Terminal device for air conditioner, air conditioner and control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to a terminal device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner, and belongs to the technical field of air conditioners. The terminal device comprises an air inlet pipe, a reel and an air outlet curtain. The reel is rotatably arranged. The air outlet curtain is wound and connected to the reel. The air outlet curtain has a communication air channel inside, and at least one surface of the air outlet curtain is provided with one or more air outlet holes. The air outlet holes are communicated with the air inlet pipe through the communication air channel. The terminal device provided by the application can make the air outlet curtain have two states of unfolding and winding by rotating the reel. When in the unfolding state, temperature adjusting air flow or fresh air flow can be blown out from the air outlet holes to adjust the temperature or ventilate the indoor. When in the winding state, the air outlet curtain is wound on the reel and does not occupy the limited indoor space. Therefore, the limited indoor space is reasonably utilized, and the indoor aesthetic effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a terminal device for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a control method for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, the air outlet panel of air conditioners is fixed. On the one hand, it still occupies limited indoor space and affects the aesthetics of the room when the air conditioner is not in use; on the other hand, it is difficult to change the air outlet area or range of the air conditioner, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a terminal device for air conditioners that at least partially solves the above problems. It aims to solve the problem that the air outlet panel of the air conditioner is fixedly set in the prior art and still occupies the limited indoor space when the air conditioner is not in use. The terminal device can be unfolded when in use and rolled up when not in use, so as to make reasonable use of the limited indoor space and improve the aesthetics of the room.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to provide a terminal device for an air conditioner, which aims to solve the problem that air conditioners in the prior art are difficult to change the air outlet area or air outlet range. The terminal device can be expanded to a preset area as needed to change the air outlet area and air outlet range of the air conditioner, enrich the temperature control modes, and thus improve the user experience.

[0005] Specifically, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A terminal device for an air conditioner includes an air inlet duct, a roller, and an air outlet curtain. The roller is rotatably mounted. The air outlet curtain is wound and connected to the roller. The air outlet curtain has a communicating air passage inside, and at least one surface of the air outlet curtain is provided with one or more air outlet holes. The air outlet holes communicate with the air inlet duct through the communicating air passage.

[0007] Optionally, there are multiple air outlets, which are densely arranged on one surface of the air curtain according to a preset rule.

[0008] Optionally, the thickness of the air outlet curtain is less than 3 cm.

[0009] Optionally, the air outlet is an elongated hole extending along the width direction of the air outlet curtain, and a plurality of air outlets are evenly spaced along the unfolding direction of the air outlet curtain.

[0010] Optionally, the reel is configured to be rotatably mounted on the ceiling or a wall of the room.

[0011] Optionally, the roller is configured to rotate at the top of a wall in the room, with the air curtain parallel to the wall.

[0012] When the air outlet curtain is fully extended, its height is greater than half the height of the wall it is on.

[0013] Optionally, the width of the air outlet curtain is greater than one-third of the width of the wall on which it is located.

[0014] Optionally, the air outlet curtain includes a front wall and a rear wall. A cavity is formed between the front wall and the rear wall, and the cavity serves as the communicating air passage.

[0015] Optionally, the air curtain further includes a plurality of ducts sandwiched between the front wall and the rear wall, the plurality of ducts being the connecting air passages.

[0016] Optionally, the air outlet is connected to the air inlet pipe via the connecting air duct and the roller. The roller has a hollow connecting air duct inside, which connects the connecting air duct and the air inlet pipe.

[0017] On the other hand, this application also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned terminal device.

[0018] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit and a return air duct.

[0019] The air inlet pipe is connected to the air outlet of the outdoor unit, one end of the return air pipe is connected to the return air outlet of the outdoor unit, and the other end of the return air pipe is located indoors where the terminal device is located.

[0020] On the other hand, this application also provides a control method for an air conditioner, the control method comprising:

[0021] Obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner;

[0022] According to the operating mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain unfolds according to a preset degree of expansion.

[0023] Optionally, controlling the rotation of the reel further includes:

[0024] Obtain the indoor temperature and target temperature;

[0025] The rotation of the scroll is controlled based on the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature. The preset unfolding degree is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

[0026] Optionally, controlling the rotation of the reel according to the operating mode includes:

[0027] In response to the operating mode being heating mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain is unfolded to at least a first preset unfolding degree, the first preset unfolding degree being greater than 80%.

