An indoor unit with movable air deflector and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides an indoor unit with movable air deflector and an air conditioner, comprising a shell and an external air blocking structure, the shell comprises a front panel and side panels arranged at left and right ends, a sliding rail is arranged at the edge of the side panel, the sliding rail extends from the lower part of the air outlet to the air inlet part, the external air blocking structure comprises a sliding block and an external air deflector, the sliding block is connected with the external air deflector, and the sliding block drives the external air deflector to move to selectively cover the air outlet. The sliding rail is arranged at the edge of the side panel, compared with the prior art which needs to use a long supporting arm, the distance between the sliding rail and the end of the external air deflector is shortened, a long connecting arm is not needed to connect with the external air deflector, the pulling force on the sliding block inside the sliding rail is avoided, the failure rate of the sliding block and the internal driving structure is sufficiently reduced, the sliding rail is in a hidden position, the connecting arm and the sliding block are protected, external dust and sundries are prevented from affecting the working of the driving device of the external air deflector, and the external air deflector moves smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to an indoor unit and air conditioner with a movable air guide plate. Background Technology

[0002] Existing air conditioner vents deliver air through air deflectors and / or sweeping blades, resulting in a strong draft felt by indoor users. To improve comfort, zero-draft airflow is required, typically achieved by installing an external air deflector on the indoor unit. For example, a prior art patent entitled "Wind Deflector for Air Conditioner and Air Conditioner" discloses an external air deflector connected to both sides of the housing via a rotary drive structure. However, this rotary connection requires a long support arm to connect to both ends of the housing. The rotation of the support arm drives the air deflector, and due to its length and weight, the long connecting arm overloads the drive structure, potentially leading to drive structure failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide an indoor unit and air conditioner with a movable air guide plate to solve the problem that the external air guide plate with a rotating connection in the prior art is prone to drive structure failure when rotating.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] An indoor unit with a movable air deflector includes a housing and an external wind deflector structure. The housing includes a front panel and side panels disposed at the left and right ends. A slide rail is disposed on the edge of the side panel and extends from the lower part of the air outlet to the air inlet. The external wind deflector structure includes a slider and an external wind deflector plate. The slider is connected to the external wind deflector plate, and the slider drives the external wind deflector plate to move to selectively cover the air outlet. When the main control module receives a zero-wind-feel airflow command, the external wind deflector needs to adjust the airflow. The main control module controls the slider to slide along the slide rail so that the external wind deflector covers the air outlet. The air from the air conditioner is then blown into the room after the wind speed is reduced by the external wind deflector, reducing the feeling of draft and improving user comfort. When the main control module receives a normal airflow command, the external wind deflector is not needed to adjust the airflow. The main control module controls the slider to stay in the position near the top of the slide rail, with the external wind deflector in front of the front panel, and the air outlet is discharging air normally. When the main control module receives a shutdown and dust prevention command, the main control module controls the slider to slide along the slide rail to the air inlet, thereby causing the external wind deflector to cover the air inlet, preventing dust from entering the indoor unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the slide rail is positioned on the side panel near the front panel, with its starting end located near the upper part of both ends of the air outlet and its ending end located near the front side of both ends of the air inlet. This ensures that after the indoor unit is installed on the wall, both the starting and ending ends of the slide rail are a certain distance from the wall, preventing the outer wind deflector from colliding with and interfering with the wall, thus avoiding damage.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer wind deflector is configured as an arc-shaped plate with a microporous structure. When the outer wind deflector covers the air outlet to reduce the feeling of wind, the arc shape of the outer wind deflector causes the front and rear sides of the deflector to form an upward-curving structure, creating an almost enveloping effect on the air outlet and preventing the air from blowing directly into the room without passing through the deflector, thus affecting the comfort of the indoor users.

[0008] Furthermore, a connecting block is provided on the inner side of the outer windshield. The connecting block is located on the inner side of the outer windshield and near both ends. The outer windshield is connected to the slider through the connecting block.

[0009] Furthermore, the slider includes a sliding foot, a groove, and a connecting part. The sliding foot forms the bottom of the slider, and a groove is provided on the upper part of the sliding foot. The groove is designed to be recessed towards the center. The connecting part is located on the upper part of the groove and is connected to the connecting block of the outer windshield. This ensures that when the slider is installed inside the slide rail, the sliding foot is located inside the slide rail, the groove is engaged with the side wall of the slide rail, and the connecting part extends to the outside of the slide rail. The slider is connected to the outer windshield through the connecting part.

