Air conditioner, air conditioner indoor unit with reversible air supply and air supply control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioner, an indoor air conditioner with reversible air supply, and an air supply control method thereof. The indoor air conditioner includes a housing, a rotating volute, a centrifugal fan, and a brake structure. The housing is provided with a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The rotating volute is rotatably supported within the housing. An air outlet is provided at a volute tongue end of the rotating volute. A centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan is located within the rotating volute. The brake structure is capable of restricting the rotation of the rotating volute. When the brake structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute, the rotating volute rotates in a switching direction opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller. When the brake structure restricts the rotation of the rotating volute, the air outlet communicates with the first air outlet or the second air outlet. The indoor air conditioner of the present invention can achieve switching between upper air outlet for cooling and lower air outlet for heating to improve air supply comfort. This eliminates the need for an additional fan structure, reduces production costs, and effectively reduces air supply resistance and increases air supply volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner, an air conditioner indoor unit with reversible air supply, and an air supply control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The air conditioner is a device that can cool or heat a room. In order to achieve upper air outlet for cooling and lower air outlet for heating to improve the comfort of air supply, the air conditioner indoor unit of the existing air conditioner is provided with a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The first air outlet is located at the top of the internal air duct of the air conditioner indoor unit, and the second air outlet is located at the lower part of the internal air duct of the air conditioner indoor unit. A counter-rotating fan is provided in the internal air duct of the air conditioner indoor unit, and the counter-rotating fan includes a first axial flow fan blade and a second axial flow fan blade that are arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction, and the first axial flow fan and the second axial flow fan blade have opposite rotation directions. Therefore, when cooling, the first axial flow blade rotates forward and the second axial flow blade rotates reversely, so that the air flow is blown from the second air outlet at the bottom to the first air outlet at the top to achieve the purpose of upper air outlet for cooling. When heating, the first axial flow blade rotates reversely and the second axial flow blade rotates forward, so that the air flow is blown from the first air outlet at the top to the second air outlet at the bottom to achieve the purpose of lower air outlet for heating.

[0003] The fan is rotated in opposite directions during cooling / heating, but in the actual operation, there is a difference in the rotation speeds of the first and second axial blades, resulting in a vortex in the airflow between the first and second axial blades, which are axially adjacent and have opposite rotation directions, thereby affecting the smoothness of the airflow. Moreover, no matter whether the existing air-conditioning indoor unit is cooling or heating, the first and second motors of the counter-rotating fans arranged axially adjacent to each other will cause resistance to the airflow in the internal air duct, resulting in an increase in the air supply resistance and a decrease in the air supply volume, thereby affecting the heat exchange effect. In addition, the existing air-conditioning indoor unit needs to add an additional set of fan structures on the basis of the original set of fan structures, resulting in an increase in production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first purpose of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning indoor unit with reversible air supply, which can realize the switching between cooling upper air outlet and heating lower air outlet to improve the comfort of air supply, and does not require an additional set of fan structures. The structure is simple to reduce production costs, and can effectively reduce air supply resistance and increase air supply volume, thereby improving heat exchange effect and thus enhancing user experience.

[0005] A second object of the present invention is to provide an air supply control method for the above-mentioned air conditioner indoor unit.

[0006] A third object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having the above-mentioned air conditioner indoor unit or executing the above-mentioned air supply control method.

[0007] hood, the fan is moved along the cam face, and the fan is moved along the cam face, so that the fan is in a state of rotation and can move relative to the fan body when the wind blows, thereby cooling the fan to a certain extent.

[0008] It can be seen from the above scheme that when the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention needs to switch from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the braking structure is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute, and as the centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, the airflow in the rotating volute is sent out from the volute tongue end of the rotating volute at high pressure in the rotation direction. The recoil force of the high-pressure airflow flowing in the rotation direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller, that is, the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow acts on the released rotating volute, thereby pushing the rotating volute to rotate in the switching direction, that is, the switching direction of the rotating volute is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller, until the air outlet at the volute tongue end of the rotating volute is connected to the second air outlet of the casing, and the braking structure is controlled to limit the rotation of the rotating volute. At this time, the air inlet of the rotating volute is connected to the first air outlet of the casing, and as the centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, air is taken in from the first air outlet above and out from the second air outlet below, so as to achieve the purpose of heating lower air outlet.

