Condensate atomizing structure
The condensate atomization structure solves the problems of condensate freezing and dripping in air conditioners, enabling effective drainage and safe treatment of condensate, thus improving the reliability and safety of air conditioners.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN NORDICA ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Traditional air conditioners can cause damage to the equipment when the condensate freezes during defrosting in winter. In summer, the condensate can drip and mix with dust to form dirt, which can breed bacteria. Furthermore, the direct discharge of condensate through the drain pipe can cause discomfort.
It adopts a condensate atomization structure, including a water pump, nozzle, atomizing base and temperature control structure. The atomizing base atomizes the condensate and controls the temperature to prevent freezing and dripping.
It enables the smooth drainage of condensate, prevents dripping and freezing, reduces the risk of equipment damage, prevents bacterial growth, simplifies the structure, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN122408237A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a condensate atomization structure. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional air conditioners, when used in heating mode during winter, experience frost buildup on the condenser surface due to its lower temperature compared to the outside environment. The air conditioner then activates its defrosting program, causing the frost to turn into water and accumulate in the drip tray below the condenser. This condensate quickly freezes due to the low outside temperature. This cycle continues, causing the ice in the drip tray to gradually accumulate and rise, eventually surrounding the bottom of the condenser, preventing defrosting, causing the air conditioner to shut down, or even damaging the equipment. Furthermore, during spring and summer, when using cooling mode, the condensate in the drip tray may not evaporate easily due to varying operating conditions in different regions. This condensate can mix with dust in the air, forming dirt and eventually leading to mold and bacterial growth. Therefore, regardless of the season, it is necessary to drain the condensate from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.
[0003] However, traditional air conditioners discharge chilled water directly from the outdoor unit through a drain pipe, which can easily cause dripping. This dripping condensate can easily accumulate, leading to mold and bacterial growth, and may also drip onto passersby, causing discomfort. Summary of the Invention
[0004] One object of the present invention is to solve or alleviate the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0005] The present invention employs a condensate atomization structure, which includes an air conditioner outdoor unit, the air conditioner outdoor unit including a housing and a water receiving tray disposed within the housing; it also includes an atomization structure, the atomization structure including a water pump, a nozzle and a drain pipe provided with an atomization base; the end of the drain pipe away from the atomization base is connected to the water receiving tray via the water pump; the nozzle is fixed to the atomization base and is provided with a spray outlet.
[0006] The present invention achieves the effect of ensuring that the water in the drip tray can be drained smoothly while preventing water from dripping from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.
[0007] A further technical solution is that the atomizing structure also includes a flow guide, which is set inside the outlet of the atomizing base, and the end face of the flow guide near the water pump is provided with multiple flow guide holes.
[0008] This technical solution can improve the atomization effect.
[0009] A further technical solution is that the nozzle includes a nozzle portion that protrudes in the direction away from the atomizing base, and the side of the nozzle portion facing the atomizing base is recessed to form a groove, and the nozzle outlet is a strip-shaped nozzle slit.
[0010] This technical solution enables the water mist sprayed from the nozzle to be flat.
[0011] A further technical solution includes an elastic element and a mounting cap that is threadedly connected to the atomizing base; the elastic element is elastic and is disposed between the nozzle and the atomizing base so that the elastic element and the nozzle are clamped by the inner convex ring of the mounting cap and the atomizing base.
[0012] This technical solution can ensure the sealing between the nozzle and the atomizing base, while also adjusting the overall shape and size of the water mist sprayed from the nozzle.
[0013] Further technical solutions also include a temperature control structure; the temperature control structure includes a heating wire and wires, the heating wire is connected to one of the wires, and the other wires are connected to temperature sensors, and the heating wire and wires are both installed along the drain pipe.
[0014] This technical solution can control the temperature of the drain pipe and the water inside it to remain stable above the freezing point, preventing the water inside the drain pipe from freezing and becoming unable to be atomized, and also preventing the drain pipe from cracking due to the frozen water inside it.
[0015] A further technical solution includes a waterproof layer in the temperature control structure. The heating wire is wound around the conductor, and the waterproof layer surrounds the heating wire and the conductor, so that the conductor, heating wire and waterproof layer are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside and the whole is in the shape of a strip.
[0016] This technical solution simplifies the structure and reduces production costs.
[0017] A further technical solution involves setting the wire along the drain pipe, setting the heating wire around the drain pipe, and surrounding the heating wire, the wire, and the drain pipe with a waterproof layer.
