Water pan and indoor unit
By installing negative pressure balance holes and sponge wrapping in the drain pipe of the suction-type duct air conditioner, combined with reinforcing ribs, installation steps, switch brackets, and float switches, the problem of drainage difficulties in the suction-type duct air conditioner was solved, enabling normal discharge of condensate and stable operation of the air conditioning system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423008839.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-06
AI Technical Summary
In a ductless air conditioner with suction, the airflow at the water tray is under negative pressure. When the drain outlet is draining water, it will be sucked back due to the negative pressure, resulting in the inability to drain normally.
A negative pressure balance hole is set on the drain pipe to balance the pressure inside the drain pipe, and the outside of the disc is wrapped with sponge for insulation and sealing. The back of the disc is equipped with reinforcing ribs to enhance structural strength. An installation step is set at the bottom to facilitate the fixing of the evaporator connection plate. A switch bracket is set on the side to install the switch equipment. The float switch is used to monitor the water level.
The negative pressure balance hole balances the pressure inside the drain pipe, prevents negative pressure suction, ensures normal discharge of condensate, improves drainage efficiency, enhances structural stability and sealing, reduces energy loss, prevents leakage and vibration, and enables water level monitoring and protection for stable operation of the air conditioning system.
Smart Images

Figure CN223499770U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a water collection tray and an indoor unit. Background Technology
[0002] In blower-type ducted air conditioners, the condensate tray is located at the air outlet, where the airflow is under positive pressure, allowing the condensate to drain properly from the drain outlet. However, in suction-type ducted air conditioners, the condensate tray is located at the air inlet, where the airflow is under negative pressure. When attempting to drain, the condensate is drawn back due to the negative pressure, preventing proper drainage. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention solves the technical problem in ducted air conditioners where the airflow at the drip tray is under negative pressure, causing the condensate to be drawn back into the drain outlet and preventing proper drainage. This invention addresses this problem by installing a negative pressure balancing hole on the drain pipe, thereby balancing the pressure inside the drain pipe and ensuring the normal drainage of condensate from the drip tray.
[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a water receiving tray for collecting condensate from an air conditioner. The water receiving tray includes: a tray body; a drain pipe, with at least one drain pipe at the bottom of the tray body; and a negative pressure balancing hole located on the drain pipe. The drain pipe is used to discharge the condensate from the tray body, and the negative pressure balancing hole is used to balance the pressure inside the drain pipe.
[0005] Compared with existing technologies, the technical advantages of this solution are as follows: By installing at least one drain pipe and a negative pressure balancing hole at the bottom of the drip tray, the problem of the drain outlet being sucked in by negative pressure can be effectively solved. The negative pressure balancing hole can balance the pressure inside the drain pipe, preventing negative pressure from creating suction on the drain outlet and ensuring normal drainage. The drip tray design can effectively collect condensate from the air conditioner and quickly discharge it through the drain pipe. This improves drainage efficiency, maintains stable system operation, and prevents condensate from accumulating in the drip tray.
[0006] In one possible design, the outside of the disc is wrapped with sponge for insulation and sealing.
[0007] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: By wrapping the outside of the tray with sponge, heat loss can be effectively reduced. This improves the insulation effect of the drip tray, reduces the temperature drop of condensate inside the tray, and thus reduces energy loss. The sponge has a certain degree of elasticity and softness, allowing it to fit tightly against the tray surface, forming a good seal. This prevents condensate from leaking from the edges or seams of the drip tray, maintaining the system's airtightness and preventing the diffusion of moisture and splashing of water droplets.
[0008] In one possible design, the back of the disc is reinforced with ribs.
[0009] Compared to existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: By incorporating reinforcing ribs on the back of the tray, the structural strength of the drip tray can be effectively enhanced. The presence of these ribs provides additional support and rigidity, making the drip tray more stable and reliable when bearing the weight of condensate and external pressure. This prevents deformation or cracking of the drip tray, extending its service life. The reinforcing ribs also improve the drip tray's vibration resistance. During the operation of an air conditioning system, vibrations and shocks may occur, potentially affecting the drip tray. The support provided by the reinforcing ribs reduces the amplitude of these vibrations, improving its stability and vibration resistance.
[0010] In one possible design, the bottom of the plate is provided with a mounting step for connecting and fixing the evaporator connection plate.
[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: By setting an installation step at the bottom of the tray, the evaporator connection plate can be easily connected and fixed. The installation step provides a platform, making the installation of the evaporator connection plate simpler and more convenient. The presence of the installation step enhances the connection stability between the drip tray and the evaporator connection plate. By tightly connecting the evaporator connection plate to the installation step, the firmness and stability of the connection can be ensured. This prevents the connection from loosening or falling off, improving the reliability and stability of the drip tray.
