Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses an indoor air conditioning unit and an air conditioner, relating to the field of air conditioning equipment technology. The indoor air conditioning unit includes a housing, a heat exchanger, a refrigerant detection sensor, and a guiding mechanism. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchange body and a delivery pipe. One end of the delivery pipe extending outside the inner cavity of the housing has a connector for connecting the indoor and outdoor unit pipes. This invention provides a guiding mechanism at the connector of the delivery pipe in the heat exchanger. A guiding channel is formed within the guiding mechanism. One end of the guiding channel away from the delivery pipe has a closed structure, while the other end is open and communicates with the inner cavity of the housing. The guiding channel can guide refrigerant leaking from the connector of the delivery pipe to the inner cavity, thereby enabling the refrigerant detection sensor installed in the inner cavity to easily detect the leaking refrigerant. This maximizes the utilization of the refrigerant detection sensor's detection range, improves the safety of the indoor air conditioning unit, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Air conditioners use flammable refrigerant, necessitating the installation of refrigerant detection sensors at potential leak points within the heat exchanger. Leaks can occur at weld points, bends, and threaded connections within the heat exchanger; therefore, for split-type air conditioners, refrigerant detection sensors are typically installed inside the indoor unit. For ease of installation, the connections between the refrigerant inlet and outlet pipes of the indoor unit and the indoor / outdoor unit connection pipes are generally threaded, and these connections are located outside the indoor unit, making it difficult for refrigerant detection sensors to detect leaks at these points. However, adding refrigerant detection sensors to detect leaks at these locations would significantly increase costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an indoor air conditioning unit that can guide refrigerant leaking from the connection between the input / output pipes and the connecting pipes into the interior, making it easy for a refrigerant detection sensor installed in the interior cavity to detect it, resulting in high safety and low manufacturing cost.

[0004] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner having the above-mentioned indoor air conditioning unit.

[0005] An indoor air conditioning unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a housing having an inner cavity; a heat exchanger including a heat exchange body and at least one delivery pipe, the heat exchange body being installed in the inner cavity, one end of the delivery pipe being connected to the heat exchange body, and the other end extending outside the inner cavity and having a connector, the connector being used to connect an indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe; a guide mechanism being fitted outside the connector, the guide mechanism having a guide channel formed therein, one end of the guide channel facing away from the delivery pipe having a closed structure, and the other end being open and communicating with the inner cavity; and a refrigerant detection sensor being installed in the inner cavity for detecting refrigerant leakage in the inner cavity and the guide channel.

[0006] The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0007] By setting a guiding mechanism at the joint of the heat exchanger's delivery pipe, a guiding channel is formed within the guiding mechanism. One end of the guiding channel away from the delivery pipe has a closed structure, while the other end is an open end, which communicates with the inner cavity of the shell. The guiding channel can guide the refrigerant leaking from the joint of the delivery pipe to the inner cavity, thereby enabling the refrigerant detection sensor installed in the inner cavity to easily detect the leaking refrigerant. This maximizes the utilization of the detection range of the refrigerant detection sensor, improves the safety of the air conditioner's indoor unit, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guiding mechanism includes a first sleeve, which wraps around the connector and protrudes along one end away from the conveying pipe to form a protrusion. The sealing structure includes at least one pressure ring connected to the inner wall of the protrusion. The pressure ring has a through hole at its center, and the inner wall of the through hole is sealed to the pipe wall of the inner and outer machine connecting pipe.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of pressure rings are provided, and the plurality of pressure rings are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sleeve.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guiding mechanism further includes a first seal disposed between the through hole and the connecting pipe between the inner and outer parts.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sleeve is elastic, and the peripheral wall of the first sleeve is provided with an installation port arranged along the axial direction of the first sleeve, so that the first sleeve can be sleeved on the outside of the conveying pipe through the installation port; the guide mechanism further includes a connecting structure for sealing the installation port.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connection structure includes a first buckle disposed on one side wall of the mounting port and a second buckle disposed on the other side wall of the mounting port, wherein the first buckle and the second buckle are engaged.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second seal is provided on one side wall of the mounting port; and / or, a third seal is provided on the other side wall of the mounting port.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first sleeve includes a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall surrounding the joint, the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall being fixedly connected by a connecting structure.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guide mechanism includes a second sleeve, the second sleeve including a first cylindrical section wrapped around the connector, the axial dimension of the first cylindrical section being larger than the axial dimension of the connector, and the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section being larger than the outer diameter of the connector.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the open end of the second sleeve extends into the inner cavity.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the open end of the second sleeve and the joint is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second sleeve further includes a second cylindrical section connected to the end of the first cylindrical section away from the closed structure, wherein the inner diameter of the second cylindrical section is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the closed structure is a constricted portion formed at the port of the second sleeve, and the constricted portion is sealed to the wall of the connecting pipe between the inner and outer units.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the constricted portion is sealed to the connecting pipe between the inner and outer parts by a snap ring or a binding rope.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer side of the conveying pipe is wrapped with heat-insulating cotton, and the channels formed by the heat-insulating cotton are respectively connected to the guide channel and the inner cavity.

