Liquid storage tank of air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid storage tank of an air conditioner and the air conditioner. The liquid storage tank comprises a tank body, a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet and an air hole on the tank body, a liquid processing part, a first switch part and an air permeable part. The liquid processing part is detachably arranged in the first liquid inlet. The first switch part is arranged on the first liquid outlet to control the opening and closing of the first liquid inlet. The air permeable part covers the air hole to connect the tank body with the external environment and limit the liquid in the tank body from flowing through the air permeable part. The application can filter and store the liquid generated by the operation of the air conditioner, and directly use the stored liquid for the new function of the air conditioner. Meanwhile, the liquid will not overflow when the liquid storage tank is taken out or put in, and the taking and putting is safer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a liquid storage tank and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners produce liquid during operation. This liquid is contaminated and cannot be used directly, so it is usually stored and then discharged in a centralized manner. As user demands increase, air conditioners need to add new functions, such as humidification, to improve the user experience. This requires adding liquid to the air conditioner, which means that the air conditioner needs to discharge liquid on one hand and add liquid frequently on the other, resulting in serious waste of resources and a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a liquid storage tank for an air conditioner, which can filter and recycle the liquid produced by the air conditioner and directly use the stored liquid for the air conditioner's operation, while also ensuring safe handling of the tank.

[0004] The present invention also aims to provide an air conditioner that utilizes the aforementioned liquid storage tank.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank of an air conditioner includes: a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet and a vent; a liquid handling component disposed in the first liquid inlet; a first switch component disposed on the first liquid outlet to control the opening and closing of the first liquid inlet; and a venting component covering the vent for communicating the housing with the external environment and restricting the flow of liquid in the housing through the venting component.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank of an air conditioner can filter, recycle, and store the liquid generated during the operation of the air conditioner by setting a liquid handling component on the first liquid inlet of the tank body. The stored liquid can be directly used for new functions of the air conditioner without frequent liquid replenishment. Furthermore, by setting a vent on the air vent to allow the tank body to communicate with the external environment and restrict the flow of liquid inside the tank, pressure balance between the inside and outside of the tank body can be achieved, and the liquid will not overflow when the liquid storage tank is removed or placed, making the removal and placement safer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the liquid handling device is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet, and the second outlet is provided with a second switch to control the opening and closing of the second outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second switch is a one-way conductor, which, when in its natural state, allows liquid to flow out of the second outlet and restricts liquid from flowing into the second outlet from the tank.

[0009] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a protrusion, which is annular and surrounds the first liquid inlet, and the liquid handling component is sleeved inside the protrusion.

[0010] In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the protrusion and the liquid handling component. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a locking slot and a locking protrusion that cooperate with each other. One of the locking slot and the locking protrusion is provided on the protrusion, and the other is provided on the liquid handling component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the latch includes: a vertical portion having an opening through which the latch protrusion enters the vertical portion; and a horizontal portion communicating with the end of the vertical portion away from the opening, wherein the liquid handling component is rotatable within the protrusion to allow the latch protrusion to engage within the horizontal portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first switch is a unidirectional conductor. When the first switch is in its natural state, it can restrict the liquid from flowing out of the first outlet, and when subjected to the action of the external environment, it can allow the liquid to flow out of the first outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing has a first direction, and the housing is installed into the air conditioner along the first direction, with the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet located near the front end of the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a stop surface located at the front end in the first direction, and the first liquid outlet is located at the lower part of the stop surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vent is located on the top surface of the housing and away from the stop surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first liquid inlet is located on the top surface of the housing, and the second liquid inlet has a liquid inlet direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0017] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an indoor unit, wherein a receiving tank is provided inside the indoor unit; and a liquid storage tank as described above, wherein the tank body is disposed within the receiving tank.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner can filter, recycle, and store the liquid generated by the operation of the indoor unit through a liquid storage tank, and directly use the stored liquid for new functions of the air conditioner without frequent liquid replenishment, thereby improving the user experience.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the liquid storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of section II;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of section III;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the liquid storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the liquid storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the liquid storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of section IV;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the liquid storage tank and other components of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the liquid storage tank and other components of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 100. Liquid storage tank;

