Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
  • F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
  • F24F13/222—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B23/00—Pumping installations or systems
  • F04B23/02—Pumping installations or systems having reservoirs
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
  • F04B49/02—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control
  • F04B49/025—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control by means of floats
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
  • F04B53/16—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder liners or heads; Fluid connections
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
  • F24F13/20—Casings or covers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
  • F24F2221/36—Modules, e.g. for an easy mounting or transport

Definitions

• the field of the invention is that of the removal of condensates, implemented in systems producing condensates, in particular air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems or cooling systems. heating.
• the invention relates more particularly to the optimization of the mounting and installation of condensate removal means in such systems.
• condensate removal pumps is a well-known technique in many applications, including air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, etc.
• air conditioning systems including air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, etc.
• the applicant in particular, develops and markets various devices adapted to all situations and all needs.
• a condensate lifting system is used to detect, suck up and discharge the condensates to a waste water outlet.
• Such a system therefore essentially comprises a pump, its control electronics and a water level detector in a tank, generally included in a plastic shell to form an assembly of reduced size and often of a shape suitable for use. particular. It is in fact generally desired that the size of the lifting system be reduced and adapted to the environment.
• FIG. 1 it is conventional to install a lifting device 11 in an elbow 12, in which also ducts and pipes circulate.
• the shape of the device is specifically adapted to that of the elbow, for efficient placement.
• This approach is interesting, but restricts the use of the device to particular applications.
• the volume of the device may make it impossible to install it elsewhere than in an elbow, the height available for installation being insufficient.
• the volume of such devices is therefore a drawback in certain implementations.
• a drawback of the current approach is the lack of maintenance optimization.
• the craftsman carrying out the installation and maintenance of such installations must have a range as diversified as possible of the different types of systems that may exist on the market in order to adapt to each installation/maintenance configuration. This represents a cost and a substantial storage volume, as well as a waste of time for the craftsman.
• the present invention aims to respond to at least some of these problems of the prior art.
• a condensate removal system comprising at least three independent modules: a pumping module, comprising a pump; a detection module, comprising a reservoir for receiving condensates and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in said reservoir; and a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump according to said condensate levels; and each of said modules comprising means of hydraulic and/or electrical connection with at least one other module, and at least two of said modules comprising means of reversible attachment to one another, so that said at least three modules can be associated according to at least two (preferably all three) of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other; a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or a so-called one-piece configuration, in which said pumping module, said B detection module and said control module are secured to each other.
• the invention is based on a modular approach making it possible to facilitate installation by offering mounting versatility from three basic modules. From three modules, it is possible to implement different configurations.
• the craftsman only needs the three basic modules to install or perform maintenance on any system configuration. This therefore reduces its inventory and purchasing costs.
• a module can then be declined in several versions.
• the electronic part can be more or less intelligent.
• the overall product can be transformed according to the needs.
• the craftsman can, for example, have two or three separate control modules to be able to implement a wide range of installation combinations.
• At least a first of said modules has a casing configured to be assembled with a casing of a second of said modules, so as to secure said first and second modules.
• joining these housings makes it possible to obtain a first type of assembly and therefore a first configuration of the system.
• This joining also allows a gain in volume of the system, and facilitates the hydraulic and/or electrical connections.
• This attachment is preferably reversible, and achievable, both for attachment and for detachment, without tools.
• said casings have shapes suitable for interlocking, for example by having respectively a contained dovetail tenon and a containing dovetail groove.
• shapes suitable for interlocking for example by having respectively a contained dovetail tenon and a containing dovetail groove.
• the assembly is simple and quick to implement, and the industrialization as well.
• said first and second modules are said control module and said pumping module.
• said system comprises a removable securing part making it possible to secure between them said detection module and said pumping module and/or said control module.
• said securing part comprises a plate having, on the one hand, means for attaching to said detection module and, on the other hand, means for attaching to said pumping module or to said control.
• said securing part allows said pumping module and/or said control module to be mounted in a vertical position.
• said securing part has at least one portion for guiding and/or clamping at least one of said connection means.
• said guide and/or clamping portion comprises a housing for receiving a clip for holding a tube.
• At least one of said modules has a casing in which is formed a housing making it possible to receive, at least in part, and/or to guide, an electric cable and/or a tube.
• this saves space and optimizes the volume of the system, allowing it to adapt to all installation configurations, the cables or tubes being able to be wholly or partly housed in the equivalent parallelepipedal volume. of the casing, and not flow along it. In other words, it suffices that the available space corresponds to the equivalent volume of the box, to allow installation.
• one of the modules for example said pumping module, comprises at least one groove capable of receiving an electric cable connecting said detection module to said control module.