[0028] Optionally, controlling the rotation of the reel according to the operating mode includes:

[0029] In response to the operating mode being cooling mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain is expanded to a maximum of a second preset expansion degree, which is less than 50%.

[0030] Optionally, controlling the rotation of the reel according to the operating mode includes:

[0031] In response to the operating mode being the swing mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain cyclically expands and retracts between a third preset expansion degree and a fourth preset expansion degree. The third preset expansion degree is less than the fourth preset expansion degree.

[0032] This application provides a terminal device comprising an air inlet duct, a rotatable roller, and an air outlet curtain wound at one end of the roller. One or both surfaces of the air outlet curtain have air outlet holes, which are connected to the air inlet duct of an air conditioner. By rotating the roller, the air outlet curtain can be in two states: unfolded and retracted. In the unfolded state, temperature-regulating airflow or fresh airflow can be blown out from the air outlet holes to regulate the indoor temperature or ventilate the room. In the retracted state, the air outlet curtain is rolled up on the roller, not occupying limited indoor space. This achieves the effect of making reasonable use of limited indoor space and improving the aesthetics of the interior.

[0033] Furthermore, the terminal device provided in this application has multiple air outlet holes densely distributed on one surface of the air outlet curtain, forming an air outlet surface. As the air outlet curtain unfolds and retracts, the number and position of the air outlet holes can change, or in other words, the air outlet area and air outlet range can change. Thus, the air outlet curtain can be unfolded to a preset area as needed, thereby changing the air outlet area of ​​the air conditioner, enriching the temperature control modes, and ultimately improving the user experience.

[0034] In particular, the terminal device provided in this application can have a large surface area when the air curtain is unfolded, so that the air conditioner has a large air outlet area, which can increase the outlet height of the cooling air or reduce the outlet height of the heating air, thereby achieving the effect of improving temperature regulation efficiency and improving indoor temperature uniformity.

[0035] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a terminal device for an air conditioner and an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a terminal device and an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a terminal device and an air conditioner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an end device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-section of an end device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for controlling the rotation of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which controls the rotation of a reel according to an operating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following reference Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes a terminal device for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a control method thereof according to embodiments of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a terminal device for an air conditioner and an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in conjunction with... Figure 2-8 The present invention provides a terminal device 1 for an air conditioner, including an air inlet pipe 11, a roller 15, and an air outlet curtain 12. The roller 15 is rotatably disposed. The air outlet curtain 12 is wound and connected to the roller 15. The air outlet curtain 12 has a communicating air passage 13 inside, and at least one surface of the air outlet curtain 12 is provided with one or more air outlet holes 14. The air outlet holes 14 are connected to the air inlet pipe 11 through the communicating air passage 13.

[0050] It should be noted that, in Figure 1-3 In the diagram, the location of outdoor unit 5 is for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate that outdoor unit 5 is located on the top wall. Outdoor unit 5 can be located anywhere outdoors.

[0051] In this embodiment, the roller 15 can be horizontally positioned, allowing the air curtain 12 to unfold downwards under gravity or upwards under tension when rotated. The roller 15 can also be vertically positioned, allowing the air curtain 12 to unfold to the left or right when rotated. Alternatively, the roller 15 can be tilted, allowing the air curtain 12 to unfold at an angle. The roller 15 can be equipped with or connected to a drive device to achieve forward and reverse rotation under the action of the drive device.

