Water pan structure and ducted air conditioner having the same

Abstract

The application provides a water pan structure and a ducted air conditioner with the same. The water pan structure comprises a water pan body, a drainage hole is arranged on the side wall of the water pan body, the lowest point of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom plate of the water pan body, and a sterilization module is arranged in the water pan body and used for sterilizing the condensed water on the bottom plate. The lowest point of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom plate of the water pan, and the sterilization module is arranged on the inner side of the water pan. The sterilization module acts on the bottom plate of the water pan, so that the condensed water in the water pan is always in a clean state after sterilization. The residual condensed water in the water pan can be discharged through the water pump, the inside of the water pan is kept clean, the working state of the water pump can be observed without disassembling the water pan through the observation window, and the fault diagnosis is facilitated. The application has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation and improved cleanliness of the inner side of the water pan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and more specifically, to a water tray structure and a duct air conditioner having therein. Background Technology

[0002] Ductless air conditioners are a type of air conditioner that offers advantages such as saving space, eliminating hard-to-clean corners, and requiring only partial ceiling installation. Due to their recessed installation method, they are more aesthetically pleasing than wall-mounted and cabinet air conditioners, making them popular among users.

[0003] Existing ducted air conditioners have drain holes in their drip trays to drain condensate. Typically, the lowest point of the drain hole is lower than or level with the bottom of the drip tray. Combined with a properly designed base plate that slopes towards the drain hole, this allows the condensate to drain promptly. However, during the collection and drainage process, the condensate can attract dust, leading to bacterial growth. Therefore, even if the condensate is drained from the drip tray promptly, after a period of time, a large number of bacteria will still accumulate on the inner surface of the drip tray, forming clumps that produce an odor and affect the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem solved by this invention is that, in the prior art, even when the condensate is drained in time, a large number of bacteria still accumulate on the inner surface of the drip tray after a period of time, forming clumps that produce an odor and affect the user experience.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a water receiving tray structure, including a water receiving tray body, a drain hole provided on the side wall of the water receiving tray body, the lowest point of the drain hole being higher than the bottom plate of the water receiving tray body, and a sterilization module provided in the water receiving tray body, the sterilization module being used to sterilize the condensate on the bottom plate.

[0006] The lowest point of the sterilization module is lower than the lowest point of the drain hole, while the lowest point of the drain hole is higher than the base plate. This ensures that a portion of condensate is always retained inside the drip tray, and the sterilization module is at least partially immersed in the condensate. This allows the sterilization module to continuously sterilize the condensate in the drip tray, preventing mold growth inside the drip tray and avoiding unpleasant odors caused by mold, thus improving the user experience.

[0007] Furthermore, the height difference between the lowest point of the drainage hole and the bottom plate is denoted as H, and the value of H ranges from 2 to 8 mm.

[0008] Within this range, a certain amount of condensate can be maintained in the main body of the water receiving tray, which is beneficial for the sterilization module to perform its sterilization function and maintain the cleanliness of the water receiving tray. At the same time, the amount of condensate will not be excessive, avoiding the situation of untimely drainage.

[0009] Furthermore, a sterilization mounting part is provided on the main body of the water receiving tray, and the sterilization module is detachably mounted on the sterilization mounting part.

[0010] The thin walls of the drip tray make it difficult to install a suitable structure. Alternatively, the sterilization module may lack sufficient strength when installed on the side wall of the drip tray body, making it prone to detachment and affecting the purification effect of the condensate in the drip tray. Providing a dedicated sterilization mounting part on the drip tray body ensures the installation strength of the sterilization module, keeping the condensate in the drip tray body constantly undergoing sterilization and guaranteeing the cleanliness of the drip tray. The detachable connection between the sterilization module and the sterilization mounting part facilitates the disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of the sterilization module, ensuring its normal operation and preventing mold growth in the drip tray due to damage or failure of the sterilization module.

[0011] Furthermore, the sterilization module and the sterilization mounting part are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0012] The snap-fit ​​connection method is simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and quick and easy to install. After snap-fitting, it has good connection strength and is not easy to fall off, ensuring the working stability of the sterilization module.

