An air-conditioning type range hood and its control method

Abstract

An air-conditioning type range hood and its control method are disclosed, comprising a casing and an indoor air-conditioning unit. A water collection box is installed inside the casing, and a first water level sensor and a second water level sensor are installed within the water collection box. A liquid distributor is installed inside the exhaust chamber, and the distributor includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The water collection box is connected to the inlet of the distributor via a first outlet pipe. A first water pump is installed on the first outlet pipe. The system also includes a controller for controlling the flow rate of the first water pump. Under high flow rate conditions, condensate flows through the first and second outlets of the distributor to the surface of the condenser. Under low flow rate conditions, condensate flows through the first outlet of the distributor to the surface of the condenser. This air-conditioning type range hood can control different amounts of condensate to the condenser in food preparation and cooking modes, effectively improving the performance of both the range hood and the air conditioner, and enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a range hood, and more particularly to an air-conditioning type range hood and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The kitchen is the primary place for cooking, and the quality of its air quality directly impacts the cooking experience. Kitchens are hot in summer and cold in winter, requiring both heating and cooling. To address this, various kitchen air conditioners were invented to cool the air in summer and provide warmth in winter, improving cooking comfort. To increase integration, air-conditioning range hoods were invented, adding an air conditioning component to the range hood platform. This allows them to perform all the functions of a range hood while also providing air conditioning. However, these air-conditioning range hoods often simply combine the indoor unit of a traditional air conditioner with the functions of a traditional range hood, while the outdoor unit still needs to be installed separately outdoors. This method lacks integration, is cumbersome to install, and the piping and wiring connections between the indoor and outdoor units can damage the walls. Furthermore, existing kitchen air conditioners and range hoods operate independently and cannot work together. The heat generated by the air conditioner cannot be expelled outdoors through the range hood's fan. Therefore, how to effectively remove the heat generated by the kitchen air conditioner through the range hood has become a pressing issue.

[0003] Furthermore, during use, condensation forms on the evaporator surface of air-conditioned range hoods. Currently, this condensate is typically discharged directly outdoors through a drain pipe, requiring an external water connection. This not only increases installation costs but also leads to condensate buildup, causing localized leaks and long-term corrosion of exterior walls, as well as dripping into the external environment. To overcome the shortcomings of external condensate discharge, air-conditioned range hoods utilizing condensate have been invented. These typically use the condensate to clean the internal components, but they do not effectively control the condensate output. In conclusion, further improvements to existing air-conditioned range hoods are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning type range hood that can control the amount of condensate delivered to the condenser, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control method for an air-conditioning type range hood that can control different amounts of condensate water to the condenser in food preparation mode and cooking mode, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: The air-conditioning type range hood includes a casing and an indoor unit. An evaporator is installed inside the indoor unit, and a compressor, a condenser, and a range hood fan are installed inside the casing. Along the airflow direction, the condenser is located in the exhaust chamber downstream of the range hood fan. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The feature is that a water collection box is installed inside the casing to collect the condensate generated by the indoor unit, and a first water level sensor is installed in the water collection box. The system includes a water inlet and a second water level sensor. A liquid distributor is installed inside the exhaust chamber. The liquid distributor has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The water receiving box is connected to the inlet of the liquid distributor through a first outlet pipe. A first water pump is installed on the first outlet pipe. The system also includes a controller for controlling the flow rate of the first water pump. When the first water pump is at a high flow rate, condensate flows to the surface of the condenser through the first and second outlets of the liquid distributor. When the first water pump is at a low flow rate, condensate flows to the surface of the condenser through the first outlet of the liquid distributor.

[0007] Preferably, the first water outlet is located below the second water outlet.

[0008] More preferably, the liquid distributor is elongated and arranged horizontally along the upper edge of the condenser, the first water outlet has multiple outlets and is horizontally spaced, and the second water outlet has a horizontally distributed strip structure or multiple second water outlets and is horizontally spaced.

[0009] Further preferably, the first water level sensor is an upper float switch used to sense high water levels, and the second water level sensor is a lower float switch used to sense low water levels.

[0010] In order to allow the condensate in the water collection box to be discharged directly to the outside of the casing, a second water outlet pipe is also connected to the water collection box. The second water outlet pipe passes through the exhaust chamber and extends out of the casing. A second water pump is installed on the second water outlet pipe.

[0011] Further preferably, the exhaust chamber is provided with a first exhaust channel and a second exhaust channel, and a damper is installed in the exhaust chamber to switch the connection between the first exhaust channel and the second exhaust channel and the outlet of the range hood. In this way, the first exhaust channel constitutes a heat dissipation channel, and the second exhaust channel constitutes a direct exhaust channel. In different operating modes, by switching the damper, the fumes can be discharged through different exhaust channels.

