An air vent switch assembly for an air conditioner, an air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses an air vent switch assembly for an air conditioner and an air conditioner including the same. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit housing with an air inlet and a fresh air outlet. The air vent switch assembly includes: an air inlet baffle rotatably disposed at the air inlet; an air outlet baffle rotatably disposed at the fresh air outlet; a transmission assembly disposed between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle, used to simultaneously drive the air outlet baffle to open when the air inlet baffle is opened in the forward direction; and a drive assembly used to drive the air inlet baffle to rotate, thereby opening the air inlet baffle in the forward direction, opening the air inlet baffle in the reverse direction, or closing the air inlet baffle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and more particularly to an air vent switch assembly and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With societal progress and technological advancements, consumers' demands for air conditioners have expanded beyond simple cooling and heating; their needs for diversification are becoming increasingly strong. However, existing air conditioners often only control the opening and closing of the air inlet or the fresh air outlet. This method leads to dust accumulation inside the air conditioner, affecting its normal operation. Alternatively, because a single drive mechanism cannot control both the air inlet and the fresh air outlet, multiple drive mechanisms are required, resulting in a complex air conditioner structure and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention discloses an air vent switch assembly and an air conditioner, which are used to at least solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0005] The first aspect of this invention discloses an air vent switch assembly for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including an indoor unit housing having an air conditioning inlet and a fresh air outlet, the air vent switch assembly comprising:

[0006] An air inlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the air conditioner air inlet;

[0007] An air outlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the fresh air outlet;

[0008] A transmission component is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle, and is used to synchronously drive the air outlet baffle to open when the air inlet baffle is opened in the forward direction.

[0009] A drive component is used to drive the air inlet damper to rotate, so as to open the air inlet damper in the forward direction, open the air inlet damper in the reverse direction, or close the air inlet damper.

[0010] Further optional,

[0011] The air vent switch assembly also includes: a bracket plate assembly.

[0012] The bracket plate assembly is disposed on the top of the indoor unit housing, and the bracket plate assembly forms the air conditioner air inlet and the fresh air outlet.

[0013] Further optional,

[0014] The indoor unit housing has an installation port on its top.

[0015] The bracket plate assembly includes: a left bracket plate disposed on the left side of the mounting port for connecting the left end of the air inlet baffle; and a right bracket plate disposed on the right side of the mounting port for connecting the right end of the air inlet baffle.

[0016] The left bracket plate and the right bracket plate cooperate to form the air conditioning air inlet at the mounting port, and the fresh air outlet is opened on the left bracket plate.

[0017] Further optional,

[0018] The left support plate is provided with a limiting boss on its inner side. The limiting boss extends into the fresh air outlet to limit the air outlet baffle when the air outlet baffle is closed to its closed position.

[0019] Further optional,

[0020] The air inlet baffle includes: an active baffle and a driven baffle arranged parallel to each other, and a connecting rod connecting the active baffle and the driven baffle;

[0021] The first end of the active baffle is connected to the drive assembly, and the second end of the active baffle is connected to the transmission assembly.

[0022] Further optional,

[0023] The driving component includes:

[0024] A drive motor is mounted on the right support plate, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is connected to the first end of the active baffle.

[0025] Further optional,

[0026] The transmission assembly includes:

[0027] A boss is provided on the air outlet baffle shaft on the right side of the air outlet baffle, the boss being arranged radially along the air outlet baffle shaft; and a paddle is provided on the active baffle shaft at the second end of the active baffle, the paddle being arranged in a direction parallel to the active baffle shaft; wherein when the active baffle is opened in the forward direction, the paddle can move the boss to open the air outlet baffle.

[0028] Further optional,

[0029] The transmission assembly includes:

[0030] A paddle is provided on the air outlet baffle pivot on the right side of the air outlet baffle, the paddle being arranged in a direction parallel to the air outlet baffle pivot; and a boss is provided on the active baffle pivot at the second end of the active baffle, the boss being arranged in a radial direction along the active baffle pivot; wherein when the active baffle is opened in the forward direction, the boss can move the paddle to open the air outlet baffle.

[0031] A second aspect of the present invention discloses an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising the air vent switch assembly as described in any of the above claims.

[0032] Further optional,

[0033] The indoor unit housing of the air conditioner includes a panel.

[0034] The air vent switch assembly is installed on the top of the panel, and the panel is provided with a support platform that matches the top of the panel. The support platform is used to support the installation of the transmission assembly.