• one of said modules for example said control module, comprises at least one housing capable of receiving a tube connecting said detection module to said pumping module.
• said pumping module comprises an oscillating piston pump.
• the pumping module can moreover also include in particular thermal protection and the connection to the control module.
• said detection module comprises at least one sensor belonging to the group comprising: float sensors; capacitive sensors; resistive sensors; optical sensors.
• the invention also relates to each of the modules per se, and in particular: a pumping module for a condensate lifting system as described above, comprising a pump and means of reversible connection with said detection module and /or said control module; a detection module for a condensate removal system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising a condensate receiving tank and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank, and reversible connection means with said pumping module and/or said control module; a control module for a condensate removal system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising electronic means controlling said pump as a function of said condensate levels and reversible connection means with said pumping module and/or said control module .
• the invention also relates to a pumping module for a condensate removal system comprising at least three independent modules: a pumping module, comprising a pump; a detection module, comprising a reservoir for receiving condensates and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in said reservoir ; and a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump according to said condensate levels, said pumping module also comprising means for hydraulic and/or electrical connection with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising said detection module and said control module, and reversible connection means with said detection module and/or said control module, adapted so that said pumping module can be associated with said detection module and/or said control module according to at least two configurations belonging to the group comprising: an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other; a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or a so-called one-piece configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module
• the invention also relates to a detection module for a condensate removal system comprising at least three independent modules: a pumping module, comprising a pump; a detection module, comprising a reservoir for receiving condensates and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in said reservoir; and a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump as a function of said condensate levels, said detection module also comprising means for hydraulic and/or electrical connection with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising said pumping module and said control module, and reversible connection means with said pumping module and/or said control module, adapted so that said detection module can be associated with said pumping module and/or said control module according to at least two configurations belonging to the group comprising: an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other; a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or a so-called one-piece configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module
• the invention also relates to a control module for a condensate removal system comprising at least three independent modules: a pumping module, comprising a pump; a detection module, comprising a condensate receiving tank and a detector capable of detecting at least two levels of condensate in said tank; and a control module, comprising electronic means controlling said pump as a function of said condensate levels, said control module also comprising means for hydraulic and/or electrical connection with at least one other module belonging to the group comprising said pumping module and said detection module, and reversible connection means with said pumping module and/or said detection module, adapted so that said control module can be associated with said pumping module and/or said detection module according to at least two configurations belonging to the group comprising: an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separated from each other; a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or a so-called one-piece configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are
• the invention also relates to a method for assembling and/or maintaining a condensate removal system according to one of the preceding implementations, comprising the following steps: obtaining said at least three modules, separated from each other; assembly of said at least three modules can be associated according to at least two of the configurations belonging to the group comprising: o an aligned configuration, in which said modules are mounted separate from each other and aligned substantially horizontally; o a so-called bi-block configuration, in which two of said modules are secured to each other; or o a so-called one-piece configuration, in which said pumping module, said detection module and said control module are secured to each other, depending on the space available and/or the configuration of an installation receiving said system condensate removal.
• the invention makes it possible to obtain different configurations of the system, allowing the latter to adapt to any type of installation environment by using one or other of the configurations, from the three available modules. .
• said method comprises a step of replacing and/or operating a single one of said modules.
• the maintenance of the system is simpler and less costly since it suffices to change a single module and not the entire system. It is also possible to upgrade the installation, by replacing one of the modules, for example the control module by a more efficient version, without replacing the entire system.
• said modules are assembled so as to be able to be housed in particular in an elbow mounted on one side of a wall-mounted air conditioning unit.
• the system is extremely compact and adapts to a particular type of installation configuration.
• it is possible to respond to the specific constraints of these bends, which generally require a specific model, while responding to the constraints of other situations, for example when the available space extends over a low height (configuration aligned).
• FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a one-piece condensate lifting system of the prior art, described above,
• FIG. 2D is a three-dimensional view of a pumping module, the housing of which has a containing dovetail groove according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are three three-dimensional views of a pumping module, the housing of which has two grooves for receiving and guiding an electric cable, according to different embodiments of the invention, the figures 3B and 3C showing installation configurations in which the grooves are used to integrate an electric cable,
• FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a detection module, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are three three-dimensional views of a control module, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, Figure 5A representing a transparent view, Figure 5B an opaque view, and the figure 5C an exploded view of the control module,
• Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are three three-dimensional views of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in an aligned configuration, Figure 6C shows a mode of integration of the system in an air conditioner,
• Figures 7A, 6B and 7C are three three-dimensional views of a condensate removal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in a bi-block configuration, Figure 7A representing a mode assembly of the control and pumping modules using a dovetail shape,
• FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E show five three-dimensional views of a condensate lifting system according to a particular embodiment of the invention in which the system is in a one-piece configuration and using a shaped hose,
• FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C show three three-dimensional views of a condensate removal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, in which the system is in a one-piece configuration, and implementing a piece of solidarity,
• FIGS. 10A and 10B are an implementation of the system of Figure 8A in an elbow mounted on one side of a wall-mounted air conditioner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the installation and maintenance steps of a condensate removal system according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
• Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are three three-dimensional views of three condensate removal systems according to three particular embodiments of the invention in which the system is: in a one-piece configuration (Figure 12A), in a bi -block ( Figure 12B), and in an aligned configuration (Figure 12C).
