Condensate water purification and recovery type air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of air conditioners, and discloses a condensate water purification and recovery type air conditioner which comprises an outdoor unit body, one side of the outdoor unit body is connected with a water outlet pipe, the other side of the water outlet pipe is connected with a first filter cartridge, a first mounting groove is formed in the first filter cartridge, and the first mounting groove is used for containing a UV sterilization cylinder; and one end, far away from the first filter cartridge, of the first filter cartridge is connected with a first connecting pipe. According to the air conditioner, liquid water generated by refrigeration under the combined action of the outdoor unit body and the indoor unit body is finally intensively discharged through the water guide pipe of the outdoor unit body and enters the first filter cartridge under the action of the water pump, the water pump only runs for a short time during water production, an original electric power system of the air conditioner is utilized, and the overall energy consumption is lower than that of independent water purification equipment; a UV sterilization cylinder is arranged in the first filter cylinder, and the UV sterilization cylinder utilizes ultraviolet rays to destroy DNA or RNA structures of microorganisms, so that the microorganisms lose the reproductive capacity, and the sterilization effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and more particularly to a condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning, short for air conditioner, is a device that artificially regulates indoor temperature, humidity, air quality, and airflow. Air conditioning cooling involves a compressor compressing a gaseous refrigerant (such as Freon) into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then sent to the outdoor unit's condenser to liquefy and release heat. The liquid refrigerant enters the indoor unit's evaporator through a capillary tube, where a sudden pressure drop causes evaporation and heat absorption, drawing heat from the room. A fan then blows cool air into the room. Air conditioning can also provide heating; this is achieved by reversing the refrigerant flow using a four-way valve, causing the outdoor unit to absorb heat and the indoor unit to release it. Air conditioning is now widely used in homes and commercial settings.

[0003] In existing technology, air conditioners are used for cooling or heating in home or commercial settings to maintain a relatively constant indoor temperature for human comfort. However, when air conditioners are cooling, they produce condensate. Condensate is liquid water formed by the condensation of water vapor in the air when it encounters cold air (air conditioner evaporator). Its main component is pure water. The condensate from air conditioners is directly discharged into drainage pipes or directly discharged outdoors, wasting water resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a condensate purification and recovery air conditioner to address the issue that in the prior art, air conditioners, as devices used for cooling or heating in home or commercial settings, maintain a relatively constant indoor temperature for human comfort. However, when air conditioners are cooling, they produce condensate, which is liquid water formed by the condensation of water vapor in the air upon encountering cold (air conditioner evaporator). Its main component is pure water. The condensate from air conditioners is directly discharged into drainage pipes or directly discharged outdoors, wasting water resources.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution.

[0006] A condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit body, a water outlet pipe connected to one side of the outdoor unit body, a first filter cartridge connected to the other side of the water outlet pipe, a first mounting groove inside the first filter cartridge for accommodating a UV sterilization cartridge, a first connecting pipe connected to the end of the first filter cartridge away from the first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe, a second mounting groove inside the second filter cartridge for accommodating an RO filter element, a second connecting pipe connected to the end of the second filter cartridge away from the first connecting pipe, an indoor unit body connected to one side of the second connecting pipe, and a third connecting pipe connected to the lower end of the indoor unit body.

[0007] In one embodiment, a first flange is connected to the end of the water outlet pipe away from the main body of the outdoor unit, a second flange is provided on the other side of the first flange, a sealing gasket is provided between the first flange and the second flange, and mounting bolts are provided at equal intervals through the outer rings of the first flange and the second flange.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first flange is connected to the second flange via mounting bolts to form a detachable structure. A first flange and a second flange are provided between the water outlet pipe and the first filter cylinder. The first filter cylinder is connected to the water outlet pipe via the first flange, the second flange, and mounting bolts to form a detachable structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, two sets of the first flange, the second flange, the gasket, and the mounting bolts are provided, and another set of the first flange, the second flange, the gasket, and the mounting bolts are provided between the second filter cylinder and the second connecting pipe for connecting the second filter cylinder and the second connecting pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, a water pump is provided between the second connecting pipe and the indoor unit body, the water pump being used to directionally extract water from the water pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second connecting pipe passes through the indoor unit body and connects to the third connecting pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lower end of the third connecting pipe is connected to a connecting hose, the third connecting pipe being a rigid pipe body, and the connecting hose being a gel hose.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lower end of the connecting hose is provided with an access pipe, and the access pipe has a reserved opening through it. The diameter of the reserved opening is larger than the diameter of the connecting hose, and the connecting hose can be inserted into the reserved opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, a water storage tank is connected to the lower end of the inlet pipe. Metering lines are printed on the outer wall of the water storage tank. A control faucet is provided on one side of the water storage tank, and a water outlet pipe is connected to the lower end of the control faucet.

