Air conditioner and high-reliability drainage device thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner and a high-reliability drainage device thereof. The drainage device comprises a water tank, the water tank is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and a water return port, the water inlet is used for being communicated with a water pan so as to guide condensate water received by the water pan into the water tank, and the water return port is lower than the water inlet; the first floating ball switch is arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down along with the change of the water level in the water tank to open and close the water return port; the second floating ball switch is arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down along with the change of the water level in the water tank so as to open and close the water inlet; the drainage pipeline is communicated with the water tank through a water outlet and a water return port respectively; and the water pump is arranged on the water drainage pipeline and configured to enable the pumped condensate water to flow back to the water tank through the water drainage pipeline when the first floating ball switch opens the water return opening and gradually discharge the pumped condensate water outwards through the water drainage pipeline when the first floating ball switch closes the water return opening. The drainage device has the advantage that the reliability of the drainage device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its highly reliable drainage device. Background Technology

[0002] In an air conditioning condensate drainage system, a drip tray collects condensate, and a water tank connected to the drip tray collects the condensate. A drain pipe connects to the water tank, which has a return outlet. Inside the water tank is a float switch that moves up and down with the water level, adjusting the opening of the return outlet. When the float switch opens the return outlet, the water pump returns the pumped condensate to the water tank through the drain pipe; conversely, when the float switch closes the return outlet, the water pump gradually discharges the pumped condensate from the system through the drain pipe.

[0003] However, existing systems of this type primarily rely on a single float switch to regulate the water level in the tank. If this float switch malfunctions, the system will be unable to accurately control the water level, condensate will not drain properly, and the tank may even overflow. These problems severely impact the system's stability and reliability, causing inconvenience and losses for users.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for the purpose of helping to understand the background of this application, and may include some prior art content that is not well known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide an air conditioner and its highly reliable drainage device.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to improve the reliability of a highly reliable drainage device.

[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to prevent the two float switches from interfering with each other.

[0008] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a highly reliable drainage device, comprising:

[0009] A water tank is equipped with an inlet, an outlet, and a return outlet. The inlet is connected to a drip tray to introduce condensate collected in the drip tray into the water tank. The return outlet is lower than the inlet.

[0010] The first float switch is installed inside the water tank and is used to float up and down with the water level in the water tank to open and close the return water inlet.

[0011] The second float switch is installed inside the water tank and is used to float up and down with the water level in the water tank to open and close the water inlet.

[0012] The drainage pipes are connected to the water tank through the outlet and the return outlet, respectively;

[0013] A water pump is installed in the drain pipe and configured to return the pumped condensate to the water tank through the drain pipe when the first float switch opens the return port, and to gradually discharge the pumped condensate outward through the drain pipe when the first float switch closes the return port.

[0014] Optionally, the inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the water tank so that the first float switch and the second float switch are far apart from each other.

[0015] Optionally, the first float switch includes:

[0016] The first float is installed inside the water tank and is used to float up and down with the water level in the water tank.

[0017] The first support is fixed to the side wall of the water tank;

[0018] A first link is pivotally connected to the first support, and one end of the link is connected to the first float so as to rotate about the first support when the first float floats up and down.

[0019] The first plug is connected to the end of the first connecting rod away from the first float, so as to be inserted into or pulled out of the return water port in a controlled manner under the action of the first connecting rod.

[0020] Optionally, the second float switch includes:

[0021] The second float is installed inside the water tank and is used to float up and down with the water level changes in the water tank;

[0022] The second support is fixed to the side wall of the water tank;

[0023] The second link is pivotally connected to the second support, and one end of it is connected to the second float so as to rotate about the second support when the second float floats up and down;

[0024] The second plug is connected to the end of the second connecting rod away from the second float, so as to be inserted into or pulled out of the inlet in a controlled manner under the action of the second connecting rod.

[0025] Optionally, the water inlet is located at the top of the side adjacent to the water tank and is connected to the bottom of the side of the water receiving tray; and

[0026] The water inlet is gradually widening from the water receiving tray to the water tank, and the shape of the second plug is adapted to the shape of the water inlet.

