Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes: an air outlet; a vortex ring generating device, which includes: a housing, the housing includes an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end is communicated with the air outlet, and the air passing area of the outlet end is smaller than that of the inlet end; a vortex ring generating member disposed in the housing; a driving assembly, the vortex ring generating member is connected to the driving assembly, and the vortex ring generating member can reciprocate under the drive of the driving assembly to periodically drive the gas inhaled into the housing to be discharged through the outlet end and form a vortex ring air flow. The indoor unit of the air conditioner provided by the present invention can achieve vortex air supply, with a large range of air flow changes, a long air supply distance, and a wide radiation range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning equipment, and in particular, to an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In the existing air conditioning industry, air conditioners all adopt conventional air supply. The air flow after heat exchange is directly blown out through the conventional air outlets of the air conditioner. The air flow blown out by the above-mentioned air blowing method is fixed, with a short radiation range and a short air supply distance. There is an obvious feeling of wind on the human body, and the energy consumption is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner, including: an air outlet; a vortex ring generating device, the vortex ring generating device includes: a housing, the housing includes an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end is communicated with the air outlet, and the air passing area of the outlet end is smaller than that of the inlet end; a vortex ring generating member, disposed in the housing; a driving component, the vortex ring generating member is connected to the driving component, and the vortex ring generating member can reciprocate under the drive of the driving component to periodically drive the gas inhaled into the housing to be discharged through the outlet end and form a vortex ring air flow.

[0007] The present invention connects the vortex ring generating device with the air outlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. During the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the vortex ring generating device works to generate a vortex ring air flow, so that the indoor unit of the air conditioner can realize vortex air supply. The vortex air supply makes the air flow blown out by the indoor unit of the air conditioner have a large change range, a long air supply distance, and a wide radiation range; the vortex air supply can realize the no-wind-sensation air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and reduce the energy consumption.

[0008] Specifically, a driving component and a vortex ring generating member that cooperate with each other are disposed in the housing of the vortex ring generating device. The outlet end of the housing is communicated with the air outlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The air passing area of the outlet end of the housing is smaller than that of the inlet end, forming a variable cross-section air outlet. During the operation of the vortex ring generating device, the driving component periodically drives the vortex ring generating member to reciprocate, thereby driving the air at the outlet end of the housing to be disturbed. When the vortex ring generating member moves towards the outlet end of the housing, the gas in the housing is compressed and blown out of the housing; when the vortex ring generating member moves away from the outlet end of the housing, the pressure in the housing decreases and external gas is inhaled into the housing. During the process of alternating blowing and suction of the gas, the continuously disturbed gas cooperates with the variable cross-section air outlet to form a vortex ring air flow, realizing the vortex air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0009] According to the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention described above, the following additional technical features may also be included:

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the driving assembly includes: an electromagnetic driving member disposed inside the housing; a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the electromagnetic driving member, and the other end is connected to the vortex ring generating member. The connecting rod can drive the vortex ring generating member to reciprocate under the drive of the electromagnetic driving member.

[0011] In this technical solution, the driving assembly includes an electromagnetic driving member and a connecting rod that are connected to each other. Among them, the electromagnetic driving member is disposed inside the housing, and the electromagnetic driving member is connected to the vortex ring generating member through the connecting rod; the electromagnetic driving member drives the vortex ring generating member to perform reciprocating operation to form a vortex ring air flow and realize the vortex air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Specifically, electromagnetic driving can simplify the overall mechanical structure of the driving assembly. By controlling the power-on and power-off of the electromagnetic driving member, the vortex ring generating member can be driven to reciprocate. The control method is simple and easy to operate; the connecting rod meets the space structure requirements inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, ensures the movement stroke of the vortex ring generating member, and improves the overall efficiency of the vortex air supply.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, the vortex ring generating member is a thin film structure or a piston structure.

