21). The indoor heat exchanger (27)
constitutes a cross fm type heat exchanger. As shown in FIG. 3, the
indoor heat exchanger (27) is located so as to stand on the upper
side of the decorative panel (22) and surround the air inlet
(23).
[0061] The drain pan (30) is formed on the upper side of the
decorative panel (22). The drain pan (30) includes a bottom plate
(31), an inside partition plate (32), an outside partition plate
(33), and drain side partition plate (34). The bottom plate (31) is
formed on the upper side of the decorative panel (22) and extends
across the bottom portion of the indoor heat exchanger (27). The
inside partition plate (32) is provided at the inner periphery of
the bottom plate (31). The inside partition plate (32) is
positioned radially outward from the air inlet (23) to surround the
air inlet (23), and partitions between the indoor heat exchanger
(27) and the air inlet (23). The outside partition plate (33) is
provided at the outer periphery of the bottom plate (31). The
outside partition plate (33) is positioned radially outward from
the indoor heat exchanger (27) to surround the indoor heat
exchanger (27), and partitions between each air outlet (24) and the
indoor heat exchanger (27). The drain side partition plate (34) is
provided close to a corner of a predetermined portion (lower right
portion of FIG. 3) of the decorative panel (22). The drain side
partition plate (34) extends along the indoor heat exchanger (27)
such that a drain space (S) is created at the outside of the drain
side partition plate (34).
[0062] The drain pan (30) having the above-described structure
constitutes a reservoir for storing a condensed water (drain water)
generated from the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (27).
The inside of the drain pan (30), i.e., inside walls of the bottom
plate (31) and the partition plates (32, 33, 34), is coated with a
copper material. In other words, a copper member for liberating
copper ions in the stored drain water is provided in the drain pan
(30). In addition, the bottom plate (31) of the drain pan (30) is
inclined so that the stored drain water can flow down to the drain
side partition plate (34).
[0063] A drain device (40) is provided in the drain space (S). The
drain device (40) constitutes a liquid transfer device for
transferring the drain water stored in the drain pan (30) and
discharging the drain water to the outside the system.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the drain device (40) includes a spray
part (41) and a transfer part (50). The spray part (41) includes an
intake pipe (42), a first insulating pipe (43), a nozzle electrode
(44), and a ring electrode (45). One end of the intake pipe (42)
passes through the drain side partition plate (34) and communicates
with the inside of the drain pan (30). The one end of the intake
pipe (42) is open at approximately the same level as the bottom of
the drain pan (30). One end of the first insulating pipe (43) is
connected to the other end of the intake pipe (42). The first
insulating pipe (43) is made of an insulating material, such as an
insulating resin and an insulator. The first insulating pipe (43)
constitutes a reservoir side connecting pipe for connecting between
the drain pan (30) and the nozzle electrode (44).
[0065] One end of the nozzle electrode (44) is connected to the
other end of the first insulating pipe (43). The nozzle electrode
(44) is curved downward to form a "U" shape. The other end of the
nozzle electrode (44) points upward and is open. The nozzle
electrode (44) is made of a conductive material, such as stainless.
The other end of the nozzle electrode (44) is open at the level
equal to or lower than the bottom of the reservoir (30). The ring
electrode (45) is positioned at a place corresponding to the nozzle
electrode (44) such that the ring electrode (45) faces the other
end of the nozzle electrode (44). The ring electrode (45) has an
annular shape and is coaxial with the center of the other end of
the nozzle electrode (44). The ring electrode (45) is made of a
conductive material, such as stainless.
[0066] The drain device (40) includes the power source (60) as
shown in FIG. 5. The nozzle electrode (44) is connected to a
positive electrode of the power source (60) via electric wiring. In
other words, the nozzle electrode (44) constitutes a first
electrode to which a positive voltage is applied. On the other
hand, the ring electrode (45) is connected to the ground of the
power source (60) via electric wiring. In other words, the ring
electrode (45) constitutes a second electrode which is electrically
grounded. In this way, a potential difference is applied between
the nozzle electrode (44) and the ring electrode (45) of the spray
part (41) by the power source (60). As a result, a transfer
operation in which the drain water in the drain pan (30) is sprayed
from the nozzle electrode (44) and transferred is carried out at
the spray part (41). Details of the transfer operation are
described later.
