Air conditioning unit between columns
By designing an inter-row air conditioning unit with detachable baffles and movable panels, the system achieves both rack spacing and circulating heat exchange, solving the problems of limited heat exchange effect and excessive size in existing technologies. This improves applicability and efficiency, and meets the high-efficiency cooling needs of data centers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311540715.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-11-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing in-row air conditioning units have limited heat exchange efficiency and are large in size. They also have poor compatibility with conventional in-row air conditioning units and cannot meet the data center's requirements for efficient cooling and energy saving.
An inter-row air conditioning unit was designed, comprising a detachable enclosure and an inter-row air conditioner, which can switch between normal heat exchange and circulating heat exchange modes. Different air ducts are formed by moving the front and rear panels and covering the enclosure, realizing intermittent heat exchange and closed-loop heat exchange of the cabinet, reducing the floor space and construction time.
It improves the applicability and versatility of in-row air conditioning, reduces floor space and construction time, and enhances heat exchange efficiency and construction efficiency, thus meeting the data center's requirements for efficient cooling and energy saving.
Smart Images

Figure CN117337011B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of inter-row air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to an inter-row air conditioning unit. Background Technology
[0002] With the widespread adoption of 4G and the gradual popularization of 5G, the heat generated by various data processing devices is increasing, placing higher demands on the cooling capacity and energy efficiency of data center air conditioning equipment. In data centers using in-row air conditioning, the in-row air conditioners are typically placed alongside the server racks to achieve rapid heat exchange with the racks. Conventional in-row air conditioners use a front-to-back airflow configuration, thus creating cold and hot aisles within the data center.
[0003] Taking the inter-row air conditioner and inter-row air conditioning unit provided by the published utility model patent CN218120036U as an example, it facilitates the construction of closed cold aisles and hot aisles in the data center through air outlet ducts and return air ducts. However, the heat exchange of the air conditioner involved in this patent is limited to the heat exchange between the channel surrounding the outer perimeter of the cabinet and the cabinet cavity, and the heat exchange effect is limited. Moreover, due to the setting of the air outlet ducts and return air ducts, the depth of the inter-row air conditioning unit is greater than the thickness of the cabinet, so the overall size of the inter-row air conditioner involved in this patent is larger than that of conventional inter-row air conditioners, and there is a significant difference in the universality of conventional inter-row air conditioners. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an inter-row air conditioning unit to improve the versatility of existing inter-row air conditioning units.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an inter-row air conditioning unit for heat dissipation from server racks, featuring both conventional and cyclic heat exchange modes. The inter-row air conditioning unit includes a detachable enclosure and an inter-row air conditioner, which is arranged side-by-side with the server rack. The inter-row air conditioner comprises a cabinet, a front panel, and a rear panel. The cabinet has openings on both sides along its front-to-back direction. The front and rear panels are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the cabinet and are movably mounted to close or open the two openings. Multiple ventilation holes are distributed on both the front and rear panels. When the unit is in normal heat exchange mode, the enclosure is removed, and the front and rear panels close the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet respectively. The cavity of the in-row air conditioner is connected to the outside through the ventilation holes on the front and rear panels to form a heat exchange channel. The heat exchange channel exchanges heat with the cavity of the cabinet at intervals. When the in-row air conditioner unit is in circulating heat exchange mode, the front and rear panels open the two openings in the front and rear directions of the cabinet respectively. The enclosure covers the outer perimeter of the in-row air conditioner and the cabinet and forms an air duct. The air duct connects the cavity of the in-row air conditioner and the cavity of the cabinet to form a closed circulating heat exchange channel.
[0006] Furthermore, the in-row air conditioning unit also includes a pull-out assembly installed inside the cabinet. The pull-out assembly has a connecting end, and the front panel and the rear panel are both connected to at least one connecting end. The connecting end is movably arranged along the front-rear direction of the cabinet to pull out the front panel and the rear panel and close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet.
[0007] Furthermore, the pull-out assembly includes a sleeve and a pull rod inserted inside the sleeve. The sleeve is fixedly installed inside the cabinet and extends along the front-to-back direction of the cabinet. One end of the pull rod forms a connecting end. The pull rod is movably installed to drive the front panel or the rear panel to move.
