Pipe joint and wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit with the same

Abstract

The application provides a pipe joint and a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit with the pipe joint. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises a fresh air device, a framework, a cover, a fresh air pipe and the pipe joint. The fresh air device is provided with a protruding air inlet part. The pipe joint comprises a sealing ring, at least one first connecting part and at least one second connecting part. The sealing ring is arranged in a ring shape and is used for sealing the gap between the air inlet part and the fresh air pipe in the radial direction. The first connecting part is arranged to extend from the outer ring circumference of the sealing ring to the direction close to the air inlet part and is used for connecting with the air inlet part. The second connecting part is arranged to extend from the inner ring circumference of the sealing ring and the first connecting part in the same direction and is used for connecting with the fresh air pipe. The pipe joint of the application is simple and reliable. The outdoor fresh air can directly flow into the fresh air device through the fresh air pipe, and the air inlet part and the fresh air pipe have good sealing performance, so that the air volume loss at the pipe joint is reduced or even eliminated, and the working noise of the fresh air device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and in particular to a pipe connector and a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit having the pipe connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing wall-mounted air conditioner indoor units with fresh air function, the fresh air device is fixed to one end of the frame in the longitudinal direction. If the fresh air duct runs from the end cover of the casing near the fresh air device, the fresh air duct needs to be close to the upper edge of the pipe hole to leave enough space for the connecting pipe and drain pipe. Otherwise, it may block the connecting pipe and drain pipe, causing the casing to bulge. If the fresh air duct runs from the end cover of the casing away from the fresh air device, it needs to be installed to avoid other components on the frame (such as the ion sterilization module). The fresh air duct is close to the lower edge of the pipe hole, which means that two fresh air duct connectors need to be prepared for each air conditioner indoor unit.

[0003] Taking all factors into consideration, the design needs to provide a flexible and convenient pipe joint with a stable and reliable structure, as well as a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit with such a pipe joint. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide a pipe connector for connecting a fresh air device and a fresh air duct.

[0005] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to improve structural stability.

[0006] Another further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to improve the sealing performance of the fresh air flow path.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit having the pipe joint.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a pipe connector is provided for connecting a fresh air device and a fresh air duct, characterized in that the fresh air device is provided with a protruding air inlet, and the pipe connector comprises:

[0009] The sealing ring is configured to be annular and is used to seal the gap between the air inlet and the fresh air duct in the radial direction;

[0010] At least one first connecting portion is configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring toward the air inlet portion for connection with the air inlet portion; and

[0011] At least one second connecting portion is configured to extend from the inner periphery of the sealing ring in the same direction as the first connecting portion, for connecting to the fresh air duct.

[0012] The pipe joint of the present invention is provided with a sealing ring and a first connecting part and a second connecting part extending in the same direction from the outer and inner peripheries of the sealing ring, respectively. The connection between the fresh air device and the fresh air duct is achieved by connecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part to the air inlet and the fresh air duct of the fresh air device, respectively. The structure is simple and reliable. Outdoor fresh air can flow directly into the fresh air device through the fresh air duct. The air inlet and the fresh air duct have good sealing performance, which reduces or even eliminates the air volume loss at the pipe joint and reduces the operating noise of the fresh air device.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one first connecting portion and the at least one second connecting portion are located on the outer and inner sides of the air inlet, respectively.

[0014] The pipe connector of the present invention positions the first connecting part and the second connecting part on the outer and inner sides of the air inlet, respectively, thereby enabling the pipe connector to be connected to the outer wall of the air inlet and the outer wall of the fresh air duct. This cleverly limits the movement of the pipe connector relative to the air inlet in the axial and radial directions, improving the structural stability of the pipe connector. Furthermore, the cross-section of the airflow from the fresh air duct to the air inlet is increased, reducing wind resistance and noise.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one first connecting portion and the at least one second connecting portion are staggered in the circumferential direction; and / or

[0016] The second connecting part has a larger axial dimension than the first connecting part.