[0052] One end of the air vent curtain 12 is fixedly connected to the roller 15. It has a certain width and unfolded length, both of which are significantly greater than its thickness. As the roller 15 rotates, the other end of the air vent curtain 12 unfolds or retracts relative to the roller 15. The air vent curtain 12 can be made entirely of flexible material to fit snugly around the roller 15. Alternatively, it can be a combination of rigid and flexible materials, such as a bamboo blind-like structure. It can also be made entirely of rigid material, such as a cable chain-like structure. Typically, the air vent curtain 12 is rectangular, but other shapes are also possible, such as wavy or elliptical, depending on the home décor style. No specific restrictions are placed here.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least one surface of the air outlet curtain 12 is provided with one or more air outlet holes 14, which are connected to the air inlet pipe 11 via a connecting air passage 13 inside the air outlet curtain 12. The air inlet pipe 11 is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioner. The air conditioner can be an integrated air conditioner without an air outlet panel. The air outlet of the integrated air conditioner is connected to the air inlet pipe 11, and the temperature-regulating airflow generated by the integrated air conditioner enters the air outlet curtain 12 of the terminal device 1 through the air inlet pipe 11, and is then blown out through the air outlet holes 14. The air conditioner can also be a split-type air conditioner, in which the indoor unit does not have an air outlet panel, but the air outlet of the indoor unit is connected to the air inlet pipe 11. The temperature-regulating airflow generated by the indoor unit enters the air outlet curtain 12 of the terminal device 1 through the air inlet pipe 11, and is then blown out through the air outlet holes 14. The air conditioner can also be a central air conditioning system, a fresh air system, etc., in which the temperature-regulating airflow or fresh airflow generated enters the air outlet curtain 12 of the terminal device 1 through the air inlet pipe 11, and is then blown out through the air outlet holes 14.

[0054] In this embodiment, the length of the air inlet pipe 11 is not limited. There may be one or more air inlet pipes 11. It should be noted that the air inlet pipe 11 described in this application is a characteristic of the usage environment and a necessary technical feature for the actual use of the terminal device 1, rather than a necessary technical feature for production and sales. That is to say, the terminal device 1 of this invention only needs to be provided with a connection interface for connecting to the air inlet pipe 11.

[0055] In use, the air curtain 12 can be either unfolded or rolled up by rotating the roller 15. In the unfolded state, temperature-regulating airflow or fresh airflow can be blown out from the air outlet 14 to regulate the temperature or ventilate the room. In the rolled-up state, the air curtain 12 is rolled up on the roller 15, not occupying any valuable indoor space. This achieves efficient use of limited indoor space and enhances the aesthetics of the room.

[0056] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, there are multiple air outlets 14, which are densely arranged on one surface of the air curtain 12 according to a preset rule.

[0057] In this embodiment, there are multiple air outlets 14, and one connecting air duct 13. All air outlets 14 are connected to the connecting air duct 13. Alternatively, there may be multiple connecting air ducts 13, with all air outlets 14 grouped into multiple connecting air ducts 13. Multiple air outlets 14 are densely arranged on the lower surface of the air curtain 12, meaning the position of the air outlets 14 varies with the shape and size of the air curtain 12. When the lower surface area of ​​the air curtain 12 is large, the number of air outlets 14 is greater, and the air outlet range is wider. It should be noted that when the air curtain 12 is not fully unfolded, or when the unfolding degree is between 0% and 100%, only the air outlets 14 in the unfolded area can expel air. The air outlets 14 in the rolled-up area are blocked during the rolling process. In other words, as the air curtain 12 unfolds and rolls up, the number and position of the air outlets 14 can change, i.e., the air outlet area and air outlet range can change. In this way, the air outlet curtain 12 can be unfolded to a preset area as needed, thereby changing the air outlet area of ​​the air conditioner, enriching the temperature control modes, and thus improving the user experience.

[0058] In particular, when the air outlets 14 are evenly arranged along the unfolding direction of the air curtain 12, the number of air outlets 14 that can blow air out is proportional to the unfolding area or the degree of unfolding. That is to say, the air outlet area and the air outlet range are proportional to the unfolding area or the degree of unfolding.

[0059] In this embodiment, the preset rules can be set according to factors such as temperature control requirements and aesthetic requirements. They can be arranged simply and evenly, or arranged according to a specific graphic pattern, such as multiple rings, multiple rectangles, multiple pentagrams, or a central radial pattern.

[0060] Specifically, decorative graphics and patterns can be set on the outer surface of the air outlet curtain 12, and the shape and position of the air outlet 14 can be arranged according to preset rules to match the decorative graphics and patterns. For example, if the decorative pattern is a starry sky, the air outlet 14 can be placed at the stars in the pattern, and the shape of the air outlet 14 can be the shape of a star. In this way, the air conditioner can be further unified with the home decoration style, achieving a hidden and seamless installation effect and improving the aesthetics of the home decoration.