[0015] In one embodiment, a heat dissipation vent is provided on one side of the outdoor unit body in an annular shape. A fixing rod is welded and fixed inside the outdoor unit body. A motor is provided on one side of the fixing rod. A rotating shaft is connected to one side of the motor. Fan blades are arranged in an annular shape at equal intervals on the outer side of the rotating shaft.

[0016] This invention provides a condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages: The liquid water produced by the combined cooling action of the outdoor and indoor units is ultimately discharged through the water pipe of the outdoor unit. The water pump is activated, and the water enters the first filter cartridge. The water pump only operates briefly during water production and utilizes the existing power system of the air conditioner, resulting in lower overall energy consumption than independent water purification equipment. The first filter cartridge contains a UV sterilization cartridge. This technology uses ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA or RNA structure of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and thus achieving sterilization. It primarily relies on the highly efficient sterilization effect of the UVC band (100-280nm). After sterilization, the water enters the first connecting pipe and then flows into the second filter cartridge, which contains an RO filter element. The filter cartridge features an RO membrane, whose core function is to achieve high-precision water purification. It removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, microorganisms, and other impurities from the water through reverse osmosis. The RO membrane is also reverse osmotic; by applying external force through a high-pressure water pump, water molecules overcome osmotic pressure and permeate from a high-concentration solution to a low-concentration solution. Approximately 99% of dissolved substances are retained on the RO membrane surface. After passing through the UV sterilization cartridge and the RO filter cartridge, the water achieves a purification and recovery standard of ≥99.9% bacterial removal rate, ≥99% heavy metal (lead, mercury, cadmium) removal rate, and ≤50mg / L total dissolved solids (TDS) content. This integrates air conditioning and water purification functions, purifying and recycling condensate. When water is needed, place the water container at the bottom of the outlet pipe, turn on the control faucet, and water will flow from the outlet pipe into the water container. While the air conditioner has a cooling function, it can also turn the condensate into purified water. Compared with traditional air conditioners that directly discharge condensate, this design transforms "wastewater" into recyclable water that meets high purification standards, greatly improving resource utilization. Through three core innovations—resource recycling, deep purification, and integrated structure—the air conditioner is upgraded from a single temperature control tool to a multifunctional device that combines "environmental regulation and water resource recycling." It is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, convenient, safe, and economical, and is especially suitable for water-scarce areas, with broad market potential and social value. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of a condensate purification and recovery air conditioner.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a rear side view of the three-dimensional structure of a condensate purification and recovery air conditioner.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outdoor unit of a condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the outlet pipe and the water pump of a condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner.

[0021] Figure 5 Condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connecting hose and the water storage tank for a condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the left side after the UV sterilization cartridge and RO filter element of the condensate purification and recovery air conditioner are removed from inside the first and second filter cartridges.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the right side after the UV sterilization cartridge and RO filter element of the condensate purification and recovery air conditioner are removed from inside the first and second filter cartridges.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the first flange and the second flange of a condensate purification and recovery air conditioner are separated.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Outdoor unit body; 2. Water guide pipe; 3. First flange; 4. Second flange; 5. Mounting bolts; 6. First filter cartridge; 7. First mounting slot; 8. UV sterilization cartridge; 9. First connecting pipe; 10. Second filter cartridge; 11. Second mounting slot; 12. RO filter element; 13. Second connecting pipe; 14. Water pump; 15. Indoor unit body; 16. Third connecting pipe; 17. Connecting hose; 18. Inlet pipe; 19. Reserved opening; 20. Water storage tank; 21. Metering line; 22. Control faucet; 23. Water outlet pipe; 24. Heat dissipation vent; 25. Fixing rod; 26. Motor; 27. Rotating shaft; 28. Fan blade; 29. ​​Sealing gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0029] Reference Figures 1-9A condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit body 1, a water guide pipe 2 connected to one side of the outdoor unit body 1, a first filter cartridge 6 connected to the other side of the water guide pipe 2, a first mounting groove 7 inside the first filter cartridge 6 for accommodating a UV sterilization cartridge 8, a first connecting pipe 9 connected to the end of the first filter cartridge 6 away from the first filter cartridge 6, a second filter cartridge 10 connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe 9, a second mounting groove 11 inside the second filter cartridge 10 for accommodating an RO filter element 12, a second connecting pipe 13 connected to the end of the second filter cartridge 10 away from the first connecting pipe 9, an indoor unit body 15 connected to one side of the second connecting pipe 13, and a third connecting pipe 16 connected to the lower end of the indoor unit body 15.

