Condensate self-consumption air conditioner without external drain pipe and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a condensate water self-consumption air conditioner without external drain pipe and a control method thereof. In the refrigeration mode, the condensate water generated by the evaporator flows into the water receiving tray through the water conveying pipe; when the water level of the water receiving tray triggers the low water level switch, the controller starts the water pump to send the water to the condenser water spraying tray and sprinkle it on the surface of the condenser, and the water not evaporated returns to the water receiving tray; when the water level of the water receiving tray rises to touch the sensing head of the atomization generator, the controller starts the atomization generator to atomize and discharge the water outside; when the water level of the water receiving tray rises to the high water level switch, the controller reports a fault code and controls the air conditioner to stop; in the heating mode, the controller does not start the water pump, and the condensate water generated by the condenser flows into the water receiving tray; when the water level of the water receiving tray touches the sensing head of the atomization generator, the atomization generator is started to atomize and discharge the water, so that the condensate water can be completely self-consumed without external drain pipe, and the air conditioner without external drain pipe design is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner with self-consuming condensate water without an external drain pipe and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, conventional air conditioners on the market continuously produce condensate during cooling and heating operation. The industry standard solution is to install an external drain pipe, which involves drilling a separate hole in the wall and laying the pipe to drain the condensate directly outdoors. This traditional drainage structure has several drawbacks: First, the installation process requires drilling additional holes in the wall, damaging the wall structure, making the construction process cumbersome, and the holes also detract from the overall aesthetics of the building's exterior. Second, with long-term use, the external drain pipe is prone to bending, blockage, and detachment, easily causing condensate to overflow indoors, leading to damp walls and water accumulation on the floor. Third, the continuous dripping of condensate generates persistent noise, which can disturb downstairs residents. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe and a control method thereof.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe, comprising an air conditioner housing, wherein an evaporator, a condenser, a drip tray, an atomizer, and a controller are disposed within the air conditioner housing, the drip tray is disposed below the evaporator and the condenser, the atomizer is disposed within the drip tray, and the controller is electrically connected to the atomizer. The atomizer is used to agitate the condensate in the drip tray into atomized gas.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention: the air conditioner housing is provided with a water spraying assembly, the water spraying assembly includes a water pump, a connecting pipe and a condenser water spraying tray, the condenser water spraying tray is disposed above the condenser, the water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water receiving tray through the connecting pipe, the water outlet of the water pump is connected to the condenser water spraying tray through the connecting pipe, and the controller is electrically connected to the water pump.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention: the water spraying assembly further includes a water-absorbing air bubble stone, which is disposed at the bottom of the water receiving tray, and the water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water-absorbing air bubble stone through a connecting pipe.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention: a plurality of fine water spray holes are provided at the bottom of the condenser water spray plate, and the fine water spray holes are arranged facing the condenser.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention: the air conditioner housing is provided with a water level detection device, the water level detection device is disposed in the water receiving tray, and the water level detection device is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention: the water level detection device includes a low water level switch and a high water level switch, the low water level switch and the high water level switch are electrically connected to the controller respectively, and the low water level switch and the high water level switch are respectively set at different heights in the water receiving pan.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention: the air conditioner housing is further provided with an external fan, which is located on one side of the condenser and is electrically connected to the controller. The external fan is used to blow atomized gas outdoors.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the bottom of the water receiving tray is also provided with a drain outlet, which is used for temporary drainage in case of failure and for periodically emptying the water and sediment in the water receiving tray.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention: the air inlet of the air conditioner housing is detachably equipped with a filter screen.

[0013] The present invention also provides a control method for a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe, comprising the following steps:

[0014] When the air conditioner is running, condensate flows into the drip tray. When the water level reaches the sensor head of the atomizer, the atomizer is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

[0015] As a further improvement to the present invention, the following steps are also included:

[0016] In cooling mode, the condensate produced by the evaporator flows into the drip tray through the water pipe. When the water level in the drip tray triggers the low water level switch, the controller starts the water pump, which sends water to the condenser spray tray and sprays it onto the condenser surface. Unevaporated water flows back to the drip tray. When the water level in the drip tray rises to the level that touches the sensor head of the atomizer, the controller starts the atomizer and atomizes the water to discharge it outdoors. When the water level in the drip tray rises to the high water level switch, the controller reports a fault code and shuts down the air conditioner.

