Waterless humidifiers and air conditioners

Abstract

This invention provides a waterless humidifier and an air conditioner, belonging to the field of air conditioner technology. The waterless humidifier includes a housing, a heating device, a moisture-absorbing impeller, and a protective component. The housing has a receiving cavity, within which a partition structure divides the cavity into a humidification zone and a dehumidification zone. The moisture-absorbing impeller is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity and covers both the humidification and dehumidification zones. The humidification zone allows airflow to the moisture-absorbing impeller for moisture absorption. The heating device is located in the dehumidification zone and heats the flowing air, causing the heated air to flow towards the moisture-absorbing impeller for dehumidification. The protective component is located in the dehumidification zone and positioned between the heating device and the housing. The protective component in the dehumidification zone, positioned between the heating device and the housing, provides protection.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Waterless humidification utilizes hygroscopic materials to absorb moisture from the air. The air passes through the humidification fan zone of the humidification wheel to absorb moisture, and then the humidification wheel passes through the dehumidification zone to dehumidify. The hot and humid air is then delivered into the room by a fan. Waterless humidification does not require the addition of water and can be used continuously, which has significant advantages.

[0003] Currently, all waterless humidifiers require electrically heated air for dehumidification. However, the heat radiation generated during the heating process can damage injection-molded parts near the heating device. Increasing the distance between the heating device and the housing would increase the space required, resulting in low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem solved by this invention is that the heat radiation generated by the electric heating device during the heating process can cause damage to the injection molded parts near the electric heating device.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of the present invention provide a waterless humidifier and an air conditioner, which can improve the problem of damage to injection-molded parts near the electric heating device caused by heat radiation generated during the heating process of the electric heating device.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a waterless humidification device, comprising a housing, a heating device, a moisture-absorbing impeller, and a protective component. The housing is provided with a receiving cavity, and a partition structure is provided within the receiving cavity, the partition structure dividing the receiving cavity into a humidification zone and a dehumidification zone. The moisture-absorbing impeller is rotatably disposed in the receiving cavity, and the moisture-absorbing impeller covers the humidification zone and the dehumidification zone. The humidification zone is used for airflow to the moisture-absorbing impeller to allow the moisture-absorbing impeller to absorb moisture. The heating device is disposed in the dehumidification zone, and the heating device is used to heat the flowing air, so that the heated air flows to the moisture-absorbing impeller for dehumidification. The protective component is disposed in the dehumidification zone, and the protective component is disposed between the heating device and the housing.

