A water storage tank assembly and a range hood using the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of water storage tank assembly and range hood applied to the water storage tank assembly of this, the water storage tank assembly includes the first water storage tank for storing condensed water, the water storage tank assembly further includes fan assembly, the fan assembly includes first impeller and rotating shaft, the first impeller exposes the top of first water storage tank, the rotating shaft is arranged longitudinally and is rotationally arranged in the inside of first water storage tank, the first impeller is connected with the upper end of rotating shaft and can rotate synchronously with rotating shaft, the first impeller and rotating shaft are coated with water absorption component that can adsorb condensed water, the water absorption component is at least partially located in first water storage tank and at least partially exposes outside first water storage tank, the first impeller, rotating shaft and water absorption component constitute composite fan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water storage tank assembly and a range hood using the water storage tank assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, people have higher expectations for their kitchen environment. Cooking involves using stoves and other appliances, generating a significant amount of heat in the kitchen, which raises the overall temperature and reduces comfort. This has led to the development of range hoods that integrate cooling components.

[0003] For example, Chinese utility model patent application number 202121869424.3 discloses an air-conditioning type range hood, which includes an air-conditioning indoor unit with an evaporator installed inside, as well as a compressor, a condenser, and a range hood fan. The condenser is located in the exhaust chamber downstream of the range hood fan. A first water collection box is provided with a first water inlet connector and a second water inlet connector. The water outlet of the air-conditioning indoor unit is connected to the first water inlet connector, and the drain outlet at the bottom of the exhaust chamber is connected to the second water inlet connector. The condensate in the first water collection box is transported to the surface of the condenser, and the condensate flowing down from the surface of the condenser flows out from the drain outlet and returns to the first water collection box through the second water inlet connector.

[0004] The aforementioned patent describes pouring condensate onto the condenser and using the condenser's heat to evaporate the condensate. However, in reality, the effect of evaporating condensate using the condenser's high temperature is limited. The highest operating temperature of the condenser in an air conditioning system is located at the condenser inlet, with an inlet temperature of 70℃ to 90℃. The temperature of the condenser at other locations is usually below 50℃. When using the condenser to evaporate condensate, due to the low actual operating temperature of the condenser, the condensate cannot be completely consumed, and condensate remains in the air conditioning system, especially when the air humidity is high, the condensate cannot be effectively consumed.

[0005] Existing technologies include several methods for handling condensate, such as atomizing water with an atomizing device and discharging it into the smoke collection chamber, then using a fan to expel the condensate. However, the atomized condensate particles are relatively large and easily adhere to the walls of the rear smoke pipe. The condensate can also backflow at bends in the smoke pipe, ultimately returning to the range hood cavity. Another method involves using an external condensate drain pipe, but this is limited by the installation environment. Draining condensate outdoors requires drilling holes in the wall, which is not feasible on all exterior walls. Some cooling range hoods discharge condensate directly into the oil cup, storing both condensate and grease. However, the oil cup has a limited capacity and is typically open, posing a risk of spillage when emptying. Finally, some range hoods use a cooling function to shut off the hood when humidity is high, forcibly addressing the issue of delayed condensate handling. However, this can lead to a poor user experience when the user is cooking.

[0006] Therefore, further improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0007] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a water storage tank assembly that can improve the efficiency of condensate treatment, in order to address the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0008] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a range hood that uses the above-mentioned water storage tank assembly, which can completely remove the condensate from the air conditioning system and effectively handle the condensate in the high humidity environment of the kitchen where a large amount of condensate is generated.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a water storage tank assembly, including a first water storage tank for storing condensate, characterized in that: the water storage tank assembly further includes a fan assembly, the fan assembly including a first impeller and a rotating shaft, the first impeller being exposed at the top of the first water storage tank, the rotating shaft being arranged longitudinally and rotatably disposed inside the first water storage tank, the first impeller being connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft and being able to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft, the first impeller and the rotating shaft being covered with a water-absorbing element capable of absorbing condensate, the water-absorbing element being at least partially located inside the first water storage tank and at least partially exposed outside the first water storage tank, the first impeller, the rotating shaft and the water-absorbing element constituting a composite fan.

[0010] By incorporating a rotating first impeller and a water suction component, the problem of slow and incomplete condensate consumption caused by natural evaporation is improved. This achieves the technical effect of accelerating water evaporation through the water suction component, thereby rapidly consuming air conditioner condensate.

