Air conditioner condensate water drainage pump

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner condensate water drainage pump, which solves the problem of water accumulation on the outer wall of the existing water jug. The application comprises a shell, a liquid level sensor arranged in the shell, and a water jug arranged outside the shell. The liquid level sensor comprises a circuit board and a probe. A notch is formed on the outer wall of the shell for the water jug to extend in or out. The notch comprises a first wall, and the circuit board is installed on the inner side of the first wall. A water suction pipe is formed on the first wall. The water jug comprises an outer jug body and an inner jug body. The inner jug body comprises a jug-shaped main body and a water inlet pipe horizontally formed on the side wall of the jug-shaped main body. An annular retaining rim is formed on the outer wall of the jug-shaped main body at the spout. A through hole is arranged on the outer jug body for the water inlet pipe to extend out. When the water jug is in the notch, the outer jug body is detachably and fixedly connected to the shell through a connecting structure. The annular retaining rim is clamped between the spout edge of the outer jug body and the first wall. The water suction pipe and the probe are both extended into the jug-shaped main body. The application can prevent water accumulation on the outer wall of the water jug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioner drain pump, and more particularly to an air conditioner condensate drain pump. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning drain pumps are mainly used to drain condensate generated during air conditioning operation. They are commonly found in central air conditioning, ducted air conditioners, and wall-mounted air conditioners. Their structure is similar to that of an air conditioning drain pump (CN119844338B) previously proposed by the applicant, including a drain pump body and a liquid level sensor. The drain pump body includes a long, narrow outer shell and a circuit board inside the shell. The liquid level sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board. A notch is formed on the lower front side of the outer shell, including a top wall and a side wall. The water inlet of the drain pump body is located on the side wall of the notch. A water reservoir is detachably fixed inside the notch. The top wall of the notch covers the mouth of the water reservoir, and an vent is provided on the top wall of the notch to connect the water reservoir to the outside. The side wall of the water reservoir has an inlet and a drain hole, with the drain hole connected to the inlet. The top wall of the notch extends into the water reservoir to form a vertically arranged pipe, and the inner cavities of the pipe and the outer shell are connected. The liquid level sensor is used to measure the water level in the water reservoir, and at least some of the components constituting the liquid level sensor are located within the inner cavity of the pipe.

[0003] When the above-mentioned drain pump is in use, the air conditioner condensate enters the water tank through the inlet hole. Under normal circumstances, especially when working in summer, the temperature of the condensate is significantly lower than the ambient temperature. In high humidity conditions, condensation is likely to appear on the outer surface of the water tank, affecting the overall user experience of the drain pump. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing an air conditioner condensate drain pump that can prevent condensation from accumulating on the outer wall of a kettle.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: An air conditioner condensate drain pump includes a housing, a liquid level sensor disposed inside the housing, and a water tank disposed outside the housing. The liquid level sensor includes a circuit board and a probe mounted on the circuit board. A notch is formed on the outer wall of the housing for the water tank to extend or retract, the notch including a first wall, the circuit board being mounted on the inner side of the first wall, and a suction pipe being formed on the first wall. The water tank comprises an outer tank body and an inner tank body coaxially disposed within the outer tank body. The inner tank body includes a tank-shaped main body and a horizontally formed side wall of the tank-shaped main body. The water inlet pipe is located on the upper part of the kettle body, and an annular retaining rim is formed on the outer wall of the kettle body at the spout. The outer diameter of the kettle body is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer kettle body and the two do not contact each other. The outer kettle body is provided with a through hole for the water inlet pipe to extend out, and the water inlet pipe and the through hole wall are sealed by an annular sealing element. When the kettle is in the notch, the outer kettle body is detachably fixed to the outer shell through the connecting structure. The annular retaining rim is clamped between the edge of the spout of the outer kettle body and the first wall, and the spouts of the kettle body and the outer kettle body are sealed at the same time. One end of the water inlet pipe and the detection end of the probe both extend into the kettle body.

[0006] In the actual product, a water pump is also installed inside the casing, and the inlet of the water pump is connected to the other end of the suction pipe through a connecting pipe.

[0007] When in use, the air conditioner condensate enters the kettle-shaped body through the inlet pipe. When the probe detects that the water level in the kettle-shaped body has reached the set value, the water pump starts to pump the water out of the kettle-shaped body.

