Condensate water draining device and heat exchange system

Abstract

The utility model provides a condensate water draining device and a heat exchange system, the condensate water draining device comprises a trap pipeline, a first drain pipe, a second drain pipe, a first drain pipe, a second drain pipe and a third drain pipe, one end of the drainage assembly is connected to the bottom of the trap, the other end of the drainage assembly is connected to the position, lower than the bottom of the trap, of the second drainage pipe, and water in the trap is emptied when the drainage assembly is communicated; one end of the water storage assembly is connected with the condensate water receiving part to collect condensate water, the other end of the water storage assembly is connected with the trap pipeline, and water in the trap is supplemented when the storage assembly is communicated with the trap pipeline. According to the condensate water discharging device, air backflow can be avoided through the trap at the normal temperature, air is discharged to blow water, and the condensate water is discharged at the low temperature to avoid freeze injury; during low-temperature work, stored standby condensate water can be supplemented into the trap at the first time after normal temperature is recovered, and the problem of air outlet and water blowing caused by reverse suction of outdoor air when the air conditioner is started is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to a condensate drainage device and a heat exchange system. Background Technology

[0002] For conventional vapor compression refrigeration systems, the evaporator surface temperature is typically lower than the indoor dew point temperature, leading to condensation. Therefore, a drip tray and drain pipe are usually installed to drain the condensate from the indoor unit to the outside, thus controlling indoor humidity. A water trap is also typically used to prevent outdoor air from being drawn back into the room, causing condensate to be blown out of the air conditioner haphazardly and affecting the user experience.

[0003] However, for vehicle air conditioning systems, or air conditioners used in northern regions, the outdoor ambient temperature may drop below -30°C or even lower. In such cases, regardless of whether the air conditioner is on or off, if the water in the trap freezes, it may cause the drain pipe to crack, requiring replacement before the next cooling season.

[0004] Patent CN220436762U discloses a condensate drain device and a refrigeration air conditioner. However, this patent simply adds a check valve to the end of the water trap to prevent the water in the water trap from evaporating after a long period of shutdown. It cannot solve the problem of damage to the second drain pipe under ultra-low temperature conditions. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the technical problem in the prior art where water in the trap cannot be drained and the pipes are easily frozen and damaged in winter, this utility model proposes a condensate drainage device and a heat exchange system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0007] This utility model proposes a condensate drainage device, comprising:

[0008] The water trap pipe is high at both ends and low in the middle, with one end connected to the condensate receiving component and the other end connected to the second drain pipe.

[0009] The discharge assembly has one end connected to the bottom of the trap and the other end connected to a second drain pipe at a position lower than the bottom of the trap. When the discharge assembly is connected, it drains the water in the trap pipe.

[0010] The water storage component has one end connected to a condensate receiving component to collect condensate, and the other end connected to the water trap pipe. When the water storage component is connected to the water trap pipe, it replenishes the water in the water trap.

[0011] Furthermore, the discharge assembly includes: a discharge pipe with both ends connected to the bottom of the trap and the second drain pipe, and a drain valve that switches off the discharge pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the water storage component includes: a spare water tank connected to the condensate receiving component via a first drain pipe; a water supply pipe connected to the bottom of the spare water tank and the water storage bend pipe; and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the water supply pipe is connected to the middle of the water trap pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the trap pipe is connected to the upper part of the spare water tank.

[0015] In the first embodiment, it further includes: a bimetallic strip temperature control switch, which controls the connection and disconnection states of the discharge component and the water storage component.

[0016] In the second embodiment, it further includes: an ambient temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature, and a controller for switching the connection and disconnection states of the emission components;

[0017] When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the controller controls the emission component to switch to the connected state;

[0018] When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C, the controller controls the emission assembly to switch to the off state.

[0019] The second preset temperature is less than 0°.

[0020] In the third embodiment, it further includes: an ambient temperature sensor for detecting ambient temperature, and a controller for switching the connection and disconnection states of the water storage component and the discharge component;

[0021] When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the controller controls the water storage component and the discharge component to switch to the off state.

[0022] When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the controller controls the water storage component to switch to or remain in the disconnected state, and the discharge component to switch to the connected state.

[0023] When the discharge component is in the connected state and the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C, the controller controls the water storage component to switch to the connected state and the discharge component to the disconnected state.

[0024] This utility model also proposes a heat exchange system, including the above-mentioned condensate drainage device.

