Air conditioner

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, in particular to an air conditioner, which comprises an indoor unit, the indoor unit comprises a shell, the shell comprises an air outlet, the shell is provided with a deflector at a position corresponding to the air outlet, wherein the indoor unit further comprises a humidifying module, the humidifying module comprises a humidifying film capable of humidifying air flowing therethrough, and a pipeline assembly capable of delivering water for humidifying air to the humidifying film, wherein at least a part of the pipeline assembly is located in the deflector. In the above technical solution, since at least a part of the pipeline assembly in the humidifying module is located in the deflector, the pipe arrangement space of the humidifying module can be optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The working principle of an air conditioner is as follows: Under the action of the fan, the air in the indoor space is drawn into the air conditioner through the return air vent. When the air flows over the surface of the heat exchanger inside the air conditioner, it exchanges heat with the heat exchanger, thereby cooling / heating the air. After cooling / heating, the air is sent back into the indoor space through the supply air vent. This cycle continues, thereby cooling / heating the indoor space, that is, regulating the temperature and quality of the air in the indoor space.

[0003] However, besides temperature quality, humidity quality also has a certain impact on human senses. Therefore, solutions have emerged on the market that add humidification modules to air conditioners. However, a common problem with current humidification modules is that they often require dedicated water supply pipes, necessitating reasonable wiring space and potentially causing interference with the existing structure of the air conditioner.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, the need for reasonable wiring space for the humidification module in existing air conditioners, and the potential interference between the wiring and the existing structure of the air conditioner, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit, a housing, an air outlet, and a guide vane disposed at a position corresponding to the air outlet. The indoor unit further comprises a humidification module, which includes: a humidification membrane capable of humidifying flowing air; and a piping assembly capable of delivering water for humidifying the air to the humidification membrane; wherein at least a portion of the piping assembly is located at the guide vane.

[0006] When the above technical solution is adopted, a humidification module is installed at the air guide plate of the air conditioner, which can purify the air supplied to the indoor space as it flows through the air outlet. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the ductwork assembly in the humidification module is located at the air guide plate, the ductwork space for the humidification module to achieve its humidification function can be optimized. For example, if all or part of the ductwork assembly is located at the air guide plate, it can be located close to the wall of the air guide plate or pass through the interior of the air guide plate.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the pipeline assembly includes: a first pipeline, which includes: at least one water storage chamber formed in the air guide plate, and at least a portion of the humidifying membrane is located in the water storage chamber, so that: water in the water storage chamber can be adsorbed by the humidifying membrane.

[0008] With the above technical solution, at least a portion of the humidifying membrane can be directly moistened and soaked within the water storage chamber. Since the water storage chamber also functions as a conduit for transporting water, the transmission path for delivering water to the humidifying membrane can be eliminated to some extent. This is expected to reduce the number of parts related to the transmission path and optimize the internal layout.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air guide plate includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate forming the water storage chamber, wherein the humidifying membrane is disposed on the second plate.

[0010] This configuration provides a specific structural form for the air guide plate. It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the specific forms of the first and second plates, as well as the specific structural form of the water storage chamber they form, according to actual needs. For example, the first plate could be a flat plate while the second plate could be a curved plate.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the first plate and / or the second plate are structures that expand outwards in a direction away from each other.

[0012] This configuration provides possible structural forms for the first and second plates.

[0013] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the specific external expansion form of the first and second plates according to actual needs, such as the first plate being a folded plate and the second plate being a curved plate.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the second plate is provided with a support structure, and the humidifying membrane is disposed on the second plate through the support structure.

[0015] When the above technical solution is adopted, the support structure can improve the stability of the humidification membrane in the assembled state. For example, it can effectively prevent phenomena such as misalignment, movement or even falling of the humidification membrane during the rotation of the air guide plate relative to the shell.