[0027] Optionally, the density of the second float is 0.6 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.9 g / cm 3 This allows the second float to be submerged in water and to move up and down with changes in water level.

[0028] Optionally, the drainage pipeline includes a main drainage pipe, which is branched into a connecting pipe and a return pipe. The end of the connecting pipe away from the main drainage pipe is connected to the outlet, and the end of the return pipe away from the main drainage pipe is connected to the return outlet. The water pump is installed on the connecting pipe.

[0029] Optionally, the water outlet and the water return outlet are located on the same side of the water tank, and the water outlet is positioned lower than the water return outlet.

[0030] Optionally, the highly reliable drainage device also includes:

[0031] A liquid level detection switch is installed inside the water receiving tray to detect the water level height inside the water receiving tray.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the highly reliable drainage device described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0033] This invention provides a highly reliable drainage device. During normal operation, the water tray continuously collects condensate from the evaporator. The first float switch automatically adjusts the opening and closing of the return inlet based on water level changes in the tank to stabilize the water level. If the first float switch fails, the return inlet remains open, and condensate continuously flows into the tank. The second float switch closes the inlet as the water level rises, preventing further condensate flow. The water pump then drains the condensate from the tank through the drainage pipe, gradually lowering the water level. When the water level drops to the second float switch and the inlet opens again, the condensate in the water tray flows back into the tank. This design significantly improves the reliability of the drainage device.

[0034] Furthermore, in this highly reliable drainage device, the inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the water tank, thus keeping the first and second float switches far apart. This prevents mutual interference between the two float switches during operation. For example, when the first float switch moves up and down due to water level changes, it will not directly affect the state of the second float switch, and vice versa. Moreover, when the two float switches are far apart, a malfunction in one float switch will not directly affect the normal operation of the other.

[0035] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a highly reliable drainage device according to the first embodiment of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a highly reliable drainage device according to the second embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the intermediate water tank;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a highly reliable drainage device according to the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 10. Drainage device; 110. Water receiving tray; 120. Water tank; 121. Water inlet; 122. Water outlet; 123. Water return outlet; 130. Drainage pipeline; 131. Main drain pipe; 131a. First pipe section; 131b. Second pipe section; 132. Connecting pipe; 133. Water return pipe; 140. Water pump; 150. First float switch; 151. First float; 152. First support; 153. First connecting rod; 154. First stopper; 160. Second float switch; 161. Second float; 162. Second support; 163. Second connecting rod; 164. Second stopper; 170. Control valve; 180. Liquid level detection switch. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to explain the present invention and not to limit it. In fact, various modifications and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0044] The following reference Figure 1-4 This description is for an air conditioner and its highly reliable drainage device according to embodiments of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0045] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0046] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some examples," "one example," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0047] This utility model embodiment first provides a highly reliable drainage device 10, which can be widely used in household appliances such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers, aiming to solve the problem of excessive noise caused by the water pump 140 sucking in air when draining water.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the highly reliable drainage device 10 according to the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 As shown, the highly reliable drainage device 10 generally includes a water receiving tray 110, a water tank 120, a drainage pipe 130, and a water pump 140.

[0049] The drip tray 110 is used to collect condensate. The water tank 120 is connected to the drip tray 110 and is used to collect the condensate collected by the drip tray 110. The drain pipe 130 is connected to the water tank 120. The water pump 140 is installed in the drain pipe 130. The water pump 140 is configured to return the pumped condensate to the water tank 120 through the drain pipe 130 when the water level in the water tank 120 is lower than the preset height, and to gradually discharge the pumped condensate to the outside through the drain pipe 130 when the water level in the water tank 120 is higher than the preset height.

