WO2021118338A1

WO2021118338A1 - A fluid guiding device

Info

Publication number: WO2021118338A1
Application number: PCT/MY2020/050155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhong Yang OOI
Original assignee: Daikin Research & Development Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2019-12-10
Filing date: 2020-11-17
Publication date: 2021-06-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) for guiding fluid in air conditioning unit to a predetermined area. The device (100) comprises a first guiding member (110); characterized in that the first guiding member (110) comprising a plurality of ridges (112), each spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval to form a plurality of passages (114) between the ridges (112). The first guiding member (110) directs the fluid to the predetermined area, thereby providing an effective drainage of fluid along a desired path.

Description

A FLUID GUIDING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid guiding device, particularly a device for guiding a fluid to a predetermined area in an air conditioning unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An air conditioning unit comprises a plurality of electrical components and piping connection incorporated therein which are necessary for its air conditioning operation. However, condensation is likely to occur on the surface of a piping when the air in the air conditioning unit comes into contact with the cold surface of the piping having low-temperature refrigerant flowing therein. In this case, if the piping is disposed near to an electrical component box which has a plurality of electrical components, the condensate from the piping could be possibly dripping into the electrical component box and then scattering over the electrical components. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the electrical components from being exposed to the condensed moisture as the trapped condensate could bring adverse effect to the air conditioning operation.

There have been few solutions provided and one of them is disclosed in CN207268500U which is to provide a drainage groove to discharge condensate formed near a motor cover that encloses a motor in an air conditioning unit. The drainage groove is formed on a support wall extended from the motor cover and it is connected to a drainage system located at the base of the air conditioning unit. As condensation tends to occur on the inner wall of the motor cover due to temperature difference between the motor and the adjacent heat exchanger, the drainage groove is provided to allow condensation occurs therein during operation and also to collect the condensate nearby so that the condensate could reach the drainage system via the drainage groove. In spite of that, there are other critical parts in the air conditioning system disposed very close to piping area where dripping of condensate tends to occur, for instance, the electrical component box that is susceptible to damage by condensation. Yet, those parts are not provided with a proper drainage means for preventing intrusion of the condensate. Thus, there exists a need to provide a solution which overcomes the aforesaid problem. The invention presents a device for guiding fluid to a predetermined area which could prevent condensate from reaching a critical part which comprises a plurality of electrical components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid guiding device for trapping fluid and directing the trapped fluid to a targeted area, thereby providing a predetermined path for an effective drainage.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid guiding device disposed close to a part which is susceptible to condensation for preventing condensate from intruding the part.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a fluid guiding device comprising a guiding member having a plurality of ridges and passages for guiding fluid to the targeted area.

Accordingly, these objectives may be achieved by following the teachings of the present invention. The present invention relates to a device for guiding fluid in an air conditioning unit to a predetermined area comprising a first guiding member, characterized in that the first guiding member comprising a plurality of ridges, each spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval, forming a plurality of passages between the ridges. The first guiding member is able to direct the fluid to the predetermined area, thereby providing an effective drainage of fluid along a desired path. Preferably, the fluid is the condensed fluid formed within the air conditioning unit during operation.

It is preferred that the plurality of ridges comprise an inclined edge that slopes downwardly and forwardly towards the bottom of the ridges for directing the fluid to the predetermined area. Further, the plurality of passages preferably receives the fluid and channels the received fluid to the predetermined area.

In addition, it is preferred that the plurality of ridges are disposed to be spaced at equal or different intervals to form the plurality of passages. In particular, the interval width of each passage between the ridges is preferably in a range of 1.0mm to 5.0mm.

It is preferred that the first guiding member comprises a wall where the plurality of the ridges extended from. Further, the first guiding member preferably comprises a base that is in connection with the bottom end of the plurality of ridges, forming a closed bottom end for the plurality of passages.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a second guiding member which is provided below the first guiding member for receiving the fluid drained through the first guiding member and further guiding the fluid to the predetermined area. Preferably, the second guiding member is disposed slanting from the lower end of the first guiding member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning unit is provided. The air conditioning unit comprises a device for guiding fluid which is interposed between an electrical component box and a piping for directing fluid away from the electrical component box to a predetermined area. The fluid is the condensed droplets formed on the surface of the piping adjacent to the electrical component box during operation. In another preferred embodiment, the device for guiding fluid is disposed at an outlet of the air conditioning unit for trapping fluid and directing the trapped fluid to a predetermined area.