[0017] In heating mode, the controller does not start the water pump, and the condensate produced by the condenser flows into the water tray; when the water level in the water tray touches the sensor head of the atomizer, the atomizer is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] 1. This invention collects condensate in a drip tray and uses an atomizer to create atomized gas by high-frequency oscillation of the water, which is then discharged outdoors. This allows the condensate to be completely consumed without an external drain pipe, enabling the air conditioner to be designed without an external drain pipe. This eliminates the need to drill drain pipe holes in the wall, simplifies installation, helps maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the building's exterior, avoids overflow problems caused by blocked or detached external pipes, and prevents dripping noise from disturbing downstairs residents.

[0020] 2. This invention, by setting up a water spraying assembly consisting of a water pump, connecting pipes, and a condenser water spraying tray, first uses the water pump to transport condensate to the condenser water spraying tray in cooling mode, spraying it onto the condenser surface for evaporation and consumption, and then uses an atomizer to atomize and discharge the unevaporated condensate, so that the condensate is treated in stages, which significantly improves the self-consumption efficiency of condensate, reduces the workload of the atomizer, and extends its service life.

[0021] 3. This invention employs a three-stage water level control system in cooling mode, consisting of a low-level switch, an atomizing generator sensor, and a high-level switch. These correspond to water spray activation, atomization activation, and fault shutdown protection, respectively. This ensures the system responds systematically under varying condensate production levels, effectively preventing overflow accidents caused by excessively high water levels and improving the overall safety and reliability of the unit. In heating mode, by prohibiting water pump activation and draining only through the atomizing generator, the condenser surface is prevented from frosting excessively due to water spray during heating, while still ensuring normal condensate drainage. This enhances the versatility and adaptability of the air conditioner across different operating modes. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser and water tray of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Air conditioner housing; 2. Condenser; 3. Water tray; 4. Atomizer; 5. Outdoor fan; 6. Drain outlet; 7. Decorative panel; 8. Filter screen; 9. Condenser water spray tray; 10. Water spray holes; 11. Water supply pipe; 12. Water-absorbing air stone; 13. Low water level switch; 14. High water level switch; 15. Sensor head. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0029] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0031] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Please see Figure 1-4A self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe includes an air conditioner housing 1. The housing 1 houses an evaporator, a condenser 2, a drip tray 3, an atomizer 4, and a controller. The drip tray 3 is located below the evaporator and condenser 2. The atomizer 4 is located within the drip tray 3. The controller is electrically connected to the atomizer 4. The atomizer 4 agitates the condensate in the drip tray 3 into atomized gas. When the air conditioner is running, condensate flows into the drip tray 3. When the water level reaches the sensor head 15 of the atomizer 4, the atomizer 4 is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

[0034] By setting up a water collection tray 3 to collect condensate, and using an atomizer 4 to oscillate the water at high frequency to form atomized gas that is discharged outdoors, the condensate can be completely consumed without an external drain pipe. This achieves a design where the air conditioner has no external drain pipe, eliminating the need to drill drain pipe holes in the wall, simplifying the installation process, helping to maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the building's exterior wall, avoiding overflow problems caused by blockage or detachment of external pipes, and preventing dripping noise from disturbing downstairs residents.

[0035] In some embodiments, the air conditioner housing 1 is provided with a water spraying assembly, which includes a water pump, a connecting pipe and a condenser water spraying tray 9. The condenser water spraying tray 9 is located above the condenser. The water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water receiving tray 3 through the connecting pipe, and the water outlet of the water pump is connected to the condenser water spraying tray 9 through the connecting pipe. The controller is electrically connected to the water pump.