[0018] A further technical solution includes a protective layer in the temperature control structure; the protective layer surrounds the heating wire and the conductor and is placed between the waterproof layer and the heating wire; the protective layer has a built-in metal mesh.
[0019] This technical solution can improve tensile strength while ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurement.
[0020] A further technical solution includes an insulation layer in the temperature control structure; the insulation layer is disposed between the heating wire and the conductor, and between the heating wire and the protective layer.
[0021] This technical solution can improve the safety and reliability of electricity use.
[0022] A further technical solution includes a drain pipe comprising a limiting edge and a fixing part, wherein the limiting edge is located between the atomizing base and the fixing part, and a recess is provided on the fixing part. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; the water pump casing 199 is not shown in the diagram.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the condensate atomization structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of detail 1, DTL1. Figure 1 .
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of detail 1, DTL1. Figure 2 .
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of detail 1, DTL1. Figure 3 .
[0028] Figure 6 This is a partial half-sectional schematic diagram of the condensate atomization structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which best illustrate the technical features of this invention, are Figure 3 .
[0030] Detail 1: DTL1; Atomizing structure 1; Drain pipe 11; Fixing part 118; Limiting edge 119; Atomizing base 12; Nozzle 13; Nozzle part 131; Nozzle slot 132; Flow guide 14; Flow guide hole 141; Mounting cap 15; Elastic part 16; Water pump 19; Water pump cover 199; Temperature control structure 2; Heating wire 21; Wire 22; Insulation layer 23; Glass fiber insulation layer 231; Plastic insulation layer 232; Protective layer 24; Waterproof layer 25; Thermal insulation layer 26; Outer enclosure layer 29; Air conditioner outdoor unit 9; Outer shell 91; Water tray 92; Condenser 99. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in order to clearly show the temperature control structure 2, Figures 2 to 6 The heating wire 21 and wire 22 of the temperature control structure 2 are displayed in a staggered manner.
[0032] As a specific embodiment, the condensate atomization structure of this invention includes an air conditioner outdoor unit 9, which includes a housing 91 and a drip tray 92 disposed within the housing 91. Typically, the air conditioner outdoor unit 9 also includes a condenser 99, a compressor (not shown in the attached diagram), etc., to achieve cooling or heating functions. The drip tray 92 is usually located below the condenser 99 and is used to collect water dripping from the condenser 99 and other components during the operation of the air conditioner outdoor unit 9.
[0033] The condensate atomizing structure of this invention further includes an atomizing structure 1, which includes a water pump 19, a nozzle 13, and a drain pipe 11 with an atomizing base 12. The end of the drain pipe 11 furthest from the atomizing base 12 is connected to a water receiving tray 92 via the water pump 19. It is readily understood that the inlet end of the water pump 19 is connected to the water receiving tray 92, and the outlet end of the water pump 19 is connected to the end of the drain pipe 11 furthest from the atomizing base 12. When the water pump 19 is activated, it can transport water from the water receiving tray 92 to the atomizing base 12. It should be noted that the water pump 19 can be fixed inside the outer casing 91 or disposed outside the outer casing 91; for water pumps 19 disposed outside the outer casing 91 (such as...),... Figure 2 As shown, the water pump 19 can be protected by being enclosed by the water pump housing 199.
[0034] The nozzle 13 is fixed to the atomizing base 12 and is provided with a spray outlet (not shown in the attached figure).
[0035] The working principle is as follows: when the water pump 19 is started, the water in the water receiving tray 92 is sent from the water receiving tray 92 to the atomizing base 12, and then sprayed out from the spray outlet of the nozzle 13 to form water mist and fall down; while ensuring that the water in the water receiving tray 92 can be discharged smoothly, it can also prevent water from dripping from the air conditioner outdoor unit 9.
[0036] As one specific implementation, the atomizing structure 1 further includes a flow guide 14, which is disposed within the outlet of the atomizing base 12. The end face of the flow guide 14 near the water pump 19 is provided with multiple flow guide holes 141. This implementation can improve the atomization effect.
[0037] As one specific embodiment, the nozzle 13 includes a nozzle portion 131 that protrudes in a direction away from the atomizing base 12. The side of the nozzle portion 131 facing the atomizing base 12 is recessed to form a groove (not shown in the figure). The spray outlet is a strip-shaped nozzle slit 132. The nozzle slit 132 communicates with the groove corresponding to the nozzle portion 131, so that water can pass through the groove corresponding to the nozzle portion 131 and be sprayed out from the nozzle slit 132, making the water mist sprayed from the nozzle 13 generally flat.
