An air conditioner condensate drainage device and method, and the resulting air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses a drainage device and method for air conditioner condensate, and an air conditioner formed therefrom. The drainage device includes a condensate pipe, a collection tank, and a drain pipe. The condensate pipe is connected to the inlet of the collection tank. The bottom of the collection tank has a connecting port, in which a suitable piston is installed. The connecting port is connected to the drain pipe. The piston is connected to a drive shaft. When the water level in the collection tank reaches a preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open. This application utilizes the gravity of the condensate in the collection tank to flush and clean the drain pipe, preventing the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms in the drain pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning drainage, and more particularly to an air conditioning condensate drainage device and method, and an air conditioner formed therefrom. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued warming of the global climate, especially in the south, the number of air conditioner users is increasing. Generally, after prolonged use, the air conditioner condensate drain pipe is prone to blockage due to dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere, and a large number of bacteria and microorganisms accumulate there, which can harm people's health. On the other hand, because people do not pay attention to the drain pipe and simply place it on the ground, the pipe becomes bent and folded, and insects and ants infest it, which can easily cause blockage over time.

[0003] Currently, there are generally two ways for household air conditioners to drain condensate. One is to directly connect the drain pan to the drain pipe to drain the condensate; the second is to use a condensate collection tank to collect the condensate and extend the pipe to drain it, which is suitable for large air conditioning units. Neither of these drainage methods can flush and clean the drain pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the problems in related technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a drainage device and method for air conditioner condensate, and an air conditioner formed therefrom, wherein when the water level in the collection tank reaches a preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open, utilizing the gravity of the condensate in the collection tank to flush and clean the drain pipe, preventing the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms in the drain pipe.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a drainage device for air conditioner condensate, comprising a condensate pipe, a water collection tank, and a drain pipe, wherein the condensate pipe is connected to the inlet of the water collection tank, the bottom of the water collection tank is provided with a connecting port, a suitable piston is installed in the connecting port, and the connecting port is connected to the drain pipe.

[0006] The piston is connected to the drive shaft. When the water level in the collection tank reaches a preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open.

[0007] Furthermore, the piston is connected to the drive shaft via a transmission rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive shaft is cylindrical; the piston is connected to the side wall of the drive shaft via a transmission rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the drive shaft is cylindrical; the piston is connected to the top or bottom surface of the drive shaft via a transmission rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive shaft is the drive shaft for the wind deflector, which is located outside the air outlet of the air conditioner.

[0011] Furthermore, the two ends of the wind deflector are connected to the two ends of the drive shaft via connecting rods; when the drive shaft drives the wind deflector to rotate, it simultaneously drives the piston to open or close.

[0012] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is turned on, the drive shaft drives the baffle to open, and the drive shaft simultaneously drives the piston to close; when the air conditioner is turned off, the drive shaft drives the baffle to close, and the drive shaft simultaneously drives the piston to open.

[0013] Furthermore, a water level detector is also provided in the water collection tank. The water level detector is communicatively connected to the drive shaft. When the air conditioner is turned on and the water level detector detects that the water level in the water collection tank is greater than a preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open.

[0014] An air conditioner includes a condensate draining device as described above.

[0015] A method for draining air conditioner condensate, comprising using an air conditioner condensate drainage device as described above, including:

[0016] When the air conditioner is turned off, the drive shaft rotates, causing the piston to open, and the condensate collected in the water collection tank is discharged to flush the drain pipe;

[0017] When the air conditioner is running, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to close. When the water level in the water collection tank reaches a preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open, and the condensate collected in the water collection tank is discharged to flush the drain pipe.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages: In this application, the inlet of the water collection tank is connected to the condensate pipe, and the connecting port at the bottom of the water collection tank is connected to the drain pipe. At the same time, a piston is installed in the connecting port. The piston can be opened or closed under the drive of the drive shaft. When the water level in the water collection tank reaches the preset value, the drive shaft rotates and drives the piston to open. At this time, the water level in the water collection tank is the highest. The gravity of the condensate water is used to flush the drain pipe, preventing the accumulation of bacteria, viruses and microorganisms in the drain pipe. The drain pipe is cleaned while draining, which improves the drainage efficiency. Moreover, the device of this application is simple and the control method is convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] In the attached image:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner structure in this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wind deflector in this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage device in this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the piston closing when the drive shaft drives it in this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the piston opening when the drive shaft drives it in this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the drainage method in this application;