[0008] With the sealing element and the annular flange clamped between the edge of the outer pot and the first wall, and the pot body and the outer pot's opening being sealed simultaneously, a closed cavity is formed between the outer and inner pots. This cavity is used to cut off the temperature conduction between the outer and inner pots, effectively preventing the outer pot wall temperature from getting too low, thus avoiding the condensation of water vapor in the air on the outside of the outer pot, resulting in a better user experience for this drain pump.

[0009] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, the sealing element is a rubber ring. The rubber ring is fitted over the inlet pipe, and the inner and outer walls of the rubber ring are in contact with the outer wall of the inlet pipe and the side wall of the through hole, respectively, thus ensuring that the inlet pipe and the outer tank are stably separated from each other and that a stable seal is formed between the inlet pipe and the through hole, thereby stably achieving the purpose of preventing condensation on the outer wall of the tank.

[0010] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, an annular groove coaxial with the kettle is provided on the outer side of the first wall. An annular rubber pad is provided in the annular groove. An annular protrusion is provided on the annular baffle. The annular protrusion is inserted into the annular groove and pressed against the rubber pad, causing the rubber pad to deform. This creates a tortuous sealing path between the annular baffle and the first wall, better sealing the spout of the kettle-shaped body.

[0011] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, an opening is provided on the inner wall of the notch, and a cover plate is filled and fixed inside the opening. This cover plate is the first wall mentioned above. The first wall is an independent component, which facilitates the installation of the liquid level sensor.

[0012] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, the opening is located on the inner wall of the notch.

[0013] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, the connecting structure includes a pressure plate formed on one side of the outer wall of the outer tank. The pressure plate presses against the outer wall of the outer casing, and the pressure plate is detachably fixed to the outer casing by screws.

[0014] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, a protrusion is formed on the other side of the outer wall of the outer tank. The cover plate extends into the notch to form a connecting plate that is positioned on the other side of the outer wall of the outer tank. The connecting plate has a socket that matches the protrusion, and the protrusion is inserted into the socket. At this time, the two sides of the outer wall of the outer tank are supported by screws and protrusions respectively, making the positioning more stable.

[0015] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, a mounting plate is horizontally formed on the inner side of the lower end of the cover plate, and the mounting plate is fixed to the inner wall of the outer casing by a vertically set first screw.

[0016] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, the notch also includes a horizontally set top wall, and the upper end of the cover plate extends towards the notch to form a horizontally set positioning plate. The positioning plate is fixed to the top wall by a second screw to further enhance the positioning strength and stability of the cover plate.

[0017] In the aforementioned air conditioning condensate drain pump, the top wall is recessed upwards to form a positioning groove that matches the positioning plate. The groove opening faces downwards and is located on the side of the cover plate. The positioning plate is secured in the positioning groove, and a through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the positioning groove for the rod of the second screw to pass through. The positioning groove reduces the space occupied by the positioning plate in the notch.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this air conditioner condensate drain pump, through the combined action of the sealing element and the annular baffle clamping between the edge of the outer pot and the first wall, and simultaneously sealing the pot body and the pot opening of the outer pot, forms a closed cavity between the outer pot and the inner pot. This cavity is used to isolate the temperature conduction between the outer pot and the inner pot, effectively preventing the outer pot wall temperature from becoming too low, thereby avoiding the condensation of water vapor in the air into water droplets on the outside of the outer pot, resulting in a better user experience for this drain pump. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a 3D schematic diagram of an air conditioner condensate drain pump.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a 3D diagram of the air conditioner condensate drain pump after the cover has been removed.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an air conditioner condensate drain pump.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a 3D schematic diagram of the box.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a 3D diagram of a kettle.

[0025] In the diagram, 1. Outer shell; 1a. Box body; 1b. Box cover; 1c. Notch; 1d. First wall; 1e. Suction pipe; 1f. Top wall; 1g. Positioning groove; 2. Liquid level sensor; 2a. Circuit board; 2b. Probe; 3. Water pump; 4. Main circuit board; 5. Drain pipe; 6. Atomizing nozzle; 7. Outer pot body; 7a. Pressure plate; 7b. Protrusion; 8. Inner pot body; 8a. Pot-shaped body; 8b. Water inlet pipe; 8c. Annular flange; 8d. Annular protrusion; 9. Seal; 10. Rubber gasket; 11. Cover plate; 11a. Connecting plate; 11b. Mounting plate; 11c. Positioning plate; 12. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0027] Example 1: As Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this air conditioner condensate drain pump includes a housing 1, a liquid level sensor 2, a water pump 3, a kettle, etc.