[0025] Preferably, the heat exchange system is a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0027] At normal temperature, the water trap prevents air backflow and water blowing from the air outlet. At low temperatures, it drains condensate to prevent freezing damage. When operating at low temperatures, the stored spare condensate can be replenished to the water trap as soon as the temperature returns to normal, preventing the problem of outdoor air being sucked back in and causing water blowing from the air outlet when the air conditioner is turned on. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of existing technology;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of existing technology;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drainage component and water storage component in the disconnected state in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the drainage component open and the water storage component disconnected.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the drainage component disconnected and the water storage component connected.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] 1. Water trap pipe;

[0037] 11. Drain pipe; 12. Drain valve;

[0038] 31. Backup water tank; 32. Water supply pipe; 33. Water supply valve;

[0039] 41. First drain pipe; 42. Second drain pipe;

[0040] 5. Water tray. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0042] The principle and structure of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] In conventional vapor compression refrigeration systems, the evaporator surface temperature is typically lower than the indoor dew point temperature, leading to condensation. Therefore, a drip tray and drain pipe are usually installed to drain the condensate from the room to the outside, thus controlling indoor humidity. Figure 1 As shown, if the first drain pipe 41 is a straight pipe without a water trap, the negative pressure in the drip tray may cause airflow, leading to water blowing out of the drain. In response, as... Figure 2 As shown, existing technologies typically employ a water trap structure to prevent outdoor air from being drawn back into the room, causing condensate to be blown out of the air conditioner haphazardly and affecting the user experience. However, for vehicle air conditioning systems or those used in northern regions, the outdoor ambient temperature may drop below -30°C or even lower. In such cases, regardless of whether the air conditioner is on or off, if the water in the water trap freezes, the pipes at the water trap may freeze and crack, requiring replacement of the pipes before the next cooling season.

[0044] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 3 As shown, this patent proposes a condensate drainage device, comprising: a water trap pipe 1, a discharge component, and a water storage component. Wherein:

[0045] The water trap pipe 1 has a U-shaped structure, higher at both ends and lower in the middle. One end is connected to the condensate collection component via a pipe, and the other end is connected to the second drain pipe 42. A water seal is formed at the bottom of the U-shape, using gravity to prevent backflow of air. One end of the discharge component is connected to the bottom of the U-shape of the water trap pipe, and the other end extends to a lower position on the second drain pipe 42. When low-temperature conditions are triggered, the valve inside the discharge component opens, allowing water in the water trap to be quickly discharged through the component, preventing the water trap pipe from freezing and breaking at low temperatures. One end of the water storage component is connected to the condensate collection component to collect and store condensate; the other end is connected to the top or middle of the water trap pipe. Under normal temperature conditions, water in the water storage component flows into the water trap by gravity, automatically restoring the U-shaped water seal structure, preventing backflow of external air when the air conditioner is off and preventing water from blowing out of the exhaust fan during use.

[0046] This device utilizes a coordinated design of the water trap pipe, discharge component, and water storage component to actively drain water from the water trap at low temperatures, eliminating the risk of ice blockage. Upon returning to normal temperature, it automatically replenishes the water seal, ensuring the system remains in a safe and reliable drainage and backflow prevention state. The independent control of the discharge and water storage components gives the device environmental adaptability, protecting the drainage pipes from low-temperature damage and preventing potential operational hazards due to water seal loss.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, the discharge assembly includes a discharge pipe 11 and a drain valve 12. The discharge pipe 11 is a straight pipe open at both ends, with one end connected to the lowest point of the bottom of the trap, and the other end extending to a position on the second drain pipe below the bottom of the trap. Its path design ensures that water in the trap can be completely discharged along the discharge pipe by gravity, avoiding residue. The drain valve 12 is installed on the discharge pipe near the bottom of the trap and controls the opening and closing of the discharge pipe via a switch. The drain valve 12 can be a manual ball valve or an automatic solenoid valve. When the trap needs to be emptied, the valve opens, and water flows out through the discharge pipe; when disconnected, it maintains the integrity of the U-shaped water seal in the trap.

[0048] This structure, through valve control, enables the on-demand discharge of water in the trap and the rapid restoration of the sealing state, balancing drainage efficiency and sealing reliability. It can meet equipment maintenance or abnormal drainage needs without frequent manual intervention.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, the water storage component includes a backup water tank 31, a water supply pipe 32, and a water supply valve 33. The backup water tank 31 is connected to the condensate receiving component (water tray 5) via a first drain pipe 41, and is used to store condensate flowing in from the condensate receiving component. Its capacity design can refer to the water supply needs of the water trap during normal water level fluctuations or short-term drainage to avoid frequent replenishment. One end of the water supply pipe 32 is connected to the bottom of the backup water tank 31, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the water trap pipe 1. This pipe path ensures that a communicating vessel structure is formed between the backup water tank and the water trap, and the water level is automatically balanced by gravity. The water supply valve is installed at the end of the water supply pipe near the backup water tank and is used to control the opening and closing of the water supply pipe. When the water level in the water trap drops to a preset threshold due to drainage or evaporation, the water supply valve opens, and water in the backup water tank automatically flows into the water trap to replenish the water seal. After the water level recovers, the valve closes (the specific opening time of the water supply valve can be set to avoid the water supply valve from being continuously open for water replenishment).