[0033] 10. Box body;

[0034] 101. First liquid inlet; 102. First liquid outlet; 103. Vent; 104. Protrusion; 105. Stop surface; 106. Settling tank; 107. Double-sided tape; a. First direction;

[0035] 20. Liquid handling components;

[0036] 201. Second liquid inlet; b. Liquid inlet direction; 202. Second liquid outlet; 203. Second switch; 204. Liquid inlet pipe; 204a. First groove; 205. First sealing ring; 20a. Second groove; 206. Second sealing ring;

[0037] 30. First switching component;

[0038] 40. Breathable components;

[0039] 50. Buckle structure;

[0040] 510. Gap; 5101. Vertical part; 5101a. Opening; 5102. Horizontal part;

[0041] 520, Card Protrusion;

[0042] 1000. Air conditioner;

[0043] 200, Indoor air conditioning unit; 200a, Receiving tank; 220, Water outlet component; 210, Water-using component. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] The following is for reference. Figures 1-9 The liquid storage tank 100 of an air conditioner 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 of the air conditioner 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a tank body 10, a liquid handling component 20, a first switching component 30, and a venting component 40.

[0047] The housing 10 is provided with a first liquid inlet 101, a first liquid outlet 102, and a vent 103. A liquid handling component 20 is disposed within the first liquid inlet 101. A first switch 30 is disposed on the first liquid outlet 102 to control the opening and closing of the first liquid inlet 101. A vent 40 covers the vent 103, used to allow the housing 10 to communicate with the external environment and to restrict the flow of liquid within the housing 10 through the vent 40.

[0048] The liquid storage tank 100 can be understood as a liquid storage device installed on the air conditioner 1000, used to store the liquid generated when the air conditioner is working and to provide liquid for new functions of the air conditioner 1000. For example, the liquid can be discharged condensate.

[0049] In one application scenario, the air conditioner 1000 has a humidification function. In this case, the liquid handling unit 20 acts as a filter, and condensate water enters the housing 10 through the liquid handling unit 20, during which the condensate water can be filtered to obtain clean water. The first switch 30 acts as a water valve, which is normally closed. When the air conditioner 1000 needs water for humidification, the first switch 30 is opened, and the water inside the housing 10 can flow to the humidification module of the air conditioner 1000 through the first liquid outlet 102. Alternatively, the water stored in the liquid storage tank 100 can also be used directly for household purposes, such as drinking or washing.

[0050] When the water in the tank 10 is insufficient, water can be added manually. The liquid handling component 20, located on the first liquid inlet 101, can function as an end cap for the tank. Water can be added simply by removing the liquid handling component 20 from the first liquid inlet 101. This method reduces the number of parts in the storage tank 100 and facilitates the replacement of the liquid handling component 20 and manual liquid injection.

[0051] During the process of filling the tank 10 with condensate, the vent 103 ensures the pressure balance inside and outside the tank 10. When installing or removing the liquid storage tank 100 or moving the liquid storage tank 100, the liquid storage tank 100 is prone to tilting. The vent 40 ensures that the liquid inside the tank 10 will not overflow from the vent 103, and at the same time, it will not affect the air outlet of the vent 103. For example, the vent 40 can be a breathable membrane.

[0052] Of course, the above are just examples; the new function of the air conditioner 1000 could also be a disinfection function or a fragrance function, etc. For example, in the disinfection function scenario, the liquid handling unit 20 could be a device containing a disinfectant, which can process the liquid to obtain a disinfectant solution of a certain concentration. After the disinfectant solution is provided to the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 can spray the disinfectant solution outward to disinfect the surrounding environment. In the fragrance function scenario, the liquid handling unit 20 could be a device containing a fragrance component, which can process the liquid to obtain a perfume of a certain concentration. After the perfume is provided to the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 can spray the perfume outward to improve the air quality in the surrounding environment.

