Water heating and air conditioning all-in-one machine for motor home

Abstract

The motor home hot water and air conditioner all-in-one machine comprises an embedded box body and a controller, a partition plate is installed in the middle of the embedded box body, a finned heat exchanger and a compressor are installed on the portion, located on the front side of the partition plate, of the embedded box body, and a fan is installed on the portion, located on the front side of the finned heat exchanger, of the embedded box body. A first four-way valve and a second four-way valve are installed at the position, above the compressor, of the partition plate, a water tank frame and a filtering assembly are installed at the position, on the rear side of the partition plate, of the embedded box body, two heater water tanks are installed on the water tank frame, and a heat exchange coil pipe is installed in one of the heater water tanks; the condensate water drainage pipe is connected with the ultraviolet sterilization box through a pipeline, and the ultraviolet sterilization box is connected with the coarse filtering water tank through a pipeline. The double four-way valves are independently controlled, refrigeration / heating / heat recovery modes can be flexibly switched, the use requirements of the motor home in different seasons and different travel scenes are met, and adjustment is more flexible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of RV air conditioning technology, specifically an integrated RV hot water and air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] The defining characteristic of a motorhome is its ability to provide both roadside accommodation and recreational space. RV users typically require hot water for showering, washing, and cooking, as well as heating in cold weather. Heating in motorhomes is usually quite simple: hot water is supplied by a dedicated electric water heater, and heating is provided by an air conditioner.

[0003] The existing RVs have separate air conditioners and water heaters. This results in an unattractive appearance and the air conditioner compressor's energy efficiency is not being utilized. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a combined hot water and air conditioning unit for RVs to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a mobile home hot water and air conditioning unit, comprising an embedded housing and a controller. A partition is installed in the middle of the embedded housing. A finned heat exchanger and a compressor are installed on the front side of the embedded housing at the partition. A fan is installed on the front side of the finned heat exchanger in the embedded housing. A first four-way valve and a second four-way valve are installed on the partition above the compressor. A water tank rack and a filter assembly are installed on the rear side of the embedded housing at the partition. Two heater tanks are installed on the water tank rack, one of which contains a heat exchange coil. The condensate drain pipe is connected to an ultraviolet sterilization box via a pipe. The ultraviolet sterilization box is connected to a coarse filter tank via a pipe. The outlet pipe of the coarse filter tank is connected to a water pump via a pipe. The water pump is connected to the filter assembly via a pipe.

[0006] Preferably, the coarse filtration tank includes a tank body, a filter element, and a dual float level switch, with the filter element and the dual float level switch installed inside the tank body.

[0007] Preferably, the filtration assembly includes a first filter, a second filter, and an RO membrane filter, which are connected sequentially by pipes. The water pump is connected to the first filter by a pipe, the outlet of the RO membrane filter is connected to a pure water pressure tank by a pipe, and the second filter is provided with a drain pipe, which is connected to a domestic water tank.

[0008] Preferably, both the first filter and the second filter are PP cotton filter cartridges.

[0009] Preferably, the embedded housing is provided with a controller mounting box for mounting the controller, and the bottom of the controller mounting box is provided with heat dissipation fins.

[0010] Preferably, a temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchange coil.

[0011] Preferably, the embedded housing has Freon filling ports on its top and sides, and an outer panel is installed on the front side of the embedded housing.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0013] 1. The embedded enclosure and partitioned design integrate the core air conditioning components (compressor, heat exchanger, four-way valve), hot water module (heater tank, heat exchange coil), and water purification system (filter components, sterilization box) into one unit, significantly reducing the space occupied by individual devices and meeting the compact layout requirements of RVs. The centralized component layout, along with refrigerant charging ports on the top and sides of the enclosure, makes refrigerant replenishment and core component maintenance more convenient. The protective outer panel design also reduces the impact of dust and vibration on the equipment in mobile environments.

[0014] 2. Heat Recovery and Reuse: During air conditioning operation, waste heat from cooling and heating is transferred to the heater water tank through heat exchange coils, producing hot water without additional electricity consumption, reducing energy consumption and improving the overall energy efficiency of the system. Condensate Utilization: Condensate generated by the air conditioner is recovered and, after multi-stage treatment, supplied separately to drinking water and domestic water, alleviating the water replenishment problem in RVs, achieving water resource recycling, and reducing waste.

