Water tank, cooling fan and working method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a water tank, an ice cooler, and a method for operating the same. The water tank includes a tank shell with a water tank. The tank shell also includes a ventilation pipe for heat exchange with the water tank. The ventilation pipe is isolated from the water tank, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the water tank is adjacent to the ventilation pipe. The ice cooler utilizes this water tank. The method includes: confirming the currently selected cooling mode; if the cooling mode is a preset rapid cooling mode, controlling a lifting device to lower the ice tank below the water surface; if the cooling mode is a preset continuous cooling mode, controlling the lifting device to raise the bottom of the ice tank above the water surface. Using the water tank of this invention can effectively reduce the humidity of the exhaust air, minimizing the harmful effects of damp air on the human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air cooler technology, specifically to a water tank, an air cooler using the water tank, and a method for operating the air cooler. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the continuous development of the refrigeration industry, a type of air cooler has emerged that uses the principle of water evaporation to absorb heat. Some even utilize melted ice water for cooling to improve the cooling effect. However, these fans typically introduce water into the air duct, and the evaporation of the water lowers the outlet air temperature. During use, the air carries water vapor, resulting in relatively high air humidity. Over time, this can have a significant impact on human health. Furthermore, the air temperature depends on the water temperature, the function is limited, and it cannot provide multiple cooling modes, resulting in poor cooling performance.

[0003] Therefore, a more optimized cooling fan needs to be considered. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a water tank that effectively reduces the humidity of the exhaust air and minimizes the damage caused by damp air to the human body.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a cooling fan that effectively reduces the humidity of the exhaust air and minimizes the damage of damp air to the human body.

[0006] The third objective of this invention is to provide a method for operating a cooling fan that can be adjusted to multiple cooling modes and has high cooling efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the first objective mentioned above, the water tank provided by the present invention includes a water tank shell, a water tank shell is provided with a water tank, and the water tank shell is also provided with a ventilation pipe for heat exchange with the water tank. The ventilation pipe is isolated from the water tank, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the water tank is adjacent to the ventilation pipe.

[0008] As can be seen from the above solution, the water tank of the present invention, by providing a ventilation pipe for heat exchange with the water tank shell, and by isolating the ventilation pipe from the water tank, can prevent the air in the ventilation pipe from contacting the cooling water in the water tank, thereby effectively reducing the humidity of the exhaust air and minimizing the harm of damp air to the human body. At the same time, the water tank wrapping around the ventilation pipe can increase the cooling area of ​​the ventilation pipe and improve the cooling efficiency.

[0009] In a further embodiment, an ice-holding trough and a lifting device are installed inside the water tank, with the lifting device controlling the vertical movement of the ice-holding trough within the water tank.

[0010] Therefore, by installing an ice-holding trough inside the water tank, ice can be placed to effectively reduce the water temperature and improve the cooling effect. Simultaneously, a lifting device is installed to control the vertical movement of the ice-holding trough within the water tank, allowing for easy adjustment of the contact state between the ice-holding trough and the cooling water according to the required cooling mode, thus enabling the adjustment of multiple cooling modes.

[0011] In a further design, a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the ice tank.

[0012] Therefore, it can be seen that the bottom of the ice tank is equipped with a drainage hole, which allows the melted ice water in the ice tank to flow into the water tank and cool the cooling water.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the lifting device includes a drive motor and a screw, the drive motor controlling the screw to rotate along the screw's axis; the ice tray is provided with a threaded hole, and the screw is connected to the threaded hole.

[0014] It can be seen that the lifting device is equipped with a drive motor and a screw to drive the ice tray, which has a simple structure and is easy to control.

[0015] In a further design, a guide column is installed in the water tank along the vertical direction, and a guide hole is provided in the ice tank. The guide column and the guide hole are installed together.

[0016] Therefore, it can be seen that by setting guide columns inside the water tank and cooperating with the guide holes of the ice-holding tank, the stability of the ice-holding tank during the movement process can be improved.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a heat-conducting column is provided at the bottom of the ice tank, extending from the bottom of the ice tank towards the bottom of the water tank.

[0018] It can be seen that the bottom of the ice tank is equipped with heat-conducting columns that extend towards the bottom of the water tank, which facilitates the cooling of the cooling water and improves the cooling speed.

