Air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner which comprises a shell, a temperature sensing bulb and a dust cover, the temperature sensing bulb and the dust cover are both arranged in the shell, the temperature sensing bulb comprises a temperature sensing pipe, the dust cover is provided with a covering position for covering the temperature sensing pipe and an exposing position for exposing the temperature sensing pipe, and the dust cover can be driven to be switched between the covering position and the exposing position. When the air conditioner is in the starting state, the dust cover is located at the exposed position, and when the air conditioner is in the shutdown state, the dust cover is located at the covering position. According to the air conditioner, when the air conditioner is in the starting-up state, the dust cover is switched to the exposure position to expose the temperature sensing pipe, and therefore normal work of the temperature sensing pipe is not affected; when the air conditioner is in the shutdown state, the dust cover is switched to the covering position to cover the temperature sensing pipe, and the situation that the sensitivity of the temperature sensing pipe is affected due to dust accumulation on the surface caused by long-term exposure of the temperature sensing pipe can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning design technology, and specifically relates to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioning temperature sensor is a core component in an air conditioning system used to sense changes in indoor temperature. Its main function is to adjust the air conditioner's operation based on temperature changes, thereby achieving precise control of the indoor temperature. The temperature sensor is typically located at the evaporator or return air vent of the air conditioner. It monitors indoor air temperature changes in real time and transmits this temperature information to the air conditioning control system via pressure signals.

[0003] The working principle of a temperature sensor is based on the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of refrigerant. When the indoor temperature changes, the refrigerant pressure inside the sensor changes accordingly. This pressure change is transmitted through a connecting pipe to the air conditioner's expansion valve or electronic control module, thereby regulating the refrigerant flow and the air conditioner's operating mode. For example, in cooling mode, when the indoor temperature drops to the set value, the temperature sensor notifies the air conditioning system to reduce the refrigerant flow or even stop the compressor to avoid over-cooling. The temperature sensor typically consists of a refrigerant-filled sensing pipe, a connecting pipe, and an interface for connecting to the air conditioning control system. Its design needs to optimize adaptability to ambient temperature, response speed, and long-term stability. With the continuous advancement of air conditioning technology, modern temperature sensors are gradually developing towards intelligence. By integrating temperature sensors and electronic control modules, new temperature sensors can achieve higher temperature measurement accuracy and faster response speeds. The temperature sensor plays a crucial role in air conditioning systems, and its performance directly affects the air conditioner's energy efficiency and user comfort.

[0004] However, traditional temperature sensors have certain problems after prolonged use. This is mainly because the temperature sensor is usually fixed to the panel and the temperature tube is exposed to the air. As the usage time increases, dust easily accumulates on the surface of the temperature tube, which affects its sensitivity to ambient temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an air conditioner that can solve the technical problem that the temperature sensing tube of the existing air conditioner is exposed to the air, and as the usage time increases, dust easily accumulates on the surface of the temperature sensing tube, thus affecting its sensitivity to ambient temperature.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising a housing, a temperature sensing bulb, and a dust cover. Both the temperature sensing bulb and the dust cover are disposed within the housing. The temperature sensing bulb includes a temperature sensing tube. The dust cover has a covered position where the temperature sensing tube is covered and an exposed position where the temperature sensing tube is exposed. The dust cover can be driven to switch between the covered position and the exposed position. When the air conditioner is in the on state, the dust cover is in the exposed position; when the air conditioner is in the off state, the dust cover is in the covered position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the dust cover includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover being close to each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube to cover the temperature sensing tube; the first cover and the second cover being far apart from each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube to expose the temperature sensing tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing is further provided with a drive assembly and a transmission assembly, the drive assembly driving the dust cover to switch between the covered position and the exposed position via the transmission assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first motor, and the transmission assembly includes a first gear and a first rack, the first gear being mounted on the output shaft of the first motor and meshing with the first rack, the first rack being connected to the first split cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a second motor, and the transmission assembly includes a second gear and a second rack, the second gear being mounted on the output shaft of the second motor and meshing with the second rack, the second rack being connected to the second cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first motor, and the transmission assembly includes a first gear, a first rack, a second gear, a second rack, a third gear, and a fourth gear, wherein the first gear, the third gear, the fourth gear, and the second gear mesh sequentially, the third gear is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor, the first gear also meshes with the first rack, the first rack is connected to the first split cover, the second gear also meshes with the second rack, and the second rack is connected to the second split cover.

