Air conditioner indoor unit

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner indoor unit, comprising: a first air outlet column, the first air outlet column is in vertical column shape, and a first air outlet is arranged on the front side of the first air outlet column; and a second air outlet column, the second air outlet column is in vertical column shape, and a second air outlet is arranged on the front side of the second air outlet column; the second air outlet column is movably arranged along a preset track around the circumference of the first air outlet column, so that the second air outlet column has at least two relative positions relative to the first air outlet column. Since the second air outlet column is obviously smaller than the first air outlet column, the second air outlet column has at least two relative positions relative to the first air outlet column during the movement of the second air outlet column along the preset track around the circumference of the first air outlet column, so that the air conditioner indoor unit has multiple air outlet modes, is intelligent and has a high degree of intelligence, can increase indoor air circulation, makes indoor air quickly reach and maintain a preset temperature, and has an energy-saving effect.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of the times and the advancement of technology, users not only expect air conditioners to have faster cooling and heating speeds, but also pay increasing attention to their comfort performance. Existing vertical air conditioner indoor units typically have a vertical strip-shaped air outlet on the front of the casing, using an air guide device to achieve vertical and horizontal airflow. Based on this, some existing technologies have made many improvements to the air outlet structure, such as blowing out soft air, fresh air, and humidified airflow. However, the two air outlets in existing mixing structures are only used for mixing air, resulting in a single airflow method. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems by providing an air conditioning indoor unit that can have multiple air outlet modes.

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

[0005] The first air outlet column is vertical and has a first air outlet on its front side; and

[0006] The second air outlet column is a vertical column with a second air outlet on its front side; the ratio of the width of the second air outlet column in the horizontal direction to the width of the first air outlet column in the horizontal direction is less than 1 / 2; the ratio of the depth of the second air outlet column in the front-back direction to the depth of the first air outlet column in the front-back direction is less than 1 / 2.

[0007] The second air outlet column is movably arranged around the first air outlet column along a preset trajectory, so that the second air outlet column has at least two relative positions with respect to the first air outlet column.

[0008] Optionally, the line connecting the two ends of the preset trajectory is collinear with the line connecting the two opposite corners of the first air outlet column; or, the two ends of the preset trajectory are connected to circle the first air outlet column.

[0009] Optionally, in the initial position, the first and second air outlet columns are arranged laterally; the preset trajectory includes:

[0010] The first trajectory segment extends laterally and is positioned in front of the first air outlet column; and

[0011] The second trajectory segment has its front end connected to one end of the first trajectory segment adjacent to the second air outlet column, and the second trajectory segment extends backward from its front end and in a direction away from the first air outlet column to its rear end.

[0012] Optionally, the preset trajectory is a circle around the first air outlet column.

[0013] Optionally, a first air inlet communicating with the first air outlet is provided on the rear side of the first air outlet column; a heat exchanger and a heat exchange fan are provided inside the first air outlet column, and the heat exchange fan causes the airflow to enter the first air outlet column from the first air inlet, exchange heat with the heat exchanger to form the first airflow, and flow out from the first air outlet.

[0014] Optionally, the heat exchange fan is a vertically arranged cross-flow fan, and the preset trajectory is on the same straight line as the rotation axis of the cross-flow fan.

[0015] Optionally, a second air inlet communicating with the second air outlet is provided on the rear side of the second air outlet column;

[0016] The second air outlet column is rotatably arranged around a vertical axis so that after the second air outlet column moves along the preset trajectory to the target position, it can rotate, thereby making the second air inlet face the first air outlet, or the second air outlet face the first air inlet, or the second air outlet face the first air outlet.

[0017] Optionally, the first air outlet is in the shape of a vertical strip; the second air outlet is in the shape of a vertical strip.

[0018] In the initial position, the first and second air outlet columns are arranged horizontally.