[0015] 3. A one-stop solution for the three core needs of RVs: air conditioning temperature control (cooling / heating), domestic hot water supply, and safe drinking water preparation, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems and reducing equipment costs and installation complexity. The water purification system features separate outputs: pure water for drinking and concentrated water for domestic use, adapting to different water usage scenarios.

[0016] 4. Intelligent monitoring and protection: A temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchange coil to regulate the heat exchange status in real time; the coarse filter water tank is equipped with a dual float level switch, and the water pump will only be started to perform subsequent filtration operations when the water level in the tank reaches the specified height (otherwise, since the condensate is generated relatively slowly, if the water pump is kept on, most of the water drawn in will be air).

[0017] 5. Dual four-way valves provide independent control, allowing for flexible switching between cooling / heating / heat recovery modes to meet the usage needs of RVs in different seasons and travel scenarios, offering greater flexibility in adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure when the controller mounting box is removed;

[0022] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A structural diagram from the rear view;

[0023] Figure 5 This is the present invention. Figure 4 Partial structural diagram;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the coarse filtration water tank of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the coarse filtration tank of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter component of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the compressor part of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A structural diagram from the rear view;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the invention when it is not in operation;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the single-cooling principle of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when cooling a single room;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of single-stage refrigeration and heat recovery in this invention.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when refrigeration and heat recovery are performed in a single room;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the invention when heating is the only function;

[0035] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when heating a single room.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when heating or producing hot water only;

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when a single room is used for heating and hot water production;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the present invention when hot water is supplied separately.

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Embedded housing; 2. Freon filling port; 3. Outer panel; 4. Finned heat exchanger; 5. Compressor; 6. Ultraviolet sterilization chamber; 7. Filter assembly; 8. Controller mounting box; 9. Water tank rack; 10. Partition; 11. First four-way valve; 12. Second four-way valve; 13. Coarse filter water tank; 14. Water pump; 15. Heater water tank; 16. Heat exchange coil; 71. First filter; 72. Second filter; 73. RO membrane filter; 131. Housing; 132. Dual float level switch; 133. Filter element. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0041] Please see Figure 1-20In this embodiment of the invention, a mobile home hot water and air conditioning unit includes an embedded housing 1 and a controller. The embedded housing 1 contains a controller mounting box 8 for installing the controller. The bottom of the controller mounting box 8 is provided with heat dissipation fins. The top and sides of the embedded housing 1 are provided with refrigerant charging ports 2. An outer plate 3 is installed on the front side of the embedded housing 1. A partition 10 is installed in the middle of the embedded housing 1. A finned heat exchanger 4 and a compressor 5 are installed on the embedded housing 1 in front of the partition 10. A fan is installed on the embedded housing 1 in front of the finned heat exchanger 4. The partition 10 is located on the side of the compressor... A first four-way valve 11 and a second four-way valve 12 are installed above the 5. The embedded housing 1 is located behind the partition 10 and is equipped with a water tank frame 9 and a filter assembly 7. The water tank frame 9 is equipped with two heater water tanks 15. One of the heater water tanks 15 is equipped with a heat exchange coil 16. A temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchange coil 16. An independent heat exchanger is set below the heater water tank 15 at the bottom (the independent heat exchanger contains circulating antifreeze. The functions of the independent heat exchanger are: first, to preheat the cold water tank; second, to install the RV floor heating; and third, to connect a small heater and place it below, because heat rises in winter, so it can blow warm air).

[0042] The condensate drain pipe is connected to the ultraviolet sterilization box 6 via a pipe. The ultraviolet sterilization box 6 is connected to the coarse filter water tank 13 via a pipe. The outlet pipe of the coarse filter water tank 13 is connected to the water pump 14 via a pipe. The water pump 14 is connected to the filter assembly 7 via a pipe.