[0061] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the thickness of the air outlet curtain 12 is less than 3 cm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the air outlet curtain 12 is the maximum thickness. With the roller 15 horizontally positioned, when the air outlet curtain 12 is unfolded downwards, to ensure consistent airflow from the air outlet holes 14 at the top and bottom of the curtain, the thickness of the air outlet curtain 12 is typically set to gradually decrease from top to bottom, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting air passage 13 at the top of the curtain 12 being larger than that at the bottom. Of course, the thickness of the air outlet curtain 12 can also be set to be uniform from top to bottom for a better appearance when unfolded.

[0062] On the other hand, the greater the thickness of the air outlet curtain 12, the larger the cross-section of its internal connecting air duct 12 can be, which can increase the air volume without increasing the air outlet velocity. However, the increase in thickness will also increase the space occupied when unfolding and retracting. The thickness of the air outlet curtain 12 is less than 3cm, which can minimize the space occupied by the terminal device.

[0063] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the air outlet 14 is an elongated hole extending along the width direction of the air outlet curtain 12, and multiple air outlets 14 are evenly spaced along the unfolding direction of the air outlet curtain 12. On the one hand, this makes the air outlet curtain more uniform in its airflow; on the other hand, it ensures that the total area of ​​the air outlets 14 is proportional to the unfolded area or degree of unfolding of the air outlet curtain 12, facilitating precise adjustment of the air outlet area or airflow.

[0064] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air outlet 14 can be a round hole or an irregularly shaped hole. A round hole can improve the uniformity of airflow from the air curtain 12. An irregularly shaped hole can be a polygonal hole, an irregular hole, etc.

[0065] Specifically, the outer surface of the air outlet curtain 12 is decorated with decorative graphics and patterns, which include corresponding images such as stars, moons, flowers, birds, and insects. The irregularly shaped holes are located at the corresponding images, and their shapes match the images. This further unifies the air conditioner with the home décor style, achieving a concealed and seamless installation effect and enhancing the aesthetics of the home.

[0066] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the scroll 15 is configured to be rotatably mounted on the ceiling or a wall of the room.

[0067] In this embodiment, the roller 15 is rotatably mounted on the top wall. When the roller 15 rotates, the air curtain 12 unfolds downwards under gravity, and the air outlets 14 on one or both surfaces of the air curtain 12 exhale outwards. The roller 15 can also be rotatably mounted on a wall. When the roller 15 is parallel to the wall, the air curtain 12 unfolds parallel to the wall, and the air outlets 14 on the interior-facing surface of the air curtain 12 exhale outwards. Specifically, decorative graphics and patterns can be provided on the air curtain 12. In this case, the terminal device 1 can serve as a home decoration, and the air curtain 12 can function as a wall panel or wallpaper. This further unifies the air conditioner with the home decor style, achieving a concealed and seamless installation effect and improving the aesthetics of the home.

[0068] When the air conditioner is not in use, rotating the roller 15 can retract the air curtain 12 into the roller 15 on the ceiling or wall, freeing up limited indoor space.

[0069] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the roller 15 is configured to rotate and be mounted on the top of a wall in the room, and the air curtain 12 is parallel to the wall.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the roller 15 rotates, the air outlet curtain 12 can unfold downwards under the action of gravity and spread parallel to the wall. This installation method can minimize the space occupied by the air outlet curtain 12 when it is unfolded. In particular, decorative graphics and patterns can be set on the air outlet curtain 12. In this case, the terminal device 1 can be used as a home decoration, and the air outlet curtain 12 can be used as a wall panel or wallpaper. In this way, the air conditioner can be further unified with the home decoration style, achieving a hidden and seamless installation effect and improving the aesthetics of the home decoration.

[0071] On the other hand, air outlets 14 are provided on the side of the air curtain 12 facing the room. When air is discharged from the air outlets 14, the air curtain 12 will swing backward under the reaction of the airflow. In this embodiment, the wall behind the air curtain 12 can support the air curtain 12 to avoid or reduce the backward swing of the air curtain 12. Of course, the end device 1 can also solve the backward swing problem by other means, such as providing a deployment guide rail, or providing a counterweight at the lower end of the air curtain 12, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0072] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1-5As shown, when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully extended, its height H is greater than half the height of the wall it is on. The greater the height H when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully extended, the larger the air outlet area and the wider the air outlet range, enabling large-area, multi-angle airflow. On the other hand, the greater the height H when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully extended, the larger its volume will be when it is rolled up, occupying more indoor space. In practical use, the specific height of the air outlet curtain 12 when fully extended needs to be set by considering various factors.

