Integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of automotive air conditioner
By integrating a blocking ring and a blocking ball into the automotive air conditioning drain pipe, the problem of backflow in the drain pipe is solved, achieving convenient manufacturing, improved structural strength, and anti-backflow effect, thus extending service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 四川赛特制冷设备有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing automotive air conditioning drain pipes have a backflow problem, which leads to evaporator blockage and damp and moldy vehicle carpets. In addition, the existing one-way valve structure is not easy to manufacture, has insufficient structural strength, and is costly or easily damaged.
An integrated one-way valve structure for the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner was designed. By integrating a blocking ring, a limiting rib, and a blocking ball on the drain connector and drain pipe, the buoyancy of the blocking ball is used to prevent backflow. The injection molding process is used to achieve convenient manufacturing and improved structural strength.
It eliminates the need for an independent check valve, simplifies manufacturing, improves structural strength, prevents backflow, extends service life, and ensures reliable connection.
Smart Images
Figure CN224433508U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of the arrangement of heating, cooling, ventilation or other air handling equipment in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, and specifically relates to an integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] The drain pipe of a car's air conditioning system serves to drain condensate from the air conditioner outside the vehicle, as disclosed in Chinese patent application CN102967041A. The drain pipe is typically made of EPDM rubber with an inner diameter of approximately 10mm. However, when a vehicle is wading through water, water from outside may flow back into the vehicle, potentially causing problems such as clogging of the evaporator in the air conditioning system and damp, moldy carpets. Therefore, some high-end models install a one-way valve on this drain pipe to prevent water from flowing back into the vehicle. One-way valves are generally of two types: electronic and mechanical. Both have independent valve bodies, requiring significant installation space and hindering platform-based construction. Furthermore, electronic one-way valves are expensive, while mechanical one-way valves are time-consuming to assemble into the drain pipe, are prone to damage, and are limited by the size of the drain pipe, potentially reducing the one-way flow cross-section and increasing the risk of blockage.
[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies such as CN218154770U and CN222663125U disclose solutions for preventing backflow in automotive air conditioning drain pipes. These solutions integrate the function of a one-way valve by improving the upper and lower pipe structures, creating a partition chamber, and incorporating a built-in blocking ball, thus avoiding the need for a separate one-way valve. However, the improved upper and lower pipe structures have drawbacks, including difficulty in manufacturing and insufficient structural strength, requiring further optimization and improvement. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical problem this utility model aims to solve is to provide an integrated one-way valve structure for the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner. This avoids the problems of inconvenient manufacturing and insufficient structural strength that exist in improved integrated one-way valve structures, achieving the effects of preventing backflow, improving manufacturability, and extending service life.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] An integrated one-way valve structure for the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner includes a housing. A drain connector is integrally formed at the bottom of the housing; the drain connector is cylindrical and extends downwards. The housing is connected to a drain pipe via the drain connector. The inner wall of the drain connector has a raised annular blocking ring. The inner wall of the drain connector also has several circumferentially distributed limiting ribs. The limiting ribs extend axially along the drain connector and are located below the blocking ring. The upper end of the limiting ribs is connected to the lower end face of the blocking ring. A blocking ball is movably positioned between the limiting ribs along the axial direction of the drain connector. The blocking ring is coaxial with the drain connector, and the diameter of the through hole in the middle of the blocking ring is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball.
[0007] The diameter of the inner hole of the drain pipe is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball; the density of the blocking ball is less than the density of water.
[0008] To further improve the above technical solution, the end of the drain pipe connected to the drain connector has a connecting section, the diameter of the connecting section is larger than the diameter of the drain pipe, and the free end of the connecting section has a recessed countersunk hole for fitting, and is fitted and connected to the outside of the drain connector through the countersunk hole.
[0009] The diameter of the countersunk hole is larger than the diameter of the inner hole of the drain pipe and is coaxial. The bottom wall of the countersunk hole is recessed and has several circumferentially distributed water outlet grooves. The water outlet grooves extend radially inward and penetrate to communicate with the inner hole of the drain pipe.
[0010] Furthermore, a locking hole is provided through the side wall of the connecting section; the outer wall of the drain connector is provided with an anti-dislodgement protrusion that can be locked into the locking hole.