[0012] In some embodiments, a cleaning device is also provided inside the housing. When the dust cover is in the covered position, an opening is formed on the dust cover, and water sprayed by the cleaning device enters the dust cover through the opening to clean the temperature sensing tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dust cover is provided with drainage holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, there are multiple drainage holes, and each drainage hole is distributed sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the dust cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, a water receiving tray is also provided inside the housing, the water receiving tray is located below the dust cover, and the water discharged from the drain hole flows into the water receiving tray.

[0016] The air conditioner provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] When the air conditioner is on, the dust cover is switched to the exposed position to expose the temperature sensing tube, thus not affecting its normal operation. When the air conditioner is off, the dust cover is switched to the covered position to cover the temperature sensing tube, which can prevent the temperature sensing tube from being exposed to the outside for a long time and causing dust to accumulate on its surface, thus affecting its sensitivity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the diagram;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, after the dust cover covers the temperature sensing tube;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the temperature sensing tube exposed by the dust cover;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a front view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the temperature sensing tube exposed by the dust cover;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the sequential meshing of the first gear, third gear, fourth gear, and second gear in the transmission assembly of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second part of the dust cover of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged diagram of point B in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an existing air conditioner.

[0030] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged diagram of point C in the image.

[0031] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0032] 1. Housing; 2. Temperature sensor; 21. Temperature sensor tube; 22. Connecting tube; 3. Dust cover; 31. First cover; 32. Second cover; 4. Air inlet; 5. Transmission assembly; 51. First gear; 52. First rack; 53. Second gear; 54. Second rack; 55. Third gear; 56. Fourth gear; 6. Cleaning device; 7. Opening; 8. Drain hole; 9. Cross-flow fan blade; 10. Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0035] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] See also Figures 1 to 12 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, including a housing 1, a temperature sensing bulb 2, and a dust cover 3. The temperature sensing bulb 2 and the dust cover 3 are both disposed inside the housing 1. The temperature sensing bulb 2 includes a temperature sensing tube 21. The dust cover 3 has a covered position that covers the temperature sensing tube 21 and an exposed position that exposes the temperature sensing tube 21. The dust cover 3 can be driven to switch between the covered position and the exposed position. When the air conditioner is turned on, the dust cover 3 is in the exposed position, and when the air conditioner is turned off, the dust cover 3 is in the covered position.

[0038] In this technical solution, when the air conditioner is on, the dust cover 3 is switched to the exposed position to expose the temperature sensing tube 21, thus not affecting its normal operation. When the air conditioner is off, the dust cover 3 is switched to the covered position to cover the temperature sensing tube 21, thus preventing the temperature sensing tube 21 from being affected by dust accumulation due to long-term exposure. The housing 1 has an air inlet 4 and an air outlet, and the temperature sensing tube 21 is located in the airflow path from the air inlet 4 to the air outlet.

[0039] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the dust cover 3 includes a first cover 31 and a second cover 32. The first cover 31 and the second cover 32 are close to each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube 21 so that the temperature sensing tube 21 is covered; the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 are far apart from each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube 21 so that the temperature sensing tube 21 is exposed.

[0040] In this embodiment, if the dust cover 3 is a single unit, the limited space inside the air conditioner makes it difficult to move the dust cover 3 to cover the temperature sensing tube 21 or expose it. By designing the dust cover 3 as a single unit consisting of an independent first cover 31 and an independent second cover 32, it is only necessary to control the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 to move closer together from both sides of the temperature sensing tube 21 to form the dust cover 3 and cover the temperature sensing tube 21. Then, by controlling the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 to move further apart from both sides of the temperature sensing tube 21, the dust cover 3 can be split apart, thus exposing the temperature sensing tube 21. This design makes it easier for the dust cover 3 to cover and expose the temperature sensing tube 21 within a limited space.

[0041] In one specific implementation, the housing 1 is also provided with a drive assembly and a transmission assembly 5. The drive assembly drives the dust cover 3 to switch between a covered position and an exposed position through the transmission assembly 5.

[0042] In this technical solution, the control of the dust cover 3 is made more flexible by combining the drive component with the transmission component 5, which can ensure that the dust cover 3 can accurately switch between the covered position and the exposed position.

[0043] See also Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the drive assembly includes a first motor (not shown in the figure), and the transmission assembly 5 includes a first gear 51 and a first rack 52. The first gear 51 is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor, and the first gear 51 meshes with the first rack 52. The first rack 52 is connected to the first cover 31.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the first motor drives the first gear 51 to rotate, the first gear 51 drives the first rack 52 to move. Since the first rack 52 is connected to the first cover 31, its movement causes the first cover 31 to move closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21. The panel of the housing 1 has a first limiting groove, within which the first rack 52 is slidably disposed. The first limiting groove ensures that the first rack 52 moves along a preset path, thereby ensuring that the first cover 31 moves closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21 according to the preset path. It can be understood that the first motor controls the first rack 52 to move back and forth by rotating in both directions, thereby controlling the first cover 31 to move closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21.