[0073] When an air conditioner is operating, the cold air sinks and the hot air rises, leading to indoor temperature stratification or unevenness. In existing technologies, due to the small size or limited height range of the air outlet panel, solutions to this problem typically involve adjusting the airflow speed and direction—increasing the speed and directing the cold air upwards and the hot air downwards. While this addresses the temperature stratification issue to some extent, the high airflow speed can cause discomfort when directly blowing on the user, resulting in a poor user experience. In this embodiment, because the unfolded height of the air outlet curtain 12 is greater than half the height of the wall, the air outlet holes 14 on the curtain are distributed over a larger vertical range. When the air conditioner is cooling, some or all of the hot airflow exits from the lower end of the air outlet curtain 12. Even at a slow speed, the airflow rises while flowing forward. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, some or all of the hot airflow is blown out from the top of the air curtain 12. Even if the airflow is slow, it will sink downwards as it flows forward after being blown out. In this way, the problem of indoor temperature stratification or uneven indoor temperature is solved while avoiding or reducing strong air blowing directly on the user.

[0074] In some embodiments of the terminal device of the present invention, when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully extended, the height of the air outlet curtain 12 is equal to the height of the wall on which it is located. In this embodiment, the air outlet curtain 12 is at the same height as the wall after it is extended, which further increases the air outlet area and air outlet range. While avoiding or reducing strong winds blowing directly on the user, it can further improve the uniformity of indoor temperature distribution and avoid indoor temperature stratification.

[0075] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the width W of the air outlet curtain 12 is greater than one-third of the width of the wall it is located on.

[0076] The wider the air outlet curtain 12, the larger the air outlet area and range, resulting in better air outlet performance. On the other hand, since interior walls usually have doors, windows, or storage furniture nearby, an excessively wide air outlet curtain 12 may interfere with these features. Therefore, in practical use, the width of the air outlet curtain 12 needs to be determined by considering various factors.

[0077] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, one scroll 15 can correspond to one air outlet curtain 12, or multiple air outlet curtains 12 can be installed. The width and unfolded height of multiple air outlet curtains 12 can be the same or different. For example, if the length of the scroll 15 is the width of two air outlet curtains 12, the two air outlet curtains 12 can be wound side by side on one scroll 15 along their width direction. In actual use, when unfolding the air outlet curtains 12, it is possible to choose to unfold all the air outlet curtains 12 at the same time, or to choose to unfold some of the air outlet curtains 12 while keeping the remaining air outlet curtains 12 rolled up. Of course, it is also possible to set some air outlet curtains 12 to be unfolded sequentially.

[0078] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the air curtain 12 includes a front wall 121 and a rear wall 122. A cavity is formed between the front wall 121 and the rear wall 122, and the cavity is a connecting air passage 13.

[0079] In this embodiment, the front wall 121 and the rear wall 122 can be two separate walls, fixedly connected or integrally formed. Alternatively, the front wall 121 and the rear wall 122 can be a single wall with a certain thickness and an internal cavity. It should be noted that there can be one or more cavities. Multiple cavities can be interconnected or isolated from each other. In practical applications, the cavities can be configured according to the shape and position of the air outlet 14 and the specific structure of the air inlet duct 11.

[0080] In some embodiments of the terminal device of the present invention, the air curtain 12 further includes a plurality of conduits sandwiched between the front wall 121 and the rear wall 122, the plurality of conduits being connecting air passages 13. In this embodiment, the plurality of conduits may be interconnected or isolated from each other.

[0081] In some embodiments of the end device of the present invention, the air outlet 14 is connected to the air inlet pipe 11 via the connecting air passage 13 and the roller 15. The roller 15 has a hollow connecting air passage inside, which connects the connecting air passage 13 and the air inlet pipe 11.

