Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner indoor unit comprises an indoor unit body and a fresh air device, and the fresh air device is installed on the indoor unit body; the fresh air device comprises a fresh air shell and a fresh air fan, and the fresh air shell is provided with a fresh air inlet, a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet; the fresh air device has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode; in the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet is closed, the air inlet side of the fresh air fan is communicated with the fresh air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is communicated with the fresh air outlet; in the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet is closed, the air inlet side of the fresh air fan is communicated with the indoor air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is communicated with the fresh air inlet. The technical scheme of the application reduces the connection exhaust air inlets of the fresh air device and the outdoor through the control of the opening or closing of the air inlets and the optimization of the air path, and then the fresh air device can be connected to the outdoor through one pipeline, only one pipeline and one hole on the wall are needed, and the structure of the fresh air device is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their requirements for living and working environments are increasing. Air conditioning equipment, as a temperature regulator in enclosed spaces, is very popular. Air conditioners with fresh air functions are becoming increasingly popular and represent a major future development trend. More and more air conditioners will incorporate fresh air features. We all know that maintaining effective air circulation is the best way to keep the air fresh. Currently, to achieve circulation, there are usually fresh air and exhaust modes. Correspondingly, connecting to the outside requires two pipes, which necessitates drilling two holes in the wall during installation. This is cumbersome, unsightly, and damages the wall structure, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner that aims to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background section.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit body and a fresh air device, wherein the fresh air device is installed on the indoor unit body; The fresh air device includes a fresh air housing and a fresh air fan installed inside the fresh air housing. The fresh air housing has a fresh air inlet, a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet. The fresh air device has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air outlet. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the indoor air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet.

[0005] Optionally, a switching valve is provided inside the fresh air housing, and the switching valve is movable and has a first position and a second position; In the first position, the switching valve connects the fresh air inlet to the air intake side of the fresh air fan, and the switching valve also blocks the fresh air inlet from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan. In the second position, the switching valve blocks the fresh air inlet from the air intake side of the fresh air fan, and the switching valve connects the fresh air inlet to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan.

[0006] Optionally, the fresh air device further includes a first drive mechanism and a guide tube disposed on one side of the fresh air fan. The first drive mechanism drives the switching valve to slide along the guide tube, thereby allowing the switching valve to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0007] Optionally, the first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor and a lead screw, wherein the first drive motor is driven and connected to the lead screw, and the lead screw is driven and connected to the switching valve.

[0008] Optionally, the switching valve includes a first damper and a second damper, the first damper and the second damper being adjacent to each other; When the switching valve is in the first position, the second damper retracts into the guide tube, the first damper covers the opening of the guide tube, and the fresh air inlet is connected to the air inlet side of the fresh air fan. When the switching valve is in the second position, the second damper blocks the fresh air inlet from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan, and the first damper opens the opening of the guide tube, so that the fresh air inlet is connected to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan through the guide tube.

[0009] Optionally, the fresh air fan is provided with an air inlet plate on the air inlet side, and the guide tube is connected to the air inlet plate.

[0010] Optionally, the fresh air fan includes a fresh air impeller and a fresh air volute disposed on one side of the fresh air impeller. A flow guide gap communicating with the flow guide tube is formed between the fresh air volute and the fresh air housing. A third damper is disposed within the flow guide gap. In the fresh air mode, the third damper blocks the flow guide gap from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan. In the exhaust mode, the third damper connects the flow guide gap to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan.

[0011] Optionally, a fourth air damper is provided at the fresh air outlet, the fourth air damper is used to control the opening or closing of the fresh air outlet, and the fourth air damper is linked with the third air damper.

[0012] Optionally, a fifth damper is provided at the indoor air inlet, which is used to control the opening or closing of the indoor air inlet.

[0013] Optionally, the fresh air device further includes a heating component disposed within the fresh air housing, and the heating power of the heating component is adjustable.

