Air conditioner indoor unit

By creating a cavity under the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and using a robotic vacuum cleaner to automatically replenish and clean the water tank, the problem of frequent water refills for cabinet air conditioners is solved. This achieves automatic water refilling and wastewater treatment, saving water resources and improving the user experience.

CN116428656BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12ZHENGZHOU HAIER AIR CONDITIONER CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHENGZHOU HAIER AIR CONDITIONER CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-04-03
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Floor-standing air conditioners require users to add water frequently during operation, and bacteria can easily grow after the humidification function is used, and it is difficult to achieve automatic water replenishment.

Method used

A cavity is formed below the indoor unit of the air conditioner to accommodate the first water tank and the sweeping robot. The sweeping robot can move to move the water tank in and out, realizing automatic water replenishment. Automatic water replenishment between water tanks and cleaning of the wastewater tank are realized through the connecting device and the water pumping system.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the automatic water filling function of cabinet air conditioner, reduces the trouble of users having to add water frequently, solves the problem of bacterial growth in humidification function, and makes full use of the space at the bottom of the air conditioner, saving water resources.

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Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner indoor unit, comprising a shell, an accommodation cavity with an opening is formed in the lower part of the shell; a humidifying module is arranged in the shell; a sweeping robot has a first water tank for supplying water for washing a mop, and the first water tank is communicated with the humidifying module. The sweeping robot can move in and out of the accommodation cavity to supplement water from the outside and supply water for the humidifying module. Such a configuration can realize the function of the sweeping robot automatically adding water for the cabinet air conditioner, thereby effectively solving the problem that the cabinet air conditioner needs to be frequently added water by a user during work, and also solving the problem that the sweeping robot occupies the room space, and fully utilizing the space at the bottom of the cabinet air conditioner.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of air conditioning technology, more and more air conditioners adapted to different scenarios are being developed and manufactured, with floor-standing air conditioners being one of them. During operation, the integrated humidification function of floor-standing air conditioners requires frequent water refills from users. Furthermore, if the humidification function is not used for extended periods, bacteria can easily grow in the stored water, requiring water changes the next time the unit is used, which easily leads to user complaints. Moreover, floor-standing air conditioners are typically placed in living rooms, making it difficult to install water pipes for automatic water refilling. Currently, no effective solution has been proposed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner indoor unit that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems, and can solve the problem of users having to add water frequently when the air conditioner is working, so as to achieve the effect of automatic water addition.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] The housing has an opening in its lower part;

[0006] A water-using device, wherein the water-using device is disposed within the housing;

[0007] The receiving cavity is used to accommodate the first water tank and the sweeping robot. The sweeping robot can move in and out of the receiving cavity and can also move the first water tank in and out of the receiving cavity, so that the first water tank can move to the outside of the casing and replenish water outside the casing.

[0008] The first water tank is used to supply water to the water-using device when the first water tank is located within the receiving cavity.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes:

[0010] The first water tank and / or the sweeping robot and / or the external water injection device;

[0011] The external water injection device is connected to a water source; the sweeping robot can move to the external water injection device, which is used to inject water into the first water tank.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes:

[0013] A drip tray for collecting condensate, wherein the drip tray is in communication with the first water tank when the first water tank is located within the receiving cavity.

[0014] Optionally, the sweeping robot is detachably connected to the first water tank via a first connecting device, and the first water tank is detachably connected to the receiving cavity via a second connecting device.

[0015] The first connecting device and the second connecting device are configured to, when the sweeping robot needs to be connected to the first water tank, cause the second connecting device to actively disengage and cause the first connecting device to connect; and when the sweeping robot needs to be disconnected from the first water tank, cause the first connecting device to actively disengage and cause the second connecting device to connect.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a sewage tank, which is arranged side by side with the first water tank when the sewage tank is located in the receiving cavity.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a sewage tank, which is located above the main body and is arranged side by side with the first water tank.

[0018] Optionally, the sweeping robot is detachably connected to the wastewater tank via a third connecting device, and the wastewater tank is detachably connected to the receiving cavity via a fourth connecting device.

[0019] The third connecting device and the fourth connecting device are configured such that when the sweeping robot needs to be connected to the wastewater tank, the fourth connecting device actively disengages and the third connecting device connects; and when the sweeping robot needs to be disconnected from the wastewater tank, the third connecting device actively disengages and the fourth connecting device connects.

[0020] Optionally, the water-using device has a second water tank, which is connected to the first water tank when the first water tank is located in the receiving cavity, so that the first water tank replenishes the second water tank.

