Sprayer assembly, air conditioner

Abstract

This invention provides a nozzle assembly and an air conditioner. One nozzle assembly, used in an air conditioner, includes a nozzle with a steam injection hole and an air inlet selectively communicating with a steam generation source. The nozzle is made of metal. The nozzle assembly also includes a mounting base and a driving device. The nozzle is mounted on the mounting base, and the driving device is drivenly connected to the mounting base to drive the nozzle to swing or rotate. The mounting base has a gear portion, and the driving device includes a drive gear meshing with the gear portion. When the drive gear rotates, it drives the nozzle to rotate. This invention provides a nozzle assembly and an air conditioner, using a metal nozzle that can adapt to the high-temperature steam cleaning conditions of air conditioners, reducing the manufacturing cost of the nozzle and improving the cleaning effect of the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically relating to a nozzle assembly and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they are paying more and more attention to indoor air quality. Air conditioners are widely used as everyday household appliances, but after a period of use, they need to be cleaned, such as cleaning the air intake grille, the air duct and the components in the air duct (fan, air sweeper blades). However, most of the time, a thorough cleaning is done by disassembling the unit manually, which is extremely inconvenient. To address this deficiency, existing technologies have incorporated nozzle devices within air conditioner ducts for automatic cleaning of the ducts and their components. However, these devices utilize ambient temperature high-pressure water (0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa), resulting in nozzles often made of plastic. While conventional high-pressure water effectively cleans particulate matter like dust within the air conditioner, it struggles to effectively clean stubborn contaminants such as bacteria. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that the cleaning effect of ambient temperature high-pressure water is significantly inferior to that of high-temperature (approximately 110°C) steam at the same pressure. Furthermore, existing plastic nozzles are clearly unsuitable for steam cleaning. Therefore, to further improve the cleaning effect of air conditioners, it is necessary to modify the existing nozzle assembly. Based on this, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly and an air conditioner, wherein the nozzle made of metal can adapt to the cleaning conditions of air conditioners with high-temperature steam, reduce the processing and manufacturing cost of the nozzle, and improve the cleaning effect of the air conditioner.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a nozzle assembly for use in an air conditioner, comprising a nozzle having a steam injection hole and an air inlet selectively communicating with a steam generation source. The nozzle is made of metal. The nozzle assembly further includes a mounting base and a driving device. The nozzle is mounted on the mounting base, and the driving device is drivenly connected to the mounting base to drive the nozzle to swing or rotate. The mounting base has a gear portion, and the driving device includes a drive gear meshing with the gear portion. When the drive gear rotates, it can drive the nozzle to rotate.

[0005] Preferably, the drive device further includes a rotary motor, and the drive gear is mounted on the power output shaft of the rotary motor.

[0006] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further includes a second fixing bracket, the second fixing bracket having a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other, the rotary motor being located on the second side, and the drive gear, nozzle and mounting base being located on the first side.

[0007] Preferably, a water-blocking component is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the nozzle.

[0008] Preferably, the water-blocking component is fitted onto the nozzle.

[0009] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further includes a steam delivery manifold, and the nozzles have multiple inlets connected to the flexible manifold of the steam delivery manifold.

[0010] Preferably, the nozzle has a heat insulation layer on its outer side.

[0011] The present invention also provides an air conditioner including the above-described nozzle assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner, and the nozzle assembly includes an upper nozzle assembly and a lower nozzle assembly, wherein the upper nozzle assembly and the lower nozzle assembly are the aforementioned nozzle assemblies.

[0013] Preferably, the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, and the upper nozzle assembly and the lower nozzle assembly are located on the upper and lower sides of the heat exchanger, respectively.

[0014] The present invention provides a nozzle assembly and an air conditioner, in which the nozzle is designed to be made of metal such as copper or aluminum, which are pressure-resistant and heat-resistant, instead of plastic as used in the prior art. This makes it possible for the air conditioner to self-clean using steam cleaning, reduces the processing and manufacturing cost of the nozzle, and helps to improve the cleaning effect of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of some components of the central nozzle assembly;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of some components of the central nozzle assembly;

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view (after assembly into the air conditioner);

