Air conditioner range hood and control method thereof

Abstract

An air-conditioning type range hood and its control method are disclosed. The range hood's exhaust fan includes a volute and an impeller. The air conditioning component's compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected via refrigerant piping. A water collection box is located below the evaporator, and the condenser is located below the water collection box. A water tank is located below the condenser, and a first water pump and a second water pump are installed in the water tank. A first atomizer is connected to the outlet of the first water pump to spray water onto the condenser, and a second atomizer is connected to the outlet of the second water pump to spray water into the volute. This air-conditioning type range hood dissipates heat from the condenser through the first water pump and the first atomizer, and cleans the inside of the volute through the second water pump and the second atomizer. It eliminates the need for a separate cooling fan for condenser cooling, resulting in a compact structure and reduced production costs. Furthermore, the range hood can intelligently control the first and second water pumps based on the water level in the tank, ensuring normal condenser cooling and volute cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing technologies disclose various structures of air-conditioning-type range hoods, which add air conditioning components to the existing range hood platform, achieving both range hood and air conditioning functions. Many existing range hoods with cooling functions place the condenser within the fume duct, utilizing the heat exchange of air containing grease drawn in by the fan. When the cooling system is activated, the air exhausted by the range hood fan is blown towards the condenser. Since the air contains many grease particles, an additional electrostatic precipitator is often needed to filter these fine particles to keep the condenser surface clean, increasing costs and introducing the risk of errors. Simultaneously, the relatively small internal space of the range hood makes space layout more critical. Furthermore, electrostatic precipitators often cannot completely remove grease particles from the air, causing contamination of the condenser surface when the fan blows air towards it, reducing condenser efficiency and lifespan. In addition, this solution requires a tee connection in the duct, so that when the cooling system is not operating, the exhaust air from the range hood exits through the normal duct. When the cooling system is operating, the air valve opens, and the range hood's airflow is blown towards the condenser through a separate channel. Because the exhaust paths under both operating conditions need to be considered, and to avoid drilling two holes in the wall, the airflow from these two paths needs to be ultimately converged before being exhausted outdoors. The additional T-junction increases the cost compared to a single exhaust pipe, and the numerous bends in the pipe hinder fume extraction. Furthermore, in cooling mode, outdoor air in air-conditioning range hoods, after heat exchange, blows cold air out of the vent, causing a large amount of condensate to form on the evaporator surface. This condensate is typically drained directly outdoors through the drain pipe, resulting in inefficient utilization. Although existing air-conditioning range hoods have publicly disclosed solutions for utilizing condensate to cool the condenser, intelligent control of condensate utilization is lacking, and condensate utilization efficiency needs improvement. In conclusion, further improvements to existing air-conditioning range hoods are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning type range hood that can use condensate water to dissipate heat from the condenser and clean the inside of the volute, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0004] The second technical problem this statement aims to solve is to provide a control method for an air-conditioning type range hood that can intelligently control condenser heat dissipation and volute cleaning based on the water level, in light of the aforementioned existing technology.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: The air-conditioning type range hood includes a casing, and a fume extraction component and an air conditioning component are installed inside the casing. The fume extraction component includes a fume extraction fan, which includes a volute and an impeller disposed inside the volute. The air conditioning component includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected through a refrigerant pipeline. The feature is that: a water collection box for collecting condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator is provided below the evaporator. The condenser is located below the water collection box, and the condensate water in the water collection box can drip onto the condenser. A water tank for collecting condensate water flowing down from the surface of the condenser is provided below the condenser. A first water pump and a second water pump are installed in the water tank. A first atomizer that can spray towards the condenser is connected to the outlet of the first water pump, and a second atomizer that can spray towards the inside of the volute is connected to the outlet of the second water pump.

