A frameless modular air conditioning unit

Abstract

This invention discloses a frameless modular air conditioning unit, assembled from multiple unit panels and various connectors. Each unit panel includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and connecting frames. The connecting frames are located around the inner and outer panels and include symmetrically arranged inner and outer frames. Each end of the inner and outer frames has a slot for inserting the inner and outer panels. A foam layer is filled between the inner and outer panels. The connectors include a first connector and a second connector. The first connector enables a planar connection between the two connecting frames, and the second connector enables a vertical connection between the two connecting frames. This invention eliminates the need for front / back and left / right orientation during assembly, reducing processing and assembly difficulty. Furthermore, different connectors allow for various splicing methods, improving the panel's versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioning units, and more particularly to a frameless modular air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] There are two main structural forms for air conditioning units or combination air conditioners: one is a frame structure, and the other is a frameless full-panel structure.

[0003] Existing frame-type air conditioning units or combined air conditioning units consist of a frame and panels. The frame provides structural support, while the panels are the main insulation components. This frame-type structure has the following problems: 1. It involves many types of parts, making assembly time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in low production efficiency; 2. The panels and frame are assembled later, creating gaps at the joints, making it difficult to control the seal and leading to problems such as air leakage, condensation, and cold bridging; 3. The frame structure has a certain thickness, resulting in edge protrusions inside the unit after assembly. Especially for larger units, there are also protrusions at the joints, making it difficult to level other components during assembly. This requires additional platform components for leveling, increasing costs and reducing the utilization of internal space.

[0004] Existing frameless air conditioning units directly install profiles around the perimeter of the panel, forming connections between them to achieve panel splicing. While this reduces the number of parts and lowers costs, existing frameless air conditioning units also have certain drawbacks. For example, the patented frameless, non-condensing embedded air conditioning unit (201420105588.2) uses a concave-convex structure to splice the profiles of the two panels. This results in left-right orientation issues during the processing of the profiles and panels, requiring careful attention to the orientation during later assembly. Furthermore, this patent requires the use of two different profile structures for right-angle splicing and flat splicing, necessitating error-free processing. Otherwise, the entire panel becomes unusable and scrapped, increasing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and provide a frameless modular air conditioning unit that eliminates the need for front and back, left and right sides, reducing processing and assembly difficulties. At the same time, different connectors can be used to achieve different splicing methods, improving the versatility of the panel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a frameless modular air conditioning unit, which is assembled from multiple unit panels and various connectors. The unit panels include an outer panel, an inner panel, and a connecting frame. The connecting frame is located around the inner and outer panels and includes symmetrically arranged inner and outer frames. Each end of the inner and outer frames is provided with a slot for inserting the inner and outer panels. A foam layer is filled between the inner and outer panels. The connectors include a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector realizes a planar connection between the two connecting frames, and the second connector realizes a vertical connection between the two connecting frames.

[0007] Preferably, both the inner panel and the outer panel are L-shaped bends around their perimeters, and the bends are inserted into slots in the connecting frame to form an L-shaped insertion structure with the connecting frame.

[0008] Preferably, a thermal break is provided between the inner frame and the outer frame.

[0009] Preferably, the inner frame and the outer frame are provided with mounting slots, a first slot and a second slot on their opposite outer surfaces, wherein the mounting slot is located at the end of the outer surface closer to the panel, the first slot is connected to the mounting slot, and the second slot is located at the end of the outer surface away from the panel.

[0010] Preferably, the first slot is an arc-shaped groove, the second slot is an L-shaped stepped groove, and the distance between the first slot and the second slot is the same as the distance between the inner frame second slot and the outer frame second slot.

[0011] Preferably, the first connector is a planar connector with a straight cross-section, including a side stop section and a connecting section. A retaining strip is provided on the back of the connection between the side stop section and the connecting section. A retaining connector is provided at the end of the connecting section. A reinforcing strip is provided on the back of the middle position of the connecting section. The retaining strip is assembled in the assembly slot of the connecting frame. The retaining connector is snapped into the first or second slot of the connecting frame. The reinforcing strip is embedded at the splice of the two connecting frames.

[0012] Preferably, the second connector is a right-angle connector with an L-shaped cross-section, including a second side stop and a second connecting section. A second locking strip and a second reinforcing strip are provided at the connection between the second side stop and the second connecting section. A second locking connector is provided at the end of the second connecting section. The second locking strip is assembled in the assembly slot of the connecting frame. The second locking connector is snapped into the first slot of the connecting frame. The second reinforcing strip is embedded at the splice of the two connecting frames.