[0012] In one possible design, the water tray also includes a switch bracket, which is located on the side of the tray body.
[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the technical advantages of this solution are as follows: By installing a switch bracket on the side of the water tray, the switchgear can be easily installed. The switch bracket provides a fixed position, allowing the switchgear to be easily installed on the water tray. Installing the switch bracket on the side of the water tray saves space. The switchgear can be directly installed on the water tray without requiring additional installation space. This avoids wasting space during installation and improves space utilization efficiency.
[0014] In one possible design, the switch bracket is integrally molded with the panel and is made of plastic.
[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the technical advantages of this solution are as follows: The integrated molding of the switch bracket and panel improves their structural strength. The integrated design eliminates connection points between components, reducing the risk of loosening and detachment, and enhancing the overall structural stability and reliability. The plastic material resists moisture, corrosion, and some chemical substances, thus extending the service life of the switch bracket and panel.
[0016] In one possible design, the water tray also includes a float switch mounted on a switch bracket; the float switch is used to monitor the water level inside the tray.
[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the technical benefits of this solution are as follows: the float switch enables monitoring of the water level in the receiving pan. The float switch rises and falls with changes in the water level, and the signal from the float switch accurately monitors the water level in the receiving pan. By monitoring the water level, overflow caused by excessively high water levels can be prevented, protecting the normal operation of the air conditioning system and the safety of the equipment. This improves the stability and reliability of the air conditioning system.
[0018] In one possible design, the float switch includes: a base that snaps into a switch bracket; a connecting shaft that passes through and is movably mounted on the base; and a float assembly connected to the end of the connecting shaft near the disc body. The float assembly is capable of driving the connecting shaft to move towards or away from the disc body.
[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the technical advantages of this solution are as follows: By mounting the connecting shaft to the fixed base, the stability and reliability of the float switch can be improved. The fixed base snaps into the switch bracket, providing a stable support point and preventing the float switch from loosening or falling off. Through the design of the connecting shaft and float assembly, the float switch can move towards or away from the pan. This gives the float switch greater flexibility and accuracy, enabling it to more accurately sense and react to changes in the water level within the receiving pan.
[0020] This utility model also provides an indoor unit, which includes a water receiving tray and a wind deflector plate installed at the corner of the tray for wind deflection.
[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: by installing a windproof connecting plate at the corner of the drip tray, the impact of wind on the drip tray can be effectively prevented, thus improving the stability and reliability of the system. Furthermore, the indoor unit of this invention includes the drip tray of any of the technical solutions of this invention; therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the drip tray of any of the technical solutions of this invention, which will not be elaborated further here.
[0022] In one possible design, the indoor unit also includes a side panel and an evaporator connection plate. The side panel is installed on both sides of the unit, and the wind deflector connection plate is connected to the side panel at one end and to the evaporator connection plate at the other end.
[0023] Compared to existing technologies, the technical benefits of this solution are as follows: The design of the side panels and evaporator connecting plate increases the structural stability of the indoor unit. The side panels, installed on both sides of the unit, provide additional support and fixing points, enhancing the overall stability of the indoor unit. The evaporator connecting plate connects the baffle connecting plate and the side panels, further strengthening the structural stability of the indoor unit. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water receiving tray provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water receiving tray provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;
[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water receiving tray provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 ;
[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure for connecting and installing steps to the evaporator connecting plate;
[0029] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the indoor unit Figure 1 ;
[0030] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the indoor unit Figure 2 ;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the suction-type duct air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional switch bracket provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0033] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional water receiving tray provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a blower-type duct air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0036] 11-Disc body; 12-Drain pipe; 13-Negative pressure balance hole; 14-Reinforcing rib; 15-Mounting step; 16-Evaporator connecting plate; 17-Switch bracket; 18-Float switch; 19-Fixing base; 20-Connecting shaft; 21-Float assembly; 22-Windproof connecting plate; 23-Side plate. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, 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.
[0038] See Figures 1 to 11 This embodiment provides a drip tray for collecting condensate from an air conditioner. The drip tray includes: a tray body 11; a drain pipe 12, with at least one drain pipe 12 at the bottom of the tray body 11; and a negative pressure balance hole 13 located on the drain pipe 12. The drain pipe 12 is used to discharge the condensate from the tray body 11, and the negative pressure balance hole 13 is used to balance the pressure inside the drain pipe 12.