[0009] When the air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention needs to switch from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the braking structure is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute, and as the centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, the airflow in the rotating volute is sent out from the volute tongue end of the rotating volute at high pressure in the rotation direction. The recoil force of the high-pressure airflow flowing in the rotation direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller, that is, the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow acts on the released rotating volute, thereby pushing the rotating volute to rotate in the switching direction, that is, the switching direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller, until the air outlet at the volute tongue end of the rotating volute is connected with the first air outlet of the casing, and the braking structure is controlled to limit the rotation of the rotating volute. At this time, the air inlet of the rotating volute is connected with the second air outlet of the casing, and as the centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, air is taken in from the second air outlet below and discharged from the first air outlet above, so as to achieve the purpose of cooling upper air outlet.

[0010] Therefore, the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention utilizes the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow generated by the centrifugal impeller rotating in the rotation direction to push the rotating volute to rotate in the switching direction, and the rotation of the rotating volute can be limited by the braking structure, so that the switching between the upper air outlet for cooling and the lower air outlet for heating can be achieved to improve the comfort of the air supply, so that the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention has a reversible air supply function, and the rotating volute can be rotated in the switching direction without setting a drive control mechanism for the rotating volute, and there is no need to add an additional set of fan structures, so that the structure of the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention is simple and the production cost is reduced. In addition, there is no additional structure set in the air flow channel of the air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention, which can effectively reduce the air supply resistance and avoid the vortex phenomenon of the air flow, thereby improving the flow smoothness of the air flow, increasing the air supply air volume, improving the heat exchange effect, and thus improving the user experience.

[0011] A preferred solution is that the braking structure includes a first brake frame, a first control mechanism, a second brake frame and a second control mechanism. The first brake frame is located between the first air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction. The first control mechanism can control the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute. The first brake frame can be mounted on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet. The second brake frame is located between the second air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction. The second control mechanism can control the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute. The second brake frame can be mounted on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet is connected to the second air outlet.

[0012] A further solution is that the air-conditioning indoor unit also includes an upwind duct, which is located between the first air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction; when the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet, the upper end of the first brake frame is sleeved on the air inlet end of the upwind duct, and the lower end of the first brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to seal the first gap between the air inlet end and the volute tongue end of the upwind duct; and / or, the air-conditioning indoor unit also includes a downwind duct, which is located between the second air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction; when the air outlet is connected to the second air outlet, the upper end of the second brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end, and the lower end of the second brake frame is sleeved on the air inlet end of the downwind duct to seal the second gap between the air inlet end and the volute tongue end of the downwind duct.

[0013] A further solution is that the first control mechanism includes a first sub-control mechanism and a second sub-control mechanism, the first sub-control mechanism can control the first moving end of the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the second sub-control mechanism can control the second moving end of the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the first moving end and the second moving end are respectively located at the two ends of the rotating volute in the switching direction, and the first moving end is located at the front end in the switching direction, and the second moving end is located at the rear end in the switching direction; and / or, the second control mechanism includes a third sub-control mechanism and a fourth sub-control mechanism, the third sub-control mechanism can control the third moving end of the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the fourth sub-control mechanism can control the fourth moving end of the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the third moving end and the fourth moving end are respectively located at the two ends of the rotating volute in the switching direction, and the third moving end is located at the front end in the switching direction, and the fourth moving end is located at the rear end in the switching direction.