[0014] Optionally, the heating assembly includes a first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the first heating element is disposed at the fresh air inlet and the second heating element is disposed at the indoor air inlet.

[0015] Optionally, the first heating element includes a heating body and a heat conductor. The heating body is tubular and installed at the fresh air inlet. The heat conductor is mesh-like and is located inside or at the port of the heating body.

[0016] Optionally, the heat conductor is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, and the heat conductor is snapped onto the port of the heating body through the snap-fit ​​part.

[0017] Optionally, the fresh air housing has an installation port, and the second heating element is detachably installed inside the fresh air housing through the installation port; the indoor unit body includes a chassis and a front frame, the fresh air device is disposed between the chassis and the front frame, the front frame has a disassembly port and an air outlet, the disassembly port corresponds to the installation port, and the air outlet corresponds to the fresh air outlet.

[0018] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, wherein the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a refrigerant pipe; the indoor unit includes an indoor unit body and a fresh air device, wherein the fresh air device is installed on the indoor unit body; The fresh air device includes a fresh air housing and a fresh air fan installed inside the fresh air housing. The fresh air housing has a fresh air inlet, a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet. The fresh air device has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air outlet. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the indoor air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet.

[0019] This invention proposes an indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising an indoor unit body and a fresh air device installed on the indoor unit body. The fresh air device includes a fresh air housing and a fresh air fan. The fresh air housing has a fresh air inlet, a fresh air outlet, and an indoor air inlet. The fresh air device has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air outlet. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the indoor air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet. Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution of this invention, through controlling the opening and closing of the air vents and optimizing the airflow path, and designing the indoor air to be exhausted from the fresh air inlet, reduces the number of exhaust vents connecting the fresh air device to the outside, allowing it to be connected to the outside via a single duct. This technical solution, requiring only one duct and one wall opening, optimizes the structure of the fresh air device and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of a fresh air system; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the fresh air device; Figure 4 This is a side view of the fresh air system. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view of AA; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first heating element; Figure 7 An assembly diagram of the fresh air unit installed in the indoor unit body; Figure 8 for Figure 2 Exploded view; Figure 9 This is another side view of the fresh air system; Figure 10 This is a status diagram of the fresh air mode; Figure 11This is a status diagram of the exhaust mode; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve. Figure 13 This is a side view of the switching valve.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Indoor unit of air conditioner; 10. Fresh air unit; 100. Fresh air housing; 110. Fresh air inlet; 120. Fresh air outlet; 130. Indoor air inlet; 150. Installation port; 160. First position; 170. Second position; 180. Air guide gap; 200. Heating assembly; 210. First heating element; 212. Heat conductor; 211. Heating element; 220. Second heating element; 300. Third air vent; 400. Flow deflector; 500. Switching valve; 510. First damper; 520. Second damper; 530. Bracket; 600. Fifth ventilation door; 700. Fourth air damper; 710. Active door; 720. Linkage; 730. Driven door; 800. Fresh air fan; 810. Fresh air impeller; 820. Fresh air volute; 900, First drive mechanism; 910, First drive motor; 920, Lead screw; 20. Indoor unit body; 21. Front frame; 21a. Disassembly port; 22. Chassis; 21b. Air outlet; The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0025] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and" appearing throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0026] The main function of an air conditioner is to regulate temperature and circulate indoor air. However, it cannot exchange indoor and outdoor air to expel stale indoor air. The indoor unit of an air conditioner can ventilate without opening windows. Through continuous air supply and return, it expels stale indoor air and continuously supplies filtered outdoor air into the room, thus improving indoor air quality through air circulation.

[0027] This invention proposes an indoor unit for an air conditioner.

[0028] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner includes an indoor unit body 20 and a fresh air device 10, which is installed on the indoor unit body 20. The fresh air device 10 includes a fresh air housing 100 and a fresh air fan 800. The fresh air housing 100 has a fresh air inlet 110, a fresh air outlet 120, and an indoor air inlet 130. The fresh air device 10 has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet 130 is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air inlet 110, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air outlet 120. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet 120 is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the indoor air inlet 130, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air inlet 110.