[0028] Specifically The interior of the outer shell 1 is a cavity. Specifically, the outer shell 1 includes a box body 1a with the opening facing upward and a box cover 1b fixed to the top of the box body 1a, and the aforementioned cavity is formed between the box body 1a and the box cover 1b.

[0029] A main circuit board 4 is horizontally fixed inside the cavity, and both the water pump 3 and the liquid level sensor 2 are disposed within the cavity. The water pump 3 is an existing product and is fixed to the housing 1a via a base. Preferably, the water pump 3 is a self-priming electromagnetic pump, and it communicates with the main circuit board 4. The liquid level sensor 2 is also an existing product, comprising a circuit board 2a and a probe 2b mounted on the circuit board 2a, and the circuit board 2a also communicates with the main circuit board 4. In the actual product, both the water pump 3 and the circuit board 2a communicate with the main circuit board 4 via wires.

[0030] The kettle is located on the outside of the outer casing 1, and the kettle has a spout.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a notch 1c is formed on the outer wall of the housing 1a for the water bottle to extend into or out of. This notch 1c includes a first wall 1d, and the circuit board 2a is located within the cavity and installed inside the first wall 1d. A water suction pipe 1e is integrally formed on the first wall 1d, with the two ends of the water suction pipe 1e being the water inlet and the water outlet, respectively, located on the outer and inner sides of the first wall 1d. The water outlet is connected to the inlet of the water pump 3 via a connecting pipe. In the actual product, a drain pipe 5 is also fixed inside the cavity. One end of the drain pipe 5 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 3, and the other end of the drain pipe 5 extends out of the cavity and is connected to an atomizing nozzle 6.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, the kettle includes an outer body 7 and an inner body 8 coaxially disposed within the outer body 7. Both the outer body 7 and the inner body 8 have a spout, and the spouts of the outer body 7 and the inner body 8 face the same direction. The inner body 8 includes a kettle-shaped main body 8a. A water inlet pipe 8b is horizontally formed on the side wall of the kettle-shaped main body 8a, and the inner hole of the water inlet pipe 8b is connected to the inner cavity of the kettle-shaped main body 8a. An annular flange 8c is formed on the outer wall of the kettle-shaped main body 8a at the spout, and the annular flange 8c is coaxially disposed with the kettle-shaped main body 8a.

[0033] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the outer diameter of the kettle-shaped body 8a is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer kettle body 7, and the two do not contact each other. The outer kettle body 7 has a through hole for one end of the water inlet pipe 8b to extend out, and the water inlet pipe 8b and the wall of the through hole are sealed by an annular sealing element 9. When the kettle is inside the notch 1c, the mouths of both the outer kettle body 7 and the inner kettle body 8 face the first wall 1d. The outer kettle body 7 is detachably fixed to the outer shell 1 via a connecting structure. The annular flange 8c clamps between the edge of the mouth of the outer kettle body 7 and the first wall 1d, simultaneously sealing the mouths of both the kettle-shaped body 8a and the outer kettle body 7. The water inlet end of the suction pipe 1e and the probe end of the probe 2b both extend into the kettle-shaped body 8a, with the water inlet end of the suction pipe 1e located near the bottom wall of the kettle-shaped body 8a. The end of the water inlet pipe 8b furthest from the inner kettle body 8 extends out of the notch 1c.

[0034] When in use, the air conditioner condensate enters the kettle-shaped body 8a through the inlet pipe 8b. When the probe 2b detects that the water level in the kettle-shaped body 8a has reached the set value, the water pump 3 starts to pump the water out of the kettle-shaped body 8a.

[0035] With the sealing element 9 and the annular flange 8c clamped between the edge of the spout of the outer pot body 7 and the first wall 1d, and the spout of the pot body 8a and the outer pot body 7 being sealed simultaneously, a closed cavity is formed between the outer pot body 7 and the inner pot body 8. This cavity is used to cut off the temperature conduction between the outer pot body 7 and the inner pot body 8, effectively preventing the temperature of the outer pot body 7 wall from getting too low. This prevents water vapor in the air from condensing into water droplets on the outside of the outer pot body 7, thus improving the user experience of this drain pump 3.

[0036] To further explain, such as Figure 4 As shown, an annular groove coaxial with the kettle is provided on the outer side of the first wall 1d. An annular rubber pad 10 is provided in the annular groove. An annular protrusion 8d is provided on the annular flange 8c. The annular protrusion 8d and the annular flange 8c are coaxially arranged. The annular protrusion 8d is inserted into the annular groove and pressed on the rubber pad 10, causing the rubber pad 10 to deform. This forms a tortuous sealing path between the annular flange 8c and the first wall 1d, which better seals the spout of the kettle body 8a.

