Air conditioner indoor unit, air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof. The indoor air conditioning unit includes a front panel and a bottom shell. An air outlet is formed on the bottom shell, and a guide vane is provided at the air outlet. A fan is provided inside the air outlet. An auxiliary air guiding structure is provided in the air duct formed between the fan and the guide vane. The auxiliary air guiding structure is located between the front panel and the bottom shell and forms part of the duct wall. When the air conditioner is blowing air, the auxiliary air guiding structure can move or rotate to block or partially block the airflow directly from blowing onto the guide vane or the front panel, effectively reducing or preventing condensation in the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning air guiding technology, specifically relating to an indoor air conditioning unit, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology and the improvement of living standards, household air conditioners have become an indispensable household appliance, and the requirements for comfort and quality are also increasing. In humid weather or hot summers, the frequency of air conditioner use increases dramatically. However, the problem of condensation and dripping water from air conditioners has always been a difficult problem affecting user experience and troubling air conditioner developers and repair personnel. Condensation and dripping water is a common after-sales issue, especially in areas with high relative humidity. Condensation mainly manifests as condensation blowing out from the outer surface; when there is a lot of condensation, it drips onto the floor, causing damage or electrical safety hazards. Therefore, the quality of an air conditioner's anti-condensation performance directly affects the consumer's working and living environment.

[0003] Existing technical solutions to the air conditioner condensation problem mainly include: improving installation methods or using cloths or sponges to absorb condensation on the outer surface of the air conditioner. However, these methods are not very effective, and condensation will still occur with increased use, failing to fundamentally solve the problem. Other methods reduce condensation by increasing the temperature of the air outlet of the indoor unit, reducing the fan speed, or adjusting / closing the air deflector. However, these methods can lead to poor cooling performance of the indoor unit or affect airflow, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technologies by proposing an indoor air conditioning unit, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof.

[0005] This invention provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner, including a panel and a bottom shell. An air outlet is formed on the bottom shell, and an air guide plate is provided at the air outlet. A fan is provided inside the air outlet, and an auxiliary air guide structure is provided in the air supply duct formed between the fan and the air guide plate. The auxiliary air guide structure is located between the panel and the bottom shell and forms part of the duct wall. When the air conditioner supplies air, the auxiliary air guide structure can move or rotate to block or partially block the airflow directly to the air guide plate or the panel.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the auxiliary air guide structure has a second control position and a first control position. The first control position is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure overlaps between the panel body and the bottom shell. The second control position is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure does not contact the panel body and the bottom shell. When the air conditioner delivers cold air, the auxiliary air guide structure moves or rotates from the first control position to the second control position.

[0007] In the above technical solution, a notch is provided at the joint between the auxiliary air guide structure and the panel body, and a boss is provided on the panel body to match the notch. When the auxiliary air guide structure and the panel body overlap, the boss is exactly placed inside the notch.

[0008] In the above technical solution, a sliding block is provided at one end of the auxiliary air guide structure, and a sliding groove is provided on the bottom shell; during assembly, the sliding block is placed in the sliding groove and can move or rotate along the sliding groove.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the sliding block includes a protruding structure disposed at one end of the auxiliary air guiding structure and a protruding cap sleeved on the protruding structure.

[0010] The above technical solution includes a drive device for driving the auxiliary air guide structure to move or rotate. The drive device includes a motor and a drive assembly connected to the motor. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and a driven wheel. The shaft of the drive wheel is connected to the motor, and the shaft of the driven wheel is connected to the auxiliary air guide structure.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the driven wheel includes a first driven wheel, a second driven wheel, and a third driven wheel; the first driven wheel meshes with both the driving wheel and the second driven wheel, and the second driven wheel also meshes with the third driven wheel; the shaft of the third driven wheel is a cross shaft, and a cross hole that mates with the cross shaft is provided at the end of the auxiliary air guide structure, and the cross shaft and the cross hole are interference fit.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the driving component is located inside the driving box, which includes a box body and a box cover. The box body and the box cover are connected by a snap-fit, and the driving box is provided with a through hole.

[0013] An air conditioner, characterized in that it includes an indoor unit as described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0014] An air conditioning control method includes the air conditioner as described in the above technical solution, specifically including the following control steps: during the cooling operation, detecting the outlet temperature and humidity, calculating the current indoor air dew point temperature, and entering the anti-condensation mode when the difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is greater than a set value, causing the auxiliary air guide structure to move or rotate to a pre-set second control position.