[0038] As one specific embodiment, the atomizing structure 1 further includes an elastic element 16 and a mounting cap 15 threadedly connected to the atomizing base 12. The elastic element 16 is elastic and disposed between the nozzle 13 and the atomizing base 12, such that the elastic element 16 and the nozzle 13 are clamped by the inner convex ring (not shown in the figure) of the mounting cap 15 and the atomizing base 12. This embodiment can ensure the sealing between the nozzle 13 and the atomizing base 12; rotating the mounting cap 15 can also adjust the distance between the nozzle 13 and the end face of the guide member 14 near the water pump 19, thereby adjusting the overall shape and size of the water mist sprayed from the nozzle 13.
[0039] As one specific implementation, the condensate atomization structure of this embodiment of the invention further includes a temperature control structure 2. The temperature control structure 2 includes a heating wire 21 and wires 22. The heating wire 21 is connected to one of the wires 22 to provide power to the heating wire 21. The other wires 22 are connected to temperature sensors (not shown in the figures, which typically pass through the limiting edge 119 described later and are located in a groove on the fixing part 118 described later. Of course, the temperature sensor can also be located on the atomizing base 12, or it can be located outside the outer surrounding layer of the nozzle 15 to detect the ambient temperature). The heating wire 21 and the wires 22 are both arranged along the drain pipe 11. The temperature sensor is prior art, and it transmits the detected temperature of the drain pipe 11 to the control board (prior art, not shown in the figures) through the wires 22. The control board is electrically connected to the heating wire 21 to control the heating of the heating wire 21 according to the external temperature. For example, when the temperature sensor detects that the outside temperature is between zero and one degree, the control board controls the heating wire 21 to start, so that the drain pipe 11 and the water inside it are heated to five to eight degrees. Then, the control board controls the heating wire 21 to stop heating, thereby controlling the temperature of the drain pipe 11 and the water inside it to be stable above the freezing point. This can prevent the water inside the drain pipe 11 from freezing and being unable to be atomized, and can also prevent the drain pipe 11 from being cracked by the frozen water inside it.
[0040] As one specific implementation, the temperature control structure 2 also includes a waterproof layer 25. The heating wire 21 is arranged around the wire 22, and the waterproof layer 25 surrounds the heating wire 21 and the wire 22, so that the wire 22, the heating wire 21, and the waterproof layer 25 are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside and are in a strip shape. For example, a PFA plastic tube can be sleeved over the wire 22 and the heating wire 21, and the waterproof layer 25 can be formed after heat shrinking. This implementation can pre-set the wire 22, the heating wire 21, and the waterproof layer 25 into a strip shape, which can be directly and closely attached to the outside of the drain pipe 11, simplifying the structure and reducing production costs. Of course, as another implementation (not shown in the attached drawings), the wire 22 can also be arranged along the drain pipe 11, the heating wire 21 can be arranged around the drain pipe 11, and the waterproof layer 25 can surround the heating wire 21, the wire 22, and the drain pipe 11; so that the heating wire 21 heats the entire circle of the drain pipe 11.
[0041] As one specific implementation, the temperature control structure 2 also includes a protective layer 24; the protective layer 24 surrounds the heating wire 21 and the wire 22 and is disposed between the waterproof layer 25 and the heating wire 21; the protective layer 24 has a built-in metal mesh. This implementation can improve tensile strength while ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurement.
[0042] As one specific implementation, the temperature control structure 2 further includes an insulation layer 23; the insulation layer 23 is disposed between the heating wire 21 and the wire 22, and between the heating wire 21 and the protective layer 24. The insulation layer 23 includes at least one of a glass fiber insulation layer 231 and a plastic insulation layer 232. The plastic insulation layer 232 may be formed by heat shrinking a PFA plastic tube. This implementation can improve electrical safety and reliability.
[0043] As one specific implementation, the temperature control structure 2 also includes an insulation layer 26 and an outer surrounding layer 29; the insulation layer 26 surrounds the protective layer 24, and the outer surrounding layer 29 surrounds the insulation layer 26. The insulation layer 26 can be formed by winding a strip of surrounding material. This implementation can improve the insulation effect on the drain pipe 11 and is more energy-efficient. Those skilled in the art will readily realize that the aforementioned temperature control structure 2 can be extended to the atomizing base 12 and wrapped around the atomizing base 12 to ensure that the water in the atomizing base 12 and the nozzle 13 does not freeze.