[0019] The first air outlet faces forward and towards the second air outlet column;

[0020] The second air outlet faces forward and toward the first air outlet column;

[0021] In the initial position, the airflow from the first air outlet and the airflow from the second air outlet can mix;

[0022] In the initial position, the second air outlet column and the first air outlet column form an air-guiding interval so that when the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet outlet emit air, the air in the air-guiding interval is driven forward by the negative pressure.

[0023] The first air outlet column is equipped with a first air guide for guiding the lateral airflow direction of the first air outlet;

[0024] The second air outlet column is equipped with a second air guide for guiding the lateral airflow direction of the second air outlet.

[0025] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a drive unit.

[0026] The vertical axis passes through the second air outlet column, and the vertical axis is spaced apart from the second air outlet;

[0027] The driving device is configured to drive the second air outlet column to rotate, and the driving device is activated when the flow rate of the airflow exiting the second air outlet reaches a preset value;

[0028] The second air outlet column is provided with a vertically shaped air duct, which is connected to both the second air inlet and the second air outlet;

[0029] A first fan is installed inside the air duct. The first fan causes airflow to enter the air duct from the second air inlet and then flow out from the first air outlet. The first fan is a cross-flow fan. The vertical axis is the rotation axis of the first fan.

[0030] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a functional module and a lower casing;

[0031] The functional module works in conjunction with the second air outlet column, and the functional module is configured to process the airflow flowing through it or to add substances to the airflow;

[0032] The airflow exiting the first air outlet is a heat exchange airflow, and the airflow exiting the second air outlet is a non-heat exchange airflow; the functional module is one or more of a fresh air device, an oxygenation device, a purification device, a humidification device, and a water washing device, and the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of a fresh air flow, a purified airflow, a humidified airflow, an oxygenated airflow, and a water washing airflow, or the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of a fresh air flow, a purified airflow, a humidified airflow, an oxygenated airflow, and a water washing airflow mixed with indoor air; the purification device has dust removal and / or sterilization functions;

[0033] The second air outlet column is provided with a vertically shaped air duct, which is connected to the second air outlet; the outlet of the functional module is connected to the upper or lower end of the air duct.

[0034] The lower shell is located below the first air outlet column and the second air outlet column; the functional module is located inside the lower shell.

[0035] The indoor unit of this invention utilizes a first air outlet column to blow out heat-exchange airflow and a second air outlet column to blow out non-heat-exchange airflow. The heat-exchange and non-heat-exchange airflows can mix after being blown out, forming a mixed airflow. The temperature of the mixed airflow is closer to room temperature than the heat-exchange airflow, resulting in higher comfort, a gentler breeze, increased air volume and velocity, a longer air delivery distance, and better diffusion of the airflow exiting the second air outlet throughout the room. The airflow exiting the first and second air outlets can also be blown separately or without mixing. Specifically, as the second air outlet column moves circumferentially around the first air outlet column along a preset trajectory, it can maintain at least two relative positions to the first air outlet column. This allows the indoor unit to have multiple air outlet modes, a high degree of intelligence, and helps increase indoor air circulation, enabling the indoor air to quickly reach and maintain a preset temperature, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, the second air outlet column is significantly smaller than the first air outlet column, facilitating its movement around the first air outlet column.

[0036] Furthermore, after the second air outlet column moves along the preset trajectory to the target position, it can rotate around the vertical axis, thereby making the second air inlet face the first air outlet, or the second air outlet face the first air inlet, or the second air outlet face the first air outlet, further increasing the diversity of air outlet methods.

[0037] Furthermore, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, the airflow exiting the second air outlet is formed at least under the action of the functional module, and the airflow exiting the second air outlet is blown out independently, so that the additional functions of the indoor unit of the air conditioner do not necessarily depend on the heat exchange air duct. At the same time, the second air column can rotate, which facilitates the delivery of the airflow exiting the second air outlet. For example, when there is a high demand for the airflow exiting the second air outlet, the delivery of the airflow exiting the second air outlet can be accelerated and the second air column can be rotated at the same time, so that it can be better diffused to all parts of the room, improving the effect of the functional module, such as improving the effects of humidification / fresh air / dust removal / sterilization / oxygenation.