[0067] The transfer part (50) includes a flow-in pipe (51), a
second insulating pipe (52), and a flow-out pipe (53). The flow-in
pipe (51) is provided above the other end (i.e., an open end) of
the nozzle electrode (44). The flow-in pipe (51) extends vertically
upward from its bottom and curves obliquely downward at its top
portion. The flow-in pipe (51) constitutes a flow-in side guide
member which forms a flow path for guiding upward the drain water
sprayed from the nozzle electrode (44). Moreover, the flow-in pipe
(51) is connected to the above-described positive electrode of the
power source (60) via electric wiring. This means that a voltage
having the same electric potential as the voltage applied to the
nozzle electrode (44) is applied to the flow-in pipe (51).
[0068] One end of the second insulating pipe (52) is connected to
the top portion of the flow-in pipe (51). The second insulating
pipe (52) is made of an insulating material, such as an insulating
resin and insulator. The second insulating pipe (52) constitutes an
insulating discharge side connecting pipe for connecting between
the flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53). The flow-out pipe
(53) is connected to the other end of the second insulating pipe
(52). The flow-out pipe (53) extends obliquely downward and
constitutes a flow-out side guide member for guiding downward the
liquid which flows out of the flow-in pipe (51). Moreover, the
flow-out pipe (53) is connected to the ground of the power source
(60) via electric wiring. This means that the flow-out pipe (53) is
electrically grounded. The flow-out end of the flow-out pipe (53)
communicates with the outside of the casing body (21) and is
connected to a flow path for discharging the drain water (not
shown).
[0069] -Operation Of Air Conditioner-
[0070] Cooling operation of the air conditioner (10) according to
the present embodiment is described. When the compressor of the
outdoor unit comes into operation during the cooling operation, a
refrigerant cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger functions as
a condenser and in which the indoor heat exchanger (27) of the
indoor unit (20) functions as an evaporator, is provided.
[0071] When the indoor fan (26) is put into operation in this
state, room air is drawn into the casing body (21) through the air
inlet (23). This air passes through the bell-mouth (25) and is
dispersed radially outward by the indoor fan (26). As a result, the
air goes through the indoor heat exchanger (27). In the indoor heat
exchanger (27), a refrigerant which flows in the indoor heat
exchanger (27) absorbs heat from the air and evaporates. As a
result, the air is cooled by the refrigerant. The air cooled by the
indoor heat exchanger (27) flows along the outer periphery in the
casing body (21), and is supplied to the indoor space through the
air outlets (24). The supplied air accomplishes the cooling of the
indoor space.
[0072] -Transfer Of Drain Water-
[0073] When the air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (27) in
the above cooling operation, moisture included in the air is
condensed and results in a drain water near the indoor heat
exchanger (27). The drain water falls in drops and is collected in
the drain pan (30). According to the present embodiment, the drain
water collected in the drain pan (30) in this manner is discharged
to the outside of the system in the following matter.
[0074] As the amount of the drain water stored in the drain pan
(30) increases as shown in FIG. 4, the drain water in the drain pan
(30) flows out to the intake pipe (42) due to its own weight (head
of water). The drain water flows through the first insulating pipe
(43) to the nozzle electrode (44), and is led to the tip (open end)
of the nozzle electrode (44). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(A),
the drain water at the tip of the nozzle electrode (44) is kept at
the tip of the nozzle electrode (44) due to surface tension.
[0075] In this state, if a potential difference of several thousand
volts is applied between the nozzle electrode (44) and the ring
electrode (45) from the power source (60), an electric field is
creased at the tip of the nozzle electrode (44). If the electric
field is created at the tip of the nozzle electrode (44) as
described in the above, the drain water at the tip of the nozzle
electrode (44) is polarized, and positive electric charges gather
at the air-liquid interface of the drain water. As a result, the
air-liquid interface at the tip of the nozzle electrode (44) is
drawn up to have a conical shape, and part of the liquid is pulled
apart from the top of the conical air-liquid interface as droplets
(see FIG. 5(B)). The droplets of the drain water are positively
charged, and therefore, are attracted to the ring electrode (45)
due to Coulomb force. As a result, small droplets of the drain
water are sprayed upward from the nozzle electrode (44).