Preferably, the fluid is condensed droplets formed at the air outlet of the air conditioning unit during operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first guiding member of a fluid guiding device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a first guiding member of a fluid guiding device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a first guiding member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of showing configuration of a fluid guiding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view showing configuration of a fluid guiding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view showing configuration of a fluid guiding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view showing a fluid guiding device interposed between an electrical component box and a piping in an air conditioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view showing a fluid guiding device disposed adjacent to an electrical component box in an air conditioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view showing a first guiding member of a fluid guiding device disposed at an air outlet of an air conditioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal plane of an air outlet of an air conditioning unit with a first guiding member of a fluid guiding device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “more than one” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other components, integers or steps. Any discussion of documents, acts, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

The present invention relates to a device (100) for guiding fluid in an air conditioning unit to a predetermined area. The device (100) comprises a first guiding member (110) comprising a plurality of ridges (112), each spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval, forming a plurality of passages (114) between the plurality of ridges (112). The first guiding member (110) is adapted to direct the fluid to the predetermined area, thereby providing an effective drainage of fluid along a desired path.

Referring to the drawings shown in Figures 1-8, the invention will now be described in more detail. With reference to Figure 1, the device (100) comprises the first guiding member (110) adapted to direct the fluid to the predetermined area so as to provide an effective drainage of fluid along a desired path. The first guiding member (110) comprises the plurality of ridges (112) which are arranged to be spaced at predetermined intervals, defining the plurality of passages (114) between the ridges (112).

The first guiding member (110) allows the fluid to follow the outline of the ridges (112) as well as to enter the passages (114) between the ridges (112) so the fluid can be channeled to the predetermined area. The fluid is generally the condensed fluid formed within the air conditioning unit during operation and it is preferred that the condensed fluid is channeled towards a drain system to avoid them from reaching the critical parts inside the air conditioning unit.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of passages (114) is adapted to receive the fluid and channel the received fluid to the predetermined area. Preferably, the plurality of ridges (112) are arranged substantially in parallel at equal intervals, forming the plurality of passages (114) in parallel at substantially equal intervals, but it is not limited thereto. The plurality of ridges (112) may be formed at different intervals and not necessarily disposed in parallel. The plurality of passages (114) may be disposed in non-parallel and each passage (114) may be spaced at different intervals. Also, the plurality of ridges (112) may be of any thickness according to the requirements. Preferably, the interval width of each passage (114) between the ridges (112) is in a range of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, more preferably, less than 3.0 mm; while the plurality of ridges (112) is in a thickness ranged from 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of the device (100), the first guiding member (110) comprises the plurality of ridges (112) which is similar in geometric configuration including shape and size. Any shapes including triangle, square, rectangle and trapezoid are applicable as the geometry of the ridges (112). More preferably, each of the plurality of ridges (112) comprises an inclined edge that slopes downwardly and forwardly towards the bottom of the ridges (112) for directing the fluid towards the predetermined area. Such configuration is provided to guide the fluid along a predetermined path so that the fluid can be directed towards the predetermined area by following the outline of the ridges (112).

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the first guiding member (110) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which each of the ridges (112) is constructed in a substantially triangular shape which has an inclined edge sloping downwardly from the upper end to the lower end of the ridge (112). The inclined edge can be shaped in any applicable way, including a curved edge, an arched edge or a straight edge. The inclined edge may further terminate in a sharpened or rounded end.

In another preferred embodiment of the device (100), the plurality of ridges (112) can be shaped to form in a substantially trapezoidal shape, each having an inclined edge at its upper end for channeling the fluid to the predetermined area along a predetermined path. The ridges (112) may have at least one of the corner edges formed in sharpened or rounded configuration. More preferably, each of the substantially trapezoidal-shaped ridges (112) could have a cutout portion provided near the rear-corner juncture of the lower end, forming a downwardly extended portion as illustrated in Figure 4 for having a better fluid guiding performance.

