Water pumping structure and air conditioner using the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water pumping structure and air conditioner of application this water pumping structure, water pumping structure includes: water tank, has the accommodation cavity, and the accommodation cavity can accommodate liquid, is equipped with the through -hole on the water tank, and the through -hole intercommunication accommodation cavity and outside, is fixed with the water nozzle on the through -hole, and the water nozzle has the first end and the second end, and the first end of water nozzle extends to the accommodation cavity and is connected with the water pipe, and the second end of water nozzle extends the water tank, the adapter seat is equipped with the adapter piece on the adapter seat, and the adapter piece has the backflow valve in, and the backflow valve can detachable intercommunication to the second end of water nozzle. Compared with prior art, the water pipe of the utility model is completely hidden in the accommodation cavity of the water tank, and is connected to the adapter piece of the adapter seat after using the water nozzle and then is communicated to the external pipeline. When the user draws out the water tank or pushes back the water tank, only needs to disconnect the adapter piece in the water nozzle and the adapter piece, and does not need to bend, arrange the water pipe additionally. Simplify the dismounting process, improve the experience effect of product use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a water pumping structure and an air conditioner using this water pumping structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the trend towards miniaturization and modularization of heat-dissipating air conditioning units, their associated water tanks often adopt a detachable structure for easy refilling, cleaning, or transport. In existing technology, the liquid (e.g., water) in the tank is held vertically inside by a flexible water pipe, with the outlet connected to a water pump or suction device during pumping. However, when users need to remove the water tank from the unit for refilling or cleaning, the water pipe often gets stuck in the narrow gap between the tank and the air conditioning unit, preventing the tank from being easily removed. Reinstalling the tank in reverse requires pre-inserting the water pipe, which involves multiple steps and is cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water pumping structure and an air conditioner that uses this water pumping structure, so as to solve the technical problem of inconvenient disassembly and assembly of water tanks and water pipes in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a pumping structure, comprising:

[0005] A water tank has a receiving cavity for holding liquid. The water tank has a through hole that connects the receiving cavity to the outside. A water nozzle is fixed to the through hole. The water nozzle has a first end and a second end. The first end of the water nozzle extends into the receiving cavity and is connected to a water pipe. The second end of the water nozzle extends out of the water tank.

[0006] An adapter is provided with an adapter component connected to an external pipeline. The adapter component contains a backflow valve, which is detachably connected to the second end of the water nozzle. When the water nozzle is connected to the backflow valve, the backflow valve only allows the liquid in the receiving cavity to flow to the external pipeline in sequence through the water pipe, the water nozzle, the backflow valve, and the adapter component.

[0007] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the backflow valve is made of an elastic material, the backflow valve has a flow channel, the flow channel has a first end and a second end, the water nozzle extends into the flow channel from the first end of the flow channel, and the second end of the flow channel forms a slit-like opening.

[0008] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the counterflow valve has a radially contracting region, in which the walls on both sides of the flow channel gradually contract to form a slope along the extension direction of the flow channel, and the slit-like opening is formed at the end of the slope.

[0009] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the counterflow valve has a plurality of protruding rings protruding within the flow channel, and the plurality of protruding rings are arranged sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel.

[0010] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the end of the backflow valve near the adapter extends radially outward to form a first limiting protrusion, which is used to abut against the adapter.

[0011] In the water pumping structure described above, preferably, a second limiting protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the water nozzle, a limiting spring is sleeved on the water nozzle, the wall where the through hole is located is located between the second limiting protrusion and the limiting spring, the second limiting protrusion is used to abut against the outer surface of the water tank, and the limiting spring is used to abut against the inner surface of the water tank.

[0012] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the limiting spring is made of an elastic material, the limiting spring includes an annular plate and a plurality of limiting protrusions that protrude from the inner annular surface of the annular plate at intervals, the ends of the plurality of limiting protrusions away from the annular plate together define a through hole, and the water nozzle extends into the through hole.

[0013] In the pumping structure described above, preferably, the adapter is detachably fixed to the outer surface of the adapter base, the adapter has a receiving groove, the receiving groove has an opening at one end near the adapter base, the counterflow valve extends into the receiving groove from the opening, and the receiving groove has a liquid outlet at one end away from the adapter base.

