Fan-coil unit, control method thereof, and air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to a fan-coil unit and a control method thereof and an air conditioner, relates to the fan-coil unit technical field of the air conditioner, and aims to solve the problem of poor heat exchange performance of the fan-coil unit. The fan-coil unit comprises a box body with an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan in communication with the air inlet, the fan being used for feeding air into the box body; and a heat exchanger arranged in the box body and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, the heat exchanger being used for performing heat exchange on the air fed by the fan; wherein the heat exchanger is arranged in a bendable structure, when the heat exchanger is bent towards the air inlet, the air forms vortexes at the bent part of the heat exchanger and then performs heat exchange in the heat exchanger, so as to enhance the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. In the application, when the air blows into the heat exchanger, the air does not directly blow vertically through the heat exchanger due to the inclined state of the heat exchanger, but blows uniformly through the heat exchanger after forming vortexes at the bent part, so that the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger is improved, and the heat exchange performance of the fan-coil unit is finally enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fan coil unit technology for air conditioners, and particularly to a fan coil unit and its control method, as well as an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Fan coil units are ideal terminal products for air conditioning systems, widely used in hotels, office buildings, hospitals, commercial and residential buildings, and research institutions. The fan cools indoor air or a mixture of indoor and outdoor air through a cooling coil before delivering it into the room, lowering the indoor temperature to meet people's comfort requirements.

[0003] In existing technologies, the heat exchanger of fan coil units is vertically placed, resulting in direct airflow into the heat exchanger for heat exchange. However, this direct airflow heat exchange method leads to poor heat exchange performance of the fan coil unit. Especially in hot summers, it can cause the fan coil unit to run for a long time before reaching the preset temperature, significantly reducing its user comfort.

[0004] In other words, existing fan coil units suffer from poor heat exchange performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a fan coil unit and its control method, as well as an air conditioner, to solve the problem of poor heat exchange performance of fan coil units.

[0006] This invention provides a fan coil unit, comprising:

[0007] The enclosure has an air inlet and an air outlet; and

[0008] A fan, connected to the air inlet, is used to supply air into the housing; and

[0009] The heat exchanger is installed inside the box and located between the air inlet and the air outlet. The heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the air supplied by the fan.

[0010] The heat exchanger is designed with a bendable structure. When the heat exchanger bends toward the air inlet, the incoming air forms a vortex at the bend and then exchanges heat inside the heat exchanger to enhance its heat exchange performance.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes:

[0012] The first heat exchanger is used for heat exchange of the incoming air; and

[0013] A connector, one end of which is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger; and

[0014] The second heat exchanger has one end connected to the other end of the connector, and the second heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the incoming air.

[0015] The connector is connected to the housing, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are hinged together by the connector. When the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger rotate around the rotation axis D of the connector toward the air inlet to a certain angle, the heat exchanger bends.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger and the connector have a first bending angle β1, and the value of the first bending angle β1 is in the range of 30°≤β1≤60°.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second heat exchanger and the connector have a second bending angle β2, and the value of the second bending angle β2 is in the range of 30°≤β2≤60°.

[0018] In one embodiment, a limiting member is provided at the other end of the first heat exchanger. When the limiting member comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing, the limiting member limits the rotational position of the first heat exchanger toward the air inlet. And / or a limiting member is provided at the other end of the second heat exchanger. When the limiting member comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing, the limiting member limits the rotational position of the second heat exchanger toward the air inlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the limiting member is an elastically deformable member. The limiting member generates a reaction force at the point of contact with the inner wall of the housing. Under the action of the reaction force, the limiting member undergoes elastic deformation so that the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger can continue to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connector includes:

[0021] A first connecting plate, which is connected to a first heat exchanger; and

[0022] A second connecting plate, which is connected to the second heat exchanger; and

[0023] A hinge that connects to both the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate;

[0024] The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate can rotate around the rotation axis D of the hinge toward the air inlet to a certain angle.

[0025] In one embodiment, a drive mechanism is also included, which is connected to both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, for driving the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0026] In one embodiment, a guide rail is provided extending along a first direction inside the housing, and the driving mechanism includes:

[0027] A first traction rope, one end of which is connected to a first heat exchanger; and

[0028] A second traction rope, one end of which is connected to a second heat exchanger; and

[0029] A sliding member, which is slidably connected to the guide rail along a first direction, and the sliding member is simultaneously connected to the other end of the first traction rope and the second traction rope; and

[0030] A drive assembly, which is connected to a slider, is used to drive the slider to slide toward the air inlet in a first direction.

