Air cooler and its water pan

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cold -air machine and water pan thereof, water pan, include: first water receiving area, second water receiving area, third water receiving area and edge protection area, first water receiving area both sides are equipped with second water receiving area with third water receiving area, and the periphery of first water receiving area, second water receiving area and third water receiving area is equipped with edge protection area, first water receiving area is equipped with heating element, and second water receiving area and third water receiving area are equipped with heat -tracing band, and edge protection area is built -in resistance wire, be equipped with the drain port on first water receiving area, the utility model divides the water receiving tray drainage path into three main functional areas, adopts independent heating strategy, and the different icing mechanism is realized differentiation and precision control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air cooler technology, and in particular to an air cooler and its drip tray. Background Technology

[0002] Existing evaporative air coolers commonly suffer from reduced efficiency, high failure rates, and increased maintenance costs when operating in low-temperature environments, such as winter or in high-humidity areas, due to the freezing of the drainage system.

[0003] Existing technologies only install fixed heating devices at the drainage outlets, without addressing the different icing risks in different areas of the drainage path. For example, the slope transition zone is prone to icing due to water film retention, while the edge areas are prone to frost due to the cold bridging effect. Existing solutions cannot achieve precise temperature control in different zones, resulting in high heating energy consumption and poor performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problem that existing technologies do not differentiate between the drainage path of the drip tray and the risk of icing in different areas, this utility model provides a cooler and its drip tray.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of this utility model discloses a water receiving tray, comprising: a first water receiving area, a second water receiving area, a third water receiving area, and an edge protection area; A second water receiving area and a third water receiving area are respectively provided on both sides of the first water receiving area, and an edge protection area is provided around the first water receiving area, the second water receiving area and the third water receiving area; The first water receiving area is equipped with a heating element, the second and third water receiving areas are equipped with heat tracing tapes, and the edge protection area has a built-in resistance wire; The first water receiving area is equipped with a drain outlet.

[0006] According to the water receiving tray, the second and third water receiving areas are at an angle to the first water receiving area.

[0007] An ultrasonic level gauge is installed at the drain outlet, according to the aforementioned water receiving tray.

[0008] According to the water receiving tray, the first water receiving area is also equipped with a first temperature sensor; The second water inlet area, the third water inlet area, and the edge protection area are all equipped with a second temperature sensor.

[0009] According to the water receiving tray, the first temperature sensor is located near the drain outlet; The second temperature sensors for the second and third water inlet areas are positioned perpendicular to the first water inlet area and close to the drain outlet.

[0010] According to the water receiving tray, the drain outlet is connected to the drain pipe at the bottom of the water receiving tray.

[0011] According to the water receiving tray, the drain pipe includes: an inner pipe and an outer pipe; The inner tube is a drainage channel, the outer tube is a protective sleeve, and the space between the inner and outer tubes is filled with aerogel material.

[0012] According to the water receiving tray, the lower half of the inner tube is provided with internal threads.

[0013] A one-way duckbill valve is installed at the outlet of the drain pipe according to the aforementioned water receiving tray.

[0014] The second aspect of this utility model discloses a cooler, including: a cooler housing, a fan, the aforementioned water receiving tray, and a sensing module, a control module, and an execution module connected in sequence according to the data transmission direction; A fan is provided on one side of the air cooler housing, and a water collection tray is provided at the bottom of the air cooler housing; A temperature and humidity sensor for measuring ambient temperature and humidity is installed on one side of the air cooler housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include at least the following: This invention divides the drainage path of the water receiving pan into three main functional areas and adopts an independent heating strategy to achieve differentiated and precise control for different freezing mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air cooler of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving tray structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the active heating system of this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the active heating system of this utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the drainage pipe of this utility model; In the diagram: 1. Air cooler housing; 2. Fan; 3. Drain pipe; 4. Water tray; 5. First water receiving area; 61. Second water receiving area; 62. Third water receiving area; 7. Edge protection area; 8. Heating element; 9. First temperature sensor; 10. Heating tape; 11. Second temperature sensor; 12. Resistance wire; 13. Polyurethane foam; 14. Internal thread; 15. Duckbill valve; 16. Drain outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0019] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0021] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0022] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0024] To address the technical problem in existing technologies that do not differentiate treatment for the icing risk in different areas of the drainage path of the water receiving tray, such as... Figure 2-5 As shown, Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a water receiving tray for a cooler, including: a first water receiving area 5, a second water receiving area 61, a third water receiving area 62 and an edge protection area 7.