[0013] In this technical solution, the vortex ring generating member is a thin film structure or a piston structure. Specifically, the thin film structure has the advantages of being convenient, light and portable, and can ensure the sensitivity of the vortex ring generating member; the piston structure is common and has a simple structure, which is convenient for subsequent replacement or maintenance. Whether it is a thin film structure or a piston structure, both have a certain elasticity, which can ensure the flexible contact between the vortex ring generating member and the inner wall of the housing, and avoid interference between the vortex ring generating member and the inner wall of the housing.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, it further includes: a duct, and the duct is communicated with the inlet end and the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0015] In this technical solution, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a duct, and the duct is communicated with the inlet end and the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to ensure the orderly flow of air.

[0016] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, the vortex ring generating device is disposed inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the inlet end is communicated with the duct, and the outlet end is communicated with the air outlet.

[0017] In this technical solution, the vortex ring generating device is integrally arranged inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner and serves as a part of the interior of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; the inlet end of the housing is communicated with the air duct, and the outlet end of the housing is communicated with the air supply outlet. During the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air flow in the air duct enters the vortex ring generating device through the inlet end, forms a periodic vortex ring under the action of the vortex ring generating device, and then is blown out through the air supply outlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to realize vortex air supply.

[0018] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, the air supply outlet includes a first air supply outlet and a second air supply outlet. The first air supply outlet is communicated with the vortex ring generating device, and the second air supply outlet is communicated with the air duct.

[0019] In this technical solution, the vortex ring generating device is arranged between the air duct and the first air supply outlet, and the second air supply outlet is directly communicated with the air duct. When the gas in the air duct is blown out through the vortex ring generating device and the first air supply outlet, vortex air supply can be realized; when the gas in the air duct is directly blown out through the second air supply outlet, conventional air supply can be realized. The first air supply outlet and the second air supply outlet ensure multiple air supply modes of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and improve the applicability of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0020] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, a damper assembly is arranged in the air duct. The damper assembly can switch between a first position and a second position; when the damper assembly is in the first position, the damper assembly opens the first air supply outlet and closes the second air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the first air supply outlet under the action of the vortex ring generating device; when the damper assembly is in the second position, the damper assembly opens the second air supply outlet and closes the first air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the second air supply outlet.

[0021] In this technical solution, the vortex ring generating device is arranged inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the indoor unit of the air conditioner has two working modes: conventional air supply and vortex air supply. To ensure the effective switching between the conventional air supply mode and the vortex air supply mode, a damper assembly is arranged in the air duct. By changing the connection direction of the air duct through the damper assembly, the air flow in the air duct is blown out through the vortex ring generating device and the first air supply outlet to form vortex air supply, and the air flow in the air duct is blown out through the second air supply outlet to form conventional air supply.

[0022] Specifically, when the damper assembly is in the first position, the damper assembly opens the first air supply outlet and closes the second air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the first air supply outlet under the action of the vortex ring generating device to form vortex air supply; when the damper assembly is in the second position, the damper assembly opens the second air supply outlet and closes the first air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the first air supply outlet under the action of the vortex ring generating device to form conventional air supply.

[0023] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, the air damper assembly includes: a driving component disposed in the air duct; an air damper connected to the driving component, and the air damper can rotate under the drive of the driving component to open or close the first air supply opening and open or close the second air supply opening.

[0024] In this technical solution, the driving component is disposed in the air duct, the air damper is connected to the driving component, and the air damper can rotate under the drive of the driving component to change the connection direction of the air duct, so as to realize the switching between conventional air supply and vortex air supply.

[0025] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, the vortex ring generating device is detachably disposed outside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the inlet end is communicated with the air duct.

[0026] In this technical solution, the vortex ring generating device is disposed outside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, so that the vortex ring generating device can be used as an independent functional module. At the same time, the vortex ring generating device is detachably connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and when necessary, the vortex ring generating device can be disassembled and installed on other indoor units of the air conditioner for use. The vortex ring generating device can be connected in the form of screws, buckles, etc.

[0027] Specifically, when the vortex ring generating device is disposed outside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the inlet end of the housing is communicated with the air duct. When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in the vortex air supply mode, the air flow in the air duct blows into the vortex ring generating device, and vortex ring air flow is generated under the action of the vortex ring generating device, and finally blows out directly through the outlet end of the housing of the vortex ring generating device.