[0017] The pipe connector of the present invention arranges the first connecting part and the second connecting part alternately in the circumferential direction. During the assembly process, the second connecting part is inserted into the air inlet first and the first connecting part is connected to the air inlet later. Compared with the continuous annular connecting part, this not only reduces the production cost, but also allows the first connecting part and the second connecting part to deform during the assembly process. This provides a high tolerance for the size and shape of the air inlet, pipe structure and fresh air pipe, making the connection of the three more stable and reliable, and further improving the efficiency of assembly positioning.

[0018] Optionally, the number of both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is multiple; and

[0019] The plurality of first connecting portions and the plurality of second connecting portions are evenly distributed relative to the sealing ring.

[0020] The pipe joint of the present invention is provided with a plurality of first connecting parts and a plurality of second connecting parts, and the plurality of first connecting parts and a plurality of second connecting parts are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, so that the pipe joint is subjected to uniform force, which improves the connection reliability, facilitates assembly and positioning, and extends the service life of the pipe joint.

[0021] Optionally, the fresh air duct is provided with external threads; and

[0022] The second connecting part is provided with an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the external thread to connect the pipe joint and the fresh air duct.

[0023] The pipe connector of the present invention achieves a fixed connection with the fresh air duct through internal and external threads, which is not only convenient and quick to install, but also allows the strength reinforcement structure of the fresh air duct itself to be used as the external thread. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the position of the fresh air duct in the axial direction relative to the pipe connector (i.e., the air inlet), reducing the accuracy requirements for the preset length of the fresh air duct.

[0024] Optionally, the pipe fitting is characterized by further comprising:

[0025] The extension is configured to extend from the inner periphery of the sealing ring in a direction away from the air inlet; wherein,

[0026] The extension is annular; and

[0027] The extension is provided with the same internal thread as the second connecting part.

[0028] The pipe fitting of the present invention further improves the connection reliability between the fresh air duct and the pipe fitting, as well as the sealing performance of the fresh air duct and the pipe fitting in the radial direction, by providing an extension having the same internal thread as the second connecting part and making the extension wrap around the fresh air duct in the circumferential direction.

[0029] Optionally, the pipe fitting is characterized by further comprising:

[0030] The limiting portion is configured to extend radially inward from the end of one of the second connecting portions away from the sealing ring, so as to limit the extreme position of the fresh air duct relative to the pipe joint.

[0031] The pipe connector of the present invention limits the fresh air pipe by providing a limiting part at the end of the second connection part, thereby preventing the fresh air pipe from being excessively inserted into the air inlet or even into other parts of the fresh air device. This prevents the fresh air pipe from interfering with other components such as air valves and reduces unwanted air resistance.

[0032] Optionally, the air inlet is provided with at least one positioning post extending radially outward; and

[0033] Each of the first connecting parts is provided with a limiting groove extending in the axial direction. The limiting groove has an opening at the end away from the sealing ring, which is used to allow the positioning post to slide into the limiting groove and be locked in place.

[0034] The pipe connector of the present invention achieves snap-fit ​​fixation with the air inlet through an axially extending limiting groove, eliminating the need for a complex positioning structure in the air inlet and the use of fasteners, thus avoiding interference with the fresh air flow path, reducing production costs, and simplifying the assembly steps.

[0035] Optionally, each of the first connecting portions has at least one through hole, the at least one through hole being located on at least one side of the limiting groove in the lateral direction.

[0036] The pipe fitting of the present invention has a through hole in the transverse direction of the axially extending limiting groove, which improves the deformation capability of the first connecting part during the assembly process, thereby improving the reliability of the locking between the limiting groove and the positioning post, and reducing the assembly damage rate of the pipe fitting and the positioning post.

[0037] Optionally, the air inlet is provided with at least one positioning post extending radially outward; and

[0038] Each of the first connecting parts is provided with a rotating slot; wherein, the rotating slot includes:

[0039] An inlet section is configured to extend axially from the end of the first connecting portion away from the sealing ring, and to form an opening at the end away from the sealing ring for allowing the positioning pin to slide into the rotating slot; and

[0040] The locking section is configured to extend circumferentially from the end of the inlet section near the sealing ring, for locking the positioning post.