[0014] Secondly, this utility model provides an air conditioner, including the aforementioned water pumping structure.

[0015] In the air conditioner described above, preferably, the air conditioner includes a housing, the adapter is disposed inside the housing, the housing has an opening, and the water tank can be pulled out of the housing from the opening.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, the water pipe of this invention is completely concealed within the water tank's containment cavity. It connects to an adapter via a water nozzle before being routed to external piping. When the user removes or pushes back the water tank, they simply disconnect the water nozzle from the adapter within the adapter; no additional bending or tidying of the water pipe is required. This simplifies the assembly and disassembly process and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of the hidden part of the air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the pumping structure provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view of the pumping structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram at point B;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the water tank provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the connector provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the counterflow valve provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a front view of the counterflow valve provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 CC-direction sectional view;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the water tap provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the limiting spring provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the adapter provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 10-Water tank, 11-Receiving cavity, 12-Through hole;

[0033] 20-Adapter;

[0034] 30 - Water tap, 31 - Second limiting protrusion, 32 - Third limiting protrusion;

[0035] 40 - Water pipe;

[0036] 50 - Adapter, 41 - Receiving tank, 42 ​​- Liquid outlet

[0037] 60-Reverse flow valve, 61-Flow channel, 62-Slit-shaped opening, 63-Slope, 64-Protruding ring, 65-First limiting protrusion;

[0038] 70-Limiting spring, 61-Annular plate, 62-Limiting protrusion;

[0039] 80 - External piping;

[0040] 100-Air Conditioner. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pumping structure, including a water tank 10 and an adapter 20.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the water tank 10 has a receiving cavity 11, which can hold liquid. The water tank 10 is an independent and retractable container, and the internal cavity is the receiving cavity 11, used to hold liquid (such as water). The water tank 10 is provided with a through hole 12, which connects the receiving cavity 11 to the outside. The through hole 12 is a through hole opened on a wall of the water tank 10, allowing the internal receiving cavity 11 to communicate directly with the external space. The through hole 12 serves as the outlet for liquid outflow and provides installation positioning for the subsequent water nozzle 30.

[0044] A water nozzle 30 is provided on the through hole 12. The water nozzle 30 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the water nozzle 30 extends into the receiving cavity 11 and is connected to a water pipe 40. The second end of the water nozzle 30 extends out of the water tank 10. The water nozzle 30 is a rigid or semi-rigid pipe, with its two ends extending into and out of the receiving cavity 11, respectively. The first end extending into the receiving cavity 11 serves as the interface for the internal water pipe 40, and the second end extending out of the water tank 10 can be connected to the adapter 50 of the adapter 20.

[0045] One end of the water pipe 40 is connected to the first end of the water nozzle 30 to form a sealed plug or integral molding, while the other end of the water pipe 40 is freely suspended. When pumping water, the negative pressure generated by the water pump passes through the adapter 50 and the water nozzle 30 to the water pipe 40, continuously drawing out the liquid from the receiving cavity 11.

[0046] The adapter 20 is provided with an adapter 50. The adapter 50 is fixed to the adapter 20 by a snap, thread or quick-connect method. The interior of the adapter 50 is hollow to form a liquid channel. The adapter 50 is connected to the external pipeline 80. The external pipeline 80 is directly inserted into the adapter 50 and can be locked by a quick-connect, clamp or thread.

[0047] The adapter 50 contains a backflow valve 60, which is detachably connected to the second end of the water nozzle 30. The outer diameter of the water nozzle 30 matches the port of the backflow valve 60, allowing for a straight-line insertion connection. The backflow valve 60 acts as a one-way valve, opening under positive pressure and closing instantly under reverse pressure. When the water nozzle 30 is connected to the backflow valve 60, the backflow valve 60 only allows the liquid in the containment chamber 11 to flow sequentially through the water pipe 40, water nozzle 30, backflow valve 60, and adapter 50 to the external pipeline 80.