[0006] To achieve intelligent control, a liquid level sensor is installed inside the water tank, and a controller is also included. The controller can receive the water level signal from the liquid level sensor and control the first and second water pumps accordingly based on the received water level signal. In this way, the controller can control the first and second water pumps based on the water level in the tank, thereby controlling the first and second atomizers to turn on or off.

[0007] In order to allow the condensate on the surface of the evaporator to flow smoothly into the condenser, both the evaporator and the condenser are inclined relative to the vertical plane. The bottom of the water collection box has a water outlet, and the vertical projection of the water outlet falls on the upper part of the condenser.

[0008] In order to collect the condensate that the condenser cannot evaporate in time, a water collection box is provided below the condenser. The water collection box is located above the water tank, and the outlet of the water collection box is connected to the water tank through a water outlet pipe.

[0009] In order for the range hood to blow out cold air smoothly, an air outlet channel is provided inside the casing, and an air outlet fan and the evaporator are provided inside the air outlet channel. Furthermore, along the air flow direction, the evaporator is located upstream or downstream of the air outlet fan.

[0010] To avoid interference from the air intake and exhaust duct on the fume extraction effect, the exhaust fan is located at the top of the casing, the air inlet of the exhaust duct is located at the top of the casing, and the air outlet of the exhaust duct is located at the upper part of the front of the casing. Furthermore, the cool air blown from the exhaust duct outlet can directly blow onto the cook's face, resulting in a better user experience.

[0011] To make the internal layout of the casing more reasonable, the fume extraction fan is located on the right side of the casing and below the exhaust fan, and the compressor is installed inside the casing and located to the lower left of the fume extraction fan.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: the control method of the air-conditioning range hood, characterized in that: the air-conditioning range hood is used, and the air-conditioning range hood has a cooling mode and a cleaning mode;

[0013] The cooling mode includes the following steps:

[0014] S1. Turn on the cooling function of the range hood;

[0015] S2, The evaporator produces condensate;

[0016] S3, condenser consumption, evaporation of condensate;

[0017] S4. Unused condensate flows into the water tank;

[0018] S5. Determine whether the water level in the tank exceeds the set warning line using a liquid level sensor;

[0019] If so, the first water pump remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer and sprayed onto the condenser, then proceed to step S6;

[0020] If not, the first water pump remains off and proceeds to step S2;

[0021] S6. Turn off cooling;

[0022] The cleaning mode includes the following steps:

[0023] s1. Turn on the cleaning function;

[0024] s2. Determine whether the water level in the tank has reached the cleanable standard using a liquid level sensor;

[0025] If so, proceed to step s4;

[0026] If not, proceed to step s3;

[0027] s3. Manually add water to reach the washable water level, then proceed to step s4;

[0028] s4. The second water pump and the second atomizer are turned on.

[0029] s5. Cleaning complete.

[0030] Furthermore, the air-conditioning type range hood also has a mode that activates both cooling and cleaning simultaneously, and the mode that activates both cooling and cleaning simultaneously includes the following steps:

[0031] 1) Both cooling and cleaning functions are turned on;

[0032] 2) The first water pump is shut down;

[0033] 3) Determine if the water level in the tank has reached the standard for cleaning;

[0034] If so, proceed to step 5);

[0035] If not, proceed to step 4);

[0036] 4) Manually add water until the water level is sufficient for washing, then proceed to step 5);

[0037] 5) The second water pump is turned on, and the second atomizer is started;

[0038] 6) Cleaning complete;

[0039] 7) The evaporator produces condensate;

[0040] 8) Condenser consumption and evaporation of condensate;

[0041] 9) Unused condensate flows into the water tank;

[0042] 10) Use a liquid level sensor to determine whether the water level in the tank exceeds the set warning line;

[0043] If so, the first water pump remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer and sprayed onto the condenser, then proceed to step 11);

[0044] If not, the first water pump remains off and proceeds to step 7);