[0014] A further solution is that the first sub-control mechanism includes a first spring, a first electromagnet and a first magnetic member, the first spring abuts between the first movable end and the first side end of the upper air duct, the first electromagnet is arranged on the first side end of the upper air duct, and the first magnetic member is arranged at the first movable end; when the first electromagnet is energized, the first electromagnet attracts the first magnetic member to make the first movable end away from the rotating volute; and / or the second sub-control mechanism includes a second spring, a second electromagnet and a second magnetic member, the second spring abuts between the second movable end and the second side end of the upper air duct, the second electromagnet is arranged on the second side end of the upper air duct, and the second magnetic member is arranged at the second movable end; when the second electromagnet is energized, the second electromagnet attracts the second magnetic member to make the second movable end away from the rotating volute. volute; and / or, the third sub-control mechanism includes a third spring, a third electromagnet and a third magnetic member, the third spring abuts between the third moving end and the first side end of the downwind duct, the third electromagnet is arranged on the first side end of the downwind duct, and the third magnetic member is arranged at the third moving end; when the third electromagnet is energized, the third electromagnet attracts the third magnetic member to make the third moving end away from the rotating volute; and / or, the fourth sub-control mechanism includes a fourth spring, a fourth electromagnet and a fourth magnetic member, the fourth spring abuts between the fourth moving end and the second side end of the downwind duct, the fourth electromagnet is arranged on the second side end of the downwind duct, and the fourth magnetic member is arranged at the fourth moving end; when the fourth electromagnet is energized, the fourth electromagnet attracts the fourth magnetic member to make the fourth moving end away from the rotating volute.

[0015] A further solution is that the first brake frame extends in an arc shape in the switching direction; and / or the second brake frame extends in an arc shape in the switching direction.

[0016] A further solution is that when the first brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, the first movable end is located below the second movable end in the vertical direction; and / or, when the second brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, the third movable end is located above the fourth movable end in the vertical direction.

[0017] A further solution is that the air conditioner indoor unit further includes a heat exchanger, which is arranged in the casing and located above the rotating volute in the vertical direction.

[0018] In order to achieve the second objective of the present invention, the present invention provides an air supply control method for an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein the air conditioner indoor unit is the above-mentioned air conditioner indoor unit, and the air supply control method comprises:

[0019] When switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the brake structure of the air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute of the air conditioner indoor unit, so that the rotating volute rotates in the switching direction for a preset time, and then the brake structure is controlled to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute so that the air outlet of the rotating volute is connected to the second air outlet of the air conditioner indoor unit;

[0020] When switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the control braking structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute, so that the rotating volute rotates in the switching direction for a preset time, and then the control braking structure restricts the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet of the rotating volute is connected to the first air outlet of the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0021] In order to achieve the third object of the present invention, the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising the above-mentioned air conditioner indoor unit; or executing the above-mentioned air supply control method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of an embodiment of an air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of an air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention in a cooling upper air outlet mode.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a front view of an embodiment of an air-conditioning indoor unit of the present invention in a cooling upper air outlet mode.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the first state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention during the process of switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the second state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention during the process of switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the third state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention during the process of switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a front view of an embodiment of an air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention in a heating air outlet mode.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air conditioner indoor unit of the present invention in a heating air outlet mode.

[0031] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the first state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention during the process of switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention during the process of switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode.

[0033] Figure 12 3 is a schematic diagram of the third state of the air-conditioning indoor unit embodiment of the present invention when switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Air conditioner indoor unit embodiment:

[0036] See also Figures 1 to 12 This embodiment discloses an air-conditioning indoor unit with reversible air supply, including a casing 11, a rotating volute 12, a centrifugal fan and a brake structure. The casing 11 is provided with a first air outlet 111 and a second air outlet 112. The first air outlet 111 is located above the second air outlet 112 in the vertical direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, the rotating volute 12 is rotatably supported in the horizontal direction within the housing 11. An air inlet 121 is defined on one side of the rotating volute 12 in the horizontal direction. An air outlet 123 is defined at the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12. The centrifugal impeller 13 of the centrifugal fan is located within the rotating volute 12 and is disposed opposite the air inlet 121. A braking structure is provided to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12. Specifically, the rotating volute 12 of this embodiment is rotatably supported in the horizontal direction within the housing 11 via a bearing.

[0038] Furthermore, when the braking structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute 12, the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 13. When the braking structure restricts the rotation of the rotating volute 12, the air outlet 123 communicates with the first air outlet 111 or the second air outlet 112. Specifically, when the air outlet 123 communicates with the first air outlet 111, the air inlet 121 communicates with the second air outlet 112; when the air outlet 123 communicates with the second air outlet 112, the air inlet 121 communicates with the first air outlet 111. Specifically, the heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment is disposed within the casing 11 and is vertically located above the rotating volute 12.