[0041] The pipe connector of the present invention is fixed to the air inlet by setting an "L"-shaped rotating groove, which eliminates the need for a complex positioning structure for the air inlet and the use of fasteners, avoids interference with the fresh air flow path, reduces production costs, and makes the installation of the pipe connector and the air inlet more stable and reliable by using a large-area contact limit in the axial direction through the locking section.

[0042] Optionally, the pipe fitting is characterized by further comprising:

[0043] At least one sealing rib is configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring toward the air inlet and, together with the at least one first connecting portion, cover the outer wall of the end of the air inlet near the sealing ring.

[0044] The pipe connector of the present invention provides a sealing rib plate connecting the circumferential end of the first connecting part on the outer periphery of the sealing ring. That is, the pipe connector forms a U-shaped groove that matches the end of the air inlet part. This not only further improves the sealing performance between the air inlet part and the pipe connector, but also the sealing rib plate further restricts the movement of the pipe connector relative to the air inlet part in the radial direction, thereby making the connection between the pipe connector and the air inlet part more stable.

[0045] Optionally, the pipe fitting is characterized by further comprising:

[0046] At least one positioning rib is configured to extend from the sealing rib in a direction away from the sealing ring; wherein...

[0047] Each of the positioning ribs is provided with a corresponding second connecting portion in the radial direction; and

[0048] The dimensions of each positioning rib in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction are smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding second connecting portion in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0049] The pipe connector of the present invention has a positioning rib plate at the position of the sealing rib plate corresponding to the second connection part. This positioning rib plate can limit the pipe connector in the radial direction and guide the pipe connector to move in the axial direction and be installed in the air inlet. That is, the positioning is achieved first by the positioning rib plate with a small area and then the sealing rib plate with a large area is used to achieve the limiting and sealing, which improves the assembly efficiency.

[0050] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0051] The fresh air system has a protruding air inlet.

[0052] The frame is configured to support the fresh air device;

[0053] The casing is configured to cover the skeleton;

[0054] The fresh air duct is configured to communicate with the outdoor environment and passes through an end cap in the longitudinal direction of the housing, communicating with the air inlet; and

[0055] The pipe fitting described above is configured to connect the air inlet and the fresh air duct.

[0056] The air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention connects the fresh air device and the fresh air duct by adopting the pipe joint of any of the above embodiments. It has a simple and reliable structure, high assembly efficiency, and good sealing performance. After the fresh air device, pipe joint and fresh air duct are assembled, the fresh air duct can be further flexibly bent or connected to other components without damaging the connection between the fresh air device, pipe joint and fresh air duct.

[0057] Optionally, the end cap is provided with a discontinuously connected cover plate to form a through-hole after the cover plate is removed; and / or

[0058] The portion of the fresh air duct located at least within the housing is designed to be flexible and deformable.

[0059] The air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention has an end cover with a discontinuously connected cover plate, and the fresh air duct can be bent and deformed. No matter whether the fresh air duct runs to the left, right or backward, the same adapter of the present invention can be used, which improves the versatility of the adapter, allows for flexible adjustment of the pipeline according to the installation environment, and reduces production costs.

[0060] 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

[0061] 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:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of an indoor air conditioning unit viewed from back to front according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of a portion of the central region A;

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic partial exploded view of area A of the indoor unit of the air conditioner shown;

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic isometric view of the central tube joint;

[0066] Figure 5 It is a different perspective. Figure 4 A schematic isometric view of the pipe fitting shown;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a schematic isometric view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 7 It is a different perspective. Figure 6 A schematic isometric view of the pipe fitting shown.

[0069] Figure label:

[0070] Air conditioner indoor unit 100;

[0071] Frame 110;

[0072] 120; 121; 122;

[0073] Fresh air unit 130; air inlet 131; positioning column 132;

[0074] Fresh air duct 140; External thread 141;

[0075] Pipe fitting 150; sealing ring 151; first connecting part 152; second connecting part 153; internal thread 1531; extension part 154; limiting part 155; rotating groove 156; inlet section 1561; locking section 1562; limiting groove 1571; through hole 1572; sealing rib 158; positioning rib 159. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of an air conditioner indoor unit 100 viewed from back to front according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of a portion of the central region A; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic partial exploded view of area A of the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner shown. See also Figures 1 to 3 The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner of the present invention may include a casing, a heat exchange fan, a heat exchanger, a fresh air device 130, and a fresh air duct 140.