[0008] Furthermore, there are multiple pull-out components, each with a connecting end. The multiple pull-out components are symmetrically distributed on the front and rear sides of the cabinet cavity. The multiple connecting ends located on the front side of the cabinet cavity are fixedly connected to the front panel, and the multiple connecting ends located on the rear side of the cabinet cavity are fixedly connected to the rear panel.
[0009] Furthermore, each pull-out component has two opposing connection ends. There are multiple sets of pull-out components, which are distributed along the height of the cabinet. The two connection ends of any pull-out component are fixedly connected to the front panel and the rear panel, respectively.
[0010] Furthermore, the front and rear panels also have mounting holes that avoid ventilation holes and are distributed circumferentially. The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes locking elements and fastening components. The connecting end is connected to the mounting holes on the front or rear panel through the fastening components. The locking elements are set on the pull-out components and can be loosely locked to limit the movement and position of the connecting end relative to the cabinet in the front-to-back direction.
[0011] Furthermore, the in-row air conditioning unit also includes a scissor hinge assembly installed inside the cabinet. The scissor hinge assembly has hinge ends, and the front panel and the rear panel are connected to at least one hinge end. The hinge ends are movably arranged along the front-rear direction of the cabinet to pull out the front panel and the rear panel and close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet.
[0012] Furthermore, the scissor hinge assembly includes a first hinge rod and a second hinge rod that are hinged to each other. One end of the first hinge rod is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the cabinet cavity, and one end of the second hinge rod is connected to the front panel or the rear panel. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a normal heat exchange state, both the first hinge rod and the second hinge rod rotate into the cavity of the cabinet. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the second hinge rod rotates to a state that protrudes from the cavity of the cabinet.
[0013] Furthermore, the in-row air conditioner also includes an air conditioning fan assembly installed inside the cabinet. The air conditioning fan assembly is movable so that the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly extends out of or retracts into the cabinet. When the in-row air conditioning unit is in a normal heat exchange state, the air conditioning fan assembly is located inside the cavity of the cabinet; when the in-row air conditioning unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly extends out of the cabinet and faces the air duct.
[0014] Furthermore, the air conditioning fan assembly includes a mounting plate and multiple air conditioning fans mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting plate is movably mounted inside the cabinet and is limited to fit against the inner wall of the cabinet cavity. The mounting plate divides the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner into a supply air cavity and a return air cavity. The front panel is movably configured to close or open the opening of the supply air cavity, and the rear panel is movably configured to close or open the opening of the return air cavity. The multiple air conditioning fans are spaced apart along the height direction of the mounting plate to guide the cooled fluid in the return air cavity to the supply air cavity.
[0015] Furthermore, there are two enclosure panels. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the two enclosure panels are respectively covered on the front and rear sides of the cabinet and the inter-row air conditioner. The enclosure panel covered on the front side forms a cold air duct between the cabinet and the inter-row air conditioner, and the enclosure panel covered on the rear side forms a hot air duct between the cabinet and the inter-row air conditioner. The cold air duct and the hot air duct are connected through the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner and the cavity of the cabinet.
[0016] Furthermore, the enclosure includes connecting components, side enclosures, and end enclosures. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the side enclosures are fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioning and / or cabinets through the connecting components to form the main body of the air duct. The end enclosures are set on the side enclosures and fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioning and / or cabinets through the connecting components to block the opening of the air duct and form a closed circulating heat exchange channel.
[0017] Furthermore, the inter-row air conditioning unit also includes sealing strips, which are distributed at the connection between the enclosure and the inter-row air conditioner and / or the connection with the cabinet, so as to seal the connection between the enclosure and the inter-row air conditioner and the cabinet and form a circulating heat exchange channel.
[0018] Applying the technical solution of this invention, an inter-row air conditioning unit is provided. This unit is used for heat dissipation from server racks and has both conventional heat exchange and circulating heat exchange modes. The inter-row air conditioning unit includes a detachable enclosure and an inter-row air conditioner, which is arranged side-by-side with the server rack. Each inter-row air conditioner includes a cabinet, a front panel, and a rear panel. The cabinet has openings on both sides along the front-to-back direction. The front and rear panels are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the cabinet and are movably arranged to close or open the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet. Multiple ventilation holes are distributed on both the front and rear panels. When the unit is in normal heat exchange mode, the enclosure is removed, and the front and rear panels close the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet respectively. The cavity of the in-row air conditioner is connected to the outside through the ventilation holes on the front and rear panels to form a heat exchange channel. The heat exchange channel exchanges heat with the cavity of the cabinet at intervals. When the in-row air conditioner unit is in circulating heat exchange mode, the front and rear panels open the two openings in the front and rear directions of the cabinet respectively. The enclosure covers the outer perimeter of the in-row air conditioner and the cabinet and forms an air duct. The air duct connects the cavity of the in-row air conditioner and the cavity of the cabinet to form a closed circulating heat exchange channel.