[0035] Beneficial effects: This invention improves the air vent switch assembly of an air conditioner, enabling the air conditioner's air inlet and fresh air outlet to open or close synchronously, thereby achieving full vent closure and effective dust prevention; the air inlet can also be opened separately; the opening and closing of the air inlet and fresh air outlet of the air conditioner can be achieved by a single drive assembly, and the linkage mechanism of the air vent switch assembly is highly efficient and low-cost. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings described below are merely some embodiments disclosed in the present invention; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the top of the assembled machine according to one embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A side view of the assembled machine with the assembly open, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A rear view of an embodiment of an air vent switch assembly is shown;

[0040] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the connection between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle of one embodiment is shown.

[0041] In the diagram: 1. Air vent switch assembly; 111. Active baffle; 1111. First end of active baffle; 1112. Second end of active baffle; 11121. Paddle; 112. Driven baffle; 12. Air outlet baffle; 121. Right rotation shaft of air outlet baffle; 122. Left rotation shaft of air outlet baffle; 13. Right support plate; 14. Left support plate; 2. Panel body; 21. Side plate of panel body; 211. Bushing; 22. Support platform. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0044] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0045] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes said element.

[0046] Current air conditioners lack separate switches for the air inlet and / or fresh air outlet, leading to dust accumulation inside. They often employ multiple drive components to control the opening and closing of these vents, increasing the overall cost. This invention improves the air vent switch assembly by using a single motor to link the air inlet and fresh air outlet. It allows for the independent opening of the air inlet or simultaneous opening of both vents. When the air conditioner is not in operation, the air inlet and outlet can be blocked, effectively preventing dust from entering and reducing the overall cost.

[0047] To further illustrate the technical solution of this invention, the following is combined with... Figures 1-4 As shown, the following specific embodiments are provided.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an air vent switch assembly 1 for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit housing, which has an air conditioning inlet and a fresh air outlet. The air vent switch assembly 1 includes:

[0050] An air intake baffle is rotatably mounted at the air conditioning intake.

[0051] The air outlet baffle 12 is rotatably installed at the fresh air outlet;

[0052] A transmission component is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle 12, and is used to synchronously drive the air outlet baffle 12 to open when the air inlet baffle is opened in the forward direction.

[0053] A drive assembly is used to drive the air intake damper to rotate, so as to open the air intake damper in the forward direction, open the air intake damper in the reverse direction, or close the air intake damper.

[0054] The vent switch assembly 1 in this embodiment can control the opening and closing of the air conditioner's air inlet and fresh air outlet. Combined with the setting of the inlet baffle's rotation angle, it allows the outlet baffle to open synchronously with the inlet baffle, or the inlet baffle to open independently. This vent switch assembly 1 is compatible with air conditioners that have a fresh air function.

[0055] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the vent switch assembly 1 further includes: a bracket plate assembly.

[0056] The bracket assembly is disposed on the top of the indoor unit housing, forming an air conditioning inlet and a fresh air outlet. Preferably, the top of the indoor unit housing has a mounting opening, and the bracket assembly includes: a left bracket plate 14 disposed on the left side of the mounting opening for connecting the left end of the air inlet baffle; and a right bracket plate 13 disposed on the right side of the mounting opening for connecting the right end of the air inlet baffle; wherein the left bracket plate 14 and the right bracket plate 13 cooperate to form an air conditioning inlet at the mounting opening, and a fresh air outlet is provided on the left bracket plate 14. It should be noted that the fresh air outlet can also be disposed on the right bracket.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in some optional configurations, a limiting boss is provided on the inner side of the left support plate 14. The limiting boss extends into the fresh air outlet to limit the outlet baffle 12 when it is closed to its closed position. In this embodiment, the outlet baffle reaches a preset opening angle after opening. Since the outlet baffle is located on the top of the air conditioner and flat covers its left support plate, the preset opening angle is less than 90°. When the inlet baffle is closed, it can close automatically by its own weight. When it is closed to the corresponding closed position, it can be limited by the limiting boss to prevent the outlet baffle from closing excessively.