[0050] With the above structure, when the water level in the water tank 120 is lower than the preset height, the water pump 140 returns the pumped condensate to the water tank 120 through the drain pipe 130. This stabilizes the water level in the water tank 120, prevents the water pump 140 from drawing in air, and avoids noise caused by air mixing with the water flow. When the water level in the water tank 120 is higher than the preset height, the water pump 140 gradually discharges the condensate outward through the drain pipe 130, ensuring a smooth and efficient drainage process.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the water tank 120 is provided with an outlet 122 and a return outlet 123, and the drainage pipe 130 includes a main drain pipe 131, which is branched into a connecting pipe 132 and a return pipe 133. The end of the connecting pipe 132 away from the main drain pipe 131 is connected to the outlet 122, and the end of the return pipe 133 away from the main drain pipe 131 is connected to the return outlet 123.

[0052] The water pump 140 can be installed in the connecting pipe 132. When the water level in the water tank 120 is lower than the preset height, the condensate pumped by the water pump 140 can flow back to the water tank 120 through the return water pipe 133. When the water level in the water tank 120 is higher than the preset height, the condensate pumped by the water pump 140 can be gradually discharged out through the main drain pipe 131.

[0053] The highly reliable drainage device 10 may also include a water level control switch, which is located inside the water tank 120 and is used to detect the water level in the water tank 120. When the water level is high, the return water outlet 123 is opened, and when the water level in the water tank 120 reaches a preset height, the return water outlet 123 is closed.

[0054] When the water level in tank 120 is lower than the preset height, indicating a relatively small amount of water, the return water outlet 123 is opened via the water level control switch. This allows the water pump 140 to return the pumped condensate to tank 120 through the return water pipe 133. This has two advantages: firstly, it stabilizes the water level in tank 120, ensuring sufficient water and preventing the water pump 140 from drawing in air due to low water levels. Air mixed with the water flow can cause unstable operation, noise, and even damage to the water pump 140. Secondly, the return flow process helps the water pump 140 operate continuously and stably, preventing frequent start-stop cycles.

[0055] As condensate from the drip tray 110 continuously flows into the water tank 120, the water level in the tank 120 gradually rises. When the water level reaches the preset height, the water level control switch closes the return water inlet 123, and the water pump 140 gradually discharges the condensate through the drain pipe 130. This is because the water volume in the tank 120 is sufficient at this point, and there is no need to replenish the water volume through backflow. Furthermore, timely drainage of the condensate prevents the water level in the tank 120 from becoming too high, avoiding overflow and potential equipment damage or environmental pollution. Simultaneously, controlling the closure of the return water inlet 123 ensures that the drainage process proceeds in the predetermined direction, achieving efficient and orderly drainage.

[0056] In this embodiment, the water level control switch is a first float switch 150. The first float switch 150 is configured to float up and down with the water level in the water tank 120, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the return water inlet 123 and opening and closing the return water inlet 123. The preset height is the water level in the water tank 120 when the first float switch 150 completely closes the return water inlet 123.

[0057] With the above structure, as condensate in the drip tray 110 continuously flows into the water tank 120, the water level gradually rises to a preset height. At this point, the first float switch 150 rises under buoyancy, completely closing the return port 123. The condensate pumped by the pump 140 can no longer flow into the water tank 120 through the return pipe 133, but instead is gradually discharged through the main drain pipe 131. This automatic adjustment of the return port 123 based on water level changes achieves an efficient and orderly drainage process. Timely drainage of condensate at high water levels prevents overflow from the water tank 120, reduces human intervention, improves the reliability of the drainage device 10, and enables it to operate more intelligently and stably.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, the first float switch 150 may include a first float 151, a first support 152, a first connecting rod 153, and a first plug 154. The first float 151 is disposed within the water tank 120 and floats up and down with changes in the water level within the tank 120. The first support 152 is fixed to the side wall of the water tank 120. The first connecting rod 153 is pivotally connected to the first support 152, with one end of the first connecting rod 153 connected to the first float 151, so that it rotates around the first support 152 when the first float 151 floats up and down. The first plug 154 is connected to the end of the first connecting rod 153 away from the first float 151, so that it is controlled to be inserted into or pulled out of the return water inlet 123 under the action of the first connecting rod 153.