[0038] Furthermore, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, a second air outlet column is designed to be parallel to the first air outlet column. The second air outlet column is significantly smaller than the first air outlet column. This structure breaks with convention, is very novel and ingenious, and is also very unique in appearance, enhancing the decorative attributes of the household air conditioner.

[0039] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner shown;

[0043] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0048] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit.

[0049] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic reference state of an indoor air conditioning unit. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The following reference Figures 1 to 9 This invention describes an indoor air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "lateral," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the invention, 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 the present invention.

[0051] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0052] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an air conditioner indoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, and with reference Figures 2 to 9 This invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit, which includes a first air outlet column 10 and a second air outlet column 20.

[0054] The first air outlet column 10 is a vertical column, and a first air outlet 11 for blowing airflow is opened on the front side of the first air outlet column 10. The first air outlet 11 is vertical. The second air outlet column 20 is a vertical column, and a second air outlet 21 for blowing airflow is opened on the front side of the second air outlet column 20. The second air outlet 21 is vertical. In the initial position, the second air outlet column 20 and the first air outlet column 10 are arranged horizontally. The left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the front-back direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, is called "horizontal".

[0055] Specifically, the airflow exiting the first air outlet 11 is a heat exchange airflow. "Heat exchange airflow" refers to the airflow that exchanges heat with the air conditioner's heat exchanger 14 to regulate the indoor temperature. The heat exchanger 14, along with the compressor, the outdoor unit's heat exchanger, the throttling device, and other refrigeration components, forms a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system via pipelines. When the indoor unit is in cooling mode, the heat exchange airflow is cold air. When the indoor unit is in heating mode, the heat exchange airflow is hot air. The heat exchange airflow is blown into the indoor environment through the first air outlet 11, completing the cooling and heating of the indoor environment. The airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 is a non-heat exchange airflow, which serves to assist in regulating the indoor environment. During operation of the indoor unit of this embodiment of the air conditioner, the first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 can be selectively or simultaneously activated.

[0056] Since there is no need to install a heat exchanger 14 inside the second air outlet column 20, the second air outlet column 20 can be designed to be thinner, making it significantly thinner than the first air outlet column 10. This asymmetrical design not only meets the air outlet requirements but also makes the appearance of the air conditioner indoor unit more novel and unique, enhancing the product's competitiveness.

[0057] For example, in the initial position, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the ratio of the width of the second air outlet column 20 in the lateral direction to the width of the first air outlet column 10 in the lateral direction can be less than 1 / 2. The ratio of the depth of the second air outlet column 20 in the front-to-back direction to the depth of the first air outlet column 10 in the front-to-back direction can also be less than 1 / 2, to create a differentiated appearance between the two columns. The front-to-back positions of the second air outlet 21 and the first air outlet 11 can be aligned or substantially aligned, for example, the front-to-back distance between them can not exceed 10cm, so that the non-heat exchange airflow and the heat exchange airflow can be better mixed. That is to say, the second air outlet column 20 is mainly located on one side of the front half of the first air outlet column 10 in the lateral direction; or, in other words, most or all of the second air outlet column 20 is located on one side of the front half of the first air outlet column 10 in the lateral direction.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, the second air outlet column 20 is movably arranged around the first air outlet column 10 along a preset trajectory 50, so that the second air outlet column 20 has at least two relative positions to the first air outlet column 10.