[0048] When the water pump inside the air conditioner 100 is running, the backflow valve 60 opens under the push of the water flow, and the water in the water tank 10 smoothly enters the external pipe 80. When the user pulls out or moves the water tank 10, the backflow valve 60 disconnects from the external pipe 80 and immediately cuts off the water circuit to prevent the liquid in the water tank 10 from flowing out. When the pressure in the external pipe 80 fluctuates, the backflow valve 60 also prevents the liquid from flowing back into the water tank 10.

[0049] In the embodiments provided in this application, the backflow valve 60 is made of an elastic material. The backflow valve 60 as a whole or at least the valve body is integrally molded from elastic polymer materials such as silicone, EPDM, and TPE. On the one hand, it can form a surface seal with the water nozzle 30, and on the other hand, it can realize the opening and closing of the backflow valve 60 by utilizing the elastic recovery force of the material itself.

[0050] Reference Figure 9 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the counterflow valve 60 has a flow channel 61, which is a through channel formed within the counterflow valve 60. The flow channel 61 has a first end (inlet) and a second end (outlet), which serves as the path for liquid to enter the counterflow valve 60 from the nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 extends into the flow channel 61 from the first end. In one feasible embodiment, the outer diameter of the second end of the nozzle 30 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the first end of the flow channel 61, forming an interference fit. After the nozzle 30 is inserted, the counterflow valve 60 is radially expanded, generating a uniform circumferential pressure. The outer wall of the nozzle 30 forms a surface contact seal with the inner wall of the flow channel 61, eliminating the need for an additional O-ring seal and avoiding the risk of leakage caused by aging or misalignment of the O-ring seal.

[0051] Reference Figure 11As shown, a slit-like opening 62 is formed at the second end of the flow channel 61. The slit-like opening 62 is a linear slit (duckbill-shaped or straight-line-shaped) formed by the natural contact of two elastic lips. During the pumping phase, when the negative pressure of the pump acts on the outside of the slit-like opening 62, the lips are sucked open, and the slit-like opening 62 expands into an approximately elliptical hole, allowing the liquid to flow out smoothly. When the air conditioner 100 stops, the lips immediately close under the action of material elasticity and external atmospheric pressure, and the slit width approaches zero, achieving instantaneous sealing.

[0052] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the counterflow valve 60 has a radial contraction region. Within this region, along the extension direction of the flow channel 61, the walls on both sides of the flow channel 61 gradually contract to form a slope 63, with a slit-like opening 62 formed at the end of the slope 63. In the radial contraction region, the counterflow valve 60 forms an elastic lip through a gradual change in wall thickness. From the start to the end of the contraction region, the inner wall of the flow channel 61 has a symmetrical slope, with the cross-section gradually transitioning from a circle to a flat, elongated slit. During pumping, the negative pressure causes the walls on both sides of the slope 63 to slightly expand outwards, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 61 gradually expands along the slope, reducing flow resistance. When shutting down, the elastic rebound causes the slope 63 to quickly close, creating a wedge-shaped self-locking mechanism, achieving zero leakage even under low pressure differentials and improving sealing reliability.

[0053] Furthermore, the counterflow valve 60 has multiple protruding rings 64 within the flow channel 61. The protruding rings 64 are annular protrusions and are integrally formed with the counterflow valve 60 using an elastic material. Their cross-section can be semi-circular, trapezoidal, or triangular. The elastic deformation of the protruding rings 64 automatically compensates for the outer diameter tolerance of the water nozzle 30 and long-term wear. The multiple protruding rings 64 are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel 61, forming multiple sealing surfaces. When the water nozzle 30 is inserted, it sequentially pushes open each protruding ring 64, forming a sealing interface each time it passes through a protruding ring 64. Without the need for additional sealing rings, multiple annular seals can be formed between the outer wall of the water nozzle 30 and the flow channel 61, significantly reducing the probability of leakage.

[0054] In one feasible implementation, the end face of the counterflow valve 60 near the adapter seat 20 extends radially outward to form a first limiting protrusion 65. The outer diameter of the first limiting protrusion 65 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 12, and it is annular or partially lug-shaped. The first limiting protrusion 65 is used to abut against the adapter seat 20. The inner wall of the adapter 50 and the outer wall of the adapter seat 20 together clamp the first limiting protrusion 65, forming a mechanical stop and end face seal, preventing liquid leakage, ensuring the accurate insertion position of the water nozzle 30, and ensuring smooth liquid pumping. This makes the counterflow valve 60 more quick to assemble and more securely positioned while ensuring reliable sealing.

