Drain pump

Abstract

The utility model relates to a drainage pump, include: bottom casing, form with double cavity, wherein, double cavity includes first sub -cavity and second sub -cavity by the partition plate separation, and first sub -cavity is linked together with water suction port, and the drain pipe includes the extension of transverse extension relative to the pipe body and the first end and the second end at the extension two sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliances, and more specifically, to a drain pump for discharging condensate. Background Technology

[0002] Appendix Figure 1 The structure of a condenser dryer 100 with a condensate drainage system is briefly illustrated.

[0003] The basic working principle of a condenser dryer is to evaporate the moisture in the clothes through hot airflow and achieve dehumidification by condensation. During the drying process, cold air is delivered by a blower 101 and heated by a heating element (not shown) to form a hot airflow. This hot air then enters the drum 102, which serves as the drying chamber to hold the clothes to be dried. The hot air absorbs moisture during contact with the clothes and converts it into saturated water vapor.

[0004] Subsequently, the humid and warmed process air is introduced into the dehumidification unit 103. This unit can employ structures such as air-to-air heat exchangers or heat pump evaporators to cool the airflow, thereby condensing the water vapor in the airflow into a liquid state. The condensate is typically collected in a condensate collection tank 104 located below the dehumidification unit 103.

[0005] When the condensate reaches a certain level, the condensate drain pump 105 transports the condensate to a temporary storage tank or discharges it directly through the drain pipe. For ease of automatic control, the drain pump assembly is typically equipped with a floating level sensor 106 to detect changes in the condensate level. The level sensor can identify not only the time point when the discharge level is reached but also the overflow level, thus preventing backflow or overflow caused by a full temporary storage tank or a blocked drain path.

[0006] The main control board 200 controls the start and stop of the drain pump 105 at preset time intervals, and determines whether to trigger a drainage operation or issue an alarm by reading the signal from the floating liquid level sensor 106. The electrical connection relationship between the drain pump 105, the floating liquid level sensor 106, and the main control board 200 is detailed in the appendix. Figure 1 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0007] The main control board 200 can also monitor the water filling status of the temporary water storage tank 108. When an overflow level is detected, it can prevent the equipment from continuing to operate and guide the user to manually empty the temporary water storage tank through fault prompts.

[0008] However, in existing technology, the vertical drain pipe in the drainage pump is fixed to a support plate integrally formed with the stator body by bolts, and the internal structure of the stator body forms a double-cavity structure. This structure has the following drawbacks: because the lateral extension of the vertical drain pipe is relatively long and the structure is relatively weak, it is prone to bending deformation (for example, when tightening the bolts for fixing), making it difficult to guarantee the sealing performance. At the same time, in order to install the bolts, an external fixing flange is required, further increasing the structural volume and making it difficult to design in terms of meeting the overall machine size requirements.

[0009] Therefore, there is still considerable room for improvement in existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a drainage pump for condensate discharge, which at least partially overcomes the defects in the prior art, especially in terms of structural compactness and sealing reliability, while reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs, or improving drainage efficiency and overall equipment performance without significantly changing the cost.