[0021] Optionally, the first water tank is located below the second water tank;

[0022] The second water tank is equipped with a water pumping device, and a water inlet is provided at the bottom of the second water tank. The water pumping device is connected to the water inlet. A one-way valve is provided at the water inlet, which only allows water to flow from bottom to top.

[0023] The first water tank is equipped with a water pumping pipe, and the upper part of the first water tank is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to the water pumping pipe.

[0024] When the first water tank is located inside the receiving cavity, the water inlet and the water outlet are connected.

[0025] Optionally, it also includes a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the sewage tank and the other end of which is connected to the external environment.

[0026] Optionally, the water-using device is a humidifying device;

[0027] An air outlet is provided on the casing, and the air outlet is located above the humidification device;

[0028] The humidifier has a connecting port at the top that connects to the air outlet, so that the humidifying airflow can be blown out through the air outlet.

[0029] In an air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention, an open receiving cavity is formed at the bottom of the air conditioner indoor unit. The receiving cavity can accommodate a first water tank and a sweeping robot. The sweeping robot can take the first water tank to the outside of the unit casing to replenish water, and then return to the receiving cavity to provide water for the air conditioner indoor unit or to supply water for the sweeping robot to clean. This setting realizes the function of automatically adding water to the cabinet air conditioner, thereby effectively solving the problem that the cabinet air conditioner needs to be frequently refilled by the user when it is working. At the same time, it also solves the problem of the sweeping robot occupying room space, making full use of the space at the bottom of the cabinet air conditioner.

[0030] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view structural diagram of an indoor air conditioner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic partial structural diagram of the cabinet-type air conditioner housing cavity according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a sweeping robot in an external water-filling state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following reference Figures 1 to 3This invention describes an indoor air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an air conditioner indoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1As shown, and with reference Figures 2 to 3 This invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit 100, including a housing 160, the lower part of which has an opening forming a receiving cavity 170. A water-using device 110 is disposed within the housing 170. The receiving cavity 170 is used to accommodate a first water tank 130 and a sweeping robot 140. The sweeping robot 140 can move in and out of the receiving cavity 170, and can also move the first water tank 130 in and out of the receiving cavity 170, so that the first water tank 130 moves to the outside of the housing 160 and replenishes water outside the housing 160. When the first water tank 130 is located within the receiving cavity 170, it is used to supply water to the water-using device 110.

[0040] In an air conditioner indoor unit 100 of the present invention, an opening-shaped receiving cavity 170 is formed at the bottom of the air conditioner indoor unit 100. The receiving cavity 170 can accommodate a first water tank 130 and a sweeping robot 140. The sweeping robot 140 can carry the first water tank 130 to the outside of the unit casing 160 to replenish water, and then return to the receiving cavity 170 to supply water to the water-using device 110 of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 and / or provide water for the sweeping robot 140 to clean the mop, etc. This configuration realizes the function of automatically adding water to the cabinet air conditioner, thereby effectively solving the problem of frequent water replenishment by the user when the cabinet air conditioner is working. At the same time, it also solves the problem of the sweeping robot 140 occupying room space, making full use of the space at the bottom of the cabinet air conditioner. Furthermore, when the first water tank 130 provides water for the sweeping robot 140 to clean the mop, the water-using device 110 may not be required.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes a first water tank 130 and / or a robot vacuum cleaner 140 and / or an external water injection device 180. The external water injection device 180 is connected to a water source. The robot vacuum cleaner 140 can move to the external water injection device 180, which is used to inject water into the first water tank 130.