[0045] See also Figures 2 to 5As shown, the drive assembly includes a second motor (not shown in the figure), and the transmission assembly 5 includes a second gear 53 and a second rack 54. The second gear 53 is mounted on the output shaft of the second motor, and the second gear 53 meshes with the second rack 54. The second rack 54 is connected to the second cover 32.

[0046] In this technical solution, when the second motor drives the second gear 53 to rotate, the second gear 53 drives the second rack 54 to move. Since the second rack 54 is connected to the second cover 32, its movement causes the second cover 32 to move closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21. The panel of the housing 1 has a second limiting groove, within which the second rack 54 is slidably positioned. The second limiting groove ensures that the second rack 54 moves along a preset path, thereby ensuring that the second cover 32 moves closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21 according to the preset path. It can be understood that the second motor controls the second rack 54 to move back and forth by rotating in both directions, thereby controlling the second cover 32 to move closer to or away from the temperature sensing tube 21.

[0047] It should be noted that the first cover 31 is located above the second cover 32, and the first gear 51 and the first rack 52 are located above the second gear 53 and the second rack 54. The first cover 31 and the second cover 32 are located on the upper and lower sides of the temperature sensing tube 21, respectively, and are either close to or far from each other. When the drive assembly includes a first motor and a second motor, it indicates that two motors are required to make the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 close to each other to cover the temperature sensing tube 21 or far apart to expose the temperature sensing tube 21.

[0048] In another embodiment, the drive assembly includes a first motor, and the transmission assembly 5 includes a first gear 51, a first rack 52, a second gear 53, a second rack 54, a third gear 55, and a fourth gear 56. The first gear 51, the third gear 55, the fourth gear 56, and the second gear 53 mesh sequentially. The third gear 55 is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor. The first gear 51 also meshes with the first rack 52, and the first rack 52 is connected to the first cover 31. The second gear 53 also meshes with the second rack 54, and the second rack 54 is connected to the second cover 32.

[0049] In this embodiment, taking the first cover 31 located above the second cover 32, and the first gear 51 and the first rack 52 located above the second gear 53 and the second rack 54 as an example, if the first motor drives the third gear 55 to rotate clockwise, the third gear 55 will drive the first gear 51 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotating first gear 51 will then drive the first rack 52 to move downwards. Finally, the first rack 52 will drive the first cover 31 downwards towards the temperature sensing tube 21. When the motor drives the third gear 55 to rotate clockwise, the third gear 55 will drive the fourth gear 56 to rotate counterclockwise. Then, the fourth gear 56 will drive the second gear 53 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotating second gear 53 will then drive the second rack 54 upwards. Finally, the second rack 54 will drive the second cover 32 upwards towards the temperature sensing tube 21. That is, after adding the third gear 55 and the fourth gear 56, only one motor is needed to bring the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 closer together so that the temperature sensing tube 21 is covered. If the first motor drives the third gear 55 to rotate counterclockwise, the third gear 55 will drive the first gear 51 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the first gear 51 will then drive the first rack 52 to move upwards. Finally, the first rack 52 will move the first cover 31 upwards away from the temperature sensing tube 21. When the motor drives the third gear 55 to rotate counterclockwise, the third gear 55 will drive the fourth gear 56 to rotate clockwise. Then, the fourth gear 56 will drive the second gear 53 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 53 will then drive the second rack 54 downwards. Finally, the second rack 54 will move the second cover 32 downwards away from the temperature sensing tube 21. That is, after adding the third gear 55 and the fourth gear 56, only one motor is needed to make the first cover 31 and the second cover 32 move away from each other so that the temperature sensing tube 21 is exposed.

[0050] See also Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a cleaning device 6 is also provided inside the housing 1. When the dust cover 3 is in the covered position, an opening 7 is formed on the dust cover 3. The water sprayed by the cleaning device 6 enters the dust cover 3 through the opening 7 to clean the temperature sensing tube 21.

[0051] In this technical solution, when the water jet from the cleaning device 6 enters the dust cover 3 through the opening 7 to clean the temperature sensing tube 21, the air conditioner automatically cleans the dust off the surface of the temperature sensing tube 21, thus eliminating the need for manual cleaning. Specifically, the cleaning device 6 pumps water to spray a mist onto the temperature sensing tube 21. The first and second covers 31 and 32 of the dust cover 3 can be hollow cylindrical structures with one open end, or other shapes, as long as they can cover the temperature sensing tube 21 when joined together, and one end has an opening 7. It is understood that cleaning the temperature sensing tube 21 should be performed after the air conditioner is turned off. Cleaning the temperature sensing tube 21 while the air conditioner is running would interfere with its ability to detect the indoor temperature due to the temperature difference between the water and the room temperature, thus affecting the normal operation of the air conditioner.

