Housing components, waterless humidifiers and air conditioners

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention provide a housing assembly, a waterless humidifying device, and an air conditioner, and relate to the field of air conditioning technology. In the housing assembly provided by the present application, the first half volute is integrally connected to the first half wheel housing, and the second half volute is integrally connected to the second half wheel housing. In this way, instead of originally using four components to form two chambers, two components can be used in this embodiment to enclose the fan chamber and the impeller chamber, thereby simplifying the assembly operation. Moreover, since the half volute and the half wheel housing are integrally connected, the stability is also improved, and looseness is not easy to occur between the volute and the wheel housing. The waterless humidifying device and air conditioner provided by the present application include the above-mentioned housing assembly, and therefore also have corresponding beneficial effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to a housing component, a waterless humidifying device and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners currently utilize waterless humidification devices to achieve waterless humidification. Existing waterless humidification components include a housing assembly, a fan, a humidification rotor, and a heating element housed within the housing assembly. The housing forms two air paths, with the humidification rotor absorbing moisture from one path and discharging it into the other. The housing assembly includes a volute for accommodating the fan and a wheel housing for accommodating the humidification rotor. The volute and wheel housing are connected.

[0003] Currently, the volute of the fan and the wheel housing of the humidifier rotor are all independently provided and then connected together. This housing assembly structure is relatively troublesome to assemble and has poor overall stability after assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem solved by the present invention is that the shell assembly of the existing waterless humidifying device is difficult to assemble and has poor stability.

[0005] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a housing assembly, which is applied to a waterless humidification device, and the housing assembly includes a first integrated cover and a second integrated cover, the first integrated cover includes a first half volute and a first half wheel shell connected as one piece, the second integrated cover includes a second half volute and a second half wheel shell connected as one piece, the first integrated cover and the second integrated cover are detachably connected, the first half volute and the second half volute together form a fan chamber for accommodating a fan, the first half wheel shell and the second half wheel shell together form a wheel chamber for accommodating a humidification wheel, the fan chamber and the wheel chamber are communicated with each other and are respectively communicated with the outside of the housing assembly.

[0006] In this embodiment of the present application, the first volute half is integrally connected to the first wheel housing half, and the second volute half is integrally connected to the second wheel housing half. Thus, while four components were originally required to form the two chambers, in this embodiment, only two components are needed to enclose the fan chamber and the impeller chamber. This simplifies assembly. Furthermore, because the volute half and wheel housing half are integrally connected, stability is also improved, and loosening between the volute and wheel housing is less likely to occur.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second integrated covers are brought together in a splicing direction to form the fan chamber and the runner chamber, and the axis of the volute formed by splicing the first and second volute halves is aligned with the splicing direction. In this embodiment, the axis of the volute is aligned with the axis of the fan to be installed, and the first and second volute halves are spliced ​​together axially.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the axis of the wheel housing formed by the first and second wheel housing halves extends perpendicular to the direction of assembly. In this embodiment, this means that the first and second wheel housing halves are assembled radially (relative to the wheel housing) to form the wheel housing, with the axis of the wheel housing and the volute perpendicular, and the wheel housing located radially to one side of the volute. This arrangement of the volute and wheel housing is suitable for centrifugal fans, i.e., fans with axial air intake and radial air discharge, allowing the exhaust air to flow directly into the rotor chamber, reducing pressure loss.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second wheel housing halves together form an opening in the wheel housing, the opening of the wheel housing facing away from the volute. The housing assembly further includes a runner end cover disposed within the wheel housing opening and provided with an air outlet connected to the runner chamber. In this embodiment, airflow passing through the runner chamber is discharged through the air outlet on the runner end cover.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the runner end cover is connected to the wheel shell via a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure realizes the connection between the runner end cover and the wheel shell, facilitating the quick assembly and disassembly of the runner end cover.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the second integrated cover also includes an air-collecting half-shell integrally connected to the second half-volute, and the outer shell assembly also includes an air-collecting end cover, which is detachably connected to the air-collecting half-shell. The air-collecting half-shell and the air-collecting end cover together form a filter chamber for accommodating the filter assembly, and the filter chamber is connected to the fan chamber, and the filter chamber is connected to the outside of the outer shell assembly through the air inlet. In this embodiment, the air-collecting half-shell and the air-collecting end cover together form a filter chamber, and before the external air is sucked into the fan, it first enters the filter chamber from the air inlet for filtration, and then enters the fan chamber and the impeller chamber in sequence. The air-collecting half-shell is integrally connected to the second half-volute, which makes the outer shell assembly more integrated and more stable.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the air collecting half-shell is connected to a side of the second half-shell away from the first half-shell.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the air inlet is arranged on the air collecting half shell.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the first integrated cover is connected to the second integrated cover via a buckle structure. The first integrated cover is connected to the second integrated cover via a buckle structure, which can ensure the stability of the housing assembly and improve the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a waterless humidification device, comprising a fan, a humidification wheel, and a housing assembly according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the fan is disposed in a fan chamber, and the humidification wheel is disposed in a wheel chamber.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising the waterless humidifying device of the aforementioned embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a waterless humidification device in one embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a waterless humidification device in one embodiment of the present application with the rotor end cover removed;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first integrated cover and the second integrated cover in an assembled state in one embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first integrated cover and the second integrated cover in a separated state in one embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a second integrated cover in one embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Explanation of the reference numerals: 010-waterless humidifying device; 011-volute; 012-wheel housing; 013-air collecting box; 014-humidifying rotor; 015-rotor driving member; 016-filter assembly; 100-first integrated cover; 110-first half volute; 120-first half wheel housing; 200-second integrated cover; 210-second half volute; 220-second half wheel housing; 230-air collecting half housing; 231-air inlet; 300-rotor end cover; 400-air collecting end cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The existing waterless humidification device includes a fan, a humidification wheel, a heating component, etc. The principle is to absorb moisture from the outdoor air through the humidification wheel, and then use the heated air flow to bring the moisture on the humidification wheel to the indoor environment. Therefore, the shell assembly of the waterless humidification device forms a fan chamber and a wheel chamber, and the fan and the humidification wheel are respectively arranged in the fan chamber and the wheel chamber. In the prior art, the fan chamber is surrounded by a volute, which is composed of two detachable half-volutes; the wheel chamber is surrounded by a wheel shell, which is surrounded by at least two parts; and the wheel shell and the volute are connected by fasteners. In the shell assembly with an air collecting box, the air collecting box is detachably connected to the volute, and the air collecting box includes at least two parts. This shell assembly has many parts, the installation efficiency is not high, and the stability is poor after the shell assembly is spliced.