[0010] Furthermore, a connecting shaft is provided on the connecting part, and the outer windshield is connected to the connecting shaft through the connecting block.

[0011] Furthermore, the axis of the connecting shaft is perpendicular to the side wall of the slide rail, and the connecting shaft is configured to pass through the slider, with at least one end of the connecting shaft connected to the outer wind deflector.

[0012] Furthermore, a connecting arm is provided at at least one end of the connecting shaft, the connecting arm being perpendicular to the connecting shaft, and the end of the connecting arm away from the connecting shaft being connected to the connecting block.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting arm is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the indoor unit with a movable air guide plate described in this invention has the following advantages:

[0015] By placing the slide rail on the edge of the side plate, compared with the existing technology which requires a long support arm, the present invention shortens the distance between the slide rail and the end of the outer windshield, eliminates the need for a long connecting arm to connect with the outer windshield, avoids excessive tensile force on the slider inside the slide rail, significantly reduces the failure rate of the slider and internal drive structure, and the slide rail is in a concealed position, which protects the connecting arm and slider, thereby preventing external dust and debris from affecting the operation of the outer windshield drive device, and ensuring smooth movement of the outer windshield.

[0016] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, including an indoor unit with a movable air guide plate as described above. The advantages of this air conditioner over the prior art are the same as those of the aforementioned indoor unit with a movable air guide plate, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the indoor unit structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side plate structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external windbreak structure described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the external windbreak structure described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the outer windshield according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the slider structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 100 - External windshield structure; 1 - Slider; 11 - Sliding foot; 12 - Groove; 13 - Connecting part; 14 - Connecting shaft; 2 - Connecting arm; 21 - Connecting ring; 22 - Connecting pin; 3 - External windshield plate; 31 - Connecting block; 200 - Housing; 210 - Air outlet; 220 - Air inlet; 230 - Front panel; 240 - Side plate; 241 - Slide rail; 242 - Edge retainer Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the orientations involved in the following specific embodiments are briefly explained: the directions or positional relationships indicated by "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. mentioned in the embodiments refer to the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and the term "on" means directly or indirectly supported by the element.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] An indoor unit with a movable air deflector includes a housing 200 and an external air deflector structure 100. The housing 200 includes a front panel 230 and side panels 240 disposed at the left and right ends. A slide rail 241 is provided at the edge of the side panel 240, extending from the lower part of the air outlet 210 to the air inlet 220. The external air deflector structure includes a slider 1 and an external air deflector 3. The slider 1 is connected to the external air deflector 3, and the slider 1 drives the external air deflector 3 to move to selectively cover the air outlet. The outer wind deflector 3 has a micro-perforated structure. When the main control module receives a zero-wind-feel airflow command, the outer wind deflector 3 needs to adjust the airflow. The main control module controls the slider to slide along the slide rail 241 so that the outer wind deflector 3 covers the air outlet 210. The air conditioner's airflow is reduced in speed by the outer wind deflector 3 before being blown into the room, reducing the wind sensation and improving user comfort. When the main control module receives a normal airflow command, the outer wind deflector 3 does not need to adjust the airflow. The main control module controls the slider to stay near the upper part of the slide rail, and the outer wind deflector 3 is located on the front side of the front panel, allowing normal airflow from the air outlet. When the main control module receives a shutdown and dust prevention command, the main control module controls the slider to slide along the slide rail to the air inlet, thereby causing the outer wind deflector to cover the air inlet, preventing dust from entering the indoor unit. Furthermore, by placing the slide rail on the edge of the side plate, compared to the existing technology which requires a longer support arm, this invention shortens the distance between the slide rail and the end of the outer windshield. It eliminates the need for a long connecting arm to connect with the outer windshield, avoiding excessive tensile force on the slider inside the slide rail. This significantly reduces the failure rate of the slider and the internal drive structure. Moreover, the slide rail is in a concealed position, protecting the connecting arm and the slider, thereby preventing external dust and debris from affecting the operation of the outer windshield drive device and ensuring smooth movement of the outer windshield.

[0028] Furthermore, the slide rail 241 is located on the side panel 240 near the front panel, with the starting end of the slide rail 241 located at the upper part of both ends of the air outlet and the end of the slide rail 241 located at the front part of both ends of the air inlet. This ensures that after the indoor unit is installed on the wall, the starting and ending ends of the slide rail are a certain distance away from the wall, avoiding damage caused by collision and interference between the external wind deflector and the wall.