[0029] The indoor unit 1 of this air conditioner includes an indoor unit body 20 and a fresh air unit 10. The indoor unit body 20 typically includes a casing, a heat exchanger, an electrical control box assembly, and a cross-flow fan. The casing includes a panel assembly, a display box assembly, an air guide plate assembly, and a chassis. The chassis is connected to the wall or floor, thus supporting the entire indoor unit 1. The heat exchanger is typically installed in the air intake duct of the indoor unit 1, located between the panel assembly and the cross-flow fan, while the air guide plate assembly is located on the other side of the cross-flow fan.

[0030] In this embodiment, the fresh air device 10 is installed on the indoor unit body 20. The fresh air device 10 can be installed on the chassis 22 of the indoor unit body 20 by means of screw connection and / or snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, the top of the fresh air device 10 is provided with an assembly plate, and the chassis 22 is provided with screw posts. The assembly plate and the screw posts are fastened together by screws. In order to reduce the noise caused by vibration during the operation of the fresh air device 10, shock-absorbing pads (such as velvet or rubber rings) can be added at the connection points between multiple assembly plates and screw posts during assembly to reduce vibration and noise. In addition, the back plate of the fresh air device 10 is provided with upper hooks and lower hooks. Correspondingly, the chassis 22 is provided with snap-fit ​​positions for the upper hooks and lower hooks to engage, so as to further enable the fresh air device 10 to be stably installed inside the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. In this embodiment, when the fresh air device 10 is installed on the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the fresh air outlet 120 of the fresh air device 10 faces the panel and the front frame 21 and the panel will have corresponding air outlets 21b corresponding to the fresh air outlet 120. A protective grille can be installed at the air outlet 21b. The fresh air device 10 can also be fixedly installed on the side wall of the front frame 21, with the fresh air device 10 tilted downwards and the fresh air outlet 120 facing the lower front side of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0031] Specifically, the fresh air housing 100 can be in the shape of a cube, cuboid, cylinder, or near-cylindrical, etc. An inner cavity is formed within the fresh air housing 100 for installing and protecting various components of the fresh air device 10. The housing has a fresh air inlet 110, a fresh air outlet 120, and an indoor air inlet 130. Typically, a fresh air fan 800 is also installed in the inner cavity. The fresh air fan 800 includes a fresh air impeller 810 and a fresh air volute 820. When the fresh air impeller 810 is activated, it generates negative pressure, driving airflow through the fresh air inlet 110 into the inner cavity of the fresh air device 10.

[0032] The fresh air device 10 has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. The fresh air fan 800 has an air inlet side and an air outlet side. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet 130 is closed, the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air inlet 110, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air outlet 120. Thus, under the action of the fresh air fan 800, outdoor fresh air flows in from the fresh air inlet 110, passes through the fresh air duct, and is blown out from the fresh air outlet 120, thereby achieving indoor ventilation without opening windows. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet 120 is closed, the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the indoor air inlet 130, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 is connected to the fresh air inlet 110, while isolating the fresh air inlet 110 from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800. The specific structure of the connection between the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 and the fresh air inlet 110, as well as the method of blocking the air inlet 110 from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800, are not limited here. Thus, the indoor air inlet 130 and the fresh air inlet 110 are connected to form an exhaust duct, allowing stale indoor air to be exhausted through the fresh air inlet 110 under the action of the fresh air fan 800. Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this invention, through controlling the opening or closing of the air vents and optimizing the air path, and the design of indoor air being exhausted from the fresh air inlet 110, reduces the number of exhaust vents connecting the fresh air device 10 to the outside, allowing it to be connected to the outside through a single duct. This technical solution, requiring only one duct and one opening in the wall, optimizes the structure of the fresh air device 10 and improves the user experience.