[0025] The first water receiving area 5 is provided with a second water receiving area 61 and a third water receiving area 62 on both sides. The first water receiving area 5, the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are provided with an edge protection area 7 around them, thus forming a disc-shaped structure.

[0026] The first water receiving area 5 is equipped with a heating element 8, the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are equipped with a heat tracing cable 10, and the edge protection area 7 has a built-in resistance wire 12.

[0027] The first water receiving area 5 is provided with a drain outlet 16.

[0028] This invention divides the drainage path of the water receiving pan into three main functional areas and adopts an independent heating strategy to achieve differentiated and precise control for different freezing mechanisms.

[0029] The pre-embedded structure of the resistance wire, the use of a heating element with high surface power density, and the characteristics of the self-adjusting power heating tape are all inherent physical characteristics or mechanical structures of this invention. They do not rely on complex control programs, resulting in stable operation, long service life, and improved reliability.

[0030] Preferably, but not limitingly, the heating element 8 is installed in close contact with the water side of the first water receiving area 5, completely covering the first water receiving area 5.

[0031] Preferably, but not limitingly, the heat tracing tape 10 is adhered to the second water-receiving area 61 and the third water-receiving area 62 by a high-temperature resistant thermally conductive adhesive to ensure efficient heat conduction.

[0032] In practice, the cold bridge effect of edge protection zone 7 is prominent. Therefore, an insulating and thermally conductive coating is sprayed on edge protection zone 7, and then an embedded groove is cut to embed the resistance wire 12. The groove opening is sealed with polyurethane foam to ensure that the resistance wire 12 is physically isolated from the side wall of the water receiving tray and to eliminate the risk of short circuit.

[0033] Preferably, but not limitingly, the embedding groove can be laser-cut, and the groove depth can be 0.5 mm.

[0034] Preferably, but not limitingly, the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are both at an angle to the first water receiving area 5.

[0035] Preferably, but not limitingly, an ultrasonic level gauge is installed at the drain outlet 16.

[0036] The ultrasonic level gauge uses the principle of 40kHz ultrasonic emission and echo delay measurement to achieve accurate monitoring of the water level in a non-contact manner.

[0037] This invention effectively avoids the scaling failure problem of electrode-type sensors by installing an ultrasonic level gauge at the drain outlet 16. It has high resolution, water quality independence, excellent antifreeze performance and temperature self-compensation capability, and can stably adapt to complex working conditions.

[0038] Preferably, but not limitingly, the first water receiving area 5 is further provided with a first temperature sensor 9 for obtaining the temperature of area A.

[0039] Further preferred, but not limiting, is that the first temperature sensor is a high-precision PT1000 platinum resistance temperature sensor.

[0040] Further preferably, but not limitingly, the first temperature sensor 9 is located near the drain outlet 16 in order to better address the drainage problem.

[0041] When the first water receiving area 5 freezes, since the freezing temperature is not uniform, the first temperature sensor 9 is placed near the drain outlet 16 to obtain the temperature at the drain outlet 16 for heating. Therefore, the drain outlet 16 can be prevented from freezing, thus ensuring timely drainage.

[0042] In practice, the first water receiving area 5 is a high-risk freezing area, corresponding to the horizontal transition section near the drain outlet 16. It is the area where the water finally converges and is most prone to freezing due to poor drainage. Therefore, it is advisable to use heating elements with high surface power density.

