Air guide mechanism, control method thereof and air conditioner

Abstract

This invention provides an air guiding mechanism, its control method, and an air conditioner. The air guiding mechanism includes: an air guide plate with an air guide plate gear on its inner surface and air guide plate pivots at both ends; and a driving mechanism capable of driving the air guide plate to move vertically between an upper air guiding position and a lower air guiding position. In both the upper and lower air guiding positions, the driving mechanism can drive the air guide plate to swing around the air guide plate pivots via the air guide plate gear. This air guiding mechanism can drive the air guide plate to move, selecting the optimal air guiding position and minimizing wind resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to an air guiding mechanism, its control method, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The air delivery method of an air conditioner significantly impacts user comfort, heat exchange efficiency, and indoor air circulation. To better control airflow direction and organization, existing air conditioners incorporate air guide structures at the air outlet, typically using air deflectors for vertical airflow. These deflectors are usually positioned lower on the air outlet, which results in significant wind resistance after rotation, drastically reducing airflow and negatively affecting heat exchange efficiency.

[0003] To improve airflow, various structures have emerged, including large air guides, double air guides, and push-out air guides. Large air guides can direct airflow further, creating wall-attached flow; double air guides offer better control over airflow organization; and push-out air guides, by increasing the distance between themselves and the air outlet, can reduce air resistance to some extent, though the effect is limited. These air guides are, to some extent, extensions of traditional air guides, exhibiting low air resistance only at specific angles, and increasing resistance after rotation. Furthermore, because the air guide positions are fixed, their effectiveness is less than ideal in certain locations. For example, current air guides are typically installed below the air outlet of the air guide mechanism. When the air guide is directed downwards, the air outlet must be fixed to a downward orientation for optimal airflow; otherwise, significant air resistance will occur, hindering airflow. Conversely, if the air outlet is directed downwards, upward airflow will significantly alter the airflow direction, leading to obstructed airflow and greatly increased air resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first objective of this invention is to provide a wind guide mechanism that can drive the wind guide plate to move, select the optimal wind guide position, and achieve the minimum wind resistance.

[0005] A second objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner employing the aforementioned air guiding mechanism.

[0006] A third objective of the present invention is to provide another air conditioner employing the aforementioned air guiding mechanism.

[0007] A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a control method for the aforementioned air guiding mechanism.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the present invention provides an air guiding mechanism, comprising: an air guiding plate, wherein an air guiding plate gear is provided on the inner surface of the air guiding plate, and an air guiding plate pivot is provided at both ends of the air guiding plate; a driving mechanism, which is capable of driving the air guiding plate to move vertically between an upper air guiding position and a lower air guiding position; in both the upper and lower air guiding positions, the driving mechanism is capable of driving the air guiding plate to swing around the air guiding plate pivot via the air guiding plate gear.

[0009] As can be seen from the above solution, the air guide plate of this air guiding mechanism can move up and down to select the optimal air guiding position, minimizing wind resistance. Simultaneously, it can achieve various motion forms without significantly changing the cost, and can greatly improve airflow and energy efficiency. Furthermore, because the air guiding position can be adjusted, compared to existing technologies, the air guiding mechanism of this invention has less stringent requirements on the orientation of the air outlet of the air conditioning housing, allowing for more design possibilities for the air conditioner. This solves the problems of high wind resistance in existing air conditioning air guide plates, which only generate low wind resistance within a specific angle range, and the high cost caused by complex control structures. At the same time, the air guiding mechanism of this application, through the reasonable setting of the air guide plate position, can isolate the airflow at the air outlet from the air inlet when the air guide plate swings to adjust the airflow direction, reducing air backflow at the air outlet and improving cooling and heating efficiency.