[0019] This design allows for continuous cooling of the server racks when the in-row air conditioning unit is in conventional heat exchange mode, as the airflow through the in-row air conditioner and the server rack is arranged side-by-side. When the in-row air conditioning unit is in circulating heat exchange mode, the in-row air conditioner's cavity is connected to the server rack's cavity. Heat flowing from the server rack's cavity enters the in-row air conditioner's cavity, is cooled there, and then flows back to the server rack, achieving continuous cooling of the server rack. This configuration provides the in-row air conditioner with at least two applicable modes, improving its versatility. Furthermore, it fully utilizes the front and rear panels of the in-row air conditioner, along with removable enclosures, to facilitate rapid setup of air ducts and enclosed environments. This also facilitates quick transitions between the two modes and the construction of air ducts and closed circulating heat exchange channels. Furthermore, the way the air duct is constructed in this solution eliminates the need to make the dimensions (front and rear depth) of the in-row air conditioning unit excessively large. This allows for a reduction in the overall size of the cabinet before shipment. Under normal heat exchange conditions, air intake and exhaust are achieved through multiple ventilation holes distributed on the front and rear panels. Compared to the existing technology that requires a large overall depth of the in-row air conditioning unit and side air intake and exhaust, this solution reduces the floor space required. On the other hand, compared to the in-row air conditioning units in the existing technology, this solution eliminates the need to disassemble the cabinet panels when constructing the air duct, thereby reducing construction time and improving construction efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an inter-row air conditioning unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0022] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An internal schematic diagram of an inter-row air conditioning unit in circulating heat exchange mode;
[0023] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an inter-row air conditioning unit without baffles in the circulating heat exchange state;
[0024] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Side view of the air conditioner between the middle rows;
[0025] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an inter-row air conditioning unit under normal heat exchange conditions;
[0026] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An internal schematic diagram of an inter-row air conditioning unit under normal heat exchange conditions;
[0027] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 Side view of the air conditioner between the middle rows;
[0028] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the in-row air conditioning units;
[0029] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A magnified view of the selected location;
[0030] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the scissor hinge assembly in an inter-row air conditioning unit provided by another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0031] The above figures include the following reference numerals:
[0032] 10. In-row air conditioning; 101. Ventilation vent; 102. Mounting hole; 103. Return air chamber; 104. Supply air chamber; 11. Cabinet; 12. Front panel; 13. Rear panel;
[0033] 20. Fence panel; 201. Air duct; 2011. Cold air duct; 2012. Hot air duct; 21. Lateral enclosure; 22. End enclosure;
[0034] 30. Pull-out assembly; 301. Connecting end; 31. Sleeve; 32. Pull-out rod;
[0035] 40. Scissor hinge assembly; 401. Hinge end; 41. First hinge rod; 42. Second hinge rod;
[0036] 50. Air conditioning fan assembly; 51. Mounting plate; 52. Air conditioning fan;
[0037] 60. Server rack. Detailed Implementation
[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0039] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an inter-row air conditioning unit for heat dissipation of cabinet 60 and has a conventional heat exchange state and a circulating heat exchange state. The inter-row air conditioning unit includes a detachable baffle 20 and an inter-row air conditioner 10, which are arranged side by side with the cabinet 60. The inter-row air conditioner 10 includes a cabinet 11, a front panel 12, and a rear panel 13. The cabinet 11 has openings on both sides along the front-rear direction. The front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 are respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11 and are movably disposed to close or open the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11. Multiple ventilation holes 101 are distributed on both the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in operation... In normal heat exchange mode, the enclosure 20 is removed, and the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 close the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11 respectively. The cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 is connected to the outside through the ventilation holes 101 on the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 to form a heat exchange channel. The heat exchange channel provides intermittent heat exchange to the cavity of the cabinet 60. When the inter-row air conditioner unit is in circulating heat exchange mode, the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 open the two openings on the cabinet 11 in the front-to-back direction respectively. The enclosure 20 covers the outer periphery of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the cabinet 60 and forms an air duct 201. The air duct 201 connects the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the cavity of the cabinet 60 to form a closed circulating heat exchange channel.