[0053] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the following description uses the storage tank 100 for storing and processing the condensate of the air conditioner 1000 as an example, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank 100 of the air conditioner 100 can filter, recover, and store the liquid generated during the operation of the air conditioner 1000 by providing a liquid handling component 20 on the first liquid inlet 101 of the tank body 10. The stored liquid can be directly used for new functions of the air conditioner 1000 without frequent liquid replenishment. Furthermore, by providing a venting component 40 on the vent 103 to connect the tank body 10 with the external environment and restrict the flow of liquid inside the tank body 10, pressure balance inside and outside the tank body 10 can be achieved, and liquid can be prevented from overflowing when the liquid storage tank 100 is removed or placed, making handling safer.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the liquid handling unit 20 is provided with a second liquid inlet 201 and a second liquid outlet 202. The second liquid outlet 202 is provided with a second switch 203 to control the opening and closing of the second liquid outlet 202. The second liquid inlet 201 is connected to the drain port of the air conditioner 1000 to receive the liquid discharged by the air conditioner 1000. After the liquid handling unit 20 processes the discharged liquid, it finally flows out from the second liquid outlet 20 into the housing 10.

[0056] For example, the drain outlet of the air conditioner 1000 is the condensate outlet, such as the outlet of the drip tray or the outlet of the water pump. The second switch 203 is used to control the opening or closing of the second outlet 202. When the water tank 10 needs to receive condensate, the second switch 203 controls the second outlet 202 to open. After receiving the condensate, the second outlet 202 is closed to prevent the liquid inside the storage tank 100 from overflowing from the liquid handling unit 20 when it is being taken out or put in.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second switch 203 is a one-way conductor. When the second switch 203 is in its natural state, it allows liquid to flow out of the second outlet 202 and restricts the inflow of liquid from the housing 10 into the second outlet 202. That is, in its natural state, the liquid handling unit 20 only allows liquid to flow in and does not allow liquid to flow out through it. This prevents liquid from overflowing from the first inlet 101 due to tilting of the housing 10 during placement or removal. Specifically, the second switch 203 can be a one-way valve.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the housing 10 has a protrusion 104, which is annular and surrounds the first liquid inlet 101. The liquid handling component 20 is fitted inside the protrusion 104. By providing the protrusion 104, the limiting surface and supporting surface of the liquid handling component 20 can be increased, making the installation of the liquid handling component 20 more stable and less prone to loosening.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a snap-fit ​​structure 50 is provided between the protrusion 104 and the liquid treatment component 20. The snap-fit ​​structure 50 includes a locking slot 510 and a locking protrusion 520 that cooperate with each other. One of the locking slot 510 and the locking protrusion 520 is provided on the protrusion 104, and the other is provided on the liquid treatment component 20. The snap-fit ​​structure 50 formed by the locking slot 510 and the locking protrusion 520 facilitates the installation and removal of the liquid treatment component 20, enabling quick replacement of the liquid treatment component 20.

[0060] Specifically, the latch 510 may be provided on the protrusion 104, and the latch protrusion 520 may be provided on the liquid handling component 20. Alternatively, the latch 510 may be provided on the liquid handling component 20, and the latch protrusion 520 may be provided on the protrusion 104.

[0061] In some embodiments, snap-fit ​​structures 50 are provided on at least two opposite sides of the protrusion 104 and the liquid handling member 20, and the reliability of the snap-fit ​​can be improved by having at least two snap-fit ​​structures 50 arranged opposite each other.

