Cooling fan
By installing a photoelectric sensor on the outside of the transparent water tank of the evaporator to detect the water level and control the water supply components, the problem of easy corrosion of the water level sensor is solved, and the durability of the sensor and the high efficiency of the evaporator are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520537439.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-25
AI Technical Summary
The water level sensor in existing air coolers is easily corroded by water, resulting in a short service life.
A photoelectric sensor is placed on the outside of the water tank made of a light-transmitting material. The sensor detects the water level through photoelectric sensing and communicates with the controller to control the opening and closing of the water supply components. The sensor is kept away from water, and the design of the water baffle and communication line prevents corrosion.
It extends the service life of sensors and the machine body, improves the automation performance and cooling effect of the air cooler, and saves energy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224003843U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fan equipment technology, and more specifically to evaporative air coolers. Background Technology
[0002] A water-cooled fan is a type of air-blowing device with a water-cooling system. Water-cooled fans are popular due to their ability to provide cool air and their low energy consumption. A water-cooled fan consists of a casing, an air supply component, and a water supply component, with both the air supply and water supply components housed within the casing. The water tank in the water supply component provides water to the evaporative cooling pad, keeping it continuously moist. The evaporative cooling pad utilizes the principle of lowering air temperature through evaporation, thus reducing the temperature of the air near and passing through the pad. The air supply component blows air onto the evaporative cooling pad, accelerating airflow and thus speeding up the cooling process.
[0003] In the prior art, there is a type of evaporative air cooler with a water level sensor inside the water tank. During operation, the water level sensor is immersed in water to sense the water level in the tank. However, the water level sensor is easily corroded by water, resulting in a short service life.
[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address or improve to some extent the technical problem of short service life of water level sensors in existing technologies due to susceptibility to water corrosion, this utility model provides an air cooler. The air cooler includes: a body with an air outlet; an air supply assembly disposed within the body for supplying airflow to the air outlet; a water supply assembly for supplying water to the airflow, and the water supply assembly includes a water tank made of a light-transmitting material; a photoelectric sensor disposed outside the water tank for detecting the water level; and a controller communicatively connected to both the photoelectric sensor and the water supply assembly to control the opening and closing of the water supply assembly based on the water level measured by the photoelectric sensor.
[0006] Those skilled in the art will understand that the evaporative cooling fan of this invention includes a body, an air supply component, and a water supply component. The body provides suitable installation space and position for the air supply component and the water supply component. The air supply component and the water supply component work together to provide a water-containing airflow to the air outlet on the body, utilizing the principle of water evaporation to lower the air temperature, thus achieving the blowing of cold air from the air outlet. When the controller determines that the water level measured by the photoelectric sensor has dropped to a preset value, the controller controls the water supply component to stop supplying water to avoid insufficient water for cooling at the air outlet, thereby ensuring a good cooling effect. More importantly, the photoelectric sensor is located on the outside of the water tank made of light-transmitting material. The photoelectric sensor can conveniently and accurately detect the water level in the tank using the characteristics of photoelectric induction, and it does not come into contact with water, avoiding water corrosion of the photoelectric sensor and extending its service life.
[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned cooling fan, a cable tray is provided on the outer wall and / or bottom wall of the water tank, and the controller and the photoelectric sensor are connected via a communication cable housed within the cable tray. This arrangement provides suitable installation space for the communication cable, facilitating its installation. Furthermore, the communication cable's location on the outside of the water tank prevents contact with water, thus preventing corrosion and extending its service life.
[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air cooler, the air cooler further includes a water-separating plate disposed between the water tank and the unit body, and the water-separating plate has a through hole allowing the communication cable to pass through it. Through this arrangement, the water-separating plate isolates the water in the water tank from the unit body, preventing water corrosion of the unit body and extending its service life. The communication cable passing through the through hole in the water-separating plate facilitates its installation and fixation.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned air cooler, a mounting groove for accommodating the photoelectric sensor is provided on the outer side wall, and the mounting groove is connected to the wiring groove. Through this arrangement, the mounting groove provides space for the photoelectric sensor, facilitating its installation, and prevents accidental damage during use, thus protecting the photoelectric sensor.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned air cooler, a limiting groove is provided within the mounting slot to form a clearance fit with the photoelectric sensor. This limiting groove provides suitable space for positioning the photoelectric sensor, facilitating its placement.