[0059] Since the second air outlet column 20 is significantly smaller than the first air outlet column 10, during the circumferential movement of the second air outlet column 20 around the first air outlet column 10 along a preset trajectory, the second air outlet column 20 can have at least two relative positions with respect to the first air outlet column 10, thereby enabling the indoor unit of the air conditioner to have multiple air outlet modes.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second air outlet column 20 has an initial position and a second position in the outflow direction of the airflow from the first air outlet 11 to block the first air outlet 11 and prevent the airflow from the first air outlet 11 from blowing directly onto the user. Alternatively, the second air outlet column 20 may have an initial position and a third position between the first air outlet 11 and the user's position to block the first air outlet 11 and prevent the airflow from the first air outlet 11 from blowing directly onto the user. Furthermore, the user's position can be detected by a human sensor, and then the second air outlet column 20 can be controlled to move between the user's position and the first air outlet 11.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second air outlet column 20 has an initial position, and the second air outlet column 20 also has a fourth position, in which the second air outlet 21 can be rotated to be aligned with the first air inlet 13, or the second air outlet column 20 also has a fifth position, in which the second air inlet 23 can be rotated to be aligned with the first air outlet 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the second air outlet column 20 can be moved to the aforementioned initial position, second position, third position, fourth position, and fifth position, or it can be moved to other positions outside of these five positions to achieve diversified air supply.

[0063] Furthermore, the line connecting the two ends of the preset trajectory is collinear with the line connecting the two opposite corners of the first air outlet column 10; or, the two ends of the preset trajectory are connected to revolve around the first air outlet column 10. For example, the preset trajectory 50 is a circle revolving around the first air outlet column 10, specifically a circle coaxial with the rotation axis of the heat exchange fan 15.

[0064] In other embodiments of the present invention, in the initial position, the first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 are arranged in a horizontal direction; the preset trajectory includes a first trajectory segment and a second trajectory segment, the first trajectory segment extends in a horizontal direction and is located in front of the first air outlet column; the front end of the second trajectory segment is connected to one end of the first trajectory segment adjacent to the second air outlet column 20, and the second trajectory segment extends backward from its front end and in a direction away from the first air outlet column 10 to its rear end.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the initial position, the first air outlet 11 faces forward and towards the second air outlet column 20, that is, the first air outlet 11 faces diagonally forward, and the second air outlet 21 faces forward and towards the first air outlet column 10, that is, the second air outlet 21 faces diagonally forward. Further, in the initial position, the rear edge of the second air outlet 21 is in front of the rear edge of the first air outlet 11; the front edge of the second air outlet 21 is behind the front edge of the first air outlet 11. A display device 18 is provided on the front side of the first air outlet column 10, and the display device 18 is located on the side of the first air outlet 11 opposite to the second air outlet 21.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, a first air guide is installed on the first air outlet column 10 to guide the lateral airflow direction of the first air outlet 11. The first air guide may include multiple first air guide plates 12. "Guiding the lateral airflow direction" refers to changing the angle between the airflow direction and the front-to-back direction, such as directing the airflow towards the front, left front, right front, etc. A second air guide is installed on the second air outlet column 20 to guide the lateral airflow direction of the second air outlet 21. The second air guide may include multiple second air guide plates 22. The main control board of the air conditioner can be electrically connected to both the first air guide and the motor of the first air guide to control their coordinated operation.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the number of first air guide plates 12 is at least two, and the rotation axis of the rearmost first air guide plate 12 is located at the rear edge of the first air outlet, or the distance between the rotation axis of the rearmost first air guide plate 12 and the rear edge of the first air outlet is less than the distance between the rear and front edges of the first air outlet. In the initial position, the rotation axis of the rearmost second air guide plate 22 is located at the rear edge of the second air outlet, or the distance between the rotation axis of the rearmost second air guide plate 22 and the rear edge of the second air outlet is less than the distance between the rear and front edges of the second air outlet; the number of second air guide plates 22 is one. Preferably, the number of first air guide plates 12 is two, and the number of second air guide plates 22 is one.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower or upper end of the second air outlet column 20 is rotatably arranged around a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the plane where the first air outlet 11 is located, so that the second air outlet column 20 can rotate to the front of the first air outlet and block part of the first air outlet. By tilting the second air outlet column 20, it can block part of the first air outlet 11, such as the area with the highest or lowest air temperature, making the air temperature of the first air outlet 11 more uniform and improving user comfort. Of course, the blocking can also be adjusted according to user needs to enhance the user experience.