[0030] The liquid water produced by the combined cooling action of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 15 is ultimately discharged through the water pipe 2 of the outdoor unit 1. The water pump 14 is then activated, and the water enters the first filter cartridge 6. The water pump 14 only operates briefly during water production and utilizes the existing power system of the air conditioner, resulting in lower overall energy consumption than independent water purification equipment. The first filter cartridge 6 contains a UV sterilization cartridge 8. This UV sterilization cartridge 8 utilizes ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA or RNA structure of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and thus achieving a sterilization effect. It primarily relies on the highly efficient sterilization effect of the UVC band (100-280nm). After sterilization, the water enters the first connecting pipe 9 and then flows into the second filter cartridge 10, which contains an RO (reverse osmosis) reactor. Filter cartridge 12, RO filter cartridge 12 has an RO membrane. The core function of the RO membrane is to achieve high-precision water purification. It removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, microorganisms and other impurities in the water through reverse osmosis. The RO membrane has reverse osmosis properties. When the high-pressure water pump 14 applies external force, water molecules overcome the osmotic pressure and permeate from the high concentration solution to the low concentration solution. About 99% of the dissolved substances are trapped on the surface of the RO membrane. After the water is treated by the UV sterilization cartridge 8 and RO filter cartridge 12, it achieves the purification and recovery standards of bacterial removal rate ≥99.9%, heavy metal (lead, mercury, cadmium) removal rate ≥99%, and total dissolved solids (TDS) content ≤50mg / L. It integrates air conditioning and water purification functions and purifies and recovers condensate.

[0031] The end of the water pipe 2 away from the outdoor unit body 1 is connected to a first flange 3. A second flange 4 is provided on the other side of the first flange 3. A sealing gasket 29 is provided between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. Mounting bolts 5 are provided at equal intervals through the outer rings of the first flange 3 and the second flange 4.

[0032] The first flange 3 is connected to the second flange 4 by mounting bolts 5 to form a disassembly structure. The first flange 3 and the second flange 4 are provided between the water pipe 2 and the first filter cylinder 6. The first filter cylinder 6 is connected to the water pipe 2 by the first flange 3, the second flange 4 and the mounting bolts 5 to form a disassembly structure.

[0033] Two sets of first flange 3, second flange 4, sealing gasket 29 and mounting bolt 5 are provided. Another set of first flange 3, second flange 4, sealing gasket 29 and mounting bolt 5 is provided between the second filter cylinder 10 and the second connecting pipe 13 for connecting the second filter cylinder 10 and the second connecting pipe 13.

[0034] When it is necessary to replace the UV sterilization cartridge 8 or the RO filter element 12, use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts 5 on both sides of the first filter cartridge 6 and the second filter cartridge 10 from the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. The UV sterilization cartridge 8 can be removed and replaced from the first mounting groove 7 in the first filter cartridge 6, and the RO filter element 12 can be removed and replaced from the second mounting groove 11 in the second filter cartridge 10. During installation, a sealing gasket 29 is provided between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. The sealing gasket 29 is made of rubber. After the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 are fixed with the mounting bolts 5, the sealing gasket 29 can improve the sealing of the connection. The UV sterilization cartridge 8 and the RO filter element 12 can be maintained or upgraded independently, reducing the later maintenance costs and extending the service life of the air conditioning unit.

[0035] A water pump 14 is installed between the second connecting pipe 13 and the indoor unit body 15. The water pump 14 is used to draw water from the water pipe 2 in a directional manner.

[0036] The second connecting pipe 13 passes through the indoor unit body 15 and connects to the third connecting pipe 16.