[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned air cooler, the photoelectric sensor is adhered to the outer wall. This adhesion method facilitates the installation and removal of the photoelectric sensor from the water tank.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air cooler, the air cooler further includes an indicator light that communicates with the controller. Through this configuration, the indicator light illuminates to indicate to the user that the water level in the water tank has reached a preset position, reminding the user to add water in time, making it convenient to use.
[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned air cooler, the air cooler further includes a buzzer that is communicatively connected to the controller. Through this configuration, the buzzer provides an audible alert to the user that the water level in the tank has reached a preset position, reminding the user to add water in time, making it convenient to use.
[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described air cooler, the controller and the air delivery assembly are connected in communication. Through this configuration, the controller controls the air delivery assembly based on signals from the photoelectric sensor, thereby increasing the automation performance of the air cooler.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned air cooler, the water supply component includes a water pump. The water pump is communicatively connected to the controller and is connected to both the water tank and the air outlet, enabling it to transport water from the water tank to the air outlet. This configuration provides power for the water pump to transport water from the water tank to the air outlet, allowing the water supply component to work in conjunction with the air supply component to blow out cool air. The controller controls the water pump's on / off state based on signals from a photoelectric sensor, preventing the pump from continuing to operate when the water tank is empty, thus saving energy and ensuring that cool air is blown out of the air outlet, thereby guaranteeing a good cooling effect. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air cooler of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top of the water tank of the cooling fan of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the water tank of the refrigerated fan of this utility model.
[0020] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0021] 100. Cooling fan; 1. Body; 11. Air outlet; 2. Water tank; 21. Cable tray; 22. Mounting slot; 23. Limiting slot; 3. Photoelectric sensor; 31. Communication cable; 4. Waterproof plate; 41. Through hole; 5. Indicator light. Detailed Implementation
[0022] 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.
[0023] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0024] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within 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.
[0025] To address or improve to some extent the technical problem of short service life of water level sensors in existing air coolers due to susceptibility to water corrosion, this invention provides an air cooler 100. The air cooler 100 includes: a body 1 with an air outlet 11; an air supply assembly disposed within the body 1 for supplying airflow to the air outlet 11; a water supply assembly for supplying water to the airflow, and including a water tank 2 made of a translucent material; a photoelectric sensor 3 disposed outside the water tank 2 for detecting the water level in the water tank 2; and a controller, which is communicatively connected to both the photoelectric sensor 3 and the water supply assembly to control the opening and closing of the water supply assembly based on the water level measured by the photoelectric sensor 3.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the air cooler of this utility model. See also: Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the air cooler 100 of this utility model includes: a body 1, an air supply assembly, and a water supply assembly. The body 1 is provided with an air outlet 11. The shape of the body 1 can be, but is not limited to, a square or a cylinder. The air outlet 11 is located on the side wall of the body 1. An air inlet (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side wall of the body 1 opposite to the air outlet 11.
[0027] In one or more embodiments, an air supply assembly is arranged inside the housing 1. The air supply assembly is used to deliver airflow to the air outlet 11. The air supply assembly includes a fan (not shown). The fan is disposed inside the housing 1. The air supply side of the fan faces the air outlet 11. The air intake side of the fan faces the air inlet. During operation, the fan rotates, and airflow enters the housing 1 from the air inlet and then flows out of the housing 1 from the air outlet 11.