[0039] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment needs to switch from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the control brake structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute 12, and as the centrifugal impeller 13 of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, the airflow in the rotating volute 12 is sent out from the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 at high pressure in the rotation direction. The recoil force of the high-pressure airflow flowing in the rotation direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 13, that is, the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow acts on the rotating volute 12 that has been released from the restriction, thereby pushing the rotating volute 12 in the switching direction. Rotation, that is, the switching direction of the rotating volute 12 is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 13, until the air outlet 123 of the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 is connected with the second air outlet 112 of the casing 11, and the braking structure is controlled to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12. At this time, the air inlet 121 of the rotating volute 12 is connected with the first air outlet 111 of the casing 11, and the centrifugal impeller 13 of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, thereby forming air intake from the first air outlet 111 above and air outlet from the second air outlet 112 below, so as to achieve the purpose of heating air outlet.

[0040] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment needs to switch from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the control brake structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute 12, and as the centrifugal impeller 13 of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, the airflow in the rotating volute 12 is sent out from the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 at high pressure in the rotation direction. The recoil force of the high-pressure airflow flowing in the rotation direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 13, that is, the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow acts on the released rotating volute 12, thereby pushing the rotating volute 12 to switch. The rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction, that is, the switching direction is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller 13, until the air outlet 123 of the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 is connected with the first air outlet 111 of the casing 11, and the braking structure is controlled to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12. At this time, the air inlet 121 of the rotating volute 12 is connected with the second air outlet 112 of the casing 11, and the centrifugal impeller 13 of the centrifugal fan rotates in the rotation direction, thereby forming air intake from the second air outlet 112 below and air outlet from the first air outlet 111 above, so as to achieve the purpose of cooling air outlet.

[0041] Therefore, the air conditioning indoor unit of this embodiment utilizes the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow generated by the rotation of the centrifugal impeller 13 in the rotation direction to drive the rotating volute 12 to rotate in the switching direction, and the rotation of the rotating volute 12 can be limited by the braking structure, so that the switching between cooling upper air outlet and heating lower air outlet can be achieved to improve the comfort of the air supply, so that the air conditioning indoor unit of this embodiment has a reversible air supply function, and there is no need to set a drive control mechanism for the rotating volute 12 to achieve the rotation of the rotating volute 12 in the switching direction, and there is no need to add an additional set of fan structures, so that the structure of the air conditioning indoor unit of this embodiment is simple and the production cost is reduced. In addition, no additional structure is set in the air flow channel of the air conditioning indoor unit of this embodiment, which can effectively reduce the air supply resistance and avoid the vortex phenomenon of the air flow, thereby improving the flow smoothness of the air flow, increasing the air supply air volume, improving the heat exchange effect, and thus improving the user experience.

[0042] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The braking structure of this embodiment includes a first brake frame 17, a first control mechanism, a second brake frame 18 and a second control mechanism. The first brake frame 17 is located between the first air outlet 111 and the rotating volute 12 in the vertical direction. The first control mechanism can control the first brake frame 17 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12. The first brake frame 17 can be mounted on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, so that the air outlet 123 is connected to the first air outlet 111, so that the first control mechanism controls the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12 so that the first brake frame 17 is mounted on the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, so that the air outlet 123 set at the volute tongue end 122 can be accurately matched and connected with the first air outlet 111, so as to further improve the smoothness of the upward air outlet, further increase the air supply volume, and further improve the heat exchange effect.

[0043] Moreover, in this embodiment, the second brake frame 18 is located between the second air outlet 112 and the rotating volute 12 in the vertical direction. The second control mechanism can control the second brake frame 18 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12. The second brake frame 18 can be mounted on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, so that the air outlet 123 is connected to the second air outlet 112, so that the second control mechanism controls the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12 so that the second brake frame 18 is mounted on the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, and the air outlet 123 set at the volute tongue end 122 can be precisely matched and connected with the second air outlet 112, so as to further improve the smoothness of the downward air outlet, further increase the air supply volume, and further improve the heat exchange effect.

[0044] To further improve the smoothness of cooling airflow and increase the airflow volume of the cooling airflow, the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment further includes an upper air duct 15, which is vertically located between the first air port 111 and the rotating volute 12. When the air outlet 123 is connected to the first air port 111, the upper end of the first brake frame 17 is mounted on the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15, and the lower end of the first brake frame 17 is mounted on the volute tongue end 122, thereby sealing the first gap H1 between the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15 and the volute tongue end 122. This prevents airflow leakage caused by the presence of the first gap H1 when the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15 and the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 cooperate to produce cooling airflow. Specifically, the first brake frame 17 of this embodiment extends in an arc shape in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, and the second brake frame 18 of this embodiment extends in an arc shape in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12.