[0011] A drain pump includes: a bottom housing having a dual-chamber configuration, wherein the dual-chamber configuration includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber separated by a partition, and the first sub-chamber communicates with a suction port; and a drain pipe including an extension extending laterally relative to a pipe body and a first end and a second end located on both sides of the extension, wherein the first end of the drain pipe is inserted into the second sub-chamber, the extension covers the opening of the dual-chamber configuration, wherein a first gap exists between the bottom of the extension and the partition, and a second gap exists between the first end of the drain pipe and the sidewall and bottom of the second sub-chamber configuration, such that water drawn in by the drain pump through the suction port enters the first sub-chamber, passes through the first gap and the second gap, and then exits the dual-chamber configuration via the first end of the drain pipe, wherein a first sealing ring is formed between the periphery of the extension and the opening of the dual-chamber configuration to seal the opening.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the partition and the bottom shell are an integral structure.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the extension and the drain pipe are an integral structure.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the first sealing ring is made of silicone.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the opening of the dual cavity is a stepped opening, and the periphery of the extension has a flange to cooperate with the stepped opening.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the first sealing ring covers the stepped opening and the flange to seal the stepped opening.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the drain pump further includes a second sealing ring located on the opposite side of the bottom housing to the opening side of the dual-chamber structure.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, a plurality of grooves are formed at the edge of the bottom housing, and a sealing body is formed in the plurality of grooves. The sealing body connects the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring located on opposite sides of the bottom housing, such that the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring form an integral structure.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the drainage pump further includes: a liquid level sensor, including a sensor body and a sensing pin, wherein the sensor body is disposed on the bottom housing and located on the same side as the opening side of the dual chamber, the sensing pin extends from the bottom housing on the opposite side to the opening side of the dual chamber, and a sealing body is provided at the position where the sensor body engages with the bottom housing.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the drain pump further includes: a sealing cover for sealing the cavity in the bottom housing that accommodates the drive device; an impeller coupled to the drive device and located on the same side of the bottom housing as the suction port; and a cover plate for covering the impeller and the suction port.

[0021] This invention improves the sealing performance of the drain pump by incorporating a double-chamber design on the bottom housing and using a silicone-coated sealing ring to seal the lateral extension of the vertical drain pipe and the junction of the double chambers. Furthermore, since bolts are not required to secure the vertical drain pipe, the size of the drain pump can be reduced, making its structure more compact and lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This diagram shows a simplified structure of a condenser dryer that employs a condensate drain system.

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective view of a drainage pump according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 Another perspective view of the drainage pump according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 An exploded view of the drainage pump according to the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A diagram showing one side of the bottom housing of the drainage pump according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A diagram showing the other side of the bottom housing of the drain pump according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 A diagram showing the liquid level sensor of the drainage pump according to the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A diagram showing a vertical drain pipe with a lateral extension of a drain pump according to the present invention is provided.

[0031] Figure 9 This invention illustrates the present invention. Figure 7 The liquid level sensor shown Figure 8 The diagram shows the vertical drain pipe and the bottom housing of the drain pump assembled together.

[0032] Figure 10 This invention illustrates the application of the present invention in... Figure 9 The diagram shows the junction between the double cavity formed in the bottom housing and the lateral extension of the vertical drain pipe, sealed with a sealing ring in the assembly shown.

[0033] Figure 11 The present invention is shown Figure 9 The sealing ring on the other side edge of the assembly shown, and the seal at the junction of the liquid level sensor and the bottom housing.

[0034] Figure 12 The diagram shows various diagrams of a sealing cover for sealing the drive unit in the bottom housing of a drainage pump according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 13 The invention illustrates the installation of a drive unit on a drainage pump according to the present invention. Figure 10 The diagram shows the bottom housing.

[0036] Figure 14 This invention illustrates the present invention. Figure 12 The sealing cap shown is installed to Figure 13 The diagram shows a sealed drive unit on the bottom housing.

[0037] Figure 15 The diagram shows the installation of the impeller to the drive unit according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 16The diagram shows the installation of a cover plate onto the bottom housing to cover the impeller according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this utility model and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0040] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0041] The following reference Figures 2 to 16 The drain pump 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. It should be noted that although the drain pump of the present invention is described in conjunction with a clothes dryer, the drain pump of the present invention can also be used in other household appliances that require drainage, such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc.

[0042] Figure 2 A perspective view of the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The diagram shows a view of the bottom side of the drain pump 1. Here, "bottom side" refers to the side where the impeller (not shown) and the sensing pin 612 of the level sensor are located. The impeller is covered by the cover plate 10 and therefore not visible in the view. Figure 2 The impeller is shown. Additionally, the bottom housing 11 of the drain pump 1 is integrally formed. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, a sealing ring 41 is provided at the edge of the bottom housing 11 to ensure its sealing performance. According to one embodiment, the sealing ring 41 is made of silicone. Preferably, the sealing ring 41 can be manufactured using Santoprene® (a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) through an overmolding process.