[0059] It is understandable that the first float 151 is a key component of the water level sensor. It has a certain buoyancy, and when the water level in the water tank 120 changes, the first float 151 will float up and down with the rise and fall of the water level. For example, when the water level rises, the first float 151 will rise accordingly; when the water level falls, the first float 151 will fall accordingly. This up and down floating provides the power source for the subsequent rotation of the first connecting rod 153 and the action of the first stopper 154.

[0060] The first support 152 provides a fixed pivot point for the first link 153, ensuring stable support for the first link 153 during rotation, allowing it to rotate reliably around this pivot point. Similar to the fixed fulcrum of a lever, the first support 152 ensures the stability and accuracy of the first float switch 150.

[0061] The first connecting rod 153 serves to transmit motion. When the first float 151 moves up and down, the first connecting rod 153, connected to the first float 151, will rotate around the first support 152. This rotation converts the up-and-down floating motion of the first float 151 into rotational motion around the support, providing mechanical transmission for the subsequent control of the block's movement.

[0062] The first plug 154 is a key component for controlling the opening and closing of the return port 123. Driven by the first connecting rod 153, the first plug 154 can be controlled to be inserted into or pulled out of the return port 123. When the first float 151 rises, the first plug 154 is driven towards the return port 123 through the transmission of the first connecting rod 153, and finally inserted into the return port 123, thereby closing the return port 123; conversely, when the first float 151 falls, the first connecting rod 153 will drive the first plug 154 away from the return port 123, causing the return port 123 to open.

[0063] In one example, the return port 123 is gradually widened from the return pipe 133 to the water tank 120, and the shape of the first plug 154 is adapted to the shape of the return port 123.

[0064] The gradually expanding design of the return inlet 123 allows for a smooth transition of water flow from the return pipe 133 into the water tank 120. When the water pump 140 pumps condensate back to the water tank 120 through the return pipe 133, the water flow has a certain speed and pressure. The gradually expanding design allows the water flow to gradually diffuse, reducing turbulence and ensuring a more stable flow into the water tank 120. This reduces the impact of the water flow on the inner wall of the water tank 120 and extends its service life.

[0065] The shape of the first plug 154 is adapted to the shape of the return water inlet 123, and as the water level rises, the first plug 154 gradually inserts into the return water inlet 123, causing the opening of the return water inlet 123 to gradually decrease. This design achieves the adjustment of the opening of the return water inlet 123. Under different operating conditions, the drainage device 10 needs to adjust the opening of the return water inlet 123 according to the water level in the water tank 120. For example, when the water level in the water tank 120 is low, a larger opening of the return water inlet 123 is required to ensure that the condensate can flow back to the water tank 120 smoothly; while when the water level is high, the opening of the return water inlet 123 needs to be gradually reduced to discharge the condensate. Through the adaptation of the first plug 154 to the return water inlet 123 and the adjustment of its opening, the drainage device 10 can flexibly control the return water flow according to actual needs, improving the adaptability and flexibility of the drainage device 10.

[0066] However, in practical applications, the first float switch 150 may malfunction due to various factors, causing the return port 123 to remain open and unable to close properly.

[0067] In some embodiments, the water tank 120 is further provided with a water inlet 121, which communicates with the water receiving tray 110 to introduce condensate collected in the water receiving tray 110 into the water tank 120. The height of the return water outlet 123 is lower than that of the water inlet 121. The drainage device 10 also includes a second float switch 160, which is disposed in the water tank 120 and is used to float up and down with the water level in the water tank 120 to open and close the water inlet 121.

[0068] With the above structure, during normal operation of the drainage device 10, the water receiving tray 110 continuously collects the condensate produced by the evaporator. The first float switch 150 automatically adjusts the opening and closing of the return water inlet 123 according to the water level changes in the water tank 120 to stabilize the water level. If the first float switch 150 fails, the return water inlet 123 remains open, and condensate continuously flows into the water tank 120 from the water receiving tray 110. The second float switch 160 closes the inlet 121 as the water level rises, preventing further condensate flow. The water pump 140 discharges the condensate from the water tank 120 through the drain pipe 130, and the water level gradually decreases. When the water level drops to the point where the second float switch 160 opens the inlet 121, the condensate in the water receiving tray 110 flows back into the water tank 120 for storage. This design improves the reliability of the drainage device 10.