[0029] The outer wind deflector 3 is set as an arc-shaped plate. When the outer wind deflector covers the air outlet to reduce the wind feeling, the arc-shaped outer wind deflector makes the front and rear sides of the wind deflector form an upward structure, which forms an almost wrapped effect on the air outlet 210, preventing the air from blowing directly into the room without passing through the wind deflector and affecting the comfort of the indoor users.

[0030] Correspondingly, a connecting block 31 is provided on the inner side of the outer wind deflector 3. The connecting block 31 is located on the inner side of the outer wind deflector 3 and near both ends. The outer wind deflector 3 is connected to the slider through the connecting block 31.

[0031] Specifically, the slider 1 includes a sliding foot 11, a groove 12, and a connecting part 13. The sliding foot 11 forms the bottom of the slider 1, and the groove 12 is provided on the upper part of the sliding foot 11. The groove 12 is designed to be recessed towards the center. The connecting part 13 is located on the upper part of the groove 12 and is connected to the connecting block of the outer wind deflector 3. Thus, when the slider 1 is installed inside the slide rail 241, the sliding foot 11 is located inside the slide rail 241, the groove 12 is engaged with the side wall of the slide rail 241, and the connecting part 13 extends to the outside of the slide rail 241. The slider 1 is connected to the outer wind deflector 3 through the connecting part 13. The sliding foot and the groove ensure the stability of the connection between the slider 1 and the slide rail, prevent the slider from detaching from the slide rail, and prevent the slider from jamming during sliding. Furthermore, each slide rail 241 has a retaining edge 242 on its left and right side walls. The two retaining edges 242 of the same slide rail 241 are arranged to be close to each other, thereby forming a structure that is wider inside and narrower outside of the slide rail 241, which matches the lower shape of the slider 1 and prevents the slider 1 from detaching from the inside of the slide rail 241.

[0032] Furthermore, the same slider 1 has two grooves 12, and the two grooves 12 are symmetrical, so that the left and right sides of the slider slide along the two arms of the slider when sliding, ensuring that the slider slides smoothly and steadily.

[0033] Furthermore, a connecting shaft 14 is provided on the connecting part 13, and the outer wind deflector 3 is connected to the connecting shaft 14 through the connecting block 31, so that the slider 1 moves to drive the outer wind deflector to open. Specifically, the axis of the connecting shaft 14 is perpendicular to the side wall of the slide rail 241, and the connecting shaft 14 is configured to pass through the slider 1. At least one end of the connecting shaft 14 is connected to the outer wind deflector 3 so that the slider drives the outer wind deflector to open or retract.

[0034] In this embodiment, a connecting arm 2 may be provided on at least one end of the connecting shaft 14. The connecting arm 2 is perpendicular to the connecting shaft 14, and the end of the connecting arm 2 away from the connecting shaft 14 is connected to the connecting block 31 of the outer windshield 3.

[0035] Furthermore, a connecting ring 21 is provided at one end of the connecting arm 2, and a connecting pin 22 is provided at the other end. The connecting arm 2 is connected to the connecting shaft 14 through the connecting ring 21, and the connecting pin 22 at the other end passes through the connecting arm 2 and connects to the connecting block of the outer windshield 3. The connecting pin 22 is configured to provide a fulcrum for the connection of the outer windshield. Correspondingly, the connecting blocks 31 on the outer windshield 3 are configured in two sets, located on the inner side of the outer windshield 3 and close to both ends. Each set of connecting blocks 31 includes two corner blocks, which are arranged opposite each other. Each corner block is provided with a connecting hole, and the centers of the two connecting holes are aligned. The two ends of the connecting pin 22 pass through the two corner blocks to achieve a fixed connection between the connecting arm 2 and the outer windshield.

