Drainage joint and air conditioner with same

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to a drainage connector and an air conditioner with the drainage connector, and aims to solve the problems that a drainage pipe of a traditional air conditioner is inconvenient to maintain or clean, the cost is high when an indoor unit is replaced with an easily-detached indoor unit, and a user is difficult to achieve balance between use convenience and cost saving. In order to achieve the purpose, the drainage connector is used for connecting an indoor unit and an easily-detached drainage pipe, and the indoor unit comprises a framework and a water outlet short pipe; the drainage connector comprises a connector body, a connecting assembly and a connecting piece, and the water inlet end of the connector body is connected to the water outlet short pipe and connected with the indoor unit through the connecting assembly. The easy-to-detach drainage pipe is connected to the water outlet end of the connector body and connected with the connector body through a connecting piece. According to the utility model, the traditional air conditioner can be connected with the easy-to-disassemble drain pipe through the drain joint, so that a user can maintain, clean or replace the drain pipe more conveniently, the user experience can be improved, and the economic cost is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically providing a drain connector and an air conditioner having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Split-type air conditioners are a type of air conditioning equipment, consisting of refrigerant circulation piping and an outdoor unit and an indoor unit installed on the refrigerant circulation piping. The outdoor and indoor units are installed indoors and outdoors, respectively. Split-type air conditioners are classified according to the installation method of the indoor unit, including wall-mounted, floor-standing, ceiling-mounted, recessed, and floor-standing types. Among them, the indoor units of household air conditioners are usually wall-mounted or floor-standing.

[0003] In existing technology, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit and a drain pipe. The indoor unit includes a frame, on which a water storage chamber for condensate and a short pipe connector are formed near the air outlet. The short pipe connector is located at the bottom of the water storage chamber and communicates with it. The top end of the drain pipe is connected to the short pipe connector, and the end of the drain pipe extends through the wall to the outside. Condensate generated during air conditioner operation flows into the water storage chamber and is discharged to the outside via the short pipe connector and the drain pipe, thus preventing indoor dripping. In traditional air conditioners, the top end of the drain pipe is inserted into the short pipe connector and connected to the frame via a screw mechanism. In easily detachable air conditioners, the easily detachable drain pipe is installed on the short pipe connector via a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0004] For traditional air conditioners, the drain pipe is connected to the frame with screws, which is inconvenient to repair or clean, affecting the user experience. Replacing the indoor unit of a traditional air conditioner with an easily detachable indoor unit is also costly, making it difficult for users to strike a balance between convenience and cost savings.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new drain connector and an air conditioner having it to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, that for traditional air conditioners, the drain pipe is connected to the frame by a screw structure, which is inconvenient to repair or clean the drain pipe and affects the user experience, while replacing the indoor unit of the traditional air conditioner with an easily disassembled indoor unit is relatively expensive, making it difficult for users to strike a balance between ease of use and cost savings.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a drain connector; the drain connector includes a drain connector for connecting an indoor unit and an easily detachable drain pipe, the indoor unit including a frame and a short water outlet pipe disposed on the frame;

[0008] The drain connector includes a connector body, a connecting component and a connector provided on the connector body. The water inlet end of the connector body is connected to the water outlet short pipe and is connected to the indoor unit through the connecting component.

[0009] The detachable drain pipe is connected to the outlet end of the connector body and is connected to the connector body via the connector.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the connecting assembly includes a connecting flange and a connecting screw, the skeleton is provided with a threaded hole, and the connecting screw passes through the connecting flange and is threaded into the threaded hole.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the connecting assembly includes a connecting plate and a clamp. The connecting plate is located at the end of the connector body and fits against the outer wall of the outlet short pipe. The connecting plate is provided with two through holes for the locking part of the clamp to pass through, and the connecting plate can be connected to the outlet short pipe through the clamp.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drain connector, the connector includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the detachable drain pipe includes a pipe body and a buckle provided on the pipe body, wherein the buckle engages with the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drain connector, the drain connector further includes a sealing component, which seals the gap between the outlet short pipe and the connector body.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the connector body includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, wherein the inlet end of the second connecting pipe extends into the outlet end of the first connecting pipe and is connected to the first connecting pipe.