[0012] To prevent oil fume from contaminating the condenser, the condenser is located in the first exhaust duct. An oil fume purification device is also installed in the first exhaust duct, and the oil fume purification device is located upstream of the condenser along the direction of oil fume flow.

[0013] In order to achieve the recycling of condensate, a water receiving tray is provided in the flue gas chamber to collect the condensate flowing down from the surface of the condenser. The water receiving tray is connected to the water receiving box through a return water pipe, and the condensate in the water receiving tray can flow into the water receiving box through the return water pipe.

[0014] To ensure smooth airflow from the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the indoor unit includes an air outlet fan, and the evaporator is located upstream of the air outlet fan along the airflow direction. During operation, cool air is blown out from the air outlet of the air outlet fan to supplement the kitchen.

[0015] To make the range hood more compact and easier to install, the compressor is installed inside the casing.

[0016] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: the control method of the air-conditioning type range hood, characterized by including the following steps:

[0017] S1, Begin;

[0018] S2. Determine if the air conditioner is on;

[0019] If so, the entire machine will run, and then proceed to step S3;

[0020] If not, the range hood is turned on, and then proceed to step S4;

[0021] S3. Determine whether to enable food preparation mode;

[0022] If so, proceed to step S5;

[0023] If not, proceed to step S9;

[0024] S4. Determine if the range hood is turned off;

[0025] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0026] If not, return to the range hood on state in step S2;

[0027] S5. Determine whether the lower float switch is activated;

[0028] If so, the entire machine will operate;

[0029] If not, add water to the water collection box and then run the machine.

[0030] S6. The first water pump is operating at high flow rate;

[0031] S7. Determine whether the upper float switch is activated;

[0032] If so, the second water pump is turned on until the upper float switch is turned off, and then proceed to step S8;

[0033] If not, return to step S5;

[0034] S8. Determine whether to enter the stir-fry mode;

[0035] If so, proceed to step S9;

[0036] If not, return to step S5;

[0037] S9. The first water pump is operating at low flow rate;

[0038] S10. Determine if the first water pump is off;

[0039] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0040] If not, return to step S9;

[0041] S11, Shutdown.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the water receiving box of the air-conditioning range hood is connected to the water inlet of the distributor through the first water outlet pipe. When the first water pump is in high flow mode, the condensate flows to the surface of the condenser through the first and second water outlets of the distributor, and the amount of condensate delivered to the condenser is relatively large. When the first water pump is in low flow mode, the condensate flows to the surface of the condenser through the first water outlet of the distributor, and the amount of condensate delivered to the condenser is relatively small. The control method of the air-conditioning range hood can control different amounts of condensate delivered to the condenser in the food preparation mode and the cooking mode, effectively improving the performance of the range hood and the air conditioner and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of an air conditioning component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of the control method for a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the air-conditioning range hood of this embodiment includes a casing 1 and an indoor unit 2. The casing 1 houses a compressor 4, a condenser 5, and a range hood fan 6. The indoor unit 2 houses an evaporator 3. The compressor 4, condenser 5, and evaporator 3 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 18. A throttling device 19 is installed on the refrigerant pipe 18 between the condenser 5 and the evaporator 3. The compressor 4, condenser 5, and evaporator 3 constitute an air conditioning assembly, and its specific working principle is the same as that of existing air conditioners, which will not be described in detail here.

[0051] An exhaust chamber 7 is formed inside the casing 1, located downstream of the outlet of the fume extractor fan 6. The exhaust chamber 7 contains a first exhaust channel 71 and a second exhaust channel 72, with the condenser 5 located within the first exhaust channel 71. A damper 14 is installed within the exhaust chamber 7, allowing the damper to switch between the first exhaust channel 71 and the second exhaust channel 72, connecting them to the outlet of the fume extractor fan 6. Thus, the first exhaust channel 71 forms a heat dissipation channel, and the second exhaust channel 72 connects to the direct exhaust channel. In different operating modes, the damper 14 switches between the first and second exhaust channels 71 and 72, allowing the fumes to be discharged through different exhaust channels. Furthermore, to prevent fumes from contaminating the condenser 5, a fume purification device 15 is installed within the first exhaust channel 71, positioned upstream of the condenser 5 along the direction of fume flow.

[0052] The indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner also contains an air outlet fan 20. The air inlet of the air outlet fan 20 can be connected to the indoor kitchen or to the outdoor kitchen. The air outlet of the air outlet fan 20 is connected to the indoor kitchen. In this embodiment, the evaporator 3 is located upstream of the air outlet fan 20 along the air flow direction. When the air conditioner is working, the cold air blown out of the air outlet fan 20 supplements the indoor kitchen.