[0043] The coarse filtration tank 13 includes a tank body 131, a filter element 133, and a dual float level switch 132. The filter element 133 and the dual float level switch 132 are installed inside the tank body 131. The water pump is only started to perform subsequent filtration operations when the water level in the tank body 131 reaches a specified height (otherwise, since the condensate is generated relatively slowly, if the water pump is kept on, most of the water drawn in will be air).

[0044] The filtration assembly 7 includes a first filter 71, a second filter 72, and an RO membrane filter 73. The first filter 71, the second filter 72, and the RO membrane filter 73 are connected sequentially by pipes. The water pump 14 is connected to the first filter 71 by a pipe. The outlet of the RO membrane filter 73 is connected to a pure water pressure tank by a pipe. The second filter 72 is provided with a drain pipe, which is connected to a domestic water tank. Both the first filter 71 and the second filter 72 use PP cotton filter element 133 filters.

[0045] The exhaust port of compressor 5 is connected to the intake port of the first four-way valve 11; the water outlet port of the first four-way valve 11 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange coil 16 in the heater water tank 15; a temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchange coil 16 and connected to the corresponding port of the second four-way valve 12; the heat exchange port of the second four-way valve 12 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the finned heat exchanger 4 and the flow direction is switched according to the cooling / heating mode; the finned heat exchanger 4 is connected back to the suction port of compressor 5 to complete the refrigerant circulation.

[0046] The air conditioner condensate drain pipe is connected to the inlet of the UV sterilization box (6 inlets).

[0047] The water inlet of the housing 131 receives water from the ultraviolet sterilization box 6. After being filtered by the internal filter element 133, the water is connected to the water pump 14 through the water outlet pipe at the bottom of the housing.

[0048] Pretreatment stage: The outlet of the ultraviolet sterilization box 6 is connected to the inlet of the coarse filter water tank 13;

[0049] Pressurized delivery: The outlet pipe of the coarse filter water tank 13 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 14;

[0050] Multi-stage filtration process: The outlet of water pump 14 is connected to the inlet of the first filter 71 of filter assembly 7; the outlet of the first filter 71 is connected to the inlet of the second filter 72; the outlet of the second filter 72 is connected to the inlet of the RO membrane filter 73.

[0051] The entire system uses a DC inverter compressor as its core power source. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor first enters the exhaust inlet of the first four-way reversing valve, selecting different paths depending on the activation status of the heat recovery function.

[0052] 1. When the heat recovery function is activated (first four-way valve de-energized): The refrigerant flows to the heat exchange coil inside the hot water tank, exchanging heat with the domestic water. This process cools the refrigerant while heating the water in the tank. The refrigerant then flows out from the middle port of the first four-way valve and into the second four-way reversing valve. At this time, the system simultaneously outputs a heat recovery activation signal to the water heater control board.

[0053] 2. When the heat recovery function is off (the first four-way valve is energized and open): the refrigerant bypasses the hot water tank directly, without heat exchange, and enters the second four-way reversing valve directly. At this time, the heat recovery activation signal is turned off.

[0054] The second four-way reversing valve is the key to switching between cooling and heating cycles:

[0055] 1. Refrigeration cycle (power off the second four-way valve): The refrigerant flows from the second four-way valve to the outdoor finned heat exchanger (which acts as a condenser at this time). After heat dissipation and condensation, it passes through two parallel electronic expansion valves (which control the two indoor units respectively) to reduce pressure and become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. It then enters the indoor unit evaporator to absorb heat and cool down. Finally, it returns to the designated interface of the second four-way valve and then returns to the compressor suction port to complete the cycle.

[0056] Heating cycle (second four-way valve energized): The refrigerant flows directly from the second four-way valve to the indoor unit heat exchanger (which acts as a condenser at this time) to release heat and provide heating. Then, it passes through the electronic expansion valve to reduce pressure and enters the outdoor unit (which acts as an evaporator at this time) to absorb heat. Finally, it returns to the second four-way valve and the compressor.

[0057] Heating only mode (no hot water): The first four-way valve is energized, and the second four-way valve is energized (heating cycle). The compressor exhaust bypasses the hot water tank and directly enters the indoor unit for condensation and heat release, providing only heating for the vehicle cabin and not heating domestic hot water. In this mode, the heat recovery activation signal is turned off.