[0062] For example, when there are two snap-fit ​​structures 50, the two snap-fit ​​structures 50 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the protrusion 104 and the liquid handling component 20; when there are three snap-fit ​​structures 50, the three snap-fit ​​structures 50 can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference, which can also improve the reliability of the snap-fit. Of course, the number of snap-fit ​​structures 50 can be specifically set according to the situation, and is not limited to this, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the latch 510 includes a vertical portion 5101 and a horizontal portion 5102. The vertical portion 5101 has an opening 5101a through which the latching protrusion 520 enters the vertical portion 5101. The horizontal portion 5102 communicates with the end of the vertical portion 5101 furthest from the opening 5101a. The liquid handling component 20 can rotate within the protrusion 104 to allow the latching protrusion 520 to engage within the horizontal portion 5102. Figure 4 As shown, the liquid handling component 20 can be inserted into the protrusion 104 and the first liquid inlet 101 along the axial direction of the protrusion 104, and the retaining protrusion 520 enters into the vertical portion 5101 through the opening 5101a (see...). Figure 6 Then, rotate the liquid handling component 20, and the locking protrusion 520 slides into the transverse portion 5102, completing the locking process (see...). Figure 7 Using this method, the engagement between the bayonet 510 and the protrusion 520 is simple and easy to operate.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first switch 30 is a one-way valve. When in its natural state, the first switch 30 restricts the flow of liquid out of the first outlet 102, and allows the liquid to flow out of the first outlet 102 when subjected to external environmental forces. That is, the first switch 30 is normally closed in its natural state, preventing liquid in the housing 10 from flowing out of the first outlet 102. When the liquid storage tank 100 cooperates with the water-using component 210 of the air conditioner 1000, the water-using component 210 acts on the first switch 30 to open the first outlet 102, allowing liquid to enter the water-using component 210 from the first outlet 102. Specifically, the water-using component 210 may refer to the steam module in the air conditioner 1000 with humidification function, and the first switch 30 may be a one-way valve.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the housing 10 has a first direction a. The housing 10 is installed into the air conditioner 1000 along the first direction a. The first liquid inlet 101 and the first liquid outlet 102 are located near the front end of the first direction a. For ease of understanding, the first direction a can refer to the direction from front to back. After the housing 10 is installed into the air conditioner 1000, since the water outlet component 220 and the water consumption component 210 of the air conditioner 1000 are generally located inside the air conditioner 1000, the first liquid inlet 101 and the first liquid outlet 102 are located near the front end of the first direction a. This makes the distance between the liquid handling component 20 and the water outlet component, and the distance between the first switch component 30 and the water consumption component 210, smaller. This can reduce the length of the additional pipeline or eliminate the need for an additional pipeline. At this time, the liquid handling component 20 is directly connected to the water outlet component 220, and the first switch component 30 is directly connected to the water consumption component 210, which simplifies the installation process.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8 As shown, the housing 10 has a stop surface 105 located at the front end of the first direction a, and the first liquid outlet 102 is located at the lower part of the stop surface 105. Referring to the above, the stop surface 105 can refer to the rear end face of the housing 10. The fact that the first liquid outlet 102 is located at the lower part of the stop surface 105 indicates that the first switch 30 is also located at the lower part of the rear end face of the housing 10, which allows the first switch 30 to be directly connected to the water supply component 210 without the need for additional piping.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8As shown, the vent 103 is located on the top surface of the housing 10 and away from the stop surface 105. Based on the previous analysis, the first liquid inlet 101 is close to the front end of the first direction a, and the stop surface 105 is also located at the front end of the first direction a. Therefore, the vent 103 being away from the first liquid inlet 101 allows the vent 103 to smoothly exhaust air outward.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing 10 is provided with a recess 106, the air hole 103 is provided in the recess 106, and the vent 40 is provided in the recess 106. By installing the vent 40 in the recess 106, the vent 40 will not be completely exposed on the surface of the housing 10, which can improve the installation stability of the vent 40 on the housing 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the venting element 40 is a venting membrane. Double-sided adhesive 107 is provided between the venting membrane and the bottom wall of the settling tank 106. Fixing the venting membrane to the settling tank 106 with double-sided adhesive 107 is a simple and low-cost method. In addition, the venting membrane can also be attached to the settling tank 106 by other welding methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the first liquid inlet 101 is located on the top surface of the housing 10, and the second liquid inlet 201 has a liquid inlet direction b, which is opposite to the first direction a. The liquid inlet direction b can refer to the direction from back to front. The liquid handling component 20 is provided with a liquid inlet pipe 204, and the opening of the liquid inlet pipe 204 forms the second liquid inlet 201. The water outlet component 220 can refer to a condensate water pump. The second liquid inlet 201 is connected to the water outlet. In this way, during the assembly of the housing 10 along the first direction a, the liquid inlet pipe 204 is directly inserted into the water outlet pipe of the condensate water pump, directly connecting the second liquid inlet 201 and the water outlet, simplifying the installation process.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inlet pipe 204 is provided with a first groove 204a, and the first groove 204a is provided with a first sealing ring 205. By setting the first sealing ring 205, the sealing between the inlet pipe 204 and the outlet pipe of the condensate pump can be guaranteed, and water leakage can be prevented.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer shell of the liquid treatment component 20 is provided with a second groove 20a, and a second sealing ring 206 is provided on the second groove 20a. The second sealing ring 206 is used to stop inside the first liquid inlet 101 to ensure the sealing between the liquid treatment component 20 and the first liquid inlet 101 and prevent water leakage.