[0028] See also Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, a water supply assembly is disposed within the body 1. The water supply assembly is used to deliver water to the airflow. The water supply assembly includes a wet curtain, a spray pipe, a water pump, and a water tank 2. The wet curtain is disposed between the air outlet 11 and the fan. The wet curtain is made of a paper membrane with a honeycomb structure, capable of absorbing a large amount of water and rapidly evaporating it. The spray pipe has multiple spray nozzles. The spray nozzles face the wet curtain and can spray water onto it. The number of spray nozzles can be, but is not limited to, two, three, or other suitable numbers. The spray pipe is connected to the water tank 2. The end of the spray pipe extending into the water tank 2 is located at the bottom of the water tank 2, capable of drawing out all the water in the water tank 2.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top of the water tank of the cooling fan of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the water tank in an embodiment of the present invention's cooling fan. See also... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, the water tank 2 has a water storage chamber inside. The water storage chamber stores water, providing a water source for the continuous spraying operation of the spray pipe. The water tank 2 is made of a translucent material. The water tank 2 is located at the bottom of the body 1. The water tank 2 is detachably connected to the body 1, facilitating assembly and disassembly. The detachable connection between the water tank 2 and the body 1 can be, but is not limited to, a pull-out type and a snap-fit type. An installation slot 22 for accommodating the photoelectric sensor 3 of the cooling fan 100 is provided on the outer wall of the water tank 2, which can hide the photoelectric sensor 3 inside, preventing damage to the photoelectric sensor 3 due to accidental contact. (Continue to see...) Figure 1 ,based on Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, when water tank 2 is installed inside body 1, the user can see the front wall of water tank 2. Based on Figure 2 As shown, when the water tank 2 is removed from the body 1, the user can see the entire water tank 2. The mounting slot 22 is located near the bottom of the front side wall of the water tank 2. An opening is provided at the top of the water tank 2 to facilitate pouring water into it and to allow the spray pipe to extend into the tank. Wiring grooves 21 are provided on the outer and bottom walls of the water tank 2. Specifically, the portion of the wiring groove 21 on the outer wall of the water tank 2 extends from the bottom to the top. The portion of the wiring groove 21 on the bottom wall of the water tank 2 extends from the mounting slot 22 to the wiring groove 21 on the outer wall of the water tank 2. The mounting slot 22 communicates with the wiring groove 21. Figure 3 As shown, the mounting groove 22 is located on the right side of the water tank 2. The portion of the cable tray 21 located on the bottom wall of the water tank 2 extends to the left from the mounting groove 22, then upwards, and finally connects with the portion of the cable tray 21 located on the outer wall of the water tank 2. Alternatively, the cable tray 21 may be provided only on the outer wall of the water tank 2, or only on the bottom wall of the water tank 2. A limiting groove 23 is provided in the mounting groove 22 to form a clearance fit with the photoelectric sensor 3. The limiting groove 23 may be provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove 22, or it may be provided on the side surface of the mounting groove 22. The clearance fit between the limiting groove 23 and the photoelectric sensor 3 facilitates the installation and positioning of the photoelectric sensor 3 in the mounting groove 22, and also facilitates the setting of the length and position of the communication cable 31 of the cooling fan 100.
[0030] In one or more embodiments, the water pump may be, but is not limited to, a diaphragm pump or a piston pump. The water pump has an inlet and an outlet. See also... Figure 1 The water pump's inlet is connected to the water tank 2 via a spray pipe. The water pump's outlet is connected to the air outlet 11 via a spray pipe. The water pump transports water from the water tank 2 to the air outlet 11 and sprays the water onto the wet curtain near the air outlet 11 through the spray pipe, providing power for water transport.