[0058] Heating / Hot Water Mode: The first four-way valve is de-energized (via the hot water tank), and the second four-way valve is energized (heating circulation). This provides both passenger compartment heating and domestic hot water heating. In this mode, the heat recovery activation signal is activated.

[0059] Independent hot water mode: The first four-way valve is de-energized (via the hot water tank), and the second four-way valve is energized (heating cycle logic). The indoor fan is forcibly stopped, and the damper is closed to prevent heat from dissipating into the vehicle compartment. The compressor exhaust condenses in the hot water tank and the indoor unit's heat exchanger (the indoor unit has no ventilation, so heat dissipation is negligible), and after throttling, it evaporates and absorbs heat in the outdoor unit. In this mode, the heat recovery activation signal is activated.

[0060] The working principle of this invention is:

[0061] I. Core Power and Refrigerant Cycle Principles: Basic Air Conditioning Temperature Control

[0062] 1. Power Output Core

[0063] Compressor 5 is the power source of the entire system. After being powered on, it compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, providing the energy basis for air conditioning temperature regulation and heat recovery.

[0064] 2. Four-way valve switching logic loop path control

[0065] The first four-way valve 11 controls whether the refrigerant enters the heat exchange coil 16 of the heater water tank 15, and is the "switch" for the heat recovery function.

[0066] The second four-way valve 12 switches the refrigerant circulation direction to achieve the conversion between cooling and heating modes, and is the core switching component for air conditioner temperature control.

[0067] 3. Cooling mode cycle process

[0068] Compressor 5 discharges high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas → First four-way valve 11 → If heat recovery is closed, it directly enters the second four-way valve 12; if heat recovery is open, it first flows through heat exchange coil 16 to release some heat.

[0069] The refrigerant enters the second four-way valve 12 → finned heat exchanger 4, which acts as a condenser. The fan accelerates the airflow, dissipating the heat of the refrigerant to the outside, and the refrigerant condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid.

[0070] The document does not explicitly mention that the condensed refrigerant returns to the heat exchanger inside the passenger compartment after being throttled and depressurized. It is a core component of the air conditioning unit on the indoor side, where it evaporates and absorbs heat to lower the temperature inside the passenger compartment, eventually turning back into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas.

[0071] The low-temperature, low-pressure gas returns to the suction port of compressor 5 via the second four-way valve 12, completing the refrigeration cycle.

[0072] 4. Heating mode circulation process

[0073] Compressor 5 discharges high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas → First four-way valve 11 → Second four-way valve 12 switch the heating path → The heat exchanger in the carriage absorbs heat through evaporation and then releases heat through condensation, releasing heat into the carriage.

[0074] After releasing heat, the refrigerant → throttling and pressure reduction → finned heat exchanger 4 acts as an evaporator, absorbing heat from the outside and evaporating into gas.

[0075] After evaporation, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 5 via the second four-way valve 12, completing the heating cycle. If heat recovery is activated, the refrigerant will first release heat through the heat exchange coil 16 to heat the hot water before entering the subsequent cycle.

[0076] II. Principles of Heat Recovery and Hot Water Preparation

[0077] 1. Core Logic of Heat Recovery

[0078] By utilizing the waste heat from the refrigerant during air conditioning operation, and part of the heat from heating, heat exchange is conducted between the heat exchange coil 16 and the water in the heater tank 15, thus producing hot water without the need for additional electrical energy consumption.

[0079] 2. Hot water heating process

[0080] When the heat recovery function is activated, the first four-way valve 11 switches to the "flow through heat exchange coil" path, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows through the heat exchange coil 16 in the heater water tank 15.

[0081] The refrigerant conducts heat with the water in the tank, cooling the air conditioner without affecting its circulation efficiency, while the water in the tank absorbs heat and heats up.

[0082] The temperature sensor at the outlet of heat exchange coil 16 monitors the refrigerant temperature in real time and feeds the data back to the controller. The controller adjusts the compressor speed and the status of the four-way valve according to the temperature change to ensure that the hot water temperature is stable and avoids overheating or insufficient heat exchange.

