Liquid distributor and air conditioner range hood using the same
By designing a simple liquid distributor structure and recycling condensate, the problems of uneven liquid distribution and poor heat dissipation of condensate in air-conditioning range hoods were solved, achieving more efficient distribution and heat dissipation, and improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202210001794.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-01-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing liquid distributors have complex structures and poor diversion effects, while air-conditioning range hoods have poor condensate heat dissipation, resulting in reduced product quality and energy efficiency.
A liquid distributor consisting of a primary liquid distribution plate and a secondary liquid distribution plate was designed. The liquid is diverted twice through the combination structure of the primary and secondary liquid distribution plates. Combined with the recycling of air conditioning condensate, the condensate is used for heat dissipation of the condenser.
The liquid distributor has a simple structure and uniform flow distribution, which improves the condensate heat dissipation effect of the air-conditioning range hood and improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
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Figure CN116428720B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a liquid distributor and an air-conditioned range hood using the liquid distributor. Background Technology
[0002] A liquid distributor is a device used to uniformly distribute liquid. Various liquid distributors with different structures exist in the prior art. For example, the Chinese utility model patent No. 201320500874.4 (authorization announcement No. CN 203494521 U) discloses a liquid distributor device. This device consists of an upper liquid distribution plate, a middle liquid distribution plate, a lower liquid distribution plate, a connecting plate, distribution pipes, and distribution holes. The upper, middle, and lower liquid distribution plates are all disc-shaped structures with uniformly distributed distribution holes at their bottoms. The upper, middle, and lower liquid distribution plates are arranged in three layers, connected around their perimeter by a connecting plate. Distribution pipes are connected to the distribution holes of the lower liquid distribution plate. All distribution pipes protrude through the distribution holes to the same height. Because the exposed height of the pipe ends of the distribution pipes connected to each distribution hole of the liquid distribution plate is the same, the liquid flowing into the distribution pipes through the pipe openings is uniform, thereby greatly improving the uniformity of the liquid distribution and meeting the needs of improving product quality and production efficiency. Another example is the "Liquid Distributor, Heat Exchanger, and Air Conditioning Unit" disclosed in Chinese invention patent application No. 201810879931.1 (Publication No. CN 108917232 A). This liquid distributor includes an upper sealing plate and a lower housing. The upper sealing plate is disposed on the upper part of the lower housing and together with the lower housing forms a liquid distribution cavity. The edge of the lower housing is bent outwards towards the liquid distribution cavity to form a first bent portion, which is riveted to the upper sealing plate. The liquid distributor, heat exchanger, and air conditioning unit provided by this invention increase assembly efficiency and accuracy by riveting the upper sealing plate and lower housing, effectively preventing welding deformation of the liquid distributor. Furthermore, the inclusion of a first and second equalizing plate allows for triple liquid equalization, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the distributor is evenly distributed axially and radially, thus guaranteeing effective liquid distribution. While the aforementioned liquid distributor also achieves good flow distribution, its structure is relatively complex.
[0003] Furthermore, to improve cooking comfort, air-conditioning range hoods were invented. These hoods contain an air conditioning unit inside their casing. In air-conditioning mode, the condenser of this unit generates heat. If the condenser is not effectively cooled, its heat exchange efficiency will be affected, thus reducing the air conditioner's energy efficiency. During operation, condensate will condense on the surface of the evaporator. Draining this condensate requires an external water pipe, increasing installation costs and causing long-term wall erosion and dripping into the external environment. If the condensate accumulates inside the range hood, it can easily cause localized leaks and even affect its normal operation. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a liquid distributor with a simple structure that can achieve uniform liquid distribution, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.