[0076] The sprayed drain water moves upward while suspended in air
and keeping the form of small droplets, and flows in the flow-in
pipe (51) as shown in FIG. 4. Here, the same electric potential as
the electric potential applied to the nozzle electrode (44), that
is a positive voltage, is applied to the flow-in pipe (51). This
causes the drain water in the flow-in pipe (51) to be repulsive to
the inside wall of the flow-in pipe (51) and move further upward
while suspended in air. In other words, the drain water in the
flow-in pipe (51) is affected by Coulomb force in a direction
separating from the wall surface of the flow-in pipe (51), and
thus, the drain water is transferred upward while keeping the form
of small droplets without adhering to the wall surface of the
flow-in pipe (51). Consequently, the sprayed drain water can be
smoothly guided upward in the flow-in pipe (51).
[0077] The drain water which flows out of the flow-in pipe (51) as
described in the above, flows through the second insulating pipe
(52) into the flow-out pipe (53). Here, the flow-out pipe (53) is
electrically grounded. Thus, the positively-charged drain water is
successively attracted to the inside wall of the flow-out pipe
(53). As a result, the drain water in the form of small droplets
aggregates on the inside wall of the flow-out pipe (53). After
having aggregated, the drain water flows down smoothly due to its
own weight, and is drained to the outside of the system (such as
the outdoors).
[0078] Incidentally, in the drain pan (30), so-called slime may be
generated in the drain water because of proliferation of bacteria
in the remaining drain water. If the slime is generated, the nozzle
electrode (44) may be clogged with a bacteria-induced solid matter,
and continuous transfer of the drain water as described in the
above may not be possible. In addition, the slime may generate a
foul odor within the drain pan (30). In view of this, a copper
material is provided within the drain pan (30) in the present
embodiment.
[0079] In this structure, copper ions are liberated from the copper
material into the drain water in the drain pan (30). The copper
ions suppress the proliferation of bacteria in the condensed water
and, consequently, also reduce generation of slime due to the
proliferation of bacteria. As a result, a solid matter which clogs
the nozzle electrode (44) can be avoided. At the same time, a foul
odor due to the generation of the slime can be reduced. Further,
since a positive voltage is applied to the nozzle electrode (44),
the copper ions liberated in the drain water are affected by
Coulomb force, according to which the copper ions are repulsive to
the positive nozzle electrode (44). Thus, the copper ions are
prevented from flowing out through the nozzle electrode (44)
together with the drain water. As a result, the copper ions are
retained in the drain water in the drain pan (30), and thus, the
bactericidal effect of the copper material can last for a long
time.
Effect in Embodiments
[0080] According to the above embodiment, a potential difference is
applied between the first electrode (44) and the second electrode
(45) from the power source (60), and thereby, the drain water in
the form of small droplets is sprayed from the nozzle electrode
(44), and the drain water is transferred upward while suspended in
air. If the liquid is transferred in this way, the volume of the
operational sound generated during the transfer of the liquid is
decreased, compared to conventional liquid transfer devices in
which a motor is used to transfer the liquid. Thus, according to
the above embodiment, a noise generated during the transfer of the
liquid can be reliably prevented. In addition, almost no current
flows from the power source (60) when the liquid is transferred in
this manner. Thus, power consumption required to transfer the
liquid can be significantly reduced as compared to conventional
devices in which a motor is used to transfer the liquid, thereby
making it possible to improve energy saving characteristics of the
liquid transfer device.
[0081] Moreover, in the above embodiment, a voltage having the same
electric potential as the voltage applied to the first electrode
(44), that is a positive voltage, is applied to the flow-in pipe
(51) for guiding the drain water upward. Thus, according to the
above embodiment, small droplets of the liquid can be prevented
from adhering to the inside wall of the flow-in pipe (51), and
these droplets can be transferred upward while reliably suspended
in air.