[0058] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in this embodiment, the air inlet baffle includes: an active baffle 111 and a driven baffle 112 arranged parallel to each other, and a connecting rod connecting the active baffle 111 and the driven baffle 112. The first end 1111 of the active baffle is connected to a drive assembly, and the second end 1112 of the active baffle is connected to a transmission assembly. This air inlet baffle can achieve the rotation of multiple driven baffles 112 by the active baffle 111 through only one drive assembly. Furthermore, based on the connection between the active baffle 111 and the transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly being connected to the air outlet baffle 12, the control of the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle 12 by a single drive assembly is achieved.

[0059] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is mounted on the right support plate, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is connected to the first end 1111 of the active baffle.

[0060] like Figures 1-3As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission assembly includes: a boss on the right-hand rotating shaft 121 of the air outlet baffle, the boss being arranged radially along the rotating shaft of the air outlet baffle; and a paddle 11121 on the rotating shaft of the active baffle at the second end 1112 of the active baffle, the paddle 11121 being arranged in a direction parallel to the rotating shaft of the active baffle; wherein when the active baffle 111 is open in the forward direction, the paddle 11121 can move the boss to open the air outlet baffle 12. The left-hand rotating shaft 122 of the air outlet baffle on the left side of the air outlet baffle can be arranged on the left support plate 14, or on the side plate 21 of the panel body, in which case it is installed by a bushing 211 cooperating with the left-hand rotating shaft 122 of the air outlet baffle. In this embodiment, the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle 12 are in two states: contact and separation between the paddle and the boss. That is, when the air inlet baffle rotates in the forward direction to open the air inlet of the air conditioner, the paddle can contact the boss and push the boss to drive the air outlet baffle to rotate.

[0061] Similarly, in another embodiment, the transmission assembly includes: a paddle disposed on the air outlet baffle shaft at the right side of the air outlet baffle, the paddle being disposed in a direction parallel to the air outlet baffle shaft; and a boss disposed on the active baffle shaft at the second end 1112 of the active baffle, the boss being disposed in a radial direction along the active baffle shaft; wherein when the active baffle is open in the forward direction, the boss can actuate the paddle to open the air outlet baffle.

[0062] When the air inlet damper rotates in the reverse direction from its open position, the air inlet closes. At this time, the air outlet damper automatically closes due to gravity. When the air inlet damper is fully closed, the air outlet damper also closes, and is stopped by a limiting boss. If only the air inlet is open, the air inlet damper can be rotated in the reverse direction from its closed position. In this case, the air inlet damper opens in the opposite direction, and the air outlet damper does not move with the opening of the air inlet damper, remaining closed. Similarly, the reverse closing method is the reverse process of the reverse opening, and will not be described again.

[0063] It should be noted that in this embodiment, both of the two engagement methods of the boss and the lever can achieve the linkage between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle. This air outlet switch assembly 1 can prevent the air conditioner's fresh air outlet from being exposed at the top, which can prevent dust from easily falling into the fresh air component and will not cause dust accumulation to affect consumers, thus improving the user experience.

[0064] In some alternative methods, if it is not necessary to open the air conditioner air inlet separately, the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle can be directly connected. The specific connection method can be that the flat part of the air inlet baffle is set to cooperate with the flat part hole of the air outlet baffle, so that they can be opened and closed at the same time; or, a fixed rotating shaft is used for connection, in which case the two ends of the rotating shaft are connected to the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle respectively, and the two can also be opened and closed at the same time.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an air conditioner, which includes any of the air vent switch components 1 in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the indoor unit housing of the air conditioner includes a panel, the air vent switch component 1 is installed on the top of the panel, and a support platform 22 is provided on the panel to support the installation of the transmission component.

[0067] Specifically, the structure of the switch assembly corresponding to the air conditioner air inlet mainly includes: an active baffle 111, a driven baffle 112, left and right connecting rods connecting the active baffle 111 and the driven baffle 112, a left support plate, a right support plate, and a motor. The left and right support plates are fixed to the panel body by screws, pins, etc. The active baffle and the driven baffle are installed on the left and right support plates by in-mold injection molding and shaft hole fitting. The active baffle and the driven baffle are then connected in series by the left and right connecting rods. The motor engages with the active baffle through a flat part, thereby driving the active baffle to rotate. Then, through the transmission of the connecting rods, it further drives the movement of each driven baffle. The specific connection method will not be described in detail.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the switch assembly corresponding to the fresh air outlet mainly includes an outlet baffle and a bushing. The outlet baffle has rotating shafts on its left and right sides, i.e., left and right rotating shafts. The right outlet baffle rotating shaft has a boss that engages with the lever of the active baffle. The other side corresponds to the left side of the outlet baffle, where the outlet baffle is installed via a bushing mounted on the panel. At this time, the left outlet baffle rotating shaft is mounted on the bushing. The bushing can be made of wear-resistant, self-lubricating material to improve the smoothness of the outlet baffle's movement. When the motor drives the active baffle to rotate forward to open the air inlet, the active baffle, in addition to driving the driven baffle to rotate via a connecting rod, also drives the outlet baffle to rotate, thereby opening and closing the air conditioning inlet and the fresh air outlet.