[0077] The casing may have a heat exchange air inlet and a heat exchange air outlet.

[0078] The heat exchange fan can be installed inside the casing and configured to cause air to flow from the heat exchange inlet to the heat exchange outlet.

[0079] The heat exchanger can be installed inside the casing and located in the flow path between the heat exchange inlet and the heat exchange outlet, for heat exchange with the air flowing through it.

[0080] In some embodiments, the air conditioner indoor unit 100 of the present invention may be a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit.

[0081] The housing may include a frame 110 for supporting the fresh air unit 130 and a cover 120 for covering the frame 110. The cover 120 may be provided with an end cap 121 at each of its two ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] The fresh air device 130 may be provided with an air inlet 131 that protrudes relative to other parts of the fresh air device 130.

[0083] The fresh air duct 140 can be configured to communicate with the outdoor environment and pass through an end cap 121 of the housing 120 to communicate with the air inlet 131.

[0084] The end cap 121 for the fresh air duct 140 may be provided with a discontinuously connected cover plate 122 to form a duct hole after the cover plate 122 is removed.

[0085] The cover 120 can be provided with a cover plate 122 on each of the two end caps 121 in the longitudinal direction, so as to flexibly adjust the pipeline route according to the installation environment.

[0086] The cover plate 122 itself may include multiple discontinuously connected disassembly sections to form through holes of different sizes by disassembling different disassembly sections.

[0087] In other embodiments, the air conditioning indoor unit 100 of the present invention may also be other types of air conditioners, such as cabinet air conditioning indoor units.

[0088] In particular, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner of the present invention also includes a pipe connector 150 for connecting the air inlet 131 and the fresh air duct 140.

[0089] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic isometric view of the central tube joint 150; Figure 5 It is a different perspective. Figure 4 A schematic isometric view of the pipe fitting 150 shown. See also... Figures 3 to 5 The pipe fitting 150 may include a sealing ring 151, at least one first connecting portion 152, and at least one second connecting portion 153.

[0090] In this invention, at least one refers to one, two, or more than two.

[0091] The sealing ring 151 can be configured to be annular to seal the gap between the air inlet 131 and the fresh air duct 140 in the radial direction.

[0092] The first connecting part 152 may be configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring 151 toward the air inlet 131 for connection with the air inlet 131.

[0093] The second connecting part 153 can be configured such that the inner periphery of the self-sealing ring 151 extends in the same direction as the first connecting part 152, and is used to connect with the fresh air duct 140.

[0094] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention is provided with a sealing ring 151 and a first connecting portion 152 and a second connecting portion 153 extending in the same direction from the outer and inner peripheries of the sealing ring 151, respectively. By connecting the first connecting portion 152 and the second connecting portion 153 to the air inlet 131 and the fresh air duct 140 of the fresh air device 130, respectively, the fresh air device 130 and the fresh air duct 140 are connected. The structure is simple and reliable. Outdoor fresh air can flow directly into the fresh air device 130 through the fresh air duct 140. Moreover, there is good sealing between the air inlet 131 and the fresh air duct 140, which reduces or even eliminates the air volume loss at the pipe connector 150 and reduces the operating noise of the fresh air device 130.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 152 and the second connecting portion 153 may be located on the outer and inner sides of the air inlet portion 131, respectively.

[0096] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention positions the first connecting part 152 and the second connecting part 153 on the outer and inner sides of the air inlet 131, respectively, thereby enabling the pipe connector 150 to be connected to the outer wall of the air inlet 131 and the outer wall of the fresh air duct 140. This cleverly limits the movement of the pipe connector 150 relative to the air inlet 131 in the axial and radial directions, improving the structural stability of the pipe connector 150. Furthermore, the cross-section of the airflow from the fresh air duct 140 to the air inlet 131 is increased, reducing wind resistance and noise.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 152 and the second connecting portion 153 may be staggered in the circumferential direction.