[0016] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can flexibly determine the structural form, number, and distribution of the support structure according to actual needs, as long as it can promote the stability of the humidification membrane when it is connected to the second plate. For example, the support structure can be a support strip arranged along the length of the air guide plate, or multiple limiting protrusions along the length of the air guide plate, etc.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the humidification module includes at least one water storage vessel capable of supplying water to the piping assembly, and the piping assembly includes a second pipe, through which the water storage vessel can supply water to the water storage chamber.

[0018] When the above technical solution is adopted, the water storage vessel supplies water to the water storage chamber through the second pipeline.

[0019] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the structural form, water storage capacity, and installation location and method of the water storage container on the air conditioner according to actual needs. For example, there may be one water storage tank, but the air conditioner may have multiple installation structures adapted to the water storage tank, so the water storage tank can be selectively installed in different locations according to actual needs. Alternatively, the water storage tank, in its assembled state, can be displaced within a small range by means of rotation, sliding, etc., to better realize its water supply function.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air guide plate includes a horizontal portion arranged along the width direction of the indoor unit and two vertical portions extending from both sides of the horizontal portion, the water storage chamber is formed in the horizontal portion, and the second pipe communicates with the water storage chamber through the vertical portion.

[0021] This configuration provides a specific arrangement for the piping assembly on the air guide plate. Since the water storage chamber is located in the central horizontal section, it minimizes the impact on the pivotal connections between the vertical sections on both sides and the housing. This allows the humidification module to function reliably while ensuring the air guide plate still fulfills its air guiding function.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, a pipe is provided on the vertical part, and the second pipe passes through the pipe and is thus connected to the water storage chamber.

[0023] This configuration provides one arrangement for the second pipe on the air guide plate. In the preferred embodiment of the above-described air conditioner, the water storage vessel includes a first water storage vessel and a second water storage vessel arranged along the width direction of the indoor unit's casing. Correspondingly, the second pipe includes: a first branch pipe through which the first water storage vessel supplies water to the water storage chamber; and a second branch pipe through which the second water storage vessel supplies water to the water storage chamber.

[0024] With the above technical solution, it is expected that the first and second water storage vessels can supply water to the humidifying membrane through independent operation or cooperation. For example, if the two water storage vessels supply water to two local parts of the water storage chamber respectively, the problem of ineffective water supply can be avoided if one of the water storage vessels malfunctions or the corresponding branch pipe is blocked.

[0025] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the first branch pipe is a folded pipe, and the second branch pipe is a straight pipe arranged in the vertical direction.

[0026] This configuration provides a specific form for the second pipeline. The bend in the pipe allows for greater flexibility in the installation position and outlet direction of the corresponding water storage container, while the straight pipe typically generates a larger water flow impact force on its downstream side, enabling the water to enter the storage chamber more smoothly.

[0027] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the specific structural forms of the first and second branch pipes according to actual needs to adapt to the structure of the water storage vessel, which can be flexibly adjusted. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The air conditioner of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a wall-mounted air conditioner unit. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wall-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a wall-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air guide plate in a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure mainly shows the first plate, the second plate, the humidification film, and the second branch.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification module located on the right side of a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram mainly shows the lower opening of the second water storage container and the water inlet and outlet on the right side of the air guide plate; and

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification module located on the left side of a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram mainly shows the lower opening of the first water storage container and the water inlet and outlet on the left side of the air guide plate.

[0034] List of reference numerals

[0035] 100. AFK (away from keyboard);

[0036] 1. Housing; 11. Air outlet;

[0037] 2. Air guide plate; 21. First plate; 22. Second plate; 23. Water storage chamber; 231. First water inlet of water storage chamber; 232. Second water inlet of water storage chamber

[0038] 311. First water storage container; 312. Second water storage container; 321. First branch pipe; 322. Second branch pipe; 33. Humidifying membrane;

[0039] A1, the first inlet of the first branch pipe; B1, the second inlet of the first branch pipe; A2, the first inlet of the second branch pipe; B2, the second inlet of the second branch pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, although this embodiment is described in conjunction with a wall-mounted air conditioner, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to other types of air conditioners, such as floor-standing or ducted air conditioners.