[0011] To prevent excessive static accumulation from causing adhesion between water molecules and to enhance the mobility of water molecules, more liquid water molecules are converted into smaller gaseous water molecules, which are then separated from the liquid water and carried away by the high-speed airflow in the range hood cavity, thereby accelerating the consumption of condensate. The fan assembly also includes a second impeller, which is placed inside the first water storage tank and connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft. The second impeller is driven to rotate by the composite fan.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a range hood, including a smoke inlet assembly and an air conditioning system, characterized in that: the range hood uses a water storage tank assembly as described above, the water storage tank assembly storing condensate from the air conditioning system.

[0013] To achieve continuous rotation without power, the smoke inlet assembly includes a first housing and a fan system disposed within the first housing. The water storage tank assembly is disposed inside the first housing and close to the fan system. The composite fan is driven to rotate by the negative pressure generated during the operation of the fan system.

[0014] To increase the condensate storage capacity, the water storage tank assembly also includes a second water storage tank for storing condensate from the air conditioning system when the first water storage tank is full. The second water storage tank is located at the bottom of the first housing.

[0015] In order to guide the condensate to the corresponding water storage tank, the air conditioning system includes an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes a second housing and an evaporator disposed inside the second housing. The bottom of the second housing can store the condensate produced by the evaporator when the air conditioning system is running. The bottom of the second housing has a drain hole for draining the condensate. The range hood also includes a first drain pipe connecting the drain hole to the first water storage tank and a second drain pipe connecting the drain hole to the second water storage tank.

[0016] In order to change the water path, the range hood also includes a three-way valve and a third drain pipe connecting the drain hole and the inlet end of the three-way valve. The ends of the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe away from the corresponding water tank are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the three-way valve.

[0017] In order to detect the water level in the first water tank, the water tank assembly also includes a water level detection module capable of detecting the water level in the first water tank, and the water level detection module is located inside the first water tank.

[0018] To facilitate the disposal of condensate, the smoke inlet assembly includes a first housing and a fan system disposed within the first housing. The water storage tank assembly also includes a first support, on which the first water storage tank is disposed. The side of the first housing has an access port for easy access to the first water storage tank, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the first water storage tank.

[0019] To serve both dust prevention and aesthetic purposes, the first housing is also equipped with a cover that allows the loading and unloading ports to be opened or closed.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: by setting a second impeller inside the first water storage tank and a first impeller covered with a water-absorbing component connected in series with it, the problem of slow and incomplete consumption of condensate water by natural evaporation is improved. The technical effect of using enhanced activity of liquid water molecules and water-absorbing sponge to accelerate water evaporation is achieved, thereby quickly consuming air conditioner condensate water. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of some components of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water tank assembly of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water tank assembly of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the fan assembly of the range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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. Since the embodiments disclosed in this utility model can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0029] See Figures 1-2 A range hood includes a smoke inlet assembly 1, an air conditioning system 2, and a water storage tank assembly 3 for storing condensate generated by the air conditioning system 2. The air conditioning system 2 is disposed above the smoke inlet assembly 1. The smoke inlet assembly 1 includes a first housing 11 and a fan system 12 disposed within the first housing 11. The water storage tank assembly 3 is disposed inside the first housing 11 and close to the fan system 12.

[0030] See Figures 2-6 The water storage tank assembly 3 includes a first water storage tank 31 for storing condensate. The water storage tank assembly 3 also includes a fan assembly 32, which includes a first impeller 321, a rotating shaft 322, and a second impeller 324. The first impeller 321 protrudes from the top of the first water storage tank 31 and is rotatable relative to the first water storage tank 31. The rotating shaft 322 is arranged longitudinally, and a second support 36 is provided inside the first water storage tank 31, with the rotating shaft 322 rotatably mounted on the second support 36. The first impeller 321 is connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 322, and the second impeller 324 is located inside the first water storage tank 31 and connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 322. In this embodiment, preferably, the first impeller 321 is driven to rotate by the negative pressure of the fan system 12 during operation, and the second impeller 324 is driven to rotate by the first impeller 321. Alternatively, the first impeller 321 may also be independently equipped with a drive mechanism.