[0036] In this embodiment, the connecting arm 2 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 14, allowing the connecting arm 2 to rotate relative to the connecting shaft 14. An outer wind deflector 3 is connected to the end of the connecting arm 2 furthest from the connecting shaft 14. By adjusting the angle between the connecting arm 2 and the slider 1 body, the distance between the outer wind deflector 3 and the indoor unit housing can be adjusted, thus ensuring the outer wind deflector fits snugly against the outer surface of the housing for effective dust prevention. Specifically, when the outer wind deflector 3 is not needed to adjust the airflow, the slider 1 is located at the end of the slide rail 241 near the air inlet 220. The driving device drives the connecting arm 2 to rotate until it substantially overlaps with the slider, reducing the angle between the connecting arm and the slider, resulting in a compact structure between the outer wind deflector and the front panel. Preferably, the connecting arm 2 can be positioned at the end of the connecting shaft 14 furthest from the center of the housing, so that both connecting arms 2 are located on the outer side. This ensures that the outer wind deflector is at least as long as possible in the left-right direction as possible, thus providing sufficient protection and coverage for the indoor unit housing.

[0037] To fully illustrate the specific function of the external windbreak structure in this application, the states of each component under different conditions are described below. The air conditioning states include normal airflow, zero-wind-feel airflow, and dust-proof shutdown.

[0038] When the indoor unit receives the command for normal airflow, the main control module controls the slider 1 to stay in the position near the top of the slide rail, and both the air outlet and the air inlet are exposed. The external wind deflector 3 is located on the front side of the front panel 230, and the indoor unit is emitting normal airflow at this time.

[0039] When the indoor unit receives the command for zero-wind-feel airflow, the main control module controls the slider 1 to slide along the slide rail until the slider 1 is at the air outlet or on both sides above the air outlet. At this time, the slider drives the outer wind deflector 3 to cover the outside of the air outlet. The airflow from the indoor unit is reduced in speed by the wind deflector and then blown into the room. At this time, the indoor unit achieves zero-wind-feel airflow.

[0040] When the indoor unit receives the command to turn off and enter the dust prevention state, the main control module controls the slider 1 to slide along the slide rail until the slider 1 is on both sides of the air inlet. At this time, the slider drives the outer baffle 3 to cover the outside of the air inlet. At the same time, the drive shaft rotates or the user manually presses the outer baffle to drive the connecting arm 2 to rotate to basically overlap with the slider, reducing the angle between the connecting arm and the slider, so that the outer baffle and the front panel are compactly structured, effectively preventing dust from entering the indoor unit.

[0041] As part of an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is also provided, including an indoor unit with a movable air guide plate as described above.

[0042] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A movable indoor unit of an air deflector, comprising a shell (200) and an external wind blocking structure (100), the shell (200) comprising a front panel (230) and side panels (240) arranged at both left and right ends, characterized in that, The sliding rail (241) is arranged on the side plate (240) near the front plate and the starting end of the sliding rail (241) is arranged near the upper part of the air outlet (210), and the ending end of the sliding rail (241) is arranged near the front side of the air inlet (220), the sliding block (1) comprises a sliding foot (11), a recess (12) and a connecting part (13), the sliding foot (11) forms the bottom of the sliding block (1), the recess (12) is arranged on the upper part of the sliding foot (11), the recess (12) is arranged in a structure recessed to the center, the connecting part (13) is arranged on the upper part of the recess (12), and the connecting part (13) is connected with the connecting block (31) of the outer wind shielding plate (3).

2. The indoor unit with a movable air deflector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wind shielding plate (3) is arranged in an arc shape, and the outer wind shielding plate (3) is provided with a microporous structure. 3.The indoor unit with a movable air deflector according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting block (31) is arranged on the inner side of the outer wind shielding plate (3) and near the two ends, and the outer wind shielding plate (3) is connected with the sliding block (1) through the connecting block (31). 4.The indoor unit with a movable air deflector according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting shaft (14) is arranged on the connecting part (13), and the outer wind shielding plate (3) is connected with the connecting shaft (14) through the connecting block (31).

5. The indoor unit according to claim 4, wherein The axis of the connecting shaft (14) is perpendicular to the side wall of the sliding rail (241), the connecting shaft (14) is arranged in a structure penetrating the sliding block (1), and at least one end of the connecting shaft (14) is connected with the outer wind shielding plate (3). 6.The indoor unit with a movable air deflector according to claim 4, wherein The connecting arm (2) is arranged on at least one end of the connecting shaft (14), the connecting arm (2) is perpendicular to the connecting shaft (14), and one end of the connecting arm (2) away from the connecting shaft (14) is connected with the connecting block (31). 7.The indoor unit with a movable air deflector according to claim 6, wherein The connecting arm (2) is rotationally connected with the connecting shaft (14).

8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: An indoor unit comprising the movable air deflector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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