[0055] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 12As shown, the water nozzle 30 has a cylindrical structure. A second limiting protrusion 31 is provided on the outer surface of the water nozzle 30. The second limiting protrusion 31 is a radial boss integrally formed around the outer wall of the water nozzle 30, and the outer diameter of the second limiting protrusion 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 12. When the water nozzle 30 passes through the through hole 12 from the outside to the inside, the second limiting protrusion 31 finally abuts against the outer surface of the water tank 10, forming an outer stop to provide a clear axial positioning reference and prevent the water nozzle 30 from sliding too far inward. The second limiting protrusion 31 also forms an end face seal or fits against the outer surface of the water tank 10 to prevent liquid from seeping out along the through hole 12.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 13 As shown, a limiting spring 70 is fitted onto the water nozzle 30. The limiting spring 70 is an open ring, C-shaped retainer, or wave washer made of metal or highly elastic plastic, and is fitted onto the outer wall of the water nozzle 30 and can slide a certain distance axially. In one feasible embodiment, a third limiting protrusion 32 is provided on the outer surface of the water nozzle 30. The third limiting protrusion 32 is used to limit the axial movement of the limiting spring 70.

[0057] The wall containing the through hole 12 is located between the second limiting protrusion 31 and the limiting spring piece 70. The second limiting protrusion 31 abuts against the outer surface of the water tank 10, and the limiting spring piece 70 abuts against the inner surface of the water tank 10 to prevent the water nozzle 30 from coming out. When it is necessary to remove the water nozzle 30, the limiting spring piece 70 is moved axially until it is disengaged from the water nozzle 30, and then the water nozzle 30 can be pulled out of the water tank 10. The inner diameter of the water nozzle 30 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 12, allowing the water nozzle 30 to have a certain radial movement.

[0058] The limiting spring 70 is made of elastic material. The entire limiting spring 70 is integrally stamped / injected from stainless steel, spring steel or high elastic plastic. It can generate recoverable elastic deformation in the radial direction. By utilizing the elastic recovery force of the material, it provides continuous and stable radial pressure for subsequent clamping with the water nozzle 30.

[0059] Reference Figure 13As shown, the limiting spring 70 includes an annular plate 71 and several limiting protrusions 72 spaced apart and protruding from the inner annular surface of the annular plate 71. The outer contour of the annular plate 71 is a complete circle. The limiting protrusions 72 are evenly distributed along the circumference and protrude from the inner annular surface of the annular plate 71 into a cantilever shape, with multiple protrusions sharing the force, resulting in uniform load distribution and avoiding stress concentration at a single point. The ends of the limiting protrusions 72 furthest from the annular plate 71 collectively define a through hole, into which the water nozzle 30 extends. During assembly, the outer wall of the water nozzle 30 pushes open the through hole, the limiting protrusions 72 expand radially outward, the through hole instantly enlarges, and the limiting protrusions 72 are engaged with the outer wall of the water nozzle 30, providing radial clamping force so that the limiting spring 70 can be engaged with the water nozzle 30. During disassembly, simply use needle-nose pliers or your fingers to radially compress the protrusions, the through hole instantly enlarges, and the limiting spring 70 can be disengaged from the water nozzle 30.

[0060] In the embodiments provided in this application, reference is made to Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the adapter 50 is detachably fixed to the outer surface of the adapter base 20. The adapter 50 is an independent sleeve that can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled to the outer wall of the adapter base 20 by means of snaps, threads, grooves, or magnetic attraction. In one feasible embodiment, the adapter 50 is installed and fixed to the adapter base 20 by threads. During installation, the adapter 50 is aligned with a pre-set boss on the adapter base 20. The boss has a threaded hole, and the adapter 50 has a reserved hole. After aligning the reserved hole with the threaded hole, the bolt passes through the reserved hole and connects with the bolt. Disassembly can be performed by rotating the bolt in the opposite direction, which is convenient and quick.