[0015] In the above technical solution, after entering the anti-condensation mode, when the duration of entering the anti-condensation mode meets the preset time length T1 and the difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is not greater than the set value, the auxiliary air guiding structure is made to exit the second control position.

[0016] In the above technical solution, when the user ends the cooling mode, the auxiliary air guide structure resets to the first control position.

[0017] Compared with the existing technology, the above technical solution for controlling an indoor unit has an auxiliary air guiding structure in the air supply duct formed between the fan and the air guide plate. The auxiliary air guiding structure is set between the panel and the bottom shell and forms part of the duct wall. When the air conditioner supplies air, the auxiliary air guiding structure can move or rotate to block or partially block the air from blowing directly onto the air guide plate or panel, which can reduce or prevent condensation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary air guide structure and its driving device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the raised cap of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the end assembly of the auxiliary air guide structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a side view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the rotation of the auxiliary air guiding structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to the present invention;

[0029] In the figure: auxiliary air guide structure 1, cross hole 11, protrusion structure 12, protrusion cap 13, buffer part 131, sliding part 132, sliding groove 14, first control position 15, second control position 16, notch 17, drive device 2, motor 21, drive wheel 22, first driven wheel 23, second driven wheel 24, third driven wheel 25, cross shaft 26, box body 31, box cover 32, buckle 33, through hole 34, panel body 4, boss 41, bottom shell 5, air guide plate 6, fan 7, air duct 71.

[0030] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "contact," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] To further illustrate the technical solutions in this invention, the following is combined with... Figures 1-10 As shown, the following specific embodiments are provided.

[0034] This invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the system includes a panel 4 and a bottom shell 5. An air outlet is formed on the bottom shell 5, and a guide plate 6 is installed at the air outlet. A fan 7 is installed inside the air outlet. An auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is installed in the air supply duct 71 formed between the fan 7 and the guide plate 6. The auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is located between the panel 4 and the bottom shell 5 and forms part of the wall of the air supply duct 71. When the air conditioner supplies air, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 can move or rotate to block or partially block the airflow directly to the guide plate 6 or the panel 4. Preferably, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is a strip-shaped structure. One side of the inner wall of the duct 71 is flat or nearly flat, and its surface can be smooth or have patterns, protrusions, or holes. The shape of the outer wall of the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is not limited; for ease of processing, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is preferably a long strip-shaped structure.

[0035] Without this auxiliary air guiding structure 1, when the air conditioner is cooling, cold air blows directly onto the air guide plate 6 or the panel 4. The temperature of the air guide plate 6 or the panel 4 decreases, and the temperature difference between the air near the outer wall of the air guide plate 6 or the panel 4 and the air guide plate 6 and the panel 4 is large, easily causing condensation in the air. The auxiliary air guiding structure 1 installed in the air duct 71 effectively prevents cold air from blowing directly onto the air guide plate 6 or the panel 4, reduces the temperature difference between the air guide plate 6 or the panel 4 and the surrounding air, and effectively prevents condensation. Furthermore, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 changes the direction of airflow, causing the air conditioner's airflow angle to be upward or slightly upward, reducing the feeling of direct airflow for the user and providing a better user experience.

[0036] Preferably, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a drive device 2, which can drive the auxiliary air guide structure 1 to rotate or move within the air duct 71 along the air outlet direction. The positions where the auxiliary air guide structure 1 can rotate or move include a first control position 15 and a second control position 16. The first control position 15 is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure 1 overlaps between the panel body 4 and the bottom shell 5. The second control position 16 is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure 1 is not in contact with either the panel body 4 or the bottom shell 5. When the auxiliary air guide structure 1 is in the second control position 16, the auxiliary air guide device 1 guides the airflow from the air outlet upward as a whole, causing the wind to blow upward, thereby avoiding condensation. That is, the auxiliary air guide structure 1 blocks or partially blocks the wind from blowing directly onto the air guide plate 6 or the panel body 4. The second control position 16 is the anti-condensation angle, and the first control position 15 is the anti-condensation exit angle. The second control position 16 and the first control position 15 do not represent only fixed angles or positions, but can be multiple angles or positions that meet the above conditions, thereby providing users with the option to choose between the anti-condensation mode and the anti-condensation exit mode. The preferred auxiliary air guide structure 1 rotates within the range of 0-60 degrees.