[0069] When the first float switch 150 fails, the second float switch 160 can perform the same function, realizing the liquid level control and regulation. These two sets of float switches are connected in parallel in the drainage device 10, working independently yet collaboratively. If there is only one set of float switches, its failure rate is λ (λ < 1). However, by adding another set of float switches, the overall failure rate is reduced to λ. 2 By introducing redundant design, the risk of drainage failure due to a single float switch malfunction is effectively reduced, enhancing the fault tolerance of the drainage device 10 in the face of component failure and ensuring that the drainage device 10 can operate continuously and stably.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the second float switch 160 may include a second float 161, a second support 162, a second connecting rod 163, and a second plug 164. The second float 161 is disposed within the water tank 120 and floats up and down with changes in the water level within the tank 120. The second support 162 is fixed to the side wall of the water tank 120. The second connecting rod 163 is pivotally connected to the second support 162, and one end of the second connecting rod 163 is connected to the second float 161 so that it rotates around the second support 162 when the second float 161 floats up and down. The second plug 164 is connected to the end of the second connecting rod 163 away from the second float 161, and is used to controllably insert into or pull out of the inlet 121 under the action of the second connecting rod 163.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments, the inlet 121 is located at the top of the side adjacent to the water tank 120 and is connected to the bottom of the side of the drip tray 110. In this way, the condensate in the drip tray 110 can flow naturally to the inlet 121, reducing the resistance to water flow and avoiding the problem of water accumulation in the drip tray 110 due to poor water flow.

[0072] In one example, the inlet 121 gradually widens from the water tray 110 to the water tank 120, and the shape of the second plug 164 is adapted to the shape of the inlet 121. The adapted shape makes the second plug 164 easier to insert and pull out of the inlet 121, without jamming or excessive resistance, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the opening and closing of the inlet 121.

[0073] In some embodiments, the inlet 121 and outlet 123 are located on opposite sides of the water tank 120, so that the first float switch 150 and the second float switch 160 are far apart. This avoids mutual interference between the two float switches during operation. For example, when the first float switch 150 floats up and down due to water level changes, it will not directly affect the state of the second float switch 160, and vice versa. Furthermore, when the two float switches are far apart, a malfunction in one float switch will not directly affect the normal operation of the other float switch.

[0074] In this embodiment, the density of the first float 151 and the second float 161 can be 0.6 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.9 g / cm 3 For example, 0.6 g / cm³ 3 0.7g / cm 3 0.8g / cm 3 0.9g / cm 3 This is done so that the second float 161 can be submerged in water and float up and down with changes in water level.

[0075] It's understandable that if the float's density is too high, it might sink to the bottom and fail to float with changes in water level, thus losing its function of sensing and controlling water level. If the float's density is too low, it might float on the surface and be too sensitive, easily affected by factors such as surface fluctuations, leading to inaccurate control. 0.6 g / cm³ 3 Up to 0.9 g / cm 3 The density range allows the float to be stably submerged in water and to respond promptly and accurately to changes in water level.

[0076] Within this density range, the float achieves a good balance between buoyancy and gravity. When the water level rises or falls, the float can move smoothly with the water level, accurately reflecting the water level in the tank 120. This provides a reliable basis for the subsequent linkage to drive the plug to open or close the inlet 121 or outlet 123, ensuring that the drainage device 10 can be precisely controlled according to water level changes.

[0077] In some embodiments, the outlet 122 and the return outlet 123 are located on the same side of the water tank 120, and the outlet 122 is positioned lower than the return outlet 123.

[0078] When the return inlet 123 introduces condensate into the water tank 120, the water in the tank 120 will naturally flow under the influence of gravity because the outlet 122 is lower than the return inlet 123. The water flows in from the return inlet 123, gradually sinks in the water tank 120, and is finally discharged from the outlet 122, forming a relatively smooth water circulation path.