[0043] Therefore, in one embodiment, the first water-receiving area 5 can use a positive temperature coefficient ceramic heating element (PTC) with a surface power density of 15W / m². The PTC ceramic heating element has a self-limiting temperature characteristic, which automatically reduces the power when its surface temperature exceeds 8°C, thereby adapting to the water film state. It provides full power for de-icing when water accumulates, and automatically maintains a low temperature to prevent dry burning when there is a thin water film or no water, accurately maintaining the area temperature within a safe window of 5~8°C. Preferably, but not limitingly, the second water inlet area 61, the third water inlet area 62 and the edge protection area 7 are each provided with a second temperature sensor 11, which is used to obtain the temperature of the second water inlet area 61, the third water inlet area 62 and the edge protection area 7 respectively.

[0044] Further preferred, but not limiting, is that the second temperature sensor 11 is an NTC thermistor sensor.

[0045] Further preferred, but not limiting, is that the second temperature sensor 11 of the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 is disposed in a position perpendicular to the first water receiving area 5 and close to the drain outlet 16.

[0046] When the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are frozen, it can ensure that the shortest path of water flow at the drain outlet is not frozen. In extreme cases, even if the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are frozen, it can ensure that the path is not frozen, thus ensuring that the water flow can converge on the path and be quickly discharged from the drain outlet 16, thereby reducing the possibility of water accumulation in the water receiving tray.

[0047] In practice, the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 are water collection transition areas, which are slope areas that guide water flow to converge in the first water receiving area 5. The side of the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 that is in contact with the water is covered with a heat tracing material.

[0048] In one embodiment, the heat tracing cable can be a self-adjusting power heat tracing cable, which is a heating device with temperature adaptive adjustment function. Its power is automatically adjusted with changes in ambient temperature, without the need for an external controller. Its power is 8W / m². The heat tracing cable is made of conductive polymer material, which can automatically sense the ambient temperature and adjust its own output power. It automatically starts when the ambient temperature is ≤0°C, and the power is dynamically adjusted with the temperature. The power is high when the temperature is low and automatically decreases when the temperature is high. Under normal circumstances, it ensures that the water does not freeze before flowing to the first water receiving area 5. To address the issue that traditional drainage pipes have simple structures, such as single-layer straight pipes, which pose a risk of backflow and are susceptible to secondary icing caused by cold air backflow, some patents have attempted to add insulation layers. However, the large temperature difference between the insulation material and the pipe wall makes it difficult to effectively maintain the drainage temperature.

[0049] Preferably, but not limitingly, the drain outlet 16 is connected to the drain pipe 3 at the bottom of the water receiving tray.

[0050] Further preferably, but not limitingly, the drain pipe 3 has a double-layer sleeve structure, comprising: an inner pipe and an outer pipe; The inner pipe is a drainage channel, the outer pipe is a protective sleeve, and the space between the inner and outer pipes is filled with aerogel material or polyurethane foam 13.

[0051] The drainage pipe of this utility model has a double-layer sleeve structure design, with aerogel material filling the space between the two pipes. It has good hydrophobicity and anti-frost properties, preventing the cold air from entering the outer pipe and causing the inner pipe to freeze during drainage.

[0052] Further preferred, but not limiting, is the installation of a one-way duckbill valve 15 at the outlet of the drain pipe.

[0053] This invention utilizes the characteristics of the duckbill valve 15, which is lowered by gravity and opened by fluid pressure, to prevent cold air from flowing back into the drain pipe 3 during non-drainage periods, thus further preventing icing.

[0054] This invention effectively prevents cold air backflow and heat loss by using a double-layered sleeve filled with aerogel and a duckbill valve mechanical structure at the end.

[0055] Further preferred, but not limiting, is that the lower half of the inner tube is provided with internal threads and equipped with a rubber leak-proof sealing ring, which supports rapid connection of an external drain pump or hose in extreme cases, enabling emergency drainage switching within 30 seconds.

[0056] To address the technical problem that existing control systems rely heavily on a single temperature sensor, lack integrated sensing of liquid level, temperature, and humidity, have fixed control strategies, and cannot dynamically respond to changes in water depth, leading to overheating or underheating and shortening equipment lifespan.

[0057] This invention provides the system with comprehensive state awareness capabilities by distributing various types of sensors.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides a cooler, including: a cooler housing 1, a fan 2, and the aforementioned water receiving tray 4; A fan 2 is provided on one side of the air cooler housing 1, and a water receiving tray 4 is provided at the bottom of the air cooler housing 1.