[0069] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes multiple temperature sensors, which are arranged vertically at the first air outlet 11 to detect the air outlet temperature at multiple locations along the top and bottom of the first air outlet 11. Based on the air outlet temperature, the second air outlet column 20 rotates to the front of the area of ​​the first air outlet 11 corresponding to the specific air outlet temperature. Specifically, the first air outlet 11 is divided into six areas, and the air outlet temperature of each of these six areas is detected by six temperature sensors. During heating, the second air outlet column 20 rotates to the front of the area of ​​the first air outlet 11 corresponding to the lowest air outlet temperature; during cooling, the second air outlet column 20 rotates to the front of the area of ​​the first air outlet 11 corresponding to the highest air outlet temperature.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, at the initial position, the airflow exiting the first air outlet 11 and the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 can be mixed. The airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 can be a non-heat exchange airflow. The airflow exiting the first air outlet 11 and the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 can be mixed after being blown out to form a mixed airflow. The temperature of the mixed airflow is closer to room temperature than that of the heat exchange airflow, resulting in higher comfort, a gentler breeze, increased air volume and speed, a longer air delivery distance, and better diffusion of the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 to various parts of the room.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the initial position, an air-guiding interval 16 is formed between the second air outlet column 20 and the first air outlet column 10, so that when air is discharged from the first air outlet 11 and / or the second air outlet 21, the air within the air-guiding interval 16 is driven forward by the negative pressure. Thus, when air is discharged from the first air outlet column 10 and / or the second air outlet column 20, a negative pressure environment is formed at the air-guiding interval 16, causing the indoor air behind the indoor unit of the vertical air conditioner to flow forward through the air-guiding interval 16 to mix with the airflow from the first air outlet column 10 or the second air outlet column 20. This results in a larger mixing volume and a faster mixing speed of indoor air, creating a stronger mixing effect. The temperature of the mixed airflow is closer to room temperature than the heat exchange airflow, resulting in higher comfort, a softer wind feel, increased air volume and speed, and a longer air delivery distance.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first air outlet 11 and the second air outlet 21 can be a whole vertical strip extending from top to bottom, or they can be a discontinuous vertical strip composed of multiple vertically arranged sub-air outlets.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, a first air inlet 13 communicating with a first air outlet 11 is provided on the rear side of the first air outlet column 10. A heat exchanger 14 and a heat exchange fan 15 are provided inside the first air outlet column 10. The heat exchange fan 15 directs the heat-exchanged airflow after passing through the heat exchanger 14 out through the first air outlet 11; the airflow exiting the first air outlet 11 at this time is the heat-exchanged airflow. The heat exchange fan 15 is a vertically arranged cross-flow fan. In some alternative embodiments, the heat exchange fan 15 may be multiple axial flow fans or centrifugal fans arranged sequentially in a vertical direction.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, a second air inlet 23, communicating with the second air outlet 21, is provided on the rear side of the second air outlet column 20. A vertically shaped air duct is provided inside the second air outlet column 20, and the air duct is connected to both the second air inlet 23 and the second air outlet 21. A first fan 31 is installed inside the air duct, which causes airflow to enter the air duct from the second air inlet 23 and then flow out from the first air outlet 11; the first fan 31 is a cross-flow fan.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second air outlet column 20 is rotatably arranged around a vertical axis so that the second air outlet column can rotate after moving along a preset trajectory 50 to the target position, thereby making the second air inlet face the first air outlet, or the second air outlet face the first air inlet, or the second air outlet face the first air outlet; making the coordination between the first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 more diverse, thereby further increasing the diversity of air supply and realizing the diversification of indoor unit functions.