• the general principle of the invention is based on a modular approach to condensate removal systems according to which it is possible to obtain at least the pumping, control and detection functions in at least three distinct separate modules, interconnected via hydraulic and/or electrical connections. These three modules are designed to be assembled together, thus making it possible to create at least two mounting configurations used in the trade.
• the condensate removal system of the invention therefore consists of at least three modules: a pumping module (20) comprising in particular a pump (23) (FIGS. 2A to 2D); a detection module (40) consisting of a tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in the tank (FIG. 4); a control module (50) making it possible to control the pump according to the levels of condensates (FIGS. 5A to 5C).
• a pumping module (20) comprising in particular a pump (23) (FIGS. 2A to 2D)
• a detection module consisting of a tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in the tank (FIG. 4)
• a control module (50) making it possible to control the pump according to the levels of condensates (FIGS. 5A to 5C).
• each of these modules is configured, independently, to allow the implementation of these different configurations, as described below.
• each of these modules considered independently, is new and is one of the subjects of the invention, in the same way as the corresponding assembly and/or maintenance method.
• FIGS. 6A to 6B an aligned configuration
• FIGS. 7A to 7C a bi-block configuration
• FIGGS. 8A to 8E a one-piece configuration
• the modules can be assembled by various means of reversible joining: assembly by interlocking (elastic interlocking, sliding tenon, etc.), using magnet(s), screws, pin(s), using additional securing part(s) (for example a plate with attachment means), etc.
• All of the modules are optimized to obtain a minimum size and maximum flexibility, making it possible to adapt to the shapes and constraints of each installation environment, using only three modules. This optimization can result in particular in the implementation of suitable overmouldings, by the integration/embedding of the tubes and/or cables in the housings of the modules using recess(es) (notch(s), groove(s) ), etc.).
• the pumping module (20) is composed of a pump (23), which can be oscillating piston, thermal protection and connection to other modules.
• the connection means can be: an electrical connection to the control module; and two hydraulic connections (211, 212): one to a detection module (40) (more precisely to a tank (42) of this module) and the other to the outside of the system.
• the pumping module is overmolded with its PCB and a plug-in connector (shown in FIG. 2) or else a wired connector solution enabling it to be powered.
• the overmolding (22) thus makes it possible to reduce the size of the pumping module (20) to a minimum.
• the overmolding is adapted to allow the assembly of the pumping module with a second module.
• Figure 2D shows an embodiment in which the shape (24) is dovetail containing.
• this assembly means may be in the form of magnets, snap-fits, screws, etc.
• the overmolding is also equipped with recess(es) allowing a cable to be embedded (means of connection between the modules or even a power cable, etc.) and/or a pipe .
• This allows the dimensions of the system to be reduced to a minimum after assembly. Examples of grooves and assembly configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in which the casing of the pumping module has two grooves (31, 32) making it possible to receive the electrical cable (61, 81) connecting the pumping module detection (40) to the control module (50).
• the detection module (40) consists of a tank (42) and a detector (41) capable of detecting at least two levels of condensates in the tank.
• this module is connected via a hydraulic connection (64, 84, 91) to the pumping module (20) and via an electrical connection (61, 81) to the control module (50).
• This module makes it possible to detect the presence of water which makes it possible to activate the pump. Detection can be carried out with any type of technology such as float detection, capacitive detection, resistive detection, optical detection...
• the control module (50) communicates with the other two modules. In this particular embodiment, this communication takes place via electrical cables (61, 62, 81, 82). This module is used to control the pump according to the condensate levels detected by the detection module.
• control module (50) consists of a plastic shell in two parts (52, 54) in which is mounted an electronic card (53) equipped with connectors making it possible to connect/control the pump (62, 82) and the detector (61, 81).
• Figures 5A to 5C show an implementation of this module.
• this module can be intelligent and communicate with other modules or even with a central unit.
• the casing of this module is equipped with a shape allowing assembly with another module.
• Figure 5B shows an embodiment in which the shape (51) is contained dovetail and allows assembly with the pumping module (20).