[0015] The sealing assembly includes a sealing gasket, which is pressed against the outlet short pipe and the second connecting pipe, and the sealing gasket is provided with a sealing notch, and the end of the outlet short pipe is inserted into the sealing notch.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the sealing assembly further includes a limiting ring disposed on the end face of the second connecting pipe. The limiting ring is located on the side of the outlet short pipe facing away from the first connecting pipe. The sealing gasket is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting ring is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the sealing gasket is bonded to the end of the second connecting pipe, the limiting ring has an adhesive surface on the side facing away from the outlet short pipe, the adhesive surface is inclined downward in the direction away from the outlet short pipe, and the sealing gasket is bonded to the adhesive surface.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned drainage connector, the top wall of the sealing gasket on the side near the water flow is provided as an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is inclined downward in the direction away from the outlet short pipe.

[0019] Secondly, this utility model provides an air conditioner; the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, the indoor unit including a frame and a short water outlet pipe disposed on the frame;

[0020] Easy-to-remove drain pipe;

[0021] As described above, the inlet end of the drain connector is connected to the outlet short pipe, and the outlet end of the drain connector is connected to the detachable drain pipe.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model can connect the connector body to the frame or drain pipe of a traditional air conditioner through a connecting component, and connect the connector body to an easy-to-remove drain pipe through a connector. This allows the traditional air conditioner to be connected to either a traditional drain pipe or an easy-to-remove drain pipe, giving users flexibility to choose according to their needs. Adding a drain connector and an easy-to-remove drain pipe makes it more convenient for users to repair, clean, or replace the drain pipe, improving the user experience. Furthermore, it is more economical than directly replacing the indoor unit.

[0023] In addition, the sealing gasket is bonded to the end of the second connecting pipe, and the outlet short pipe is inserted into the sealing groove. This increases the sealing between the outlet short pipe and the second connecting pipe, reducing the possibility of condensate flowing into the space between the first connecting pipe and the outlet short pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage at the drain joint. The limiting ring supports the sealing gasket, reducing the possibility of bending and deformation, allowing the outlet short pipe to be inserted into the sealing groove more stably. The bonding surface is tilted downwards away from the outlet short pipe, which reduces the possibility of condensate flowing into the limiting groove, allowing the sealing gasket to be bonded more stably to the second connecting pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the drain connector of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the connecting component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section B;

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 1. Skeleton; 11. Threaded hole; 2. Outlet short pipe; 31. Connector body; 311. First connecting pipe; 312. Second connecting pipe; 32. Connecting assembly; 321. Connecting flange; 322. Connecting screw; 323. Connecting plate; 324. Clamp; 33. Connector; 34. Sealing assembly; 341. Sealing gasket; 3411. Sealing notch; 3412. Limiting groove; 3413. Inclined surface; 342. Limiting ring; 3421. Adhesive surface; 41. Plug; 42. Snap-fit; 43. Pipe body; 44. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] To address the issue that traditional air conditioners have drain pipes connected to the frame via screws, making maintenance or cleaning inconvenient and impacting user experience, replacing the indoor unit with an easily removable one is costly. This presents a dilemma for users, making it difficult to strike a balance between convenience and cost savings.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, this embodiment discloses an air conditioner. A traditional air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a drain pipe. The drain pipe is a conventional drain pipe. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors, and the indoor unit is installed indoors. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline. The indoor unit includes a frame 1 and a short drain pipe 2. A water storage chamber for condensate is formed on the frame 1. The short drain pipe 2 is integrally formed on the frame 1 and connected to the bottom of the water storage chamber, so that the condensate generated during the operation of the air conditioner can be discharged more smoothly through the short drain pipe 2.

[0036] The frame 1 has a threaded hole 11 on one side of the outlet short pipe 2. The conventional drain pipe has a connecting part fixed on it. When the conventional drain pipe is connected to the outlet short pipe 2, the screw is passed through the connecting part and threaded into the threaded hole 11. The condensate in the water storage chamber is discharged outdoors through the outlet short pipe 2 and the conventional drain pipe.