[0037] The lower end of the third connecting pipe 16 is connected to a connecting hose 17. The third connecting pipe 16 is a rigid pipe, and the connecting hose 17 is a gel hose.

[0038] The lower end of the connecting hose 17 is provided with an access pipe 18, and the access pipe 18 has a reserved opening 19 through it. The diameter of the reserved opening 19 is larger than the diameter of the connecting hose 17, and the connecting hose 17 can be inserted into the reserved opening 19.

[0039] The lower end of the inlet pipe 18 is connected to a water storage tank 20. The outer wall of the water storage tank 20 is engraved with a metering line 21. A control faucet 22 is installed on one side of the water storage tank 20. The lower end of the control faucet 22 is connected to a water outlet pipe 23.

[0040] After passing through the second connecting pipe 13, the water flows into the third connecting pipe 16 and is discharged through the connecting hose 17. The connecting hose 17 is a food-grade hose. After bending the connecting hose 17, it is inserted into the reserved opening 19 of the inlet pipe 18. The water flows into the water storage tank 20 and is collected. The water storage tank 20 is a transparent food-grade plastic bucket. The amount of drinkable water collected can be observed through the metering line 21. Users can directly observe the water quality and quantity, and intuitively confirm whether the water is clean and whether water needs to be taken out or added. When there is a large amount of water, a container can be used to collect and take out some of the water.

[0041] The outdoor unit body 1 has a heat dissipation vent 24 in a ring shape on one side. A fixing rod 25 is welded and fixed inside the outdoor unit body 1. A motor 26 is installed on one side of the fixing rod 25. A rotating shaft 27 is connected to one side of the motor 26. Fan blades 28 are arranged in a ring at equal intervals on the outer side of the rotating shaft 27.

[0042] The refrigerant (such as Freon) in an air conditioner mainly functions to transfer heat through evaporation and condensation cycles to achieve a cooling effect. When the air conditioner is cooling, water vapor in the air will condense into liquid water on the surface of the evaporator.

[0043] During operation, the liquid water produced by the combined cooling action of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 15 is discharged through the water pipe 2 of the outdoor unit 1. The water pump 14 is then activated, and the water enters the first filter cartridge 6. The water pump 14 operates only briefly during water production and utilizes the existing power system of the air conditioner, resulting in lower overall energy consumption than independent water purification equipment. The first filter cartridge 6 contains a UV sterilization cartridge 8. This UV sterilization cartridge 8 utilizes ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA or RNA structure of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and thus achieving a sterilization effect. It primarily relies on the highly efficient killing power of the UVC band (100-280nm). After sterilization, the water enters the first connecting pipe 9 and then flows into the second filter cartridge 10. The second filter cartridge 10 contains an RO filter element 12, which has an RO membrane. The core function of the RO membrane is to achieve high-precision water purification. It removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, microorganisms and other impurities from the water through reverse osmosis. The RO membrane has reverse osmosis properties. When an external force is applied by a high-pressure water pump 14, water molecules overcome the osmotic pressure and permeate from the high-concentration solution to the low-concentration solution. About 99% of the dissolved substances are trapped on the surface of the RO membrane. After the water is treated by the UV sterilization cartridge 8 and the RO filter element 12, the bacterial removal rate reaches ≥99%.The purification and recycling standards include a 9% removal rate of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) ≥99% and a total dissolved solids (TDS) content ≤50mg / L. The system integrates air conditioning and water purification functions, purifying and recycling condensate. The water then flows through the second connecting pipe 13 into the third connecting pipe 16 and is discharged through the connecting hose 17. The connecting hose 17 is made of food-grade material. After bending the connecting hose 17, it is inserted into the reserved opening 19 of the inlet pipe 18, and the water flows into the water storage tank 20 for collection. The water storage tank 20 is made of transparent, food-grade adhesive. The water tank allows users to observe the collected drinking water volume via the meter line 21. Users can directly monitor the water quality and quantity, visually confirming whether the water is clean and whether water needs to be added or removed. When there is a large volume of water, a container can be used to collect some. When water is needed, the container is placed at the lower end of the outlet pipe 23, and the control faucet 22 is turned on, allowing water to flow from the outlet pipe 23 into the container. While providing cooling, the air conditioner can also convert the generated condensate into recyclable water that meets high purification standards, a significant improvement over traditional air conditioners. Direct discharge of condensate significantly improves water resource utilization. During the process, the motor 26 on one side of the fixing rod 25 is started. The motor 26 runs continuously, rotating the shaft 27 and driving the fan blades 28, accelerating the discharge of hot air from the outdoor unit 1 through the heat dissipation vent 24. When replacing the UV sterilization cartridge 8 or the RO filter 12, the mounting bolts 5 on both sides of the first filter cartridge 6 and the second filter cartridge 10 are removed using a wrench from the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. The UV sterilization cartridge 8 can be removed and replaced from the first mounting groove 7 within the first filter cartridge 6, and the RO filter 12 can be removed and replaced from the second mounting groove 11 within the second filter cartridge 10. During installation, a sealing gasket 29 made of rubber is placed between the first flange 3 and the second flange 4. After fixing the first flange 3 and the second flange 4 with the mounting bolts 5, the sealing gasket 29 improves the sealing of the connection. The UV sterilization cartridge 8 and the RO filter 12 can be maintained or upgraded independently, reducing later maintenance costs and extending the service life of the air conditioning unit.