[0083] Two heaters and water tanks 15 can store and store hot water for backup, ensuring a continuous supply.

[0084] III. Condensate Recovery and Water Production Principles

[0085] 1. Condensate collection basics

[0086] When the air conditioner is cooling / dehumidifying, water vapor in the air inside the vehicle will condense on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger to form condensate. The condensate will then flow naturally through a dedicated drain pipe and enter the treatment circuit by gravity.

[0087] 2. Multi-stage treatment process from condensate to drinking water / domestic water

[0088] Sterilization pretreatment: Condensate first flows into the ultraviolet sterilization chamber 6, where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 254nm to kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the water, ensuring the safety of the water quality in subsequent treatments.

[0089] Coarse filtration and water level control: After sterilization, the water enters the coarse filtration tank 13. The filter element 133 in the tank filters suspended impurities and particulate matter in the water. At the same time, the dual float level switch 132 monitors the water level. When the water level reaches the set high level, the water pump 14 is triggered to start. When the water level is low, the water pump is turned off to prevent the water pump from running dry or the water tank from overflowing.

[0090] Pressurized fine filtration: Water pump 14 pressurizes the coarsely filtered water and sends it into filter assembly 7.

[0091] The first filter, a 71PP cotton filter element, further filters out fine impurities, rust, etc., and protects subsequent filter elements.

[0092] The second filter, a 72PP cotton filter element, deeply filters residual impurities, improving water cleanliness.

[0093] Reverse osmosis purification: Water filtered through two stages of PP cotton enters the RO membrane filter 73. The RO membrane has a pore size of only 0.0001 microns, which can intercept harmful substances such as heavy metals, soluble salts, and organic matter in the water, and separate pure water.

[0094] Distribute and utilize:

[0095] Pure water is piped into a pure water pressure tank for direct drinking. Water is drained through the second filter 72 into a domestic water tank for non-drinking uses such as washing and cleaning, achieving zero water waste.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A motor home hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine, comprising an embedded box (1) and a controller, characterized in that: The middle part of the embedded box (1) is provided with a partition plate (10), the front side of the partition plate (10) is provided with a fin heat exchanger (4) and a compressor (5), the front side of the embedded box (1) is provided with a fan, the partition plate (10) is provided with a first four-way valve (11) and a second four-way valve (12) above the compressor (5), the rear side of the embedded box (1) is provided with a water tank frame (9) and a filter assembly (7), the water tank frame (9) is provided with two heater water tanks (15), one of the heater water tanks (15) is provided with a heat exchange coil (16). The condensate water drain pipe is connected with the ultraviolet sterilization box (6) through a pipeline, the ultraviolet sterilization box (6) is connected with the rough filter water tank (13) through a pipeline, the outlet pipe of the rough filter water tank (13) is connected with the water pump (14) through a pipeline, and the water pump (14) is connected with the filter assembly (7) through a pipeline.

2. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 1, wherein: The rough filter water tank (13) comprises a box body (131), a filter core (133) and a double-float liquid level switch (132), and the filter core (133) and the double-float liquid level switch (132) are arranged in the box body (131).

3. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 1, wherein: The filter assembly (7) comprises a first filter (71), a second filter (72) and an RO membrane filter (73), the first filter (71), the second filter (72) and the RO membrane filter (73) are sequentially connected through pipelines, the water pump (14) is connected with the first filter (71) through a pipeline, the outlet of the RO membrane filter (73) is connected with a pure water pressure tank through a pipeline, and the second filter (72) is provided with a drain pipe connected with a domestic water tank.

4. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 3, wherein: The first filter (71) and the second filter (72) are both PP cotton filter cores (133) filters.

5. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 1, wherein: The embedded box (1) is provided with a controller mounting box (8) for mounting a controller, and the bottom end of the controller mounting box (8) is provided with heat dissipation fins.

6. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 1, wherein: A temperature sensor is arranged at the outlet of the heat exchange coil (16).

7. The RV hot water air conditioner all-in-one machine of claim 1, wherein: The top and side surfaces of the embedded box (1) are provided with freon filling ports (2), and the front side of the embedded box (1) is provided with an outer plate (3).

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