[0098] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention arranges the first connecting part 152 and the second connecting part 153 alternately in the circumferential direction. Compared with the continuous annular connecting part, it not only reduces the production cost, but also allows the first connecting part 152 and the second connecting part 153 to deform during the assembly process. It has a high tolerance for the size and shape of the air inlet 131, the pipe structure and the fresh air pipe 140, making the connection of the three more stable and reliable.

[0099] In some further embodiments, the number of first connecting portions 152 and second connecting portions 153 may both be multiple.

[0100] Multiple first connecting portions 152 and multiple second connecting portions 153 may be evenly distributed relative to the sealing ring 151.

[0101] The pipe joint 150 of the present invention is provided with a plurality of first connecting parts 152 and a plurality of second connecting parts 153, and the plurality of first connecting parts 152 and the plurality of second connecting parts 153 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, so that the pipe joint 150 is subjected to uniform force, which improves the connection reliability, facilitates assembly and positioning, and extends the service life of the pipe joint 150.

[0102] In some embodiments, the dimension of the second connecting portion 153 in the axial direction may be larger than the dimension of the first connecting portion 152 in the axial direction.

[0103] In the assembly process, the second connecting part 153 of the pipe connector 150 of the present invention is first inserted into the air inlet part 131 and the first connecting part 152 is then connected to the air inlet part 131. That is, the pipe connector 150 is first roughly positioned by the second connecting part 153, which further improves the efficiency of the assembly and positioning of the pipe connector 150 and the air inlet part 131.

[0104] In some embodiments, the fresh air duct 140 may be provided with an external thread 141. The second connecting portion 153 may be provided with an internal thread 1531.

[0105] The internal thread 1531 can be configured to mate with the external thread 141 to connect the pipe fitting 150 and the fresh air duct 140.

[0106] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention achieves a fixed connection with the fresh air duct 140 through internal and external threads 141. It is not only convenient and quick to install, but also utilizes the strength-enhancing structure of the fresh air duct 140 itself as the external thread 141. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the position of the fresh air duct 140 relative to the pipe connector 150 (i.e., the air inlet 131) in the axial direction, thereby reducing the accuracy requirements for the preset length of the fresh air duct 140.

[0107] In some embodiments, the pipe fitting 150 may further include a limiting portion 155.

[0108] The limiting portion 155 may be configured to extend radially inward from the end of a second connection portion 153 away from the sealing ring 151 to limit the extreme position of the fresh air duct 140 relative to the pipe joint 150.

[0109] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention limits the fresh air pipe 140 by providing a limiting part 155 at the end of the second connection part 153, thereby preventing the fresh air pipe 140 from being excessively inserted into the air inlet part 131 or even into other parts of the fresh air device 130. This prevents the fresh air pipe 140 from interfering with other components such as air valves and reduces unwanted air resistance.

[0110] In some embodiments, the pipe fitting 150 may also include at least one sealing rib 158.

[0111] The sealing rib 158 can be configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring 151 toward the air inlet 131, and together with the first connecting portion 152, cover the outer wall of the end of the air inlet 131 near the sealing ring 151.

[0112] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention has a sealing rib 158 that connects to the circumferential end of the first connecting part 152 by providing a sealing rib 158 on the outer periphery of the sealing ring 151. That is, the pipe connector 150 forms a U-shaped groove that mates with the end of the air inlet part 131. This not only further improves the sealing performance between the air inlet part 131 and the pipe connector 150, but also the sealing rib 158 further restricts the movement of the pipe connector 150 relative to the air inlet part 131 in the radial direction, thereby making the connection between the pipe connector 150 and the air inlet part 131 more stable.

[0113] In some further embodiments, the pipe fitting 150 may also include at least one positioning rib 159.

[0114] The positioning rib 159 can be configured as a self-sealing rib 158 extending away from the sealing ring 151.

[0115] Each positioning rib 159 may be provided with a corresponding second connecting portion 153 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the dimensions of each positioning rib 159 in the axial direction and the circumferential direction may be smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding second connecting portion 153 in the axial direction and the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0116] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention has a positioning rib 159 provided at the position of the sealing rib 158 corresponding to the second connecting part 153. This positioning rib 159 can limit the pipe connector 150 in the radial direction and provide guidance for the pipe connector 150 to move and be installed in the air inlet part 131 in the axial direction. That is, the positioning is first achieved by the small area positioning rib 159 and then the sealing rib 158 cooperates to achieve limiting and sealing, which improves the assembly efficiency.