[0013] Preferably, the connector further includes a third connector having a third side stop section, and the end of the third side stop section is provided with a third locking strip, the third locking strip being fitted into the assembly slot of the connecting frame, and the end of the third locking strip being located in the first slot for limiting.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the frameless modular air conditioning unit disclosed in this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The symmetrical inner and outer frames eliminate the problem of front and back or left and right when connecting the frames in actual use, reducing the difficulty for operators or processors. When the panel is used, the same connecting frames are used around the perimeter, avoiding the directional problems of traditional concave and convex fits, which greatly reduces the assembly difficulty.

[0016] The frame and panel are integrated into one piece, and the connectors are used to achieve splicing, reducing the types of accessories, lowering the overall cost, and improving assembly efficiency;

[0017] The inner and outer panels are connected to the connecting frame using an L-shaped insertion structure, which provides a stronger connection compared to the traditional straight insertion structure and will not loosen during foaming or subsequent aging.

[0018] In addition to enabling panel splicing, the side baffles in the connector structure not only provide auxiliary reinforcement, but also serve to shield and seal, ensuring that the assembled air conditioning unit has no gaps, increasing its aesthetics, and enhancing its sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged view of the planar splicing in an embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 2 (at point A in the middle)

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the right-angle splicing in an embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 2 (Point B in the middle). Implementation

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

[0024] like Figures 1-4As shown, the frameless modular air conditioning unit disclosed in this invention is assembled from multiple unit panels 1 and connectors 2. Each unit panel includes an outer panel 101, an inner panel 102, a foam layer 103 filled between the inner and outer panels, and a connecting frame 104 disposed around the inner and outer panels. Two sets of unit panels are spliced ​​in a planar manner by connecting frame and connectors, or two sets of unit panels are spliced ​​in a vertical manner by connecting frame and connectors.

[0025] The connecting frame includes a symmetrically arranged inner frame 105, an outer frame 106, and a thermal break 107 connecting the inner and outer frames. Both the inner and outer frames have slots 108 at the same end for inserting the inner / outer panel. The inner panel is bent in an L-shape around its perimeter, and the bent edge 109 is inserted into the slot of the inner frame. Similarly, the outer panel is bent in an L-shape around its perimeter, and the bent edge 109 is inserted into the slot of the outer frame. Since the inner and outer frames are symmetrically arranged, there is no issue of front / back or left / right in actual use, reducing the difficulty for operators or processors. In addition, the inner and outer panels are inserted into the connecting frame using an L-shaped structure, which provides a stronger connection than the traditional straight-line structure and will not loosen during foaming or subsequent aging.

[0026] The inner and outer frames of the connecting frame are made of metal to ensure the overall rigidity of the air conditioning unit after splicing. The thermal break is made of plastic to break the cold bridge between the inside and outside of the air conditioning unit, avoiding energy loss and condensation on the outer panel. The connecting frame can also be made of high-strength ABS material as needed. If ABS material is used, there is no need to set up a thermal break, and the inner and outer frames are an integral structure.

[0027] The inner frame and the outer frame are provided with mounting slots 110, first slots 111 and second slots 112 on their opposite outer surfaces. The mounting slot is located at the end of the outer side near the panel. The first slot is connected to the mounting slot and is an arc-shaped groove. The second slot is located at the end of the outer side away from the panel and is an L-shaped stepped groove. The distance between the first slot and the second slot is the same as the distance between the second slot of the inner frame and the second slot of the outer frame.

[0028] The connectors include a first connector 201, a second connector 202, and a third connector 203. The first connector is a planar connector that connects the two connecting frames to form a plane. Its cross-section is a straight structure, including a side stop section 204 and a connecting section 205. A retaining strip 206 is provided on the back of the connection between the side stop section and the connecting section. A retaining connector 207 is provided at the end of the connecting section. A reinforcing strip 208 is provided on the back of the middle position of the connecting section. When the first connector is used in assembly, the retaining strip is inserted into the assembly slot of one connecting frame. At this time, the side stop section is located on the outside of the inner panel / outer panel. The retaining connector is locked in the second or third slot of the other connecting frame. The reinforcing strip is placed between the two connecting frames and can be used with fastening screws to pass through the two connecting frames and the reinforcing strip for reinforcement and fixation.

[0029] The second connector is a right-angle connector that connects the vertical surfaces formed by the two connecting frames. Its cross-section is an L-shaped structure, including a second side stop section 209 and a second connecting section 210. The connection between the second side stop section and the second connecting section is provided with a second locking strip 211 and a second reinforcing strip 212. The end of the second connecting section is provided with a second locking connector 213. When the second connector is used in splicing, it is located inside the right-angle surface. Its second locking strip is inserted into the assembly slot of one connecting frame. At this time, the second side stop section is located outside the inner panel. The second locking connector is locked in the second slot of the other connecting frame. The second reinforcing strip is placed between the two connecting frames and can be used with fastening screws to pass through the two connecting frames and the reinforcing strip for reinforcement and fixation.