[0031] In one implementation, the driving component includes:

[0032] A drag rope, one end of which is connected to a sliding component, is used to drag the sliding component along a first direction toward the air inlet; and

[0033] A winding device, which is connected to the other end of the towing rope;

[0034] And / or, a drive motor connected to the winding device for driving the winding device to wind up the drag rope.

[0035] In one embodiment, the connector is slidably connected to the guide rail, with the slider being closer to the air inlet relative to the connector.

[0036] In one embodiment, a control device is also included, which is electrically connected to the drive motor when the drive assembly includes a drive motor, to control the rotation of the drive motor.

[0037] The present invention also provides a control method for a fan coil unit, comprising:

[0038] Determine whether the heat exchanger is bent based on the current temperature difference;

[0039] If the current temperature difference is greater than the first threshold, the heat exchanger will be bent to the first preset bending angle.

[0040] Start the fan of the fan coil unit;

[0041] The fan stops rotating when the indoor temperature reaches the preset temperature.

[0042] The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature. When the fan coil unit is in enhanced cooling mode, the heat exchanger is bent to the first preset bending angle.

[0043] In one implementation, it includes:

[0044] The heat exchanger remains in a non-bending state when the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold.

[0045] If the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the second threshold, the heat exchanger is bent to the second preset bending angle;

[0046] Specifically, when the fan coil unit is in normal cooling mode, the heat exchanger remains in an unbent state; when the fan coil unit is in air supply mode, the heat exchanger bends to the second preset bending angle.

[0047] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, which includes the above-described fan coil unit.

[0048] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are that when the heat exchanger is bent at a certain angle, i.e., the air inlet surface of the heat exchanger is bent, the space for airflow into the heat exchanger becomes smaller, and the air in this space is compressed. This allows the airflow to flow into the heat exchanger more quickly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the airflow into the heat exchanger and thus improving the heat exchange performance. Moreover, when the airflow enters the heat exchanger, because the heat exchanger is in an inclined state, the airflow does not blow directly and vertically across the heat exchanger, but forms a vortex at the bend and then blows evenly across the heat exchanger. This further improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger and ultimately enhances the heat exchange performance of the fan coil unit. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fan coil unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (the fan coil unit is in enhanced cooling mode, and vortices are shown at the bends).

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the assembly relationship between the guide rail, heat exchanger, connectors, and drive mechanism;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fan coil unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (the fan coil unit is in normal cooling mode);

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fan coil unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (the fan coil unit is in air supply mode);

[0054] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific control method in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure label:

[0056] 10. Housing; 11. Guide rail; 20. Fan; 30. Heat exchanger; 31. First heat exchanger; 32. Connector; 321. First connecting plate; 322. Second connecting plate; 323. Hinge; 33. Second heat exchanger; 34. Limiting component; 40. Drive mechanism; 41. First traction rope; 42. Second traction rope; 43. Drive assembly; 431. Drag rope; 432. Winding device; 433. Drive motor; 44. Sliding component. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the present invention provides a fan coil unit, which includes a housing 10, a fan 20, and a heat exchanger 30. The housing 10 has an air inlet and an air outlet; the fan 20 is connected to the air inlet and is used to supply air into the housing 10; the heat exchanger 30 is disposed inside the housing 10 and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and is used to exchange heat with the air supplied by the fan 20; the heat exchanger 30 is configured with a bendable structure, and when the heat exchanger 30 bends towards the air inlet, the air forms a vortex at the bend and then exchanges heat within the heat exchanger 30, thereby enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0060] In the above configuration, when the heat exchanger 30 is bent at a certain angle, i.e., the air inlet surface of the heat exchanger 30 is bent, the space for airflow into the heat exchanger 30 becomes smaller, and the airflow in this space is compressed. This allows the airflow to flow into the heat exchanger 30 more quickly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the airflow into the heat exchanger 30 and thus improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30. Moreover, when the airflow enters the heat exchanger 30, because the heat exchanger 30 is in an inclined state, the airflow does not blow directly and vertically across the heat exchanger. Instead, it forms a vortex at the bend (the bend in the air inlet surface of the heat exchanger 30) and then blows evenly across the heat exchanger 30. This further improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30 and ultimately enhances the heat exchange performance of the fan coil unit.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchanger 31, a connector 32, and a second heat exchanger 33. The first heat exchanger 31 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air; one end of the connector 32 is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger 31; one end of the second heat exchanger 33 is connected to the other end of the connector 32, and the second heat exchanger 33 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air. The first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 are hinged together by the connector 32. When the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 rotate around the rotation axis D of the connector 32 toward the air inlet to a certain angle, the heat exchanger 30 bends.