[0117] In some embodiments, the air inlet 131 may be provided with at least one positioning post 132 extending radially outward. The number of positioning posts 132 may be the same as the number of first connecting parts 152.

[0118] Each first connecting part 152 may be provided with a rotating slot 156. Specifically, the rotating slot 156 may include an inlet section 1561 and a locking section 1562.

[0119] The inlet section 1561 may be configured to extend axially from the end of the first connecting portion 152 away from the sealing ring 151, and have an opening at the end away from the sealing ring 151 for allowing the positioning post 132 to slide into the rotating slot 156.

[0120] The locking section 1562 can be configured to extend circumferentially from the end of the guide section 1561 near the sealing ring 151 to lock the positioning post 132.

[0121] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention is fixed to the air inlet 131 by setting an "L"-shaped rotating slot 156, which eliminates the need for a complex positioning structure for the air inlet 131 and the use of fasteners, thus avoiding interference with the fresh air flow path and reducing production costs. Furthermore, the large-area contact and limiting in the axial direction by the locking section 1562 makes the installation of the pipe connector 150 and the air inlet 131 more stable and reliable.

[0122] Figure 6 This is a schematic isometric view of a pipe fitting 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a different perspective. Figure 6 A schematic isometric view of the pipe fitting 150 shown. See also... Figure 6 and Figure 7 , and Figures 4 to 5 The differences between the embodiments shown include:

[0123] In an embodiment where the pipe connector 150 is connected to the fresh air duct 140 via internal and external threads 141, the pipe connector 150 may further include an extension 154.

[0124] The extension 154 can be configured to extend from the inner periphery of the sealing ring 151 in a direction away from the air inlet 131.

[0125] The extension 154 may be annular and have the same internal thread 1531 as the second connecting part 153.

[0126] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention further improves the connection reliability between the fresh air duct 140 and the pipe connector 150, as well as the sealing performance of the fresh air duct 140 and the pipe connector 150 in the radial direction by providing an extension 154 having the same internal thread 1531 as the second connection portion 153 and making the extension 154 wrap around the fresh air duct 140 in the circumferential direction.

[0127] In other embodiments, each first connecting portion 152 may be provided with a limiting groove 1571 extending in the axial direction. The limiting groove 1571 has an opening at the end away from the sealing ring 151 for the positioning post 132 to slide into the limiting groove 1571 and be locked in place.

[0128] Each limiting groove 1571 may have multiple locking positions, and the positioning post 132 may be locked in each locking position so that the pipe joint 150 can be adjusted in the axial direction relative to the air inlet 131.

[0129] The pipe connector 150 of the present invention achieves snap-fit ​​fixation with the air inlet 131 through the axially extending limiting groove 1571, which eliminates the need for a complex positioning structure for the air inlet 131 and the use of fasteners, avoids interference with the fresh air flow path, reduces production costs, and simplifies the assembly steps.

[0130] In some further embodiments, each first connecting portion 152 may have at least one through hole 1572. The through hole 1572 may be located on at least one side of the limiting groove 1571 in the lateral direction.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, a through hole 1572 is provided on each of the two lateral sides of the limiting groove 1571.

[0132] The pipe joint 150 of the present invention has a through hole 1572 in the transverse direction of the axially extending limiting groove 1571, which improves the deformation capability of the first connecting part 152 during the assembly process, thereby improving the reliability of the locking between the limiting groove 1571 and the positioning post 132 and reducing the assembly damage rate of the pipe joint 150 and the positioning post 132.

[0133] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Additional features can be added based on the embodiments. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Extension 154 in the embodiment; Figure 6 and Figure 7 Additional features can be added based on the embodiments. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Positioning rib 159 in the embodiment.

