Air source heat pump outdoor unit convenient for recycling condensate water

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air source heat pump outdoor unit facilitating condensate water recovery. The air source heat pump outdoor unit comprises an inner framework, an evaporator, a compressor, an electronic expansion valve, a fan, a control panel, a shell and a condensate water recovery assembly. The evaporator comprises a plurality of fins distributed in an array mode and heat pipes arranged on the fins in a penetrating mode. And the fins are inverted U-shaped and are hung on the inner framework. Air inlets are formed in the two sides of the shell. An air outlet opposite to the fan is formed in the front face of the shell. And a drawing opening is formed in one side of the shell. The condensate water recycling assembly comprises a water collecting box located below the evaporator. And the water collecting box is laterally inserted into the inner framework from the drawing opening. The fins of the evaporator are designed to be in an inverted U shape, condensate water on the fins is rapidly taken away through gravity and airflow, the condensate water is recycled through the water collecting box below the evaporator, and the purposes of rapidly recycling the condensate water and preventing the condensate water from being left on the fins of the evaporator are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat pumps, and in particular to an outdoor unit of an air source heat pump that facilitates the recovery of condensate. Background Technology

[0002] An air source heat pump is a heating device designed based on the reverse Carnot cycle principle. It consumes electricity to drive a compressor, which in turn allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the external environment, thus heating the indoor space. Compared to traditional electric heating systems, air source heat pumps consume less energy to produce the same amount of heat. Furthermore, compared to traditional air conditioners, air source heat pumps are better suited to the cold weather in northern regions, making them a promising option in the northern market. For residential air source heat pumps, the common design consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes an evaporator, a compressor, and an electronic expansion valve (also known as a throttle valve).

[0003] When an air source heat pump's outdoor unit is operating, it uses an evaporator to exchange heat with the air in the external environment, thus absorbing heat from the air. During heating, the surface temperature of the evaporator is lower than the temperature of the external environment. Therefore, in cold weather, the surface temperature of the evaporator easily reaches the dew point temperature and frost temperature of water vapor in the air. When frost forms on the evaporator surface, the frost layer reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Therefore, most air source heat pumps on the market are designed with corresponding defrosting functions, such as reversing the flow of refrigerant to change the evaporator from heat absorption to heat release, thereby melting the frost layer. Therefore, in cold weather, the evaporator of the air source heat pump outdoor unit often produces condensate. Currently, the fin arrays in traditional evaporators are horizontally arranged, so condensate easily gets trapped in the gaps between the fins and is difficult to drain. If the condensate cannot be drained in time, after the defrosting mode ends, the condensate remaining on the evaporator surface will quickly freeze into frost.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new type of air source heat pump outdoor unit that can quickly recover condensate and prevent condensate from remaining on the evaporator fins. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides an air source heat pump outdoor unit that facilitates the recovery of condensate. The evaporator fins are designed as an inverted U-shape, which uses gravity and airflow to quickly remove the condensate from the fins. The condensate is then recovered through a water collection box below the evaporator, achieving the purpose of rapid condensate recovery and preventing condensate from remaining on the evaporator fins.

[0006] An outdoor unit for an air-source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery includes:

[0007] Internal skeleton;

[0008] An evaporator suspended on an inner frame; the evaporator includes: multiple arrayed fins and heat pipes passing through the fins; the fins are inverted U-shaped and suspended on the inner frame;

[0009] A compressor mounted on the inner frame; the compressor is located above the evaporator and connected to heat pipes;

[0010] An electronic expansion valve is connected to the evaporator; the electronic expansion valve is located above the evaporator and connected to the heat pipe.

[0011] A fan mounted on the inner frame; the fan is located in the center of the evaporator;

[0012] A control panel is mounted on the inner frame; the control panel is located above the evaporator and is electrically connected to the compressor, electronic expansion valve, and fan respectively;

[0013] An outer shell surrounding the inner frame; air inlets on both sides of the outer shell; an air outlet opposite the fan on the front of the outer shell; a pull-out opening on one side of the outer shell; and...

[0014] A condensate recovery assembly installed on the inner frame; the condensate recovery assembly includes: a water collection box located below the evaporator; the water collection box is inserted into the inner frame from the pull-out port.