[0028] In any of the above technical solutions, preferably, it further includes: a housing with an air inlet disposed on the housing; a fan assembly disposed in the housing, and the fan assembly can drive the air flow to flow from the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to the vortex ring generating device; a heat exchanger disposed between the air inlet and the fan assembly, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the fan assembly and the vortex ring generating device, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the vortex ring generating device and the air supply opening.

[0029] In this technical solution, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a housing and a fan assembly and a heat exchanger disposed in the housing. The fan assembly can drive the air flow to flow from the air inlet to the vortex ring generating device to provide air volume for the vortex ring air supply. The heat exchanger is disposed between the air inlet and the fan assembly, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the fan assembly and the vortex ring generating part, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the vortex ring generating part and the air supply opening, so that the gas forms cold air or hot air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger and is sent into the room.

[0030] Specifically, the fan assembly can be a single-direction or two-direction centrifugal impeller, and other similar impellers; the air inlet can be in a single-sided or multi-sided form.

[0031] In a second aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, which includes: an indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of the first aspects of the present invention.

[0032] Since the air conditioner of the present invention includes the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of the first aspects of the present invention, it has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned indoor unit of the air conditioner, and will not be described one by one here.

[0033] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description section, or be learned through the practice of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0034] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, where:

[0035] Figure 1 is the working principle diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention for simultaneous conventional air supply and vortex air supply;

[0036] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the working principle diagram of the conventional air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the working principle diagram of the vortex air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the working principle diagram of the vortex ring generating device in the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 is Figure 1 the working principle diagram of the vortex ring generating device in the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6 is the working principle diagram of the conventional air supply of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 is Figure 6 the working principle diagram of the vortex air supply mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8 is the structural schematic diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 is Figure 8 the structural schematic diagram of another perspective of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in the illustrated embodiment;

[0044] Figure 10 is Figure 8Side view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the illustrated embodiment;

[0045] Figure 11 is Figure 8 Top view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the illustrated embodiment;

[0046] Figure 12 is Figure 8 Front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the illustrated embodiment;

[0047] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the illustrated embodiment along A-A.

[0048] Wherein, Figures 1 to 13 The corresponding relationship between the reference numerals and the component names in the figures is as follows:

[0049] 1 Indoor unit of the air conditioner, 12 Air outlet, 122 First air outlet, 124 Second air outlet, 14 Air inlet, 16 Vortex ring generating device, 162 Housing, 164 Driving assembly, 166 Vortex ring generating member, 168 Outlet end, 18 Air duct, 20 Damper assembly, 22 Air deflector, 24 Heat exchanger. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] In order to more clearly understand the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific implementation manners. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0051] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 13 to describe the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and the air conditioner provided according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] The present invention proposes a first aspect which provides an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner, such as Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the figure, it includes: an air supply outlet 12; a vortex ring generating device 16, and the vortex ring generating device 16 includes: a housing 162, the housing 162 includes an inlet end and an outlet end 168, the outlet end 168 is communicated with the air supply outlet 12, and the air passing area of the outlet end 168 is smaller than that of the inlet end; a vortex ring generating member 166, which is arranged inside the housing 162; a driving assembly 164, the vortex ring generating member 166 is connected with the driving assembly 164, and the vortex ring generating member 166 can reciprocate under the drive of the driving assembly 164 to periodically drive the gas inhaled into the housing 162 to be discharged through the outlet end 168 and form a vortex ring air flow.

[0054] In the present invention, the vortex ring generating device 16 is communicated with the air supply outlet 12 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. During the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the vortex ring generating device 16 operates to generate a vortex ring air flow, so that the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner can realize vortex air supply. The vortex air supply makes the air flow blown out by the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner have a large change range, a long air supply distance and a wide radiation range; the vortex air supply can realize the windless feeling air supply of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and reduce energy consumption.