In a further embodiment of the device (100), the first guiding member (110) may comprise a plurality of ridges (112) having similar shapes but different in size or vice versa. For instance, the ridges (112) located at both ends of the first guiding member (110) may be relatively smaller or larger in size than the others located in the middle. Furthermore, it is possible that the first guiding member (110) may comprise the plurality of ridges (112) having a combination of different shapes and sizes as long as they are capable of guiding fluid towards the predetermined area. In a preferred embodiment of the device (100), the first guiding member (110) comprises a wall (116) where the plurality of ridges (112) extended from. More preferably, the plurality of ridges (112) are integrally formed projecting outwardly from the wall (116) which is disposed vertically. However, it is not limited thereto. The wall (116) may be disposed in other way whichever is applicable, including tilted and horizontal position. The wall (116) may serve as a partitioning member to separate critical parts from any piping in the air conditioning unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the device (100), the first guiding member (110) comprises a base (118) connecting the bottom end of the plurality of ridges (112), forming a closed bottom end for the plurality of passages (114) for receiving the fluid falling from the edges of the plurality of the ridges (112). More preferably, the base (118) could be disposed in a sloped configuration so that the fluid is further directed towards the predetermined area. Further, the plurality of ridges (112) could be formed integrally with the base (118) to form as a one piece structure. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base (118) is provided with a raised portion (118a) preferably with a sloped surface at the bottom end of each passage (114) that is beneficial in directing the fluid, as indicated as dotted line in Figures 3 and 4. The raised portion (118a) could be provided with, but not limited to, a smooth surface, a curved surface or even a serrated surface. In another embodiment of the device (100), the first guiding member (110) may not necessarily comprise the base (118) disposed beneath the plurality of ridges (112).

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view showing configuration of the fluid guiding device (100) according to the present invention, where the device (100) further comprising a second guiding member (120) provided below the first guiding member (110) for receiving the fluid drained through the first guiding member (110). As illustrated in Figure 6, the second guiding member (120) is provided near the lower end of the first guiding member (110) for receiving the drained fluid from the first guiding member (110) and further guiding the fluid to the predetermined area. The second guiding member (120) is preferably slanting from the lower end of the first guiding member (110) so that the fluid guided through the ridges (112) and passages (114) is further guided through the second guiding member (120). Preferably, the second guiding member (120) may further comprise a wall extending downwardly from the lower end of the second guiding member (120) for better guiding of the fluid towards the predetermined area. In another preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 4, the second guiding member (120) is disposed under the first guiding member (110) in such a way that the slanting portion of the second guiding member (120) is adjacent to the downwardly extended portion of the first guiding member (110).

One of the applications according to the present invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8. With reference to Figure 7, there is a compact internal layout of an indoor air conditioning unit comprising an electrical component box (200) disposed in proximity to a piping (300) area.

During air conditioning operation, there is a temperature difference between the ambient air inside the unit and the cold surface of the piping (300) that has low-temperature refrigerant flowing therein, causing formation of condensate droplets on the surface of the piping (300). Since the piping (300) is very close to the electrical component box (200), the condensate droplets may potentially drip and scatter around or over the electrical component box (200).

The device (100) according to the present invention provides a solution to counter the aforementioned issues and problems. The device (100) is interposed between the electrical component box (200) and the piping (300) for trapping the condensate and directing the trapped condensate to the base of the air conditioning unit where a drain pan is disposed. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the device (100) comprises a first guiding member (110) comprising a plurality of ridges (112) with a substantially triangular shape, providing a predetermined path to guide the fluid away from the electrical component box (200). The ridges (112) are disposed substantially in parallel and spaced apart at equal intervals with a width less than 3.0mm, forming a plurality of passages (114) for receiving and channeling the condensate towards the drain pan. Further, a second guiding member (120) is provided below the first guiding member (110) for receiving the drained fluid from the first guiding member (110), where the second guiding member (120) is disposed slanting from the lower end of the first guiding member (110).