[0037] Based on the above embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, there is a notch 17 at the junction of the auxiliary air guide structure 1 and the panel body 4, and the corresponding panel body 4 is provided with a boss 41. When the auxiliary air guide structure 1 is in the first control position 15, the notch 17 corresponds exactly to the boss 41, so as to ensure that there is no interference between the auxiliary air guide structure 1 and the panel body 4 when it starts to rotate and when it falls down after rotation; Figure 9 As shown, under certain circumstances, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 rotates clockwise. If the layout of the air conditioning panel, the air duct, the position of the air outlet, etc., are changed, the position and rotation direction of the corresponding auxiliary air guiding structure 1 may need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a sliding block is provided at the end of the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 away from the driving device 2, and a sliding groove 14 is provided on the bottom shell 5 of the air conditioner. During assembly, the sliding block is placed in the sliding groove 14 and can move along the sliding groove 14. By setting the sliding block and the sliding groove 14, the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 is limited, making the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 more stable when it moves or rotates.

[0039] Based on the above embodiments, the portion of the sliding block located in the sliding groove 14 is cylindrical, which can improve the durability and wear resistance of the entire device. The sliding groove 14 is preferably an arc-shaped through hole, limiting the movement between the sliding block and the sliding groove 14 to rotation, thus improving the overall lifespan of the equipment. To further increase wear resistance and reduce noise, preferably, the sliding block includes a protruding structure 12 at one end of the auxiliary air guide structure 1 and a protruding cap 13 fitted onto the protruding structure 12. The protruding cap 13 is made of rubber. Preferably, the protruding structure 12 is a square structure, and the hole in the middle of the protruding cap 13 is a square hole that mates with the protruding structure 12. Figure 5 As shown, the preferred structure of the raised cap 13 is an integral structure composed of a buffer part 131 and a sliding part 132. During assembly, the sliding part 132 is placed in the sliding groove 14, while the size of the buffer part 131 is larger than that of the sliding groove 14, which restricts the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 and prevents the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 from being in close contact with the bottom shell 5, which would cause the auxiliary air guiding structure 1 to be unable to rotate or rotate unevenly.

[0040] Preferred, such as Figures 1-4 , Figure 9 As shown, the auxiliary air guide structure 1 rotates via a drive device 2. The drive device 2 includes a motor 21 and a drive assembly. The auxiliary air guide structure 1 is driven by the motor 21 through the drive assembly. The drive assembly can be a gear drive or a belt drive. The motor 21 is preferably a stepper motor. Figure 3As shown, the drive assembly is gear-driven, and includes a drive wheel 22 and a driven wheel. The shaft of the drive wheel 22 is connected to the motor 21, and the shaft of the driven wheel is connected to the auxiliary air guide structure 1. There can be one or more driven wheels. Preferably, the driven wheels include a first driven wheel 23, a second driven wheel 24, and a third driven wheel 25. The first driven wheel 23 meshes with both the drive wheel 22 and the second driven wheel 24, and the second driven wheel 24 also meshes with the third driven wheel 25. The shaft of the third driven wheel 25 is a cross shaft 26, and the end of the auxiliary air guide structure 1 is provided with a cross hole 11 that mates with the cross shaft 26. The cross shaft 26 and the cross hole 11 are interference fit. Motor 21 drives drive wheel 22 to rotate, which in turn drives first driven wheel 23, second driven wheel 24, and third driven wheel 25 to rotate. Cross shaft 26, through its engagement with cross hole 11, drives auxiliary air guide structure 1 to rotate. Using a combination gear to drive auxiliary air guide structure 1 allows for more convenient and precise control of its angle and position. Auxiliary air guide structure 1 can also be directly connected to motor 21 and driven directly by motor 21 to rotate.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, a driver box is added, with the driver components located inside the driver box, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the drive box includes a box body 31 and a box cover 32. The box body 31 and the box cover 32 are connected by buckles 33. There can be multiple buckles 33, preferably three buckles 33, which are distributed in a triangle on the drive box 3 to make the connection between the box cover 32 and the box body 31 more stable. The drive box is provided with a through hole 34, which is used to insert bolts to fix the drive box inside the air conditioner. The drive box can protect the drive assembly 22 and make the drive assembly 22 easier to install. The motor 21 can be installed on the outside of the box cover 32 and fixed by bolts or other means.

[0042] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an air conditioner, including the aforementioned air conditioner indoor unit.

[0043] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an air conditioning control method, including the aforementioned air conditioner, specifically including the following control steps: during cooling operation, the outlet temperature and humidity are detected, and the current indoor air dew point temperature is calculated. When the difference between the outlet temperature and the indoor air dew point temperature is greater than a set value (preferably any value between 2 and 5 degrees), an anti-condensation mode is entered, causing the auxiliary air guide structure 1 to rotate to a pre-set second control position 16. The outlet temperature and humidity can be detected in real time or at intervals, such as every 10 minutes. The interval can be a factory setting or a user-defined setting, preferably 5-15 minutes.