[0040] In this embodiment, when the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the normal heat exchange state, due to the side-by-side arrangement of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the cabinet 60, the airflow flowing through the inter-row air conditioner 10 will perform intermittent heat exchange on the cavity of the cabinet 60, thereby achieving continuous cooling of the cabinet 60; when the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 is connected to the cavity of the cabinet 60, and the heat flow in the cavity of the cabinet 60 will enter the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 under the action of the inter-row air conditioner 10, and after being cooled in the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10, it will flow back to the cavity of the cabinet 60, thereby achieving continuous cooling of the cabinet 60. This configuration allows the inter-row air conditioner 10 to have at least two applicable states, improving its applicability. At the same time, it makes full use of the front panel 12, rear panel 13 and other structures of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the detachable enclosure 20 to achieve rapid construction of the air duct 201 and the enclosed environment, facilitating the rapid conversion between the two states of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the construction of the air duct 201 and the closed circulating heat exchange channel. Furthermore, the way the air duct 201 is constructed in this embodiment eliminates the need to make the dimensions (front and rear depth) of the inter-row air conditioner 10 too large. The overall size of the cabinet 60 can be reduced before leaving the factory. Under normal heat exchange conditions, air intake and exhaust are achieved through multiple ventilation holes 101 distributed on the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13. Compared with the prior art, which requires making the overall depth of the inter-row air conditioner unit larger and the side air intake and exhaust settings, the footprint is reduced. On the other hand, compared with the inter-row air conditioner units in the prior art, this embodiment does not require disassembling the panel of the cabinet 60 when constructing the air duct 201, thereby reducing the construction time and improving the construction efficiency.
[0041] In this embodiment, heat dissipation vents are provided on both the front and rear surfaces of the cabinet 60, allowing heat to escape and preventing overheating. There are two cabinets 60 and three inter-row air conditioners 10, with one cabinet 60 arranged side-by-side between any two inter-row air conditioners 10. It is understood that the number of inter-row air conditioners 10 and the number of cabinets 60 are not limited, and specific examples are not provided here.
[0042] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the inter-row air conditioning unit also includes a pull-out assembly 30 disposed in the cabinet 11. The pull-out assembly 30 has a connecting end 301. The front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 are both connected to at least one connecting end 301. The connecting end 301 is movably disposed along the front-rear direction of the cabinet 11 to pull out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 and close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11.
[0043] In this embodiment, the pull-out assembly 30 facilitates the pulling out of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13. Furthermore, the pull-out assembly 30 helps control the length and positioning of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 during pulling, allowing operators to easily pull them out to the required length and construct a suitably sized air duct 201. This design eliminates the need for fixed enclosures (excluding the surrounding components) when constructing a closed circulating heat exchange channel, reducing construction materials and time. Simultaneously, it eliminates the need to disassemble the cabinet 60 panels during air duct 201 construction, thus reducing construction time and improving efficiency.
[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, the pull-out assembly 30 includes a sleeve 31 and a pull rod 32 passing through the sleeve 31. The sleeve 31 is fixedly installed inside the cabinet 11 and extends along the front-rear direction of the cabinet 11. One end of the pull rod 32 forms a connecting end 301. The pull rod 32 is movably arranged to drive the front panel 12 or the rear panel 13 to move. This arrangement facilitates the processing and installation of the pull-out assembly 30 and the connecting end 301, while also ensuring the reliability of pulling out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13. It is understood that the pull-out assembly 30 can also adopt a telescopic structure similar to a telescopic cylinder, which will not be listed here.
[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the extension directions of both the sleeve 31 and the pull rod 32 are parallel to the front-back direction of the cabinet 11. The sleeve 31 is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the cavity of the cabinet 11. The pull assembly 30 also includes a limiting structure, which is used to limit the maximum length of the pull rod 32 extending out of the sleeve 31, preventing the pull rod 32 from coming out of the sleeve 31. Further, the limiting structure can be a stop step provided at the end of the sleeve 31 and a stop protrusion provided on the side of the pull rod 32 away from the connecting end 301, with the two stopping each other. It is understood that the limiting structure can be designed and improved according to the actual situation of the pull assembly 30, and examples are not given here.