[0055] Specifically, a driving assembly 164 and a vortex ring generating member 166 that cooperate with each other are arranged inside the housing 162 of the vortex ring generating device 16. The outlet end 168 of the housing 162 is communicated with the air supply outlet 12 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The air passing area of the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 is smaller than that of the inlet end, forming a variable cross-section air supply outlet. During the operation of the vortex ring generating device 16, the driving assembly 164 periodically drives the vortex ring generating member 166 to reciprocate, thereby driving the air at the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 to be disturbed. When the vortex ring generating member 166 moves towards the outlet end 168 of the housing 162, the gas inside the housing 162 is compressed and then blown out of the housing 162; when the vortex ring generating member 166 moves away from the outlet end 168 of the housing 162, the pressure inside the housing 162 decreases and the external gas is inhaled into the housing 162. During the process of alternating blowing and suction of the gas, the continuously disturbed gas and the variable cross-section air supply outlet cooperate with each other to form a vortex ring air flow, realizing the vortex air supply of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the driving assembly 164 includes: an electromagnetic driving member, which is arranged inside the housing 162; a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected with the electromagnetic driving member, and the other end is connected with the vortex ring generating member 166, and the connecting rod can drive the vortex ring generating member 166 to reciprocate under the drive of the electromagnetic driving member.

[0057] In this embodiment, the driving component 164 includes an electromagnetic driving member and a connecting rod which are connected to each other. Among them, the electromagnetic driving member is arranged inside the housing 162, and the electromagnetic driving member is connected to the vortex ring generating member 166 through the connecting rod; the electromagnetic driving member drives the vortex ring generating member 166 to perform reciprocating operation to form a vortex ring air flow and realize the vortex air supply of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Specifically, the electromagnetic drive can simplify the overall mechanical structure of the driving component 164. By controlling the power-on and power-off of the electromagnetic driving member to drive the reciprocating movement of the vortex ring generating member 166, the control method is simple and easy to operate; the connecting rod meets the spatial structure requirements inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, ensures the movement stroke of the vortex ring generating member 166, and improves the overall efficiency of the vortex air supply.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the vortex ring generating member 166 is a thin film structure or a piston structure.

[0059] In this embodiment, the vortex ring generating member 166 is a thin film structure or a piston structure. Specifically, the thin film structure has the advantages of being convenient, light and portable, and can ensure the sensitivity of the vortex ring generating member 166; the piston structure is common and has a simple structure, which is convenient for subsequent replacement or maintenance. Whether it is a thin film structure or a piston structure, both have a certain elasticity, which can ensure the flexible contact between the vortex ring generating member 166 and the inner wall of the housing 162, and avoid interference between the vortex ring generating member 166 and the inner wall of the housing 162.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, it further includes: an air duct 18, and the air duct 18 is communicated with the inlet end and the air inlet 14 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0061] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner further includes an air duct 18, and the air duct 18 is communicated with the inlet end and the air inlet 14 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to ensure the orderly flow of air.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the inlet end is communicated with the air duct 18, and the outlet end 168 is communicated with the air outlet 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the vortex ring generating device 16 is integrally arranged inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and the vortex ring generating device 16 is used as a part inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner; the inlet end of the housing 162 is communicated with the air duct 18, and the inlet end of the housing 162 is communicated with the air outlet 12. During the operation of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the air flow in the air duct 18 enters the vortex ring generating device 16 through the inlet end, forms a vortex ring air flow under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16, and then is blown out through the air outlet 12 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to realize the vortex air supply.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the air supply outlet 12 includes a first air supply outlet 122 and a second air supply outlet 124. The first air supply outlet 122 is communicated with the vortex ring generating device 16, and the second air supply outlet 124 is communicated with the air duct 18.

[0065] In this embodiment, the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged between the air duct 18 and the first air supply outlet 122, and the second air supply outlet 124 is directly communicated with the air duct 18. When the gas in the air duct 18 is blown out through the vortex ring generating device 16 and the first air supply outlet 122, vortex air supply can be realized; when the gas in the air duct 18 is directly blown out through the second air supply outlet 124, conventional air supply can be realized. The first air supply outlet 122 and the second air supply outlet 124 ensure multiple air supply modes of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and improve the applicability of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the air damper assembly 20 is arranged in the air duct 18, and the air damper assembly 20 can switch between a first position and a second position; when the air damper assembly 20 is in the first position, the air damper assembly opens the first air supply outlet 122 and closes the second air supply outlet 124, and the gas in the air duct 18 is discharged through the first air supply outlet 122 under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16; when the air damper assembly 20 is in the second position, the air damper assembly 20 opens the second air supply outlet 124 and closes the first air supply outlet 122, and the gas in the air duct 18 is discharged through the second air supply outlet 124.