[0025] To address the aforementioned issues of difficult assembly and disassembly and poor stability of the housing assembly in the prior art, the present invention provides a housing assembly that integrates components as much as possible to improve assembly and disassembly efficiency and enhance the stability of the housing assembly. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a waterless humidifier and air conditioner that include the housing assembly provided by the present invention.

[0026] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a waterless humidification device 010 in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the waterless humidification device 010 in one embodiment of the present application after removing the rotor end cover 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a waterless humidification device 010 including a housing assembly, a fan (not shown), a humidification wheel 014, a filter assembly 016, and a wheel driver 015. The fan, humidification wheel 014, and filter assembly 016 are disposed inside the housing assembly, and the wheel driver 015 is used to drive the humidification wheel 014 to rotate.

[0028] The housing components in this embodiment are functionally divided into an air collecting box 013, a volute 011, and a wheel housing 012. The air collecting box 013 forms a filter chamber for accommodating the filter assembly 016. At the same time, the air inlet 231 is also located on the air collecting box 013. The volute 011 forms a fan chamber for accommodating the fan. The wheel housing 012 forms a rotor chamber for accommodating the humidifying rotor 014. Along the airflow conveying path, the filter chamber, the fan chamber, and the rotor chamber are connected in sequence, and the filter chamber is located at the upstream end.

[0029] Structurally, the housing assembly in this embodiment includes a first integrated cover 100, a second integrated cover 200, and an air collection end cover 400. The first integrated cover 100 integrates a portion of the volute 011 and a portion of the impeller 012; the second integrated cover 200 integrates another portion of the volute 011, another portion of the impeller 012, and a portion of the air collection box 013. Furthermore, the housing assembly in this embodiment may also include a runner end cover 300, which is detachably connected to the downstream opening of the impeller 012.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first integrated cover 100 and the second integrated cover 200 in an assembled state in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first integrated cover 100 and a second integrated cover 200 in a separated state in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the first integrated cover 100 includes a first half volute 110 and a first half wheel housing 120 that are integrally connected, and the second integrated cover 200 includes a second half volute 210, a second half wheel housing 220, and an air collecting half housing 230 that are integrally connected. The first integrated cover 100 and the second integrated cover 200 are detachably connected. The first half volute 110 and the second half volute 210 together form a fan chamber for accommodating a fan; the first half wheel housing 120 and the second half wheel housing 220 together form a wheel chamber for accommodating a humidifying wheel 014. The fan chamber and the wheel chamber are interconnected and respectively communicate with the outside of the housing assembly. It should be understood that the communication with the outside of the housing assembly can be direct communication with the outside or communication with the outside through other chambers. For example, in this embodiment, the fan chamber is connected to the outside through the filter chamber.