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Evaporator; 2. Water collection tank; 3. Drain pipe; 4. Wind baffle; 5. Outdoor unit; 6. Drive shaft; 7. Piston; 8. Water level detector; 9. Transmission rod; 10. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this invention, specific embodiments are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the referred mechanism or element must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the following description, specific details such as particular system structures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, mechanisms, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see the appendix Figures 1-5 This application provides a draining device for air conditioner condensate, including a condensate pipe (not shown in the figure), a water collection tank 2, and a drain pipe 3. The condensate pipe is connected to the inlet of the water collection tank 2. The bottom of the water collection tank 2 is provided with a connecting port, in which a suitable piston 7 is installed. The connecting port is connected to the drain pipe 3. The piston 7 is connected to a drive shaft 6. When the water level in the water collection tank 2 reaches a preset value, the drive shaft 6 rotates and drives the piston 7 to open.

[0034] In this application, the inlet of the water collection tank 2 is connected to the condensate pipe, and the connecting port at the bottom of the water collection tank 2 is connected to the drain pipe 3. At the same time, a piston 7 is installed in the connecting port. The piston 7 can be opened or closed under the drive of the drive shaft 6. When the water level in the water collection tank 2 reaches the preset value, the drive shaft 6 rotates and drives the piston 7 to open. At this time, the water level in the water collection tank 2 is the highest. The gravity of the condensate water is used to flush the drain pipe 3, preventing the accumulation of bacteria, viruses and microorganisms in the drain pipe 3. The drain pipe 3 is cleaned while draining, which improves the drainage efficiency. Moreover, the device of this application is simple and the control method is convenient.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] Please see the appendix Figures 1-5 This application provides a drainage device for air conditioner condensate, including a condensate pipe, a water collection tank 2, and a drain pipe 3. The condensate pipe is connected to the inlet of the water collection tank 2. The bottom of the water collection tank 2 is provided with a connecting port, in which a suitable piston 7 is installed. The connecting port is connected to the drain pipe 3. The piston 7 is connected to a drive shaft 6. When the drive shaft 6 rotates, it can drive the piston 7 to open or close.

[0037] The air conditioner in this application includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit 5. The indoor unit includes an evaporator 1 and a drip tray located below the evaporator 1. The drip tray is connected to a condensate drain pipe, which is connected to the inlet of a water collection tank 2. The indoor unit also includes a fan motor. The fan motor drives indoor air to enter through an internal fan, which passes through an intermediate partition and is then blown out by the evaporator. The condensate produced by the evaporator enters the water collection tank 2 through the drip tray and the condensate drain pipe.

[0038] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 6 is the drive shaft 6 of the baffle 4, which is located outside the air outlet of the air conditioner. That is, the drive shaft 6 can synchronously drive the baffle 4 and the piston 7 to open or close together. In this application, the state of the baffle 4 corresponds to the operating state of the air conditioner; therefore, the state of the piston 7 also corresponds to the operating state of the air conditioner. This application defines that when the baffle is open, it faces the air outlet of the air conditioner, allowing the air blown from the outlet to disperse into the indoor space; when the baffle is closed, it is offset from the air outlet.

[0039] Specifically, when the air conditioner is turned on, the drive shaft 6 drives the baffle 4 to open, and simultaneously drives the piston 7 to close. At this time, the condensate produced by the evaporator 1 is collected in the water collection tank 2 through the condensate pipe. When the air conditioner is turned off, the drive shaft 6 drives the baffle 4 to close, and simultaneously drives the piston 7 to open, and the condensate in the water collection tank 2 is discharged.

[0040] To prevent the water level in the collection tank from becoming too high due to prolonged operation of the air conditioner, this application includes a water level detector 8 installed in the collection tank 2. The water level detector 8 is communicatively connected to the drive shaft 6. When the water level detector 8 detects that the water level in the collection tank 2 is higher than a preset value, the drive shaft 6 rotates and drives the piston 7 to open. Since the water level in the collection tank 2 is at its highest at this time, it can effectively flush and clean the drain pipe 3.

[0041] It is worth noting that the process of the drive shaft 6 driving the baffle 4 to deviate from the air outlet does not affect the operation of the air conditioner. It simply means that during this process, the air from the air conditioner outlet is blown out directly without passing through the baffle 4. In this application, the time it takes for the drive shaft 6 to drive the piston 7 to open can be calculated based on the water level, the size of the connecting opening, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water collection tank 2.

[0042] Specifically, in this application, the water level detector 8 can be a float pressure switch. When the water level is greater than a preset value, the float pressure switch opens, generates an opening signal, and transmits the opening signal to the drive shaft 6.