[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, see Figure 10 The schematic diagram of the conventional water receiving tray shown is shown in the reference diagram. Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of a blower-type ducted air conditioner. Typically, blower-type ducted air conditioners use a conventional dredging tray located at the air outlet. The airflow at the dredging tray is under positive pressure, and only a drain pipe is installed. However, in a suction-type ducted air conditioner, the dredging tray is located at the air inlet. The airflow at the dredging tray is under negative pressure, and the drain pipe needs to include a negative pressure balancing hole. See [link / reference needed]. Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of a suction-type ducted air conditioner. During normal operation, condensate collects in the drip tray and needs to be drained through the drain outlet. However, the drip tray is under negative pressure, causing the drain outlet to be sucked back due to this negative pressure, preventing proper drainage. Adding a negative pressure balancing hole balances the local pressure at the drain outlet, allowing for normal drainage. See [reference needed]. Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the evaporator connecting plate with the mounting steps. The negative pressure balance hole 13 is located between the side plate 23 and the evaporator connecting plate 16, and is positioned as close to the side plate 23 as possible to achieve better negative pressure balance. Because the closer the negative pressure balance hole 13 is to the side plate 23, the more water inside the drain pipe 12 is drawn away by the negative pressure of the hole 13, resulting in smoother drainage. The negative pressure balance hole 13 is located on the side of the drain pipe 12 furthest from the plate 11, and is generally cylindrical, with a diameter similar to the drain outlet and a height approximately five millimeters lower than the maximum height of the plate 11. This effectively prevents the negative pressure balance hole 13 from being submerged. In this embodiment, there are two drain pipes 12, located at both ends of the bottom of the plate 11, and each drain pipe 12 has a negative pressure balance hole 13.
[0040] In one embodiment of this utility model, the outside of the disc body 11 is wrapped with sponge for heat preservation and sealing.
[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sponge has good thermal insulation properties, effectively reducing heat conduction and loss. Wrapping the outside of the drip tray with sponge prevents cold bridging and condensation, reduces heat exchange, and thus improves the insulation effect. The sponge has good moisture absorption properties, absorbing ambient moisture and preventing condensation from forming on the drip tray. This avoids condensation dripping onto the ground or other equipment, causing unnecessary damage. The sponge has a certain degree of softness and plasticity, allowing it to fit tightly against the surface of the drip tray, forming a good seal. This prevents ambient air from entering the drip tray, reducing air leakage.
[0042] In one embodiment of this utility model, the back of the disc body 11 is provided with reinforcing ribs 14.
[0043] Specifically, see Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the water receiving tray Figure 3 In this invention, the back of the disc 11 is provided with several reinforcing ribs 14 arranged in a crisscross pattern. The presence of these reinforcing ribs improves the overall rigidity and strength of the disc 11, making it more able to withstand external forces and reducing the risk of deformation and breakage. The crisscross arrangement of the reinforcing ribs effectively disperses stress, ensuring its uniform distribution throughout the disc 11 structure, thereby reducing localized stress concentration and improving the structure's compressive strength. Furthermore, the crisscross arrangement of the reinforcing ribs increases the overall stability of the disc 11, reducing the possibility of deformation and swaying, and improving its stability and reliability during use.
[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the plate body 11 is provided with an installation step 15, which is used to connect and fix the evaporator connecting plate 16.
[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, mounting steps 15 are disposed at the bottom of the plate body 11 and distributed on both sides of the drain pipe 12. The mounting steps 15 provide a platform for connecting and fixing the evaporator connection plate 16. By connecting the evaporator connection plate to the mounting steps, the stability and reliability of the evaporator connection plate 16 can be ensured. The mounting steps 15 are distributed on both sides of the drain pipe 12 to avoid interfering with the normal function of the drain pipe. By placing the mounting steps on both sides of the drain pipe, the unobstructed flow of the drain pipe can be ensured, while simultaneously enabling the installation of the evaporator connection plate 16.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving tray further includes a switch bracket 17, which is disposed on the side of the tray body 11.
[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, the switch bracket 17 is located on the side of the panel 11, and the height of the switch bracket 17 is higher than the side of the panel 11.
[0048] In one embodiment of this utility model, the switch bracket 17 is integrally formed with the panel 11 and is a plastic part.
[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the switch bracket 17 is integrated with the panel 11, reducing screw connections and improving production efficiency. See also Figure 9 The schematic diagram of a conventional switch bracket shows that, compared to conventional switch brackets, the sheet metal material is replaced with plastic, reducing material costs and eliminating one set of molds, thus saving production costs. Simultaneously, one-piece molding reduces the number of parts in the assembly process, simplifies manufacturing processes, and improves production efficiency. One-piece molding reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs of parts, reducing labor and time costs. Plastic material has good plasticity and processability, allowing for complex shapes and structural designs to meet different functions and needs. Reinforcing ribs are also provided on the inner side of the panel 11 to increase strength.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water receiving tray further includes a float switch 18, which is mounted on a switch bracket 17; wherein, the float switch 18 is used to monitor the water level in the tray body 11.