[0043] Figure 3 Another perspective view of the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The image shown is a top view of the drain pump 1. Here, "top" refers to the side where the drain pipe 21 and the sealing cap 71 are located. Figure 3 A liquid level sensor 61 disposed on the bottom housing 11 is also shown. The liquid level sensor 61 includes sensing pins 612 disposed from the bottom side of the bottom housing 11. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring 31 is used to sealably secure the drain pipe 21 to the bottom housing 11. According to one embodiment, the sealing ring 31 is made of silicone. Preferably, the sealing ring 31 can be manufactured using Santoprene® (a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) via an overmolding process.

[0044] Figure 4 An exploded view of the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the drain pump 11 includes a sealing cover 71, integrated sealing rings 31 and 41, a drain pipe 21, a level sensor 61, a drive unit 81, a bottom housing 11, an impeller 91, and a cover plate 10. According to one embodiment, the sealing cover 71 is bolted to the bottom housing 11. Alternatively, other fixing methods, such as snap-fit, can be used. Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the sealing ring 41 also includes a sealing body at the junction of the liquid level sensor 61 and the bottom housing 11.

[0045] Figure 5 A diagram showing one side of the bottom housing 11 of the drain pump 1 according to the present invention is provided. The side shown here is the top side of the bottom housing 11. Figure 5 As shown, a double cavity 12 is formed in the bottom housing 11. According to one embodiment, the double cavity 12 includes a first sub-cavity 121 and a second sub-cavity 122 separated by a partition 13. The first sub-cavity 121 communicates with the water inlet 14. The second sub-cavity 122 is used to receive the drain pipe 21 (e.g., Figure 8 One end of the drain pipe 21 (as shown), for example, the lower end. When the lower end of the drain pipe 21 is inserted into the second sub-cavity 122, the extension 211 of the drain pipe 21 (as shown) Figure 8 (As shown) The opening of the double cavity 12 is covered. In this case, there is a first gap between the bottom of the extension 211 of the drain pipe 21 and the partition 13, and a second gap between the lower end of the drain pipe 21 and the side wall and bottom of the second sub-cavity 122, so that water drawn in by the drain pump 1 through the suction port 14 enters the first sub-cavity 121, passes through the first and second gaps, and then exits the double cavity 12 via the other end (e.g., the upper end) of the drain pipe 21. The structure formed by the double cavity 12 and the drain pipe 21 thus constructed can form a siphon structure located in the water outlet path of the drain pump 1. According to one embodiment, the partition 13 and the bottom housing 11 are integral structures. According to one embodiment, the opening of the double cavity 12 is a stepped opening. As described later Figure 8 As shown, the periphery of the extension 211 of the drain pipe 21 has a flange to mate with the stepped opening.

[0046] Figure 6 A diagram showing the other side of the bottom housing 11 of the drain pump 1 according to the present invention is shown. The side shown here is the bottom side of the bottom housing 11. Figure 6 The suction port 14 located on the bottom side is shown. Additionally, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a plurality of grooves 51 are formed at the edge of the bottom housing 11. According to one embodiment, a sealing body is formed in the plurality of grooves 51 for connecting sealing rings 31 and 41 located on opposite sides of the bottom housing 11, such that sealing rings 31 and 41 are formed as an integral structure.

[0047] Figure 7 A diagram showing the level sensor 61 of the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention is provided. Figure 7 As shown, the liquid level sensor 61 includes a sensor body 611 and a sensing pin 612. Refer to the description below. Figure 9 The sensor body 611 is disposed on the bottom housing 11 and located on the same side as the opening side of the dual-cavity 12. Sensing pins 612 extend from the opposite side of the bottom housing 11 to the opening side of the dual-cavity 12. According to one embodiment, a sealing body is provided at the junction of the sensor body 611 and the bottom housing 11. In one embodiment, the sensor body 611 includes an overmolded frame for enhancing the sealing of the drain pump 1.