[0013] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap hook and a snap groove, with the snap hook extending into the snap groove to complete the connection between the sterilization module and the sterilization mounting part.

[0014] The snap-fit ​​assembly structure of the slot and hook is simple, easy to manufacture, and easy to assemble, which can improve the installation speed of the sterilization module.

[0015] Furthermore, the sterilization module includes sterilization materials, which include one or more of the following: metal ion materials, metal oxide materials, and nano-metal materials.

[0016] The metal ion materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of silver ions, copper ions, and zinc ions; the metal oxide materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of zinc oxide and copper oxide; and the nano-metal materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of nano-copper, nano-zinc, and nano-silver. All of the above-mentioned antibacterial materials can provide good and durable antibacterial effects, effectively maintaining the cleanliness of the inner surface of the water receiving tray.

[0017] Furthermore, a water pump mounting groove is provided on the base plate, the water pump mounting groove is recessed on the base plate, and the water pump mounting groove is used to install a water pump.

[0018] The water pump is used to assist in drainage or to drain the residual condensate inside the water receiving tray. The water pump mounting groove is recessed on the base plate to ensure that the water pump's suction port is lower than the base plate, so that all the condensate inside the water receiving tray can be drained when needed. Due to the sterilization module, the condensate is always in a clean state after sterilization, avoiding the formation of bacterial clumps and thus preventing blockage of the water pump, ensuring the smooth operation of the auxiliary drainage work.

[0019] Furthermore, an observation window is provided on the main body of the water receiving tray at a position relative to the water pump. The observation window includes a through hole on the main body of the water receiving tray and a transparent viewing window sealed in the through hole.

[0020] The observation window is designed to observe the working status of the water pump, so that the malfunction can be resolved in time if the water pump fails or is blocked by debris. This design can effectively expand the field of view and improve the accuracy of observation.

[0021] Furthermore, the observation window includes two or more layers of transparent windows.

[0022] This design isolates the transparent viewing window near the inside of the water tray from the outside air, preventing water mist from forming on its surface and ensuring the viewing effect through the viewing window.

[0023] The present invention also discloses a duct air conditioner, which includes the water receiving tray structure described above.

[0024] The advantages of the duct machine and the aforementioned water tray structure compared to existing technologies are the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies, this invention features a drain outlet with its lowest point higher than the base of the drip tray, and a sterilization module inside the drip tray. This module acts on the base of the drip tray, ensuring that the condensate in the tray remains sterilized and clean. A water pump further removes any remaining condensate, maintaining the cleanliness of the drip tray's interior and improving the user experience. Additionally, an observation window near the water pump allows for monitoring the pump's operation without disassembling the drip tray, facilitating troubleshooting. The use of two or more transparent windows effectively prevents fogging, ensuring optimal visibility. This invention boasts a simple structure, easy installation, and effectively improves the cleanliness of the drip tray's interior, enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a water receiving tray equipped with a sterilization module and a water pump, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a top view of the water receiving tray equipped with a sterilization module and a water pump, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a front view of the water receiving tray described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the AA section;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a right view of the water receiving tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the BB section;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water receiving tray body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1-Water receiving tray body; 11-Foam outer shell; 111-Raised rib; 112-Groove; 12-Plastic inner shell; 121-Base plate; 1211-Water pump mounting slot; 122-Support rib; 1221-Water guide channel; 2-Sterilization module; 3-Sterilization installation part; 4-Water pump; 5-Drain hole; 6-Observation window; 61-Transparent window; 7-Drain pipe; 8-Snap-fit ​​structure; 81-Snap slot; 82-Snap hook. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0037] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a water receiving tray structure and a duct machine having the same structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment provides a water receiving tray structure, such as Figure 1-5As shown, the device includes a drip tray body 1 with a drain hole 5 on its side wall. The lowest point of the drain hole 5 is higher than the base plate 121 of the drip tray body 1. A sterilization module 2 is installed in the drip tray body 1 to sterilize the condensate on the base plate 121. In the prior art, the drain hole 5 is often set lower than the base plate 121, allowing the condensate in the drip tray to drain quickly. Even with a sterilization module 2 installed in the drip tray, it cannot effectively treat newly generated condensate. If the duct fan is turned off, the condensate in the drip tray drains quickly, and the moisture adhering to the inner wall of the drip tray, without sterilization treatment, will continue to absorb dust and other impurities from the air, gradually leading to bacterial growth inside the drip tray. After repeated use, mold spots may even form, producing odors and affecting the user experience. In this embodiment, the lowest point of the sterilization module 2 is lower than the lowest point of the drain hole 5. Since the lowest point of the drain hole 5 is higher than the base plate 121, a portion of condensate is always retained inside the water tray body 1. The sterilization module 2 is at least partially immersed in the condensate, thereby ensuring that the sterilization module 2 constantly sterilizes the condensate in the water tray body 1. Mold will not grow inside the water tray body 1, avoiding the problem of mold causing odor in the water tray and improving the user experience. As for the issue of a certain amount of condensate always remaining on the bottom plate 121 of the water tray, it can be retained in the water tray. Due to the function of the sterilization module 2, mold will not grow in the water tray, and it will not affect the user experience. Alternatively, other structures can be used to facilitate drainage. Since the remaining condensate has already undergone sterilization by the sterilization module 2 before being drained, the residual moisture on the inner wall of the water tray body 1 is not prone to bacterial growth, effectively keeping the water tray in a clean state for a long time and ensuring the user experience.