[0033] Please see Figure 8 In a preferred embodiment, a switching valve 500 is provided inside the fresh air housing 100. The switching valve 500 is movable and has a first position 160 and a second position 170. In the first position 160, the switching valve 500 connects the fresh air inlet 110 to the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 and blocks the fresh air inlet 110 from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800. In the second position 170, the switching valve 500 blocks the fresh air inlet 110 from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 and connects the fresh air inlet 110 to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800.

[0034] Specifically, a switching valve 500 is installed inside the fresh air housing 100. The switching valve 500 is movable and has a first position 160 and a second position 170. In the first position 160, the switching valve 500 connects the fresh air inlet 110 to the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 and blocks the fresh air inlet 110 from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800. At this time, the fresh air mode is activated, realizing the function of fresh air intake. In the second position 170, the switching valve 500 blocks the fresh air inlet 110 from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800 and connects the fresh air inlet 110 to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800. At this time, the exhaust mode is activated, realizing the function of exhaust. In this embodiment, the design of the switching valve 500 enables the fresh air fan 800 to connect its air inlet side to the fresh air inlet 110 and its air outlet side to the fresh air outlet 120 in the fresh air mode; in the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet 120 is closed, the fresh air fan 800 connects its air inlet side to the indoor air inlet 130 and its air outlet side to the fresh air inlet 110, thereby optimizing the airflow structure of the fresh air device 10.

[0035] Please see Figure 8 Based on the previous embodiment, to further optimize the airflow structure of the fresh air device 10 in the exhaust mode, the fresh air device 10 further includes a first drive mechanism 900 and a guide tube 400 disposed on one side of the fresh air fan 800. The first drive mechanism 900 drives and connects to the switching valve 500, so as to drive the switching valve 500 to slide along the guide tube 400, thereby making the switching valve 500 switchable between the first position 160 and the second position 170. Preferably, the first drive mechanism 900 includes a first drive motor 910 and a lead screw 920. The first drive motor 910 drives and connects to the lead screw 920, and the lead screw 920 drives and connects to the switching valve 500, that is, the switching valve 500 is driven by the lead screw 920 so that it can smoothly switch between the first position 160 and the second position 170.

[0036] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 12 and Figure 13In a preferred embodiment, to further optimize the airflow structure of the fresh air device 10's exhaust mode, the switching valve 500 includes a first damper 510 and a second damper 520, which are adjacent to each other. When the switching valve 500 is in the first position 160, the second damper 520 retracts into the guide tube 400, and the first damper 510 covers the opening of the guide tube 400, allowing the fresh air inlet 110 to communicate with the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800. When the switching valve 500 is in the second position 170, the second damper 520 blocks the fresh air inlet 110 from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan 800, and the first damper 510 opens the opening of the guide tube 400, allowing the fresh air inlet 110 to communicate with the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800 through the guide tube 400. Preferably, in order to enable the switching valve 500 to switch more smoothly between the first position 160 and the second position 170, the switching valve 500 further includes a bracket 530 connecting the first damper 510 and the second damper 520, the shape of the bracket 530 corresponding to the shape of the fresh air housing 100 at the movable part of the switching valve 500.

[0037] Please see Figure 8 In one embodiment, in order to make the air paths of the fresh air path and the exhaust air path of the fresh air device 10 clearer, the fresh air fan 800 is provided with an air inlet plate on the air inlet side, and the guide tube 400 is connected to the air inlet plate.

[0038] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In one embodiment, the fresh air fan 800 includes a fresh air impeller 810 and a fresh air volute 820 disposed on one side of the fresh air impeller 810. A guide gap 180 communicating with the guide tube 400 is formed between the fresh air volute 820 and the fresh air housing 100. A third damper 300 is disposed within the guide gap 180. In the fresh air mode, the third damper 300 blocks the guide gap 180 from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800. In the exhaust mode, the third damper 300 connects the guide gap 180 to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800.