[0011] Furthermore, the lower end of the limiting rib is higher than the lower end face of the drain connector, and the bottom wall of the countersunk hole is provided with an annular groove for the lower end face of the drain connector to be inserted, and the lower end face of the drain connector falls into the annular groove.
[0012] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the water outlet trough is radially inclined, with the inner side lower and the outer side higher, and the outer side is connected to the annular groove.
[0013] Furthermore, a weight-reducing groove is recessed into the outer edge of the lower end face of the blocking ring, and the upper end of the limiting rib extends upward into the weight-reducing groove and is connected to the bottom wall and side walls of the weight-reducing groove.
[0014] Furthermore, the lower end face of the blocking ring is a cone that gradually widens downwards.
[0015] Furthermore, the conical surface has a circular arc transition section near the through hole in the middle of the blocking ring. The curvature of the circular arc transition section corresponds to the diameter of the blocking ball, and the circular arc transition section is tangentially connected to the conical surface.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0017] This utility model discloses an integrated one-way valve structure for the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner. It eliminates the need for a separate one-way valve, employing an integrated design where the structure is integrated into the drain connector and drain pipe, requiring only a single internal blocking ball. The drain connector is integrally molded with the housing, and its internal design, including the blocking ring, through-hole, weight-reducing ring groove, and limiting rib, is suitable for the housing's injection molding process. The injection mold is compatible, allowing for direct injection molding without additional assembly or processing, simplifying manufacturing. The design of the blocking ring, weight-reducing ring groove, and limiting rib also provides internal reinforcement to the cylindrical drain connector, effectively preventing structural shrinkage and deformation, thus improving structural strength and extending service life.
[0018] The connection between the drain pipe and the drain joint is reliable. The drain pipe, the connecting section, and the countersunk holes, outlet grooves, and annular grooves within the connecting section are all integrally molded with the drain pipe, making manufacturing convenient. The increased diameter of the connecting section facilitates structural layout and effectively ensures structural strength.
[0019] In use, the blocking ball is guided and confined between several limiting ribs, allowing it to move axially along the drain joint. When water backflows, the blocking ball floats upwards under the buoyancy of the water, naturally sealing the through-hole in the center of the blocking ring and preventing backflow. Normally, the blocking ball rests below, on the inner hole of the drain pipe. Air conditioning condensate flows through the through-hole of the blocking ring, collects in the water outlet groove, and is discharged into the inner hole of the drain pipe. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner, as shown in a specific embodiment.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner according to a specific embodiment;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The left view;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The detailed schematic diagram of the section AA mainly shows the connection between the drain connector and the drain pipe; the blocking ball is in the state of falling under its own weight.
[0024] Figure 5 In order to be in Figure 4 Based on this, the diagram of the blocking ball has been removed;
[0025] Figure 6 In order to be in Figure 4 Based on this, a schematic diagram shows the blocking ball rising to block the through hole of the blocking ring;
[0026] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of a partial location of the shell; it mainly illustrates the internal structure of the drain connector.
[0027] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of a partial location of the drainage pipe; it mainly illustrates the internal structure of the connecting section.
[0028] Figure 9 Example diagram of preferred dimensions for a drain connector;
[0029] The casing is 100mm, and the evaporator is 200mm.
[0030] Drainage connector 1, blocking ring 11, through hole 111, conical surface 112, arc transition section 113, weight reduction ring groove 114, limiting rib 12, anti-detachment protrusion 13, drainage pipe 2, inner hole 21, connecting section 22, countersunk hole 23, water outlet groove 24, ring groove 25, locking hole 26, blocking ball 3. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] Please see Figures 1-5 The specific embodiment of the integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of the automotive air conditioner includes a housing 100. A drain connector 1 is integrally formed at the bottom of the housing 100. The drain connector 1 is cylindrical and extends downwards. The housing 100 is connected to a drain pipe 2 via the drain connector 1. A ring-shaped blocking ring 11 protrudes from the inner wall of the drain connector 1. Several circumferentially distributed limiting ribs 12 also protrude from the inner wall of the drain connector 1. The limiting ribs 12 extend axially along the drain connector 1 and are located below the blocking ring 11. The upper end of the limiting rib 12 is connected to the lower end face of the blocking ring 11. A blocking ball 3 is movably disposed in the middle of the several limiting ribs 12 along the axial direction of the drain connector 1. The blocking ring 11 is coaxial with the drain connector 1, and the diameter of the through hole 111 in the middle of the blocking ring 11 is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball 3. The diameter of the inner hole 21 of the drain pipe 2 is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball 3. The density of the blocking ball 3 is less than the density of water.