[0042] In this embodiment, the external water injection device 180 is connected to a water source and can emit an identification signal. The robotic vacuum cleaner 140 has a built-in identification module that can receive the identification signal emitted by the external water injection device 180, and then automatically navigate with the first water tank 130 to the water source connected to the external water injection device 180. Then, after the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 docks with the external water injection device 180, the external water injection device 180 injects water through the water inlet of the first water tank 130. At the same time, the first water tank 130 has a built-in sensor that sends a signal to the external water injection device 180 to stop injecting water when it senses that the water level has reached a certain height. By pre-setting the connection between the external water injection device 180 and the water source, the problem of users having to frequently add water when using the humidification function of a cabinet air conditioner is effectively solved.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes a drip tray for collecting condensate, which is connected to the first water tank 130 when the first water tank 130 is located in the receiving cavity 170.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cabinet air conditioner produces a large amount of condensate during summer cooling. The condensate is first collected in a drip tray and then guided by a drain pipe 150 into the first water tank 130 for use by the robot vacuum cleaner 140 for its mopping function. This design more fully utilizes the condensate produced by the cabinet air conditioner, saving water resources. In daily life, the condensate produced by the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is usually discharged directly outdoors through the drain pipe 150, resulting in a waste of water resources.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 is detachably connected to the first water tank 130 via a first connecting device 131, and the first water tank 130 is detachably connected to the receiving cavity 170 via a second connecting device. The first connecting device 131 and the second connecting device are configured such that when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the first water tank 130 need to be connected, the second connecting device actively disengages and the first connecting device 131 engages; and when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the first water tank 130 need to be disengaged, the first connecting device 131 actively disengages and the second connecting device engages.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first water tank 130 is located above the robotic vacuum cleaner 140, and the first water tank 130 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 are connected by a first connecting device 131. During operation, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 is about to perform a washing and mopping task, the first connecting device 131 disengages, causing the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 to detach from the first water tank 130. Simultaneously, the second connecting device activates, fixing the first water tank 130 within the receiving cavity 170. Similarly, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140, carrying the first water tank 130, leaves the receiving cavity 170 to refill water, the first connecting device 131 connects the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the first water tank 130, while the second connecting device actively disengages, enabling the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 to carry the first water tank 130 to an external location for refilling. In this embodiment, the first and second connecting devices can be a type of engaging device, such as an electromagnetic clutch, which, when activated, achieves the aforementioned effects. By connecting the device, the flexible displacement of the sweeping robot 140 is fully utilized to achieve automatic displacement of the first water tank 130, avoiding the hassle of users having to move the first water tank 130 back and forth.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes a wastewater tank 120. When the wastewater tank 120 is located within the receiving cavity 170, it is arranged side by side with the first water tank 130. This arrangement of the wastewater tank 120 and the first water tank 130 within the receiving cavity 170 makes full use of the space within the receiving cavity 170. The wastewater tank 120 is mainly used to collect wastewater after the robot vacuum cleaner 140 has finished washing and mopping, thus avoiding the problem of users frequently cleaning the wastewater left by the robot vacuum cleaner 140.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 is detachably connected to the wastewater tank 120 via a third connecting device 121, and the wastewater tank 120 is detachably connected to the receiving cavity 170 via a fourth connecting device. The third connecting device 121 and the fourth connecting device are configured such that when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the wastewater tank 120 need to be connected, the fourth connecting device actively disengages and the third connecting device 121 engages; and when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the wastewater tank 120 need to be disengaged, the third connecting device 121 actively disengages and the fourth connecting device engages.

