Heat exchanger assembly and cleaning method, air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat exchanger assembly, a cleaning method, and an air conditioner, which relate to the technical field of air conditioners and solve the technical problem in the prior art that the unit is thick and affects the heat exchange efficiency of the unit due to the setting method of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger assembly includes a heat exchanger unit and a water receiving tray. The heat exchanger unit is horizontally arranged and located at the air inlet. The water receiving tray is arranged between the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet, and an air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed on the water receiving tray, so that the water receiving tray has the functions of both ventilation and water collection. In this way, the airflow at the air inlet can flow to the heat exchanger unit through the air inlet channel under the drive of the fan for heat exchange. Compared with traditional ceiling-mounted air conditioners, the heat exchanger assembly is placed horizontally, which greatly reduces the overall thickness of the unit. It is located at the air inlet, so that the outlet air can avoid the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the air volume loss at the air outlet and reducing noise. The overall ventilation is good and the heat exchange efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a heat exchanger component and a cleaning method, and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, home central air conditioners have become increasingly popular due to their aesthetically pleasing design and minimal space requirements, allowing them to be installed in ceiling-mounted units. However, the current mainstream ceiling-mounted air conditioners are not suitable for installation in ordinary homes due to their thickness and the lack of height required for installation in the ceiling.

[0003] For example, CN212132682U proposes a ceiling-mounted air conditioner. To ensure cooling, the heat exchanger's internal condensate flows into a drain pan. This tilted placement significantly increases the unit's thickness, making the solution less cost-effective. The drain pan is typically located below the heat exchanger to collect the condensate.

[0004] Moreover, the existing heat exchanger is usually arranged at the air outlet of the air conditioner. Due to the wind resistance of the heat exchanger, the unit will generate noise and the heat exchange efficiency of the unit will be affected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a heat exchanger assembly, cleaning method, and air conditioner to address the prior art technical problem of the heat exchanger's configuration resulting in a thick unit and reduced heat exchange efficiency. The various technical effects achieved by the preferred solution among the various technical solutions provided by the present invention are detailed below.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] The heat exchanger assembly provided by the present invention includes a heat exchanger unit and a water collecting pan, wherein the heat exchanger unit is horizontally arranged and located at the air inlet, the water collecting pan is arranged between the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet, and an air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed on the water collecting pan. Driven by the fan, the airflow at the air inlet can flow to the heat exchanger unit through the air inlet channel for heat exchange.

[0008] Preferably, the water receiving pan comprises a water receiving pan body and a drainage and water guiding structure arranged inside the water receiving pan body, and the drainage and water guiding structure is formed with a water collection area for receiving condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet channel.

[0009] Preferably, the diversion and water guiding structure includes a water retaining portion and a water collecting portion with a top opening, and a plurality of the water collecting portions are spaced apart in the water receiving tray body to form the water collecting area, and an air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed between each two adjacent water collecting portions, and the water retaining portion is covered above the air inlet channel to prevent condensed water from entering the air inlet channel, and there is an air flow gap between the water retaining portion and the water collecting portion, so that the air flow at the air inlet can flow into the air inlet channel and flow out to the heat exchanger unit through the air flow gap.

[0010] Preferably, the water collecting part includes a water collecting bottom plate and a first guide plate and a second guide plate connected on both sides of the water collecting bottom plate. The water collecting bottom plate is fixedly connected to the water receiving tray body. The air inlet channel is formed between the second guide plate on one of the water collecting parts and the first guide plate on the other adjacent water collecting part. The water collecting bottom plate, the first guide plate and the second guide plate enclose the water collecting area with a top opening.

[0011] Preferably, the first guide plate and the second guide plate are both arranged at an angle, and are arranged at an angle from top to bottom away from the air intake channel.

[0012] Preferably, the water retaining portion includes a cover-type water retaining plate, the height of both sides of the cover-type water retaining plate along its length direction is lower than the height of its middle part, and the condensed water dripping onto the cover-type water retaining plate can flow into the water collection area along the cover-type water retaining plate.

[0013] Preferably, the surface of the cover-type water baffle facing the heat exchanger unit is configured as an arc-shaped surface.

[0014] Preferably, the water receiving pan body includes a chassis body and a pan body side wall connected to the chassis body, the bottom of the water collecting part is fixedly connected to the chassis body, the water retaining part is located above the water collecting part and both ends are fixed on the pan body side wall.

[0015] Preferably, the side wall of the disk body includes two first side walls and two second side walls arranged opposite to each other, the water retaining portion is fixed between the two second side walls, and a plurality of water collecting portions are arranged between the two first side walls at intervals, and the length of each water collecting portion is less than the distance between the two second side walls.

[0016] Preferably, the distance between the two first side walls is greater than the length of the heat exchanger unit in the horizontal direction.