[0041] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "lateral," "vertical," and "inner," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] First refer to Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wall-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the entire wall-mounted air conditioner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one possible implementation, the wall-mounted air conditioner 100 typically includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a housing 1 and basic components such as a heat exchanger and a fan disposed within the housing 1. The housing 1 is provided with a return air vent (not shown) and an air supply vent 11. Under the action of the fan, the air in the indoor space enters the interior of the housing 1 through the return air vent and exchanges heat with the surface of the heat exchanger, causing a temperature change (e.g., the temperature decreases in cooling mode and increases in heating mode). The temperature-changed air is then sent back to the indoor space through the air supply vent. This cycle is repeated to regulate the temperature of the indoor space. The housing 1 is provided with an air guide plate 2 at a position corresponding to the air supply vent 11, so that the air volume and direction of the air supplied to the indoor space through the air supply vent can be adjusted by rotating the air guide plate relative to the housing 1. The indoor unit also includes a humidification module, which includes a water storage container for storing water, a humidification membrane 33 for humidifying the flowing air, and a piping assembly for delivering the water for humidifying the air to the humidification membrane. In this embodiment, according to Figure 1 The water storage containers include a first water storage container 311 located on the left side of the housing 1 and a second water storage container 312 located on the right side of the housing 1. Each water storage container is equipped with a pipeline assembly, such as a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The first pipeline is connected to the humidification membrane to deliver water to it, and the second pipeline is connected to the corresponding water storage container. In this embodiment, the (first and second) water storage containers share a first pipeline, which forms the water storage chamber 23 within the air guide plate 2. Each of the (first and second) water storage containers is equipped with a second pipeline, referred to as a first branch pipe 321 and a second branch pipe 322, respectively.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the air guide plate 2 includes a horizontal portion and two vertical portions extending from the horizontal portion to both sides, i.e., the air guide plate as a whole is a U-shaped structure. The vertical portions are pivotally connected to the housing 1 at the position corresponding to the air outlet 11. The horizontal portion includes a first plate 21 and a second plate 22, which form the aforementioned water storage chamber 23. Pipes are respectively provided on the two vertical portions, and the aforementioned first branch pipe 321 and second branch pipe 322 are respectively freely accommodated within the pipes on their respective sides.

[0045] See below. Figures 3 to 4 , Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air guide plate in a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure mainly shows the first plate 21, the second plate 22, the humidifying film 33, and the second branch 322. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification module located on the right side of a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram mainly shows the first port A2 of the second branch pipe and the second port B2 of the second branch pipe. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one possible implementation, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 forming the transverse portion of the air guide plate 2 are both structures that expand outwards in a direction away from each other. In this example, both the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are arc-shaped plates, and the two arc-shaped plates are integrally formed or interlocked to form a water storage chamber 23 serving as the first pipeline. This is accommodated on the right side of the air guide plate 2 (according to...). Figure 1 The second branch pipe 322 in the vertical section (located in the center) between the second port B2 of the second branch pipe and the second inlet 232 of the water storage chamber forms a second pipeline. The second pipeline is connected to the second water storage vessel through the first port A2 of the second branch pipe. The humidifying membrane 33 in the humidifying module is set on the second plate 22, and its lower part is immersed in the water in the water storage chamber 23 so as to adsorb the water in the water storage chamber onto the humidifying membrane, thereby carrying a certain amount of moisture. In this way, the air delivered through the air outlet 11 will flow through the humidifying membrane 33 when it passes through the air guide plate 2, thus humidifying the air delivered to the indoor space.

[0046] Furthermore, since the humidifying membrane 33 often has a certain density, it can also filter the air while humidifying it. In this example, the humidifying membrane 33 is directly inserted into the second plate 22. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can adjust the specific form in which the humidifying membrane 33 is placed on the second plate 22 according to actual needs. For example, support strips can be added to the second plate to make it more stable, and a corresponding sealing structure can be configured at the connection between the second plate and the humidifying membrane to prevent water in the water storage chamber from leaking out through the connection between the second plate and the humidifying membrane during the rotation of the air guide plate.