[0044] The temperature control structure wraps around the nozzle head to ensure that both the water pipe and the nozzle remain free from freezing.
[0045] As one specific implementation, the drain pipe 11 includes a limiting edge 119 and a fixing part 118. The limiting edge 119 is located between the atomizing base 12 and the fixing part 118, and the fixing part 118 is provided with a recess, such as a thread. The limiting edge 119 can conveniently limit the position of the temperature control structure 2, and the fixing part 118 facilitates fixing the atomizing base 12 in the desired position. Of course, the recess on the fixing part 118 can also be used to wind the heating wire 21.
[0046] The terms used in this invention, such as "first," "second," etc., do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely for distinction.
[0047] In this invention, terms such as "a," "an," etc., do not indicate a limitation on the quantity, but rather indicate the existence of at least one of the mentioned objects.
[0048] In this invention, terms indicating orientation or location such as top, bottom, side, longitudinal, transverse, middle, center, outside, inside, horizontal, vertical, left, right, above, below, etc., are used to indicate relative positions rather than absolute positions.
[0049] Terms used in this invention, such as "approximately," "generally," "approximately," and "similar," are limiting terms used to indicate features that are present but allow for certain deviations. The amount of deviation allowed may vary depending on the specific context; for example, for deviations in dimensions, the specific context may include, but is not limited to, relevant standards for dimensional tolerances.
Claims
1. A condensate atomizing structure, comprising an air conditioner outdoor unit (9), the air conditioner outdoor unit (9) comprising a housing (91) and a water collection tray (92) disposed within the housing (91); Its characteristics are, It also includes an atomizing structure (1), which includes a water pump (19), a nozzle (13) and a drain pipe (11) with an atomizing base (12); one end of the drain pipe (11) away from the atomizing base (12) is connected to a water receiving tray (92) via the water pump (19); the nozzle (13) is fixed to the atomizing base (12) and has a spray outlet.
2. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, atomization... The structure (1) also includes a flow guide (14), which is located inside the outlet of the atomizing base (12). The end face of the flow guide (14) near the water pump (19) is provided with multiple flow guide holes (141).
3. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle (13) includes a nozzle portion (131) that protrudes in a direction away from the atomizing base (12), and the side of the nozzle portion (131) facing the atomizing base (12) is recessed to form a groove, and the nozzle outlet is a strip-shaped nozzle slit (132).
4. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, atomization... Structure (1) also includes an elastic element (16) and a mounting cap (15) threadedly connected to the atomizing base (12); the elastic element (16) is elastic and is disposed between the nozzle (13) and the atomizing base (12) such that the elastic element (16) and the nozzle (13) are clamped by the inner convex ring of the mounting cap (15) and the atomizing base (12).
5. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature control structure (2); the temperature control structure (2) includes a heating wire (21) and a wire (22). The heating wire (21) is connected to one of the wires (22), and the other wires (22) are connected to temperature sensors. The heating wire (21) and the wire (22) are both set along the drain pipe (11).
6. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature control structure (2) also includes a waterproof layer (25), a heating wire (21) is arranged around a wire (22), and the waterproof layer (25) surrounds the heating wire (21) and the wire (22), so that the wire (22), the heating wire (21) and the waterproof layer (25) are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside and the whole is in the shape of a strip.
7. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wire (22) is installed along the drain pipe (11), the heating wire (21) is installed around the drain pipe (11), and the waterproof layer (25) surrounds the heating wire (21), the wire (22) and the drain pipe (11).
8. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature control structure (2) also includes a protective layer (24); the protective layer (24) surrounds the heating wire (21) and the wire (22) and is disposed between the waterproof layer (25) and the heating wire (21); the protective layer 24 has a built-in metal mesh.
9. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The temperature control structure (2) also includes an insulation layer (23); the insulation layer (23) is disposed between the heating wire (21) and the wire (22) and between the heating wire (21) and the protective layer (24).
10. The condensate atomization structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drain pipe (11) includes a limiting edge (119) and a fixing part (118). The limiting edge (119) is located between the atomizing base (12) and the fixing part (118), and a recess is provided on the fixing part (118).