[0017] Preferably, the heat exchanger assembly further comprises a speed detection structure, which is provided between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray and is used to detect the speed of the airflow between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray.

[0018] Preferably, the heat exchanger assembly further includes an air quality detection structure, which is arranged above the heat exchanger unit and is used to detect the quality of the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit.

[0019] An air conditioner comprises a casing and a heat exchanger assembly arranged in the casing, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is the above-mentioned heat exchanger assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the casing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are both arranged at the bottom of the casing and a plurality of the air outlets are arranged on the periphery of the air inlet, and the heat exchanger assembly is horizontally arranged above the air inlet.

[0021] A method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly, comprising:

[0022] The condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit is controlled to be in a reflux or suspension state by the fan speed control, so that the air flow and / or dust on the heat exchanger unit flows into the water receiving tray along with the condensed water.

[0023] Preferably, the method of controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit to be in a reflux or suspension state by controlling the fan speed further comprises:

[0024] obtaining a velocity value of the airflow between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray, and if the velocity value is lower than a preset velocity value, controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit to be in a reflux state;

[0025] A concentration value of particulate matter in the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit is obtained. If the concentration value is greater than a preset concentration value, the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit is controlled to be in a suspended state.

[0026] The heat exchanger assembly provided by the present invention has a heat exchanger unit horizontally arranged above the air inlet. In order to better receive the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit, the water receiving pan also needs to be adaptively improved and arranged between the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet. An air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed on the water receiving pan, so that the water receiving pan has both ventilation and water collection functions. In this way, the airflow at the air inlet can flow to the heat exchanger unit through the air inlet channel under the drive of the fan for heat exchange. Compared with traditional ceiling-mounted air conditioners, the heat exchanger assembly is placed horizontally, which greatly reduces the overall thickness of the unit. It is located at the air inlet, so the outlet air can avoid the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the air volume loss at the air outlet and reducing noise. The overall ventilation is good and the heat exchange efficiency is high, which can meet the installation requirements of ordinary family buildings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the installation of a heat exchanger assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention within a unit;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the water receiving tray provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of part B.

[0032] Figure numerals: 1. heat exchanger unit; 2. water collecting pan; 21. water collecting pan body; 22. water retaining part; 23. water collecting part; 231. water collecting bottom plate; 232. first guide plate; 3. air inlet; 4. air outlet; 5. air inlet channel; 6. fan; 7. air duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementations obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] See also Figures 1 to 4 The present invention provides a heat exchanger assembly, including a heat exchanger unit 1 and a water receiving pan 2, wherein the heat exchanger unit 1 is horizontally arranged and located at the air inlet 3, the water receiving pan 2 is arranged between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the air inlet 3, and an air intake channel 5 connected to the air inlet 3 is formed on the water receiving pan 2. The airflow at the air inlet 3 can flow to the heat exchanger unit 1 through the air intake channel 5 for heat exchange under the drive of the fan 6.

[0035] The heat exchanger unit 1 is horizontally arranged above the air inlet 3. In order to better receive the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1, the water receiving pan 2 also needs to be adaptively improved. Preferably, the water receiving pan 2 is arranged between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the air inlet 3, and an air intake channel 5 connected to the air inlet 3 is formed on the water receiving pan 2, so that the water receiving pan 2 has both ventilation and water collection functions. In this way, the airflow at the air inlet 3 can flow to the heat exchanger unit 1 through the air intake channel 5 for heat exchange under the drive of the fan 6.

[0036] Compared with traditional ceiling-mounted air conditioners, the heat exchanger assembly is placed horizontally, which greatly reduces the overall thickness of the unit. It is located at the air inlet 3, so the outlet air can avoid the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the air volume loss at the air outlet 4 and reducing noise. The overall ventilation is good and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0037] The water receiving pan 2 in this embodiment includes a water receiving pan body 21 and a drainage and water guiding structure arranged inside the water receiving pan body 21. The drainage and water guiding structure is formed with a water collection area and an air inlet channel 5 for receiving condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0038] Specifically, the drainage and water guiding structure includes a water retaining portion 22 and a water collecting portion 23 with a top opening. Multiple water collecting portions 23 are arranged at intervals in the water receiving tray 2. Each water collecting portion 23 is a groove-shaped structure with an opening on the top, and a water collecting area is formed in the groove of the water collecting portion 23.

[0039] An air intake channel 5 connected to the air inlet 3 is formed between each two adjacent water collecting parts 23. The water retaining part 22 is covered above the air intake channel 5 to prevent condensed water from entering the air intake channel 5. There is an air flow gap between the water retaining part 22 and the water collecting part 23. The air flow at the air inlet 3 can flow into the air intake channel 5 and can flow to the heat exchanger unit 1 through the air flow gap for heat exchange.