[0062] In the above configuration, the heat exchanger 30 is configured as a split structure, and a connector 32 is used to hinge the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33. This achieves the bendability of the heat exchanger 30. Furthermore, it ensures that the incoming air forms a vortex at the bend of the heat exchanger 30 before heat exchange occurs within the heat exchanger 30, thereby enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the connector 32 have a first bending angle β1, and the value of the first bending angle β1 is in the range of 30°≤β1≤60°.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33 and the connector 32 have a second bending angle β2, and the value of the second bending angle β2 is in the range of 30°≤β2≤60°.

[0065] It should be noted that setting the first bending angle β1 and the second bending angle β2 within the aforementioned range ensures that stable vortices can be formed at the bends of the heat exchanger 30, thereby enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, a limiting member 34 is provided at the other end of the first heat exchanger 31. When the limiting member 34 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 10, it limits the rotational position of the first heat exchanger 31 toward the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the first heat exchanger 31 to the first bending angle β1, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30, thus enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0067] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, a limiting member 34 is also provided at the other end of the second heat exchanger 33. When the limiting member 34 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 10, it limits the rotational position of the second heat exchanger 33 toward the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the second heat exchanger 33 to the second bending angle β2, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30, thus enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is an elastically deformable member. When the reaction force generated when the limiting member 34 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 10 is too large, the limiting member 34 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing either the first heat exchanger 31 or the second heat exchanger 33 to continue rotating toward the air inlet. This ensures that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 can rotate to a position where they are in contact, i.e., the first heat exchanger 31 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, and the second heat exchanger 33 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, with the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 stacked together. This reduces the air intake of the heat exchanger 30, thereby ensuring that the fan coil unit can blow out more air at the air outlet in the air outlet mode, thus improving the air outlet efficiency of the fan coil unit.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is a thin-walled elastic deformable sheet.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the connector 32 includes a first connecting plate 321, a second connecting plate 322, and a hinge 323. The first connecting plate 321 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31; the second connecting plate 322 is connected to the second heat exchanger 33; and the hinge 323 is connected to both the first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322. The first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322 are respectively capable of rotating around the rotation axis D of the hinge 323 towards the air inlet to a certain angle.

[0071] Specifically, in one embodiment, the hinge 323 includes a pivot and first and second rotating sleeves sleeved on the pivot, wherein the first rotating sleeve is rotatably connected to the pivot, the first rotating sleeve is connected to the first connecting plate 321, and the second rotating sleeve is connected to the second connecting plate 322.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure.

[0073] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure as conventional heat exchangers, including a shell and heat exchange pipes disposed within the shell. Detailed explanations will not be provided here.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, a drive mechanism 40 is also included. The drive mechanism 40 is connected to both the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 and is used to drive the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0075] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, a guide rail 11 extends along a first direction inside the housing 10. The drive mechanism 40 includes a first traction rope 41, a second traction rope 42, a sliding member 44, and a drive assembly 43. The first traction rope 41 is connected at one end to the first heat exchanger 31; the second traction rope 42 is connected at one end to the second heat exchanger 33; the sliding member 44 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11 along the first direction, and is also connected to the other ends of the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42; the drive assembly 43 is connected to the sliding member 44 and is used to drive the sliding member 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet. This sliding engagement between the sliding member 44 and the guide rail 11 enables the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42 to be slidable. This ensures that the drive mechanism 40 can drive the first and second heat exchangers 31 and 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0076] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, two guide rails 11 are provided inside the housing 10 extending along a first direction, and the two guide rails 11 are respectively fixed on the front and rear sides of the housing 10.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the drive assembly 43 includes a drag rope 431, a winding device 432, and a drive motor 433. One end of the drag rope 431 is connected to a slider 44, and the drag rope 431 is used to drag the slider 44 along a first direction toward the air inlet. The winding device 432 is connected to the other end of the drag rope 431. The drive motor 433 is connected to the winding device 432 and is used to drive the winding device 432 to wind up the drag rope 431. Thus, the drive motor 433 drives the winding device 432 to rotate, thereby winding up the drag rope 431 and realizing the dragging function of the drag rope 431, thereby ensuring that the drive assembly 43 can drive the slider 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet.

[0078] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the connector 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11, and the slider 44 is closer to the air inlet than the connector 32.

[0079] In the above configuration, the connector 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11, allowing the first and second heat exchangers to slide away from the air inlet while simultaneously rotating towards it. This allows for a larger length of the heat exchanger 30 within the limited space of the housing 10, eliminating the problem of the first and second heat exchangers being unable to rotate within the confined space due to excessive length. This enhances the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0080] Specifically, in one embodiment, a control device is also included. When the drive assembly 43 includes a drive motor 433, the control device is electrically connected to the drive motor 433 to control the rotation of the drive motor 433.