[0010] A preferred embodiment is that the drive mechanism includes a drive assembly, a support rod assembly, and a rack assembly; the support rod assembly includes an upper support rod group and a lower support rod, with the upper support rod group located above the lower support rod, and both the upper support rod group and the lower support rod extending horizontally; the rack assembly includes a first rack and a second rack, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the support rod assembly and both extend vertically, the upper support rod group, the lower support rod, the first rack, and the second rack forming an air outlet of the air guide mechanism, and the air guide plate can cover the air outlet of the air guide mechanism; the upper support rod group is provided with a first upper drive wheel, a second upper drive wheel, and an upper steering gear, with the first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel respectively located at both ends of the upper support rod group, the first upper drive wheel being close to and above the first rack, and the second upper drive wheel being close to and above the second rack, and the upper steering gear... The steering gear is located between the first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel; the lower support rod is provided with a first lower drive wheel, a second lower drive wheel and a lower steering gear. The first lower drive wheel and the second lower drive wheel are located at the two ends of the lower support rod, respectively. The first lower drive wheel is located below the first rack, the second lower drive wheel is located below the second rack, and the lower steering gear is located between the first lower drive wheel and the second lower drive wheel. When the air guide plate is in the upper air guide position, the air guide plate gear is connected to the upper steering gear, the drive assembly drives the first upper drive wheel to rotate, the first upper drive wheel drives the air guide plate gear to rotate, and the air guide plate gear drives the air guide plate to swing. When the air guide plate is in the lower air guide position, the air guide plate gear is connected to the lower steering gear, the drive assembly drives the first lower drive wheel to rotate, the first lower drive wheel drives the air guide plate gear to rotate, and the air guide plate gear drives the air guide plate to swing.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, the rack and pinion assembly and the drive assembly work together to enable the drive assembly to move in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the air guide plate to move between the upper air guide position and the lower air guide position. At the same time, the drive assembly can also drive the first upper drive wheel to rotate, so that the air guide plate swings in the upper air guide position, or drive the first lower drive wheel to rotate, so that the air guide plate swings in the lower air guide position.

[0012] A further embodiment is that the upper support rod assembly includes a first upper support rod and a second upper support rod; the second upper support rod is positioned close to and below the first upper support rod; an upper steering gear is located on the first upper support rod; a first upper drive wheel and a second upper drive wheel are located at opposite ends of the second upper support rod and are both coaxially aligned with the second upper support rod; a third upper drive wheel is also provided on the second upper support rod, positioned between the first and second upper drive wheels and close to the upper steering gear, and is coaxially aligned with the second upper support rod; a fourth upper drive wheel is also provided on the first upper support rod, and both the fourth upper drive wheel and the upper steering gear are coaxially aligned with the first upper support rod, with the fourth upper drive wheel meshing with the third upper drive wheel.

[0013] It can be seen that by setting two upper support rods, one for contacting the driving force of the drive component and the other for driving the air guide plate to rotate, the entire drive system can be ensured to operate smoothly.

[0014] A further proposed solution is to position the first upper support rod closer to the air guide plate in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first upper support rod, relative to the second upper support rod.

[0015] Therefore, by placing the first upper support rod with the upper steering gear diagonally above the second upper support rod, it is ensured that the air guide plate can mesh with the upper steering gear when it reaches the limit of its travel stroke, thus achieving a stable transmission of driving force.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly includes a drive member, a drive wheel, a first movable wheel, and a second movable wheel. The first and second movable wheels are rotatably mounted on the shafts of the two guide vanes, respectively. The drive wheel is connected to the drive member, and the drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel. When the guide vane is in the upper airflow position, the first upper drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel, and the second upper drive wheel meshes with the second movable wheel. The drive member drives the drive wheel to rotate, the drive wheel drives the first movable wheel to rotate, the first movable wheel drives the upper support rod assembly to rotate, the upper support rod assembly drives the upper steering gear to rotate, and the upper steering gear drives the guide vane gear to rotate. When the guide vane is in the lower airflow position, the first lower drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel, and the second lower drive wheel meshes with the second movable wheel. The drive member drives the drive wheel to rotate, the drive wheel drives the first movable wheel to rotate, the first movable wheel drives the lower support rod to rotate, the lower support rod drives the lower steering gear to rotate, and the lower steering gear drives the guide vane gear to rotate.

[0017] It can be seen that the air guide mechanism can realize the movement of the air guide plate and the swing of the air guide plate between the upper and lower air guide positions with only one driving component. The air guide plate is controlled by a single motor, which is simple in structure, reduces product cost, and realizes low-cost improvement of product energy efficiency and product experience.

[0018] A further embodiment includes a first housing; the first housing contains a drive component mounting cavity, a drive wheel mounting cavity, and a first movable wheel mounting cavity, the drive component mounting cavity and the drive wheel mounting cavity being coaxially arranged, the first movable wheel mounting cavity communicating with the drive wheel mounting cavity, the drive component being located in the drive component mounting cavity, the drive wheel being located in the drive wheel mounting cavity, and the first movable wheel being located in the first movable wheel mounting cavity; the first housing has a first clearance opening on the side facing the first rack, through which the first rack can mesh with the first movable wheel; and / or the drive assembly also includes a second housing; the second housing contains a second movable wheel mounting cavity, the second movable wheel being located in the second movable wheel mounting cavity, the second housing has a second clearance opening on the side facing the second rack, through which the second rack can mesh with the second movable wheel.