[0046] Furthermore, there are multiple pull-out components 30, each of which has a connecting end 301. The multiple pull-out components 30 are symmetrically distributed on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11 cavity. The multiple connecting ends 301 located on the front side of the cabinet 11 cavity are all fixedly connected to the front panel 12, and the multiple connecting ends 301 located on the rear side of the cabinet 11 cavity are all fixedly connected to the rear panel 13.
[0047] In this embodiment, there are 12 pull-out components 30, and a pull-out rod 32 is inserted into each sleeve 31. Six pull-out components 30 are used to connect to the front panel 12, and the other six pull-out components 30 are used to connect to the rear panel 13. The six pull-out components 30 connected to the front panel 12 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the cavity of the cabinet 11 on the front side of the cavity, and the connection positions of the six connecting ends 301 with the front panel 12 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the surface of the front panel 12. The six pull-out components 30 connected to the rear panel 13 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the cavity of the cabinet 11 on the rear side of the cavity, and the connection positions of the six connecting ends 301 with the rear panel 13 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the surface of the rear panel 13. With this configuration, both the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 are connected through multiple connecting ends 301, ensuring the reliability and stability of the pull-out components 30 in pulling out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13. Furthermore, multiple sleeves 31 can also serve as frame beams or reinforcing beams of the cabinet 11, providing a certain tensile force, which helps to make the frame structure of the cabinet 11 more stable.
[0048] In another embodiment (not shown), any one of the pull-out components 30 has two opposite connecting ends 301. There are multiple sets of pull-out components 30, which are distributed along the height direction of the cabinet 11. The two connecting ends 301 of any one pull-out component 30 are fixedly connected to the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, respectively.
[0049] In this embodiment, there are six pull-out components 30. Each sleeve 31 contains two pull-out rods 32 with opposite protruding directions. Multiple pull-out rods 32 located on the same side of the multiple pull-out components 30 are used to connect to the front panel 12, while multiple pull-out rods 32 located on the other side of the multiple pull-out components 30 are used to connect to the rear panel 13. This arrangement, while ensuring the effectiveness and function of the pull-out components 30, helps to reduce the number of sleeves 31 and lower processing costs.
[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 also have fixing holes 102 that avoid the ventilation holes 101 and are distributed circumferentially. The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes locking elements and fastening components. The connecting end 301 is connected to the fixing holes 102 on the front panel 12 or the rear panel 13 through the fastening components. The locking elements are provided on the pull-out components 30 and can be loosely locked to limit the movement and position of the connecting end 301 relative to the cabinet 11 in the front-back direction.
[0051] In this embodiment, the fastening components can be self-tapping screws, bolt-nut assemblies, rivets, etc., to ensure the reliability and stability of the installation. Locking components restrict the locking and unlocking of the pull-out rod 32, preventing it from moving along the extension direction of the sleeve 31 on its own. This ensures the limitation of the pull-out length of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, thereby ensuring the dimensions of the required air duct 201. It is understood that the locking components are bolts, screws, etc., and the structure of the locking components and fastening components can be adjusted according to actual conditions; examples are not provided here.
[0052] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the inter-row air conditioner 10 also includes an air conditioning fan assembly 50 disposed in the cabinet 11. The air conditioning fan assembly 50 is movably disposed such that the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly 50 extends out of or retracts into the cabinet 11. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the normal heat exchange state, the air conditioning fan assembly 50 is located in the cavity of the cabinet 11; when the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly 50 extends out of the cabinet 11 and faces the air duct 201.
[0053] This design, by extending the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly 50 towards the air duct 201, avoids the situation where the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly 50 faces the side wall of the cabinet 11, which would otherwise obstruct the airflow, reduce air guiding efficiency, and cause air supply noise. This improves the air supply efficiency of the air conditioning fan assembly 50. Furthermore, this design facilitates switching of the air outlet without requiring extensive disassembly, saving time and ensuring safety.