[0045] In order to further improve the smoothness of air outlet during heating and further increase the air supply volume during air outlet during heating, the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment also includes a downwind duct 16, which is located between the second air outlet 112 and the rotating volute 12 in the vertical direction. When the air outlet 123 is connected to the second air outlet 112, the upper end of the second brake frame 18 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122, and the lower end of the second brake frame 18 is sleeved on the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16 to seal the second gap H2 between the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16 and the volute tongue end 122, thereby avoiding airflow leakage due to the existence of the second gap H2 when the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16 corresponds to the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 for air outlet during heating.

[0046] Specifically, the first control mechanism of this embodiment includes a first sub-control mechanism and a second sub-control mechanism. The first sub-control mechanism can control the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12, and the second sub-control mechanism can control the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12. The first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 and the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 are respectively located at the two ends of the rotating volute 12 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, and the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 is located at the front end in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, and the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 is located at the rear end in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12.

[0047] Furthermore, the second control mechanism of this embodiment includes a third sub-control mechanism and a fourth sub-control mechanism. The third sub-control mechanism can control the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12, and the fourth sub-control mechanism can control the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward or away from the rotating volute 12. The third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 and the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 are respectively located at the two ends of the rotating volute 12 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, and the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 is located at the front end in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, and the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 is located at the rear end in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first sub-control mechanism controls the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, and the second sub-control mechanism controls the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the first brake frame 17 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, and the air outlet 123 of the rotating volute 12 is connected to the first air outlet 111 to achieve cooling air outlet. When the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment needs to switch from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the first sub-control mechanism controls the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move away from the rotating volute 12 to release the restriction on the front end of the volute tongue end 122 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, so that the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow can push the rotating volute 12 to rotate in the switching direction. Synchronously, the fourth sub-control mechanism controls the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move away from the rotating volute 12, making way for the volute tongue end 122 rotating from top to bottom in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Since the third sub-control mechanism controls the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12 and remain in the preset position, the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 can block the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction until the air outlet 123 accurately matches the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16, as shown. Figure 7 Afterwards, the fourth sub-control mechanism controls the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122, so that the second brake frame 18 is entirely sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, as shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the heating downward air flow can be achieved at this time.

[0049] When the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment needs to switch from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the third sub-control mechanism controls the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move away from the rotating volute 12 to release the restriction on the front end of the volute tongue end 122 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, so that the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow can push the rotating volute 12 to rotate in the switching direction. Synchronously, the second sub-control mechanism controls the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move away from the rotating volute 12, making way for the volute tongue end 122 rotating from bottom to top in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. Since the first sub-control mechanism controls the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12 and remain in the preset position, the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 can block and position the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction until the air outlet 123 accurately matches the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15, as shown. Figure 12 Afterwards, the second sub-control mechanism controls the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122, so that the first brake frame 17 is entirely sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, cooling and upper air outlet can be achieved at this time.

[0050] To improve the reliability of the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 in blocking and positioning the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12, when the first brake frame 17 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute 12, the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 in this embodiment is vertically located below the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17. Furthermore, to improve the reliability of the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 in blocking and positioning the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12, when the second brake frame 18 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute 12, the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 in this embodiment is vertically located above the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18.

[0051] Optionally, the first sub-control mechanism, the second sub-control mechanism, the third sub-control mechanism and the fourth sub-control mechanism are motors or other control mechanisms respectively.