• this assembly means may take the form of magnets, snap-fits, screws, etc.
• the housing (52, 54) of the control module (50) has a housing (55) capable of receiving a tube (65), connecting the reservoir (42) of the detection module (40) to the pumping module (20).
• control module (50), the pumping module (20) and the detection module (40) are separated and substantially aligned so that the assembly can, for example, be mounted directly in the part bottom of a wall-mounted air conditioner, whose usable height is limited ( Figure 6C).
• Connection means connect each of the modules (61, 62, 64).
• the modules are arranged as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in a substantially horizontal alignment. It is of course possible that this alignment is vertical or in another direction, or even that the modules are not aligned, but only distant from each other.
• the detection module (20) is connected by a first electric cable (61) to the control module (50), this first electric cable being embedded in a notch (31, 32) of the pumping module (20).
• the control module (50) is connected by a second electrical cable (62) to the pumping module (20).
• the entire system is powered by a third cable electric (63) connected to the control module (50).
• the pumping module (20) is connected by a first pipe (64) to the tank (42) of the detection module (40) and finally, a second pipe (65) makes it possible to evacuate the condensates extracted from the tank (42) towards outside the system, this second pipe being housed in the control module (50, 55).
• connection means 61, 62, 64.
• the pumping module (20) and the control module (50) are assembled together using a dovetail-shaped fitting (24, 51 ), while the detection module (40) is remote.
• This configuration can be used, for example, when the pumping module (20) is mounted in a false ceiling while the detection module (40) is inserted in an air conditioner.
• the different modules are connected by electric cables (61, 62) and pipes (64) in a manner similar to the previous configuration.
• the one-piece configuration allows the pumping module (20), the control module (50) and the detection module (40) to be assembled to form a one-piece product.
• a removable securing piece (92) allows the mounting of the pumping module (20) and/or of the control module (50) in a vertical position.
• the securing piece (92) has a guiding and/or clamping function (922) ensuring that at least one connection means is held in place.
• connection between the block (20-50) formed by the pumping module and control module and the detection module (40) is permitted by the use of a shaped hose (84) (FIGS. 8A to 8E); this shaped hose here has a platform making it possible to support the pumping/control block (20-50) and to secure the assembly to the third module (detection, 40).
• connection between the block (20-50), formed by the pumping module and the control module, and the detection module (40) is made possible by a plate (92) (FIGS. 9A to 9C).
• a PVC tube (91) can replace the shaped hose.
• the plate (92) makes it possible to make the assembly rigid and robust using attachment means (921, 922) to the detection module (40) and to the pumping module (20) or even to the control module ( 50).
• the plate can directly integrate the hose. It can also incorporate an electrical connection system to simplify connections.
• the plate has a clamping function (of the clip type (923)) of the pipe (91) guaranteeing optimal holding of the pipe without adding a clamp.
• the modules are arranged as shown in Figure 8A.
• the detection module (40) is connected by a first electric cable (81) to the control module (50), this first electric cable being embedded in two notches (31, 32) of the pumping module (20).
• the control module (50) is connected by a second electrical cable (82) to the pumping module.
• the entire system is powered by a third electrical cable (83) connected to the control module (50).
• the pumping module (20) is connected by a first pipe (84) to the tank (42) of the detection module (40) and finally, a second pipe (85) makes it possible to evacuate the condensates extracted from the tank (42) towards outside the system.
• Such a configuration can be used and inserted into an elbow (11) mounted on the side of a wall-mounted air conditioning unit (FIGS. 10A and 10B) or even on a wall or simply suspended.
• FIG. 12 The method of installing the system described above is illustrated by FIG. 12.
• the method requires, initially, the obtaining of the three modules (M1, M2 and M3).
• the modules M1 and M2 can either be connected to form the two-piece configuration C2, or assembled with the module M3 then connected to form the one-piece configuration C3.
• the modules can remain separate, for aligned installation.
• Figure 12 also illustrates this aspect.
• the module(s) concerned by the technical problem are identified, then it suffices to replace it, whatever the configuration (C1, C2 , C3) to obtain a functioning system again.
• This approach is simple, effective and inexpensive to implement, whether economically or ecologically. Indeed, it suffices to replace only the faulty module (and not the entire system) during maintenance and any fastening means are reversible, thus facilitating the changing of the modules.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
• Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
• Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-07-30 FR FR2108340A patent/FR3125869B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-07-29 WO PCT/EP2022/071458 patent/WO2023007005A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2022-07-29 CN CN202280052028.2A patent/CN117716182A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-07-29 EP EP22747068.9A patent/EP4377615A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-07-29 US US18/293,114 patent/US12422166B2/en active Active

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