[0015] The aforementioned air-source heat pump outdoor unit, designed for easy condensate recovery, utilizes an inverted U-shaped evaporator fin structure. When condensate forms on the evaporator surface, the fins, suspended in an inverted U-shape on the inner frame, allow the condensate to fall rapidly under the combined effects of gravity and airflow. A portion of the condensate is carried away by the airflow and discharged from the outlet, while the remainder falls into the collection box below. The condensate then evaporates naturally in the collection box. If there is excessive condensate in the collection box, it can overflow into the external environment through a pull-out opening. Furthermore, users can remove the collection box to quickly clean accumulated condensate or any ice formed from it. This design, with its inverted U-shaped evaporator fins, utilizes gravity and airflow to quickly remove condensate from the fins, and the collection box below the evaporator recovers the condensate, achieving rapid condensate recovery and preventing condensate buildup on the evaporator fins.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inner frame has an L-shaped hanging beam and supporting columns connecting the hanging beam; the evaporator is hung on the hanging beam. During assembly, the evaporator is slid into the inner frame from the front along the hanging beam, while the supporting columns are used to support and reinforce the hanging beam.

[0017] In one embodiment, the outer casing includes: a bottom shell, a top cover, a front cover, and a back cover, each connected to an inner frame; the bottom shell is U-shaped with evenly distributed air inlets on both sides; the top cover has a housing cavity for housing the compressor, electronic expansion valve, and control board, and both sides of the top cover have air inlets and air inlets communicating with the air inlets; the air inlets and housing cavity are isolated from each other; the front cover has an air outlet; and the back cover has wiring holes communicating with the housing cavity. During operation, air from the external environment enters the outer casing through the air inlets on both sides of the bottom shell and top cover. To protect the compressor, electronic expansion valve, and control board, a separate housing cavity is provided on the top cover.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water collection box has a handle on the side near the pull-out opening. The handle makes it easy for the user to grip the water collection box.

[0019] In one embodiment, the condensate recovery assembly further includes: an overflow box located on one side of the collection box; an overflow hole provided on the side of the collection box near the overflow box; the overflow box located below the overflow hole; a drain port provided on one side of the overflow box; and the drain port for connecting a drain pipe. When the condensate level in the collection box reaches the height of the overflow hole, the condensate overflows from the overflow hole into the overflow box, and then flows from the drain port to the drain pipe for discharge.

[0020] In one embodiment, the overflow box is provided with a guide slope inclined toward the drain port. The guide slope is used to guide condensate water to flow quickly toward the drain port, improving drainage efficiency.

[0021] In one embodiment, the air-source heat pump outdoor unit that facilitates condensate recovery also includes: a bracket connected to the housing; the bracket is L-shaped and positioned close to the back and bottom of the housing. The bracket serves to provide support and stability, and the L-shaped design allows for installation not only on the ground but also on a wall. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery, according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump, which facilitates the recovery of condensate water;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The view shown is taken behind the concealed top and front covers of the outdoor unit of the air source heat pump to facilitate the recovery of condensate.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The view shown is of the outdoor unit of the air source heat pump with its back cover and bottom shell concealed for easy condensate recovery.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged view of part A in the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump designed for easy condensate water recovery;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A perspective view of the internal frame of an air-source heat pump outdoor unit designed for easy condensate water recovery;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the top cover of the outer casing of the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump, which facilitates the recovery of condensate.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A perspective view of the water collection box in the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump, which facilitates the recovery of condensate.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A perspective view of the overflow box in the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump, which facilitates the recovery of condensate.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The overflow box is shown as a three-dimensional view after being flipped over.

[0033] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0034] 100 - Air source heat pump outdoor unit for easy condensate recovery;

[0035] 10-Internal frame, 11-Suspension beam, 12-Support column;

[0036] 20-Evaporator, 21-Fins, 22-Heat pipe;

[0037] 30 - Compressor;

[0038] 40- Fan;

[0039] 50-Outer shell, 51-Air inlet, 52-Air outlet, 53-Bottom shell, 54-Top cover, 541-Storage cavity, 542-Air inlet cavity, 55-Front cover, 56-Back cover, 561-Cable routing hole, 57-Pull-out opening;

[0040] 60-Condensate recovery assembly, 61-Water collection box, 611-Handle, 612-Overflow hole, 62-Overflow box, 621-Drain port, 622-Guide slope;