[0082] At the same time, in the above embodiment, the flow-out pipe
(53) is grounded so that the drain water in the form of small
droplets can adhere to the inside wall surface of the flow-out pipe
(53) and aggregate. Thus, the drain water which has aggregated in
the flow-out pipe (53) can flow down due to its own weight, and
therefore, the drain water can be smoothly discharged to the
outside of the system.
[0083] Further, the flow-in pipe (51) and the flow-out pipe (53)
are connected to each other by the second insulating pipe (52), and
thus, even when a positive voltage is applied to the flow-in pipe
(51), a current does not flow from the flow-in pipe (51) to the
flow-out pipe (53). Similarly, the drain pan (30) and the nozzle
electrode (44) are connected to each other by the first insulating
pipe (43), and thus, even when a positive voltage is applied to the
nozzle electrode (44), a current does not flow from the nozzle
electrode (44) to the drain pan (30).
[0084] Moreover, in the above embodiment, a copper material is
provided in the drain pan (30) so that copper ions are liberated in
the drain water in the drain pan (30). Generation of slime can thus
be prevented by the copper ions, and a solid matter which clogs the
nozzle electrode (44) can be avoided. As a result, stable operation
of the drain device (40) can be ensured for a long time. In
addition, since the generation of the slime is prevented, a foul
odor from the drain pan (30) can be prevented, as well. Further,
the copper ions liberated in the drain pan (30) are repulsive to
the positive nozzle electrode (44), and therefore, the copper ions
can be prevented from flowing out through the nozzle electrode
(44). As a result, a high concentration of the copper ions can be
retained in the drain pan (30), and the bactericidal effect of the
copper material can last for a long time.
[0085] <<Other Embodiments>>
[0086] The following structures may be applied in the embodiment
described in the above.
[0087] According to the above embodiment, a positive voltage is
applied to the nozzle electrode (44) while the ring electrode (45)
is grounded. However, a negative voltage may be applied to the
nozzle electrode (44) while the ring electrode (45) is grounded. In
this case, a negatively-charged drain water is sprayed from the
nozzle electrode (44). In this case, the drain water can be
prevented from adhering to the inside wall of the flow-in pipe (51)
by applying a negative voltage to the flow-in pipe (51), as well as
to the nozzle electrode (44). Applying a potential difference
between the nozzle electrode (44) and the ring electrode (45) by
applying a positive voltage to the nozzle electrode (44) and a
negative voltage to the ring electrode (45) may be possible, or any
other structure that can apply a potential difference between the
electrodes (44, 45) may be possible.
[0088] According to the above embodiment, one nozzle electrode (44)
communicates with the drain pan (30) to spray and transfer the
drain water from the nozzle electrode (44). However, a plurality of
nozzle electrodes (44) may communicate with the drain pan (30) to
spray the drain water from the respective nozzle electrodes (44)
simultaneously. In this case, the transfer parts (50) may be
provided so that each of the transfer part (50) may correspond to
its associated nozzle electrode (44), or a flow path for guiding
the sprayed drain water may be provided such that the flow path is
branched and connected to the nozzle electrodes (44).
[0089] Further, in the above embodiment, a filter for capturing a
solid matter may be provided at a location in the flow path of a
drawn water from the intake end of the intake pipe (42) to the
intake end of the nozzle electrode (44). A clogging of the nozzle
electrode (44) can be effectively avoided by capturing a solid
matter by the filter.
[0090] In the above embodiment, the drain device (40) is used as a
drain device for the air conditioner (10). However, as a matter of
course, the drain device (40) can be used for purposes other than
the above, as long as the drain device (40) is used to transfer a
liquid.
[0091] The embodiments described in the above are essentially
preferable examples which are not intended to limit the present
invention, its application, or its range of use.
Industrial Applicability
[0092] As described in the above, the present invention is useful
as a liquid transfer device for transferring a liquid in the
reservoir, and as an air conditioner including the liquid transfer
device.
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