[0007] This application addresses the issue of heat radiation damage to injection-molded parts near the electric heating device caused by heat radiation during the dehumidification zone. This protective component, positioned between the heating device and the housing, provides protection and prevents heat loss, thus improving heat utilization. Furthermore, the protective component reduces the installation distance between the housing and the heating device, resulting in a smaller overall structure and reduced space requirements for the waterless humidifier.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the protective element completely covers the dehumidification zone. Complete coverage of the dehumidification zone by the protective element provides better protection for the housing.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the protective component includes a first protective part and a second protective part connected to each other. The first protective part is disposed between the bottom wall of the dehumidification zone and the heating device, and the second protective part is disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone and the heating device. By configuring the protective component as a first protective part and a second protective part connected to each other, both the bottom wall and the side wall of the dehumidification zone can be protected, thereby improving the protection effect.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the second protective part includes a first protective wall and a second protective wall. Both the first and second protective walls are perpendicularly connected to the first protective part and are disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone and the heating device. The first protective wall has a connecting structure, and the second protective wall has a mating structure. The connecting structure is installed on the mating structure to connect the first and second protective walls. This application, by providing a connecting structure on the first protective wall and a mating structure on the second protective wall, facilitates the integral forming of the protective component using sheet metal forming, and also achieves connection and sealing between the first and second protective walls.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the connecting structure is a protruding insert on the first protective wall, and the mating structure is a socket in the second protective wall, with the insert inserted into the socket. The connection between the first and second protective walls is achieved using the insert and socket, making the connection more convenient.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the second protective wall includes an interconnected protective portion and a bent portion. A portion of the first protective wall abuts against the side of the bent portion near the sidewall of the dehumidification zone, and the insertion hole is located in the bent portion. By configuring the second protective wall as an interconnected protective portion and a bent portion, with a portion of the first protective wall abutting against the sidewall of the bent portion near the dehumidification zone, a tighter seal is achieved between the first and second protective walls, preventing heat leakage.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the humidification zone is provided with an air inlet, the partition structure is provided with an installation groove, the heating device is disposed in the installation groove, and the heating device connects the humidification zone and the dehumidification zone; part of the air flowing in through the air inlet flows from the humidification zone to the moisture-absorbing wheel, and the other part flows sequentially through the heating device and the dehumidification zone to the moisture-absorbing wheel; the first protective part extends from the installation groove to the dehumidification zone. This embodiment provides an installation groove on the partition structure to mount the electric heating device, connecting the dehumidification zone and the humidification zone using the heating device. This allows air to be blown into both the humidification and dehumidification zones through a single air inlet, simplifying the flow path and reducing space occupation. Extending the first protective part from the installation groove to the humidification zone prevents heat radiation from the heating device from reaching the humidification zone, thus preventing damage to the humidification zone due to overheating.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, a mounting post protrudes from the bottom wall of the humidification zone, and the first protective part is provided with a mounting hole. The mounting post is installed in the mounting hole, and the heating device is installed on the mounting post to fix the protective part to the housing. The heating device facilitates the connection between the protective part and the housing, making the assembly of the waterless humidification device more convenient.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the heating device includes a heating element and a protective shell. The protective shell has a flow channel, and the heating element is disposed within the flow channel. The heating element is used to heat the air passing through the flow channel. The protective shell is disposed in the mounting groove, and the flow channel connects the dehumidification zone and the humidification zone. A mounting portion is provided on the protective shell, and the mounting portion is mounted on the mounting column so that the first protective portion is clamped between the bottom wall of the humidification zone and the protective shell. This application, by providing a mounting portion on the protective shell of the heating device and using the mounting portion mounted on the mounting column to clamp the first protective portion between the bottom wall of the humidification zone and the protective shell, can prevent the heat from the heating element from being directly transferred to the protective element.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the protective element is made of metal. Making the protective element of metal facilitates its molding, and the heat-reflective properties of metal improve its protective effect.

[0017] Secondly, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the waterless humidification device described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0018] The air conditioner provided in this application embodiment provides a protective component in the dehumidification zone. This component, positioned between the heating device and the casing, provides protection, thus mitigating the problem of heat radiation from the electric heating device damaging nearby injection-molded parts and preventing heat loss, thereby improving heat utilization. Furthermore, the protective component reduces the installation distance between the casing and the heating device, resulting in a smaller overall structure for the waterless humidification device and reducing space occupancy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanism of the waterless humidification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the waterless humidification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the protective component of the waterless humidification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention being installed in the housing;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the heating device and protective components with the housing of the waterless humidification device provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Icons: 100 - Waterless humidifier; 110 - Housing; 111 - Receptacle; 113 - Separation structure; 115 - Humidification zone; 117 - Dehumidification zone; 119 - Air inlet; 121 - Mounting groove; 123 - Mounting column; 130 - Heating device; 131 - Heating element; 133 - Protective shell; 135 - Flow channel; 137 - Mounting part; 150 - Moisture-absorbing wheel; 170 - Protective component; 171 - First protection 173-Second protective part; 175-First protective wall; 177-Second protective wall; 179-Connecting structure; 181-Matching structure; 183-Insertion plate; 185-Insertion hole; 187-Protective part; 188-Bending part; 189-Mounting hole; 190-Lower shell; 191-First area; 193-Second area; 195-Outdoor air outlet; 197-Indoor humidifying air outlet; 210-Fan. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Currently, all waterless humidifiers require electrically heated air for dehumidification. However, the heat radiation generated during the heating process can damage the injection molded parts near the heating device 130.

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 1-5 This invention provides an air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by pipes to regulate the temperature and humidity inside buildings and structures.

[0028] In this embodiment, the indoor unit includes a middle frame (not shown), an evaporator (not shown), a cross-flow fan 210 (not shown), and a waterless humidifier 100. The evaporator, the cross-flow fan 210, and the waterless humidifier 100 are all located within the middle frame. The waterless humidifier 100 draws in cool, humid outdoor air and converts it into warm, humid gas, which is then blown into the room to increase indoor humidity.