[0040] The water collecting portion 23 includes a water collecting bottom plate 231 and a first guide plate 232 and a second guide plate connected on both sides of the water collecting bottom plate 231. The water collecting bottom plate 231 is fixedly connected to the water receiving tray body 21. An air intake channel 5 is formed between the second guide plate on one water collecting portion 23 and the first guide plate 232 on another adjacent water collecting portion 23. The water collecting bottom plate 231, the first guide plate 232 and the second guide plate form a water collecting area with a top opening for storing water.

[0041] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, both the first guide plate 232 and the second guide plate are inclined, tilted from top to bottom, away from the air inlet passage 5. The water retaining portion 22 in this embodiment comprises a cover-shaped water retaining plate, the two sides of which are lower than the center along their length. Condensate dripping onto the cover-shaped water retaining plate can flow along the cover-shaped water retaining plate into the water collection area. Furthermore, the surface of the cover-shaped water retaining plate facing the heat exchanger unit 1 is configured as an arcuate surface.

[0042] When the unit is cooling, some of the condensed water produced by heat exchanger unit 1 drips down the fins of heat exchanger unit 1 onto the water collection pan 2 under the action of gravity, and some drips onto the cover-type water baffle. Due to the curvature of the upper surface of the cover-type water baffle, some water droplets form a stream under the action of gravity and eventually flow into the water collection area. The first and second guide side plates on each water collection section 23 have a certain slope, which can concentrate the condensed water as much as possible and discharge it through the water pump. There is a certain airflow gap between the water collection section 23 and the cover-type water baffle, allowing air flowing in from the air inlet 3 to pass through this airflow gap to exchange heat with the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water receiving tray body 21 includes a chassis body and a tray side wall connected to the chassis body. The bottom of the water collecting part 23 is fixedly connected to the chassis body. The water retaining part 22 is located above the water collecting part 23 and its two ends are fixedly connected to the tray side wall.

[0044] like Figure 3 The sidewalls of the tray in this embodiment include two opposing first sidewalls and two opposing second sidewalls. A water retaining portion 22 is fixedly disposed between the two second sidewalls. Multiple water collecting portions 23 are spaced apart between the two first sidewalls, and the length of each water collecting portion 23 is less than the distance between the two second sidewalls, facilitating drainage. The distance between the two first sidewalls is greater than the horizontal length of the heat exchanger unit 1, which can better receive the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0045] In addition, with the improvement of the quality of life, cleaning automation and intelligent dust removal also need to be applied in products. The present invention can effectively utilize condensed water to clean the heat exchanger and reduce the particle concentration in the air circulation through motor speed control without using a water spray device, thereby reducing cleaning costs and improving the quality of life.

[0046] The unit uses centrifugal fan blades, and the heat exchanger unit 1 is placed horizontally. A speed detection structure is provided between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the water receiving tray 2 to detect the airflow speed between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the water receiving tray 2. An air quality detection structure is provided above the heat exchanger unit 1 to detect the quality of the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0047] The present invention provides a method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly, comprising the following steps:

[0048] The condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 is controlled by the speed of the fan 6 to be in a reflux or suspension state, so that the airflow and / or dust on the heat exchanger unit 1 flows into the water receiving tray 2 along with the condensed water.

[0049] Specifically, the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 is controlled to be in a reflux or suspension state by controlling the speed of the fan 6, and further comprising the following steps:

[0050] Obtaining a velocity value of the airflow between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the water receiving tray 2. If the velocity value is lower than a preset velocity value, controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 to be in a reflux state;

[0051] The concentration value of particulate matter in the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit 1 is obtained. If the concentration value is greater than a preset concentration value, the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 is controlled to be in a suspended state.

[0052] Preferably, based on factory test data and heat exchanger air volume data corresponding to different motor speeds, the self-cleaning function of the heat exchanger assembly is activated when the speed sensor detects that the airflow speed between the heat exchanger unit 1 and the water tray 2 is less than the historical data or a preset speed value at the same fan 6 speed. When the air quality sensor detects that the PM2.5 particle concentration is greater than the preset concentration value, the dust removal mode is activated.

[0053] When the unit starts the self-cleaning mode, the air flow flows from above the water receiving tray 2 into the fan 6 above the heat exchanger unit 1. The speed of the fan 6 needs to reach the first set value to ensure that the condensed water generated after the air flows through the heat exchanger is accelerated upward with the air flow. That is to say, the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 in this mode is in a reflux state, so that the condensed water flushes the fins of the heat exchanger unit 1 under the friction force of the fins and the adhesion force of water, thereby achieving the purpose of cleaning the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0054] When the unit starts the dust removal mode, the speed of the fan 6 needs to reach the second set value, so that the condensed water generated after the air flows through the heat exchanger for heat exchange is in a suspended state under the action of the fan 6, that is, it is attached to the surface of the heat exchanger unit 1, and the larger dust in the airflow will adhere to the water droplets. In other words, the water droplets of condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit 1 in this mode are in a suspended state, and the increased gravity of the water droplets will carry the dust into the water collection groove, thereby achieving the purpose of dust removal.