[0076] Because the second air outlet column 20 is rotatably arranged around a vertical axis, the present invention can achieve combined air outlet and mixed air outlet. The combined air outlet of the first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 has the following two cases, specifically: ... Figure 7 As shown, when the second air outlet column 20 moves around the preset trajectory 50 to the front of the first air outlet 11, the second air outlet column 20 is rotated around the vertical axis so that the second air inlet 23 faces the first air outlet 11; or as shown... Figure 8 As shown, when the second air outlet column 20 moves around the preset trajectory 50 to the rear side of the first air inlet 13, the second air outlet column 20 is rotated around the vertical axis so that the second air outlet 21 faces the first air inlet 13.

[0077] The mixed airflow from the first and second air outlet columns is specifically as follows: Figure 9As shown, when the second air outlet column 20 moves around the preset trajectory 50 to the vicinity of the first air outlet 11, it rotates around the vertical axis so that the second air inlet 23 faces the first air outlet 11 at a certain angle. In use, part of the airflow from the first air outlet 11 is drawn into the second air outlet column 20 through the second air inlet 23 and then flows out through the second air outlet 21, thereby increasing the air supply range and angle. At the same time, the second air inlet 23 can also draw in part of the indoor air, that is, the airflow from the first air outlet 11 mixes with the indoor air to form a mixed air (this mixed air is uniform). This mixed air is drawn into the second air outlet column 20 through the second air inlet 23 and then flows out through the second air outlet 21, thereby making the outlet air temperature of the second air outlet column 20 more uniform and gentler.

[0078] Preferably, the vertical axis passes through the second air outlet column 20, and the vertical axis is spaced apart from the second air outlet 21. Of course, the vertical axis can also be in other positions. Preferably, the vertical axis is the rotation axis of the first fan 31. This arrangement allows only the second air outlet column 20 to rotate, without the cross-flow fan needing to rotate with it. The structure is simple, easy to control, and easy to implement.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a functional module 40. The functional module 40 is configured to process gas flowing through it or to add substances to the gas flow, and the functional module 40 cooperates with the second air outlet column 20. The outlet of the functional module 40 is connected to the upper or lower end of the air duct; or, the outlet of the functional module 40 is connected to the second air inlet 23.

[0080] Functional module 40 can be one or more of the following: a fresh air device, an oxygenation device, a purification device, a humidification device, and a water washing device. When the outlet of functional module 40 is connected to the second air inlet 23, the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of the following: fresh air flow, purified airflow, humidified airflow, oxygenated airflow, and water washing airflow. When the outlet of functional module 40 is connected to the upper or lower end of the duct, the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of the following: fresh air flow, purified airflow, humidified airflow, oxygenated airflow, and water washing airflow, mixed with indoor air. That is, the second air outlet 21 is simultaneously connected to an indoor air inlet and the outlet of functional module 40, and the indoor air at the indoor air inlet mixes with the substances or gases from functional module 40. Furthermore, the purification device has dust removal and / or sterilization functions, i.e., the purification device is a dust removal device, a sterilization device, or a device that has both dust removal and sterilization functions. Of course, functional module 40 can also be other functional modules 40 capable of changing air quality.

[0081] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention is running, the first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 can be turned on or simultaneously to supply air. The second air outlet column 20 can be rotated to a preset position to blow air as needed, or the second air outlet column 20 can be rotated at all times while blowing air, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0082] Specifically, in this embodiment, the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 is formed at least under the action of the functional module 40, and the second air outlet column 20 is rotatable to facilitate the delivery of the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21. For example, when there is a high demand for airflow exiting the second air outlet 21, the delivery of the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 can be accelerated while the second air outlet column 20 is rotated to better diffuse it to various parts of the room, thereby improving the effect of the functional module 40, such as enhancing the effects of humidification / fresh air / dust removal / sterilization / oxygenation.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a drive device 42, which is configured to drive the second air outlet column 20 to rotate. The drive device 42 can cause the second air outlet column 20 to rotate and send out the airflow flowing out of the second air outlet 21; when the flow rate of the airflow flowing out of the second air outlet 21 reaches a preset value, the drive device 42 can cause the airflow flowing out of the second air outlet 21 to rotate and send out.