[0067] In this embodiment, the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner has two working modes of conventional air supply and vortex air supply. To ensure the effective switching between the conventional air supply mode and the vortex air supply mode, an air damper assembly 20 is arranged in the air duct 18. By changing the communication direction of the air duct 18 through the air damper assembly 20, the air flow in the air duct 18 is blown out through the vortex ring generating device 16 and the first air supply outlet 122 to form vortex air supply, and the air flow in the air duct 18 is blown out through the second air supply outlet 124 to form conventional air supply.

[0068] Specifically, when the air damper assembly 20 is in the first position, the air damper assembly 20 opens the first air supply outlet 122 and closes the second air supply outlet 124, and the gas in the air duct 18 is discharged through the first air supply outlet 122 under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16 to form vortex air supply; when the air damper assembly 20 is in the second position, the air damper assembly 20 opens the second air supply outlet 124 and closes the first air supply outlet 122, and the gas in the air duct 18 is discharged through the first air supply outlet 122 under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16 to form conventional air supply.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, asFigures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, the air damper assembly 20 includes: a driving component disposed in the air duct 18; an air damper connected to the driving component, and the air damper can rotate under the drive of the driving component to open or close the first air supply port 122 and open or close the second air supply port 124.

[0070] In this embodiment, the driving component is disposed in the air duct 18, the air damper is connected to the driving component, and can rotate under the drive of the driving component to change the communication direction of the air duct 18, so as to realize the switching between conventional air supply and vortex air supply.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the vortex ring generating device 16 is detachably disposed outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and the inlet end is communicated with the air duct 18.

[0072] In this embodiment, the vortex ring generating device 16 is disposed outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, so that the vortex ring generating device 16 is used as a separate functional module. At the same time, the vortex ring generating device 16 is detachably connected to the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and when necessary, the vortex ring generating device 16 can be disassembled and installed on other indoor units 1 of the air conditioner for use. The vortex ring generating device 16 can be connected in the form of screws, buckles, etc.

[0073] In a specific embodiment, when the vortex ring generating device 16 is disposed outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the inlet end of the housing 162 is communicated with the air duct 18. When the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is in the vortex air supply mode, the air flow in the air duct 18 blows into the vortex ring generating device 16, and vortex ring air flow is generated under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16, and finally blows out directly through the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 of the vortex ring generating device 16.

[0074] In a specific embodiment, a rotatable air deflector 22 is disposed at the air supply port 12 of the housing 162 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and the air deflector 22 is used to open or close the air supply port 12; an air inlet door (not shown in the figure) is disposed at the inlet end of the housing 162 of the vortex ring generating device 16, and the air inlet door is used to open or close the inlet end. The air deflector 22 and the air inlet door cooperate with each other to realize the switching between the conventional air supply and the vortex air supply of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, when the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is in the conventional air supply mode, the air deflector 22 opens the air outlet 12, the intake valve closes the inlet end, and the air flow in the air duct 18 directly blows out of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner; when the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is in the vortex air supply mode, the air deflector 22 closes the air outlet 12, the intake valve opens the inlet end, the vortex ring generating device 16 is communicated with the air duct 18, the air flow in the air duct 18 enters the vortex ring generating device 16, and under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16, a vortex ring air flow is generated, and then it blows out through the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 of the vortex ring generating device 16.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, it further includes: a housing, the air inlet 14 is arranged on the housing; a fan assembly, the fan assembly is arranged in the housing, and the fan assembly can drive the air flow to flow from the air inlet 14 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner to the vortex ring generating device 16; a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger 24 is arranged between the air inlet 14 and the fan assembly, or the heat exchanger 24 is arranged between the fan assembly and the vortex ring generating device 16, or the heat exchanger 24 is arranged between the vortex ring generating device 16 and the air outlet 12.