[0019] In a further design, the top of the sink has an opening, and a cover is installed over the opening.

[0020] Therefore, installing a cover on top of the water tank facilitates the addition of cooling water and ice, while also reducing the impact of the external environment on the temperature inside the water tank.

[0021] In a further proposed solution, the number of ventilation ducts is two or more.

[0022] Therefore, installing two or more ventilation ducts can increase the air cooling area and improve the cooling effect.

[0023] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the air cooler provided by the present invention is equipped with a water tank and an air duct assembly. The water tank is the water tank described above, and the air inlet end of the air duct assembly is connected to the air outlet end of the ventilation pipe.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the duct assembly includes a duct frame and a fan, with the fan installed inside the duct frame and the air inlet end of the duct frame connected to the air outlet end of the ventilation duct.

[0025] Therefore, it can be seen that the air volume can be increased by installing a fan inside the air duct frame.

[0026] In a further design, the air outlet of the duct frame is positioned away from the water tank housing.

[0027] Therefore, the air outlet of the air duct frame is positioned away from the water tank housing, which facilitates the addition of cooling water or ice when the evaporator is in operation.

[0028] To achieve the third objective of this invention, the present invention provides a method for operating a cooling fan, comprising: confirming the currently selected cooling mode; if the cooling mode is a preset rapid cooling mode, controlling the lifting device to lower the ice tank below the liquid surface of the water tank; if the cooling mode is a preset continuous cooling mode, controlling the lifting device to raise the bottom of the ice tank above the liquid surface of the water tank.

[0029] As can be seen from the above scheme, in the preset rapid cooling mode, the lifting device lowers the ice tank below the water tank, immersing the ice tank in water. Since ice dissolves faster in water than in air, the ice melts quickly, absorbing heat from the water, turning it into low-temperature water, achieving a rapid cooling effect. Furthermore, water has a higher specific heat than other liquids, allowing it to absorb maximum heat for a longer period, significantly improving the cooling effect. In the preset continuous cooling mode, the lifting device raises the bottom of the ice tank above the water tank. The ice in the ice tank gradually melts at the air temperature, and the melted supercooled water flows into the water tank through holes at the top and bottom of the ice tank, maintaining a low water temperature. Because ice cools more slowly in air, a continuous cooling effect is achieved.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the step of controlling the lifting device to raise the bottom of the ice tank above the liquid surface of the water tank includes: inserting the heat-conducting column below the liquid surface of the water tank.

[0031] Therefore, by inserting the heat-conducting column below the liquid surface of the water tank, the cooling water can be cooled using the heat-conducting column, thereby improving the cooling effect. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the first embodiment of the air cooler of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the water tank housing in the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water tank housing at the ventilation duct in the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the ice tray and lifting device in the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the upper cover structure in the first embodiment of the air cooler of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the air duct frame in the first embodiment of the air cooler of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the fan structure in the first embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the water tank housing in the second embodiment of the cooling fan of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0043] First embodiment of the air cooler:

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cooling fan is equipped with a water tank 1 and an air duct assembly 2, with the air duct assembly 2 installed on the outer periphery of the water tank 1.

[0045] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The water tank 1 includes a tank shell 11, which is provided with a water tank 111 and a ventilation pipe 112 for heat exchange with the water tank 111. The ventilation pipe 112 is isolated from the water tank 111, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the water tank 111 is adjacent to the ventilation pipe 112. There are two or more ventilation pipes 112; in this embodiment, there are two. Alternatively, the pipe between the air inlet and outlet of the ventilation pipe 112 can be configured with a bent structure to increase the contact area between the ventilation pipe 112 and the water tank 111.

[0046] The water tank 111 is equipped with an ice-holding tank 12 and a lifting device 13. The lifting device 13 is used to control the ice-holding tank 12 to move vertically within the water tank 111.

[0047] See Figure 6In this embodiment, the lifting device 13 includes a drive motor 131 and a screw 132. The shaft of the drive motor 131 is connected to one end of the screw 132, and the drive motor 131 controls the screw 132 to rotate along its axis. The ice tray 12 is provided with a threaded hole 121, and the screw 132 is connected to the threaded hole 121.