[0039] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In a preferred embodiment, a fourth damper 700 is provided at the fresh air outlet 120. The fourth damper 700 is used to control the opening or closing of the fresh air outlet 120, and the fourth damper 700 is linked with the third damper 300. In this embodiment, the linkage means that when the third damper 300 connects the guide gap 180 with the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800, the third damper 300 closes the fresh air outlet 120; when the third damper 300 blocks the guide gap 180 from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan 800, the third damper 300 opens the fresh air outlet 120, so that the fresh air device 10 can switch modes. Preferably, the third damper 300 and the fourth damper 700 share a single door; for ease of description, the fourth damper 700 is used as the subject of this description. The fresh air unit 10 also includes a second drive mechanism. The fourth air damper 700 includes an active door 710, a connecting rod 720, and a driven door 730. The second drive mechanism drives the active door 710, and the active door 710 drives the driven door 730 through the connecting rod 720, thereby controlling the fourth air damper 700. The active door 710 is rotatably mounted on the fresh air housing 100 so that the fourth air damper 700 can block the gap and open the fresh air outlet 120; or the fourth air damper 700 can open the gap and close the fresh air outlet 120.

[0040] Please see Figure 8 In one embodiment, a fifth damper 600 is provided at the indoor air inlet 130, which is used to control the opening or closing of the indoor air inlet 130. Specifically, the fresh air device 10 also includes a third drive mechanism, which includes a third motor and a third drive shaft. The third motor drives the third drive shaft, which in turn moves the fifth damper 600 to control the opening or closing of the indoor air inlet 130. The movement of the fifth damper 600 by the third drive shaft can be either translation or rotation, both of which can cause the indoor air inlet 130 to open or close. Preferably, the fifth damper 600 is designed to translate, which reduces the space occupied by the fifth damper 600 and makes the entire fresh air device 10 more compact.

[0041] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In another embodiment, in order to improve the user experience of using the fresh air function of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner of this application in winter, the fresh air device 10 further includes a heating component 200 disposed in the fresh air housing 100; and, based on the different heating power requirements of different fresh air volumes, the heating power of the heating component 200 is adjustable.

[0042] The heating component 200 is disposed within the fresh air housing 100. It can be located at the fresh air inlet 110, fresh air outlet 120, or on the fresh air duct, or at the indoor air inlet 130. The heating component 200 is a heating element that performs the heating function. It should be noted that the heating element only needs to increase the temperature of the fresh air inlet 110; the specific type of heating element is not specifically limited here. For example, the heating element can be a ceramic electric heating tube, an infrared heating tube, a carbon heating tube, or a PTC heating element.

[0043] Different fresh air volumes require different heating power, and a heating component 200 with only one heating power output cannot meet this demand. Therefore, to meet the heating power requirements of different fresh air volumes, the fresh air device 10 is equipped with a control program. This program can control the operating current or voltage of the heating component 200 to adjust its heating power. Specifically, the control program can set speed levels, which the user can adjust via a remote control. The number of speed levels can be determined by specific needs and is not limited here.

[0044] For ease of description, the following description uses three adjustable settings. The control program controls the operating power of the heating element by adjusting the voltage and current, thereby controlling the heat output per unit time to meet different needs. When the user turns on the high fan speed setting, the program controls the power supply to the heating element. Because of the high airflow and high heat requirements, the heating element operates at full power. When the user turns on the medium fan speed setting, the heating element's power is controlled between 50% and 75%, operating at low power. When the user turns on the low fan speed setting, to improve the user experience and minimize the time it takes for the fresh air to reach the target temperature without exceeding the temperature threshold and triggering overload protection, the control program first controls the heating element to operate at full power for a certain period. Then, the program adjusts the heating element's power to between 30% and 50%, maintaining a lower operating power to meet the heating needs of the fresh air. After multiple adjustments and tests, operating the heating element at full power for one to five minutes yields the best results, with two to three minutes providing the optimal user experience and heating effect. In this way, different heating powers are adapted according to the user's selected setting, meeting the heating power requirements of different fresh air volumes.