[0031] See also Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the air cooler 100 further includes a photoelectric sensor 3. The photoelectric sensor 3 is used to detect the water level in the water tank 2. The photoelectric sensor 3 senses the water level based on the photoelectric effect, detecting the difference in refractive index of light in air and liquid, and converts the light signal into an electrical signal, so that the controller of the air cooler 100 runs a control program according to the electrical signal. The photoelectric sensor 3 is arranged on the outside of the water tank 2. Figure 1 As shown, the photoelectric sensor 3 is located near the bottom of the outer wall of the water tank 2. The photoelectric sensor 3 is installed in the mounting groove 22. The light-sensing end of the photoelectric sensor 3 faces the light-transmitting side wall of the water tank 2, allowing it to detect water level without contact with water, thus preventing corrosion and extending its service life. The photoelectric sensor 3 is adhered to the outer wall of the water tank 2. Specifically, it is adhered to the bottom of the limiting groove 23. The adhesion method can be, but is not limited to, adhesive bonding and double-sided adhesive bonding. A PVC double-sided adhesive is provided between the photoelectric sensor 3 and the water tank 2. The PVC double-sided adhesive is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The PVC double-sided adhesive has light-transmitting properties, which will not affect the light-sensing end of the photoelectric sensor 3, improving the accuracy of water level detection.
[0032] See also Figure 2In one or more embodiments, the air cooler 100 further includes a water baffle 4 disposed between the water tank 2 and the body 1. The water baffle 4 is fixedly connected to the top of the water tank 2. The fixed connection between the water baffle 4 and the water tank 2 can be, but is not limited to, integral injection molding, welding, or bolt connection. Figure 2 As shown, the baffle plate 4 is specifically annular in shape, encircling the edge of the top opening of the water tank 2. A through-hole 41 is provided on the baffle plate 4, allowing the communication cable 31 of the cooling fan 100 to pass through. The through-hole 41 communicates with the cable tray 21. The through-hole 41 is located above the side wall portion of the water tank 2 containing the cable tray 21.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the cooling fan 100 further includes a controller. The controller is disposed within the body 1. The controller includes components such as a logic control unit, registers, a timer, an input interface, and an output interface. The logic control unit contains a control program. The controller is communicatively connected to the photoelectric sensor 3 and the water supply component, respectively, so that the controller controls the opening and closing of the water supply component based on the water level height measured by the photoelectric sensor 3. Specifically, the controller is communicatively connected to the water pump of the water supply component. The controller controls the opening or closing of the water pump according to the signal from the photoelectric sensor 3 and the control program, preventing the water pump from continuing to work when there is no water in the water tank 2, thus saving energy and preventing the air outlet 11 from being without water for cooling, thereby ensuring a good cooling effect. When there is water in the water tank 2, the water pump works to ensure that there is water for cooling at the air outlet 11, ensuring that cold air is blown out, thereby ensuring a good cooling effect. The controller is also communicatively connected to the air supply component. Specifically, the controller is communicatively connected to the fan of the air supply component. The controller controls the opening or closing of the fan according to the signal from the photoelectric sensor 3 and the control program. The communication connection between the controller and the water pump of the water supply component, the fan of the air supply component, and the photoelectric sensor 3 can be, but is not limited to, Bluetooth connection, wireless network connection, and communication cable 31 connection. Specifically, the controller and the photoelectric sensor 3 are connected via a communication cable 31 housed in a cable tray 21. Compared to a wireless network connection, the communication cable 31 is not affected by surrounding signals, ensuring good signal transmission efficiency and high accuracy of water level control. One end of the communication cable 31 is connected to the controller's input and output interfaces, respectively. The other end of the communication cable 31 is connected to the photoelectric sensor 3. The entire communication cable 31 is fixedly connected to the cable tray 21 of the water tank 2. During operation, when the controller determines that the water level height detected by the photoelectric sensor 3 is less than or equal to the preset water level height value, the controller sends a stop signal to the water pump and fan. The water pump and fan stop working. It can be understood that the controller controls the air supply component and the water supply component based on the signal from the photoelectric sensor 3 and the control program, improving the automation control performance of the cooling fan 100.