[0045] 11) Turn off the cooling.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This air-conditioning type range hood places the condenser below the evaporator. In air-conditioning mode, the condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator can drip onto the condenser to dissipate heat. The condensate water that cannot evaporate in time can drip into the water tank below the condenser. The water in the tank can further dissipate heat to the condenser through the first water pump and the first atomizer. It can also clean the inside of the volute through the second water pump and the second atomizer. Furthermore, this range hood does not require a separate cooling fan for condenser cooling, making the structure of the range hood more compact, reducing production costs and assembly error rates, and facilitating later maintenance. In addition, this range hood can intelligently control the first and second water pumps according to the water level in the tank to ensure that condenser cooling and volute cleaning can proceed normally, improving the utilization efficiency of condensate water. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2This is a connection diagram of the air conditioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a control logic diagram of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air-conditioning range hood of this embodiment includes a housing 1, inside which a fume extraction component and an air conditioning component are installed. The fume extraction component includes a fume extraction fan 2, and the air conditioning component includes a compressor 3, a condenser 4, and an evaporator 5. The compressor 3, condenser 4, and evaporator 5 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 6. The working principle of the air conditioning component is conventional technology and will not be described in detail here. The fume extraction fan 2 includes a volute 21 and an impeller 22 disposed inside the volute. The structure and working principle of the above-mentioned fume extraction component and air conditioning component can refer to existing air-conditioning range hoods, and the specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0052] In this embodiment, a water collection box 7 is provided below the evaporator 5, and the condenser 4 is located below the water collection box 7. Both the evaporator 5 and the condenser 4 are inclined relative to the vertical plane. The water collection box 7 is used to collect the condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator 5. A water outlet 71 is opened at the bottom of the water collection box 7, and the vertical projection of the water outlet 71 falls on the upper part of the condenser 4. The condensate water flowing out of the water outlet 71 can drip onto the condenser 4. A water receiving box 14 is provided below the condenser 4, and a water tank 8 is provided below the water receiving box 14. The outlet of the water receiving box 14 is connected to the water tank 8 through a water outlet pipe 15. The condensate water that the condenser 4 cannot evaporate in time drips from the surface of the condenser 4 into the water receiving box 14, and then flows into the water tank 8 through the water outlet pipe 15.

[0053] The water tank 8 is equipped with a first water pump 9, a second water pump 10, and a liquid level sensor 13. The outlet of the first water pump 9 is connected to a first atomizer 11 via a water pipe 18, and the outlet of the second water pump 10 is connected to a second atomizer 12 via a water pipe 18. The spray nozzle of the first atomizer 11 faces the condenser 4, and the water mist sprayed by the first atomizer 11 is used to dissipate heat from the condenser 4. The spray nozzle of the second atomizer 12 faces the inside of the volute 21, and the water mist sprayed by the second atomizer 12 is used to clean the volute 21 and impeller 22. The range hood also has a controller (not shown in the figure). The controller can receive the water level signal from the liquid level sensor 13 and control the first water pump 9 and the second water pump 10 accordingly, thereby controlling the first atomizer 11 and the second atomizer 12 to turn on or off.

[0054] An air outlet duct 16 is provided inside the casing 1, and an air outlet fan 17 and an evaporator 5 are provided inside the air outlet duct 16. In this embodiment, along the air flow direction, the evaporator 5 is located upstream of the air outlet fan 17, that is, the evaporator 5 is located on the suction side of the air outlet fan 17. In this embodiment, in order to avoid the air inlet and outlet of the air outlet duct 16 interfering with the fume extraction effect, the air outlet fan 17 is located at the top of the casing 1, the air inlet 161 of the air outlet duct 16 is located at the top of the casing 1, and the air outlet 162 of the air outlet duct 16 is located at the upper part of the front of the casing 1. When the range hood is working in air conditioning mode, the low-temperature dry cold air processed by the evaporator 5 is blown out from the air outlet 162. By adjusting the angle of the air outlet 162, the cold air can be blown directly onto the face of the cook, resulting in a better user experience.