[0041] 70-Tripod. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0044] 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, it is an embodiment of the present invention, an air source heat pump outdoor unit 100 that facilitates the recovery of condensate.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the air source heat pump outdoor unit 100 for easy condensate recovery includes: an inner frame 10, an evaporator 20 suspended on the inner frame 10, a compressor 30 mounted on the inner frame 10, an electronic expansion valve (not shown) connected to the evaporator 20, a fan 40 mounted on the inner frame 10, a control board (not shown) mounted on the inner frame 10, an outer shell 50 surrounding the inner frame 10, and a condensate recovery assembly 60 mounted on the inner frame 10. The inner frame 10 supports the evaporator 20, which facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the external environment. The compressor 30 compresses the refrigerant to achieve a change in its form. The electronic expansion valve controls the refrigerant input to the evaporator 20. The fan 40 promotes efficient heat exchange between the air in the external environment and the evaporator 20. The control board controls the operation of the compressor 30, the electronic expansion valve, and the fan 40. The outer shell 50 serves as a protective cover. The condensate recovery assembly 60 recovers condensate.

[0050] The following text, combined with Figures 1 to 11 The above-mentioned air source heat pump outdoor unit 100, which facilitates the recovery of condensate, will be further explained.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner skeleton 10 has a square-shaped structure. Combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, in this embodiment, the inner frame 10 is provided with an L-shaped hanging beam 11 and a support column 12 connecting the hanging beam 11. The evaporator 20 is hung on the hanging beam 11. During assembly, the evaporator 20 is slid into the inner frame 10 from the front along the hanging beam 11, while the support column 12 is used to support and reinforce the hanging beam 11.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the evaporator 20 includes a plurality of arrayed fins 21 and heat pipes 22 passing through the fins 21. The fins 21 are inverted U-shaped and are suspended on the inner frame 10. One end of the heat pipe 22 is connected to the compressor 30, and the other end is connected to the electronic expansion valve.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the compressor 30 is located above the evaporator 20 and connected to the heat pipe 22. The electronic expansion valve is also located above the evaporator 20 and connected to the heat pipe 22. Figure 4 As shown, the fan 40 is located at the center of the evaporator 20, and when the fan 40 operates, it creates an airflow that runs vertically through each fin 21. Combined with... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the fan 40 is suspended from the inner frame 10 by an L-shaped bracket. The control board is located above the evaporator 20 and is electrically connected to the compressor 30, the electronic expansion valve, and the fan 40.

[0054] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, air inlets 51 are provided on both sides of the housing 50. An air outlet 52 is provided on the front of the housing 50, opposite to the fan 40. Figure 4 As shown, a pull-out opening 57 is provided on one side of the outer casing 50.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer casing 50 includes: a bottom shell 53, a top cover 54, a front cover 55, and a back cover 56, all connected to the inner frame 10. The bottom shell 53 is U-shaped and has evenly distributed air inlets 51 on both sides. Figure 8 As shown, the top cover 54 has a housing cavity 541 for accommodating the compressor 30, electronic expansion valve, and control board, and both sides of the top cover 54 have air inlet chambers 542 and air inlets 51 communicating with the air inlet chambers 542. The air inlet chambers 542 and the housing cavity 541 are isolated from each other. The front cover 55 has an air outlet 52. Figure 4 As shown, the back cover 56 has a wiring hole 561 that connects to the storage cavity 541. During operation, air from the external environment enters the outer casing 50 through the air inlets 51 on both sides of the bottom shell 53 and the top cover 54. To protect the compressor 30, the electronic expansion valve, and the control board, a separate storage cavity 541 is provided on the top cover 54. In this embodiment, the pull-out opening 57 is located on one side of the bottom shell 53.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the condensate recovery assembly 60 includes a water collection box 61 located below the evaporator 20. The water collection box 61 is inserted laterally into the inner frame 10 from the pull-out port 57. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the water collection box 61 is provided with a handle 611 on the side near the pull-out opening 57. The handle 611 makes it easy for the user to grip the water collection box 61.

[0057] Brief description of working principle:

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, when condensation forms on the surface of the evaporator 20, the fins 21 are suspended in an inverted U-shape on the inner frame 10. Therefore, the condensation falls rapidly under the combined action of gravity and airflow. Part of the condensation is carried by the airflow and discharged from the outlet 52, while the other part falls into the collection box 61 below and is collected. The condensation evaporates naturally in the collection box 61. If there is too much condensation in the collection box 61, it can overflow into the external environment from the pull-out opening. Furthermore, the user can pull out the collection box 61 to quickly clean up accumulated condensation or ice formed from it.