[0037] In this embodiment, the air conditioner's drain pipe is an easy-to-remove drain pipe. The indoor unit also includes a drain connector. When it is necessary to replace the traditional drain pipe with the easy-to-remove drain pipe, the traditional drain pipe is removed and the drain connector is installed, and then the easy-to-remove drain pipe is connected to the drain connector. With the addition of the drain connector and the easy-to-remove drain pipe, it is more convenient for users to repair, clean, or replace the drain pipe, which can improve the user experience. Moreover, compared with directly replacing the indoor unit, the economic cost is lower.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, specifically, the drain connector includes a connector body 31, a connecting assembly 32, a connector 33, and a sealing assembly 34. The connector body 31 includes a first connecting pipe 311 and a second connecting pipe 312. The inlet end of the second connecting pipe 312 extends into the outlet end of the first connecting pipe 311 and is fixedly connected to the inner circumferential wall of the first connecting pipe 311. Of course, the first connecting pipe 311 and the second connecting pipe 312 can also be integrally formed. The inlet end of the first connecting pipe 311 is inserted into the outlet short pipe 2 and connected to the indoor unit through the connecting assembly 32. The connecting assembly 32 includes a connecting flange 321 and a connecting screw 322. The connecting flange 321 is integrally formed at the inlet end of the first connecting pipe 311. The connecting screw 322 passes through the connecting flange 321 and is threaded into the threaded hole 11, thereby allowing the drain connector to be installed on the indoor unit.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, in another preferred embodiment, the connecting assembly 32 includes a connecting plate 323 and a clamp 324. In this embodiment, the clamp 324 is an American-style hose clamp, but other types of hose clamps are also possible. The connecting plate 323 is integrally formed at the end of the first connecting pipe 311 and fits against the outer wall of the outlet short pipe 2. The connecting plate 323 has two through holes for the locking part of the clamp 324 to pass through. After the first connecting pipe 311 is inserted into the outlet short pipe 2, the user tightens the locking part of the clamp 324 to connect the connecting plate 323 to the outlet short pipe 2, thereby allowing the drain connector to be installed on the indoor unit.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the connector 33 includes a snap-fit, which is bonded or integrally formed onto the second connecting pipe 312. The detachable drain pipe includes a plug 41, a pipe body 43, a snap fastener 42, and at least one sealing ring 44. The sealing ring 44 is fixed to the inner wall of the plug 41 to seal the gap between the plug 41 and the second connecting pipe 312. The plug 41 is inserted into the water inlet end of the pipe body 43 and bonded to it. The snap fastener 42 is sleeved on the outside of the plug 41. The plug 41 is inserted into the water outlet end of the second connecting pipe 312, connecting the second connecting pipe 312 to the pipe body 43. At the same time, the snap fastener 42 is engaged with the snap-fit, enabling quick installation of the detachable pipe. When cleaning, repairing, or replacing the detachable drain pipe is required, pressing the snap fastener 42 disengages it from the snap-fit, allowing for quick removal of the detachable drain pipe, making it more convenient and easier to operate.

[0041] The structure of the indoor unit's frame 1 and the short outlet pipe 2 remains unchanged. The indoor unit can be connected to either a traditional drain pipe or an easily detachable drain pipe via a drain connector. Switching between the two is simple, allowing users to choose flexibly according to their needs. Furthermore, the drain connector has a low manufacturing cost, reducing costs for both manufacturers and users, thus achieving a balance between convenience and cost savings.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the sealing assembly 34 is used to seal the gap between the outlet short pipe 2 and the connector body 31. The sealing assembly 34 includes an annular sealing gasket 341 and a limiting ring 342. The sealing gasket 341 is made of rubber or silicone, and the limiting ring 342 is made of a rigid material, preferably the same material as the second connecting pipe 312, such as rigid plastic. The sealing gasket 341 is bonded to the end of the second connecting pipe 312. The sealing gasket 341 has an annular sealing notch 3411. The outlet short pipe 2 fits against the inner wall of the first connecting pipe 311, and the end of the outlet short pipe 2 is inserted into the sealing notch 3411. The sealing notch 3411 increases the contact area between the sealing gasket 341 and the outlet short pipe 2, improving the sealing effect between the outlet short pipe 2 and the sealing gasket 341, thereby reducing the possibility of condensate leakage between the first connecting pipe 311 and the outlet short pipe 2.