[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, by monitoring the water level, the float switch 18 can detect abnormal water levels or overflows in a timely manner, thereby triggering corresponding protection measures to prevent equipment damage, leakage, or other safety problems caused by excessively high or low water levels. The float switch 18 can help control the operation of the drainage system, preventing over-drainage or under-drainage. By accurately monitoring the water level, the start and stop of the drainage equipment can be controlled as needed to achieve reasonable water level regulation.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the float switch 18 includes: a fixed base 19, which is snapped onto the switch bracket 17; a connecting shaft 20, which passes through and is movably mounted on the fixed base 19; and a float assembly 21, which is connected to the end of the connecting shaft 20 near the disk body 11; wherein the float assembly 21 can drive the connecting shaft 20 to move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the disk body 11.
[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixing base 19 is hexagonal prism-shaped and is snapped onto the integrally formed float switch 18. The float assembly 21 is specifically cylindrical, with one end of the connecting shaft 20 inserted into the float assembly 21 and the other end passing through the fixing base 19. When the water level in the pan 11 rises, the float assembly 21 will drive the connecting shaft 20 to move away from the pan 11. When the water level in the pan 11 falls, the float assembly 21 will drive the connecting shaft 20 to move closer to the pan 11.
[0054] This embodiment also provides an indoor unit, which includes a water tray and a wind deflector 22. The wind deflector 22 is installed at the corner of the tray body 11 for wind deflection.
[0055] Specifically, see Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the indoor unit Figure 2 In this embodiment, the disc body 11 is rectangular, with its four sides bent to one side to form a disc shape. Specifically, there are two wind-blocking connecting plates 22, each installed at one of the two corners of the disc body 11. The area formed between the two wind-blocking connecting plates 22 and the disc body 11 is the air inlet of the ductless air conditioner, and the two wind-blocking connecting plates 22 are used to block the wind. The other two corners of the disc body 11 are connected to the volute of the ductless air conditioner, serving as air outlets. Furthermore, the indoor unit of this utility model includes the water collection tray of any technical solution of this utility model; therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the water collection tray of any technical solution of this utility model, which will not be elaborated further here.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit further includes a side plate 23 and an evaporator connecting plate 16. The side plate 23 is installed on both sides of the plate body 11. The wind deflector connecting plate 22 is connected to the side plate 23 at one end and to the evaporator connecting plate 16 at the other end.
[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, side plates 23 are also installed on both sides of the plate body 11, and the side plates 23 are connected to the windproof connecting plate 22. An evaporator connecting plate 16 is also installed inside the plate body 11. The evaporator connecting plate 16 is installed on the mounting step 15, and the evaporator connecting plate 16 is also connected to the windproof connecting plate 22. The evaporator connecting plate 16 is used to connect and fix the evaporator.
[0058] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.
Claims
1. A drip tray for collecting condensate from an air conditioner, characterized in that, The water receiving tray includes: Disk body (11); Drain pipe (12), at least one of the drain pipes (12) is provided at the bottom of the disc body (11). Negative pressure balance hole (13), the negative pressure balance hole (13) is provided in the drain pipe (12). The drain pipe (12) is used to drain the condensate in the disc (11), and the negative pressure balance hole (13) is used to balance the pressure in the drain pipe (12).
2. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outside of the disc (11) is wrapped with sponge for heat preservation and sealing.
3. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back of the disc (11) is provided with reinforcing ribs (14).
4. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the plate (11) is provided with an installation step (15), which is used to connect and fix the evaporator connecting plate (16).
5. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water receiving tray also includes a switch bracket (17), which is located on the side of the tray body (11).
6. The water receiving tray according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switch bracket (17) is integrally formed with the disk body (11) and is a plastic part.
7. The water receiving tray according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water receiving tray also includes a float switch (18), which is installed on the switch bracket (17); wherein the float switch (18) is used to monitor the water level in the tray (11).
8. The water receiving tray according to claim 7, characterized in that, The float switch (18) includes: Fixing base (19), which is snapped onto the switch bracket (17). A connecting shaft (20) is inserted through and movably mounted on the fixed base (19); A float assembly (21) is connected to one end of the connecting shaft (20) near the disk body (11); The float assembly (21) can drive the connecting shaft (20) to move towards or away from the disk body (11).
9. An indoor unit, characterized in that, The indoor unit includes a water tray as described in any one of claims 1-7, and the indoor unit also includes a wind deflector (22), which is installed at the corner of the tray (11) for wind deflection.
10. The indoor unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The indoor unit also includes a side panel (23) and an evaporator connecting plate (16). The side panel (23) is installed on both sides of the plate (11). One end of the wind deflector connecting plate (22) is connected to the side panel (23), and the other end is connected to the evaporator connecting plate (16).