[0036] By setting up a water spraying assembly consisting of a water pump, connecting pipes, and a condenser water spraying tray 9, in cooling mode, the water pump first delivers the condensate to the condenser water spraying tray 9 and sprays it onto the condenser surface for evaporation and consumption. Then, the atomizer 4 atomizes and discharges the unevaporated condensate, so that the condensate is treated in stages, which significantly improves the self-consumption efficiency of the condensate, reduces the workload of the atomizer 4, and extends its service life.

[0037] The condensate is completely self-consumed through a combination of evaporation and atomization, eliminating the need for external drainage pipes. This means that there is no need to open drainage holes in the building's exterior walls, thus maintaining the integrity of the walls and a clean appearance.

[0038] In some embodiments, the water spray assembly further includes a water-absorbing air bubble stone 12, which is disposed at the bottom of the water receiving tray 3. The water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water-absorbing air bubble stone 12 via a connecting pipe. The water pump draws water through the water-absorbing air bubble stone and transports it to the condenser water spray tray.

[0039] In some embodiments, a plurality of fine water spray holes 10 are provided at the bottom of the condenser water spray plate 9, and the fine water spray holes 10 are arranged facing the condenser.

[0040] By arranging fine water spray holes 10 facing the condenser at the bottom of the condenser water spray tray 9, the condensate can be evenly sprayed on the condenser surface, increasing the contact area between the condensate and the condenser, improving the evaporation efficiency of the condensate, and avoiding splashing and waste caused by excessive water flow, so that the consumption of condensate is more complete and stable.

[0041] In some embodiments, the air conditioner housing 1 is provided with a water level detection device, which is located inside the water receiving tray 3 and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0042] By installing a water level detection device that is electrically connected to the controller in the water receiving pan 3, the water level changes in the water receiving pan 3 can be monitored in real time, and signals can be transmitted to the controller in a timely manner to coordinate the orderly start and stop of each component, realize the automated control of condensate treatment, and at the same time, abnormal water level conditions can be identified in a timely manner to ensure the stable and safe operation of the air conditioner.

[0043] In some embodiments, the water level detection device includes a low water level switch 13 and a high water level switch 14, which are electrically connected to the controller and are respectively disposed at different heights within the water receiving tray 3.

[0044] In cooling mode, condensate from the evaporator flows into the drip tray 3 through the water pipe 11. When the water level in the drip tray 3 triggers the low water level switch 13, the controller starts the water pump, sending water to the condenser spray tray 9 and spraying it onto the condenser surface. Unevaporated water flows back to the drip tray 3. When the water level rises to the point where it touches the sensor head 15 of the atomizer 4, the controller starts the atomizer 4, atomizing the water and discharging it outdoors. When the water level rises to the high water level switch 14, the controller reports a fault code and shuts down the air conditioner. In heating mode, the controller does not start the water pump. Condensate from the condenser flows into the drip tray 3. When the water level touches the sensor head 15 of the atomizer 4, the atomizer 4 is activated, atomizing the water and discharging it.

[0045] By employing a three-stage water level control system consisting of a low-level switch 13, an atomizer 4 sensor head 15, and a high-level switch 14 in cooling mode, corresponding to water spray start-up, atomization start-up, and fault shutdown protection respectively, the system can respond orderly under different condensate production levels, effectively preventing overflow accidents caused by excessively high water levels and improving the safety and reliability of the entire unit. In heating mode, by disabling the water pump and only draining water through the atomizer 4, the condenser surface is prevented from frosting aggravated by water spray during heating, while ensuring that condensate can still be discharged normally, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the air conditioner in different operating modes.

[0046] By installing low-level switches 13 and high-level switches 14 at different heights in the water receiving pan 3 and connecting them to the controller, the water level can be accurately detected in layers. The low-level switch 13 can trigger the equipment to drain normally, while the high-level switch 14 can detect when the water level exceeds the limit in a timely manner. Together with the controller, they can realize automatic switching of operating conditions and fault protection, effectively preventing condensate overflow.

[0047] When the humidity is particularly high, the amount of condensate produced by the machine exceeds the amount of condensate consumed by the atomizing generator, and the water level will continue to rise. When the water level rises to the high water level switch, it will be triggered. At this time, the controller will receive the water level switch action signal, and will report a fault code and stop the machine for maintenance.