[0031] In the embodiment of the present application, the fan of the waterless humidification device 010 can be a centrifugal fan, which has the characteristics of axial air intake and radial air outlet. The first integrated cover 100 and the second integrated cover 200 are close together in the splicing direction to form a fan chamber and a runner chamber. The axis extension direction of the volute 011 formed by the first half volute 110 and the second half volute 210 is consistent with the splicing direction. In this embodiment, the axis extension direction of the volute 011 is consistent with the axis extension direction of the fan, and the first half volute 110 and the second half volute 210 are axially spliced ​​together. Since the fan is axially air-intaken, a grille is provided on the second half volute 210 for communicating with the filter chamber of the air collecting box 013. The grille is roughly located in the middle of the second half volute 210, and the axis of the fan can pass through the position where the grille is located.

[0032] In this embodiment, the axis of the wheel housing 012 formed by the first half wheel housing 120 and the second half wheel housing 220 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of assembly. This means that the first half wheel housing 120 and the second half wheel housing 220 are assembled radially (referring to the radial direction of the wheel housing 012 or the humidifying wheel 014) to form the wheel housing 012. The axis of the wheel housing 012 is perpendicular to the axis of the volute 011, and the wheel housing 012 is located on one side of the radial direction of the volute 011. This distribution of the volute 011 and the wheel housing 012 is suitable for the case where the fan is a centrifugal fan. The fan exhaust can be directly injected into the wheel chamber to reduce wind pressure loss. In this embodiment, since the humidifying wheel 014 is generally disc-shaped, the wheel housing 012 is also generally disc-shaped. The first half wheel housing 120 and the second half wheel housing 220 are each semicircular.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first integrated cover 100 and the second integrated cover 200 are detachably connected via multiple snap-fit ​​structures. This snap-fit ​​connection ensures the stability of the housing assembly and improves assembly and disassembly efficiency. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structures are spaced along the joint between the first and second integrated covers 100, 200. Some of these snap-fit ​​structures are located on the volute 011, while others are located on the wheel housing 012.

[0034] The first half wheel housing 120 and the second half wheel housing 220 together form the opening of the wheel housing 012. The opening of the wheel housing 012 faces away from the volute 011. The runner end cover 300 is disposed within the opening of the wheel housing 012. In this embodiment, the runner end cover 300 is provided with an air outlet connected to the runner chamber. Air passing through the runner chamber is discharged through the air outlet on the runner end cover 300. In this embodiment, the connection between the runner end cover 300 and the wheel housing 012 is achieved through a snap-fit ​​structure, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly of the runner end cover 300.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second integrated cover 200 in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the air collecting half shell 230 is integrally connected to the second half volute 210 and is also integrally connected to the second half wheel shell 220. The air collecting end cover 400 is detachably connected to the air collecting half shell 230. The air collecting half shell 230 and the air collecting end cover 400 together form a filter chamber for accommodating the filter assembly 016. The filter chamber is connected to the fan chamber, and the filter chamber is connected to the outside of the outer shell assembly through the air inlet 231. In this embodiment, the air collecting half shell 230 and the air collecting end cover 400 together form a filter chamber. Before the external air is sucked into the fan, it first enters the filter chamber from the air inlet 231 for filtration, and then enters the fan chamber and the impeller chamber in turn. The air collecting half shell 230 is integrally connected to the second half volute 210 and the second half wheel shell 220, which makes the outer shell assembly more integrated and more stable.

[0036] Furthermore, the air collecting half shell 230 is connected to the side of the second half volute 210 away from the first half volute 110. In an optional embodiment, the air inlet 231 is provided on the air collecting half shell 230, specifically on the side wall of the air collecting half shell 230, and the air inlet direction is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the fan.

[0037] In this embodiment, the air collecting end cap 400 and the air collecting half shell 230 can also be connected by a snap-fit ​​structure to facilitate installation and removal. Furthermore, the air collecting end cap 400 and the air collecting half shell 230 jointly form an insertion port, through which the filter assembly 016 is inserted into the air collecting box 013. A portion of the filter assembly 016 is exposed from the insertion port, allowing the filter assembly 016 to be pulled out and replaced.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present application, a tooth portion is provided on the outer side of the humidifying wheel 014 , and the wheel driving component 015 is transmission-connected to the humidifying wheel 014 via gears, and the wheel driving component 015 is fixed on the wheel end cover 300 .