[0048] Figure 8 A diagram showing a vertical drain pipe 21 with a lateral extension 211 of a drain pump 1 according to the present invention is provided. Figure 9 This invention illustrates the present invention. Figure 7 The liquid level sensor 61 shown Figure 8 The diagram shows the vertical drain pipe 21 and the bottom housing 11 of the drain pump assembled together. Figure 10 This invention illustrates the application of the present invention in... Figure 9 The diagram shows the junction between the double cavity 12 formed in the bottom housing 11 and the lateral extension 211 of the vertical drain pipe 21, which is sealed with a sealing ring in the assembly shown. Figure 11 The present invention is shown Figure 9 The sealing ring 41 on the other side edge of the assembly shown, and the seal at the junction of the liquid level sensor and the bottom housing.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the drain pipe 21 includes an extension 211 extending laterally relative to the pipe body, and a first end (i.e., the lower end) and a second end (i.e., the upper end) located on both sides of the extension 211. According to one embodiment, the extension 211 and the drain pipe 21 are integrally formed. Figure 9As shown, the lower end of the drain pipe 21 is inserted into the second sub-cavity 122, and the extension 211 covers the opening of the double cavity 12. According to one embodiment, a sealing ring 31 is formed between the periphery of the extension 211 and the opening of the double cavity 12 to seal the opening. As described above, the sealing ring 31 is made of silicone. Preferably, the sealing ring 31 can be manufactured using Santoprene® (a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) through an overmolding process. According to one embodiment, when the opening of the double cavity 12 is formed as a stepped opening, the periphery of the extension 211 has a flange to mate with the stepped opening. In this case, the sealing ring 31 covers the stepped opening and the flange to seal the stepped opening.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, a plurality of grooves 51 are formed at the edge of the bottom housing 11. According to one embodiment, the plurality of grooves 51 may include through grooves penetrating the bottom housing 11 and blind grooves not penetrating the bottom housing 11. Figure 10 As shown, sealing bodies are formed in multiple grooves 51. According to one embodiment, the sealing bodies formed through the grooves connect sealing rings 31 and 41 located on opposite sides of the bottom housing 11, such that sealing rings 31 and 41 form a single, integral structure. Forming sealing bodies in blind grooves increases the structural strength of the sealing structure, firmly securing it to the bottom housing 11. In one embodiment, this integral structure may be an overmolded, single-piece structure. Advantageously, this sealing structure helps enhance the sealing performance of the drain pump 1 during use.

[0051] Figure 12 The diagram shows various views of the sealing cover 71 for sealing the drive unit in the bottom housing 11 of the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention. Figure 12 (a) and (b) show the front and rear views of the sealing cover 71, respectively. A slot 711 is formed at one end of the sealing cover 71 for setting the encapsulated sealing body to enhance the sealing performance of the drain pump 1. Figure 12 (c) and (d) show the front and rear views of the sealing body 712 formed at the slot 711 of the sealing cover 71, wherein a slot is formed in the sealing body 712 for the element to extend out.

[0052] Figure 13 The invention illustrates the installation of a drive unit 81 on the drainage pump 1 according to the present invention. Figure 10 The diagram shows the bottom housing 11. Figure 14 This invention illustrates the present invention. Figure 12 The sealing cap 71 shown is installed to Figure 13The diagram shows a sealed drive unit 81 on the bottom housing 11. The drive unit 81 provides driving force for the rotation of the impeller 91. According to one embodiment, the sealing cover 71 has an overmolded frame for enhancing the sealing of the drain pump 1. The sealing cover 71 seals the cavity within the bottom housing 11 that houses the drive unit 81. Figure 14 As shown, the sealing cap 71 is secured to the bottom housing 11 by bolts. Alternatively, other securing methods, such as snap-fit, can also be used.