[0044] In the above technical solution, after entering the anti-condensation mode, when the time for entering the anti-condensation mode meets the preset time T1 and the difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is not greater than the set value, the auxiliary air guide structure exits the anti-condensation angle (the anti-condensation angle refers to the auxiliary air guide structure 1 being in the second control position 16). The preset time T1 can be factory set or set by the user, and the set time period is preferably 5-10 minutes. The specific steps for detecting the preset time T1 are as follows: when the motor 21 starts working and drives the auxiliary air guide structure 1 to rotate, the timing begins. If the timing duration after the motor 21 is turned on does not reach T1, the auxiliary air guide structure 1 remains at the current anti-condensation angle; if the timing duration after the motor 21 is turned on meets the preset time T1, and the temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is detected to be not greater than the set value, the auxiliary air guide structure 1 is turned off and exits the current anti-condensation angle; if the temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is detected to be greater than the set value, the current anti-condensation angle is maintained.

[0045] The dew point temperature is calculated by combining the temperature and humidity at the air outlet, and the operation time of the anti-condensation angle and the influence of temperature and humidity are used as the exit conditions for the anti-condensation mode, making the start and stop of the anti-condensation mode more precise.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, when the user ends the cooling mode, the auxiliary air guide structure 1 needs to return to its original position where it overlaps with the panel 4. This control method can more accurately determine the generation of condensation in the indoor unit and more effectively remove the condensation, improving the user's comfort experience without reducing the compressor frequency or affecting the air conditioning cooling effect.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising a front panel and a bottom shell, wherein an air outlet is formed on the bottom shell, a guide plate is provided at the air outlet, and a fan is provided inside the air outlet, characterized in that: An auxiliary air guiding structure is provided in the air supply duct formed between the fan and the air guide plate. The auxiliary air guiding structure is located between the panel and the bottom shell, and the auxiliary air guiding structure constitutes part of the duct wall. When the air conditioner supplies air, the auxiliary air guiding structure can block or partially block the airflow directly to the air guide plate or the panel by moving or rotating.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary air guide structure has a second control position and a first control position. The first control position is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure overlaps between the panel and the bottom shell. The second control position is the position where the edge of the auxiliary air guide structure does not contact either the panel or the bottom shell. When the air conditioner delivers cold air, the auxiliary air guide structure moves or rotates from the first control position to the second control position.

3. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary air guide structure has a notch at the joint with the panel body, and the panel body has a protrusion that matches the notch. When the auxiliary air guide structure overlaps with the panel body, the protrusion is positioned exactly within the notch.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sliding block is provided at one end of the auxiliary air guide structure, and a sliding groove is provided on the bottom shell; during assembly, the sliding block is placed in the sliding groove and can move or rotate along the sliding groove.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding block includes a protruding structure disposed at one end of the auxiliary air guiding structure and a protruding cap sleeved on the protruding structure.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device includes a drive unit for moving or rotating the auxiliary air guide structure. The drive unit includes a motor and a drive assembly connected to the motor. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and a driven wheel. The shaft of the drive wheel is connected to the motor, and the shaft of the driven wheel is connected to the auxiliary air guide structure.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driven wheel includes a first driven wheel, a second driven wheel, and a third driven wheel; the first driven wheel meshes with both the driving wheel and the second driven wheel, and the second driven wheel also meshes with the third driven wheel; the shaft of the third driven wheel is a cross shaft, and the end of the auxiliary air guide structure is provided with a cross hole that mates with the cross shaft, and the cross shaft and the cross hole are interference fit.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The drive component is located inside the drive box, which includes a box body and a box cover. The box body and the box cover are connected by snap-fit. The drive box has a through hole.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that... Including the air conditioning indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising the air conditioner of claim 9, characterized in that: Specifically, the control steps include the following: during the cooling operation, the temperature and humidity of the air outlet are detected, and the current indoor air dew point temperature is calculated. When the difference between the air outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is greater than the set value, the anti-condensation mode is entered, and the auxiliary air guide structure is moved or rotated to the pre-set second control position.

11. The air conditioning control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, After entering the anti-condensation mode, when the duration of entering the anti-condensation mode meets the preset time length T1 and the difference between the outlet temperature and the dew point temperature is not greater than the set value, the auxiliary air guiding structure is made to exit the second control position.

12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the user ends the cooling mode, the auxiliary air guide structure resets to the first control position.

Images