[0050] With the storage function of the backup water tank and the water supply valve, water can be reliably replenished even when the water level is low, avoiding gas backflow due to insufficient water level, and reducing the loss of condensate by direct discharge.

[0051] In addition, an electric heating element can be installed in the backup water tank 31 to prevent the water in the backup water tank from freezing and becoming unusable when the water trap pipe needs to be replenished.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the connection position of the water supply pipe 32 is optimized to the middle of the water trap pipe 1. This ensures that the inlet of the water supply pipe is located in the middle section of the side wall of the U-shaped structure of the water trap, rather than at the top. This allows for precise control of the minimum water level in the water trap, ensuring the water seal is effective, while avoiding excessive water supply that could lead to condensate waste.

[0053] This improvement balances water supply efficiency and water level stability by positioning the water supply pipe to the center of the water trap. Without the need for additional sensors or complex control, the water seal is maintained by gravity and the principle of communicating vessels, further enhancing the reliability and energy efficiency of the device.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the backup water tank 31 and the trap pipe 1 is further optimized: one end of the trap pipe extends to the upper opening of the backup water tank 31, forming a connection with the internal space of the backup water tank, thus achieving pressure balance; the connection between the trap and the top of the backup water tank reduces the risk of siphoning, preventing water in the trap from being accidentally drawn into the backup water tank, and ensuring the independent controllability of the water levels of both. Furthermore, it reduces the use of drain pipes. This makes the condensate collection, storage, and replenishment process more stable and reliable, reducing interference from the external environment on the device's function.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the trap pipe 1 adopts a standard U-shaped structure, with both ends having the same vertical height and the bottom forming a closed U-shaped lowest point. The symmetrical layout of the U-shape ensures that the pipe is subjected to balanced forces, avoiding deformation caused by water flow impact or external vibration. It also facilitates adjustment of the horizontal height of the interfaces at both ends during installation, ensuring that condensate flows in one direction without backflow.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the condensate drainage device of this invention further includes a bimetallic strip temperature control switch, which controls the connection and disconnection states of the discharge component and the water storage component. When the temperature changes, the two metals of the bimetallic strip temperature control switch bend due to their different degrees of expansion, achieving an on / off effect, thereby actuating the opening / closing of the discharge mechanism (valve on / off). This makes it suitable for models without an outdoor temperature sensing bulb.

[0057] The condensate drainage device of this utility model includes an ambient temperature sensor and a controller. The ambient temperature sensor is installed outside the device or in the surrounding environment to monitor temperature changes in real time. The controller is electrically connected to the sensor.

[0058] When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than the second preset temperature (e.g., -5°C), the controller activates the discharge component, opens the drain valve, and completely drains the water in the trap into the second drain pipe. This prevents the water from freezing and expanding at low temperatures, which could cause the pipe to rupture or become blocked.

[0059] When the discharge component is connected and the temperature rises to 0°C or above, the controller disconnects the discharge component, stops drainage, and allows the water storage component to refill the water trap, restoring the sealing function of the U-shaped water seal.

[0060] Through a temperature threshold triggering mechanism, unmanned antifreeze protection is achieved, which can actively empty the water trap before the water freezes, effectively preventing structural damage caused by ice expansion. At the same time, it can quickly reset after the temperature rises, rebuilding the water seal without manual intervention, ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment in cold environments, and is especially suitable for winter or outdoor applications.

[0061] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the condensate drainage device also regulates the water replenishment behavior of the water storage component through the controller; the ambient temperature sensor continuously monitors changes in ambient temperature, and the data is transmitted to the controller in real time. The controller presets two sets of temperature thresholds: a first preset temperature (e.g., 10℃) and a second preset temperature (e.g., -5℃, and the second preset temperature is always less than 0℃).

[0062] The control logic of the water storage component is implemented through temperature range division:

[0063] High temperature scenario (≥10℃): At this time, there is enough condensate and there is no freezing temperature. The water supply component and the drain component can be directly disconnected. The condensate in the drip tray can also flow normally into the water trap pipe, avoiding the risk of water blowing when the air conditioner is turned on for the first time. At the same time, the condensate generated after the air conditioner is turned on will be given priority to replenish the backup water tank. Only when the backup water tank is full will it overflow into the water trap and then be discharged to the outside.