[0029] In some other embodiments of this application, the waterless humidifier 100 may also be installed on the outdoor unit. It is understood that this embodiment does not limit whether the waterless humidifier 100 is installed on the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the waterless humidification device 100 includes a housing 110, a heating device 130, a moisture-absorbing impeller 150, and a protective component 170. The housing 110 has a receiving cavity 111, within which a partition structure 113 is provided. The partition structure 113 divides the receiving cavity 111 into a humidification zone 115 and a dehumidification zone 117. The moisture-absorbing impeller 150 is rotatably disposed in the receiving cavity 111, and covers both the humidification zone 115 and the dehumidification zone 117. The humidification zone 115 is used for airflow to the moisture-absorbing impeller 150, allowing the impeller to absorb moisture. The heating device 130 is disposed in the dehumidification zone 117, and is used to heat the flowing air, causing the heated air to flow to the moisture-absorbing impeller 150 for dehumidification. The protective element 170 is disposed in the dehumidification zone 117, and the protective element 170 is disposed between the heating device 130 and the housing 110.

[0031] This application provides a protective element 170 in the dehumidification zone 117. Positioning the protective element 170 between the heating device 130 and the housing 110 provides protection, thus mitigating the problem of heat radiation from the heating device 130 causing damage to injection-molded parts near the heating device 130. It also prevents heat loss and improves heat utilization. Furthermore, the protective element 170 reduces the installation distance between the housing 110 and the heating device 130, resulting in a smaller overall structure of the waterless humidification device 100 and reduced space occupancy.

[0032] Of course, it is understandable that the waterless humidification device 100 also includes a fan 210, a lower shell 190, and a drive component. The lower shell 190 is fastened to the housing 110 and has a first region 191 corresponding to the humidification zone 115 and a second region 193 corresponding to the dehumidification zone 117. The moisture-absorbing wheel 150 is rotatably mounted within the space formed by the housing 110 and the lower shell 190. The first region 191 is provided with an outdoor air outlet 195, and the second region 193 is provided with an indoor humidification air outlet 197. The fan 210 is mounted on the housing 110. The fan 210 is used to blow a portion of the air towards the adsorption zone so that the moisture-absorbing wheel 150 absorbs the moisture therein. The air after the moisture-absorbing wheel 150 absorbs the moisture enters the first region 191 and is discharged from the outdoor air outlet 195. The fan 210 also blows another portion of the air toward the heating device 130, and causes the air heated by the heating device 130 to flow toward the desorption zone to heat the moisture-absorbing wheel 150, thereby removing the moisture from the moisture-absorbing wheel 150 and sending it into the second zone 193, where it is discharged from the indoor humidification outlet 197 to achieve indoor humidification. The drive unit is installed in the housing 110 and is used to drive the moisture-absorbing wheel 150 to rotate. Due to the rotation of the moisture-absorbing wheel 150, the portion previously corresponding to the adsorption zone will move to the desorption zone, and the portion previously located in the desorption zone will move to the adsorption zone, thereby achieving continuous humidification of the waterless humidification device 100.

[0033] In this embodiment, the protective element 170 completely covers the dehumidification zone 117. Complete coverage of the dehumidification zone 117 by the protective element 170 provides better protection for the housing 110.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the protective component 170 includes a first protective part 171 and a second protective part 173 connected to each other. The first protective part 171 is disposed between the bottom wall of the dehumidification zone 117 and the heating device 130, that is, the first protective part 171 is used to protect the bottom wall of the dehumidification zone 117. The second protective part 173 is disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117 and the heating device 130, that is, the second protective part 173 is used to protect the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117. By configuring the protective component 170 with the first protective part 171 and the second protective part 173 connected to each other, both the bottom wall and the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117 can be protected, thereby improving the protection effect.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second protective part 173 includes a first protective wall 175 and a second protective wall 177. Both the first protective wall 175 and the second protective wall 177 are perpendicularly connected to the first protective part 171, and both are disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117 and the heating device 130. The first protective wall 175 is provided with a connecting structure 179, and the second protective wall 177 is provided with a mating structure 181. The connecting structure 179 is installed on the mating structure 181 to connect the first protective wall 175 and the second protective wall 177. By providing the connecting structure 179 on the first protective wall 175 and the mating structure 181 on the second protective wall 177, this application facilitates the integral forming of the protective part 170 through sheet metal forming, and also achieves the connection and sealing between the first protective wall 175 and the second protective wall 177.