[0031] The first impeller 321 and the shaft 322 are covered with a water-absorbing element 323 capable of absorbing condensate. The water-absorbing element 323 is preferably made of porous sponge material. The first impeller 321, the shaft 322, and the water-absorbing element 323 constitute a composite fan. The water-absorbing element 323 is at least partially located inside the first water storage tank 31 and at least partially exposed outside the first water storage tank 31. Therefore, when the liquid level in the first water storage tank 31 reaches the height of the water-absorbing element 323, the water-absorbing and water-conducting properties of the water-absorbing element 323 (porous absorbent sponge) can be used to continuously absorb condensate from bottom to top onto the porous sponge. Combined with the flowing air around the sponge layer, this accelerates the evaporation of the condensate, achieving efficient consumption of the condensate in the first water storage tank 31. With the water-absorbing element 323 covering the first impeller 321, the composite fan rotates at high speed, ensuring full contact between the sponge and the airflow, resulting in extremely rapid evaporation of the condensate in the sponge. Furthermore, since the composite fan is close to the fan system 12, during normal operation of the range hood, there is a high-speed airflow around the fan system 12, which drives the composite fan to achieve continuous rotation without power.

[0032] While the composite fan rotates without power, it drives the second impeller 324 to rotate, causing the condensate stored in the water tank to continuously tumble under the agitation of the second impeller 324. Utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the agitation, the condensate in the first water tank 31 tumbles up and down, preventing large amounts from accumulating and sticking together, increasing the activity of water molecules, and causing more liquid water molecules to transform into smaller gaseous water molecules. These gaseous molecules are then separated from the liquid water and carried away by the high-speed airflow in the range hood cavity, thus accelerating the consumption of condensate.

[0033] By setting a second impeller 324 inside the first water storage tank 31 and a first impeller 321 covered with a water-absorbing component 323 connected in series therewith, the problem of slow and incomplete consumption of condensate water by natural evaporation is improved. The technology achieves the effect of rapidly consuming air conditioning condensate water by enhancing the activity of liquid water molecules and using a water-absorbing sponge to accelerate water evaporation.

[0034] The water storage tank assembly 3 also includes a second water storage tank 33 that can continue to store condensate from the air conditioning system 2 when the first water storage tank 31 is full. The second water storage tank 33 is located at the bottom of the first housing 11.

[0035] See Figures 2-3 The air conditioning system 2 includes an evaporator assembly, which includes a second housing 21 and an evaporator 22 disposed inside the second housing 21. The bottom of the second housing 21 can store condensate produced by the evaporator 22 during operation of the air conditioning system 2, and a drain hole 211 is provided at the bottom of the second housing 21 to drain the condensate. The range hood also includes a first drain pipe 4 connecting the drain hole 211 to a first water tank 31, and a second drain pipe 5 connecting the drain hole 211 to a second water tank 33.

[0036] The condensate produced by the evaporator 22 first flows into the first water storage tank 31. When the first water storage tank 31 is full, the condensate flows into the second water storage tank 33. The dual-stage water tank design allows the range hood to store a large amount of condensate, reducing the hassle for users to handle condensate.

[0037] See Figure 5 The water storage tank assembly 3 also includes a water level detection module 34 capable of detecting the water level in the first water storage tank 31. The water level detection module 34 is located inside the first water storage tank 31. In this embodiment, the water level detection module 34 mainly consists of a float, a sensor, a buzzer, etc. It can detect the water level in the first water storage tank 31 in real time and can also realize a full water alarm function to remind the user to deal with condensate.

[0038] See Figures 2-3 The range hood also includes a three-way valve 6, and a third drain pipe 7 connecting the drain hole 211 to the inlet end of the three-way valve 6. The ends of the first drain pipe 4 and the second drain pipe 5 away from the corresponding water tank are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the three-way valve 6.

[0039] The flow of condensate is controlled by a three-way valve 6. When the cooling function is turned on, the condensate produced by the evaporator 22 first flows to the first water storage tank 31. When the water level in the first water storage tank 31 reaches the set alarm level, the water level detection module 34 will alarm to remind the user to deal with the condensate. However, when the alarm is ineffective (the user does not deal with the condensate), the three-way valve 6 will open to control the condensate to flow to the second water storage tank 33. The cooling function can still continue to work, but the water level detection module 34 of the first water storage tank 31 will continue to alarm after a period of time to remind the user to deal with the condensate.

[0040] The control logic for the condensate flow direction of the three-way valve 6 is as follows:

[0041] 1) Power on the range hood and turn on the cooling function;

[0042] 2) The three-way valve 6 remains in its original position, and the condensate flows to the first water storage tank 31;

[0043] 3) Determine if the buzzer of the water level detection module 34 alarms. If yes, proceed to step 4). If no, the condensate flows to the first water storage tank 31.