[0043] The limiting ring 342 is fixed to the end of the second connecting pipe 312 and is located on the inner wall of the outlet short pipe 2 on the side facing away from the first connecting pipe 311. The limiting ring 342 has an adhesive surface 3421 on the side facing away from the outlet short pipe 2. The adhesive surface 3421 is inclined downwards in a direction away from the outlet short pipe 2. The sealing gasket 341 has a limiting groove 3412. The limiting ring 342 is inserted into the limiting groove 3412, and the sealing gasket 341 is adhered to the adhesive surface 3421. On the one hand, the limiting ring 342 supports the sealing gasket 341, reducing the possibility of bending and deformation of the sealing gasket 341, allowing the outlet short pipe 2 to be inserted more stably into the sealing groove, thereby improving the sealing performance between the first connecting pipe 311 and the outlet short pipe 2. On the other hand, the adhesive surface 3421 is inclined downward in the direction away from the water outlet short pipe 2, which can reduce the possibility of condensate flowing into the limiting groove 3412, so that the sealing gasket 341 can be more stably bonded to the second connecting pipe 312, which can further improve the sealing performance between the first connecting pipe 311 and the water outlet short pipe 2, and reduce the possibility of indoor water leakage.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the top wall of the sealing gasket 341 near the water flow side is set as an inclined surface 3413. The inclined surface 3413 is set inclined downward in the direction away from the water outlet short pipe 2. The inclined surface 3413 can reduce the obstruction effect of the sealing gasket 341 on the water flow, so that the condensate can be discharged more smoothly through the drain joint and the easy-to-disassemble drain pipe.

[0045] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A drainage connector, characterized in that, The drain connector is used to connect the indoor unit and the easy-to-remove drain pipe. The indoor unit includes a frame (1) and a short water outlet pipe (2) provided on the frame (1). The drain connector includes a connector body (31), a connecting component (32) and a connector (33) disposed on the connector body (31). The water inlet end of the connector body (31) is connected to the water outlet short pipe (2) and is connected to the indoor unit through the connecting component (32). The detachable drain pipe is connected to the outlet end of the connector body (31) and is connected to the connector body (31) through the connector (33).

2. The drain connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (32) includes a connecting flange (321) and a connecting screw (322). The skeleton (1) is provided with a threaded hole (11). The connecting screw (322) passes through the connecting flange (321) and is threaded into the threaded hole (11).

3. The drain connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (32) includes a connecting plate (323) and a clamp (324). The connecting plate (323) is located at the end of the connector body (31) and fits against the outer wall of the outlet short pipe (2). The connecting plate (323) has two through holes through which the locking part of the clamp (324) passes. The clamp (324) can connect the connecting plate (323) to the outlet short pipe (2).

4. The drain connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (33) includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the detachable drain pipe includes a pipe body (43) and a buckle (42) provided on the pipe body (43), wherein the buckle (42) engages with the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

5. The drain connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain connector also includes a sealing component (34) that seals the gap between the outlet pipe (2) and the connector body (31).

6. The drain connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector body (31) includes a first connecting pipe (311) and a second connecting pipe (312). The inlet end of the second connecting pipe (312) extends into the outlet end of the first connecting pipe (311) and is connected to the first connecting pipe (311). The sealing assembly (34) includes a sealing gasket (341), which is pressed against the water outlet short pipe (2) and the second connecting pipe (312), and the sealing gasket (341) is provided with a sealing notch (3411), and the end of the water outlet short pipe (2) is inserted into the sealing notch (3411).

7. The drain connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing assembly (34) further includes a limiting ring (342) disposed on the end face of the second connecting pipe (312). The limiting ring (342) is located on the side of the water outlet short pipe (2) facing away from the first connecting pipe (311). The sealing gasket (341) is provided with a limiting groove (3412), and the limiting ring (342) is inserted into the limiting groove (3412).

8. The drain connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing gasket (341) is bonded to the end of the second connecting pipe (312). The limiting ring (342) has an adhesive surface (3421) on the side facing away from the water outlet short pipe (2). The adhesive surface (3421) is inclined downward in the direction away from the water outlet short pipe (2). The sealing gasket (341) is bonded to the adhesive surface (3421).

9. The drain connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top wall of the sealing gasket (341) near the water flow side is set as an inclined surface (3413), and the inclined surface (3413) is inclined downward in a direction away from the water outlet short pipe (2).

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: The indoor unit includes a frame (1) and a short water outlet pipe (2) disposed on the frame (1); Easy-to-remove drain pipe; As described in any one of claims 1-9, the inlet end of the drain connector is connected to the outlet short pipe (2), and the outlet end of the drain connector is connected to the detachable drain pipe.

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