[0033] The integrated one-way valve structure of this embodiment eliminates the need for a separate one-way valve. It is integrated, with the structure arranged on the drain connector 1 and drain pipe 2, requiring only a single blocking ball 3. The drain connector 1 is integrally formed with the housing 100, and the design of its internal blocking ring 11, through hole 111, and limiting rib 12 is suitable for the injection molding process of the housing 100. The injection mold is compatible, allowing for direct injection molding without additional assembly or processing, simplifying manufacturing. The design of the blocking ring 11 and limiting rib 12 also provides internal reinforcement for the cylindrical drain connector 1, improving structural strength and consequently extending its service life. During use, the blocking ball 3 is guided and restrained between several limiting ribs 12, allowing it to move axially along the drain connector 1. When water backflows, the blocking ball 3 floats under the buoyancy of the water, naturally sealing the through hole 111 in the middle of the blocking ring 11, preventing backflow. Under normal conditions, the blocking ball 3 rests on the lower part of the drain pipe 2's inner hole 21. Normal drainage follows the same routine process as existing technology, and will not be described further here. The connection method between the drain pipe 2 and the drain connector 1 is not limited; it can be an outer sleeve, an inner recess, a socket, etc., as long as the blocking ball 3 has sufficient space to move up and down after connection.
[0034] Please see again. Figure 6 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the end of the drain pipe 2 connected to the drain connector 1 has a connecting section 22. The diameter of the connecting section 22 is larger than the diameter of the drain pipe 2. The free end of the connecting section 22 has a recessed countersunk hole 23 for fitting, and is fitted and connected to the outside of the drain connector 1 through the countersunk hole 23. The diameter of the countersunk hole 23 is larger than the diameter of the inner hole 21 of the drain pipe 2 and is coaxial. The bottom wall of the countersunk hole 23 has a plurality of circumferentially distributed water outlet grooves 24. The water outlet grooves 24 extend radially inward and penetrate to communicate with the inner hole 21 of the drain pipe 2.
[0035] In this way, the connection is convenient by using a socket joint; the connecting section 22, the countersunk hole 23, and the water outlet groove 24 are also integrally formed with the drain pipe 2, which is convenient to manufacture. The design of the water outlet groove 24 ensures that during normal drainage, when the blocking ball 3 falls onto the inner hole 21 of the drain pipe 2 due to its own weight, the drainage process is not affected, and drainage is smooth.
[0036] Please see again. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Specifically, the anti-detachment method involves a through-hole 26 on the side wall of the connecting section 22; the outer wall of the drain connector 1 has an anti-detachment protrusion 13 that can be inserted into the through-hole 26. During installation, the elastic deformation of the drain pipe 2 allows the connecting section 22 of the drain pipe 2 to fit onto the outer wall of the drain connector 1, and the anti-detachment protrusion 13 engages with the through-hole 26, maintaining a secure and detached connection. This method is more stable and reliable than existing mature methods.
[0037] The lower end of the limiting rib 12 is higher than the lower end face of the drain connector 1. The bottom wall of the countersunk hole 23 is provided with a ring groove 25 for the lower end face of the drain connector 1 to be inserted. The lower end face of the drain connector 1 falls into the ring groove 25.
[0038] This provides a certain limiting effect and improves connection stability. The annular groove 25 is also integrally formed with the drain pipe 2 during the manufacturing process.
[0039] The bottom wall of the water outlet trough 24 is radially inclined, with the inner side lower than the outer side, and the outer side is connected to the annular groove 25. This facilitates the natural flow of water into the inner hole 21 of the drain pipe 2 during normal drainage, ensuring smooth drainage.
[0040] Please see again. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The lower end face of the blocking ring 11 has a recessed weight-reducing groove 114 along its outer edge. The upper end of the limiting rib 12 extends upward into the weight-reducing groove 114 and connects to the bottom wall and side walls of the weight-reducing groove 114. This prevents structural shrinkage and deformation, and better ensures the stability of the injection molding of the shell 100.