[0082] Because the roller 15 is rotatably mounted, it rotates relative to the air inlet pipe 11. Simultaneously, the connection between the air outlet curtain 12 and the roller 15 also rotates relative to the air inlet pipe 11. When directly connecting the connecting air duct 13 to the air inlet pipe 11, an additional rotatable docking mechanism is required. In this embodiment, a hollow connecting air duct is provided inside the roller 15. The connecting air duct can be located at the axis of the roller 15, and the air inlet pipe 11 is coaxially mounted with the connecting air duct. Thus, when the roller 15 rotates, the connecting air duct and the air inlet pipe 11 rotate coaxially relative to each other. The connecting air duct and the air outlet curtain 12 do not rotate relative to each other; the connecting air duct can be directly and fixedly connected to the connecting air duct 13 inside the air outlet curtain 12.

[0083] In some embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the air conditioner includes the aforementioned terminal device 1. The air conditioner can be an integrated air conditioner, a split air conditioner, a central air conditioning system, or a fresh air system, etc. The terminal device 1 is the terminal air outlet device of the air conditioner, which blows the temperature-regulating airflow or fresh airflow from the air outlet curtain 12.

[0084] In some embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit 5 and a return air duct 6. The air inlet duct 11 is connected to the air outlet of the outdoor unit 5, one end of the return air duct 6 is connected to the return air outlet of the outdoor unit 5, and the other end of the return air duct 6 is located indoors where the terminal device 1 is located.

[0085] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 5 may include a heat exchanger, a fan, etc. The heat exchanger generates a temperature-regulating airflow or a fresh airflow. Under the action of the fan, the airflow is transported from the air outlet through the air inlet duct 11 to the air outlet curtain 12, and finally blown out through the air outlet hole 14. In some other embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention, the fan is not located inside the outdoor unit 5, but is located inside the air inlet duct 11. The fan draws the temperature-regulating airflow or fresh airflow from the air outlet of the outdoor unit 5 and then transports it into the air outlet curtain 12.

[0086] In this embodiment, the inlet of the return air duct 6 can be located near the indoor ceiling, wall, or floor. The return air duct 6 can have one or more inlets. For example, the return air duct 6 has two inlets with opening and closing functions, one located at a higher position on the wall and the other at a lower position. When the air conditioner is cooling, the inlet at the higher position opens, and the inlet at the lower position closes to draw away the hotter air, which is then cooled by the outdoor unit 5 and blown out through the air curtain 12. When the air conditioner is heating, air is discharged from the air curtain 12, the inlet at the lower position opens, and the inlet at the higher position closes to draw away the colder air, which is then warmed by the outdoor unit 5 and blown out through the air curtain 12.

[0087] In some embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the control methods include:

[0088] S1 obtains the air conditioner's operating mode;

[0089] S2 controls the rotation of the roller 15 according to the operating mode, so that the air curtain 12 unfolds according to the preset unfolding degree.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully rolled up, its unfolding degree is 0%; when the air outlet curtain 12 is fully unfolded, its unfolding degree is 100%. The preset unfolding degree is a preset value between 0% and 100%. The air conditioner's operating mode can be a temperature control mode, such as cooling or heating mode; it can also be a blowing mode, such as strong wind or gentle wind mode; it can also be a ventilation mode, such as dehumidification, humidification, or fresh air mode; and of course, it can also be a combination of different modes.

[0091] Since the air curtain 12 of this application has an unfolded and retracted state, by controlling the rotation of the roller 15, the number or total area of ​​the open air outlets 14 can be adjusted, as well as the air outlet range of the air outlets 14 can be adjusted. This can be easily matched with the operating mode required by the user, enriching the application scenarios or mode settings of the air conditioner and providing users with a good user experience.

[0092] In some embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control of the scroll 15 rotation further includes:

[0093] S211 acquires the indoor temperature and target temperature;

[0094] S212 controls the rotation of the roll 15 based on the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature, and the preset unfolding degree is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

[0095] In this embodiment, the indoor temperature is the current actual temperature, which can be the actual temperature of a preset monitoring point indoors, or the average of the actual temperatures of multiple preset monitoring points or the entire indoor space. The target temperature is the temperature desired by the user, which can be manually set by the user, or preset or intelligently set by the air conditioner. The difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature can be positive or negative, corresponding to cooling and cooling modes, respectively. When the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is large, it indicates that the current actual temperature is significantly different from the user's desired temperature, requiring rapid temperature adjustment. Therefore, the expansion degree of the air curtain 12 is increased, and the number or total area of ​​the open air outlets 14 is increased to increase the airflow of the temperature-regulating airflow and achieve rapid temperature adjustment. When the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is small, it indicates that the current actual temperature is relatively small compared to the user's desired temperature, requiring slow temperature adjustment or maintenance of the current state. Therefore, the expansion degree of the air curtain 12 is decreased, and the number or total area of ​​the open air outlets 14 is reduced to decrease the airflow of the temperature-regulating airflow and achieve slow temperature adjustment.