[0081] Specifically, in one embodiment, the control device includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The control device can invoke the first and second thresholds, compare them with the current temperature difference, and control whether the heat exchanger 30 bends, and the degree of bending, based on the relationship between the first and second thresholds and the current temperature difference. This achieves automatic control of the fan coil unit while also saving energy. The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature.

[0082] Specifically, in one embodiment, a temperature sensing bulb is also included, which is electrically connected to the control device, for detecting the ambient temperature outside the fan coil unit and sending it to the control device.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides a fan coil unit, comprising a housing 10, a fan 20, and a heat exchanger 30. The housing 10 has an air inlet and an air outlet; the fan 20 is connected to the air inlet and is used to supply air into the housing 10; the heat exchanger 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and is used to exchange heat with the air supplied by the fan 20; the heat exchanger 30 is configured with a bendable structure, and when the heat exchanger 30 bends towards the air inlet, the air forms a vortex at the bend and then exchanges heat within the heat exchanger 30, thereby enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0085] It should be noted that when the heat exchanger 30 is bent at a certain angle, the space for airflow into the heat exchanger 30 becomes smaller, and the incoming air in this space is compressed. This allows the incoming air to flow into the heat exchanger 30 more rapidly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the incoming air into the heat exchanger 30 and thus improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30. Moreover, when the incoming air is blown into the heat exchanger 30, because the heat exchanger 30 is in an inclined state, the incoming air does not blow directly and vertically across the heat exchanger. Instead, it forms a vortex at the bend and then blows evenly across the heat exchanger 30. This further improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30 and ultimately enhances the heat exchange performance of the fan coil unit.

[0086] Specifically, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchanger 31, a connector 32, and a second heat exchanger 33. The first heat exchanger 31 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air; one end of the connector 32 is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger 31; one end of the second heat exchanger 33 is connected to the other end of the connector 32, and the second heat exchanger 33 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air; the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 are hinged together by the connector 32. When the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 rotate around the rotation axis D of the connector 32 toward the air inlet to a certain angle, the heat exchanger 30 bends.

[0087] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the connector 32 have a first bending angle β1, and the value of the first bending angle β1 is in the range of 30°≤β1≤60°.

[0088] Specifically, in one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33 and the connector 32 have a second bending angle β2, and the value of the second bending angle β2 is in the range of 30°≤β2≤60°.

[0089] Specifically, in one embodiment, limiting members are provided on the bottom and top inner walls of the housing 10. The limiting member 34 at the top can limit the rotational position of the first heat exchanger 31 towards the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the first heat exchanger 31 to a first bending angle β1, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30, thus enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30. The limiting member 34 at the bottom can limit the rotational position of the second heat exchanger 33 towards the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the second heat exchanger 33 to a second bending angle β2, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30.

[0090] Specifically, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is an elastically deformable member. When the reaction force generated by the limiting member 34 in contact with the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 is too large, the limiting member 34 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 to continue rotating towards the air inlet. This ensures that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 can rotate to a position where they are in contact, i.e., the first heat exchanger 31 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, and the second heat exchanger 33 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, with the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 stacked together. This reduces the air intake of the heat exchanger 30, thereby ensuring that the fan coil unit can blow out more air at the air outlet in the air outlet mode, thus improving the air outlet efficiency of the fan coil unit.

[0091] Specifically, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is a thin-walled elastic deformable sheet.

[0092] Specifically, in one embodiment, the connector includes two hinges, the hinge axes of which are respectively fixedly connected in the width direction of the housing. Figure 1 On the front and rear sides (perpendicular to the paper surface), the first hinge body of the hinge is connected to the first heat exchanger 31, and the second hinge body is connected to the second heat exchanger 33. The two hinges achieve a hinged connection between the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33.

[0093] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure.

[0094] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure as conventional heat exchangers, including a shell and heat exchange pipes disposed within the shell. Detailed explanations will not be provided here.

[0095] Specifically, in one embodiment, a drive mechanism 40 is also included, which is connected to both the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33, and is used to drive the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0096] Specifically, in one embodiment, a guide rail 11 extends along a first direction within the housing 10. The drive mechanism 40 includes a first traction rope 41, a second traction rope 42, a sliding member 44, and a drive assembly 43. One end of the first traction rope 41 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31; one end of the second traction rope 42 is connected to the second heat exchanger 33; the sliding member 44 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11 along the first direction, and is also connected to the other ends of the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42; the drive assembly 43 is connected to the sliding member 44 and drives the sliding member 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet. This sliding engagement between the sliding member 44 and the guide rail 11 enables the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42 to be slidable. This ensures that the drive mechanism 40 can drive the first and second heat exchangers 31 and 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0097] Specifically, in one embodiment, a single guide rail 11 is provided inside the housing 10 extending along a first direction. One end of the single guide rail 11 is fixed below the air inlet and is located on the center plane in the width direction of the housing 10.