[0048] The water tank 111 is also provided with guide posts 14 arranged vertically, and the ice tank 12 is provided with guide holes 122. The guide posts 14 are installed in conjunction with the guide holes 122. The number of guide posts 14 can be set as needed, and the number of guide holes 122 corresponds to the number of guide posts 14. In this embodiment, there are four guide posts 14 and four guide holes 122.

[0049] In addition, the bottom of the ice tank 12 is provided with heat-conducting columns 123 and drainage holes 124. The heat-conducting columns 123 extend from the bottom of the ice tank 12 towards the bottom of the water tank 111. The heat-conducting columns 123 are made of metal materials, preferably stainless steel, aluminum, etc. The number of heat-conducting columns 123 can be set as needed. In this embodiment, the number of heat-conducting columns 123 is six. The drainage holes 124 allow the ice tank 12 and the water tank 111 to communicate, facilitating the flow of melted ice water from the ice tank 12 into the water tank 111 through the drainage holes 124, or allowing cooling water from the water tank 111 to enter the ice tank 12 to accelerate the melting of ice.

[0050] Depend on Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is known that the top of the water tank 111 has an opening, and a top cover 15 is installed in the opening. In this embodiment, the top cover 15 is provided with a motor through hole 151, which is opposite to the threaded hole 121. The drive motor 131 is installed on the top cover 15, and the shaft of the drive motor 131 passes through the motor through hole 151 and is connected to the screw 132. The top cover 15 is also provided with a window 152 and a cover plate 153. The cover plate 153 is installed in an openable manner at the window 152. By providing the window 152 and the cover plate 153, it is convenient to add ice cubes.

[0051] In addition, a drain hole (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the water tank 111. The drain hole is removably sealed by a plug 16 and is used to drain water from the water tank 111.

[0052] Depend on Figure 2 and Figure 3It is also known that the air inlet of the duct assembly 2 is connected to the air outlet of the ventilation duct 112. The duct assembly 2 includes a duct frame 21 and a fan 22. The fan 22 is installed inside the duct frame 21, and the air inlet of the duct frame 21 is connected to the air outlet of the ventilation duct 112. In this embodiment, the duct frame 21 includes a first duct frame 211, a second duct frame 212, and a third duct frame 213. The first duct frame 211, the second duct frame 212, and the third duct frame 213 are detachably connected. The first duct frame 211 is connected to the air outlet of the ventilation duct 112 and is connected to the second duct frame 212 and the third duct frame 213. The fan 22 is located inside the second duct frame 212 and the third duct frame 213. The fan 22 includes a motor 221 and a fan blade 222. The fan blade 222 is connected to the shaft of the motor 221. The fan blade 222 is located inside the second air duct frame 212 and the third air duct frame 213. The motor 221 is located outside the air duct frame 21 and at the junction of the second air duct frame 212 and the third air duct frame 213.

[0053] In this embodiment, the air outlet 214 of the air duct frame 21 is positioned away from the water tank housing 11, and the air outlet 214 is located on the third air duct frame 213.

[0054] When the air cooler in this embodiment is working, it first confirms the currently selected cooling mode. In this embodiment, the cooling modes include a preset rapid cooling mode and a preset continuous cooling mode. The user can select the desired cooling mode via the control panel or remote control.

[0055] If the cooling mode is the preset rapid cooling mode, the control lifting device 13 lowers the ice tank 12 below the liquid surface of the water tank 111. In the preset rapid cooling mode, the control lifting device 13 lowers the ice tank 12 below the liquid surface of the water tank 111, allowing the ice tank 12 to be immersed in water. Since ice dissolves faster in water than in air, the ice melts quickly, absorbing heat from the water, turning the water into low-temperature water, achieving a rapid cooling effect. Furthermore, water has a higher specific heat than other liquids, enabling it to absorb maximum heat for a longer period, significantly improving the cooling effect.

[0056] If the cooling mode is the preset continuous cooling mode, the lifting device 13 is controlled to raise the bottom of the ice tank 12 above the liquid surface of the water tank 111. In the preset continuous cooling mode, the ice on the ice tank 12 gradually melts at the air temperature, and the melted supercooled water flows into the water tank 111 through the holes on the top and bottom of the ice tank 12, so that the water reaches a low temperature. Since ice cools slowly in the air, it can achieve a continuous cooling effect.