[0048] When the efficiency of the atomizer decreases or the atomizer fails, the water level will rise. When the water level rises to the high water level switch, it will trigger the high water level switch to operate. At this time, the controller will receive the water level switch operation signal and report a fault code to stop the machine for maintenance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the air conditioner housing 1 is further provided with an outdoor fan 5, which is located on one side of the condenser and is electrically connected to the controller. The outdoor fan 5 is used to blow atomized gas outdoors.

[0050] By configuring an external fan 5 electrically connected to the controller, the atomized gas can be delivered outdoors in a timely manner, preventing the atomized gas from stagnating inside the equipment. The external fan 5 can work in conjunction with the atomizer 4 to ensure continuous and smooth atomization and discharge of condensate, improve overall drainage efficiency, and make the equipment operation more stable.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bottom of the water receiving tray 3 is also provided with a drain outlet 6, which is used for temporary drainage in case of failure and for periodically emptying the water and sediment in the water receiving tray 3.

[0052] By setting a drain outlet 6 at the bottom of the water receiving pan 3, it is possible to quickly drain water temporarily when the equipment malfunctions, and also to regularly drain the internal water and sediment, which facilitates daily cleaning and maintenance, reduces component blockage caused by the accumulation of impurities, extends the service life of the equipment, and ensures the long-term stable operation of the water receiving pan 3 and related components.

[0053] As air conditioners run for extended periods, the quality of their condensate water deteriorates over time, resulting in a buildup of sediment. This sediment can be drained periodically through the waterproof opening 6 at the bottom of the drip tray, ideally every three weeks.

[0054] In some embodiments, a decorative panel 7 is detachably installed on the bottom of the air conditioner housing 1, and the decorative panel 7 corresponds to the exposed structure of the drip tray 3. The decorative panel 7 is used to cover the exposed structure of the drip tray 3.

[0055] By installing a removable decorative panel 7 at the bottom of the air conditioner housing 1, the exposed structure of the water tray 3 can be effectively concealed, improving the overall neatness of the equipment. At the same time, the decorative panel 7 is removable, so it will not hinder the inspection and cleaning of the water tray 3, balancing aesthetics and the convenience of later maintenance.

[0056] In some embodiments, a filter screen 8 is detachably installed at the air inlet of the air conditioner housing 1. The filter screen 8 has a pull-out structure. The outer filter screen 8 can be pulled out from the side of the air conditioner housing 1 for disassembly, installation and cleaning. The filter screen can be cleaned once every three weeks.

[0057] By installing a pull-out external filter 8 at the air inlet of the air conditioner housing 1, the disassembly, installation, and cleaning operations are simple and convenient. It can effectively filter outdoor dust particles, reduce impurities entering the equipment, protect the condenser and condensate water quality, reduce the probability of component blockage, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0058] Example 2:

[0059] A control method for a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe, as described in Example 1, includes the following steps:

[0060] When the air conditioner is running, condensate flows into the water collection tray 3. When the water level touches the sensor head 15 of the atomizer 4, the atomizer 4 is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

[0061] Automatic start and stop are achieved by triggering the atomizer 4 and sensor 15 by the water level. The condensate can be atomized and discharged without manual intervention, realizing fully automatic operation. At the same time, the external drain pipe and supporting control links are eliminated, reducing the risk of control failure and ensuring the stable operation of the air conditioner.

[0062] In some implementations, the following steps are also included:

[0063] In cooling mode, the condensate produced by the evaporator flows into the water collection pan 3 through the water supply pipe 11; when the water level in the water collection pan 3 triggers the low water level switch 13, the controller starts the water pump to send water to the condenser spray pan 9 and spray it onto the condenser surface, and the unevaporated water flows back to the water collection pan 3; when the water level in the water collection pan 3 rises to the level that touches the sensor head 15 of the atomizer 4, the controller starts the atomizer 4 to atomize the water and discharge it outdoors; when the water level in the water collection pan 3 rises to the high water level switch 14, the controller reports a fault code and controls the air conditioner to stop.