[0079] The height between the return water inlet 123 and the upper edge of the water tank 120 can be 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the height of the water tank 120, ensuring that a certain amount of condensate is always present in the water tank 120. This condensate forms a liquid seal at the connection between the water tank 120 and the drain pipe. When the water pump 140 discharges water through the drain pipe, the liquid seal prevents outside air from entering the drain pipe, ensuring that the water pump 140 can pump water normally and avoiding performance degradation or damage to the water pump 140 due to air intake.

[0080] The height between the return inlet 123 and the outlet 122 can be 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the height of the water tank 120. Maintaining this height difference between the return inlet 123 and the outlet 122 allows for a relatively smooth water circulation. After the condensate flows into the water tank 120 from the return inlet 123, it either sinks naturally within the water tank 120 or flows towards the outlet 122 under the action of water flow, and is finally discharged from the outlet 122.

[0081] However, in practical applications, when the water pump 140 stops running, there is a lot of condensate remaining in the water tank 120, which can easily accumulate in the water tank 120, leading to problems such as bacterial growth and odor.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the drainage device 10 also includes a control valve 170, which is located on the return water pipe 133. After the water pump 140 stops running, the return water pipe 133 is closed, so that the remaining condensate in the water tank 120 is discharged from the water tank 120 through the main drain pipe 131 under the siphon effect.

[0083] With the above structure, when the water pump 140 stops running, the control valve 170 closes the return water pipe 133, preventing the condensate in the water tank 120 from flowing back through the return water pipe 133. At this time, utilizing the siphon principle, most of the condensate in the water tank 120 will be quickly discharged through the main drain pipe 131 under the action of atmospheric pressure and water level difference. Since the remaining condensate in the water tank 120 can be automatically discharged through siphon action after the water pump 140 stops running, the water pump 140 does not need to continue operating to maintain the drainage process. This reduces the operating time and energy consumption of the water pump 140 to a certain extent, extends the service life of the water pump 140, and also reduces operating costs.

[0084] In some embodiments, the control valve 170 may be a check valve, a shut-off valve, or a solenoid valve. When the water pump 140 stops running, the control valve 170 can receive a corresponding stop command and automatically close the return water pipe 133 accordingly.

[0085] In some embodiments, the main drain pipe 131 may include a first pipe section 131a and a second pipe section 131b. The upper end of the first pipe section 131a is higher than the return water inlet 123, the upper end of the second pipe section 131b is connected to the upper end of the first pipe section 131a, and the lower end of the second pipe section 131b is lower than the return water inlet 123.

[0086] When the water level in the water tank 120 rises to the return inlet 123 and begins to flow into the main drain pipe 131, water will first accumulate in the first pipe section 131a because the upper end of the first pipe section 131a is higher than the return inlet 123. As the water level continues to rise, water will flow into the second pipe section 131b through the connection, creating a sufficient water level difference between the upper and lower ends of the second pipe section 131b. In this way, the siphon effect will be quickly activated, making the condensate in the water tank 120 drain more thoroughly.

[0087] In some embodiments, the diameter of the connecting pipe 132 between the water pump 140 and the outlet 122 is smaller than the diameter between the water pump 140 and the main drain pipe 131. The smaller diameter between the water pump 140 and the outlet 122 increases the water flow velocity within this section of the pipe, which can, to some extent, increase the pressure at the outlet of the water pump 140. This helps to deliver condensate more effectively to the outlet 122, ensuring a smooth drainage process.

[0088] In some embodiments, the drainage device 10 further includes a liquid level detection switch 180, which is disposed in the water receiving pan 110 and is used to detect the water level height in the water receiving pan 110.

[0089] The liquid level detection switch 180 can be a float switch, which can promptly issue an alarm or trigger corresponding protective measures when the water level rises abnormally.

[0090] This utility model embodiment also provides an air conditioner, which includes the drainage device 10 of any of the above embodiments.

[0091] When the air conditioner is turned on in cooling mode, the surface temperature of the evaporator decreases, and water vapor in the surrounding air condenses into condensate. This condensate drips continuously into the drip tray 110. As the cooling process continues, the amount of condensate in the drip tray 110 gradually increases and flows into the water tank 120, causing the water level in the water tank 120 to rise.