[0040] In one embodiment, the height difference between the lowest point of the drain hole 5 and the base plate 121 is denoted as H, and the value of H ranges from 2 to 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, H = 5 mm. Within this range, a certain amount of condensate can be maintained in the water receiving tray body 1, which is beneficial for the sterilization module 2 to perform its sterilization function and maintain the cleanliness of the water receiving tray. At the same time, the amount of condensate will not be excessive, avoiding the situation of untimely drainage. In addition, the above-mentioned height difference setting makes this embodiment also applicable to models where the base plate 121 is slightly tilted, and the sterilization module 2 can be placed close to the drain hole 5.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, a sterilization mounting part 3 is provided on the main body 1 of the water receiving tray, and the sterilization module 2 is detachably mounted on the sterilization mounting part 3. Normally, the walls of the water receiving tray are thin, making it difficult to install a suitable mounting structure. Alternatively, when the sterilization module 2 is mounted on the side wall of the main body 1 of the water receiving tray, its strength is insufficient, and it is easy to detach, affecting the purification effect of the condensate in the water receiving tray. Providing a dedicated sterilization mounting part 3 on the main body 1 of the water receiving tray ensures the installation strength of the sterilization module 2, keeping the condensate in the main body 1 of the water receiving tray constantly undergoing sterilization, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the water receiving tray. Furthermore, the detachable connection between the sterilization module 2 and the sterilization mounting part 3 facilitates the disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of the sterilization module 2, thereby ensuring that the sterilization module 2 can work normally and avoiding the problem of mold growth in the water receiving tray due to damage or failure of the sterilization module 2.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization module 2 and the sterilization mounting part 3 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure 8. The snap-fit ​​structure 8 has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is quick and easy to install. After snapping, it has good connection strength and is not easy to fall off, ensuring the working stability of the sterilization module 2.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure 8 includes a hook 82 and a slot 81. The hook 82 extends into the slot 81 to complete the connection between the sterilization module 2 and the sterilization mounting part 3. It should be noted that there can be one or more sterilization mounting parts 3, and there can be two or more snap-fit ​​structures 8. Therefore, all or all of the slots 81 can be located on the sterilization module 2, all on the sterilization mounting part 3, or partially on the sterilization module 2 and a portion on the sterilization mounting part 3. The hooks 82 and slots 81 can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The snap-fit ​​assembly structure of the slots 81 and hooks 82 is simple, easy to manufacture, and easy to assemble, which can improve the installation speed of the sterilization module 2.