[0047] In one possible implementation, a pipe with two openings is located in the vertical portion on the right side of the air guide plate 2. The pipe is a second branch pipe opening B2 and a second water outlet 232 in the water storage chamber. A straight second branch pipe 322 is freely accommodated within it. Based on this, water stored in the second water storage vessel 312 located on the right side of the housing 1 enters the water storage chamber 23 via the second branch pipe 322. In this way, the water in the water storage chamber 23 is adsorbed onto the humidifying membrane 33, thus humidifying the air supplied through the air outlet 11 before it enters the indoor space.

[0048] See last for reference. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification module located on the left side of a wall-mounted air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram mainly shows the first port A1 of the first branch pipe and the second port B1 of the first branch pipe. Figure 5 As shown, the left side of housing 1 (according to Figure 1A first water storage vessel 311 is positioned in the middle (in the direction of the air guide plate 2). The lower end of the first water storage vessel 311 has an opening, denoted as the first port A1 of the first branch pipe. A pipe is also located in the vertical section on the left side of the air guide plate 2. The pipe has two openings, denoted as the second port B1 of the first branch pipe and the first inlet 231 of the water storage chamber, respectively. The first branch pipe 321, configured as a folded pipe, is freely accommodated within it. During humidification, water stored in the first water storage vessel 311 enters the first branch pipe 321 through the first port A1, then enters the hollow pipe through the second port B1, and finally enters the water storage chamber 23 through the first inlet 231. The externally expanded water storage chamber 23 can store a portion of water. At least a portion of the humidifying membrane 33 fixed on the second plate 22 is immersed in water, keeping the entire humidifying membrane moist. The air delivered from the air outlet 11, when passing through the air guide plate 2, is humidified and filtered by the humidifying membrane 33. The water storage vessels on the left and right sides share the same water storage chamber 23. Based on this, those skilled in the art can supply water to the water storage chamber by making the water storage vessels (311, 312) operate independently or cooperate in a joint manner according to actual needs, so as to better support the realization of the humidification function of the humidification module.

[0049] Of the two branch pipes, the first branch pipe 321 is configured as a bend, which typically allows for greater flexibility in the installation position and water outlet direction of the corresponding water storage vessel. The second straight pipe 322 is configured as a straight pipe, which typically generates a larger water flow impact force on its downstream side, allowing water to flow more smoothly into the water storage chamber 23. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the first branch pipe 321 as a straight pipe, or the second straight pipe 322 as a bend, or both the first branch pipe and the second pipe can be configured as straight pipes, bend pipes, or other forms, depending on specific needs.

[0050] As can be seen, the indoor unit of the wall-mounted air conditioner of the present invention has a hollow structure for the horizontal part of the air guide plate 2 and a humidifying membrane 33, which has the functions of humidification and air filtration, installed on the second plate therein, thus simplifying the structure of the humidification module. Through the cooperation between the vertical part of the air guide plate 2 and the second pipeline, the piping design of the humidification module is reasonably optimized.

[0051] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above-described configurations to make the present invention applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0052] For example, in an alternative implementation, it is acceptable as long as it meets the requirements for humidified air. Despite the above combination Figure 2The description describes a portion of the piping assembly located on the air guide plate 2, but this is not a limitation. Those skilled in the art can also reduce the first branch pipe 321 and / or the second branch pipe 322 as needed, such as directly using the pipe opened on the vertical part as the first / second branch pipe, and then connecting the openings on both sides of the pipe to the air guide plate 2 and the corresponding water storage container, thereby reducing the piping assembly. Such adjustments do not deviate from the principle of the present invention and therefore will also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0053] For example, in another alternative implementation, although Figure 1 Only one water storage chamber is provided. Those skilled in the art can increase the number of water storage chambers as needed, such as providing two water storage chambers. The two water storage chambers are respectively connected to the two first water storage vessels and the second water storage vessel. The two water storage chambers may or may not be connected to each other.