[0044] 4) After 15 seconds of alarm, determine whether the condensate in the first water storage tank 31 has been treated. If yes, return to step 2). If no, the three-way valve 6 is opened to reverse the condensate water path and make the condensate flow to the second water storage tank 33.

[0045] 5) The cooling function of the air conditioning system 2 continues to operate normally, and the buzzer of the water level detection module 34 alarms for 15 seconds every 30 minutes.

[0046] The water storage tank assembly 3 also includes a first support 35, on which the first water storage tank 31 is mounted. The side of the first housing 11 has an opening 111 for easy access and disposal of the first water storage tank 31 and for emptying condensate. The shape of the opening 111 is adapted to the shape of the first water storage tank 31. The first housing 11 is also provided with a cover 112 that can open or close the opening 111.

[0047] By setting a second impeller 324 inside the first water storage tank 31 and a first impeller 321 covered with a water-absorbing component 323 connected in series therewith, the problem of slow and incomplete consumption of condensate water by natural evaporation is improved. The technology achieves the effect of rapidly consuming air conditioning condensate water by enhancing the activity of liquid water molecules and using a water-absorbing sponge to accelerate water evaporation.

Claims

1. A water storage tank assembly, comprising a first water storage tank (31) for storing condensate, characterized in that: The water storage tank assembly also includes a fan assembly (32), which includes a first impeller (321) and a rotating shaft (322). The first impeller (321) is exposed on the top of the first water storage tank (31). The rotating shaft (322) is arranged longitudinally and rotatably disposed inside the first water storage tank (31). The first impeller (321) is connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft (322) and can rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft (322). The first impeller (321) and the rotating shaft (322) are covered with a water-absorbing element (323) capable of absorbing condensate. The water-absorbing element (323) is at least partially located inside the first water storage tank (31) and at least partially exposed outside the first water storage tank (31). The first impeller (321), the rotating shaft (322), and the water-absorbing element (323) constitute a composite fan.

2. The water storage tank assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan assembly (32) further includes a second impeller (324), which is located inside the first water tank (31). The second impeller (324) is connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft (322) and is driven to rotate by the composite fan.

3. A range hood, comprising a smoke inlet assembly (1) and an air conditioning system (2), characterized in that: The range hood is equipped with a water tank assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, the water tank assembly storing condensate from the air conditioning system (2).

4. The range hood according to claim 3, characterized in that: The smoke inlet assembly (1) includes a first housing (11) and a fan system (12) disposed within the first housing (11). The water storage tank assembly is disposed inside the first housing (11) and close to the fan system (12). The composite fan is driven to rotate by the negative pressure generated during the operation of the fan system (12).

5. The range hood according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water storage tank assembly also includes a second water storage tank (33) for storing condensate from the air conditioning system (2) when the first water storage tank (31) is full, and the second water storage tank (33) is located at the bottom of the first housing (11).

6. The range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (2) includes an evaporator assembly, which includes a second housing (21) and an evaporator (22) disposed inside the second housing (21). The bottom of the second housing (21) can store the condensate produced by the evaporator (22) during the operation of the air conditioning system (2). The bottom of the second housing (21) is provided with a drain hole (211) for draining the condensate. The range hood also includes a first drain pipe (4) connecting the drain hole (211) to the first water tank (31) and a second drain pipe (5) connecting the drain hole (211) to the second water tank (33).

7. The range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The range hood also includes a three-way valve (6), and the range hood also includes a third drain pipe (7) connecting the drain hole (211) and the inlet end of the three-way valve (6). The ends of the first drain pipe (4) and the second drain pipe (5) away from the corresponding water tank are respectively connected to the two outlet ends of the three-way valve (6).

8. The range hood according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water storage tank assembly also includes a water level detection module (34) capable of detecting the water level in the first water storage tank (31), the water level detection module (34) being disposed inside the first water storage tank (31).

9. The range hood according to claim 3, characterized in that: The smoke inlet assembly (1) includes a first housing (11) and a fan system (12) disposed in the first housing (11). The water storage tank assembly also includes a first bracket (35). The first water storage tank (31) is disposed on the first bracket (35). The side of the first housing (11) is provided with a pick-up and put-out port (111) for easy access to the first water storage tank (31). The shape of the pick-up and put-out port (111) is adapted to the shape of the first water storage tank (31).

10. The range hood according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first housing (11) is also provided with a cover plate (112) that can open or close the loading and unloading port (111).

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