[0044] As an embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization module 2 includes sterilization materials, which include one or more of metal ion materials, metal oxide materials, and nano-metal materials. The metal ion materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of silver ions, copper ions, and zinc ions; the metal oxide materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of zinc oxide and copper oxide; and the nano-metal materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of nano-copper, nano-zinc, and nano-silver. All of the above-mentioned sterilization materials can provide good and durable sterilization effects, effectively maintaining the cleanliness of the inner surface of the water receiving tray body 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, a water pump mounting groove 1211 is provided on the base plate 121. The water pump mounting groove 1211 is recessed vertically on the base plate 121 and is used to install a water pump 4. The water pump 4 is used to assist in drainage or to drain the residual condensate in the water receiving pan body 1. The recessed design of the water pump mounting groove 1211 on the base plate 121 ensures that the suction port of the water pump 4 is lower than the base plate 121, thereby allowing all the condensate inside the water receiving pan body 1 to be drained when needed. In existing technologies, some models have a water pump 4 installed on the condensate tray to assist drainage. However, due to the large amount of bacteria growing in the condensate in the tray, bacterial clumps easily form. These bacterial clumps are easily sucked into the water pump 4 during drainage, causing blockage of the water pump 4's inlet and hindering drainage. When the amount of condensate produced is large and the drain hole 5 cannot completely drain it, the blocked water pump 4 cannot provide the corresponding auxiliary drainage work, causing condensate to overflow from the tray. In severe cases, this can damage other components in the duct air conditioner. In this application, due to the installation of the sterilization module 2, the condensate is always in a clean state after sterilization, avoiding the formation of bacterial clumps and thus preventing blockage of the water pump 4, ensuring the smooth operation of the auxiliary drainage work.

[0046] Specifically, the main body 1 of the drip tray includes a foam outer shell 11 and a plastic inner shell 12, with the plastic inner shell 12 injection molded inside the foam outer shell 11. Normally, condensate is at a low temperature, and when it drips into the drip tray, it easily forms condensate on the outer surface, threatening the safety of other components inside the duct unit. However, due to the low strength of the foam structure, it cannot securely mount devices such as the water pump 4, affecting the normal use of the drip tray. In this design, the foam outer shell 11 has good insulation properties, preventing condensate from forming on the outside of the drip tray, while the plastic inner shell 12 has good strength, supporting functional modules such as the water pump 4 and the sterilization module 2, thus achieving the sterilization function of the condensate inside the drip tray main body 1.

[0047] Better, such as Figure 3 As shown, a raised rib 111 and / or a groove 112 are provided on the outer side of the bottom of the foam shell 11. The raised rib 111 and / or the groove 112 are used to strengthen the foam shell 11.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 8As shown, a plurality of supporting ribs 122 are also provided on the base plate 121. The supporting ribs 122 are used to support the components on the upper side of the water receiving tray. Water guide grooves 1221 are provided on the supporting ribs 122 to guide the collected condensate to the base plate 121. It should be understood that water flow channels are provided between the plurality of supporting ribs 122 to guide the condensate collected between the supporting ribs 122 to the drain holes 5 for timely discharge.

[0049] As is easily understood, a drain pipe 7 is provided on the outside of the water receiving tray body 1. The drain pipe 7 is correspondingly arranged with the drain hole 5. The drain pipe 7 is used to guide the condensate flowing out of the drain hole 5 to the outside of the duct unit. This arrangement is to prevent the condensate in the water receiving tray from dripping into the inside of the duct unit and causing damage to other components in the duct unit.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Based on Example 1, in order to facilitate observation of the working status of water pump 4 and to promptly repair it in case of malfunction, such as... Figure 6-8 As shown, an observation window 6 is provided on the water receiving tray body 1 at a position relative to the water pump 4. The observation window 6 includes a through hole on the water receiving tray body 1 and a transparent viewing window 61 sealed in the through hole. The observation window 6 is provided to observe the working status of the water pump 4 so that the malfunction or blockage of the water pump 4 can be rectified in a timely manner. It should be noted that the through hole is correspondingly provided on the side wall and / or bottom plate 121 of the water receiving tray body 1. At the same time, in order to expand the observation range of the observation window 6, the transparent viewing window 61 is provided in the shape of a convex lens. This setting can effectively expand the visible range and improve the accuracy of observation.