[0054] Furthermore, regarding the structure of the water storage chamber, this invention utilizes the first plate 21 and / or the second plate 22 to form the water storage chamber by having an outward expansion structure in a direction away from each other. As long as the water storage requirements are met, those skilled in the art can determine the number of plates with outward expansion and the specific outward expansion form according to actual needs. For example, to ensure the air guiding performance of the air guide plate 2, only the first plate 21 is set as an outward expansion structure. The outward expansion structure can also be freely configured, such as the outward expansion form of the first / second plate being a curved plate, a folded plate, etc.

[0055] For example, in another alternative embodiment, a humidifying membrane 33 is disposed on the second plate 22 and immersed in the water storage chamber 23. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and manner of its placement are not limited. The humidifying membrane 33 can be divided into multiple segments for placement, ensuring the humidification effect while also preventing a reduction in the intensity of some airflow. Alternatively, the humidifying membrane 33 can be bent to increase the wetted contact area.

[0056] For example, in another alternative embodiment, regarding the structural arrangement of the water storage vessel, although in Figure 1 The embodiment includes two water storage containers, but this should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can add or remove them according to specific needs. Correspondingly, the piping components connected to the water storage containers can also be added or removed to supply water to the water storage chamber 23 more flexibly.

[0057] Of course, the alternative implementation methods described above, as well as the alternative implementation methods and preferred implementation methods, can be used in combination to create new implementation methods that are suitable for more specific application scenarios.

[0058] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments, such as water storage containers and branch pipe structures. In the claims of this application, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0059] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, which includes a housing, an air outlet, and an air guide plate positioned corresponding to the air outlet. The indoor unit further includes a humidification module, which includes: A humidifying membrane that humidifies the air it passes through; and Piping assembly that delivers water for humidifying air to the humidifying membrane; Wherein, at least a portion of the piping assembly is located on the air guide plate; the piping assembly includes: The first conduit includes: At least one water storage chamber is formed within the air guide plate, and at least a portion of the humidifying membrane is located within the water storage chamber, so as to: The water in the water storage chamber can be adsorbed by the humidifying membrane; The air guide plate includes a horizontal portion along the width direction of the indoor unit and two vertical portions extending from both sides of the horizontal portion; the horizontal portion includes a first plate and a second plate, which form the water storage chamber; the water storage chamber is formed in the horizontal portion, and the second pipe communicates with the water storage chamber through the vertical portion; the vertical portion is pivotally connected to the housing at a position corresponding to the air outlet, and pipes are respectively provided on the two vertical portions to communicate with the water storage chamber; The humidifying membrane is inserted into the second plate.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate and / or the second plate are structures that expand outwards in a direction away from each other.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second plate is provided with a support structure, and the humidifying membrane is disposed on the second plate through the support structure.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The humidification module includes at least one water storage vessel capable of supplying water to the piping assembly. The piping assembly includes: The second pipeline allows the water storage vessel to supply water to the water storage chamber.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air guide plate includes a horizontal portion arranged along the width direction of the indoor unit and two vertical portions extending from both sides of the horizontal portion. The water storage chamber is formed in the horizontal portion, and the second pipeline communicates with the water storage chamber via the vertical portion.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pipe is provided on the vertical section, and the second pipe passes through the pipe and is therefore connected to the water storage chamber.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water storage container includes a first water storage container and a second water storage container arranged along the width direction of the indoor unit's casing. Accordingly, The second pipeline includes: The first branch pipe supplies water to the water storage chamber through the first water storage vessel. The second branch pipe supplies water to the water storage chamber through the second water storage vessel.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first branch pipe is a folded pipe, and the second branch pipe is a straight pipe installed in the vertical direction.

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