[0077] In this embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a housing and a fan assembly and a heat exchanger 24 arranged in the housing. The fan assembly can drive the air flow to flow from the air inlet 14 to the vortex ring generating device 16 to provide air volume for the vortex ring air outlet. The heat exchanger 24 is arranged between the air inlet 14 and the fan assembly, or the heat exchanger 24 is arranged between the fan assembly and the vortex ring generating device 16, or the heat exchanger device is arranged between the vortex ring generating device 16 and the air outlet 12, so that the gas forms cold air or hot air after heat exchange through the heat exchanger 24 and is sent into the room.

[0078] In a specific embodiment, the fan assembly can be a single-direction or bi-directional centrifugal impeller, and other similar impellers; the air inlet 14 of the air conditioner can be in a single-sided or multi-sided form.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the arrow direction in the figure represents the air flow direction, and the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The inlet end of the housing 162 is communicated with the air duct 18, the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 is communicated with the air outlet 12, the air outlet 12 includes a first air outlet 122 and a second air outlet 124, the first air outlet 122 is used as a vortex air outlet and is communicated with the vortex ring generating device 16, and the second air outlet 124 is used as a conventional air outlet and is directly communicated with the air duct 18.

[0080] When the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the following working conditions exist:

[0081] (1) The power is turned on, and the air door is in the position as Figure 1At the position shown, the air damper simultaneously opens the vortex air supply outlet and the conventional air supply outlet. The fan assembly rotates, starting the whole machine. Airflow enters the air duct 18 from the air inlet 14, is divided into two paths after passing through the heat exchanger 24, and blows towards the vortex air supply outlet and the conventional air supply outlet respectively, and then blows out from the vortex air supply outlet and the conventional air supply outlet simultaneously, realizing vortex air supply and conventional air supply at the same time. The working state is as Figure 1 shown.

[0082] (2) When the power is turned on, the air damper is at the position as Figure 2 shown (i.e., the air damper assembly is at the second position). The air damper closes the vortex air supply outlet and opens the conventional air supply outlet. The fan assembly rotates, starting the whole machine. Airflow enters the air duct 18 from the air inlet 14, and directly blows towards the conventional air supply outlet after passing through the heat exchanger 24, realizing conventional air supply. The working state is as Figure 2 shown.

[0083] (3) When the power is turned on, the air damper is at the position as Figure 3 shown (i.e., the air damper assembly is at the first position). The air damper opens the vortex air supply outlet and closes the conventional air supply outlet. The fan assembly rotates, starting the whole machine. Airflow enters the air duct 18 from the air inlet 14, and blows towards the vortex air supply outlet after passing through the heat exchanger 24, realizing vortex air supply. The working state is as Figure 3 shown.

[0084] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the arrow direction in the figure represents the airflow direction. The vortex ring generating device 16 is set as a separate functional module and is arranged outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The inlet end of the housing 162 is communicated with the air duct 18, and an air inlet door is arranged at the inlet end of the housing 162. The air inlet door is used to open or close the inlet end. The vortex ring generating device 16 can be connected in forms such as screws and buckles.

[0085] When the vortex ring generating device 16 is arranged outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the following working conditions of the mechanism exist:

[0086] (1) When the power is turned on, the air inlet door is at the position as Figure 6 shown. The air inlet door closes the inlet end, and the air deflector 22 opens the air supply outlet 12. The fan assembly rotates, starting the whole machine. Airflow enters the air duct 18 from the air inlet 14, and directly blows out from the air supply outlet 12 after passing through the heat exchanger 24, realizing conventional air supply. The working state is as Figure 6 shown.