[0053] Figure 15 The diagram shows the installation of the impeller 91 onto the drive unit 81 according to the present invention. Figure 16 The diagram shows the installation of the cover plate 10 to the bottom housing 11 to cover the impeller 91 according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 15 Figures (a) and (b) show the impeller 91 before and after assembly, respectively. The impeller 91 is coupled to the drive unit 81 and is located on the same side of the bottom housing 11 as the suction port 14. The bottom housing 11 has a chamber surrounding the impeller 91 and the suction port 14. According to one embodiment, the impeller 91 is mounted on and fixedly connected to the shaft 92, thereby achieving synchronous movement with the shaft rotation. Alternatively, the impeller 91 can also rotate freely relative to the shaft 92 and be engaged with the drive unit 81 through a transmission structure with eccentric teeth, thereby allowing the impeller 91 to have a certain idle stroke. According to one embodiment, the impeller 91 is preferably a directional impeller, i.e., configured to rotate in a preferred direction of rotation to achieve higher hydraulic efficiency.

[0055] like Figure 16 As shown, cover plate 10 covers impeller 91 and suction port 14. More specifically, cover plate 10 engages with the chamber that houses impeller 91 and suction port 14. Cover plate 10 has multiple holes to allow water to enter the chamber. Driven by a drive unit, impeller 3 rotates within the chamber to discharge water through suction port 14 and drain pipe 21.

[0056] This invention improves the sealing performance of the drain pump by providing a double cavity 12 on the bottom housing 11 and sealing the joint between the lateral extension 211 of the vertical drain pipe 21 and the double cavity 12 with a silicone-coated sealing ring 31. Furthermore, since there is no need to use bolts to fix the vertical drain pipe 21, the size of the drain pump can be reduced, making its structure more compact and lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0057] Although specific embodiments are shown and described in this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements can be used to achieve the same technical effects, instead of the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover various improvements or modifications to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The scope of protection of one or more embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drainage pump (1), comprising: The bottom shell (11) forms a double cavity (12), wherein the double cavity (12) includes a first sub-cavity (121) and a second sub-cavity (122) separated by a partition (13), and the first sub-cavity (121) is connected to the water inlet (14); and The drain pipe (21) includes an extension (211) extending laterally relative to the pipe body, and a first end and a second end located on both sides of the extension (211). The first end of the drain pipe (21) is inserted into the second sub-cavity (122), and the extension (211) covers the opening of the double cavity (12). The extension (211) has a first gap between its bottom and the partition (13), and the drain pipe (21) has a second gap between its first end and the side wall and bottom of the second sub-cavity (122). This allows the water drawn in by the drain pump (1) through the suction port (14) to enter the first sub-cavity (121), pass through the first gap and the second gap, and then be discharged from the dual-cavity (12) through the first end of the drain pipe (21). A first sealing ring (31) is formed between the periphery of the extension (211) and the opening of the double cavity (12) to seal the opening.

2. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The partition (13) and the bottom shell (11) are an integral structure.

3. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The extension (211) and the drain pipe (21) are an integral structure.

4. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first sealing ring (31) is made of silicone.

5. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The opening of the dual cavity (12) is a stepped opening, and the periphery of the extension (211) has a flange to cooperate with the stepped opening.

6. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first sealing ring (31) covers the stepped opening and the flange to seal the stepped opening.

7. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second sealing ring (41) is located on the opposite side of the bottom housing (11) to the opening side of the double cavity (12).

8. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, Multiple grooves (51) are formed at the edge of the bottom housing (11), and a sealing body is formed in the multiple grooves (51). The sealing body connects the first sealing ring (31) and the second sealing ring (41) located on opposite sides of the bottom housing (11), so that the first sealing ring (31) and the second sealing ring (41) form an integral structure.

9. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The liquid level sensor (61) includes a sensor body (611) and a sensing pin (612). The sensor body (611) is disposed on the bottom housing (11) and located on the same side as the opening side of the dual cavity (12). The sensing pin (612) extends from the side of the bottom housing (11) opposite to the opening side of the dual cavity (12). A sealing body is provided at the junction of the sensor body (611) and the bottom housing (11).

10. The drainage pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing cap (71) seals the cavity in the bottom housing (11) that houses the drive unit (81); The impeller (91) is coupled to the drive unit (81) and is located on the same side of the bottom housing (11) as the suction port (14); and A cover plate (10) covers the impeller (91) and the suction port (14).

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