[0096] In this embodiment, the number or total area of ​​the air outlets 14 that are opened at a certain difference can be set comprehensively based on the indoor area and the arrangement area of ​​the air outlets 14 to achieve the optimal ratio.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is in automatic mode, if it detects that the indoor temperature deviates from the target temperature, it controls the rotation speed of the roller 15, causing the air curtain 12 to unfold to a preset degree at a preset speed, or to unfold to a preset degree within a preset time. For example, if the preset degree of unfolding is 100%, the preset time is set to 10 seconds. When it detects that the indoor temperature is within the target temperature range, it controls the rotation speed of the roller 15, causing the air curtain 12 to retract at a preset speed, or to retract completely within a preset time.

[0098] In some embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, controlling the rotation of the scroll 15 according to the operating mode includes:

[0099] S221 responds to the operating mode being heating mode by controlling the roller 15 to rotate so that the air curtain 12 is expanded to at least a first preset expansion degree, the first preset expansion degree being greater than 80%.

[0100] In this embodiment, when the operating mode is heating mode, the hot air will float upward. At this time, it is necessary to lower the position of the air outlet 14 as much as possible. Therefore, for the roller 15 which is set horizontally and located at the top of the room, the first preset unfolding degree of the end device 1 of the air curtain 12 is set to be greater than 80%, so that the position of the air outlet 14 at the bottom of the air curtain 12 is as close to the ground as possible, so as to improve the stratification of indoor temperature and improve the uniformity of indoor temperature.

[0101] Of course, for the horizontally set roller 15 located at the bottom of the room, and the end device 1 of the air curtain 12 unfolding upwards, based on the same principle, the first preset unfolding degree can be set to less than 50%, which will not be elaborated here.

[0102] In some embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, controlling the rotation of the scroll 15 according to the operating mode includes:

[0103] S222 responds to the operating mode being cooling mode and controls the roller 15 to rotate so that the air curtain 12 is expanded to a maximum of the second preset expansion degree, which is less than 50%.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the operating mode is cooling mode, the cold air will sink downwards. At this time, it is necessary to raise the position of the air outlet 14 as much as possible. Therefore, for the roller 15, which is horizontally set and located at the top of the room, the second preset expansion degree of the end device 1 of the air curtain 12 is set to less than 50%, so that the position of the air outlet 14 at the bottom of the air curtain 12 is as close as possible to the top wall, so as to improve the stratification of indoor temperature and improve the uniformity of indoor temperature.

[0105] Of course, for the horizontally set roller 15 located at the bottom of the room, and the end device 1 of the air curtain 12 unfolding upwards, based on the same principle, the first preset unfolding degree can be set to greater than 80%, which will not be elaborated here.

[0106] In some embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, controlling the rotation of the scroll 15 according to the operating mode includes:

[0107] S223 responds to the operating mode being swing mode by controlling the roller 15 to rotate, so that the air curtain 12 cyclically expands and retracts between a third preset expansion degree and a fourth preset expansion degree. The third preset expansion degree is less than the fourth preset expansion degree.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the operating mode is swing mode, the air curtain 12 can be cyclically unfolded and rolled up by controlling the rotation of the roller 15. Therefore, for the end device 1 of the air curtain 12, which is horizontally set at the top of the room and unfolds downwards, the unfolded area of ​​the air curtain 12 will move upwards and downwards during unfolding and rolling up. The air outlets 14 set in the unfolded area will move accordingly. That is to say, when the air outlets 14 blow air outwards, the airflow will also have an initial upward or downward velocity. In this way, the uniformity of the air conditioning air supply is further improved, which is convenient for adjusting the temperature of the entire indoor space or injecting fresh air.