[0052] See Figure 7 As shown, the dust cover 3 is provided with a drain hole 8 so that the water after washing can be drained away through the drain hole 8. Specifically, when the dust cover 3 includes a first cover 31 and a second cover 32, and the first cover 31 is located above the second cover 32, the drain hole 8 is constructed on the second cover 32.

[0053] See Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple drainage holes 8, which are distributed sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the dust cover 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, increasing the number of drainage holes 8 and distributing them sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the dust cover 3 can improve drainage efficiency, allowing the water after cleaning to be drained away in a timely manner.

[0055] In one specific implementation, a water collection tray is also provided inside the housing 1, located below the dust cover 3. Water discharged from the drain hole 8 flows into the water collection tray, thus collecting the cleaning water and preventing it from posing an electrical safety hazard to the air conditioner. It should be noted that the water used by the cleaning device 6 during operation can be condensate produced by the air conditioner, thus making full use of the condensate.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the air conditioner also includes a cross-flow fan blade 9, a circuit board 10, and an evaporator (not shown in the figure). The cross-flow fan blade 9, circuit board 10, and evaporator are all housed within the casing 1. The temperature sensing bulb 2 also includes a connecting pipe 22. The temperature sensing tube 21 is connected to the control module on the circuit board 10 via the connecting pipe 22, and the temperature sensing tube 21 is exposed near the evaporator. The rotation of the cross-flow fan blade 9 creates a low-pressure zone inside, thereby drawing indoor air into the casing 1 from the air inlet 4. During this process, the drawn-in air passes through the temperature sensing tube 21 of the temperature sensing bulb 2. The temperature sensing tube 21 senses changes in air temperature and transmits the data to the electronic control system on the circuit board 10 to control the refrigerant flow, achieving precise temperature control. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensing tube reaches the user-set temperature, the air conditioner stops cooling or heating; when the temperature detected by the temperature sensing tube deviates from the user-set temperature, the air conditioner restarts cooling or heating.

[0057] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0058] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), a temperature sensor (2), and a dust cover (3). The temperature sensor (2) and the dust cover (3) are both disposed inside the housing (1). The temperature sensor (2) includes a temperature sensing tube (21). The dust cover (3) has a covered position that covers the temperature sensing tube (21) and an exposed position that exposes the temperature sensing tube (21). The dust cover (3) can be driven to switch between the covered position and the exposed position. When the air conditioner is turned on, the dust cover (3) is in the exposed position. When the air conditioner is turned off, the dust cover (3) is in the covered position.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust cover (3) includes a first cover (31) and a second cover (32). The first cover (31) and the second cover (32) are close to each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube (21) so that the temperature sensing tube (21) is covered; the first cover (31) and the second cover (32) are far apart from each other from both sides of the temperature sensing tube (21) so that the temperature sensing tube (21) is exposed.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (1) is further provided with a drive assembly and a transmission assembly (5), and the drive assembly drives the dust cover (3) to switch between the covered position and the exposed position through the transmission assembly (5).

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first motor, and the transmission assembly (5) includes a first gear (51) and a first rack (52). The first gear (51) is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor, and the first gear (51) meshes with the first rack (52). The first rack (52) is connected to the first cover (31).

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a second motor, and the transmission assembly (5) includes a second gear (53) and a second rack (54). The second gear (53) is mounted on the output shaft of the second motor, and the second gear (53) meshes with the second rack (54). The second rack (54) is connected to the second cover (32).

6. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first motor, and the transmission assembly (5) includes a first gear (51), a first rack (52), a second gear (53), a second rack (54), a third gear (55), and a fourth gear (56). The first gear (51), the third gear (55), the fourth gear (56), and the second gear (53) mesh sequentially. The third gear (55) is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor. The first gear (51) also meshes with the first rack (52), which is connected to the first cover (31). The second gear (53) also meshes with the second rack (54), which is connected to the second cover (32).

7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also provided with a cleaning device (6). When the dust cover (3) is in the covered position, an opening (7) is formed on the dust cover (3). The water sprayed by the cleaning device (6) enters the dust cover (3) through the opening (7) to clean the temperature sensing tube (21).

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The dust cover (3) is provided with drainage holes (8).

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, There are multiple drainage holes (8), and each drainage hole (8) is distributed sequentially at intervals along the extension direction of the dust cover (3).

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, A water receiving tray is also provided inside the housing (1). The water receiving tray is located below the dust cover (3). Water discharged from the drain hole (8) flows into the water receiving tray.

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