[0052] It should be understood that because the temperature of the condensate collected in the drip tray body 1 is lower than room temperature, water droplets easily condense on the outer side of the transparent window 61 near the drip tray body 1, forming a fogging phenomenon that affects the observation effect. Therefore, as a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the observation window 6 includes two or more layers of transparent windows 61. This arrangement isolates the transparent windows 61 near the inner side of the water receiving tray body 1 from the outside air, preventing water mist from forming on their surface and ensuring the observation effect through the observation window 6. It should be understood that, in order to expand the observation range of the observation window 6, at least one of the two or more layers of transparent windows 61 is configured in the shape of a convex lens.

[0053] It should be understood that, in order to facilitate the installation of the transparent window 61, two or more layers of the transparent window 61 form a window assembly through a frame, and the window assembly is sealed and installed with the through hole. This arrangement can effectively improve the assembly efficiency of the transparent window 61.

[0054] As one optional embodiment, the window assembly is detachably disposed in the through hole. The detachable installation of the window assembly allows the through hole to serve as a maintenance hole when the window assembly is removed, so that the corresponding maintenance operations can be performed without removing the water receiving tray body 1, which simplifies the maintenance procedure and saves maintenance time.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] This embodiment discloses a duct air conditioner, which includes a water receiving tray structure as described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0057] The duct machine provided in this embodiment has the same advantages over the prior art as the water tray structure described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] In this invention, any ducted air conditioning unit may include the drip tray structure described in this embodiment. Based on the relevant structures and assembly relationships of the drip tray structure provided in this embodiment, the ducted air conditioning unit also includes conventional components such as heat exchangers, compressors, and outdoor units. Since these are all prior art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0059] It should be noted that all directional and positional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," "lower," "tail end," "head end," and "center," are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and connection situations between components in a specific state. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and do not require the invention to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0060] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A water receiving tray structure, characterized in that, The system includes a water receiving tray body (1), on which a drain hole (5) is provided. The lowest point of the drain hole (5) is higher than the bottom plate (121) of the water receiving tray body (1). A sterilization module (2) is provided in the water receiving tray body (1). The sterilization module (2) is used to sterilize the condensate on the bottom plate (121). The height difference between the lowest point of the drain hole (5) and the bottom plate (121) is denoted as H, and the value of H ranges from 2 to 8 mm. A portion of condensate is always retained inside the water receiving tray body (1). The sterilization module (2) is at least partially immersed in the condensate, so that the sterilization module (2) always sterilizes the condensate in the water receiving tray body (1).

2. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sterilization installation part (3) is provided on the main body (1) of the water receiving tray, and the sterilization module (2) is detachably installed on the sterilization installation part (3).

3. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sterilization module (2) and the sterilization installation part (3) are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure (8).

4. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure (8) includes a snap hook (82) and a snap groove (81). The snap hook (82) extends into the snap groove (81) to complete the connection between the sterilization module (2) and the sterilization installation part (3).

5. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization module (2) includes sterilization materials, which include one or more of the following: metal ion materials, metal oxide materials, and nano-metal materials.

6. The water receiving tray structure as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A water pump mounting groove (1211) is provided on the base plate (121). The water pump mounting groove (1211) is recessed on the base plate (121) and is used to install a water pump (4).

7. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, An observation window (6) is provided on the water receiving pan body (1) at a position relative to the water pump (4). The observation window (6) includes a through hole provided on the water receiving pan body (1) and a transparent viewing window (61) sealed in the through hole.

8. The water receiving tray structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The observation window (6) includes two or more transparent windows (61).

9. A ducted air conditioner, characterized in that, The duct unit includes a water tray structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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