[0053] In this embodiment, a water collection box 8 is installed inside the casing 1, located below the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner, to collect condensate water that condenses on the evaporator 3. An upper float switch 81 and a lower float switch 82 are installed inside the water collection box 8. The upper float switch 81 constitutes a first water level sensor to sense high water levels, and the lower float switch 82 constitutes a second water level sensor to sense low water levels.

[0054] In this embodiment, the condenser 5 is inclined relative to the vertical plane. A liquid distributor 9 is installed at the top of the condenser 5. The liquid distributor 9 is strip-shaped and horizontally installed on the upper liquid collection pipe 51 at the top of the condenser 5. The liquid distributor 9 has an inlet 90, a first outlet 91, and a second outlet 92. The first outlet 91 is located below the second outlet 92. In this embodiment, there are multiple first outlets 91 that are horizontally spaced apart, and the second outlets 92 have a horizontally distributed strip structure.

[0055] The water receiving box 8 is connected to the inlet 90 of the distributor 9 via the first outlet pipe 10. A first water pump 11 is installed on the first outlet pipe 10. The flow rate of the first water pump 11 is controlled by a controller (not shown in the figure). When the first water pump 11 is at a high flow rate, condensate flows to the surface of the condenser 5 through the first outlet 91 and the second outlet 92 of the distributor 9. At this time, more condensate flows to the condenser 5, resulting in better cooling of the condenser 5. When the first water pump 11 is at a low flow rate, condensate flows to the surface of the condenser 5 only through the first outlet 91 of the distributor 9. At this time, less condensate flows to the condenser 5.

[0056] In this embodiment, a water collection tray 16 is provided in the exhaust chamber 7. The water collection tray 16 is located below the condenser 5, and the condensate flowing down from the surface of the condenser 5 can flow into the water collection tray 16. The water collection tray 16 is connected to the water collection box 8 through the return water pipe 17, so that the condensate in the water collection tray 16 can flow back into the water collection box 8 for recycling.

[0057] In addition, the water collection box 8 is also connected to a second water outlet pipe 13, which passes through the exhaust chamber 7 and extends outward from the casing 1. A second water pump 12 is installed on the second water outlet pipe 13. In this way, when it is necessary to discharge the condensate in the water collection box 8, the second water pump 12 is turned on, and the condensate can be discharged to the outside of the range hood through the second water outlet pipe 13.

[0058] The working principle of this air-conditioning type range hood is as follows:

[0059] With both the range hood and air conditioner on, and the ventilation damper 14 switching on, the cooking fumes are exhausted through the first exhaust duct 71. The airflow of cooking fumes sweeps across the surface of the condenser 5, cooling and dissipating heat, improving its heat exchange efficiency and thus enhancing the air conditioner's energy efficiency. Simultaneously, cool air is blown from the air outlet of the indoor unit 2 into the kitchen. The condensate produced by the indoor unit 2 is transported to the distributor 9, and then flows from the distributor 9 back to the surface of the condenser 5, further cooling it and improving its heat exchange efficiency.

[0060] In the range hood-only mode, the fumes are exhausted outward through the second exhaust duct 72.

[0061] like Figure 6As shown, the control method of the air-conditioning type range hood in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0062] S1, Begin;

[0063] S2. Determine if the air conditioner is on;

[0064] If so, the entire machine will run, and then proceed to step S3;

[0065] If not, the range hood is turned on, and then proceed to step S4;

[0066] S3. Determine whether to enable food preparation mode;

[0067] If so, proceed to step S5;

[0068] If not, proceed to step S9;

[0069] S4. Determine if the range hood is turned off;

[0070] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0071] If not, return to the range hood on state in step S2;

[0072] S5. Determine whether the lower float switch is activated;

[0073] If so, the entire machine will operate;

[0074] If not, add water to the water collection box and then run the machine.

[0075] S6. The first water pump is operating at high flow rate;

[0076] S7. Determine whether the upper float switch is activated;

[0077] If so, the second water pump is turned on until the upper float switch is turned off, and then proceed to step S8;

[0078] If not, return to step S5;

[0079] S8. Determine whether to enter the stir-fry mode;

[0080] If so, proceed to step S9;

[0081] If not, return to step S5;

[0082] S9. The first water pump is operating at low flow rate;

[0083] S10. Determine if the first water pump is off;

[0084] If so, proceed to step S11;

[0085] If not, return to step S9;

[0086] S11, Shutdown.