[0041] Please see again. Figure 5 and Figure 9 The lower end face of the blocking ring 11 is a cone 112 that gradually expands downward; the cone 112 has a circular arc transition section 113 near the through hole 111 in the middle of the blocking ring 11, the arc of the circular arc transition section 113 corresponds to the diameter of the blocking ball 3, and the circular arc transition section 113 is tangentially connected to the cone 112.
[0042] This creates a mating sealing surface, which is conducive to fitting with the floating blocking ball 3 and better improving the backflow prevention sealing effect.
[0043] Specifically, as shown in the attached figures of this embodiment, the limiting ribs can be six equidistant ribs arranged at 60° intervals, forming an inner diameter of 18mm in the middle position. The diameter of the blocking ball is 18mm. The lower conical surface of the blocking ring has a single-sided 40° guide surface, and the upper end is an R9 arc transition section. The thickness of the blocking ring is adapted to form a one-third spherical sealing structure with a diameter of 18mm. The diameter of the through hole in the middle of the blocking ring is 10mm. The inner diameter of the drain pipe is 10mm. Three water outlet grooves are evenly distributed around the circumference, forming a relatively raised "support part" between adjacent water outlet grooves. The inner hole of the drain pipe supports the edge of the blocking ball, which can be appropriately chamfered. The blocking ball is made of rubber material with a lower density than water. The drain pipe is also made of rubber material, and the shell is made of plastic material.
[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A one-way valve structure integrated with a lower shell of an automobile air conditioner, comprising a shell, a drain connector being integrally formed at a bottom of the shell, the drain connector being cylindrical and extending downward, and the shell being connected to a drain pipe through the drain connector; characterized in that: The inner wall of the drain connector is provided with a ring-shaped blocking ring, and the inner wall of the drain connector is also provided with several circumferentially distributed limiting ribs. The limiting ribs extend along the axial direction of the drain connector and are located below the blocking ring. The upper end of the limiting ribs is connected to the lower end face of the blocking ring. A blocking ball is movably provided in the middle of the several limiting ribs along the axial direction of the drain connector. The blocking ring is coaxial with the drain connector and the diameter of the through hole in the middle of the blocking ring is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball. The diameter of the inner hole of the drain pipe is smaller than the diameter of the blocking ball; the density of the blocking ball is less than the density of water.
2. The one-way valve structure integrated with the lower case of an automobile air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drain pipe has a connecting section at one end connected to the drain connector. The diameter of the connecting section is larger than the diameter of the drain pipe. The free end of the connecting section has a recessed countersunk hole for fitting, and it is fitted and connected to the outside of the drain connector through the countersunk hole. The diameter of the countersunk hole is larger than the diameter of the inner hole of the drain pipe and is coaxial. The bottom wall of the countersunk hole is recessed and has several circumferentially distributed water outlet grooves. The water outlet grooves extend radially inward and penetrate to communicate with the inner hole of the drain pipe.
3. The one-way valve structure integrated with the lower case of an automobile air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: A locking hole is provided through the side wall of the connecting section; the outer wall of the drain connector is provided with an anti-dislodgement protrusion that can be locked into the locking hole.
4. The integrated check valve structure for a lower case of an automobile air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower end of the limiting rib is higher than the lower end face of the drain connector. The bottom wall of the countersunk hole is provided with a ring groove for the lower end face of the drain connector to be inserted into. The lower end face of the drain connector falls into the ring groove.
5. The integrated check valve structure of the lower case of the automobile air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the water outlet trough is radially inclined, with the inner side lower and the outer side higher, and the outer side is connected to the annular groove.
6. The integrated check valve structure for a lower case of an automobile air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end face of the blocking ring has a recessed weight-reducing groove along its outer edge. The upper end of the limiting rib extends upward into the weight-reducing groove and is connected to the bottom wall and side walls of the weight-reducing groove.
7. The integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The lower end face of the blocking ring is a cone that gradually widens downwards.
8. The integrated one-way valve structure in the lower housing of an automotive air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that: The conical surface has a circular arc transition section near the through hole in the middle of the blocking ring. The arc of the circular arc transition section corresponds to the diameter of the blocking ball, and the circular arc transition section is tangentially connected to the conical surface.