[0043] This application can also connect both the drive shaft 6 and the water level detector 8 to the control component of the air conditioner. When the water level detector 8 detects that the water level in the water collection tank 2 is greater than the preset value, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate, causing the piston 7 to open. After a set time, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate again, causing the piston 7 to close, and the collection of condensate continues.

[0044] In this application, the control component simultaneously controls the operation of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner stops operating, the drive shaft 6 drives the baffle 4 to close, and simultaneously drives the piston 7 to open, allowing the water in the water collection tank 2 to drain without residue. This control method can solve the problem of condensate retention inside the water collection tank and drain pipe when the air conditioner stops, and avoid the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms in the drain pipe.

[0045] When the control component starts the air conditioner, the drive shaft 6 drives the baffle 4 to open, and the drive shaft 6 simultaneously drives the piston 7 to close, and the water collection tank 2 begins to collect water. During the long-term operation of the air conditioner, if the water level sensor detects that the water level is higher than the preset value, the control component only controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate and keeps the air conditioner's operating state unchanged, so that the piston 7 opens. After a set time, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate again, so that the piston 7 closes, and the collection of condensate continues.

[0046] This implementation achieves the following functions: When the air conditioner is off, the piston opens, using the gravity of the condensate in the collection tank to flush and clean the drain pipe. When the air conditioner is on, the piston closes, and the collection tank collects condensate for flushing the drain pipe when the air conditioner is off. During prolonged operation of the air conditioner, if the water level in the collection tank reaches a preset value, the control component controls the drive shaft to rotate, opening the piston and draining the condensate from the collection tank. At this time, the condensate exerts the strongest flushing force on the drain pipe, resulting in the best cleaning effect. After the condensate is drained, the control component controls the drive shaft to reset.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the two ends of the wind deflector 4 are connected to the two ends of the drive shaft 6 via connecting rods 10. When the drive shaft 6 rotates, it drives the connecting rods 10 and the wind deflector 4 to rotate synchronously.

[0048] To ensure that the rotation of the drive shaft 6 drives the piston 7 to open, this application designs the piston 7 to be connected to the drive shaft 6 via a transmission rod 9. When the drive shaft 6 rotates, it can cause the position of the transmission rod 9 to change. In this application, the transmission rod can be fixed at any position on the drive shaft; it only needs to be able to achieve the desired position change of the transmission rod due to the rotation of the drive shaft. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the transmission rod has a bent structure, and the specific bending shape can be designed according to the position of the drive shaft and the piston.

[0049] Specifically, the drive shaft 6 is cylindrical; the piston 7 is connected to the side wall of the drive shaft 6 via a transmission rod 9. Here, the side wall refers to the side wall between the top and bottom surfaces of the cylindrical drive shaft 6. When the drive shaft 6 rotates, the position of the side wall changes, which in turn changes the position of the transmission rod 9, thereby opening or closing the piston 7. Figure 4 As shown, the drive shaft rotates to Figure 4 At the indicated position, the transmission rod 9 drives the piston to press against the communication port, thus closing the piston; the drive shaft rotates to... Figure 5 At the position shown, the transmission rod 9 drives the piston to lift, causing the piston to open.

[0050] In this application, the piston 7 is relatively small. The piston 7 is closed only when the drive shaft 6 is in a specific position; when the drive shaft 6 rotates to any other position, the piston 7 is open. This specific position corresponds to the position where the baffle 4 is directly opposite the air outlet. In other words, when the drive shaft 6 moves the baffle 4 directly opposite the air outlet, the piston 7 is closed. When the drive shaft 6 moves the baffle 4 away from the air outlet (either completely or slightly off), meaning the baffle 4 is not directly opposite the air outlet, the piston 7 is open.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that in this embodiment, the piston 7 is connected to the top or bottom surface of the drive shaft 6 via a transmission rod 9; here, the top or bottom surface refers to the circular cross-sections at both ends of the cylindrical drive shaft 6. When the drive shaft 6 rotates, it causes the position of the transmission rod 9 to change, thereby opening or closing the piston 7.

[0053] The remaining structure and working principle are the same as in Example 2, and will not be described again here.

[0054] Example 4

[0055] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for draining air conditioner condensate, specifically including:

[0056] When the power to the air conditioner is disconnected and the air conditioner stops, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate until the baffle 4 closes. At this time, the drive shaft 6 simultaneously drives the piston 7 to open, ensuring that the residual condensate in the water collection tank 2 is discharged, avoiding the residue of condensate in the water collection tank and drain pipe when the air conditioner stops, and preventing the accumulation of bacteria, viruses and microorganisms in the drain pipe 3.