[0084] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, when it is necessary to change the air mixing effect, the second air outlet column 20 can also be rotated around the vertical axis. This can change the airflow direction of the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21, as well as change the air volume, to obtain different airflow effects, more airflow forms, meet the user's individual needs, and improve the user experience. Preferably, when the airflow exiting the second air outlet 21 is one or more of the following—fresh airflow, purified airflow, humidified airflow, oxygenated airflow, and water-washing airflow—mixed with indoor air, that is, when the second air outlet column 20 also blows out indoor air, a stronger air mixing effect can be achieved, making the airflow closer to room temperature.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the functional module 40 includes an airflow inlet and a second fan, the second fan causing airflow to enter the airflow inlet and then flow out from the outlet of the functional module 40. For example, the functional module 40 is a fresh air module, etc. In this case, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a first fan 31, a second fan, a second air inlet 23, and an airflow inlet. The airflow inlet may be connected to the second air inlet 23 so that the non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of fresh airflow, purified airflow, humidified airflow, oxygenated airflow, and water washing airflow; or the airflow inlet and the second air inlet correspond to one or more of the non-heat exchange airflow of fresh airflow, purified airflow, humidified airflow, oxygenated airflow, and water washing airflow mixed with indoor air. Further, the substance from the functional module 40 may be located on one side of the first fan 31 facing the second air outlet 21 or the other side.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the airflow inlet is connected to the second air inlet 23, only one of the first fan 31 and the second fan needs to be selected. In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the airflow inlet is connected to the lower or upper end of the duct and does not have a second air inlet 23, only the second fan is required.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, the functional module 40 includes only an outlet, such as a humidifier, an oxygenator, etc. The substance from the functional module 40 may be located on one side or the other side of the first fan 31 facing the second air outlet 21 to mix into the indoor air from the second air inlet 23.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a lower casing 30, a first air outlet column 10 and a second air outlet column 20 disposed at the top of the lower casing 30, and a functional module 40 disposed inside the lower casing 30. The second fan is an axial flow fan or a centrifugal fan. The first air outlet column 10 and the second air outlet column 20 are disposed at the top of the lower casing 30, which provides support and also provides installation space for the functional module 40. The lower casing 30 has a fresh air inlet and at least one indoor air inlet, both of which are selectively connected to the air inlet of the second fan or simultaneously connected to the air inlet of the second fan. A fresh air duct is connected to the fresh air inlet to introduce fresh airflow from the outside.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, the functional module 40 is a humidification device that delivers water mist to the lower end of the air duct. The water mist mixes with the airflow entering from the second air inlet and is blown out from the second air outlet 21. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may have the following operating modes: When the indoor humidity is less than the first preset humidity, neither the functional module 40 nor the first fan 31 works. When the indoor humidity is less than the second preset humidity and greater than the first preset humidity, the functional module 40 works and the first fan 31 operates at low speed. When the indoor humidity is less than the third preset humidity and greater than the second preset humidity, the functional module 40 works and the first fan 31 operates at high speed. When the indoor humidity is greater than the third preset humidity, the functional module 40 works and the first fan 31 operates at high speed, and the second air outlet column 20 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise to blow water vapor to all sides through rotation, thereby improving the humidification effect. The second air outlet column 20 rotates continuously, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The first preset humidity is less than the second preset humidity, and the second preset humidity is less than the third preset humidity. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the second air outlet column 20 can be rotated to a certain position and then remain in that position for a period of time.

[0090] Furthermore, when functional module 40 is another type of module, it can also operate in a similar mode as described above. Furthermore, the fresh air system can be controlled based on the indoor carbon dioxide concentration, the dust removal system based on the indoor PM2.5 concentration, the sterilization system based on the indoor germ concentration, and the oxygen supply system based on the oxygen concentration.