[0087] (2) When the power is turned on, the air inlet door is at the position as Figure 7At the position shown, the intake valve opens at the inlet end, the air deflector 22 closes the air outlet 12, and the intake valve is in communication with the air outlet 12. The fan assembly rotates, starting the whole machine. Airflow enters the air duct 18 from the air inlet 14, passes through the heat exchanger 24, enters the vortex ring generating device 16 from the air outlet 12, forms a vortex ring under the action of the vortex ring generating device 16, and is finally blown into the room by the vortex ring generating device 16 to achieve eddy current air supply. The working state is as Figure 7 shown.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the vortex ring generating device 16 adopts a film type or a piston type. That is, the vortex ring generating member 166 can adopt a film structure or a piston structure; the air passing area of the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 is smaller than that of the inlet end, forming a variable cross-section air outlet. During the operation of the vortex ring generating device 16, the electromagnetic driving member continuously drives the vortex ring generating member 166 to perform reciprocating motion through the connecting rod, thereby driving the air at the outlet end 168 of the housing 162 to be disturbed. When the vortex ring generating member 166 moves towards the outlet end 168 of the housing 162, the gas in the housing 162 is compressed and blown out of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner; when the vortex ring generating member 166 moves away from the outlet end 168 of the housing 162, the pressure in the housing 162 decreases and external gas is sucked into the housing 162. During the alternating process of blowing and sucking gas, the continuously disturbed gas cooperates with the variable cross-section air outlet to form a vortex ring, realizing the eddy current air supply of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, the fan assembly can be a unidirectional or bidirectional centrifugal impeller, and other similar impellers; the air inlet 14 can be in a single-sided or multi-sided form; the air inlet 14 and the air outlet 12 can adopt a sliding switch door or a horizontal grille blade.

[0090] In a specific embodiment, as Figures 8 to 13 shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner proposed by the present invention is a cabinet type machine. The vortex ring generating device 16 is provided as a separate functional module outside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and is in communication with the air duct 18.

[0091] In a second aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is proposed, including: the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to any one of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0092] The air conditioner proposed by the present invention includes the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to any one of the first aspect of the present invention, and thus has all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, which will not be elaborated one by one here.

[0093] In the description of the present invention, the term "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly defined. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention; terms such as "connection", "installation", "fixation", etc. should all be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0094] In the description of this specification, the description of terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "specific embodiments", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or instance. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0095] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that, Comprising: Air supply outlet; Vortex ring generating device, the vortex ring generating device comprising: A housing, the housing including an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end being in communication with the air supply outlet, the air passing area of the outlet end being smaller than the air passing area of the inlet end; A vortex ring generating member disposed within the housing; A driving assembly, the vortex ring generating member being connected to the driving assembly, the vortex ring generating member being capable of reciprocating under the drive of the driving assembly to periodically drive the gas inhaled into the housing to be discharged through the outlet end and form a vortex ring air flow; The indoor unit of the air conditioner further comprises: An air duct, the air duct being in communication with the inlet end and the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; The air supply outlet includes a first air supply outlet and a second air supply outlet, the first air supply outlet being in communication with the vortex ring generating device, and the second air supply outlet being in communication with the air duct; The housing is provided with a rotatable air deflector at the air supply outlet, the air deflector being used to open or close the air supply outlet, and the housing is provided with an air inlet door at the inlet end, the air inlet door being used to open or close the inlet end.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving assembly includes: An electromagnetic driving member disposed within the housing; A connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod being connected to the electromagnetic driving member, and the other end being connected to the vortex ring generating member, the connecting rod being capable of driving the vortex ring generating member to reciprocate under the drive of the electromagnetic driving member.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The vortex ring generating member is a thin film structure or a piston structure.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The vortex ring generating device is disposed inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the inlet end is in communication with the air duct, and the outlet end is in communication with the air supply outlet.

5. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: An air door assembly disposed in the air duct, the air door assembly being capable of switching between a first position and a second position; When the air door assembly is in the first position, the air door assembly opens the first air supply outlet and closes the second air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the first air supply outlet under the action of the vortex ring generating device; When the air door assembly is in the second position, the air door assembly opens the second air supply outlet and closes the first air supply outlet, and the gas in the air duct is discharged through the second air supply outlet.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air door assembly includes: A driving component disposed in the air duct; An air door connected to the driving component, the air door being capable of rotating under the drive of the driving component to open or close the first air supply outlet and open or close the second air supply outlet.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The vortex ring generating device is detachably disposed outside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the inlet end is in communication with the air duct.

8. The indoor air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: A casing, the air inlet being provided on the casing; A fan assembly disposed within the casing, and the fan assembly being capable of driving the air flow to flow from the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to the vortex ring generating device; The heat exchanger is disposed between the air inlet and the blower assembly, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the blower assembly and the vortex ring generating device, or the heat exchanger is disposed between the vortex ring generating device and the air outlet.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Comprising: an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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