[0036] In this embodiment, the connecting structure 179 is a protruding insert 183 on the first protective wall 175, and the mating structure 181 is a socket 185 disposed on the second protective wall 177. The insert 183 is inserted into the socket 185. The connection between the first protective wall 175 and the second protective wall 177 is achieved by using the insert 183 and the socket 185, thereby making the connection more convenient.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second protective wall 177 includes a protective portion 187 and a bent portion 188 connected to each other. The first protective wall 175 partially abuts against the side of the bent portion 188 near the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117, and the insertion hole 185 is disposed in the bent portion 188. By configuring the second protective wall 177 as a protective portion 187 and a bent portion 188 connected to each other, and allowing the first protective wall 175 to partially abut against the side of the bent portion 188 near the side wall of the dehumidification zone 117, the joint seal between the first protective wall 175 and the second protective wall 177 can be made tighter, preventing heat leakage.

[0038] Please continue to refer to Figure 2, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the housing 110 is provided with an air inlet 119, which connects the fan 210 to the humidification zone 115. The partition structure 113 is provided with a mounting groove 121. A heating device 130 is disposed in the mounting groove, and the heating device 130 connects the humidification zone 115 and the dehumidification zone 117. The fan 210 allows air to flow into the humidification zone 115 through the air inlet 119. Part of the air flowing in through the air inlet 119 flows from the humidification zone 115 to the moisture-absorbing impeller 150, and the other part flows sequentially through the heating device 130 and the dehumidification zone 117 to the moisture-absorbing impeller 150. The first protective part 171 extends from the mounting groove 121 to the dehumidification zone 117. In this embodiment, a mounting groove 121 is provided on the partition structure 113, and an electric heating device 130 is installed in the mounting groove 121. The heating device 130 connects the dehumidification zone 117 and the humidification zone 115, so that air can be blown into the humidification zone 115 and the dehumidification zone 117 through an air inlet 119. The arrangement of the flow channel 135 is simpler and can reduce the space occupied. In this application, the first protective part 171 extends from the mounting groove 121 to the humidification zone 115, which can prevent the heat radiation of the heating device 130 from the humidification zone 115, thereby preventing the humidification zone 115 from being damaged due to overheating.

[0039] Of course, in some other embodiments of this application, there may be two air inlets 119, which connect the humidification zone 115 and the dehumidification zone 117 to the air outlet of the fan 210, respectively. When there are two air inlets 119, the heating device 130 may also be completely located in the dehumidification zone 117. The dehumidification zone 117 and the humidification zone 115 are separated by a partition structure 113.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, a mounting post 123 protrudes from the bottom wall of the humidification zone 115, and a mounting hole 189 is provided for the first protective part 171. The mounting post 123 is installed in the mounting hole 189, and the heating device 130 is detachably installed on the mounting post 123 by screws to fix the protective part 170 to the housing 110. The heating device 130 can easily connect the protective part 170 to the housing 110, making the assembly of the waterless humidification device 100 more convenient.

[0041] In this embodiment, the heating device 130 includes a heating element 131 and a protective shell 133. The protective shell 133 has a flow channel 135 that connects the humidification zone 115 and the dehumidification zone 117, allowing air to flow from the humidification zone 115 to the dehumidification zone 117. The heating element 131 is disposed within the flow channel 135 and is used to heat the air passing through the flow channel 135. The protective shell 133 is disposed in the mounting groove 121, and the partition structure 113 abuts against the protective shell 133. A mounting portion 137 is provided on the protective shell 133, and the mounting portion 137 is detachably mounted to the mounting post 123 by screws, so that the first protective portion 171 is clamped between the bottom wall of the humidification zone 115 and the protective shell 133. This application provides a mounting part 137 on the protective shell 133 of the heating device 130, and uses the mounting part 137 to mount the first protective part 171 on the mounting post 123, clamping the first protective part 171 between the bottom wall of the humidification zone 115 and the protective shell 133. This can prevent the heat of the heating element 131 from being directly transferred to the protective part 170, and can also reduce the volume of the shell 110.

[0042] In other embodiments of this application, the protective element 170 may also be spaced apart from the protective shell 133 and the housing 110 to avoid heat conduction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the heating element 131 is an electronic heating tube. Other heating elements 131 in this application may also be ceramic heating elements, mica sheet electric heating elements, etc.

[0044] In this embodiment, the protective element 170 is made of sheet metal. Making the protective element 170 of metal facilitates its forming, and the heat reflectivity of metal improves the protective effect.

[0045] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the protective element 170 may also be made of other metals such as aluminum or copper, or of non-metallic materials with protective properties, such as asbestos or ceramics.