[0073] A specific embodiment of the liquid storage tank 10 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 of the air conditioner 100 is a water storage tank used to store the condensate of the air conditioner 1000 and to provide the required clean water for the humidification module of the air conditioner 1000. The liquid storage tank 100 includes: a housing 10, a liquid handling component 20, a first switch component 30, and a venting component 40.

[0075] The housing 10 is provided with a first liquid inlet 101, a first liquid outlet 102, and an air vent 103.

[0076] The liquid handling component 20 is located inside the first liquid inlet 101.

[0077] The first switch element 30 is provided on the first liquid outlet 102 to control the opening and closing of the first liquid inlet 101. The first switch element 30 is a one-way valve. When the first switch element 30 is in its natural state, it can restrict the liquid from flowing out of the first liquid outlet 102, and when it is subjected to the action of the external environment, it can allow the liquid to flow out of the first liquid outlet 102.

[0078] The vent 40 is a breathable membrane that covers the air hole 103 and is used to connect the box 10 with the external environment and restrict the flow of liquid inside the box 10 through the vent 40.

[0079] The liquid handling unit 20 is provided with a second liquid inlet 201 and a second liquid outlet 202. The second liquid outlet 202 is provided with a second switch 203 to control the opening and closing of the second liquid outlet 202.

[0080] The liquid handling component 20 is provided with an inlet pipe 204, the inlet of which forms a second inlet port 201. The inlet pipe 204 is provided with a first groove 204a, and a first sealing ring 205 is provided on the first groove 204a.

[0081] The outer shell of the liquid handling component 20 is provided with a second groove 20a, and a second sealing ring 206 is provided on the second groove 20a. The second sealing ring 206 is used to stop the liquid from entering the first liquid inlet 101.

[0082] The second switch 203 is a one-way valve. When the second switch 203 is in its natural state, it allows liquid to flow out of the second outlet 202 and restricts the flow of liquid in the housing 10 into the second outlet 202.

[0083] The housing 10 is provided with a protrusion 104, which is annular and surrounds the first liquid inlet 101. The liquid handling component 20 is sleeved inside the protrusion 104.

[0084] A snap-fit ​​structure 50 is provided between the protrusion 104 and the liquid handling component 20. The snap-fit ​​structure 50 includes a locking slot 510 and a locking protrusion 520 that cooperate with each other. The locking slot 510 is provided on the protrusion 104 and the locking protrusion 520 is provided on the liquid handling component 20.

[0085] The bayonet 510 includes a vertical portion 5101 and a horizontal portion 5102. The vertical portion 5101 has an opening 5101a, through which the locking protrusion 520 enters into the vertical portion 5101. The horizontal portion 5102 is connected to the end of the vertical portion 5101 away from the opening 5101a. The liquid handling component 20 can rotate within the protrusion 104, so that the locking protrusion 520 engages within the horizontal portion 5102.

[0086] The housing 10 is provided with a first direction a, which is a direction from front to back. The housing 10 is installed into the air conditioner 1000 along the first direction a. The first liquid inlet 101 is located on the rear side of the top surface of the housing 10.

[0087] The rear end face of the housing 10 is a stop surface 105, and the first liquid outlet 102 is located at the lower part of the stop surface 105.

[0088] The air vent 103 is located on the front side of the top surface of the housing 10.

[0089] The first liquid inlet 101 is located on the top surface of the housing 10, and the second liquid inlet 201 has a liquid inlet direction b, which is opposite to the first direction a.