[0037] In this embodiment, The sealing element 9 is a rubber ring, which is fitted over the water inlet pipe 8b. The inner and outer walls of the rubber ring contact and seal with the outer wall of the water inlet pipe 8b and the side wall of the through hole, respectively. This not only stably separates the water inlet pipe 8b from the outer pot body 7, but also ensures a stable seal between the water inlet pipe 8b and the through hole, thus reliably preventing water from accumulating on the outer wall of the pot. Further, the end of the rubber ring closest to the inner pot body 8 presses against the outer wall of the inner pot body 8 to prevent the rubber ring from moving inward due to external impact, ensuring that the rubber ring always separates the water inlet pipe 8b from the side wall of the through hole. Of course, a plastic ring can also be used for the sealing element 9; in this case, the inner and outer walls of the plastic ring will make tight contact with the outer wall of the water inlet pipe 8b and the wall of the through hole, respectively, to form a seal.

[0038] The circuit board 2a is installed as follows: a mounting groove is provided on the inner side of the first wall 1d, and the circuit board 2a is fixed in the mounting groove. A clearance hole is provided through the bottom wall of the mounting groove, and the mounting groove connects to the notch 1c through the clearance hole. The number of clearance holes and probes 2b are the same, and their positions correspond one-to-one, with each probe 2b passing through the corresponding clearance hole. During actual installation, after the circuit board 2a is installed, AB glue is poured into the mounting groove to achieve a seal and waterproofing.

[0039] Example 2: The structure and principle of Example 2 are basically the same as those of Example 1, except that: Figure 5 As shown, an opening is provided on the inner wall of the notch 1c, and a cover plate 11 with a shape and size matching the opening is filled and fixed inside the opening. This cover plate 11 is the first wall 1d mentioned above. The first wall 1d is an independent component, which facilitates the installation of the liquid level sensor 2. Preferably, the opening is located on the inner side wall of the notch 1c, and when the outer casing 1 is horizontal, the cover plate 11 is vertical.

[0040] In the actual product, the inner wall of the notch 1c is formed by two side walls and a top wall 1f, wherein the two side walls are perpendicular to each other and arranged in an L-shape; both side walls are perpendicular to the top wall 1f. The opening is located on one of the side walls.

[0041] In this embodiment, like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the shape and size of the outer pot body 7 match the notch 1c, and the connection structure is as follows: It includes a pressure plate 7a integrally formed on one side of the outer wall of the outer pot body 7. The pressure plate 7a presses against the outer wall of the box body 1a, and the pressure plate 7a is detachably fixed to the box body 1a by screws 12. Further, a guide groove matching the pressure plate 7a is provided on the outer wall of the box body 1a. The guide groove opens towards the side facing the notch 1c, and the pressure plate 7a is inserted into the guide groove to achieve pre-positioning of the pressure plate 7a, facilitating the installation and removal of the screws 12. Naturally, besides being connected by screws 12, the pressure plate 7a and the box body 1a can also be connected in the following way: The box body 1a is elastic and is usually made of plastic. A buckle is vertically formed on the outer wall of the box body 1a, and a protrusion matching the buckle is formed on the pressure plate 7a, with the buckle engaging with the protrusion.

[0042] Furthermore, a protrusion 7b is formed on the other side of the outer wall of the outer pot body 7. The cover plate 11 extends into the notch 1c to form a connecting plate 11a facing the other side of the outer wall of the outer pot body 7. The connecting plate 11a has a socket that matches the protrusion 7b, and the protrusion 7b is inserted into the socket. At this time, the two sides of the outer wall of the outer pot body 7 are supported by screws 12 and protrusions 7b respectively, making the positioning more stable. Preferably, there are two sockets arranged side by side, one above the other, and the number of protrusions 7b and sockets are the same and their positions correspond one-to-one, so as to further enhance the positioning strength and stability of the kettle.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the positioning method of the cover plate 11 is as follows: a mounting plate 11b is horizontally formed on the inner side of the lower end of the cover plate 11, and the mounting plate 11b is fixed to the inner wall of the box body 1a by a vertically set first screw. Further, the upper end of the cover plate 11 extends towards the notch 1c to form a horizontally set positioning plate 11c, and the positioning plate 11c is fixed to the top wall 1f by a second screw to further enhance the positioning strength and stability of the cover plate 11.