[0055] In this embodiment, the range hood 2 is located on the right side of the housing 1 and below the exhaust fan 17, while the compressor 3 is installed inside the housing 1 and located to the lower left of the range hood 2. Of course, the range hood 2, the exhaust fan 17, and the compressor 3 can also be arranged in other positions.

[0056] When the range hood operates in air conditioning mode, the condensate on the surface of the evaporator 5 flows into the water collection box 7. The condensate flows from the outlet 71 of the water collection box 7 to the surface of the condenser 4, dissipating heat from the condenser 4 and evaporating simultaneously. The condensate that cannot evaporate in time flows into the water tank 8 through the water receiving box 14 and the water outlet pipe 15. The condensate in the water tank 8 is atomized by the first water pump 9 and the first atomizer 11 and sprayed onto the condenser 4 to further dissipate heat from the condenser 4, improving its heat dissipation effect. It can also be atomized by the second water pump 10 and the second atomizer 12 and sprayed into the volute 21 to clean the volute 21 and impeller 22.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, this air-conditioning type range hood has a cooling mode, a cleaning mode, and a mode where both cooling and cleaning are activated.

[0058] The cooling mode specifically includes the following steps:

[0059] S1. Turn on the cooling function of the range hood;

[0060] S2, Evaporator 5 produces condensate;

[0061] S3, condenser 4 consumes and evaporates condensate;

[0062] S4. Unused condensate flows into water tank 8;

[0063] S5. Determine whether the water level in water tank 8 exceeds the set warning line using liquid level sensor 13;

[0064] If so, the first water pump 9 remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer 11 and sprayed onto the condenser 4, then proceed to step S6;

[0065] If not, the first water pump 9 remains off and proceeds to step S2;

[0066] S6. Turn off cooling;

[0067] The cleaning mode specifically includes the following steps:

[0068] s1. Turn on the cleaning function;

[0069] s2. Determine whether the water level in water tank 8 has reached the cleanable standard using liquid level sensor 13;

[0070] If so, proceed to step s4;

[0071] If not, proceed to step s3;

[0072] s3. Manually add water to reach the washable water level, then proceed to step s4;

[0073] s4. The second water pump 10 is turned on, and the second atomizer 12 is turned on;

[0074] s5. Cleaning complete.

[0075] The steps for activating both cooling and cleaning modes are as follows:

[0076] 1) Both cooling and cleaning functions are turned on;

[0077] 2) First water pump 9 is shut down;

[0078] 3) Determine if the water level in water tank 8 has reached the cleanability standard;

[0079] If so, proceed to step 5);

[0080] If not, proceed to step 4);

[0081] 4) Manually add water until the water level is sufficient for washing, then proceed to step 5);

[0082] 5) The second water pump 10 is turned on, and the second atomizer 12 is started;

[0083] 6) Cleaning complete;

[0084] 7) Evaporator 5 produces condensate;

[0085] 8) Condenser 4 consumes and evaporates condensate;

[0086] 9) Unused condensate flows into water tank 8;

[0087] 10) Determine whether the water level in water tank 8 exceeds the set warning line using liquid level sensor 13;

[0088] If so, the first water pump 9 remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer 11 and sprayed onto the condenser 4, then proceeds to step 11);

[0089] If not, the first water pump 9 remains off and proceeds to step 7);

[0090] 11) Turn off the cooling.