[0090] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, an air conditioner 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an indoor unit 200 and a liquid storage tank 100.

[0091] The indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner is provided with a receiving tank 200a; the liquid storage tank 100 is the liquid storage tank 100 mentioned above, and the tank body 10 is located in the receiving tank 200a. The indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner can be a wall-mounted unit or a floor-standing unit. The indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner can have a humidification function. The receiving tank 200a is provided with a water outlet component 220 and a water user component 210. The water outlet component 220 can refer to a condensate water pump, and the water user component 210 can refer to a steam module in an air conditioner with a humidification function.

[0092] The tank body 10 of the liquid storage tank 100 is installed in the receiving tank 200a, the liquid handling component 20 is connected to the condensate pump, and the first switch component 30 is connected to the steam module.

[0093] Of course, the above are just examples; the new function of the air conditioner 1000 could also be a disinfection function or a fragrance function, etc. For example, in the disinfection function scenario, the liquid handling unit 20 could be a device containing a disinfectant, which can process the liquid to obtain a disinfectant solution of a certain concentration. After the disinfectant solution is provided to the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 can spray the disinfectant solution outward to disinfect the surrounding environment. In the fragrance function scenario, the liquid handling unit 20 could be a device containing a fragrance component, which can process the liquid to obtain a perfume of a certain concentration. After the perfume is provided to the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 can spray the perfume outward to improve the air quality in the surrounding environment.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner 1000 can filter, recycle and store the liquid generated by the operation of the indoor unit 200 through the liquid storage tank 100, and directly use the stored liquid for new functions of the air conditioner 1000 without the need for frequent liquid replenishment, which can improve the user experience.

[0095] Other configurations and operations of the air conditioner 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0096] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying 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 limitations on this invention.

[0097] Furthermore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the same feature, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or distinction of importance.

[0098] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0099] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0100] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "optionally," "furthermore," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0101] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: An indoor unit for air conditioning, wherein the indoor unit for air conditioning is provided with a receiving slot; A liquid storage tank, which is detachably disposed within the receiving tank; The liquid storage tank includes: The housing is provided with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and an air vent. A liquid handling unit is provided inside the first liquid inlet. The liquid handling unit is used to filter, recycle, and store the liquid generated by the air conditioner. When the water in the box is insufficient to meet the demand, the liquid handling unit is removed from the first liquid inlet for manual water addition. A first switch is provided on the first liquid outlet to control the opening and closing of the first liquid inlet; A ventilator covers the vent and is used to allow the housing to communicate with the external environment and to restrict the flow of liquid inside the housing through the ventilator. The liquid handling unit is provided with a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet, and the second liquid outlet is provided with a second switch to control the opening and closing of the second liquid outlet.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second switch is a one-way conduction component. When the second switch is in its natural state, it allows liquid to flow out of the second outlet and restricts the flow of liquid from the tank into the second outlet.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a protrusion, which is annular and surrounds the first liquid inlet. The liquid handling component is fitted inside the protrusion.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, A snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the protrusion and the liquid treatment component. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a locking slot and a locking protrusion that cooperate with each other. One of the locking slot and the locking protrusion is provided on the protrusion, and the other is provided on the liquid treatment component.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The checkpoint includes: A vertical section, wherein an opening is provided on the vertical section, and the card protrusion enters into the vertical section through the opening; The horizontal portion is connected to the end of the vertical portion away from the opening, and the liquid handling component can rotate within the protrusion so that the locking protrusion engages within the horizontal portion.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switch is a unidirectional conductor. When the first switch is in its natural state, it can restrict the liquid from flowing out of the first outlet, and when it is subjected to the action of the external environment, it can allow the liquid to flow out of the first outlet.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a first direction, and the housing is installed into the air conditioner along the first direction. The first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet are located near the front end of the first direction.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a stop surface located at the front end in the first direction, and the first liquid outlet is located at the lower part of the stop surface.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air vent is located on the top surface of the housing and away from the stop surface.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first liquid inlet is located on the top surface of the box, and the second liquid inlet has a liquid inlet direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

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