[0022] An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the indoor unit of the air conditioner described in the above embodiments.

[0023] The air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The air conditioner indoor unit using the first aspect embodiment has a guide mechanism installed at the joint of the heat exchanger's delivery pipe. A guide channel is formed within the guide mechanism. One end of the guide channel away from the delivery pipe has a closed structure, while the other end is an open end. The open end communicates with the inner cavity of the casing. The guide channel can guide the refrigerant leaking from the joint of the delivery pipe to the inner cavity, thereby enabling the refrigerant detection sensor installed in the inner cavity to easily detect the leaking refrigerant. This maximizes the utilization of the detection range of the refrigerant detection sensor, improves the safety of the air conditioner indoor unit, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dotted line portion represents the portion installed in the inner cavity;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the connection between the central conveying pipe and the connecting pipe between the indoor and outdoor units;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism in an air conditioner indoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Icon labels:

[0036] Casing 100;

[0037] Heat exchanger 200; heat exchange body 210; delivery pipe 220; refrigerant inlet pipe 221; refrigerant outlet pipe 222; first connector 223; pipe body 224;

[0038] Guide mechanism 300; guide channel 310; enclosed structure 320; pressure ring 321; constricted portion 322; open end 330; first sleeve 340; protrusion 341; first seal 342; mounting port 343; first side wall 344; second side wall 345; first peripheral wall 346; second peripheral wall 347; connecting structure 350; second seal 360; third seal 370; second sleeve 380; first cylinder section 381; second cylinder section 382;

[0039] Thermal insulation cotton 400;

[0040] Refrigerant detection sensor 500;

[0041] 600mm connecting pipe between indoor and outdoor units. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0045] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0046] This invention discloses an indoor air conditioning unit applicable to a split-type air conditioner. Split-type air conditioners can be wall-mounted, floor-standing, ducted, etc. A split-type air conditioner generally includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is installed indoors, and the outdoor unit is installed outdoors, connected by a connecting pipe. This connecting pipe includes a refrigerant connection pipe, a power cord, and a signal line. Therefore, in cooling mode, the indoor unit transfers heat from the indoor environment to the outdoor unit via refrigerant, and the outdoor unit releases the heat to the outdoor environment, thus cooling the indoor environment.

[0047] An air conditioner indoor unit typically has two refrigerant supply pipes: a refrigerant inlet pipe and a refrigerant outlet pipe. The indoor / outdoor unit connection pipe usually has two additional pipes, one for refrigerant input and the other for refrigerant output. One end of the indoor / outdoor unit connection pipe is threaded to the refrigerant inlet and outlet pipes. The other end of the connection pipe is connected to the outdoor unit. Therefore, a refrigerant circulation system can be formed between the outdoor and indoor units via these connection pipes.