[0092] After a certain period of time (e.g., 2 minutes) since the air conditioner has started in cooling mode, water pump 140 is activated. If the level detection switch 180 detects the water level, control valve 170 is closed. If the level detection switch 180 drops, a float switch fault is reported, and drainage continues until a command to shut down the air conditioner is received. At this point, control valve 170 is closed, and water pump 140 continues to run for 1 minute. After water pump 140 stops running, control valve 170 is reopened after 5 minutes. If the level detection switch 180 does not drop, the air conditioner is shut down, and a water pump 140 fault is reported.

[0093] If the water level detection switch 180 does not detect the water level, the water pump 140 will drain normally until it receives the command to turn off the air conditioner and closes the control valve 170. The water pump 140 will continue to run for 1 minute. After the water pump 140 stops running, the remaining condensate can be discharged by using the siphon principle. After 5 minutes, the control valve 170 will be opened.

[0094] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A high-reliability drainage device, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a high-reliability drainage device, comprising: a water tank provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and a backwater outlet, wherein the water inlet is used for communicating with a water pan to introduce condensed water collected by the water pan into the water tank, and the backwater outlet is lower than the water inlet; a first floating ball switch arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down with the water level in the water tank to open and close the backwater outlet; a second floating ball switch arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down with the water level in the water tank to open and close the water inlet; a drainage pipeline communicating with the water tank through the water outlet and the backwater outlet respectively; a water pump arranged in the drainage pipeline and configured to return pumped condensed water to the water tank through the drainage pipeline when the first floating ball switch opens the backwater outlet, and gradually discharge the pumped condensed water out of the water tank through the drainage pipeline when the first floating ball switch closes the backwater outlet.

2. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 1, wherein: the water inlet and the backwater outlet are arranged on opposite sides of the water tank to make the first floating ball switch and the second floating ball switch away from each other.

3. The high-reliability drain device according to claim 1, characterized by The first floating ball switch comprises: a first floating ball arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down with the water level in the water tank; a first support fixed to a side wall of the water tank; a first connecting rod pivotally connected to the first support and having one end connected to the first floating ball to rotate around the first support when the first floating ball floats up and down; a first plug connected to the other end of the first connecting rod away from the first floating ball to be controlled to plug into or pull out of the backwater outlet under the driving of the first connecting rod.

4. The high-reliability drain apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The second floating ball switch comprises: a second floating ball arranged in the water tank and used for floating up and down with the water level in the water tank; a second support fixed to a side wall of the water tank; a second connecting rod pivotally connected to the second support and having one end connected to the second floating ball to rotate around the second support when the second floating ball floats up and down; a second plug connected to the other end of the second connecting rod away from the second floating ball to be controlled to plug into or pull out of the water inlet under the driving of the second connecting rod.

5. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 4, wherein: the water inlet is arranged adjacent to the top of one side of the water tank and communicates with the bottom of one side of the water pan; and the water inlet is gradually widened from the water pan to the water tank, and the shape of the second plug is matched with the shape of the water inlet.

6. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 1, wherein: The second floating ball has a density of 0.6 g / cm 3 to 0.9 g / cm 3 so that the second floating ball can be immersed in water and float up and down with the water level.

7. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 1, wherein: the drainage pipeline comprises a main drainage pipeline, and the main drainage pipeline is branched into a connecting pipeline and a backwater pipeline, wherein one end of the connecting pipeline away from the main drainage pipeline communicates with the water outlet, one end of the backwater pipeline away from the main drainage pipeline communicates with the backwater outlet, and the water pump is arranged in the connecting pipeline.

8. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 1, wherein: The water outlet and the backwater outlet are located at the same side of the water tank, and the water outlet is arranged lower than the backwater outlet.

9. The high-reliability drainage device according to claim 1, further comprising: A float switch is arranged in the water pan for detecting the water level in the water pan.

10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: A high-reliability drainage device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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