[0064] Extremely cold scenarios (< -5℃): At low temperatures, residual water in the water trap may freeze and expand. Disconnecting the water inlet valve can prevent the risk of ice blockage and actively empty the water trap in conjunction with the drain component.

[0065] When the discharge component is in the connected state and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0: the controller disconnects the discharge component and opens the water supply valve of the water storage component to maintain the stable sealing function of the U-shaped water seal.

[0066] This design achieves "on-demand water replenishment" for the water storage component through segmented temperature control: ensuring the effectiveness of the water seal within the normal temperature range, while suspending water replenishment during extreme high or low temperatures to avoid resource waste or structural damage. Combined with the antifreeze function of the discharge component, a multi-level linkage protection mechanism is formed, improving the adaptability and reliability of the device in complex environments.

[0067] The preset parameters in the above implementation scheme (such as ≥10℃ and <-5℃ in the control scheme) can be adjusted according to actual design requirements and usage.

[0068] This invention also includes a heat exchange system, comprising a condensate drainage device and other essential heat exchange components, such as a heat exchanger, and a condensate receiving component, i.e., a drip tray, located at the bottom of the heat exchanger to collect condensate. The condensate drainage device, serving as a system drainage and backflow prevention module, ensures smooth condensate drainage through its built-in water trap, discharge component, and water storage component, while using a water seal to prevent gas backflow through the drain pipe. The integrated ambient temperature sensor and controller dynamically adapt to changes in ambient temperature, preventing the effects of low-temperature freezing or high-temperature evaporation on the system.

[0069] Specifically, if the heat exchange system is a large unit, multiple condensate drain devices can be installed due to the large size of the condensate tray to prevent local water accumulation in the condensate tray and subsequent blowing out of the air conditioner.

[0070] The preferred heat exchange system is the vehicle's air conditioning system. Outdoor temperatures may drop below -30°C or even lower. In such conditions, regardless of whether the air conditioning is on or off, if the water in the trap freezes, the drain pipe may crack, requiring replacement before the next cooling season. The vehicle's air conditioning system, with its condensate drainage device, solves the problems of poor condensate drainage, low-temperature freezing, and odor backflow inherent in traditional vehicle air conditioning systems, while also considering space utilization and reliability.

[0071] It should be noted that the terminology used above is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0073] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. For those skilled in the art, this utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A condensate drain device, characterized by, include: The water trap pipe is high at both ends and low in the middle, with one end connected to the condensate receiving component and the other end connected to the second drain pipe. The discharge assembly has one end connected to the bottom of the trap and the other end connected to a second drain pipe at a position lower than the bottom of the trap. When the discharge assembly is connected, it drains the water in the trap. The water storage component has one end connected to a condensate receiving component to collect condensate, and the other end connected to the water trap pipe. When the water storage component is connected to the water trap pipe, it replenishes the water in the water trap pipe.

2. The condensed water removal device of claim 1, wherein The discharge assembly includes: a discharge pipe with both ends connected to the bottom of the water trap and the second drain pipe, and a drain valve that switches off the discharge pipe.

3. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The water storage assembly includes: a spare water tank connected to the condensate receiving component via a first drain pipe; a water supply pipe connected to the bottom of the spare water tank and the water storage bend pipe; and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe.

4. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The water supply pipe is connected to the middle of the water trap pipe.

5. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 3, wherein, One end of the water trap pipe is connected to the upper part of the spare water tank.

6. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A bimetallic strip temperature control switch controls the connection and disconnection states of the discharge component and the water storage component.

7. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein Also includes: An ambient temperature sensor to detect ambient temperature, and a controller to switch the connection and disconnection of the emission components; When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the controller controls the emission component to switch to the connected state; When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C, the controller controls the emission assembly to switch to the off state. The second preset temperature is less than 0°.

8. The condensate drain apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: An ambient temperature sensor to detect ambient temperature, and a controller to switch the connection and disconnection of the water storage component and the discharge component; When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the controller controls the water storage component and the discharge component to switch to the off state. When the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the controller controls the water storage component to switch to or remain in the disconnected state, and the discharge component to switch to the connected state. When the discharge component is in the connected state and the ambient temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C, the controller controls the water storage component to switch to the connected state and the discharge component to the disconnected state.

9. A heat exchange system, characterized by, Includes the condensate draining device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The heat exchange system of claim 9, wherein, The heat exchange system is a vehicle air conditioning system.

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