[0069] This method has a simple structure and low cost. It can achieve full closure of the air vent, preventing dust and other debris from falling into the air conditioner when it is not in operation, thus affecting its performance and improving the user experience.

[0070] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementations described herein; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air vent switch assembly for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including an indoor unit housing having an air conditioning inlet and a fresh air outlet, characterized in that, The air vent switch assembly includes: An air inlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the air conditioner air inlet; An air outlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the fresh air outlet; A transmission component is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle, and is used to synchronously drive the air outlet baffle to open when the air inlet baffle is opened in the forward direction. A drive component is used to drive the air inlet baffle to rotate, so as to open the air inlet baffle in the forward direction, open the air inlet baffle in the reverse direction, or close the air inlet baffle. The air inlet baffle includes: an active baffle and a driven baffle arranged parallel to each other, and a connecting rod connecting the active baffle and the driven baffle; wherein the first end of the active baffle is connected to the drive assembly, and the second end of the active baffle is connected to the transmission assembly; The transmission assembly includes: a boss disposed on the air outlet baffle shaft on the right side of the air outlet baffle, the boss being disposed radially along the air outlet baffle shaft; and a paddle disposed on the active baffle shaft at the second end of the active baffle, the paddle being disposed in a direction parallel to the active baffle shaft; wherein when the active baffle is opened in the forward direction, the paddle can move the boss to open the air outlet baffle.

2. An air vent switch assembly for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including an indoor unit housing having an air conditioning inlet and a fresh air outlet, characterized in that, The air vent switch assembly includes: An air inlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the air conditioner air inlet; An air outlet baffle is rotatably mounted at the fresh air outlet; A transmission component is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the air outlet baffle, and is used to synchronously drive the air outlet baffle to open when the air inlet baffle is opened in the forward direction. A drive component is used to drive the air inlet baffle to rotate, so as to open the air inlet baffle in the forward direction, open the air inlet baffle in the reverse direction, or close the air inlet baffle. The air inlet baffle includes: an active baffle and a driven baffle arranged parallel to each other, and a connecting rod connecting the active baffle and the driven baffle; wherein the first end of the active baffle is connected to the drive assembly, and the second end of the active baffle is connected to the transmission assembly; The transmission assembly includes: a paddle disposed on the air outlet baffle shaft at the right side of the air outlet baffle, the paddle being disposed in a direction parallel to the air outlet baffle shaft; and a boss disposed on the active baffle shaft at the second end of the active baffle, the boss being disposed in a radial direction along the active baffle shaft. When the active baffle is opened in the forward direction, the boss can move the paddle to open the air outlet baffle.

3. The air vent switch assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air vent switch assembly also includes: a bracket plate assembly; The bracket plate assembly is disposed on the top of the indoor unit housing, and the bracket plate assembly forms the air conditioner air inlet and the fresh air outlet.

4. The air vent switch assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indoor unit housing has an installation port on its top. The bracket plate assembly includes: a left bracket plate disposed on the left side of the mounting port for connecting the left end of the air inlet baffle; and a right bracket plate disposed on the right side of the mounting port for connecting the right end of the air inlet baffle. The left bracket plate and the right bracket plate cooperate to form the air conditioning air inlet at the mounting opening, and the fresh air outlet is opened on the left bracket plate.

5. The air vent switch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The left support plate is provided with a limiting boss on its inner side. The limiting boss extends into the fresh air outlet to limit the air outlet baffle when the air outlet baffle is closed to its closed position.

6. The vent switch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driving component includes: A drive motor is mounted on the right support plate, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is connected to the first end of the active baffle.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes the air vent switch assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indoor unit housing of the air conditioner includes a panel. The air vent switch assembly is installed on the top of the panel, and the panel is provided with a support platform that matches the top of the panel. The support platform is used to support the installation of the transmission assembly.

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