[0098] Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive assembly 43 includes a drag rope 431, a winding device 432, and a drive motor 433. One end of the drag rope 431 is connected to a slider 44, and the drag rope 431 is used to drag the slider 44 along a first direction toward the air inlet. The winding device 432 is connected to the other end of the drag rope 431. The drive motor 433 is connected to the winding device 432 and is used to drive the winding device 432 to wind up the drag rope 431. Thus, the drive motor 433 drives the winding device 432 to rotate, thereby winding up the drag rope 431 and realizing the dragging function of the drag rope 431, thereby ensuring that the drive assembly 43 can drive the slider 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet.

[0099] Specifically, in one embodiment, a control device is also included. When the drive assembly 43 includes a drive motor 433, the control device is electrically connected to the drive motor 433 to control the rotation of the drive motor 433.

[0100] Specifically, the control device is equipped with a first threshold and a second threshold. The control device can call upon the first and second thresholds, compare them with the current temperature difference, and control whether the heat exchanger 30 bends, and the degree of bending, based on the relationship between the first and second thresholds and the current temperature difference. This achieves automatic control of the fan coil unit, while also saving energy consumption. The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature.

[0101] Specifically, in one embodiment, a temperature sensing bulb is also included, which is electrically connected to the control device, for detecting the ambient temperature outside the fan coil unit and sending it to the control device.

[0102] It should be noted that Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the following ways:

[0103] The first difference is that the positions of the limiters are different.

[0104] Specifically, in Embodiment 2, limiting members are provided on the bottom and top inner walls of the housing 10. The limiting member 34 located at the top can limit the rotational position of the first heat exchanger 31 toward the air inlet. In Embodiment 1, the limiting members are respectively provided on the first and second heat exchangers.

[0105] The second difference is that the guide rail settings are different.

[0106] Specifically, in Embodiment 2, a single guide rail is provided, located on the center plane of the housing 10 in the width direction. In Embodiment 2, two guide rails are provided, respectively located on the front and rear inner walls of the housing 10 in the width direction.

[0107] The third difference lies in the composition of the connection and the method of fixing it.

[0108] Specifically, in Embodiment 2, the connector includes two hinges, with their hinge shafts fixedly connected to the front and rear sides of the housing width direction, respectively. The first hinge body is connected to the first heat exchanger 31, and the second hinge body is connected to the second heat exchanger 33. In Embodiment 1, the connector 32 includes a first connecting plate 321, a second connecting plate 322, and a hinge 323. The first connecting plate 321 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31; the second connecting plate 322 is connected to the second heat exchanger 33; and the hinge 323 is connected to both the first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322. The first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322 can rotate around the rotation axis D of the hinge 323 towards the air inlet to a certain angle. The hinge 323 of the connector 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11, and the sliding member 44 is closer to the air inlet than the connector 32.

[0109] Example 3

[0110] The present invention also provides a control method for a fan coil unit, the control method being used for the fan coil unit in the above embodiment one, comprising:

[0111] Determine whether the heat exchanger is bent based on the current temperature difference;

[0112] If the current temperature difference is greater than the first threshold, the heat exchanger will be bent to the first preset bending angle.

[0113] If the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the first threshold, the heat exchanger remains in an unbent state, or the heat exchanger is bent to the second preset bending angle.

[0114] After the heat exchanger is bent to the first preset bending angle or the second preset bending angle, or after the heat exchanger remains unbent, start the fan of the fan coil unit.

[0115] The fan stops rotating when the indoor temperature reaches the preset level.

[0116] The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature. When the fan coil unit is in enhanced cooling mode, the heat exchanger is bent to the first preset bending angle.

[0117] Specifically, in one embodiment, the fan coil unit control method further includes:

[0118] The heat exchanger remains in a non-bending state when the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold.

[0119] If the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the second threshold, the heat exchanger is bent to the second preset bending angle;

[0120] Specifically, when the fan coil unit is in normal cooling mode, the heat exchanger remains in an unbent state; when the fan coil unit is in air supply mode, the heat exchanger bends to the second preset bending angle.

[0121] Based on the above steps, the fan coil unit can precisely control the heat exchanger's operation according to the difference between the first and second threshold values ​​and the current temperature, and coordinate with the fan 20 to deliver air. This achieves air delivery in three modes, increasing the fan coil unit's air delivery options while saving energy.

[0122] Specifically, in one embodiment, when the current temperature difference is greater than a first threshold, bending the heat exchanger to a first preset bending angle specifically includes: the control device controlling the first heat exchanger to rotate to the first bending angle β1, and controlling the second heat exchanger to rotate to the second bending angle β2.