[0044] Furthermore, the top wall 1f is recessed upwards to form a positioning groove 1g that matches the positioning plate 11c. The opening of the positioning groove 1g faces downwards, and the positioning groove 1g opens towards the side of the cover plate 11. The positioning plate 11c is fastened in the positioning groove 1g. The bottom wall of the positioning groove 1g has a through hole for the shank of the second screw to pass through, and the positioning plate 11c has a threaded hole for the shank of the second screw to be screwed into. By providing the positioning groove 1g, the space occupied by the positioning plate 11c in the notch 1c can be reduced.

[0045] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner condensate drain pump, comprising a housing (1), a liquid level sensor (2) disposed inside the housing (1), and a water tank disposed outside the housing (1), wherein the liquid level sensor (2) comprises a circuit board (2a) and a probe (2b) mounted on the circuit board (2a); a notch (1c) is formed on the outer wall of the housing (1) for the water tank to extend into or out of, the notch (1c) comprising a first wall (1d), the circuit board (2a) is mounted on the inner side of the first wall (1d), and a suction pipe (1e) is formed on the first wall (1d), characterized in that, The kettle includes an outer body (7) and an inner body (8) coaxially disposed within the outer body (7); the inner body (8) includes a kettle-shaped main body (8a) and a water inlet pipe (8b) horizontally formed on the side wall of the kettle-shaped main body (8a), and an annular flange (8c) is formed on the outer wall of the kettle-shaped main body (8a) at the spout; the outer diameter of the kettle-shaped main body (8a) is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer body (7) and the two do not contact each other; the outer body (7) is provided with a through hole for the water inlet pipe (8b) to extend out, and the water inlet pipe (8b) and the through hole wall are sealed by an annular seal (9); when the kettle is in the notch (1c), the outer kettle body (7) is detachably fixed to the outer shell (1) through the connecting structure, the annular flange (8c) is clamped between the edge of the kettle mouth of the outer kettle body (7) and the first wall (1d) and the kettle mouth of the kettle body (8a) and the outer kettle body (7) are sealed at the same time, and one end of the water suction tube (1e) and the probe (2b) both extend into the kettle body (8a).

2. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned sealing element (9) is a rubber ring. The rubber ring is fitted over the water inlet pipe (8b), and the inner and outer walls of the rubber ring are in contact with the outer wall of the water inlet pipe (8b) and the side wall of the through hole for sealing, respectively.

3. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular groove coaxial with the kettle is provided on the outer side of the first wall (1d). An annular rubber pad (10) is provided in the annular groove. An annular protrusion (8d) is provided on the annular flange (8c). The annular protrusion (8d) is inserted into the annular groove and pressed against the rubber pad (10).

4. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, An opening is provided on the inner wall of the notch (1c), and a cover plate (11) is fixedly filled in the opening, and the cover plate (11) is the first wall (1d) mentioned above.

5. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening is located on the inner wall of the notch (1c).

6. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting structure includes a pressure plate (7a) formed on one side of the outer wall of the outer pot body (7), the pressure plate (7a) abuts against the outer wall of the outer shell (1), and the pressure plate (7a) is detachably fixed to the outer shell (1) by screws (12).

7. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer pot body (7) has a protrusion (7b) formed on the other side. The cover plate (11) extends into the notch (1c) to form a connecting plate (11a) which is set on the other side of the outer wall of the outer pot body (7). The connecting plate (11a) has a socket that matches the protrusion (7b), and the protrusion (7b) is inserted into the socket.

8. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, A mounting plate (11b) is horizontally formed on the inner side of the lower end of the cover plate (11), and the mounting plate (11b) is fixed to the inner wall of the outer shell (1) by a vertically set first screw.

9. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aforementioned notch (1c) also includes a horizontally arranged top wall (1f), and the upper end of the cover plate (11) extends towards the notch (1c) to form a horizontally arranged positioning plate (11c), and the positioning plate (11c) is fixed to the top wall (1f) by a second screw.

10. The air conditioning condensate drain pump according to claim 9, characterized in that, The top wall (1f) is recessed upward to form a positioning groove (1g) that matches the positioning plate (11c). The opening of the positioning groove (1g) is set downward, and the positioning groove (1g) opens to the side facing the cover plate (11). The positioning plate (11c) is locked in the positioning groove (1g), and a through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the positioning groove (1g) for the rod of the second screw to pass through.

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