[0039] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the integral connection between the various components of the first integrated cover 100 and the second integrated cover 200 should be understood as a non-detachable connection, which may include welding, bonding, injection molding, casting, or the use of integral metal parts bent or stamped. In addition, in addition to using a snap-fit ​​structure, the detachable connection between the multiple components in this embodiment can also be achieved using fasteners such as screws.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present application, the waterless humidification device 010 has one air inlet 231, which is located on the air collecting box 013 and is used to connect to the outside. There are two air outlets, one for connecting to the indoors and the other for connecting to the outdoors. In this embodiment, the fan introduces the airflow from the air inlet 231 into the waterless humidification device 010. The airflow first passes through the air collecting box 013 and is filtered by the filter assembly 016; then the airflow enters the fan chamber and is blown towards the rotor chamber under the guidance of the fan. Before entering the rotor chamber, the airflow is divided into two paths, forming a first air path and a second air path. The first air path and the second air path are sent out from two different air outlets, the first air path leads to the outdoors and the second air path leads to the indoors. Part of the humidification wheel 014 is located in the first air path, and the other part is located in the second air path. Humidification wheel 014 absorbs moisture from the air in the first air path, dehumidifying the cool, dry air and ultimately sending it outdoors. As humidification wheel 014 rotates, the moisture-absorbing area rotates into the second air path. The air in the second air path, heated by the heating element, removes moisture from the hygroscopic wheel (because higher temperature increases saturated vapor pressure). Ultimately, the hot, moist air enters the room, completing the humidification process. Since the user doesn't need to add water, the moisture comes from the outdoor air, achieving "waterless humidification."

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 6As shown, the air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the present application is a wall-mounted air conditioner, comprising an air conditioner main body and a waterless humidifier 010. The air conditioner main body primarily performs basic temperature control functions, and the waterless humidifier 010 is disposed at one lateral end of the air conditioner main body. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the waterless humidifier 010 can be covered by a decorative panel, while maintaining a good overall appearance with the air conditioner main body. As shown in the figure, one air outlet of the waterless humidifier 010 connects to the room, outputting hot and humid air, while the other air outlet connects to the outside, outputting cool and dry air.

[0042] In summary, in the housing assembly of the waterless humidifier 010 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first half volute 110 is integrally connected to the first half wheel housing 120, and the second half volute 210 is integrally connected to the second half wheel housing 220. This reduces the number of components in the housing assembly, simplifying assembly. Furthermore, because the half volute 011 and the half wheel housing 012 are integrally connected, stability is improved, and loosening between the volute 011 and the wheel housing 012 is less likely to occur. The waterless humidifier 010 and air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present application include the aforementioned housing assembly and thus have corresponding beneficial effects.

[0043] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A housing assembly, used in a waterless humidification device, characterized in that: The housing assembly includes a first integrated cover (100) and a second integrated cover (200), wherein the first integrated cover (100) includes a first half volute (110) and a first half wheel shell (120) connected in one piece, and the second integrated cover (200) includes a second half volute (210) and a second half wheel shell (220) connected in one piece, and the first integrated cover (100) and the second integrated cover (200) are detachably connected, and the first half volute (110) and the second half volute (210) together form a fan chamber for accommodating a fan, and the first half wheel shell (120) and the second half wheel shell (220) together form a wheel chamber for accommodating a humidifying wheel (014), and the fan chamber and the wheel chamber are communicated with each other and are respectively communicated with the outside of the housing assembly.

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first integrated cover (100) and the second integrated cover (200) are connected together in the splicing direction to form the fan chamber and the impeller chamber, and the axis extension direction of the volute (011) formed by splicing the first half volute (110) and the second half volute (210) is consistent with the splicing direction.

3. The housing assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The axis extension direction of the wheel shell (012) formed by splicing the first half wheel shell (120) and the second half wheel shell (220) is perpendicular to the splicing direction.

4. The housing assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first half wheel shell (120) and the second half wheel shell (220) together form an opening of the wheel shell (012), and the opening of the wheel shell (012) faces away from the volute (011). The housing assembly further comprises a runner end cover (300), and the runner end cover (300) is arranged at the opening of the wheel shell (012), and an air outlet communicating with the runner chamber is provided on the runner end cover (300).

5. The housing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The wheel end cover (300) is connected to the wheel shell (012) via a snap-fit ​​structure.

6. The housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second integrated cover (200) also includes an air collecting half shell (230) integrally connected to the second half volute (210), and the housing assembly also includes an air collecting end cover (400), and the air collecting end cover (400) is detachably connected to the air collecting half shell (230), and the air collecting half shell (230) and the air collecting end cover (400) together form a filter chamber for accommodating a filter assembly (016), and the filter chamber is connected to the fan chamber, and the filter chamber is connected to the outside of the housing assembly through an air inlet (231).

7. The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The air collecting half-shell (230) is connected to a side of the second half-shell (210) away from the first half-shell (110).

8. The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The air inlet (231) is arranged on the air collecting half shell (230).

9. The housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first integrated cover (100) and the second integrated cover (200) are connected via a snap-fit ​​structure.

10. A waterless humidifying device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fan, a humidifying wheel (014) and a housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fan is arranged in the fan chamber, and the humidifying wheel (014) is arranged in the wheel chamber.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that: It comprises the waterless humidifying device (010) according to claim 10.

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