[0123] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, when the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the second threshold, bending the heat exchanger to the second preset bending angle specifically includes: the control device controlling the first heat exchanger to rotate to an angle that fits against the upper end surface of the guide rail, and controlling the second heat exchanger to rotate to an angle that fits against the lower end surface of the guide rail.

[0124] The following describes a more specific example:

[0125] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, this invention provides a control method in which a first threshold is set to 5°, a second threshold is set to 0°, and the difference between the current ambient temperature and a preset temperature is set as a (current temperature difference). The specific steps are as follows:

[0126] Control begins, and the temperature sensor begins monitoring;

[0127] When 0℃<a≤5℃, the system enters normal cooling mode. At this time, the heat exchanger is in a vertical position, the electric water valve of the heat exchanger is in the open position, the drive component (drive mechanism) is in the stopped position, and the telescopic traction rope (first and second traction ropes) is in the slack position. Normal cooling is achieved at this time, meeting basic requirements.

[0128] When a > 5℃, the drive component starts, the telescopic traction rope retracts and pulls the heat exchanger, and the drive component stops after reaching the preset angle (first preset bending angle). At this time, the heat exchanger is in a bent state and the electric water valve is in the open state.

[0129] It should be noted that the current ambient temperature is the indoor ambient temperature, while the preset temperature is the temperature that the room needs to reach.

[0130] It should be noted that, according to research, when the heat exchanger is bent at a certain angle (the first preset bending angle), the air at the outlet of the compressed fan forms a vortex at the bend of the heat exchanger, which greatly improves the cooling capacity, and at this time, the enhanced cooling mode is entered.

[0131] When a ≤ 0℃, no refrigeration is required. The drive unit restarts, and the telescopic traction rope continues to retract, pulling the heat exchanger. Once the heat exchanger is in contact with the track, the drive unit stops, the electric water valve closes, and the system enters air supply mode. At this time, the heat exchanger is in a straight, merged state, greatly reducing air resistance and improving energy efficiency.

[0132] After running for a period of time, the enhanced cooling mode or fan mode will be switched back to normal cooling mode.

[0133] It should be noted that before switching from enhanced cooling mode or air supply mode to normal cooling mode after running for a period of time, there is also a step of returning to the above-mentioned temperature sensor for monitoring after a preset interval.

[0134] It should be noted that the control method in this embodiment can adjust the operating mode of the fan coil unit according to the actual temperature difference (current temperature difference value), thereby achieving rapid cooling. It can also adjust the airflow from the fan coil unit according to the actual temperature difference (current temperature difference value), achieving energy saving and efficiency improvement while meeting user needs. This solves the problems in existing technologies where fan coil units cannot quickly reach the preset temperature based on the temperature difference after starting operation, and cannot significantly reduce energy consumption by adjusting the mode according to usage.

[0135] Example 4

[0136] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, which includes the above-described fan coil unit.

[0137] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the fan coil unit includes a housing 10, a fan 20, and a heat exchanger 30. The housing 10 has an air inlet and an air outlet; the fan 20 is connected to the air inlet and is used to supply air into the housing 10; the heat exchanger 30 is disposed inside the housing 10, located between the air inlet and the air outlet, and is used to exchange heat with the air supplied by the fan 20; the heat exchanger 30 is configured with a bendable structure, so that when the heat exchanger 30 bends towards the air inlet, the air forms a vortex at the bend and then exchanges heat within the heat exchanger 30, thereby enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0138] It should be noted that when the heat exchanger 30 is bent at a certain angle, the space for airflow into the heat exchanger 30 becomes smaller, and the incoming air in this space is compressed. This allows the incoming air to flow into the heat exchanger 30 more rapidly, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the incoming air into the heat exchanger 30 and thus improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30. Moreover, when the incoming air is blown into the heat exchanger 30, because the heat exchanger 30 is in an inclined state, the incoming air does not blow directly and vertically across the heat exchanger. Instead, it forms a vortex at the bend and then blows evenly across the heat exchanger 30. This further improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30 and ultimately enhances the heat exchange performance of the fan coil unit.

[0139] Specifically, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchanger 31, a connector 32, and a second heat exchanger 33. The first heat exchanger 31 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air; one end of the connector 32 is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger 31; one end of the second heat exchanger 33 is connected to the other end of the connector 32, and the second heat exchanger 33 is used to exchange heat with the incoming air; the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 are hinged together by the connector 32. When the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 rotate around the rotation axis D of the connector 32 toward the air inlet to a certain angle, the heat exchanger 30 bends.