[0048] This invention provides a detailed description of the technical solution of this embodiment, taking the indoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner as an example.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention includes a housing 100, a heat exchanger 200, and a fan. The housing 100 includes a chassis and an outer shell, with the chassis fixedly connected to a wall. The outer shell is connected to the chassis, thereby forming an inner cavity. The heat exchanger 200 and the fan are installed in the inner cavity. The heat exchanger 200 includes a heat exchange body 210, which includes coiled refrigerant pipes and fins installed on the refrigerant pipes. When the fan rotates, it generates negative pressure, causing indoor air to enter the inner cavity from the air inlet of the air conditioner indoor unit. After the air passes through the heat exchange body 210 for heat exchange, it is pressurized by the fan and blown out, finally being blown into the indoor environment from the air outlet of the air conditioner indoor unit. The heat exchanger 200 also includes two delivery pipes 220, namely a refrigerant input pipe 221 and a refrigerant output pipe 222. One end of both the refrigerant input pipe 221 and the refrigerant output pipe 222 is connected to the heat exchange body 210. The other end of the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or refrigerant outlet pipe 222 extends outside the inner cavity; for example, the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or refrigerant outlet pipe 222 can exit the inner cavity from the middle of the housing 100, or from one end along the length of the housing 100. A receiving cavity is provided on the side of the chassis facing the wall for placing the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or refrigerant outlet pipe 222, which can hide the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or refrigerant outlet pipe 222 on the back of the housing 100, improving the aesthetics of the indoor unit.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the delivery pipe 220 extending outside the inner cavity is provided with a first connector 223, and the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 is provided with a second connector that mates with the first connector 223. After the first connector 223 and the second connector are connected, the connection between the delivery pipe 220 and the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 is sealed. However, the connector assembly formed by the first connector 223 and the second connector still has the risk of refrigerant leakage, and since the connector assembly is located outside the inner cavity, the refrigerant detection sensor 500 installed inside the inner cavity has difficulty detecting refrigerant leakage in the connector assembly. However, if an additional refrigerant detection sensor 500 is added to detect refrigerant leakage in the connector assembly, it will lead to a significant increase in the cost of the air conditioner.

[0051] To address the aforementioned issues, the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention further includes a guide mechanism 300. The guide mechanism 300 is fitted onto the outside of the connector assembly, and a guide channel 310 is formed within the guide mechanism 300. The inner diameter of the guide channel 310 needs to be greater than or equal to the maximum outer diameter of the connector assembly. It should be noted that when the outer diameter of the first connector 223 is greater than the outer diameter of the second connector, the guide mechanism 300 is fitted onto the outside of the first connector 223, and the inner diameter of the guide channel 310 needs to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the first connector 223; conversely, when the outer diameter of the second connector is greater than the outer diameter of the first connector 223, the guide mechanism 300 is fitted onto the outside of the second connector, and the inner diameter of the guide channel 310 needs to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the second connector.

[0052] This invention is described using an embodiment where the outer diameter of the first connector 223 is larger than the outer diameter of the second connector as an example. The guide channel 310 of the guide mechanism 300 has a closed structure 320 at the end opposite to the conveying pipe 220. The closed structure 320 is located in the inner and outer machine connecting pipe 600 and is used to seal the gap between the end wall of the guide mechanism 300 and the outer wall of the inner and outer machine connecting pipe 600. The end of the guide channel 310 opposite to the inner and outer machine connecting pipe 600 is an open end 330, which communicates with the inner cavity. (Refer to...) Figure 1 As shown, during the installation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, in order to prevent condensation from forming on the surfaces of the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 and the refrigerant outlet pipe 222, insulation cotton 400 needs to be wrapped around both the surfaces of the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 and the refrigerant outlet pipe 222, or the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or the refrigerant outlet pipe 222 can be wrapped separately with insulation cotton 400. One end of the insulation cotton 400 is wrapped around the open end 330, or it wraps around the entire first sleeve 340, and the other end is wrapped around the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 or the refrigerant outlet pipe 222 located in the inner cavity. Therefore, a channel is formed inside the insulation cotton 400 in the wrapped state, and the open end 330 can communicate with the inner cavity through this channel. As another implementation, the guide mechanism 300 can also extend directly into the inner cavity, so that the open end 330 is located in the inner cavity.