[0044] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A condensate purification and recovery type air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The outdoor unit body (1) is connected to a water pipe (2) on one side and a first filter cylinder (6) on the other side. The first filter cylinder (6) has a first mounting groove (7) inside, which is used to place a UV sterilization cylinder (8). The end of the first filter cylinder (6) away from the first filter cylinder (6) is connected to a first connecting pipe (9). The other end of the first connecting pipe (9) is connected to a second filter cylinder (10). The second filter cylinder (10) has a second mounting groove (11) inside, which is used to place an RO filter element (12). The end of the second filter cylinder (10) away from the first connecting pipe (9) is connected to a second connecting pipe (13). The second connecting pipe (13) is connected to an indoor unit body (15) on one side and a third connecting pipe (16) is connected to the lower end of the indoor unit body (15).

2. The condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pipe (2) is connected to a first flange (3) at one end away from the outdoor unit body (1). A second flange (4) is provided on the other side of the first flange (3). A sealing gasket (29) is provided between the first flange (3) and the second flange (4). Mounting bolts (5) are provided at equal intervals on the outer rings of the first flange (3) and the second flange (4).

3. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first flange (3) is connected to the second flange (4) by mounting bolts (5) to form a disassembly structure. The first flange (3) and the second flange (4) are provided between the water pipe (2) and the first filter cylinder (6). The first filter cylinder (6) is connected to the water pipe (2) by the first flange (3), the second flange (4) and mounting bolts (5) to form a disassembly structure.

4. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first flange (3), the second flange (4), the sealing gasket (29) and the mounting bolt (5) are provided in two sets. The other set of the first flange (3), the second flange (4), the sealing gasket (29) and the mounting bolt (5) is provided between the second filter cylinder (10) and the second connecting pipe (13) for connecting the second filter cylinder (10) and the second connecting pipe (13).

5. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water pump (14) is provided between the second connecting pipe (13) and the indoor unit body (15), and the water pump (14) is used to draw water from the water pipe (2) in a directional manner.

6. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connecting pipe (13) passes through the indoor unit body (15) and connects to the third connecting pipe (16).

7. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the third connecting pipe (16) is connected to a connecting hose (17). The third connecting pipe (16) is a rigid pipe, and the connecting hose (17) is a gel hose.

8. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower end of the connecting hose (17) is provided with an access pipe (18), and the access pipe (18) has a reserved opening (19) through it. The diameter of the reserved opening (19) is larger than the diameter of the connecting hose (17), and the connecting hose (17) can be put into the reserved opening (19).

9. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower end of the access pipe (18) is connected to a water storage tank (20), the outer wall of the water storage tank (20) is engraved with a metering line (21), a control faucet (22) is provided on one side of the water storage tank (20), and the lower end of the control faucet (22) is connected to a water outlet pipe (23).

10. A condensate purification and recovery air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor unit body (1) has a heat dissipation vent (24) on one side in a ring shape. A fixing rod (25) is welded and fixed inside the outdoor unit body (1). A motor (26) is provided on one side of the fixing rod (25). A rotating shaft (27) is connected to one side of the motor (26). Fan blades (28) are arranged in a ring at equal intervals on the outer side of the rotating shaft (27).

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