[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning type range hood that can utilize air conditioner condensate to improve the heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger, in light 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 liquid distributor includes a long strip-shaped shell, a liquid distribution cavity is formed inside the shell, and an inlet and an outlet connected to the liquid distribution cavity are provided on the shell. The feature is that: a first-stage liquid distribution plate is provided inside the shell, the first-stage liquid distribution plate is distributed along the length direction of the shell, the first-stage liquid distribution plate is inclined downward from the middle to both sides in the width direction, and a flow passage gap is left between the two sides of the first-stage liquid distribution plate in the width direction and the inner wall of the shell. A second-stage liquid distribution plate is formed at the bottom of the shell, the second-stage liquid distribution plate is recessed from both sides in the width direction towards the middle, and the outlet is opened on the second-stage liquid distribution plate.
[0007] To improve the uniformity of liquid distribution, the primary liquid distribution plate is connected to the top wall of the shell via two vertical partitions. Each partition has a flow-through hole at its bottom, and the liquid inlet is located on the top wall of the shell between the two partitions. Thus, after the liquid flows in through the inlet, it is distributed through the flow-through holes on both sides and finally flows out through the outlet on the secondary liquid distribution plate.
[0008] To further improve the uniformity of flow distribution, the flow holes are spaced apart along the length of the vertical partition. Furthermore, the flow holes are preferably evenly spaced.
[0009] To further improve the uniformity of the flow distribution, there are two liquid inlets, located on opposite sides of the length of the casing. The number of liquid inlets is not limited to two; there can be one or more.
[0010] To further improve the uniformity of the distribution, the liquid outlets are evenly distributed on the secondary distribution plates. In this way, the liquid entering the distribution chamber from the inlet can flow out from the outlet more evenly after being distributed twice by the primary and secondary distribution plates.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of any of the above solutions, the housing is either a single piece or a separate piece.
[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: the air-conditioning type range hood includes a casing and an air conditioning component installed inside the casing. The casing has a smoke exhaust channel and an air outlet channel that are isolated from each other. The air conditioning component includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected by a refrigerant pipeline. The characteristic feature is that the condenser and the liquid distributor are installed in the smoke exhaust channel. The evaporator is located in the air outlet channel. The condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator can flow to the surface of the condenser through the liquid distributor.
[0013] In order to smoothly deliver the condensate to the distributor, a water receiving tray is installed below the evaporator, and a water tank is also included. The outlet of the water receiving tray is connected to the inlet of the water tank, and a water pump is installed in the water path between the outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the distributor.
[0014] In order to recycle the condensate that has not been evaporated by the condenser, a return water box is installed below the condenser, and the outlet of the return water box is connected to the return water outlet of the water tank.
[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the condenser includes a horizontally arranged upper liquid collecting pipe, a lower liquid collecting pipe, and flat tubes spaced apart between the upper and lower liquid collecting pipes. Heat dissipation fins are installed between adjacent flat tubes. The upper liquid collecting pipe is interconnected with the lower liquid collecting pipe via the flat tubes. The condenser is inclined relative to the vertical plane, and the liquid distributor is installed on the upper liquid collecting pipe. In this way, the condensate flowing from the outlet can flow onto the heat dissipation fins, and the evaporation of the condensate absorbs heat, reducing the surface temperature of the condenser and thus providing sufficient heat dissipation.
[0016] Further preferably, a range hood fan is installed inside the casing. Along the direction of oil fume flow, the exhaust duct is located downstream of the range hood fan. The exhaust duct includes a first exhaust duct and a second exhaust duct. A damper is installed at the outlet of the range hood fan to switch between the first and second exhaust ducts and the exhaust fan outlet. The condenser and liquid distributor are located within the first exhaust duct. Thus, the range hood has a dual-channel structure: the first exhaust duct forms a heat dissipation channel, and the second exhaust duct forms a direct exhaust channel. In different operating modes, the corresponding exhaust duct can be opened by switching the damper.