[0055] In addition, the present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising a casing and a heat exchanger assembly arranged in the casing.

[0056] Preferably, an air inlet 3 is provided on the bottom surface of the casing, and the heat exchanger unit 1 is laid flat above the air inlet 3; the casing is also provided with at least four air outlets 4, which are located around the bottom surface of the casing.

[0057] This air conditioner uses centrifugal fans, and air flows in the direction of the wind, passing through the filter screen and water tray 2 at the air inlet grille, into the heat exchanger unit 1 for heat exchange. The heat-exchanged air then flows out through the air duct 7 at the air outlet 4. Compared to traditional ceiling-mounted air conditioners, the heat exchanger unit 1 in this air conditioner is placed horizontally, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the unit. Furthermore, by placing the heat exchanger unit 1 at the air inlet 3, the air flows outward away from the heat exchanger unit 1, reducing air loss at the air outlet 4. This results in excellent ventilation and high heat exchange efficiency, making the air conditioner suitable for installation in ordinary homes.

[0058] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly, characterized in that: Applied to a heat exchanger assembly, the heat exchanger assembly includes a heat exchanger unit and a water receiving tray. The heat exchanger unit is horizontally arranged and located at the air inlet. The water receiving tray is arranged between the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet. An air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed on the water receiving tray. The airflow at the air inlet can flow to the heat exchanger unit through the air inlet channel for heat exchange under the drive of the fan. The cleaning method includes: controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit to be in a reflux or suspension state by means of a fan speed, so that the airflow and / or dust on the heat exchanger unit flows into the water receiving tray along with the condensed water.

2. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The water receiving pan includes a water receiving pan body and a drainage and water guiding structure arranged inside the water receiving pan body. The drainage and water guiding structure is formed with a water collection area for receiving condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit and the air inlet channel.

3. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The diversion and water guiding structure includes a water retaining portion and a water collecting portion with a top opening. A plurality of the water collecting portions are spaced apart in the water receiving tray body to form the water collecting area. An air inlet channel connected to the air inlet is formed between each two adjacent water collecting portions. The water retaining portion is covered above the air inlet channel to prevent condensed water from entering the air inlet channel, and there is an air flow gap between the water retaining portion and the water collecting portion. The air flow at the air inlet can flow into the air inlet channel and flow out to the heat exchanger unit through the air flow gap.

4. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The water collecting part includes a water collecting bottom plate and a first guide plate and a second guide plate connected on both sides of the water collecting bottom plate. The water collecting bottom plate is fixedly connected to the water receiving tray body. The air inlet channel is formed between the second guide plate on one of the water collecting parts and the first guide plate on the other adjacent water collecting part. The water collecting bottom plate, the first guide plate and the second guide plate enclose the water collecting area with a top opening.

5. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first guide plate and the second guide plate are both arranged at an angle, and are arranged at an angle from top to bottom away from the air intake channel.

6. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The water retaining portion includes a cover-type water retaining plate, the height of both sides of the cover-type water retaining plate along its length direction is lower than the height of its middle part, and condensed water dripping onto the cover-type water retaining plate can flow into the water collection area along the cover-type water retaining plate.

7. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The surface of the cover-type water baffle facing the heat exchanger unit is configured as an arc-shaped surface.

8. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The water receiving pan body includes a chassis body and a pan body side wall connected to the chassis body. The bottom of the water collecting part is fixedly connected to the chassis body. The water retaining part is located above the water collecting part and its two ends are fixed on the pan body side wall.

9. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The side wall of the disk body includes two first side walls and two second side walls arranged opposite to each other. The water retaining part is fixed between the two second side walls. A plurality of water collecting parts are arranged between the two first side walls, and the length of each water collecting part is less than the distance between the two second side walls.

10. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The distance between the two first side walls is greater than the length of the heat exchanger unit in the horizontal direction.

11. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger assembly further includes a speed detection structure, which is disposed between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray and is used to detect the speed of the airflow between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray.

12. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger assembly further includes an air quality detection structure, which is disposed above the heat exchanger unit and is used to detect the quality of the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit.

13. The method for cleaning a heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The step of controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit by the fan speed to be in a reflux or suspension state further comprises: obtaining a velocity value of the airflow between the heat exchanger unit and the water receiving tray, and if the velocity value is lower than a preset velocity value, controlling the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit to be in a reflux state; A concentration value of particulate matter in the air after heat exchange by the heat exchanger unit is obtained. If the concentration value is greater than a preset concentration value, the condensed water generated by the heat exchanger unit is controlled to be in a suspended state.

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