[0087] As can be seen from the above control method, in the food preparation mode, to improve the user experience, only the air conditioner is turned on, and the range hood is not. On the one hand, the evaporator 3 itself will produce condensate, and on the other hand, the user adds water. The amount of water added depends on the capacity of the water collection box 8, usually around 500ml. At this time, the first water pump 11 is in high-flow mode, and the condensate flows out from the first outlet 91 and the second outlet 92 of the distributor 9, exchanging heat with the condenser 5. Some of the condensate is evaporated, and some of the condensate returns to the water collection box 8, mixing with the newly generated condensate. In the cooking mode, both the range hood and the air conditioner are turned on. The condenser 5 can be cooled by the airflow through the flue and by the condensate in the water collection box 8. At this time, the first water pump 11 is in low-flow mode, and the condensate flows out from the first outlet 91 of the distributor 9, exchanging heat with the condenser 5 to improve its heat exchange effect.

Claims

1. An air-conditioning type range hood, comprising a casing (1) and an indoor air-conditioning unit (2), wherein an evaporator (3) is installed inside the indoor air-conditioning unit (2), and a compressor (4), a condenser (5), and a range hood fan (6) are installed inside the casing (1). Along the airflow direction, the condenser (5) is located in the exhaust chamber (7) downstream of the range hood fan (6), and the compressor (4), condenser (5), and evaporator (3) are connected by a refrigerant pipe (18), characterized in that: A water collection box (8) for collecting condensate generated by the indoor unit (2) of the air conditioner is installed inside the casing (1). A first water level sensor and a second water level sensor are installed inside the water collection box (8). A liquid distributor (9) is installed inside the exhaust chamber (7). The liquid distributor (9) has an inlet (90), a first outlet (91), and a second outlet (92). The water collection box (8) is connected to the inlet (90) of the liquid distributor through a first outlet pipe (10). A first water pump (11) is installed on the first outlet pipe (10). A controller for controlling the flow rate of the first water pump (11) is also included. When the first water pump (11) is at a high flow rate, the condensate flows to the surface of the condenser (5) through the first outlet (91) and the second outlet (92) of the liquid distributor (9). When the first water pump (11) is at a low flow rate, the condensate flows to the surface of the condenser (5) through the first outlet (91) of the liquid distributor (9). The first outlet (91) is located below the second outlet (92). The first water level sensor is an upper float switch (81) used to sense high water level, and the second water level sensor is a lower float switch (82) used to sense low water level.

2. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid distributor (9) is long and horizontally arranged along the upper edge of the condenser (5). There are multiple first outlets (91) and they are horizontally spaced apart. The second outlet (92) is a horizontally distributed strip structure or there are multiple second outlets (92) and they are horizontally spaced apart.

3. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water receiving box (8) is also connected to a second water outlet pipe (13), which passes through the exhaust chamber (7) and extends out of the casing (1). A second water pump (12) is installed on the second water outlet pipe (13).

4. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust chamber (7) is provided with a first exhaust channel (71) and a second exhaust channel (72). A damper (14) is installed in the exhaust chamber (7) to switch the first exhaust channel (71) or the second exhaust channel (72) to the outlet of the fume extractor (6). The condenser (5) is located in the first exhaust channel (71). An oil fume purification device (15) is also installed in the first exhaust channel (71). The oil fume purification device (15) is located upstream of the condenser (5) along the direction of oil fume flow.

5. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water collection tray (16) is provided in the exhaust chamber (7) to collect the condensate flowing down from the surface of the condenser (5). The water collection tray (16) is connected to the water collection box (8) through the return water pipe (17), and the condensate in the water collection tray (16) can flow into the water collection box (8) through the return water pipe (17).

6. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indoor unit (2) of the air conditioner includes an air outlet fan (20), and the evaporator (3) is located upstream of the air outlet fan (20) along the air flow direction.

7. A control method for an air-conditioning type range hood as described in claim 3, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1, Begin; S2. Determine if the air conditioner is on; If so, the entire machine will run, and then proceed to step S3; If not, the range hood is turned on, and then proceed to step S4; S3. Determine whether to enable food preparation mode; If so, proceed to step S5; If not, proceed to step S9; S4. Determine if the range hood is turned off; If so, proceed to step S11; If not, return to the range hood on state in step S2; S5. Determine whether the lower float switch is activated; If so, the entire machine will operate; If not, add water to the water collection box and then run the machine. S6. The first water pump is operating at high flow rate; S7. Determine whether the upper float switch is activated; If so, the second water pump is turned on until the upper float switch is turned off, and then proceed to step S8; If not, return to step S5; S8. Determine whether to enter the stir-fry mode; If so, proceed to step S9; If not, return to step S5; S9. The first water pump is operating at low flow rate; S10. Determine if the first water pump is off; If so, proceed to step S11; If not, return to step S9; S11, Shutdown.

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