[0091] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The first air outlet column is vertical and has a first air outlet on its front side; and The second air outlet column is a vertical column with a second air outlet on its front side. The second air outlet column is movably arranged around the first air outlet column along a preset trajectory so that the second air outlet column has at least two relative positions to the first air outlet column. The line connecting the two ends of the preset trajectory is collinear with the line connecting the two opposite corners of the first air outlet column; or, the two ends of the preset trajectory are connected to surround the first air outlet column; or, the preset trajectory includes a first trajectory segment and a second trajectory segment, the first trajectory segment extends in the lateral direction and is located in front of the first air outlet column; the front end of the second trajectory segment is connected to one end of the first trajectory segment adjacent to the second air outlet column, and the second trajectory segment extends backward from its front end and in a direction away from the first air outlet column to its rear end; The first air outlet column and the second air outlet column can be turned on or simultaneously to supply air.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the initial position, the first and second air outlet columns are arranged horizontally.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the width of the second air outlet column in the horizontal direction to the width of the first air outlet column in the horizontal direction is less than 1 / 2; the ratio of the depth dimension of the second air outlet column in the front-to-back direction to the depth dimension of the first air outlet column in the front-to-back direction is less than 1 / 2.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first air inlet communicating with the first air outlet is provided on the rear side of the first air outlet column; a heat exchanger and a heat exchange fan are provided inside the first air outlet column, and the heat exchange fan causes the airflow to enter the first air outlet column from the first air inlet, exchange heat with the heat exchanger to form a heat exchange airflow, and then flow out from the first air outlet.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange fan is a vertically arranged cross-flow fan, and the preset trajectory is on the same straight line as the rotation axis of the cross-flow fan when it is circular.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second air inlet, which communicates with the second air outlet, is provided on the rear side of the second air outlet column; The second air outlet column is rotatably arranged around a vertical axis so that it can rotate after moving along the preset trajectory to the target position, thereby making the second air inlet face the first air outlet, or the second air outlet face the first air inlet, or the second air outlet face the first air outlet.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air outlet is in the shape of a vertical strip; the second air outlet is in the shape of a vertical strip; In the initial position, the first and second air outlet columns are arranged horizontally. The first air outlet faces forward and towards the second air outlet column; The second air outlet faces forward and toward the first air outlet column; In the initial position, the airflow from the first air outlet and the airflow from the second air outlet can mix; In the initial position, the second air outlet column and the first air outlet column form an air-guiding interval so that when the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet outlet emit air, the air in the air-guiding interval is driven forward by the negative pressure. The first air outlet column is equipped with a first air guide for guiding the lateral airflow direction of the first air outlet; The second air outlet column is equipped with a second air guide for guiding the lateral airflow direction of the second air outlet.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vertical axis passes through the second air outlet column, and the vertical axis is spaced apart from the second air outlet; The second air outlet column rotates when the airflow velocity at the second air outlet reaches a preset value; The second air outlet column is provided with a vertically shaped air duct, which is connected to both the second air inlet and the second air outlet; A first fan is installed inside the air duct. The first fan causes airflow to enter the air duct from the second air inlet and then flow out from the first air outlet. The first fan is a cross-flow fan. The vertical axis is the rotation axis of the first fan.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes functional modules and a lower shell; The functional module works in conjunction with the second air outlet column, and the functional module is configured to process the airflow flowing through it or to add substances to the airflow; The airflow exiting the first air outlet is a heat exchange airflow, and the airflow exiting the second air outlet is a non-heat exchange airflow; the functional module is one or more of a fresh air device, an oxygenation device, a purification device, a humidification device, and a water washing device, and the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of a fresh air flow, a purified airflow, a humidified airflow, an oxygenated airflow, and a water washing airflow, or the corresponding non-heat exchange airflow is one or more of a fresh air flow, a purified airflow, a humidified airflow, an oxygenated airflow, and a water washing airflow mixed with indoor air; the purification device has dust removal and / or sterilization functions; The second air outlet column is provided with a vertically shaped air duct, which is connected to the second air outlet; the outlet of the functional module is connected to the upper or lower end of the air duct. The lower shell is located below the first air outlet column and the second air outlet column; the functional module is located inside the lower shell.

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