[0059] To reduce human intervention and lower the risks associated with requiring manual intervention, such as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the condensate recovery assembly 60 may further include an overflow box 62 located on one side of the water collection box 61. The water collection box 61 has an overflow hole 612 on the side near the overflow box 62. The overflow box 62 is located below the overflow hole 612. Combined with... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a drain port 621 is provided on one side of the overflow box 62. The drain port 621 is used to connect a drain pipe. When the liquid level of the condensate in the collection box 61 reaches the height of the overflow hole 612, the condensate overflows from the overflow hole 612 into the overflow box 62, and then flows from the drain port 621 to the drain pipe for discharge.

[0060] To improve the efficiency of condensate drainage, such as Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the overflow box 62 is provided with a guide slope 622 inclined towards the drain port 621. The guide slope 622 is used to guide the condensate water to flow quickly to the drain port 621, thereby improving the drainage efficiency.

[0061] In addition, for ease of installation, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the air source heat pump outdoor unit 100, which facilitates condensate recovery, may further include a stand 70 connected to the outer casing 50. The stand 70 is L-shaped and positioned close to the back and bottom surfaces of the outer casing 50. The stand 70 serves to provide support and stability, and its L-shaped design allows for installation not only on the ground but also on a wall.

[0062] The above-mentioned air source heat pump outdoor unit 100, which facilitates the recovery of condensate, designs the fins 21 of the evaporator 20 as an inverted U-shape. It uses gravity and airflow to quickly remove the condensate on the fins 21, and recovers the condensate through the water collection box 61 below the evaporator 20, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly recovering condensate and preventing condensate from remaining on the fins 21 of the evaporator 20.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The above embodiments only illustrate preferred implementations of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery, characterized in that, include: Internal skeleton; Evaporator suspended on the inner frame; The evaporator includes: multiple arrayed fins and heat pipes passing through the fins; the fins are inverted U-shapes and are hung on the inner frame; A compressor mounted on the inner frame; the compressor is located above the evaporator and connected to the heat pipe; An electronic expansion valve is connected to the evaporator; the electronic expansion valve is located above the evaporator and connected to the heat pipe; A fan mounted on the inner frame; the fan is located at the center of the evaporator; A control board is mounted on the inner frame; the control board is located above the evaporator and is electrically connected to the compressor, the electronic expansion valve, and the fan, respectively; An outer shell surrounding the inner frame; air inlets on both sides of the outer shell; an air outlet opposite the fan on the front of the outer shell; and a pull-out opening on one side of the outer shell; and A condensate recovery assembly is installed on the inner frame; the condensate recovery assembly includes: a water collection box located below the evaporator; the water collection box is inserted into the inner frame from the pull-out port.

2. The air source heat pump outdoor unit for easy condensate water recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner frame is provided with an L-shaped hanging beam and a support column connecting the hanging beam; the evaporator is hung on the hanging beam.

3. The outdoor unit of the air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes: a bottom shell, a top cover, a front cover, and a back cover, which are respectively connected to the inner frame; the bottom shell is U-shaped and has evenly distributed air inlets on both sides; the top cover has a storage cavity for accommodating the compressor, the electronic expansion valve, and the control board, and the top cover has air inlets and air inlets communicating with the air inlets on both sides; the air inlets and the storage cavity are isolated from each other; the front cover has an air outlet; and the back cover has wiring holes communicating with the storage cavity.

4. The outdoor unit of the air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection box has a handle on the side near the pull-out opening.

5. The outdoor unit of the air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensate recovery assembly further includes: an overflow box located on one side of the water collection box; an overflow hole is provided on the side of the water collection box near the overflow box; the overflow box is located below the overflow hole; a drain port is provided on one side of the overflow box; the drain port is used to connect a drain pipe.

6. The outdoor unit of the air source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The overflow box is provided with a guide slope that is inclined toward the drain port.

7. The outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump that facilitates condensate water recovery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes: a stand for connecting the housing; the stand is L-shaped and is disposed close to the back and bottom surfaces of the housing.

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