[0109] In this embodiment, the swing mode can be combined with the heating mode. For example, for the end device 1 with the roller 15 horizontally positioned at the top of the room and the air outlet curtain 12 unfolding downwards, the third preset unfolding degree can be set to 50%, and the fourth preset unfolding degree can be set to 100%. The swing mode can be combined with the cooling mode. For example, for the end device 1 with the roller 15 horizontally positioned at the top of the room and the air outlet curtain 12 unfolding downwards, the third preset unfolding degree can be set to 0%, and the fourth preset unfolding degree can be set to 50%. The swing mode can be combined with other temperature control modes, ventilation modes, or fresh air modes. The specific values ​​of the third and fourth preset unfolding degrees can be determined by comprehensively considering parameters such as the indoor area, volume, position of the roller 15, width of the air outlet curtain 12, and height when fully unfolded, to set an optimal range.

[0110] In some embodiments of the control method for the air conditioner of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0111] In response to the operating mode being the swing mode, the control roller 15 is rotated at a preset speed.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the air curtain 12 cyclically unfolds and retracts between the third and fourth preset unfolding degrees, it can unfold and retract at different speeds driven by different preset rotation speeds of the roller 15, depending on different usage scenarios. For example, when uneven indoor temperature distribution or severe temperature stratification is detected, the roller 15 is controlled to rotate at a larger preset rotation speed, so that the air outlets 14 in the unfolded area of ​​the air curtain 12 have a larger moving speed, causing the airflow to tilt and oscillate. By changing the speed and direction of the airflow and accelerating indoor air circulation, the uniformity of indoor temperature is improved and temperature stratification is reduced.

[0113] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A terminal device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Air inlet duct; A reel, which is rotatably disposed; An air outlet curtain, which is wound and connected to the roller; The air outlet curtain has a communicating air passage inside, and at least one surface of the air outlet curtain is provided with one or more air outlet holes. The air outlet is connected to the air inlet pipe via the connecting air passage and the roller; the roller has a hollow connecting air passage inside, which connects the connecting air passage and the air inlet pipe; wherein the connecting air passage is located at the axis of the roller, and the air inlet pipe is coaxial with the connecting air passage. The air outlet curtain includes a front wall and a rear wall; A cavity is formed between the front wall and the rear wall, and the cavity is the connecting air passage; or the air curtain may further include a plurality of ducts sandwiched between the front wall and the rear wall, and the plurality of ducts are the connecting air passages.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlets are multiple, and the multiple air outlets are densely arranged on one surface of the air outlet curtain according to a preset rule; and / or The thickness of the air outlet curtain is less than 3cm.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air outlet is an elongated hole extending along the width direction of the air outlet curtain, and multiple air outlets are evenly spaced along the unfolding direction of the air outlet curtain.

4. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scroll is configured to be rotatably mounted on the ceiling or a wall of the room.

5. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller is configured to rotate and be mounted on the top of a wall in the room, and the air vent curtain is parallel to the wall. When the air outlet curtain is fully extended, its height is greater than half the height of the wall it is positioned against; and / or The width of the air outlet curtain is greater than one-third of the width of the wall it is located on.

6. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the terminal device for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit and a return air duct; The air inlet pipe is connected to the air outlet of the outdoor unit, one end of the return air pipe is connected to the return air outlet of the outdoor unit, and the other end of the return air pipe is located indoors where the terminal device is located.

8. A control method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 6-7, characterized in that, The control method includes: Obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner; According to the operating mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain unfolds according to a preset degree of expansion.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control of the scroll rotation further includes: Obtain the indoor temperature and target temperature; The rotation of the roll is controlled based on the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature; the preset unfolding degree is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control of the scroll rotation according to the operating mode includes: In response to the operating mode being heating mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain is expanded to at least a first preset expansion degree, the first preset expansion degree being greater than 80%; and / or In response to the operating mode being cooling mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air outlet curtain is expanded to a maximum of a second preset expansion degree, wherein the second preset expansion degree is less than 50%; and / or In response to the operating mode being the swing mode, the roller is controlled to rotate so that the air curtain cyclically unfolds and rewinds between a third preset unfolding degree and a fourth preset unfolding degree; the third preset unfolding degree is less than the fourth preset unfolding degree.

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