[0140] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the connector 32 have a first bending angle β1, and the value of the first bending angle β1 is in the range of 30°≤β1≤60°.

[0141] Specifically, in one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33 and the connector 32 have a second bending angle β2, and the value of the second bending angle β2 is in the range of 30°≤β2≤60°.

[0142] Specifically, in one embodiment, a limiting member 34 is provided at the other end of the first heat exchanger 31. When the limiting member 34 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 10, it limits the rotational position of the first heat exchanger 31 toward the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the first heat exchanger 31 to the first bending angle β1, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30, thus enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0143] Specifically, in one embodiment, a limiting member 34 is also provided at the other end of the second heat exchanger 33. When the limiting member 34 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing 10, it limits the rotational position of the second heat exchanger 33 toward the air inlet. This limits the rotation angle of the second heat exchanger 33 to the second bending angle β2, thereby ensuring that a stable vortex can be formed at the bend of the heat exchanger 30, thus enhancing the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0144] Specifically, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is an elastically deformable member. When the reaction force generated when the limiting member 34 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 10 is too large, the limiting member 34 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing either the first heat exchanger 31 or the second heat exchanger 33 to continue rotating toward the air inlet. This ensures that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 can rotate to a position where they are in contact, i.e., the first heat exchanger 31 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, and the second heat exchanger 33 rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis D, with the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 stacked together. This reduces the air intake of the heat exchanger 30, thereby ensuring that the fan coil unit can blow out more air at the air outlet in the air outlet mode, thus improving the air outlet efficiency of the fan coil unit.

[0145] Specifically, in one embodiment, the limiting member 34 is a thin-walled elastic deformable sheet.

[0146] Specifically, in one embodiment, the connector 32 includes a first connecting plate 321, a second connecting plate 322, and a hinge 323. The first connecting plate 321 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31; the second connecting plate 322 is connected to the second heat exchanger 33; and the hinge 323 is connected to both the first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322. The first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322 are respectively capable of rotating around the rotation axis D of the hinge 323 toward the air inlet to a certain angle.

[0147] Specifically, in one embodiment, the hinge 323 includes a pivot and first and second rotating sleeves sleeved on the pivot, wherein the first rotating sleeve is rotatably connected to the pivot, the first rotating sleeve is connected to the first connecting plate 321, and the second rotating sleeve is connected to the second connecting plate 322.

[0148] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure.

[0149] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 have the same structure as conventional heat exchangers, including a shell and heat exchange pipes disposed within the shell. Detailed explanations will not be provided here.

[0150] Specifically, in one embodiment, a drive mechanism 40 is also included, which is connected to both the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33, and is used to drive the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0151] Specifically, in one embodiment, a guide rail 11 extends along a first direction within the housing 10. The drive mechanism 40 includes a first traction rope 41, a second traction rope 42, a sliding member 44, and a drive assembly 43. One end of the first traction rope 41 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31; one end of the second traction rope 42 is connected to the second heat exchanger 33; the sliding member 44 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11 along the first direction, and is also connected to the other ends of the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42; the drive assembly 43 is connected to the sliding member 44 and drives the sliding member 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet. This sliding engagement between the sliding member 44 and the guide rail 11 enables the first and second traction ropes 41 and 42 to be slidable. This ensures that the drive mechanism 40 can drive the first and second heat exchangers 31 and 33 to rotate toward the air inlet.

[0152] Specifically, in one embodiment, two guide rails 11 are provided inside the housing 10 extending along a first direction, and the two guide rails 11 are respectively fixed on the front and rear sides of the housing 10.

[0153] Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive assembly 43 includes a drag rope 431, a winding device 432, and a drive motor 433. One end of the drag rope 431 is connected to a slider 44, and the drag rope 431 is used to drag the slider 44 along a first direction toward the air inlet. The winding device 432 is connected to the other end of the drag rope 431. The drive motor 433 is connected to the winding device 432 and is used to drive the winding device 432 to wind up the drag rope 431. Thus, the drive motor 433 drives the winding device 432 to rotate, thereby winding up the drag rope 431 and realizing the dragging function of the drag rope 431, thereby ensuring that the drive assembly 43 can drive the slider 44 to slide along the first direction toward the air inlet.

[0154] Specifically, in one embodiment, the connector 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 11, and the slider 44 is closer to the air inlet than the connector 32.

[0155] It should be noted that by sliding the connector 32 to the guide rail 11, the connector 32 can simultaneously drive the first and second heat exchangers to slide away from the air inlet while they rotate towards the air inlet. This allows for a larger length of the heat exchanger 30 within the limited space of the housing 10, eliminating the problem of the first and second heat exchangers being unable to rotate within the limited space due to an excessively large length. This enhances the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 30.