[0045] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In another embodiment, the heating assembly 200 includes a first heating element 210 and a second heating element 220. The first heating element 210 is located at the fresh air inlet 110, and the second heating element 220 is located at the indoor air inlet 130. The first heating element 210, located at the fresh air inlet 110, can directly heat the air flowing through it, improving heating efficiency. Simultaneously, the first heating element 210 is far from the fan, minimizing its impact on the fan. The second heating element 220, located at the indoor air inlet 130, can heat the air entering the room. The first heating element 210 and the second heating element 220 can be controlled independently, thus allowing for greater variation in the heating effect of the heating assembly 200.

[0046] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first heating element 210 includes a heating body 211 and a heat conductor 212. The heating body 211 is tubular and installed at the fresh air inlet 110. The heat conductor 212 is mesh-like and is located inside or at the port of the heating body 211. The tubular shape of the heating body 211 ensures sufficient airflow. Installing the heating body 211 at the fresh air inlet 110 allows for direct heating, shortening the distance between the heat source and the fresh air inlet 110 and reducing the time required to defrost. This increases the contact area between the first heating element 210 and the airflow, ensuring sufficient heating. The heat conductor 212 is mesh-like, and mesh can be further divided into flat mesh, mesh cylinder, and mesh rod. Flat mesh allows for greater airflow, while mesh cylinder and mesh rod offer greater heat conduction. In summary, the mesh-like heat conductor 212 can further increase the contact area between the first heating element 210 and the air, reduce the impact of the heating element 211 on the airflow at the fresh air inlet 110, and improve the heating efficiency of the first heating element 210. In this embodiment, the heat conductor 212 only needs to conduct heat; therefore, the heat conductor 212 needs to be connected to the heating element 211 and located inside or at the port of the heating element 211.

[0047] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Based on the above embodiment, the heat conductor 212 is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, and the heat conductor 212 is snapped onto the port of the heating element 211 through the snap-fit ​​part. There are many ways to connect the heat conductor 212 and the heating element 211, such as plug-in, snap-fit, threaded connection, etc. The snap-fit ​​connection method is simpler and more efficient than the threaded connection, and compared with the plug-in connection, it can provide a certain amount of friction, making the installation sufficiently stable.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 To improve the assembly efficiency of the heating component 200 and facilitate subsequent maintenance, in a preferred embodiment, the fresh air housing 100 is provided with an installation port 150, through which the second heating element 220 is detachably installed within the fresh air housing 100. The indoor unit body 20 includes a chassis 22 and a front frame 21, with the fresh air device 10 disposed between the chassis 22 and the front frame 21. The front frame 21 is provided with a disassembly port 21a and an air outlet 21b, the disassembly port 21a corresponding to the installation port, and the air outlet 21b corresponding to the fresh air outlet 120.

[0049] Specifically, the indoor unit body 20 includes a chassis 22, a panel, and a front frame 21. The front frame 21 is located between the chassis 22 and the panel. The fresh air device 10 is located between the chassis 22 and the front frame 21. The top of the fresh air device 10 is provided with an mounting plate, and the chassis 22 is provided with screw posts. The mounting plate and the screw posts are fastened together by screws. In this embodiment, when the fresh air device 10 is installed on the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, the fresh air outlet 120 of the fresh air device 10 faces the panel and discharges air. The front frame 21 and the panel will have corresponding air outlets 21b corresponding to the fresh air outlet 120. A protective grille can be provided at the air outlet 21b. The fresh air device 10 can also be fixedly installed on the side wall of the front frame 21. The fresh air device 10 is inclined downwards, and the fresh air outlet 120 discharges air towards the lower front side of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Thus, the faceplate 21 is provided with a disassembly port 21a, allowing users to quickly remove the second heating element 220 simply by opening the panel, without disassembling the faceplate 21, thereby improving the efficiency of heating element disassembly and assembly. At the same time, this structural design also facilitates operational-level functional options, meaning that the fresh air heating function can be added later by the user as an option, enhancing the versatility of the fresh air unit 10.