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0023] 1. Nozzle; 11. Steam injection hole; 12. Insulation layer; 2. Mounting base; 21. Swing arm; 211. Pivot; 22. Gear section; 31. Connecting rod; 311. Crank; 32. Drive gear; 321. Rotary motor; 41. First fixed bracket; 411. First mounting plate; 412. Second mounting plate; 42. Second fixed bracket; 421. First side; 422. Second side; 5. Steam delivery main pipe; 51. Flexible manifold; 6. Water baffle; 100. Upper nozzle assembly; 101. Heat exchanger; 102. Air duct housing; 103. Air inlet; 104. Air outlet; 200. Lower nozzle assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0024] See also Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a nozzle assembly is provided for use in an air conditioner to perform steam cleaning of the air conditioner. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle 1, which has a steam injection hole 11 and an air inlet that can selectively communicate with a steam generation source (e.g., an existing steam generator). The nozzle 1 is made of metal, which should have a certain rigidity and a high melting point; specifically, it should be able to withstand a pressure of at least 0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa and a temperature of approximately 110°C. In this technical solution, the nozzle 1 is designed to be made of a pressure- and temperature-resistant metal such as copper or aluminum, instead of the plastic used in the prior art. This makes it possible for the self-cleaning of the air conditioner to be performed using steam cleaning, reduces the manufacturing cost of the nozzle, and improves the cleaning effect of the air conditioner. The nozzle 1 can be a simple stainless steel cylinder with one open end and one closed end. The open end is the air inlet, and the closed end is where the steam injection hole 11 is constructed.

[0025] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further includes a mounting base 2 and a driving device, wherein the nozzle 1 is mounted on the mounting base 2, and the driving device is drivenly connected to the mounting base 2 to drive the nozzle 1 to swing or rotate.

[0026] In one specific implementation, preferably, the mounting base 2 has a swing arm 21, and the driving device includes a connecting rod 31, which is pivotally connected to the swing arm 21. When the connecting rod 31 moves, it can drive the nozzle 1 to swing. In this technical solution, the nozzle 1 can swing left and right. This swinging action is particularly suitable for working conditions where the parts to be cleaned have uneven surfaces. For example, the filter screen in an air conditioner has many small holes, and spraying at a single angle cannot effectively clean the dirt in the holes. However, the swinging structure of this technical solution can clean the dirt from multiple angles.

[0027] The extension direction of the swing arm 21 is perpendicular to the length direction of the nozzle 1. A pivot 211 is constructed on the swing arm 21, and the connecting rod 31 is fitted onto the pivot 211. Furthermore, the driving device also includes a rotary motor. The connecting rod 31 has a crank 311, one end of which is pivotally connected to the connecting rod 31, and the other end of which is connected to the power output shaft of the rotary motor. The rotation of the rotary motor is converted into the reciprocating motion of the connecting rod 31 by the action of the crank 311, and the reciprocating motion of the connecting rod 31 realizes the oscillation of the nozzle 1.

[0028] The nozzle assembly also includes a first fixing bracket 41. The mounting base 2 is detachably connected to the first fixing bracket 41. The first fixing bracket 41 serves as the mounting carrier for the mounting base 2 and also connects to the internal structure of the air conditioner. The mounting base 2 and the first fixing bracket 41 can be connected, for example, by a snap-fit ​​connection. Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple nozzles 1, which are spaced apart along the length of the first fixed bracket 41. This ensures a large-scale cleaning operation of the parts to be cleaned. It is understood that the number of nozzles 1 is directly related to the area of ​​the air conditioner to be cleaned; specifically, the larger the area, the more nozzles 1 are required. The first fixed bracket 41 includes a first mounting plate 411 for mounting the nozzles 1 and a second mounting plate 412 for fixing the steam delivery main pipe 5. The first mounting plate 411 and the second mounting plate 412 are perpendicular to each other. To ensure free and smooth movement of the nozzles 1, a flexible manifold 51 connects the steam delivery main pipe 5 to the air inlet of the nozzles 1.

[0029] In another specific embodiment, preferably, the mounting base 2 has a gear section 22, and the driving device includes a drive gear 32, which meshes with the gear section 22. When the drive gear 32 rotates, it can drive the nozzle 1 to rotate. In this technical solution, the rotation of the nozzle 1 is achieved, which can meet the cleaning needs of components over a larger area.

[0030] Preferably, the driving device further includes a rotary motor 321, on which the drive gear 32 is mounted. The rotational smoothness of the nozzle 1 can be ensured through the meshing transmission of the rotary motor 321 and the intermediate gear. The nozzle assembly also includes a second fixed bracket 42, which has a first side 421 and a second side 422 arranged opposite to each other. The rotary motor 321 is located on the second side 422, and the drive gear 32, nozzle 1 and mounting base 2 are located on the first side 421. By designing them on opposite sides, the gear part 22 and the drive gear 32 can be located away from the side of the rotary motor 321. When the rotary motor 321 needs maintenance, maintenance personnel will not directly contact the gear meshing part, thereby avoiding the risk of pinching injury due to accidental contact.