[0134] The air conditioner indoor unit 100 of the present invention uses the pipe connector 150 of any of the above embodiments to connect the fresh air device 130 and the fresh air duct 140. The structure is simple and reliable, the assembly efficiency is high, and the sealing performance is good. After the assembly of the fresh air device 130, the pipe connector 150 and the fresh air duct 140 is completed, the fresh air duct 140 can be further flexibly bent or the fresh air duct 140 can be connected to other components without damaging the connection between the fresh air device 130, the pipe connector 150 and the fresh air duct 140.

[0135] In some embodiments, at least the portion of the fresh air duct 140 located within the housing 120 may be configured to be flexible and deformable.

[0136] The air conditioner indoor unit 100 of the present invention has an end cover 121 with a discontinuously connected cover plate 122. The fresh air duct 140 can be bent and deformed. No matter whether the fresh air duct 140 runs to the left, right or backward, the same adapter of the present invention can be used, which improves the versatility of the adapter, allows for flexible adjustment of the pipeline according to the installation environment, and reduces production costs.

[0137] 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 pipe fitting for connecting a fresh air unit to a fresh air duct, characterized in that, The fresh air device is provided with a protruding air inlet, and the pipe connector includes: The sealing ring is configured to be annular and is used to seal the gap between the air inlet and the fresh air duct in the radial direction; At least one first connecting portion is configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring toward the air inlet portion for connection with the air inlet portion; and At least one second connecting portion, configured to extend in the same direction as the first connecting portion from the inner periphery of the sealing ring, is used for connection with the fresh air duct; wherein, The at least one first connecting portion and the at least one second connecting portion are respectively located on the outer side and the inner side of the air inlet. The at least one first connecting portion and the at least one second connecting portion are staggered in the circumferential direction; The number of both the first connecting part and the second connecting part is multiple; and The plurality of first connecting portions and the plurality of second connecting portions are evenly distributed relative to the sealing ring.

2. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting part has a larger axial dimension than the first connecting part.

3. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fresh air duct is provided with external threads; and The second connecting part is provided with an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the external thread to connect the pipe joint and the fresh air duct.

4. The pipe fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The extension is configured to extend from the inner periphery of the sealing ring in a direction away from the air inlet; wherein, The extension is annular; and The extension is provided with the same internal thread as the second connecting part.

5. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The limiting portion is configured to extend radially inward from the end of one of the second connecting portions away from the sealing ring, so as to limit the extreme position of the fresh air duct relative to the pipe joint.

6. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet is provided with at least one positioning post extending radially outward; and Each of the first connecting parts is provided with a limiting groove extending in the axial direction. The limiting groove has an opening at the end away from the sealing ring, which is used to allow the positioning post to slide into the limiting groove and be locked in place.

7. The pipe fitting according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first connecting portions has at least one through hole, and the at least one through hole is located on at least one side of the limiting groove in the lateral direction.

8. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet is provided with at least one positioning post extending radially outward; and Each of the first connecting parts is provided with a rotating slot; wherein, the rotating slot includes: An inlet section is configured to extend axially from the end of the first connecting portion away from the sealing ring, and to form an opening at the end away from the sealing ring for allowing the positioning pin to slide into the rotating slot; and The locking section is configured to extend circumferentially from the end of the inlet section near the sealing ring, for locking the positioning post.

9. The pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one sealing rib is configured to extend from the outer periphery of the sealing ring toward the air inlet and, together with the at least one first connecting portion, cover the outer wall of the end of the air inlet near the sealing ring.

10. The pipe fitting according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one positioning rib is configured to extend from the sealing rib in a direction away from the sealing ring; wherein... Each of the positioning ribs is provided with a corresponding second connecting portion in the radial direction; and The dimensions of each positioning rib in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction are smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding second connecting portion in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, respectively.

11. A wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit, characterized in that, include: The fresh air system is equipped with a protruding air inlet. The frame is configured to support the fresh air device; The casing is configured to cover the skeleton; The fresh air duct is configured to communicate with the outdoor environment and passes through an end cap in the longitudinal direction of the housing, communicating with the air inlet; and The pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1-10 is configured to connect the air inlet and the fresh air duct.

12. The wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with intermittently connected cover plates to form a through-hole after the cover plates are removed; and / or The portion of the fresh air duct located at least within the housing is designed to be flexible and deformable.

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