[0059] A temperature and humidity sensor for measuring ambient temperature and humidity is installed on one side of the air cooler housing 1.

[0060] The air cooler also includes a sensing module, a control module, and an execution module connected sequentially in the direction of data transmission; The control module controls the execution module based on the data obtained by the sensing module to realize the heating of the first water receiving area 5, the second water receiving area 61, the third water receiving area 62 and the edge protection area 7 and the control of the fan 2.

[0061] The sensing module is used to obtain the temperature of the first water receiving area 5, the second water receiving area 61, the third water receiving area 62 and the edge protection area 7, obtain the water accumulation thickness at the drain outlet 16, and obtain the ambient temperature and humidity.

[0062] The execution module is used to heat the first water receiving area 5, the second water receiving area 61, the third water receiving area 62 and the edge protection area 7, and to control the fan 2 through a delay relay.

[0063] Working principle: The signal output terminal of the sensing module is connected to the signal input port of the control module via a wireless connection.

[0064] The control signal output ports of the control module are connected to the control terminals of the execution module via circuits.

[0065] The self-limiting temperature characteristic of the heating element 8 in the first water receiving area 5 and its physical bonding structure with the water receiving tray are achieved; the heating cables 10 in the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 automatically adjust their power according to the slope temperature based on their own characteristics to achieve normal heat preservation.

[0066] The ultrasonic level gauge and temperature and humidity sensor, through a control module, form a circuit connection structure with the heating element 8 of the first water receiving area 5, the heating tape 10 of the second water receiving area 61 and the third water receiving area 62 to achieve strong heating and de-icing.

[0067] The delayed dehumidification of the fan is achieved by the control module controlling the delayed relay connected in series with the main fan of the air cooler to form a delayed power-off structure.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water receiving tray, characterized in that, include: First water inlet area (5), second water inlet area (61), third water inlet area (62) and edge protection area (7); The first water receiving area (5) is provided with a second water receiving area (61) and a third water receiving area (62) on both sides respectively, and the first water receiving area (5), the second water receiving area (61) and the third water receiving area (62) are provided with an edge protection area (7) around them. The first water receiving area (5) is provided with a heating element (8), the second water receiving area (61) and the third water receiving area (62) are provided with a heat tracing cable (10), and the edge protection area (7) has a built-in resistance wire (12). The first water receiving area (5) is provided with a drain outlet (16).

2. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second water receiving area (61) and the third water receiving area (62) are both at an angle to the first water receiving area (5).

3. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: An ultrasonic level gauge is installed at the drain outlet (16).

4. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first water receiving area (5) is also equipped with a first temperature sensor (9); The second water inlet area (61), the third water inlet area (62) and the edge protection area (7) are all equipped with a second temperature sensor (11).

5. The water receiving tray according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first temperature sensor (9) is located near the drain outlet (16); The second temperature sensor (11) is located in a direction perpendicular to the first water inlet area (5) and close to the drain outlet (16).

6. The water receiving tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drain outlet (16) is connected to the drain pipe (3) at the bottom of the water receiving tray.

7. The water receiving tray according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drain pipe (3) includes: an inner pipe and an outer pipe; The inner tube is a drainage channel, the outer tube is a protective sleeve, and the space between the inner and outer tubes is filled with aerogel material.

8. The water receiving tray according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower half of the inner tube is provided with internal threads.

9. The water receiving tray according to claim 6, characterized in that: A one-way duckbill valve (15) is installed at the outlet of the drain pipe (3).

10. A type of air cooler, characterized in that: include: The air cooler housing (1), the fan (2), the water receiving tray (4) as described in any one of claims 1-9, and the sensing module, the control module and the execution module connected in sequence according to the data transmission direction; A fan (2) is provided on one side of the air cooler housing (1), and a water receiving tray (4) is provided at the bottom of the air cooler housing (1). A temperature and humidity sensor for measuring ambient temperature and humidity is installed on one side of the air cooler housing (1).

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