Claims

1. A control method for an air-conditioning type range hood, the air-conditioning type range hood comprising a housing (1), wherein a fume extraction component and an air conditioning component are installed inside the housing (1), the fume extraction component comprising a fume extraction fan (2), the fume extraction fan (2) comprising a volute (21) and an impeller (22) disposed inside the volute, the air conditioning component comprising a compressor (3), a condenser (4) and an evaporator (5), the compressor (3), the condenser (4) and the evaporator (5) being connected via a refrigerant pipeline (6), characterized in that: Below the evaporator (5) is a water collection box (7) for collecting condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator. The condenser (4) is located below the water collection box (7). The condensate water in the water collection box (7) can drip onto the condenser (4). Below the condenser (4) is a water tank (8) for collecting condensate water flowing down from the surface of the condenser. The water tank (8) is equipped with a first water pump (9) and a second water pump (10). The outlet of the first water pump (9) is connected to a pump that can pump water towards the condenser (4). The first atomizer (11) sprays water, and the outlet of the second water pump (10) is connected to a second atomizer (12) that can spray water into the volute (21). A liquid level sensor (13) is installed in the water tank (8), and a controller is also included. The controller can receive the water level signal from the liquid level sensor (13) and control the first water pump (9) and the second water pump (10) accordingly based on the received water level signal. The control method of this air-conditioning range hood has a cooling mode and a cleaning mode. The cooling mode includes the following steps: S1. Turn on the cooling function of the range hood; S2, Evaporator (5) produces condensate; S3, Condenser (4) consumes and evaporates condensate; S4. Unused condensate flows into the water tank (8); S5. Determine whether the water level in the water tank (8) exceeds the set warning line by using the liquid level sensor (13); If so, the first water pump (9) remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer (11) and sprayed onto the condenser (4), and then proceeds to step S6; If not, the first water pump (9) remains off and proceeds to step S2; S6. Turn off cooling; The cleaning mode includes the following steps: s1. Turn on the cleaning function; s2. Determine whether the water level in the water tank (8) has reached the cleanable standard by using the liquid level sensor (13); If so, proceed to step s4; If not, proceed to step s3; s3. Manually add water to reach the washable water level, then proceed to step s4; s4, the second water pump (10) is turned on, and the second atomizer (12) is turned on; s5. Cleaning complete.

2. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporator (5) and condenser (4) are both inclined relative to the vertical plane. The bottom of the water collection box (7) has a water outlet (71), and the vertical projection of the water outlet (71) falls on the upper part of the condenser (4).

3. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water receiving box (14) is provided below the condenser (4). The water receiving box (14) is located above the water tank (8). The outlet of the water receiving box (14) is connected to the water tank (8) through a water outlet pipe (15).

4. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: An air outlet channel (16) is provided inside the housing (1), and an air outlet fan (17) and the evaporator (5) are provided inside the air outlet channel (16). Furthermore, along the air flow direction, the evaporator (5) is located upstream or downstream of the air outlet fan (17).

5. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exhaust fan (17) is located at the top of the housing (1), the air inlet (161) of the exhaust channel (16) is located at the top of the housing (1), and the air outlet (162) of the exhaust channel (16) is located at the upper part of the front of the housing (1).

6. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fume extractor (2) is located on the right side of the housing (1) and below the exhaust fan (17). The compressor (3) is installed inside the housing (1) and located to the lower left of the fume extractor (2).

7. The control method for an air-conditioning type range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that... This air-conditioning type range hood also features a mode that activates both cooling and cleaning simultaneously. This mode includes the following steps: 1) Both cooling and cleaning functions are turned on; 2) The first water pump (9) is shut down; 3) Determine whether the water level in the water tank (8) has reached the standard for cleaning; If so, proceed to step 5). If not, proceed to step 4). 4) Manually add water until the water level is sufficient for washing, then proceed to step 5). 5) The second water pump (10) is turned on, and the second atomizer (12) is started; 6) Cleaning complete; 7) The evaporator (5) produces condensate; 8) The condenser (4) consumes and evaporates condensate; 9) Unused condensate flows into the water tank (8); 10) Determine whether the water level in the water tank (8) exceeds the set warning line by using the liquid level sensor (13); If so, the first water pump (9) remains on, and the condensate is atomized by the first atomizer (11) and sprayed onto the condenser (4), then proceeding to step 11). If not, the first water pump (9) remains off and proceeds to step 7). 11) Turn off the cooling.

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