[0034] In one or more embodiments, the air cooler 100 also includes an indicator light 5 that is communicatively connected to the controller. The communication connection between the controller and the indicator light 5 can be a communication cable 31. Alternatively, the communication connection between the controller and the indicator light 5 can be a Bluetooth connection, a wireless network connection, or other connection methods. See also... Figure 1 Indicator light 5 is fixedly mounted on the housing of photoelectric sensor 3. When the controller determines that the water level detected by photoelectric sensor 3 is less than or equal to the preset water level, the controller sends an activation signal to indicator light 5. Indicator light 5 illuminates, prompting the user to add water to water tank 2, making it convenient to use.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the air cooler 100 also includes a buzzer that is communicatively connected to the controller. The communication connection between the controller and the buzzer can be via a communication cable 31. Alternatively, the communication connection between the controller and the buzzer can be via Bluetooth, a wireless network, or other methods. See also... Figure 1 The buzzer is fixedly mounted on the main body 1. When the controller determines that the water level detected by the photoelectric sensor 3 is less than or equal to the preset water level, the controller sends an activation signal to the buzzer. The buzzer sounds, prompting the user to add water to the water tank 2, making it convenient to use.
[0036] Below, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 The working steps of the air cooler 100 of this utility model are described in detail.
[0037] The controller controls the air supply and water supply components based on the signal from photoelectric sensor 3 and the control program. When the controller determines that the water level detected by photoelectric sensor 3 is less than or equal to the preset water level, the controller sends a stop signal to the fan of the air supply component and the water pump of the water supply component. The fan and water pump stop working. At the same time, the controller also sends an start signal to indicator light 5 and buzzer. Indicator light 5 illuminates. Buzzer sounds. The user removes water tank 2 from the unit 1, fills water tank 2, and finally installs water tank 2 back into the unit 1. When the controller determines that the water level detected by photoelectric sensor 3 is greater than the preset water level, the controller sends a start signal to the fan and water pump. The fan rotates, the water pump draws water, and the air outlet 11 of the cooling fan 100 continues to blow out cold air.
[0038] The technical solution of this utility model has been described above with reference to 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 cold fan (100), comprising: a machine body (1) provided with an air outlet (11) on the machine body (1); a blowing assembly arranged in the machine body (1) for delivering an air flow to the air outlet (11), the blowing assembly comprising a fan; a water supply assembly for delivering water to the air flow, the water supply assembly comprising a water curtain and a water tank (2) made of a light-transmitting material, the water curtain being arranged between the air outlet (11) and the fan; a photoelectric sensor (3) arranged outside the water tank (2) for detecting a water level in the water tank (2); and a controller in communication connection with the photoelectric sensor (3) and the water supply assembly, respectively, so as to control opening and closing of the water supply assembly based on the water level detected by the photoelectric sensor (3). Further comprising a water-proof plate (4) arranged between the water tank (2) and the machine body (1), the water-proof plate (4) being fixedly connected to a top portion of the water tank (2).
2. The cold fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wire slot (21) is arranged on an outer side wall and / or a bottom wall of the water tank (2), and the controller is connected with the photoelectric sensor (3) through a communication line (31) accommodated in the wire slot (21).
3. The cold fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-proof plate (4) is provided with a through hole (41) allowing the communication line (31) to pass therethrough.
4. The cold fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, An installation slot (22) for accommodating the photoelectric sensor (3) is arranged on the outer side wall, the installation slot (22) being in communication connection with the wire slot (21).
5. The cold fan (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A limiting slot (23) in clearance fit with the photoelectric sensor (3) is arranged in the installation slot (22).
6. The cold fan (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The photoelectric sensor (3) is bonded to the outer side wall.
7. The cold fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold fan (100) further comprises an indicator light (5) in communication connection with the controller.
8. The cold fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold fan (100) further comprises a buzzer in communication connection with the controller.
9. The cold fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is in communication connection with the blowing assembly.
10. The cold fan (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply assembly comprises a water pump in communication connection with the controller, the water pump being in communication connection with the water tank (2) and the air outlet (11), respectively, so that the water pump delivers water from the water tank (2) to the air outlet (11).