[0017] To make the system structure more compact, the compressor is installed inside the housing.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The first-stage liquid distribution plate inside the liquid distributor housing is inclined downward from the middle to both sides in the width direction. There is a flow passage gap between the two sides of the first-stage liquid distribution plate in the width direction and the inner wall of the housing. The liquid flowing into the liquid distribution chamber from the liquid inlet flows to the second-stage liquid distribution plate through the flow passage gap to complete the first-stage liquid distribution. The second-stage liquid distribution plate at the bottom of the housing is concave from both sides to the middle in the width direction. The liquid flowing down from the flow passage gap flows out through the liquid outlet on the second-stage liquid distribution plate to complete the second-stage liquid distribution. The flow uniformity is good. In addition, after the liquid distributor is applied to the air-conditioning range hood, the condensate flowing out of the liquid distributor can flow evenly to the surface of the condenser, which is conducive to completing the rapid heat exchange and evaporation process, quickly treating the condensate, improving the heat exchange effect of the condenser, and thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 3 A sectional view of the liquid distributor shown along line AA;
[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid distributor along the CC direction.
[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The liquid distributor shown is a bottom view.
[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a sectional view of the liquid distributor along the BB direction.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air-conditioning type range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the water system of the range hood.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0028] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the liquid distributor in this embodiment includes a long, narrow housing 1. The housing 1 can be a single piece or a separate piece. A liquid distribution cavity is formed inside the housing 1, arranged along its length. The housing 1 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 connected to the liquid distribution cavity. A first-stage liquid distribution plate 13 is arranged laterally inside the housing 1, distributed along the length of the housing 1. The first-stage liquid distribution plate 13 slopes downwards from the middle to both sides in the width direction, forming a structure that is high in the middle and low on both sides. A flow passage gap 15 is left between the two sides of the first-stage liquid distribution plate 13 in the width direction and the inner wall of the housing 1. A second-stage liquid distribution plate 14 is formed at the bottom of the housing 1. The second-stage liquid distribution plate 14 is recessed from both sides in the width direction towards the middle, forming a structure that is low in the middle and high on both sides. The included angle between the two inclined plates of the second-stage liquid distribution plate 14 is approximately 120°. An outlet 12 is formed on the second-stage liquid distribution plate 14, and the outlet 12 consists of multiple rows of evenly arranged small holes to improve the uniformity of liquid distribution.
[0029] The primary liquid distribution plate 13 is connected to the inner top wall of the housing 1 by vertical partitions 16. There are two vertical partitions 16, which are respectively located on both sides of the width direction of the primary liquid distribution plate 13. Each vertical partition 16 has a flow hole 17 at its bottom, and the flow holes 17 are evenly distributed along the length direction of the vertical partition 16. The liquid inlet 11 is located on the top wall of the housing 1 between the two vertical partitions 16. In this embodiment, there are two liquid inlets 11, which are respectively located on both sides of the length direction of the housing 1.
[0030] When the liquid distributor is placed horizontally during operation, the liquid first enters from the inlet 11 onto the primary distribution plate 13 between the two vertical partitions 16. Then, it flows through the flow holes 17 to both sides and through the flow gaps 15 onto the secondary distribution plate 14, completing the primary distribution. Finally, it flows out from the outlet 12 on the secondary distribution plate 14, completing the secondary distribution. In this way, the liquid flowing in from the inlet 11 is dispersed into multiple small droplets that flow out from the outlet 12 through the two-stage distribution and separation process, improving the distribution effect.
[0031] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the air-conditioning range hood of this embodiment includes a housing 20 and an air conditioning assembly installed inside the housing 20. The air conditioning assembly includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, and an evaporator 33. The compressor 31, condenser 32, and evaporator 33 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 34. A throttling device 35 is installed on the refrigerant pipe 34 between the condenser 32 and the evaporator 33. The specific working principle of the air conditioning assembly is the same as that of existing air conditioners and will not be described in detail here.