[0053] The indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention also includes a refrigerant detection sensor 500. The refrigerant detection sensor 500 is installed in the inner cavity, either in the middle of the inner cavity or on the side of the inner cavity through which the refrigerant inlet pipe 221 and refrigerant outlet pipe 222 pass. The refrigerant detection sensor 500 is configured to detect refrigerant leakage in the inner cavity and also to detect refrigerant leakage within the guide channel 310. Therefore, the guide channel 310 is configured to guide refrigerant leaking from the connector assembly into the detection range of the refrigerant leakage sensor; that is, refrigerant leaking from the connector assembly can be guided through the guide channel 310 into the detection range of the refrigerant detection sensor 500, thereby enabling a single refrigerant detection sensor 500 to detect both the inner cavity and the connector assembly.

[0054] In this embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit, a guide mechanism 300 is provided at the joint of the delivery pipe 220 of the heat exchanger 200. A guide channel 310 is formed within the guide mechanism 300. One end of the guide channel 310 away from the delivery pipe 220 is provided with a closed structure 320, while the other end is an open end 330. The open end 330 communicates with the inner cavity of the housing 100. The guide channel 310 can guide the refrigerant leaking from the joint of the delivery pipe 220 to the inner cavity, so that the refrigerant detection sensor 500 installed in the inner cavity can easily detect the refrigerant leaking at the connection between the delivery pipe 220 and the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600. This maximizes the detection range of the refrigerant detection sensor 500, improves the safety of the air conditioner indoor unit, and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 As shown, a guide mechanism 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first sleeve 340, which may be cylindrical. The first sleeve 340 wraps around a first connector 223, and the inner diameter of the first sleeve 340 is larger than the inner diameter of the first connector 223, so that a gap is formed between the first connector 223 and the first sleeve 340, which forms part of the guide channel 310. The first sleeve 340 protrudes along one end away from the conveying pipe 220 to form a protrusion 341, which is the portion of the first sleeve 340 that protrudes into the inner and outer machine connecting pipe 600, and the protrusion 341 is arranged around the pipe wall of the inner and outer machine connecting pipe 600. The sealing structure 320 includes one or more pressure rings 321, and the pressure ring 321 has a through hole at its center, thereby forming the inner ring of the pressure ring 321. A pressure ring 321 is disposed around the wall of the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600. The outer ring of the pressure ring 321 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the protrusion 341, and the inner ring of the pressure ring 321 is sealed to the wall of the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600. It should be noted that the inner ring of the pressure ring 321 can be directly connected to the wall of the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600, or connected to the wall of the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 through sealing materials such as sponge or rubber (i.e., indirect connection), or wrapped around the wall of the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 by a cylindrical structure provided on the inner ring of the pressure ring 321.

[0056] The pressure ring 321 seals the gap between the inner wall of the protrusion 341 and the wall of the connecting pipe 600 between the indoor and outdoor units, thereby sealing one end of the first sleeve 340. This prevents refrigerant leaking from the connection between the first connector 223 and the second connector from leaking into the indoor environment from the sealed end, and guides any leaked refrigerant from the open end 330 into the inner cavity, where it can be detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 500. To improve the sealing performance of the closed structure 320, the first sleeve 340 is a one-piece molded part, and the protrusion 341 and the pressure ring 321 are also one-piece molded parts.

