US3651660A - Condensate discarding device for air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

A condensate discarding device for a refrigerator apparatus. The condensate is collected in a sump and is raised by a capillary device fixed to the sump to interset the air stream which flows toward the condenser unit. The air stream picks up the moisture and carries it through the condenser where it is discarded.

Description

United States Patent Quiros 51 Mar. 28, 1972 [s41 CONDENSATE DISCARDING DEVICE 2,268,846 1/1942 Roper ..62/28l FOR AIR CONDITIONER 3,058,318 10/1962 Polovitch..... ....62/281 2,920,459 1/1960 Ladusaw ....62/281 [72] inventor: Vincente Rodriguez Quiros, l 13 First 3,383,878 5/1968 Booth ..62/281 Street, Jardinez del Caribe, Ponce, PR. 00731 Primary Examiner-William J. Wye

[ Filed: y 1.970 AttorneyJay M. Cantor [21] Appl. No.: 35,074 ABSTRACT A condensate discarding device for a refrigerator apparatus.

The condensate is collected in a sump and is raised by a capil- [22] US. Cl ..62/2F7295, y device fixed to the p to interset he air stream which I 1 flows toward the condenser unit. The air stream picks up the Fleld ofSearch 281 moisture carries it through the condenser where it is discarded. [56] References Cited 3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,119,958 Ne\yil1 PATENTEDHAR 28 I972 mvmwon VICENTE R. QUIROS AGENT CONDENSATE DISCARDING DEVICE FOR AIR CONDITIONER This invention relates to a refrigerator and more particularly to an air conditioner.

The operation of a refrigerating device such as a room air conditioner generates a water condensate by the evaporator. The water accumulates and unless removed will drip from the chassis of the unit and become a nuisance. It is usual to provide a sump to collect the water and a drain pipe to conduct the water from the sump toa selected discharge location or to agitate the water in the sump to form a vapor and discharge the air laden with the vapor through the condensor The provision of a drain pipe requires an extensive plumbing operation and produces an ugly view. The provision of an agitator introduces another element which must be built into the apparatus and which is a source of trouble. It is an object of this invention to eliminate the use of drain pipes and agitators.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a device for use with an air conditioner which can be applied without modifying present refrigerator devices.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a device as aforesaid which is quiet in operation These and other objects of the invention will become manifest upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein FIG. 1 discloses the capillary tube of this invention in an air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the capillary tube.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and showing the diametrically opposite view.

In accordance with the invention a capillary tube is positioned in the path of the incoming air stream. The water is drawn from the sump by capillary action of a wick and is removed from the wick and discharged through the condenser by the stream.

With reference to the drawing there is disclosed an air conditioner comprising an outer case 2 having a dividing wall 4 which divides the case into an indoor compartment 6 and an outdoor compartment 8. An evaporator 10 is positioned to face indoors and a condenser 12 is positioned to face outdoors. The compressor and the connections to the evaporator and condenser are not illustrated since they form no part of the present invention. A motor 14 is mounted in the wall 4 and drives fans 16 and 18 to move streams of air through the evaporator and condenser. Water condenses out of the air stream flowing through the evaporator, drops into a tray 20 and is carried by a conduit 22 into a sump 24. A tubular housing 26 is secured to the sump as by gluing with an apoxy resin. A wick W is supported by the housing and extends from the base to the upper end which is supported in the incoming air stream produced by fan l8.

The housing is hollow and comprises a base 28 having an opening 30 for admitting the condensate and an upper portion which is cut away to form a segment 32. Perforations 34 are formed in the segment and aligned with the cut away portion to permit flow of air through the wick and segment.

The wick is formed of a folded tube of loose fibers or cellulose encased in a plastic net 36 to provide against disintegration. When positioned in the housing the tube is folded to present the ends against the base and the fold at the top of the housing.

The water is drawn into the length of the wick by capillary action. In order to provide for maximum capillarity, I soak the wick in a hydrophilic material sold under the trade name of Hydron.

In operation, the condensate which collects in the sump enters the tube through opening 30 and soaks the wick. The air stream created by fan 18 passes through the wick and openings 34 and gathers up the moisture in the wick. The moisture laden air stream is then passed through condenser 12 where it is heated as is usual and discharged as a vapor.

While I have disclosed my invention with reference to a room air conditioner it is to be understood that it is useful in all refrigerating units which create condensate. I also contemplate using a plurality of units when necessary.

claim:

1. In a room air conditioner including a housing having a compartment for an evaporating unit, a second compartment for the condenser, a fan which sucks in and circulates outside air through the condenser, and means for depositing condensate from the first compartment into the second compartment, the improvement comprising:

a hollow tubular member having means at its lower end for attachment to the floor of the housing within the second compartment,

the tubular member having an opening through its wall adjacent said lower end thereof through which the condensate in the second compartment can enter,

the upper end of the tubular member lying in a plane making an angle other than with its axis to provide an enlarged opening,

a plurality of smaller openings in the wall opposite the enlarged opening of the tubular member,

and a capillary wick within the tubular member extending the entire length thereof,

the enlarged opening of the tubular member with the wick therein facing the incoming outside air.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the wick comprises a tube of cellulose fibers, and a plastic net surrounding the cellulose fibers.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 further including a covering of a hydrophilic material on the fibers.

Claims (3)

1. In a room air conditioner including a housing having a compartment for an evaporating unit, a second compartment for the condenser, a fan which sucks in and circulates outside air through the condenser, and means for depositing condensate from the first compartment into the second compartment, the improvement comprising: a hollow tubular member having means at its lower end for attachement to the floor of the housing within the second compartment, the tubular member having an opening through its wall adjacent said lower end thereof through which the condensate in the second compartment can enter, the upper end of the tubular member lying in a plane making an angle other than 90* with its axis to provide an enlarged opening, a plurality of smaller openings in the wall opposite the enlarged opening of the tubular member, and a capillary wick within the tubular member extending the entire length thereof, the enlarged opening of the tubular member with the wick therein facing the incoming outside air.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the wick comprises a tube of cellulose fibers, and a plastic net surrounding the cellulose fibers.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 further including a covering of a hydrophilic material on the fibers.

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