[0032] A range hood fan 23 is installed at the lower part of the casing 20. The casing 20 contains a smoke exhaust duct 21 and an air outlet duct 22, which are isolated from each other. The smoke exhaust duct 21 and the air outlet duct 22 are located at the upper part of the casing 20. Figure 7 The direction indicated by the middle arrow D is to the right, and the air outlet duct 22 is located to the right of the smoke exhaust duct 21. In this embodiment, the smoke exhaust duct 21 includes a first smoke exhaust duct 211 and a second smoke exhaust duct 212. A damper 24 is installed at the outlet of the range hood 23 to switch between one of the first smoke exhaust ducts 211 and the second smoke exhaust duct 212 and the outlet of the range hood 23. The condenser 32 and the liquid distributor are located within the first smoke exhaust duct 211. The first smoke exhaust duct 211 forms a heat dissipation channel, and the second smoke exhaust duct 212 forms a direct exhaust channel. Different smoke exhaust channels are activated under different operating modes. Furthermore, to prevent oil fume contamination of the condenser 32, an electrostatic purification device 25 is installed within the first smoke exhaust duct 211, and the electrostatic purification device 25 is located upstream of the condenser 32 along the direction of oil fume flow.
[0033] In this embodiment, the compressor 31 is installed inside the casing 20, and the evaporator 33 is installed inside the air outlet duct 22. A water receiving tray 41 is installed below the evaporator 33, and a return water box 44 is installed below the condenser 32. The outlet of the water receiving tray 41 is connected to the inlet of the water tank 42. A water pump 43 is installed on the water path between the outlet of the water tank 42 and the inlet 11 of the liquid distributor. The outlet of the return water box 44 is connected to the return water outlet of the water tank 42.
[0034] like Figure 8 As shown, the condenser 32 includes a horizontally arranged upper liquid collecting pipe 321, a lower liquid collecting pipe 322, and flat pipes 323 spaced apart between the upper and lower liquid collecting pipes. Heat dissipation fins 324 are installed between adjacent flat pipes 323. The upper liquid collecting pipe 321 is interconnected with the lower liquid collecting pipe 322 through the flat pipes 323. A liquid distributor is installed on the upper liquid collecting pipe 321. In this embodiment, the condenser 32 is inclined relative to the vertical plane, and correspondingly, the liquid distributor is also inclined relative to the vertical plane. When the liquid distributor is inclined, condensate can only exit from the outlet 12 of the inclined portion 16 on the lower side. Since the outlets 12 are evenly distributed on the inclined portion 16, a better flow uniformity effect can be obtained. Furthermore, since water exits from only one side, the water distribution volume increases, which is more conducive to heat dissipation of the condenser 32.
[0035] When operating in air conditioning mode, the condensate on the surface of the evaporator 33 flows sequentially into the water receiving tray 41 and the water tank 42. Under the action of the water pump 43, the water in the water tank 42 is transported to the liquid inlet 11 of the liquid distributor, and flows sequentially through the upper liquid distribution chamber 14 and the lower liquid distribution chamber 15 before flowing out from the liquid outlet 12. The outflowing water flows into the surface of the heat dissipation fins 324 of the condenser 32 and flows downward along the surface of the heat dissipation fins 324 to cool the heat dissipation fins 324, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the condenser 32.
[0036] The working principle of this air-conditioning type range hood is as follows:
[0037] With both the range hood and air conditioner on, switching valve 24 opens the first exhaust duct 211 and closes the second exhaust duct 212. The cooking fumes are exhausted through the first exhaust duct 211. The airflow over the condenser 32 cools and dissipates heat, lowering the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through it and improving its heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, condensate forms on the surface of the evaporator 33. This condensate is transported to the inlet 11 of the distributor, then diverted by the distributor and flows out from the outlet 12, flowing downwards along the surface of the condenser 32. This further cools the condenser 32, improving its heat exchange and allowing for efficient use of the condensate. Additionally, the condensate is evaporated by the condenser 32 and discharged through the first exhaust duct 211. Unevaporated condensate flows back to the water tank 42 for reuse. Meanwhile, cool air is blown out from the outlet 22.
[0038] When the range hood is turned on, by switching the air valve 24, the first exhaust duct 211 is closed and the second exhaust duct 212 is opened, and the fumes are discharged to the outside through the second exhaust duct 212.