[0057] Reference Figure 2As shown, it can be understood that multiple pressure rings 321 are provided, and the multiple pressure rings 321 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sleeve 340. The outer ring of each pressure ring 321 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the protrusion 341, and the inner ring of each pressure ring 321 is sealed to the pipe wall of the internal and external machine connecting pipe 600. After the multiple pressure rings 321 are combined, a closed structure 320 with better sealing performance is formed, which can further improve the sealing performance of the closed structure 320.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in another embodiment of the guide mechanism 300 of the present invention, the first sleeve 340 further includes a first sealing element 342, which is disposed between the through hole of the pressure ring 321 and the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600. The first sealing element 342 is interference-fitted with the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600, extends axially along the first sleeve 340, and is respectively connected to each pressure ring 321, thereby improving the sealing performance between the pressure ring 321 and the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600. The first sealing element 342 can be made of sealing cotton, rubber, silicone, or other sealing materials. For example, when the first sealing element 342 is made of sealing cotton, the sealing cotton can undergo elastic deformation to fill the gap between the pressure ring 321 and the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600, thereby improving the sealing performance of the closed end of the guide mechanism 300.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, the guide mechanism 300 has a first sleeve 340 configured to be elastic, so that the first sleeve 340 can be bent and deformed along the circumferential direction of the first joint 223. For example, the first sleeve 340 can be made of elastic materials such as elastic plastic, rubber or silicone.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 As shown, to facilitate the installation of the guide mechanism 300, the peripheral wall of the first sleeve 340 is provided with an installation port 343 arranged along the axial direction of the first sleeve 340. The installation port 343 penetrates the first sleeve 340 along the axial direction, thus the first sleeve 340 is formed with an opening (i.e., the installation port 343) in its peripheral wall. When installing the first sleeve 340, the first sleeve 340 can be fitted onto the conveying pipe 220 through the installation port 343. When the conveying pipe 220 is installed into the first sleeve 340 through the installation port 343, in order to ensure the sealing performance of the guide channel 310 inside the first sleeve 340, the guide mechanism 300 also includes a connecting structure 350 for sealing the installation port 343. It is understood that the connecting structure 350 can be a snap-fit; as an alternative, the connecting structure 350 can also be a stitch, or an adhesive, such as glue, hot melt adhesive, etc., which are not limited here.