[0049] In this embodiment, the wastewater tank 120 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 are connected via a third connecting device 121. During operation, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 is about to perform a washing and mopping task, the third connecting device 121 disengages, causing the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 to detach from the wastewater tank 120. Simultaneously, a fourth connecting device activates, fixing the wastewater tank 120 within the receiving cavity 170. Similarly, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 140, carrying the wastewater tank 120, leaves the receiving cavity 170 to clean up the wastewater from washing and mopping, the third connecting device 121 connects the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 and the wastewater tank 120, while the fourth connecting device actively disengages, allowing the robotic vacuum cleaner 140 to carry the wastewater tank 120 outside the receiving cavity 170 to clean up the wastewater. This configuration enables automated cleaning of the wastewater in the wastewater tank 120, thus avoiding the need for frequent manual cleaning by the user.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water-using device 110 has a second water tank. When the first water tank 130 is located within the receiving cavity 170, the second water tank is connected to the first water tank 130, allowing the first water tank 130 to replenish the second water tank. The second water tank, which is the source of water for the cabinet air conditioner, is particularly important for replenishment. In daily life, the second water tank is mainly replenished manually by the user, which is cumbersome, especially when the water-using device is used frequently. This embodiment, through the connection between the first water tank 130 and the second water tank, makes replenishing the second water tank more convenient and faster.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first water tank 130 is located below the second water tank. The second water tank is equipped with a pumping device, and a water inlet 132 is located at the bottom of the second water tank, connected to the pumping device. A one-way valve is installed at the water inlet, allowing water to flow only from bottom to top. The first water tank 130 is equipped with a pumping pipe, and a water inlet is located at the top of the first water tank 130, connected to the pumping pipe. When the first water tank 130 is located within the receiving cavity 170, the water inlet and water inlet 132 are connected.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first water tank 130 and the second water tank are each provided with an inlet 132 and a refill inlet. When the first water tank 130 refills the second water tank, the pumping device in the second water tank is connected to the refill inlet, which is connected to the inlet 132 of the first water tank 130. The inlet 132 of the first water tank 130 is also connected to the pumping pipe inside the first water tank 130, forming a complete pumping system. When the first water tank 130 reaches the receiving cavity 170, the first water tank 130 and the second water tank are connected, and the pumping device in the second water tank starts working to draw water from the first water tank 130. A one-way valve is also provided at the refill inlet of the first water tank 130, which only allows water to flow from bottom to top, thus preventing the water pumped into the second water tank from flowing out. In the above specific working process, the pumping device can be configured as a water pump to facilitate automatic pumping of water from the first water tank 130. This setup effectively enables the first water tank 130 to automatically replenish the second water tank, avoiding the problem of users frequently adding water to the second water tank and increasing the convenience for users when using the cabinet air conditioner.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes a drain pipe 150. One end of the drain pipe 150 is connected to the wastewater tank 120, and the other end is connected to the external environment. The drain pipe 150 is mainly used to drain the wastewater in the wastewater tank 120. Simultaneously, the drain pipe 150 can be connected to the connecting pipe 150 of the water collection tray of the indoor unit 100, allowing excess condensate generated by the air conditioner's cooling process to also be drained through the drain pipe 150. This design ensures timely drainage of wastewater and excess condensate generated by the air conditioner from the wastewater tank 120, preventing overflow into the user's living room due to excessive water or condensate in the wastewater tank 120.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water-using device 110 is a humidifier. An air outlet is provided on the casing 160, located above the humidifier. A connecting port 111 is provided at the top of the humidifier, allowing humidified airflow to be blown out through the outlet. In actual operation, because the humidifier module has a connecting port 111 at its top, the humidified airflow generated by the module first flows out through the connecting port 111. Since the air outlet on the casing 160 is located above the humidifier module, the humidified airflow flows through the outlet into the external area to be humidified. This design allows the humidified airflow to flow more concentratedly through the connecting port 111 to the air outlet and into the area to be humidified in the room when the cabinet air conditioner needs to use its humidification function in winter, increasing humidification efficiency.

[0055] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The housing has an opening in its lower part; The receiving cavity is used to accommodate the first water tank and the sweeping robot. The sweeping robot can move in and out of the receiving cavity and can also move the first water tank in and out of the receiving cavity, so that the first water tank can move to the outside of the casing and replenish water outside the casing. A water-using device, wherein the water-using device is disposed within the housing; The first water tank is used to supply water to the water-using device when the first water tank is located within the receiving cavity.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first water tank and / or the sweeping robot and / or the external water injection device; The external water injection device is connected to a water source; the sweeping robot can move to the external water injection device, which is used to inject water into the first water tank.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A drip tray for collecting condensate, wherein the drip tray is in communication with the first water tank when the first water tank is located within the receiving cavity.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sweeping robot is detachably connected to the first water tank via a first connecting device, and the first water tank is detachably connected to the receiving cavity via a second connecting device. The first connecting device and the second connecting device are configured to, when the sweeping robot needs to be connected to the first water tank, cause the second connecting device to actively disengage and cause the first connecting device to connect; and when the sweeping robot needs to be disconnected from the first water tank, cause the first connecting device to actively disengage and cause the second connecting device to connect.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sewage tank, which is located inside the receiving cavity and is arranged side by side with the first water tank.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sweeping robot is detachably connected to the wastewater tank via a third connecting device, and the wastewater tank is detachably connected to the receiving cavity via a fourth connecting device. The third connecting device and the fourth connecting device are configured to, when the sweeping robot needs to be connected to the wastewater tank, cause the fourth connecting device to actively disengage and the third connecting device to connect; and when the sweeping robot needs to be disconnected from the wastewater tank, cause the third connecting device to actively disengage and the fourth connecting device to connect.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-using device has a second water tank. When the first water tank is located in the receiving cavity, the second water tank is connected to the first water tank so that the first water tank replenishes the second water tank.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first water tank is located below the second water tank; The second water tank is equipped with a water pumping device, and a water inlet is provided at the bottom of the second water tank. The water pumping device is connected to the water inlet. A one-way valve is provided at the water inlet, which only allows water to flow from bottom to top. The first water tank is equipped with a water pumping pipe, and the upper part of the first water tank is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to the water pumping pipe. When the first water tank is located inside the receiving cavity, the water inlet and the water outlet are connected.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the sewage tank and the other end is connected to the external environment.