Claims
1. A liquid distributor, comprising an elongated housing (1), wherein a liquid distribution chamber is formed inside the housing (1), and the housing (1) is provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) communicating with the liquid distribution chamber, characterized in that: A first-stage liquid distribution plate (13) is arranged horizontally inside the housing (1). The first-stage liquid distribution plate (13) is distributed along the length direction of the housing (1). The first-stage liquid distribution plate (13) is inclined downward from the middle to both sides in the width direction. A flow passage gap (15) is left between the two sides of the first-stage liquid distribution plate (13) in the width direction and the inner wall of the housing (1). A second-stage liquid distribution plate (14) is formed at the bottom of the housing (1). The second-stage liquid distribution plate (14) is recessed from both sides in the width direction to the middle. The liquid outlet (12) is opened on the second-stage liquid distribution plate (14). The housing (1) is a single piece or a split piece.
2. The liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary liquid distribution plate (13) is connected to the inner top wall of the shell by a vertical partition (16). There are two vertical partitions (16) and they are respectively located on both sides of the width direction of the primary liquid distribution plate (13). A flow hole (17) is opened at the bottom of each vertical partition (16). The liquid inlet (11) is located on the top wall of the shell (1) between the two vertical partitions (16).
3. The liquid distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow holes (17) are spaced apart along the length of the vertical partition (16).
4. The liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two liquid inlets (11), which are respectively located on both sides of the length direction of the shell (1).
5. The liquid distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid outlets (12) are evenly distributed on the secondary liquid distribution plate (14).
6. An air-conditioning type range hood, comprising a housing (20) and an air conditioning assembly installed inside the housing, wherein the housing (20) has mutually isolated exhaust ducts (21) and air outlet ducts (22), and the air conditioning assembly includes a compressor (31), a condenser (32), and an evaporator (33), wherein the compressor (31), condenser (32), and evaporator (33) are connected by a refrigerant pipe (34), characterized in that: The condenser (32) and the liquid distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5 are installed in the exhaust duct (21). The evaporator (33) is located in the air outlet duct (22). The condensate condensed on the surface of the evaporator (33) can flow to the surface of the condenser (32) through the liquid distributor.
7. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: A water receiving tray (41) is installed below the evaporator (33), and a water tank (42) is also included. The outlet of the water receiving tray (41) is connected to the inlet of the water tank (42), and a water pump (43) is installed on the water path between the outlet of the water tank (42) and the inlet (11) of the liquid distributor.
8. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 7, characterized in that: A water return box (44) is installed below the condenser (32), and the outlet of the water return box (44) is connected to the water return port of the water tank (42).
9. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The condenser (32) includes an upper liquid collecting pipe (321) and a lower liquid collecting pipe (322) arranged horizontally, and flat pipes (323) arranged between the upper liquid collecting pipe and the lower liquid collecting pipe and spaced apart. Heat dissipation fins (324) are installed between adjacent flat pipes (323). The upper liquid collecting pipe (321) is interconnected with the lower liquid collecting pipe (322) through the flat pipes (323). The condenser (32) is inclined relative to the vertical plane. The liquid distributor is installed on the upper liquid collecting pipe (321).
10. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The casing (20) is equipped with a fume extraction fan (23). Along the direction of fume flow, the exhaust duct (21) is located downstream of the fume extraction fan (23). The exhaust duct (21) includes a first exhaust duct (211) and a second exhaust duct (212). A damper (24) is installed at the outlet of the fume extraction fan (23) to switch one of the first exhaust duct (211) and the second exhaust duct (212) to the outlet of the fume extraction fan (23). The condenser (32) and the liquid distributor are located in the first exhaust duct (211).
11. The air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The compressor (31) is installed inside the housing (20).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Liquid distributor, heat exchanger and air conditioning unit
CN108917232A
Liquid distributor device
CN203494521U
Liquid distributor and air-conditioning type range hood applying same
CN217685728U