[0030] The third connector is a limiting connector, which has a third side stop section, and one end of the third side stop section is provided with a third locking strip 214. The third locking strip is fitted into the assembly slot of the connecting frame, and the outer end face of the third locking strip is located in the second slot, which limits the locking head inserted into the second slot to prevent it from falling off. After the third connector is assembled, its third side stop section is located on the outside of the inner panel / outer panel.

[0031] The side baffle structure of the connector is designed to be located on the outside of the inner or outer panel after splicing and assembly. It not only provides auxiliary reinforcement, but also serves to shield and seal, ensuring that the assembled air conditioning unit has no gaps, increasing its aesthetics, and enhancing its sealing performance.

[0032] The frameless modular air conditioning unit disclosed in this invention can achieve panel splicing between planes, as well as splicing along right angles. The planar splicing structure is described in [reference needed]. Figure 3A third connector is installed on the inner side of one connecting frame and a first connector is installed on the outer side. A first connector is installed on the inner side of another connecting frame and a third connector is installed on the outer side. When connecting, the two connecting frames are joined together. The snap-fit ​​connectors of the first connectors on the inner and outer sides are snapped into the second snap-fit ​​slots of the other connecting frame. The third connector is used for positioning. In order to strengthen the connection, screws can be used to pass through the reinforcing strips of the two connecting frames and the first connector in the middle to achieve reinforcement and fixation.

[0033] See the right-angle splicing structure. Figure 4 A first connector is assembled on the outer side of one connecting frame and a third connector is assembled on the inner side. A third connector is assembled on the outer side of the other connecting frame and a second connector is assembled on the inner side. When connecting, the two connecting frames are spliced ​​in an L-shape. The snap-fit ​​connector of the first connector is inserted into the third snap-fit ​​groove of the other connecting frame, and the second snap-fit ​​connector of the second connector is inserted into the second snap-fit ​​groove of the other connecting frame. At the same time, the third connector is used for limiting. In order to strengthen the connection strength, a screw can be used to pass through the middle of the two connecting frames and the reinforcing strip of the first and second connectors to achieve reinforced fixation.

[0034] Because the connecting profiles of the same structure are used around the box panel, horizontal continuous assembly, vertical continuous assembly, or staggered assembly (three-character splicing) can be achieved during splicing. This allows for the splicing of box panels of different sizes. Compared with the traditional grid splicing method, this invention is more versatile and convenient.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention. Any technical solution that can be implemented based on the above embodiments without creative effort should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frameless modular air conditioning unit, assembled from multiple unit panels and various connectors, characterized in that: The enclosure panel includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and connecting frames. The connecting frames are located around the inner and outer panels and include symmetrically arranged inner and outer frames. Each end of the inner and outer frames has a slot for inserting the inner and outer panels. A foam layer is filled between the inner and outer panels. The outer surfaces of the inner and outer frames each have an assembly slot, a first slot, and a second slot. The assembly slot is located on the outer side closer to the panel, and the first slot connects to it. The second slot is located on the outer side away from the panel. The first slot is an arc-shaped groove, and the second slot is an L-shaped stepped groove. The distance between the first and second slots is the same as the distance between the second slots on the inner and outer frames. The connectors include a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. The first connector enables a planar connection between the two connecting frames, and the second connector enables a vertical connection between the two connecting frames. The first connector is a planar connector with a straight cross-section, including a side section and a connecting section. The side section and the connecting section are connected... A retaining strip is provided on the back of the joint, a retaining connector is provided at the end of the connecting section, and a reinforcing strip is provided on the back of the middle position of the connecting section. The retaining strip is assembled in the assembly slot of the connecting frame, and the retaining connector is snapped into the first or second retaining slot of the connecting frame. The reinforcing strip is embedded at the splice of the two connecting frames. The second connecting member is a right-angle connecting member with an L-shaped cross-section, including a second side stop section and a second connecting section. A second retaining strip and a second reinforcing strip are provided at the connection between the second side stop section and the second connecting section. A second retaining connector is provided at the end of the second connecting section. The second retaining strip is assembled... Within the assembly slot of the connecting frame, the second snap-fit ​​connector is fitted into the first slot of the connecting frame, and the second reinforcing strip is embedded at the joint of the two connecting frames. The connector also includes a third connector, which has a third side stop and a third locking strip at the end of the third side stop. The third locking strip is fitted into the assembly slot of the connecting frame, and the end of the third locking strip is located in the first slot, limiting the snap-fit ​​connector or the second snap-fit ​​connector that is inserted into the first slot to prevent it from coming off. After the third connector is assembled, its third side stop is located on the outside of the inner panel or the outer panel.

2. The frameless modular air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the inner and outer panels have L-shaped bends around their perimeter, and the bent edges are inserted into slots in the connecting frame to form an L-shaped insertion structure.

3. The frameless modular air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A thermal break is provided between the inner frame and the outer frame.

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