[0057] In this embodiment, the step of controlling the lifting device 13 to raise the bottom of the ice tank 12 above the liquid surface of the water tank 111 includes: inserting the heat-conducting column 123 below the liquid surface of the water tank 111. Inserting the heat-conducting column 123 below the liquid surface of the water tank 111 allows the heat-conducting column to cool the cooling water, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0058] Second embodiment of the cooling fan:

[0059] The only difference between the air cooler in this embodiment and the air cooler in the first embodiment is the number of ventilation ducts. The following description focuses on the differences, and the reference numerals are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, there are six ventilation pipes 112.

[0061] As described above, the water tank 1 of the present invention, by providing a ventilation pipe 112 for heat exchange with the water tank 111 in the water tank shell 11, and by isolating the ventilation pipe 112 from the water tank 111, can prevent the air in the ventilation pipe 112 from contacting the cooling water in the water tank 111, thereby effectively reducing the humidity of the exhaust air and minimizing the damage of damp air to the human body. Meanwhile, the outer wall of the water tank 111 is adjacent to the ventilation pipe 112. Preferably, in this embodiment, three outer wall surfaces of the water tank 111 are arranged adjacent to the ventilation pipe 112, which can increase the cooling area of ​​the ventilation pipe 112 and improve the cooling efficiency.

[0062] It should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the design concept of the invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present invention using this concept also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water tank, comprising a tank shell, wherein the tank shell is provided with a water trough, characterized in that: The water tank shell is also provided with a ventilation pipe for heat exchange with the water tank. The ventilation pipe is isolated from the water tank, and at least a portion of the outer wall of the water tank is adjacent to the ventilation pipe. The water tank is equipped with an ice-holding tank and a lifting device, and the lifting device controls the ice-holding tank to move vertically within the water tank. The lifting device is used to adjust the contact state between the ice tank and the cooling water according to the refrigeration mode.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the ice tank is provided with a drainage hole.

3. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device includes a drive motor and a screw, and the drive motor controls the screw to rotate along the axis of the screw; The ice-holding tank is provided with a threaded hole, and the screw is connected to the threaded hole.

4. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water tank is also equipped with a guide column arranged vertically, and the ice tank is equipped with a guide hole. The guide column is installed in conjunction with the guide hole.

5. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting column is provided at the bottom of the ice tank, and the heat-conducting column extends from the bottom of the ice tank toward the bottom of the water tank.

6. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The top of the water tank has an opening, and a cover is installed on the opening.

7. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The number of ventilation ducts is two or more.

8. A cooling fan, comprising a water tank and an air duct assembly, characterized in that: The water tank is the water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The air inlet of the air duct assembly is connected to the air outlet of the ventilation pipe.

9. The air cooler according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air duct assembly includes an air duct frame and a fan. The fan is installed inside the air duct frame, and the air inlet end of the air duct frame is connected to the air outlet end of the ventilation pipe.

10. The cooling fan according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air outlet end of the air duct frame is positioned away from the water tank shell.

11. A method of operating a cold fan provided with a water tank, characterized in that: The water tank includes a water tank shell, the water tank shell is provided with a water tank and a ventilation pipe for heat exchange with the water tank; the water tank is provided with an ice holding tank and a lifting device, the lifting device controls the ice holding tank to move vertically in the water tank; The method includes: Confirm the currently selected cooling mode; If the cooling mode is a preset rapid cooling mode, control the lifting device to lower the ice tank below the liquid surface of the water tank; If the cooling mode is a preset continuous cooling mode, the lifting device is controlled to raise the bottom of the ice tank above the liquid surface of the water tank.

12. The method of operating a cooling fan according to claim 11, characterized in that: A heat-conducting column is provided at the bottom of the ice tank, and the heat-conducting column extends from the bottom of the ice tank toward the bottom of the water tank. The step of controlling the lifting device to raise the bottom of the ice tank above the liquid surface of the water tank includes: The heat-conducting column is inserted below the liquid surface of the water tank.

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