[0057] like Figure 6As shown, when the air conditioner is powered on and running, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate until the baffle 4 opens. At this time, the drive shaft 6 simultaneously drives the piston 7 to close. During the operation of the air conditioner, the condensate on the evaporator 1 flows continuously into the water collection tank 2, and the temperature of the condensate in the water collection tank 2 is 10-15℃. The condensate in the water collection tank 2 can exchange heat with the indoor air, further reducing the indoor temperature.

[0058] The water level detector 8 in the water collection tank 2 detects the water level. When the water level reaches the preset value, the control component controls the drive shaft 6 to rotate and drives the piston 7 to open. At this time, the water level in the water collection tank 2 is the highest, the impact force on the drain pipe 3 is the greatest, and the cleaning and drainage capacity of the drain pipe 3 is the strongest. The condensate in the water collection tank 2 is used to flush the drain pipe 3.

[0059] In this application, the control component can be either the air conditioner's control component or a separate control component for driving the drive shaft 6. Furthermore, the operating state of the drive shaft 6 simultaneously affects the states of the baffle 4 and the piston 7, and the operating state of the drive shaft is correlated with the operating state of the air conditioner. This synchronous control method enables automatic opening and closing of the piston when the air conditioner is turned on and off, reducing the problem of dirt buildup in the air conditioner's drain pipe. When the air conditioner is off, the drive shaft drives the baffle to close, simultaneously opening the piston to achieve drainage during shutdown. When the air conditioner is on, the drive shaft drives the baffle to open, simultaneously closing the electric piston to achieve water storage during startup. When the air conditioner is running and the water level is higher than a preset value, the drive shaft drives the piston to open, flushing and cleaning the drain pipe.

[0060] This application links the position of the baffle 4 with the state of the piston 7, which will not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner, saves the additional drive shaft 6 setting, improves the drainage control structure, and simplifies the control of the drainage method.

[0061] Example 5

[0062] This application also provides an air conditioner, including the air conditioner condensate drainage device in Examples 1-3.

[0063] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features without departing from the concept of the present invention, and can also make several modifications and improvements, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made with respect to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drainage device for air conditioner condensate, characterized in that, It includes a condensate pipe, a water collection tank (2) and a drain pipe (3), wherein the condensate pipe is connected to the inlet of the water collection tank (2), the bottom of the water collection tank (2) is provided with a connecting port, a suitable piston (7) is installed in the connecting port, and the connecting port is connected to the drain pipe (3); The piston (7) is connected to the drive shaft (6). When the water level in the water collection tank (2) reaches a preset value, the drive shaft (6) rotates and drives the piston (7) to open. The piston (7) is connected to the drive shaft (6) through the transmission rod (9). The drive shaft (6) is the drive shaft (6) of the baffle plate (4). The baffle plate (4) is located outside the air outlet of the air conditioner. The two ends of the baffle plate (4) are connected to the two ends of the drive shaft (6) through the connecting rod (10). When the air conditioner is turned on, the drive shaft (6) drives the baffle plate (4) to open, and the drive shaft (6) simultaneously drives the piston (7) to close. When the air conditioner is turned off, the drive shaft (6) drives the baffle plate (4) to close, and the drive shaft (6) simultaneously drives the piston (7) to open.

2. The air conditioning condensate drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive shaft (6) is cylindrical; the piston (7) is connected to the side wall of the drive shaft (6) via a transmission rod (9).

3. The air conditioning condensate drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive shaft (6) is cylindrical; the piston (7) is connected to the top or bottom surface of the drive shaft (6) via a transmission rod (9).

4. The air conditioning condensate drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection tank (2) is also equipped with a water level detector (8), which is connected to the drive shaft (6). When the air conditioner is on and the water level detector (8) detects that the water level in the water collection tank (2) is greater than a preset value, the drive shaft (6) rotates and drives the piston (7) to open.

5. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes a draining device for air conditioning condensate as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. A method for draining condensate from an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioning condensate drainage device according to any one of claims 1-4 is used for drainage, comprising: When the air conditioner stops, the drive shaft (6) rotates and drives the piston (7) to open, and the condensate collected in the water collection tank (2) is discharged to flush the drain pipe (3); When the air conditioner is running, the drive shaft (6) rotates and drives the piston (7) to close. When the water level in the water collection tank (2) reaches the preset value, the drive shaft (6) rotates and drives the piston (7) to open, and the condensate collected in the water collection tank (2) is discharged to flush the drain pipe (3).

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