[0061] Reference Figure 3As shown, the connection structure 350 of this embodiment includes a first snap-fit ​​and a second snap-fit. The first snap-fit ​​is disposed on the first sidewall 344 of the mounting opening 343, and the second snap-fit ​​is disposed on the second sidewall 345 of the mounting opening 343. The first sidewall 344 and the second sidewall 345 are arranged opposite to each other along the circumference of the first sleeve 340. The first snap-fit ​​and the second snap-fit ​​engage to seal the mounting opening 343. Multiple first snap-fits and second snap-fits can be provided respectively, and the mating structure of each set of first snap-fits and second snap-fits is spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sleeve 340.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 As shown, to improve the sealing performance of the mounting port 343 of the first sleeve 340, the guide mechanism 300 of another embodiment of the present invention further includes a second sealing element 360 and a third sealing element 370. The first sidewall 344 of the mounting port 343 is provided with the second sealing element 360, and the second sidewall 345 of the mounting port 343 is provided with the third sealing element 370. Therefore, when the first snap and the second snap are engaged and fixed, the second sealing element 360 and the third sealing element 370 can provide a secondary seal for the mounting port 343. Alternatively, the guide mechanism 300 may also provide only the second sealing element 360 or the third sealing element 370. When the first sidewall 344 is provided with the second sealing element 360, the second sealing element 360 can be configured to extend to the inner side of the second sidewall 345, thereby providing a secondary seal for the mounting port 343. When the second sidewall 345 is provided with the third sealing element 370, the third sealing element 370 can be configured to extend to the inner side of the first sidewall 344, thereby providing a secondary seal for the mounting port 343. The second seal 360 and the third seal 370 can be made of sealing materials such as sealing cotton, rubber or silicone.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of the guide mechanism 300 of the present invention, the first sleeve 340 includes a first peripheral wall 346 and a second peripheral wall 347 surrounding the first joint 223. The first peripheral wall 346 and the second peripheral wall 347 are made of elastic material and are configured as two independent arc-shaped plate structures. Both sides of the first peripheral wall 346 and the second peripheral wall 347 are fixedly connected by a connecting structure 350, which is equivalent to forming an installation port 343 on both sides of the first peripheral wall 346 and the second peripheral wall 347. Therefore, its structure and working principle are similar to those of the first peripheral wall 346 and the second peripheral wall 347. Figure 3 The embodiments shown are similar, and can be appropriately understood by referring to the above embodiments. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0064] It is understood that the connecting structure 350 of the guide mechanism 300 in this embodiment of the invention can also be a snap fastener, stitch, or adhesive. Furthermore, the sidewalls on both sides of the first peripheral wall 346 and the second peripheral wall 347 can also be provided with sealing materials such as sealing cotton, rubber, or silicone.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the above embodiment of the present invention, the outer side of the delivery pipe 220 is wrapped with thermal insulation cotton 400. The thermal insulation cotton 400 wraps the entire first sleeve 340, providing a secondary seal to the first sleeve 340; alternatively, the thermal insulation cotton 400 may only wrap the open end 330 of the first sleeve 340. The guide channel 310 communicates with the channel formed by the thermal insulation cotton 400. The thermal insulation cotton 400 wraps the delivery pipe 220 along its extension direction until it reaches the inner cavity, so that the open end 330 communicates with the inner cavity through the thermal insulation cotton 400. This ensures that any refrigerant leaking from the joint between the delivery pipe 220 and the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 can be guided into the inner cavity and detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 500.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention, the guide mechanism 300, includes a second sleeve 380, which may be cylindrical. The second sleeve 380 is fitted onto the outside of the delivery pipe 220, and a guide channel 310 is formed inside the second sleeve 380. The second sleeve 380 includes a first cylindrical section 381 wrapped around the first connector 223. The axial dimension of the first cylindrical section 381 is larger than the axial dimension of the first connector 223, and the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section 381 is larger than the outer diameter of the first connector 223. The first cylindrical section 381 extends into the inner cavity. When a leak occurs at the joint between the delivery pipe 220 and the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600, the refrigerant can more easily leak into the gap between the first cylindrical section 381 and the first connector 223, and be guided into the inner cavity through the guide channel 310 inside the first cylindrical section 381, thereby being detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 500, improving the operational safety of the air conditioning indoor unit.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 As shown, as an alternative, the first cylindrical section 381 wraps around the first connector 223, but does not extend directly into the inner cavity. The first cylindrical section 381 is wrapped with thermal insulation cotton 400, which extends into the inner cavity. The guide channel 310 of the first cylindrical section 381 is connected to the channel formed by the thermal insulation cotton 400, so that the open end 330 of the first cylindrical section 381 is connected to the inner cavity through the thermal insulation cotton 400.

[0068] Reference Figure 7As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, the second sleeve 380 further includes a second cylindrical section 382, ​​which is connected to the end of the first cylindrical section 381 facing away from the closed structure 320. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical section 382 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section 381. The second cylindrical section 382 extends into the inner cavity. Since the outer diameter of the first connector 223 is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe body 224 of the delivery pipe 220, the gap between the second sleeve 380 and the pipe body 224 of the delivery pipe 220 can be reduced by setting the second cylindrical section 382, ​​thereby reducing the effective volume of the channel between the first connector 223 and the inner cavity (the volume of the guide channel 310 minus the volume of the delivery pipe 220). Due to the reduction in effective volume, the leaked refrigerant can be quickly guided to the inner cavity and detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 500, improving the detection accuracy of the refrigerant detection sensor 500 in the inner cavity for the leak point at the first connector 223.