Another application of the device of the present invention is shown in Figures 9 and 10. The device (100) may be disposed at a corner of an air outlet of a wall-mount air conditioning indoor unit. With reference to Figure 10 that shows a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane of the air outlet of the air conditioning unit, the corner of the air outlet might be possibly exposed to ambient warm air flow (500), thus condensation is likely to occur due to the temperature difference between the cold air (600) discharged from the air conditioning unit and the ambient warm air (500) flowing around the corner. The device (100) is disposed at a predetermined location of the air outlet in such a way that the first guiding member (110) is able to trap the condensate and guide the trapped condensate flowing downwardly towards a moisture-absorbing material (400) such as a non-woven cloth so to avoid the condensate from accumulating at the air outlet. In this application, the first guiding member (110) may not necessarily have an inclined edge at its upper end and a base (118) disposed beneath the plurality of ridges (112). Further, it is not necessary to dispose the second guiding member (120) under the first guiding member (110) as the moisture-absorbing material (400) is provided under the first guiding member (110) to absorb the condensate and allow the trapped condensate to evaporate.

Given the aforementioned configuration of the present invention, it is evident that the device (100) is capable of trapping condensate droplets formed within an air conditioner and directing the trapped condensate to a predetermined area, thereby preventing the condensate from reaching the critical parts, for instance, an electrical component box (200) and thus protecting those critical parts from intrusion of condensate. Further, the device (100) can be applicable in other parts of the air conditioner which require to remove condensate from time to time so as to avoid the condensate from accumulating at those parts.

The exemplary implementation described above is illustrated with specific shapes, dimensions, and other characteristics, but the scope of the invention also includes various other shapes, dimensions, and characteristics. For example, the shape of the ridges (112) and the interval width of the passages (114) could be modified to adapt to any appropriate particular combination of various parts of the device (100).

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claim.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device (100) for guiding fluid in air conditioning unit to a predetermined area comprising: a first guiding member (110); characterized in that the first guiding member (110) comprising a plurality of ridges (112), each spaced apart from one another by a predetermined interval, forming a plurality of passages (114) between the ridges (112); and wherein the first guiding member (110) directs the fluid to the predetermined area, thereby providing an effective drainage of fluid along a desired path.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges (112) comprise an inclined edge that slopes downwardly and forwardly towards the bottom of the ridges (112) for directing the fluid to the predetermined area.

3. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of passages (114) receives the fluid and channels the received fluid to the predetermined area.

4. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of ridges (112) are spaced at equal intervals to form the plurality of passages (114).

5. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of ridges (112) are spaced at different intervals to form the plurality of passages (114).

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interval width of each passage (114) between the ridges (112) is in a range of 1.0mm to 5.0mm.

7. The device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the first guiding member (110) comprises a wall (116) where the plurality of ridges (112) extended from.

8. The device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the first guiding member (110) comprises a base (118) connecting the bottom end of the plurality of ridges (112) forming a closed bottom end for the plurality of passages (114).

9. The device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a second guiding member (120) provided below the first guiding member (110) for receiving the fluid drained through the first guiding member (110) and further guiding the fluid to the predetermined area.

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the second guiding member (120) is disposed slanting from the lower end of the first guiding member (110).

11. The device (100) accordingly to claim 1, wherein the fluid is condensed fluid formed within the air conditioning unit during operation.

12. An air conditioning unit comprising a device (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

13. The air conditioning unit according to claim 12, wherein the device (100) is interposed between an electrical component box (200) and a piping (300) for trapping fluid and directing the trapped fluid away from the electrical component box (200) to a predetermined area.

14. The air conditioning unit according to claim 13, wherein the fluid is condensed droplets formed on the surface of the piping (300) that is adjacent to the electrical component box (200) during operation.

15. The air conditioning unit according to claim 12, wherein the device (100) is disposed at an air outlet of the air conditioning unit for trapping fluid and directing the trapped fluid to a predetermined area.

16. The air conditioning unit according to claim 15, wherein the fluid is condensed droplets formed at the air outlet of the air conditioning unit during operation.