[0061] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the adapter 50 has a receiving groove 41, which has an opening at one end near the adapter seat 20. The receiving groove 41 is fully open on the side facing the water tank 10. The backflow valve 60 extends into the receiving groove 41 from the opening. The adapter 50 provides mechanical protection for the backflow valve 60 to prevent it from being bumped during handling or installation. The outer wall of the backflow valve 60 and the receiving groove 41 are in a clearance or slight interference fit, which allows the gas / liquid to flow smoothly while limiting its radial sway. The receiving tank 41 has a liquid outlet 42 at the end opposite to the adapter 20. The liquid outlet 42 is connected to an external water pump. When pumping water, the liquid passes through the water pipe 40, water nozzle 30, backflow valve 60, receiving tank 41, and liquid outlet 42 in sequence and then connects to the external pipeline 80. The backflow valve 60 is integrated into a quick-connect liquid module that can be quickly replaced through the adapter 50. This protects the backflow valve 60 and achieves standard connection, improving the versatility and reliability of the water tank 10.

[0062] Based on the water pumping structure provided in the above embodiments, this application also provides an air conditioner 100, which includes the aforementioned water pumping structure.

[0063] The air conditioner 100 includes a housing, an adapter 20, and an external pipe 80 housed within the housing. The housing has an opening through which the water tank 10 can be removed. The opening is located on one side wall of the housing, and its shape conforms to the outer contour of the water tank 10. The opening is flanged or reinforced around its perimeter to maintain housing rigidity and provide guidance for subsequent removal. This creates a direct passage between the internal water tank 10 and the exterior of the air conditioner 100, allowing the water tank 10 to be easily and quickly removed from the air conditioner 100 without disassembling the side panels or rear cover of the housing.

[0064] The above description, based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, details the structure, features, and effects of this utility model. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the scope of implementation of this utility model is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of this utility model, or modifications to equivalent embodiments, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and drawings, shall be within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pumping structure, comprising: A water tank has a receiving cavity for holding liquid. The water tank has a through hole that connects the receiving cavity to the outside. A water nozzle is fixed to the through hole. The water nozzle has a first end and a second end. The first end of the water nozzle extends into the receiving cavity and is connected to a water pipe. The second end of the water nozzle extends out of the water tank. An adapter is provided with an adapter component connected to an external pipeline. The adapter component contains a backflow valve, which is detachably connected to the second end of the water nozzle. When the water nozzle is connected to the backflow valve, the backflow valve only allows the liquid in the receiving cavity to flow to the external pipeline in sequence through the water pipe, the water nozzle, the backflow valve, and the adapter component.

2. The pumping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counterflow valve is made of elastic material and has a flow channel inside. The flow channel has a first end and a second end. The water nozzle extends into the flow channel from the first end of the flow channel, and the second end of the flow channel forms a slit-like opening.

3. The pumping structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The counterflow valve has a radial contraction region. Within the radial contraction region, along the extension direction of the flow channel, the walls on both sides of the flow channel gradually contract to form a slope, and the slit-like opening is formed at the end of the slope.

4. The pumping structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The counterflow valve has multiple protruding rings inside the flow channel, and the multiple protruding rings are arranged sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel.

5. The pumping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the counterflow valve near the adapter extends radially outward to form a first limiting protrusion, which is used to abut against the adapter.

6. The pumping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second limiting protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the water nozzle, and a limiting spring is fitted on the water nozzle. The wall where the through hole is located is located between the second limiting protrusion and the limiting spring. The second limiting protrusion is used to abut against the outer surface of the water tank, and the limiting spring is used to abut against the inner surface of the water tank.

7. The pumping structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting spring is made of elastic material. The limiting spring includes an annular sheet and several limiting protrusions that protrude from the inner annular surface of the annular sheet at intervals. The ends of the several limiting protrusions away from the annular sheet together define a through hole, and the water nozzle extends into the through hole.

8. The pumping structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter is detachably fixed to the outer surface of the adapter base. The adapter has a receiving groove inside. The receiving groove has an opening at one end near the adapter base. The counterflow valve extends into the receiving groove from the opening. The receiving groove has a liquid outlet at one end away from the adapter base.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the pumping structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a housing, the adapter is disposed inside the housing, the housing has an opening, and the water tank can be pulled out of the housing through the opening.

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