[0052] Specifically, the first sub-control mechanism of the present embodiment includes a first spring 22, a first electromagnet 21 and a first magnetic member (not marked), the first spring 22 abuts between the first movable end 171 and the first side end of the upper air duct 15, the first electromagnet 21 is arranged on the first side end of the upper air duct 15, and the first magnetic member is arranged on the first movable end 171; when the first electromagnet 21 is energized, the first electromagnet 21 attracts the first magnetic member so that the first movable end 171 is away from the rotating volute 12, and the second sub-control mechanism of the present embodiment includes a second spring 32, a second electromagnet 31 and a second magnetic member 33, the second spring 32 abuts between the second movable end 172 and the second side end of the upper air duct 15, the second electromagnet 31 is arranged on the second side end of the upper air duct 15, and the second magnetic member 33 is arranged on the second movable end 172; when the second electromagnet 31 is energized, the second electromagnet 31 attracts the second magnetic member 33 so that the second movable end 172 is away from the rotating volute 12 , and the third sub-control mechanism of this embodiment includes a third spring 42, a third electromagnet 41 and a third magnetic member 43, the third spring 42 abuts between the third movable end 181 and the first side end of the downwind duct 16, the third electromagnet 41 is arranged on the first side end of the downwind duct 16, and the third magnetic member 43 is arranged on the third movable end 181; when the third electromagnet 41 is energized, the third electromagnet 41 attracts the third magnetic member 43 to make the third movable end 181 away from the rotating volute 12, and the fourth sub-control mechanism of this embodiment includes a fourth spring 52, a fourth electromagnet 51 and a fourth magnetic member (not marked), the fourth spring 52 abuts between the fourth movable end 182 and the second side end of the downwind duct 16, the fourth electromagnet 51 is arranged on the second side end of the downwind duct 16, and the fourth magnetic member is arranged on the fourth movable end 182; when the fourth electromagnet 51 is energized, the fourth electromagnet 51 attracts the fourth magnetic member to make the fourth movable end 182 away from the rotating volute 12.

[0053] Therefore, the first sub-control mechanism, the second sub-control mechanism, the third sub-control mechanism and the fourth sub-control mechanism of this embodiment are all control mechanisms composed of springs, electromagnets and magnetic suction parts, with a simple structure, thereby reducing production costs, and occupying less space, thereby reducing the volume of the air-conditioning indoor unit, and realizing efficient control of the reversing of the rotating volute 12 without a complex control mechanism, and at the same time without air volume loss.

[0054] Example of air supply control method for indoor unit of air conditioner:

[0055] The air supply control method of the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment is the air supply control method of the air conditioner indoor unit embodiment described above, including:

[0056] When switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the brake structure of the air conditioner indoor unit is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute 12 of the air conditioner indoor unit, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction for a preset time, and then the brake structure is controlled to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute 12 so that the air outlet 123 of the rotating volute 12 is connected to the second air outlet 112 of the air conditioner indoor unit;

[0057] When switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the control braking structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute 12, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction for a preset time, and then the control braking structure restricts the rotation of the rotating volute 12, so that the air outlet 123 of the rotating volute 12 is connected to the first air outlet 111 of the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0058] Specifically, the preset duration in this embodiment is 30 seconds.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first electromagnet 21 of the first sub-control mechanism is in a power-off state, the first spring 22 of the first sub-control mechanism forces the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, and when the second electromagnet 31 of the second sub-control mechanism is in a power-off state, the second spring 32 of the second sub-control mechanism forces the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the first brake frame 17 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12, and the air outlet 123 of the rotating volute 12 is connected to the first air outlet 111, and at the same time When the third electromagnet 41 of the third sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, the third spring 42 of the third sub-control mechanism forces the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12, and the fourth electromagnet 51 of the fourth sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, the fourth spring 52 of the fourth sub-control mechanism forces the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12. Since the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 is located above and docked with the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15, the second brake frame 18 and the rotating volute 12 are in a separated state to achieve upper air outlet for cooling, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0060] When the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment needs to switch from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the first electromagnet 21 of the first sub-control mechanism is energized to attract the first magnetic member provided on the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17, so that the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 moves away from the rotating volute 12 to release the restriction on the front end of the volute tongue end 122 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, so that the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow can push the rotating volute 12 to rotate in the switching direction. Synchronously, the fourth electromagnet 51 of the fourth sub-control mechanism is energized to attract the fourth magnetic member provided on the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18, so that the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 moves away from the rotating volute 12, making way for the volute tongue end 122 rotating from top to bottom in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. Since the third electromagnet 41 of the third sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, the third spring 42 of the third sub-control mechanism forces the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12 and remain in the preset position, so that the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 can block and position the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 rotating downward, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction until the air outlet 123 accurately matches the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. Afterwards, the fourth electromagnet 51 of the fourth sub-control mechanism is powered off, and the fourth spring 52 of the fourth sub-control mechanism forces the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122, so that the second brake frame 18 is entirely sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12. At the same time, the first electromagnet 21 of the first sub-control mechanism is in a power-off state, and the first spring 22 of the first sub-control mechanism forces the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, and the second electromagnet 31 of the second sub-control mechanism is in a power-off state, and the second spring 32 of the second sub-control mechanism forces the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12. Since the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 is located below and docked with the air inlet end of the downwind duct 16, the first brake frame 17 and the rotating volute 12 are in a separated state to achieve heating and lower air discharge, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown.