[0031] A water-blocking component 6 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the nozzle 1. The water-blocking component 6 can be integrally molded onto the nozzle 1, but this may increase the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the nozzle 1. Therefore, preferably, the water-blocking component 6 is fitted onto the nozzle 1. In this case, the water-blocking component 6 can be made of a heat-resistant injection molded part, for example. Its main design purpose is to ensure that when the nozzle assembly is installed inside the air duct housing 102 of the air conditioner, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the duct housing 102 at this time necessarily has corresponding through holes, in which part of the nozzle assembly (e.g., nozzle 1) is embedded. In order to prevent the sprayed steam from condensing and forming water that flows out of the through holes, the aforementioned water baffle 6 is designed to provide necessary sealing and waterproofing at the through holes. Furthermore, the duct housing 102 at this time also has corresponding annular grooves on the periphery of the through holes, and the water baffle 6 has a downturned edge to form a cap-like structure. At this time, the downturned edge is preferably inserted into the annular groove with an interference fit to form an assembly seal. Furthermore, the water baffle 6 is made of elastic materials such as rubber or silicone to improve the ease of assembly and waterproof sealing.

[0032] Similarly, the nozzle assembly in this embodiment also includes a steam delivery manifold 5, and the nozzles 1 have multiple air inlets connected to the flexible manifold 51 of the steam delivery manifold 5.

[0033] The nozzle 1 is provided with a heat insulation layer 12 on its outer side, which can thermally isolate the temperature of the nozzle 1 after steam heating from other ordinary injection molded parts in the air conditioner, thereby preventing the nozzle 1 from damaging other ordinary material parts due to excessive temperature. The heat insulation layer 12 is made of high-temperature resistant plastic, such as PA+GF25 (heat distortion temperature 200℃) or PA66 (MD20+GF18) (heat distortion temperature 190℃).

[0034] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, including the above-described nozzle assembly. Specifically, the air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner, and the nozzle assembly includes an upper nozzle assembly 100 and a lower nozzle assembly 200. The upper nozzle assembly 100 and the lower nozzle assembly 200 are the above-described nozzle assemblies, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioner has an air inlet 103 at the top and an air outlet 104 at the bottom front, and the upper nozzle assembly 100 corresponds to this. Figure 1 The nozzle assembly shown is shown, while the lower nozzle assembly 200 corresponds to... Figure 4 The nozzle assembly shown, namely the nozzle 1 of the upper nozzle assembly 100, performs an oscillating cleaning operation, while the nozzle 1 of the lower nozzle assembly 200 performs a rotating cleaning operation. More specifically, the upper nozzle assembly 100 and the lower nozzle assembly 200 are located on the upper and lower sides of the heat exchanger 101, respectively.

[0035] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0036] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising a nozzle assembly, characterized in that, The air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner. The nozzle assembly includes a lower nozzle assembly (200), which includes a nozzle (1). The nozzle (1) has a steam injection hole (11) and an air inlet that can selectively communicate with a steam generation source. The nozzle (1) is made of metal, and a heat insulation layer (12) is provided on the outside of the nozzle (1). The air conditioner also includes a mounting base (2) and a driving device. The nozzle (1) is mounted on the mounting base (2), and the driving device is driven to drive the rotation of the nozzle (1). The mounting base (2) has a gear part (22), and the driving device includes a driving gear (32). The driving gear (32) is meshed with the gear part (22). When the driving gear (32) rotates, it can drive the nozzle (1) to rotate. The nozzle (1) rotates; the lower nozzle assembly (200) is assembled on the air duct housing (102) of the air conditioner, and a water baffle (6) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the nozzle (1) of the lower nozzle assembly (200). The air duct housing (102) is provided with a corresponding annular groove on the periphery of the through hole of the nozzle (1). The water baffle (6) has a downward-curved edge to form a cap-shaped structure. The downward-curved edge is inserted into the annular groove with an interference fit. The nozzle assembly also includes an upper nozzle assembly (100). The air conditioner has a heat exchanger (101). The upper nozzle assembly (100) and the lower nozzle assembly (200) are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the heat exchanger (101). The nozzle (1) of the upper nozzle assembly (100) performs a swing cleaning operation to clean the filter screen.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive device also includes a rotary motor (321), on which the drive gear (32) is mounted.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second fixed bracket (42), which has a first side (421) and a second side (422) arranged opposite to each other. The rotary motor (321) is located on the second side (422), and the drive gear (32), nozzle (1) and mounting base (2) are located on the first side (421).

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a steam delivery manifold (5), the nozzles (1) having multiple inlets connected to the flexible manifold (51) of the steam delivery manifold (5).

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