[0064] In heating mode, the controller does not start the water pump, and the condensate produced by the condenser flows into the water receiving pan 3; when the water level in the water receiving pan 3 touches the sensing head 15 of the atomizer 4, the atomizer 4 is started to atomize and discharge the water.

[0065] This control method sets differentiated control logic for different operating modes of the air conditioner. In cooling mode, the water pump is triggered by the low water level switch 13 to deliver the condensate to the condenser water spray tray 9 for spraying and evaporation. The heat of the condenser is used to consume part of the condensate first, and the remaining water is then atomized and discharged through the atomizer 4. The two-stage treatment method greatly improves the condensate absorption capacity and can be adapted to high humidity and large water volume scenarios.

[0066] The system employs tiered control via detection components at varying heights, resulting in a high degree of automation in the operation process. When the water level rises abnormally and triggers the high-water-level switch 14, the controller immediately reports a fault code and shuts down the air conditioner, establishing a reliable protection mechanism to prevent condensate overflow.

[0067] In heating mode, the water pump is directly locked, and the condensate is handled solely by the atomizer 4. This prevents the condenser surface from frosting due to water spray during heating, while ensuring that the condensate can still be discharged normally, thus enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the air conditioner in different operating modes.

[0068] The overall control process of this control method is clear and hierarchical, with comprehensive safety protection, taking into account drainage efficiency, operational stability and safety of use.

[0069] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self- condensing air conditioner without external drain, characterized by: The air conditioner includes an air conditioner housing, which contains an evaporator, a condenser, a water tray, an atomizer, and a controller. The water tray is located below the evaporator and condenser, the atomizer is located inside the water tray, and the controller is electrically connected to the atomizer.

2. A self-condensing air conditioner without external drain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner housing is equipped with a water spraying assembly, which includes a water pump, a connecting pipe, and a condenser water spraying tray. The condenser water spraying tray is located above the condenser. The water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water spraying tray through the connecting pipe, and the water outlet of the water pump is connected to the condenser water spraying tray through the connecting pipe. The controller is electrically connected to the water pump.

3. A self-condensing air conditioner without external drain according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water spraying assembly also includes a water-absorbing air bubble stone, which is located at the bottom of the water receiving tray, and the water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water-absorbing air bubble stone through a connecting pipe.

4. A condensate self-consuming air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom of the condenser water spray tray has several fine water spray holes, which are arranged facing the condenser.

5. A condensate self-consuming air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air conditioner housing is equipped with a water level detection device, which is located inside the water receiving tray and is electrically connected to the controller.

6. A condensate self-consuming air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water level detection device includes a low water level switch and a high water level switch, which are electrically connected to the controller. The low water level switch and the high water level switch are respectively set at different heights in the water receiving tray.

7. A condensate self-consuming air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner housing is also equipped with an external fan, which is located on one side of the condenser and is electrically connected to the controller.

8. A condensate self-consuming air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the water tray is also provided with a drain outlet, and the air inlet of the air conditioner housing is detachably fitted with a filter screen.

9. A control method for a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: When the air conditioner is running, condensate flows into the drip tray. When the water level reaches the sensor head of the atomizer, the atomizer is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

10. The control method for a self-consuming condensate air conditioner without an external drain pipe according to claim 9 further includes the following steps: In cooling mode, the condensate produced by the evaporator flows into the drip tray through the water pipe. When the water level in the drip tray triggers the low water level switch, the controller starts the water pump, which sends water to the condenser spray tray and sprays it onto the condenser surface. Unevaporated water flows back to the drip tray. When the water level in the drip tray rises to the level that touches the sensor head of the atomizer, the controller starts the atomizer and atomizes the water to discharge it outdoors. When the water level in the drip tray rises to the high water level switch, the controller reports a fault code and shuts down the air conditioner. In heating mode, the controller does not start the water pump, and the condensate produced by the condenser flows into the water tray; when the water level in the water tray touches the sensor head of the atomizer, the atomizer is activated to atomize and discharge the water.

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