[0156] Specifically, in one embodiment, a control device is also included. When the drive assembly 43 includes a drive motor 433, the control device is electrically connected to the drive motor 433 to control the rotation of the drive motor 433.

[0157] Specifically, in one embodiment, the control device includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The control device can invoke the first and second thresholds, compare them with the current temperature difference, and control whether the heat exchanger 30 bends, and the degree of bending, based on the relationship between the first and second thresholds and the current temperature difference. This achieves automatic control of the fan coil unit while also saving energy. The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature.

[0158] Specifically, in one embodiment, a temperature sensing bulb is also included, which is electrically connected to the control device, for detecting the ambient temperature outside the fan coil unit and sending it to the control device.

[0159] It should be noted that the other internal structures of the air conditioner and its working principle are common knowledge in this field. Therefore, they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0160] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fan coil unit, characterized in that, include: The enclosure has an air inlet and an air outlet; and A fan, which is connected to the air inlet, is used to supply air into the housing; as well as A heat exchanger is disposed inside the housing and located between the air inlet and the air outlet. The heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the air supplied by the fan. The heat exchanger is configured as a bendable structure. When the heat exchanger bends toward the air inlet, the incoming air forms a vortex at the bend and then exchanges heat inside the heat exchanger to enhance the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes: A first heat exchanger, used for heat exchange of the intake air; and A connector, one end of which is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger; and The second heat exchanger has one end connected to the other end of the connector, and the second heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the air inlet. The connector is connected to the housing, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are hinged through the connector. When the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger rotate around the rotation axis D of the connector toward the air inlet to a certain angle, the heat exchanger bends. It also includes a drive mechanism, which is connected to both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is used to drive the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to rotate toward the air inlet. A guide rail is provided extending along a first direction inside the housing, and the driving mechanism includes: A first traction rope, one end of which is connected to the first heat exchanger; and A second traction rope, one end of which is connected to the second heat exchanger; and A sliding member, slidably connected to the guide rail along a first direction, and simultaneously connected to the other end of both the first traction rope and the second traction rope; and A drive assembly connected to the slider, the drive assembly being used to drive the slider to slide toward the air inlet along a first direction; The driving component includes: A drag rope, one end of which is connected to the sliding member, is used to drag the sliding member along a first direction toward the air inlet; and A winding device, which is connected to the other end of the towing rope; And / or, a drive motor connected to the winding device for driving the winding device to wind up the tow rope.

2. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger and the connecting member have a first bending angle β1, and the value of the first bending angle β1 is in the range of 30°≤β1≤60°.

3. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger and the connecting member have a second bending angle β2, and the value of the second bending angle β2 is in the range of 30°≤β2≤60°.

4. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting member is provided at the other end of the first heat exchanger. When the limiting member comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing, the limiting member restricts the rotational position of the first heat exchanger toward the air inlet. And / or a limiting member is provided at the other end of the second heat exchanger. When the limiting member comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing, the limiting member restricts the rotational position of the second heat exchanger toward the air inlet.

5. The fan coil unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting member is an elastic deformation member. The limiting member generates a reaction force at the contact point with the inner wall of the housing. Under the action of the reaction force, the limiting member undergoes elastic deformation so that the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger can continue to rotate toward the air inlet.

6. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes: A first connecting plate, which is connected to the first heat exchanger; and A second connecting plate, which is connected to the second heat exchanger; and A hinge that is connected to both the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate; The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are respectively able to rotate around the rotation axis D of the hinge toward the air inlet to a certain angle.

7. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the sliding member is closer to the air inlet than the connector.

8. The fan coil unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control device, which is electrically connected to the drive motor when the drive assembly includes the drive motor, in order to control the rotation of the drive motor.

9. A control method for a fan coil unit, implemented using the fan coil unit according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It includes: Determine whether the heat exchanger is bent based on the current temperature difference; If the current temperature difference is greater than the first threshold, the heat exchanger is bent to the first preset bending angle; Start the fan of the fan coil unit; When the indoor temperature reaches the preset temperature, the fan stops rotating; The current temperature difference is the difference between the current ambient temperature and the preset temperature. When the fan coil unit is in enhanced cooling mode, the heat exchanger is bent to the first preset bending angle.

10. The control method for a fan coil unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, It includes: When the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the heat exchanger remains in a non-bending state. If the current temperature difference is less than or equal to the second threshold, the heat exchanger is bent to the second preset bending angle; Specifically, when the fan coil unit is in normal cooling mode, the heat exchanger remains in an unbent state; when the fan coil unit is in air supply mode, the heat exchanger is bent to a second preset bending angle.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes the fan coil unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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