[0054] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioning fan assembly 50 includes a mounting plate 51 and a plurality of air conditioning fans 52 disposed on the mounting plate 51. The mounting plate 51 is movably disposed inside the cabinet 11 and is limited to the inner wall of the cavity of the cabinet 11. The mounting plate 51 divides the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 into a supply air cavity 104 and a return air cavity 103. The front panel 12 is movably disposed to close or open the opening of the supply air cavity 104, and the rear panel 13 is movably disposed to close or open the opening of the return air cavity 103. The plurality of air conditioning fans 52 are spaced apart along the height direction of the mounting plate 51 so that when the inter-row air conditioner unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the cooled fluid in the return air cavity 103 is guided to the supply air cavity 104.
[0055] In this embodiment, the air conditioning fan assembly 50 is installed on the side near the front panel 12. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is switched to the circulating heat exchange state, the front panel 12 is first pulled out and the opening of the air supply cavity 104 is opened. Then, the multiple air conditioning fans 52 are extended out of the opening of the air supply cavity 104 and facing the air duct 201 by moving the mounting plate 51. With this configuration, the air outlet of the air conditioning fan 52 can be directly located in the air duct 201 and the air outlet direction is parallel to the length direction of the air duct 201, which improves the air supply efficiency of the air conditioning fan 52 and reduces the air supply noise.
[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inter-row air conditioner 10 adopts a front-outlet and rear-inlet air design. The air conditioning fan 52 is a centrifugal fan with axial inlet and radial outlet. The inlet direction of the centrifugal fan is parallel to the front-back direction of the cabinet 11. When the centrifugal fan assembly does not move outward, the tangential outlet of the centrifugal fan first impacts the left and right sides of the cabinet 11, and then turns 90 degrees under the action of wind pressure and flows out of the cabinet 11. Theoretically, the air supply process forms two 90-degree turns in a Z-shape. The first 90-degree turn is between the air inlet and outlet of the centrifugal fan, which is a unique property of the centrifugal fan and cannot be avoided. However, the second 90-degree turn is caused by the structural limitations of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and can be avoided. In this embodiment, when the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the air conditioning fan assembly 50 is moved out of the cabinet 11 so that the tangential air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly 50 is located in the air duct 201. This eliminates the obstruction during air supply and prevents a second 90-degree turn, thereby improving the air supply efficiency of the centrifugal fan and reducing the air supply noise.
[0057] Furthermore, the inter-row air conditioner 10 also includes a heat exchanger, a humidifier, and other cooling and humidifying components installed in the cabinet 11 to cool and humidify the airflow from the return air cavity 103 to the supply air cavity 104.
[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, there are two baffles 20. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in circulating heat exchange mode, the two baffles 20 respectively cover the front and rear sides of the cabinet 60 and the inter-row air conditioner 10. The baffle 20 covering the front side forms a cold air duct 2011 between the cabinet 60 and the inter-row air conditioner 10, and the baffle 20 covering the rear side forms a hot air duct 2012 between the cabinet 60 and the inter-row air conditioner 10. The cold air duct 2011 and the hot air duct 2012 are connected through the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the cavity of the cabinet 60. This arrangement, through the baffles 20, seals the circumferential openings between any two of the protruding front panel 12, rear panel 13 and cabinet 11, which is conducive to the formation of a closed flow channel. Specifically, the fluid in the cold air duct 2011 is mainly the cold flow output by the air conditioning fan assembly 50, and the fluid in the hot air duct 2012 is mainly the hot flow generated by the operation of the cabinet 60. The two fluids circulate under the action of the air conditioning fan assembly 50. The hot flow is converted into cold flow by the humidifier, heat exchanger and other structures of the in-row air conditioner 10 and then re-enters the cabinet 11.
[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the enclosure 20 includes connecting components, side enclosures 21, and end enclosures 22. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the side enclosures 21 are fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioner 10 and / or the cabinet 60 through the connecting components to form the main body of the air duct 201. The end enclosures 22 are installed on the side enclosures 21 and are fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioner 10 and / or the cabinet 60 through the connecting components to block the openings of the air duct 201 and form a closed circulating heat exchange channel. This configuration ensures that the enclosure 20 blocks all openings around the inter-row air conditioner 10 while ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection between the enclosure 20 and the inter-row air conditioner 10. The connecting components can be self-tapping screws, bolt and nut assemblies, rivets, etc., and can be adjusted according to the actual situation. Furthermore, the shape, composition, distribution, and connection relationship of the enclosure 20 can also be adjusted according to the actual situation, which will not be listed here.