[0069] By setting up a combined structure of the first cylindrical section 381 and the second cylindrical section 382, ​​the material used in the second sleeve 380 can be reduced, thus lowering production costs; moreover, the space occupied by the second sleeve 380 in the indoor unit of the air conditioner can be reduced.

[0070] Reference Figure 8 As shown, as an alternative, the first cylindrical section 381 wraps around the first connector 223, and the second cylindrical section 382 wraps around part of the pipe body 224 of the conveying pipe 220, but does not extend directly into the inner cavity. The second cylindrical section 382 is wrapped with insulation cotton 400, which extends into the inner cavity. The guide channel 310 of the first cylindrical section 381 and the second cylindrical section 382 communicates with the channel formed by the insulation cotton 400, so that the open end 330 of the second cylindrical section 382 communicates with the inner cavity through the insulation cotton 400.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 As can be understood from the embodiment shown, the open end 330 of the second sleeve 380 extends into the inner cavity, so the guide channel 310 is directly connected to the inner cavity, which can directly guide the leaked refrigerant into the inner cavity, reduce the leakage of refrigerant to the outside of the guide channel 310 during the guiding process, and improve the detection accuracy of the refrigerant detection sensor 500 in the inner cavity for the leak point at the first connector 223.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, to achieve a seal at the closed end of the second sleeve 380, the sealing structure 320 is a constricted portion 322. The constricted portion 322 is formed at the port of the second sleeve 380 extending to the section of the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600. The minimum inner diameter of the constricted portion 322 is smaller than the outer diameter of the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600. The constricted portion 322 and the pipe wall of the internal / external machine connecting pipe 600 are sealed by an interference fit. It is understood that the second sleeve 380 is made of an elastic material, such as sealing cotton or rubber, which is easy to fold and bend. Furthermore, the second sleeve 380 and the constricted portion 322 are integrally molded, improving the structural stability of the constricted portion 322 and extending its service life.

[0073] As an alternative, the minimum inner diameter of the constricted portion 322 can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 600 between the inner and outer units. The constricted portion 322 is sealed to the pipe wall of the connecting pipe 600 between the inner and outer units through a fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening mechanism can be a rubber band, a snap ring, or a binding rope, or it can be glue, hot melt adhesive, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, it is understandable that in order to further improve the sealing performance of the closed end, the constricted part 322 and the connecting pipe 600 of the inner and outer unit are further tightened by a snap ring or a binding rope to achieve a sealed connection, which is convenient to operate and has a good sealing effect.

[0075] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 As can be understood from the illustrated embodiment, the distance L between the open end 330 of the second sleeve 380 and the first connector 223 is greater than or equal to 5 mm, ensuring the structural strength of the second sleeve 380. The outer side of the delivery pipe 220 is wrapped with insulation cotton 400. When one end of the insulation cotton 400 is wrapped around the open end 330 of the second sleeve 380, the distance L prevents refrigerant leakage from the interface between the open end 330 of the second sleeve 380 and the insulation cotton 400. The guide channel 310 connects with the channel formed by the insulation cotton 400, thereby allowing the open end 330 of the second sleeve 380 to communicate with the inner cavity through the insulation cotton 400.

[0076] Reference Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention is a split-type air conditioner. The air conditioner in this embodiment includes the indoor unit, outdoor unit, and connecting pipes as described above. During installation, the indoor unit and outdoor unit are connected via the indoor / outdoor unit connecting pipe 600 in the connecting pipes to form a complete refrigerant circulation loop. The air conditioner of this embodiment adopts the indoor unit of the first aspect embodiment. The indoor unit has a guide mechanism 300 at the joint of the delivery pipe 220 of the heat exchanger 200. A guide channel 310 is formed in the guide mechanism 300. One end of the guide channel 310 away from the delivery pipe 220 has a closed structure 320, while the other end is an open end 330. The open end 330 communicates with the inner cavity of the housing 100. The guide channel 310 can guide the refrigerant leaking from the joint of the delivery pipe 220 to the inner cavity, so that the refrigerant detection sensor 500 installed in the inner cavity can easily detect the refrigerant leaking at the connection between the delivery pipe 220 and the indoor and outdoor unit connecting pipe 600. This maximizes the detection range of the refrigerant detection sensor 500, improves the safety of the indoor unit, and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the indoor unit.