[0061] When the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment needs to switch from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the third electromagnet 41 of the third sub-control mechanism is in the energized state, and the third electromagnet 41 of the third sub-control mechanism is energized to attract the third magnetic member 43 provided on the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18, so that the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 moves away from the rotating volute 12 to release the restriction on the front end of the volute tongue end 122 in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12, so that the recoil force of the high-pressure airflow can push the rotating volute 12 to rotate in the switching direction. Synchronously, the second electromagnet 31 of the second sub-control mechanism is in the energized state, and the second electromagnet 31 of the second sub-control mechanism is energized to attract the second magnetic member 33 provided on the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17, so that the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 moves away from the rotating volute 12, making way for the volute tongue end 122 rotating from bottom to top in the switching direction of the rotating volute 12. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. Since the first electromagnet 21 of the first sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, the first spring 22 of the first sub-control mechanism forces the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12 and remain in the preset position, so that the first movable end 171 of the first brake frame 17 can block and position the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 rotating upward, so that the rotating volute 12 rotates in the switching direction until the air outlet 123 accurately matches the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. Afterwards, the second electromagnet 31 of the second sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, and the second spring 32 of the second sub-control mechanism forces the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 to move toward the rotating volute 12, so that the second movable end 172 of the first brake frame 17 is sleeved on the volute tongue end 122, so that the first brake frame 17 is entirely sleeved on the volute tongue end 122 to limit the rotation of the rotating volute 12. At the same time, the third electromagnet 41 of the third sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, and the third spring 42 of the third sub-control mechanism forces the third movable end 181 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12, and the fourth electromagnet 51 of the fourth sub-control mechanism is in the power-off state, and the fourth spring 52 of the fourth sub-control mechanism forces the fourth movable end 182 of the second brake frame 18 to move toward the rotating volute 12. Since the volute tongue end 122 of the rotating volute 12 is located above and docked with the air inlet end of the upper air duct 15, the second brake frame 18 and the rotating volute 12 are in a separated state to achieve cooling upper air outlet, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0062] The above embodiments are only preferred examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent changes or modifications made based on the structure, features and principles of the patent application scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner indoor unit with reversible air supply, comprising a housing, the housing being provided with a first air vent and a second air vent, the first air vent being vertically located above the second air vent, and characterized in that: The air conditioner indoor unit further includes a rotating volute, a centrifugal fan, and a brake structure. The rotating volute is supported in the housing so as to be rotatable in a horizontal direction. An air inlet is provided on one axial side of the rotating volute in the horizontal direction. An air outlet is provided at a volute tongue end of the rotating volute. The centrifugal impeller of the centrifugal fan is located in the rotating volute and is arranged opposite to the air inlet. The brake structure can limit the rotation of the rotating volute. When the braking structure releases the restriction on the rotating volute, the rotating volute rotates in a switching direction, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the centrifugal impeller; When the braking structure restricts the rotation of the rotating volute, the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet or the second air outlet; and when the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the second air outlet; when the air outlet is connected to the second air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the first air outlet.

2. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The braking structure includes a first brake frame, a first control mechanism, a second brake frame, and a second control mechanism. The first brake frame is located between the first air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction. The first control mechanism can control the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute. The first brake frame can be sleeved on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet. The second brake frame is located between the second air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction. The second control mechanism can control the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute. The second brake frame can be mounted on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet is connected to the second air outlet.

3. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air conditioner indoor unit further includes an upper air duct, which is located between the first air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction; when the air outlet is connected to the first air outlet, the upper end of the first brake frame is sleeved on the air inlet end of the upper air duct, and the lower end of the first brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to seal a first gap between the air inlet end of the upper air duct and the volute tongue end; And / or, the air-conditioning indoor unit also includes a downwind duct, which is located between the second air outlet and the rotating volute in the vertical direction; when the air outlet is connected to the second air outlet, the upper end of the second brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end, and the lower end of the second brake frame is sleeved on the air inlet end of the downwind duct to seal the second gap between the air inlet end of the downwind duct and the volute tongue end.

4. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first control mechanism includes a first sub-control mechanism and a second sub-control mechanism, the first sub-control mechanism can control the first movable end of the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, and the second sub-control mechanism can control the second movable end of the first brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the first movable end and the second movable end are respectively located at two ends of the rotating volute in the switching direction, and the first movable end is located at the front end in the switching direction, and the second movable end is located at the rear end in the switching direction; And / or, the second control mechanism includes a third sub-control mechanism and a fourth sub-control mechanism, the third sub-control mechanism can control the third movable end of the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, and the fourth sub-control mechanism can control the fourth movable end of the second brake frame to move toward or away from the rotating volute, the third movable end and the fourth movable end are respectively located at the two ends of the rotating volute in the switching direction, and the third movable end is located at the front end in the switching direction, and the fourth movable end is located at the rear end in the switching direction.

5. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first sub-control mechanism includes a first spring, a first electromagnet, and a first magnetic member. The first spring abuts between the first movable end and the first side end of the upper air duct. The first electromagnet is disposed on the first side end of the upper air duct. The first magnetic member is disposed on the first movable end. When the first electromagnet is energized, the first electromagnet attracts the first magnetic member to move the first movable end away from the rotating volute. And / or, the second sub-control mechanism includes a second spring, a second electromagnet, and a second magnetic member, the second spring abutting between the second movable end and the second side end of the upper air duct, the second electromagnet being disposed on the second side end of the upper air duct, and the second magnetic member being disposed on the second movable end; when the second electromagnet is energized, the second electromagnet attracts the second magnetic member so that the second movable end is away from the rotating volute; And / or, the third sub-control mechanism includes a third spring, a third electromagnet and a third magnetic member, the third spring abuts between the third movable end and the first side end of the downwind duct, the third electromagnet is arranged on the first side end of the downwind duct, and the third magnetic member is arranged at the third movable end; when the third electromagnet is energized, the third electromagnet attracts the third magnetic member to move the third movable end away from the rotating volute; And / or, the fourth sub-control mechanism includes a fourth spring, a fourth electromagnet and a fourth magnetic component, the fourth spring abuts between the fourth moving end and the second side end of the downwind duct, the fourth electromagnet is arranged on the second side end of the downwind duct, and the fourth magnetic component is arranged at the fourth moving end; when the fourth electromagnet is energized, the fourth electromagnet attracts the fourth magnetic component to make the fourth moving end move away from the rotating volute.

6. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first brake frame extends in an arc shape in the switching direction; And / or, the second brake frame extends in an arc shape in the switching direction.

7. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the first brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, the first movable end is located below the second movable end in the vertical direction; And / or, when the second brake frame is sleeved on the volute tongue end to limit the rotation of the rotating volute, the third movable end is located above the fourth movable end in the vertical direction.

8. The air conditioner indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The air conditioner indoor unit further includes a heat exchanger, which is disposed in the casing and located above the rotating volute in a vertical direction.

9. An air supply control method for an indoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air-conditioning indoor unit is the air-conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the air supply control method includes: When switching from the cooling upper air outlet mode to the heating lower air outlet mode, the brake structure of the air-conditioning indoor unit is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute of the air-conditioning indoor unit, so that the rotating volute rotates in the switching direction for a preset time, and then the brake structure is controlled to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet of the rotating volute is connected to the second air outlet of the air-conditioning indoor unit; When switching from the heating lower air outlet mode to the cooling upper air outlet mode, the braking structure is controlled to release the restriction on the rotating volute, so that the rotating volute rotates in the switching direction for the preset time length, and then the braking structure is controlled to restrict the rotation of the rotating volute, so that the air outlet of the rotating volute is connected to the first air outlet of the air-conditioning indoor unit.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: An air-conditioning indoor unit comprising any one of claims 1 to 8; Alternatively, the air supply control method described in claim 9 is executed.

Images