[0050] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 7 In another embodiment, the fresh air device 10 further includes a purification module disposed between the fresh air inlet 110 and the second heating element 220, for purifying the fresh air entering the fresh air device 10. Considering that outdoor fresh air may contain debris, leaves, etc., which may adhere to the heating element and ignite with increasing heating time, potentially causing a fire, the fresh air device 10 also includes a purification module located near the fresh air inlet 110. This ensures that the outdoor fresh air passes through the purification module before passing through the second heating element 220, thus filtering out debris and leaves and preventing fires.

[0051] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit and the aforementioned indoor unit. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. The specific structure of the fresh air device is described in the above embodiments. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0052] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Indoor unit body; A fresh air device is installed in the indoor unit body; The fresh air device includes a fresh air housing and a fresh air fan installed inside the fresh air housing. The fresh air housing has a fresh air inlet, a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet. The fresh air device has a fresh air mode and an exhaust mode. In the fresh air mode, the indoor air inlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air outlet. In the exhaust mode, the fresh air outlet is closed, the air intake side of the fresh air fan is connected to the indoor air inlet, and the air outlet side of the fresh air fan is connected to the fresh air inlet. The fresh air device also includes a guide tube disposed on one side of the fresh air fan, a switching valve disposed in the fresh air housing, and a first drive mechanism; the first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor and a lead screw, the first drive motor drives and connects to the lead screw, and the lead screw drives and connects to the switching valve, so as to drive the switching valve to slide along the guide tube, thereby allowing the switching valve to be switched between a first position and a second position. The switching valve includes a first damper, a second damper, and a bracket connecting the first damper and the second damper. The first damper and the second damper are adjacent to each other, and the first damper, the second damper, and the bracket are integrally formed. When the switching valve is in the first position, the second damper retracts into the guide tube, the first damper covers the opening of the guide tube, the fresh air inlet is connected to the air inlet side of the fresh air fan, and the fresh air inlet is blocked from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan. When the switching valve is in the second position, the second damper blocks the fresh air inlet from the air inlet side of the fresh air fan, and the first damper opens the opening of the guide tube, so that the fresh air inlet is connected to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan through the guide tube. The fresh air device also includes a heating component, which is disposed inside the fresh air housing.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh air fan is provided with an air inlet plate on the air inlet side, and the guide tube is connected to the air inlet plate.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh air fan includes a fresh air impeller and a fresh air volute disposed on one side of the fresh air impeller. A flow guide gap is formed between the fresh air volute and the fresh air housing, which communicates with the flow guide tube. A third air damper is disposed within the flow guide gap. In the fresh air mode, the third air damper blocks the flow guide gap from the air outlet side of the fresh air fan. In the exhaust mode, the third air damper connects the flow guide gap to the air outlet side of the fresh air fan.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A fourth air damper is provided at the fresh air outlet. The fourth air damper is used to control the opening or closing of the fresh air outlet, and the fourth air damper is linked with the third air damper.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A fifth air damper is provided at the indoor air inlet, which is used to control the opening or closing of the indoor air inlet.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating power of the heating component is adjustable.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes a first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the first heating element is disposed at the fresh air inlet and the second heating element is disposed at the indoor air inlet.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first heating element includes a heating body and a heat conductor. The heating body is tubular and installed at the fresh air inlet. The heat conductor is mesh-like and is located inside or at the port of the heating body.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The heat conductor is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, and the heat conductor is snapped onto the port of the heating body through the snap-fit ​​part.

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The fresh air housing has an installation port, and the second heating element is detachably installed inside the fresh air housing through the installation port; the indoor unit body includes a chassis and a front frame, the fresh air device is located between the chassis and the front frame, the front frame has a disassembly port and an air outlet, the disassembly port corresponds to the installation port, and the air outlet corresponds to the fresh air outlet.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: outdoor unit of air conditioner; as well as The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via a refrigerant pipe.

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