[0077] Since the air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of the indoor unit of the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The shell has an internal cavity; A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange body and at least one delivery pipe. The heat exchange body is installed in the inner cavity. One end of the delivery pipe is connected to the heat exchange body, and the other end extends outside the inner cavity and is provided with a connector. The connector is used to connect the inner and outer unit connection pipes. A guiding mechanism is fitted onto the outside of the connector. A guiding channel is formed inside the guiding mechanism. One end of the guiding channel away from the conveying pipe has a closed structure, while the other end is open and communicates with the inner cavity. A refrigerant detection sensor is installed in the inner cavity to detect refrigerant leakage in the inner cavity and the guide channel; The guiding mechanism includes a first sleeve that wraps around the connector and protrudes along one end away from the conveying pipe to form a protrusion. The sealing structure includes at least one pressure ring connected to the inner wall of the protrusion. The pressure ring has a through hole at its center, and the inner wall of the through hole is sealed to the pipe wall of the connecting pipe between the inner and outer machines.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure rings are provided in multiples, and the multiple pressure rings are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sleeve.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism further includes a first sealing element, which is disposed between the through hole and the connecting pipe between the inner and outer parts.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sleeve is elastic, and the peripheral wall of the first sleeve is provided with an installation port arranged along the axial direction of the first sleeve. The first sleeve can be sleeved on the outside of the conveying pipe through the installation port. The guide mechanism also includes a connecting structure for sealing the installation port.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connection structure includes a first buckle on one side wall of the mounting port and a second buckle on the other side wall of the mounting port, wherein the first buckle and the second buckle are engaged.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A second seal is provided on one side wall of the mounting port; and / or, A third seal is provided on the other side wall of the mounting port.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sleeve includes a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall surrounding the joint, and the first peripheral wall and the second peripheral wall are fixedly connected by a connecting structure.

8. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The shell has an internal cavity; A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange body and at least one delivery pipe. The heat exchange body is installed in the inner cavity. One end of the delivery pipe is connected to the heat exchange body, and the other end extends outside the inner cavity and is provided with a connector. The connector is used to connect the inner and outer unit connection pipes. A guiding mechanism is fitted onto the outside of the connector. A guiding channel is formed inside the guiding mechanism. One end of the guiding channel away from the conveying pipe has a closed structure, while the other end is open and communicates with the inner cavity. A refrigerant detection sensor is installed in the inner cavity to detect refrigerant leakage in the inner cavity and the guide channel; the guide mechanism includes a second sleeve, the second sleeve including a first cylindrical section wrapped around the connector, the axial dimension of the first cylindrical section being larger than the axial dimension of the connector, and the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section being larger than the outer diameter of the connector.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The open end of the second sleeve extends into the inner cavity.

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The distance between the open end of the second sleeve and the joint is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

11. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second sleeve further includes a second cylindrical section, which is connected to the end of the first cylindrical section away from the closed structure, and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical section is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first cylindrical section.

12. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The closed structure is a constricted portion formed at the port of the second sleeve, and the constricted portion is sealed to the wall of the connecting pipe between the inner and outer units.

13. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that: The constricted section is sealed to the connecting pipe between the inner and outer parts by a snap ring or binding rope.

14. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The outer side of the delivery pipe is wrapped with heat-insulating cotton, and the channels formed by the heat-insulating cotton are respectively connected to the guide channel and the inner cavity.

15. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Includes the air conditioning indoor unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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