[0046] The working principle and beneficial effects of the waterless humidifier 100 and air conditioner provided in this embodiment include: By setting a protective element 170 in the dehumidification zone 117, and placing the protective element 170 between the heating device 130 and the housing 110, the present application can play a protective role, thereby improving the problem of damage to the injection molded parts near the electric heating device 130 caused by heat radiation generated during the heating process of the heating device 130, and also preventing heat loss and improving heat utilization. Secondly, by setting the protective element 170, the safety distance between the housing 110 and the heating device 130 can also be reduced, making the overall structure of the waterless humidifier 100 smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied.

[0047] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A waterless humidification device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (110), a heating device (130), a moisture-absorbing wheel (150), and a protective component (170). The housing (110) is provided with a receiving cavity (111). A partition structure (113) is provided inside the receiving cavity (111). The partition structure (113) divides the receiving cavity (111) into a humidification zone (115) and a dehumidification zone (117). The moisture-absorbing roller (150) is rotatably disposed in the accommodating cavity (111), and the moisture-absorbing roller (150) covers the humidification zone (115) and the dehumidification zone (117). The humidification zone (115) is used for airflow to the moisture-absorbing wheel (150) so that the moisture-absorbing wheel (150) can absorb moisture; The heating device (130) is disposed in the dehumidification zone (117). The heating device (130) is used to heat the flowing air so that the heated air flows to the moisture-absorbing wheel (150) for dehumidification. The protective element (170) is disposed in the dehumidification zone (117), and the protective element (170) is disposed between the heating device (130) and the housing (110); The humidification zone (115) is provided with an air inlet (119), the partition structure (113) is provided with an installation groove (121), the heating device (130) is provided in the installation groove (121), and the heating device (130) connects the humidification zone (115) and the dehumidification zone (117); The air flowing into the air inlet (119) flows from the humidification zone (115) to the moisture-absorbing wheel (150), and the other part flows through the heating device (130) and the dehumidification zone (117) to the moisture-absorbing wheel (150). The protective element (170) completely covers the dehumidification zone (117).

2. The waterless humidification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective component (170) includes a first protective part (171) and a second protective part (173) connected to each other. The first protective part (171) is disposed between the bottom wall of the dehumidification zone (117) and the heating device (130), and the second protective part (173) is disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone (117) and the heating device (130).

3. The waterless humidification device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second protective part (173) includes a first protective wall (175) and a second protective wall (177). The first protective wall (175) and the second protective wall (177) are both vertically connected to the first protective part (171). The first protective wall (175) and the second protective wall (177) are both disposed between the side wall of the dehumidification zone (117) and the heating device (130). The first protective wall (175) is provided with a connecting structure (179), and the second protective wall (177) is provided with a mating structure (181). The connecting structure (179) is installed on the mating structure (181) to connect the first protective wall (175) and the second protective wall (177).

4. The waterless humidification device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting structure (179) is a protruding insert (183) on the first protective wall (175), and the mating structure (181) is a socket (185) provided on the second protective wall (177). The insert (183) is inserted into the socket (185).

5. The waterless humidification device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second protective wall (177) includes a protective part (187) and a bent part (188) connected to each other. The first protective wall (175) partially abuts against the side of the bent part (188) near the side wall of the dehumidification zone (117), and the insertion hole (185) is provided in the bent part (188).

6. The waterless humidification device according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The first protective part (171) extends from the mounting groove (121) to the dehumidification zone (117).

7. The waterless humidification device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the humidification zone (115) is provided with a mounting post (123), the first protective part (171) is provided with a mounting hole (189), the mounting post (123) is installed in the mounting hole (189), and the heating device (130) is installed on the mounting post (123) to fix the protective part (170) to the housing (110).

8. The waterless humidification device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heating device (130) includes a heating element (131) and a protective shell (133). The protective shell (133) has a flow channel (135). The heating element (131) is disposed in the flow channel (135). The heating element (131) is used to heat the air passing through the flow channel (135). The protective shell (133) is disposed in the mounting groove (121). The flow channel (135) connects the dehumidification zone (117) and the humidification zone (115). The protective shell (133) is provided with a mounting part (137), which is mounted on the mounting post (123) so that the first protective part (171) is clamped between the bottom wall of the humidification zone (115) and the protective shell (133).

9. The waterless humidification device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The protective element (170) is made of metal.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The waterless humidification device (100) includes any one of claims 1-9.

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