[0060] Specifically, the inter-row air conditioning unit also includes sealing strips, which are distributed at the connection points between the enclosure 20 and the inter-row air conditioner 10 and / or with the cabinet 60, to seal the enclosure 20 with the inter-row air conditioner 10 and the cabinet 60 and form a circulating heat exchange channel. This arrangement prevents air leakage in the cold air duct 2011 and the hot air duct 2012, ensuring the reliability of heat exchange with the cabinet 60. It is understood that sealing strips are also distributed at the connection points of the side enclosure 21 and the end enclosure 22 to ensure the reliability of the seal; the sealing strips can be made of materials such as foamed rubber.
[0061] like Figure 10As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides an inter-row air conditioning unit, which further includes a scissor hinge assembly 40 disposed within a cabinet 11. The scissor hinge assembly 40 has hinge ends 401, and both the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 are connected to at least one hinge end 401. The hinge ends 401 are movably disposed along the front-rear direction of the cabinet 11 to pull out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 and to close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet 11. This arrangement facilitates the pulling out of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, and also helps to control the limitation and positioning of the pulling length of the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13, making it convenient for operators to pull out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 to the required length and construct an appropriately sized air duct 201 according to the actual situation.
[0062] Specifically, the scissor hinge assembly 40 includes a first hinge rod 41 and a second hinge rod 42 that are hinged to each other. One end of the first hinge rod 41 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the cavity of the cabinet 11, and one end of the second hinge rod 42 is connected to the front panel 12 or the rear panel 13. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a normal heat exchange state, both the first hinge rod 41 and the second hinge rod 42 rotate into the cavity of the cabinet 11. When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in a circulating heat exchange state, the second hinge rod 42 rotates to a state that protrudes from the cavity of the cabinet 11. This arrangement facilitates the processing and installation of the scissor hinge assembly 40 and the hinge end 401. Furthermore, the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 are connected by multiple scissor hinge assemblies 40 to prevent the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13 from easily swinging or tilting, ensuring the reliability of pulling out the front panel 12 and the rear panel 13.
[0063] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0064] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.
[0065] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0066] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.
[0067] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.
[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An inter-row air conditioning unit, characterized in that, The inter-row air conditioning unit is used to dissipate heat from the cabinet (60) and has both conventional heat exchange and circulating heat exchange modes. The inter-row air conditioning unit includes a removable enclosure panel (20) and an inter-row air conditioner (10), which is arranged side by side with the cabinet (60). The inter-row air conditioner (10) includes a cabinet (11), a front panel (12) and a rear panel (13). The cabinet (11) has openings on both sides along the front and rear direction. The front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) are respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11) and are movably disposed to close or open the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11). Multiple ventilation holes (101) are distributed on both the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13). When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the normal heat exchange state, the baffle (20) is removed, the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) respectively close the two openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11), and the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner (10) is connected to the outside through the ventilation holes (101) on the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) to form a heat exchange channel, and the heat exchange channel provides intermittent heat exchange to the cavity of the cabinet (60); When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) respectively open two openings in the front-to-back direction of the cabinet (11), and the baffle (20) covers the outer periphery of the inter-row air conditioning unit (10) and the cabinet (60) to form an air duct (201). The air duct (201) connects the cavity of the inter-row air conditioning unit (10) and the cavity of the cabinet (60) to form a closed circulating heat exchange channel. The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes a pull-out assembly (30) disposed in the cabinet (11). The pull-out assembly (30) has a connecting end (301). The front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) are both connected to at least one of the connecting ends (301). The connecting end (301) is movably disposed along the front-rear direction of the cabinet (11) to pull out the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) and close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11).
2. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull-out assembly (30) includes a sleeve (31) and a pull rod (32) passing through the sleeve (31). The sleeve (31) is fixedly installed inside the cabinet (11) and extends along the front and rear direction of the cabinet (11). One end of the pull rod (32) forms the connecting end (301). The pull rod (32) is movably installed to drive the front panel (12) or the rear panel (13) to move.
3. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple pull-out components (30), each of which has a connection end (301). The multiple pull-out components (30) are symmetrically distributed on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11) cavity. The multiple connection ends (301) located on the front side of the cabinet (11) cavity are fixedly connected to the front panel (12), and the multiple connection ends (301) located on the rear side of the cabinet (11) cavity are fixedly connected to the rear panel (13).
4. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the pull-out components (30) has two opposite connecting ends (301). There are multiple sets of pull-out components (30), which are distributed along the height direction of the cabinet (11). The two connecting ends (301) of any one of the pull-out components (30) are fixedly connected to the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13), respectively.
5. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) also have fixing holes (102) that avoid the ventilation holes (101) and are distributed circumferentially. The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes locking members and fastening components. The connecting end (301) is connected to the fixing holes (102) on the front panel (12) or the rear panel (13) through the fastening components. The locking member is provided on the pull-out component (30) and is releasably provided to limit the movement and position of the connecting end (301) relative to the cabinet (11) in the front-back direction.
6. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes a scissor hinge assembly (40) disposed in the cabinet (11). The scissor hinge assembly (40) has a hinge end (401). The front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) are both connected to at least one of the hinge ends (401). The hinge end (401) is movably disposed along the front-rear direction of the cabinet (11) to pull out the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13) and close or open the openings on the front and rear sides of the cabinet (11).
7. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The scissor hinge assembly (40) includes a first hinge rod (41) and a second hinge rod (42) that are hinged to each other. One end of the first hinge rod (41) is rotatably disposed on the inner wall of the cavity of the cabinet (11). One end of the second hinge rod (42) is connected to the front panel (12) or the rear panel (13). When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the conventional heat exchange state, both the first hinge rod (41) and the second hinge rod (42) rotate into the cavity of the cabinet (11). When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the second hinge rod (42) rotates to a state that protrudes from the cavity of the cabinet (11).
8. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inter-row air conditioner (10) also includes an air conditioning fan assembly (50) disposed in the cabinet (11). The air conditioning fan assembly (50) is movably disposed such that the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly (50) extends out or retracts into the cabinet (11). When the inter-row air conditioner is in the conventional heat exchange state, the air conditioning fan assembly (50) is located in the cavity of the cabinet (11). When the inter-row air conditioner is in the circulating heat exchange state, the air outlet of the air conditioning fan assembly (50) extends out of the cabinet (11) and faces the air duct (201).
9. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air conditioning fan assembly (50) includes a mounting plate (51) and a plurality of air conditioning fans (52) disposed on the mounting plate (51). The mounting plate (51) is movably disposed inside the cabinet (11) and is limited to the inner wall of the cavity of the cabinet (11). The mounting plate (51) divides the cavity of the inter-row air conditioner (10) into an air supply cavity (103) and a return air cavity (104). The front panel (12) is movably disposed to close or open the opening of the air supply cavity (103). The rear panel (13) is movably disposed to close or open the opening of the return air cavity (104). The plurality of air conditioning fans (52) are spaced apart along the height direction of the mounting plate (51) to guide the cooled fluid in the return air cavity (104) to the air supply cavity (103).
10. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two baffles (20). When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the two baffles (20) respectively cover the front and rear sides of the cabinet (60) and the inter-row air conditioning unit (10). The baffle (20) covering the front side forms a cold air duct (2011) between the cabinet (60) and the inter-row air conditioning unit (10), and the baffle (20) covering the rear side forms a hot air duct (2012) between the cabinet (60) and the inter-row air conditioning unit (10). The cold air duct (2011) and the hot air duct (2012) are connected through the cavity of the inter-row air conditioning unit (10) and the cavity of the cabinet (60).
11. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosure (20) includes a connecting assembly, a side enclosure (21), and an end enclosure (22). When the inter-row air conditioning unit is in the circulating heat exchange state, the side enclosure (21) is fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioning unit (10) and / or the cabinet (60) through the connecting assembly to form the main body of the air duct (201). The end enclosure (22) is set on the side enclosure (21) and fixedly connected to the inter-row air conditioning unit (10) and / or the cabinet (60) through the connecting assembly to block the opening of the air duct (201) and form a closed circulating heat exchange channel.
12. The inter-row air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inter-row air conditioning unit also includes a sealing strip, which is distributed at the connection between the enclosure plate (20) and the inter-row air conditioner (10) and / or the connection between the enclosure plate (20) and the cabinet (60) to seal the connection between the enclosure plate (20) and the inter-row air conditioner (10) and the cabinet (60) and form the circulating heat exchange channel.
Citation Information
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