[0019] Therefore, by setting up the first outer shell, the driving component, the drive wheel, and the first moving wheel are assembled together, ensuring the stable movement of each component and protecting each component. By setting up the second outer shell, the second moving wheel is protected.

[0020] A further embodiment includes a limiting rib inside the mounting cavity of the first movable wheel, a limiting groove on the end wall of the first movable wheel, the limiting groove being coaxial with the first movable wheel, and the limiting rib extending into the limiting groove along the axial direction of the first movable wheel and rotatably engaging with the limiting groove; both air guide plate shafts include a movable wheel limiting part and a shaft support part arranged axially, with the shaft support part located at the end of the corresponding movable wheel limiting part away from the air guide plate; a first limiting hole is provided on the first outer shell, and a second limiting hole is provided on the second outer shell, with the two shaft support parts rotatably engaging with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole respectively.

[0021] It can be seen that the axial positioning of the moving wheel is achieved by the cooperation of the limiting rib and the limiting groove, thus ensuring the stable rotation of the moving wheel.

[0022] A further embodiment is that two or more first magnetic strips are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft support, each first magnetic strip being arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft support and extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft support; two or more second magnetic strips are provided in both the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole, each second magnetic strip being arranged at intervals along the circumference of the corresponding limiting hole and extending along the axial direction of the corresponding limiting hole, and the polarity of the first magnetic strips being opposite to that of the second magnetic strips.

[0023] It can be seen that by setting up the magnetic strip, the air guide plate will not rotate due to gravity when it is not subjected to external force, and the magnetic strip will fix the air guide plate at a certain angle.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is that the first lower drive wheel, the second lower drive wheel, and the lower steering gear are all arranged coaxially with the lower support rod.

[0025] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the present invention provides an air conditioner, including an air conditioner housing and the aforementioned air guide mechanism, wherein the air conditioner housing has an air outlet and the air guide mechanism is located at the air outlet.

[0026] To achieve the third objective mentioned above, the present invention provides another type of air conditioner, including an air conditioner housing and the aforementioned air guiding mechanism. The air conditioner housing has an air outlet, and the air guiding mechanism is located at the air outlet, with the air outlet of the air guiding mechanism opposite to the air outlet. The air conditioner housing also has a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove, both extending vertically, respectively located on opposite sides of the extending direction of the air guiding mechanism. A first rack, a first upper drive wheel, and a first lower drive wheel are all located within the first mounting groove, and a second rack, a second upper drive wheel, and a second lower drive wheel are all located within the second mounting groove. The wall of the first mounting groove has a first upper support hole group and a first lower support hole, and the wall of the second mounting groove has a second upper support hole group and a second lower support hole. The two ends of the upper support rod group are rotatably connected to the first upper support hole group and the second upper support hole group, respectively, and the two ends of the lower support rod are rotatably connected to the first lower support hole and the second lower support hole, respectively.

[0027] To achieve the fourth objective mentioned above, the present invention provides a control method for an air guiding mechanism, applied to the aforementioned air guiding mechanism. The control method includes: after obtaining an upward air guiding signal, a drive mechanism drives the air guiding plate to reset to a vertical arrangement, and then continues to drive the air guiding plate downward to a lower air guiding position, and the drive mechanism then drives the air guiding plate to swing to a first preset position; after obtaining a downward air guiding signal, a drive mechanism drives the air guiding plate to reset to a vertical arrangement, and then continues to drive the air guiding plate upward to an upper air guiding position, and the drive mechanism then drives the air guiding plate to swing to a second preset position.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the step of the drive mechanism driving the air guide plate to swing to the first preset position further includes: the drive mechanism first drives the air guide plate to swing to the first preset limit position, where the opening angle of the air guide plate at the first preset limit position is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate at the first preset position; then, the drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing from the first preset limit position to the first preset position; and / or the step of the drive mechanism driving the air guide plate to swing to the second preset position further includes: the drive mechanism first drives the air guide plate to swing to the second preset limit position, where the opening angle of the air guide plate at the second preset limit position is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate at the second preset position; then, the drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing from the second preset limit position to the second preset position.

[0029] Therefore, by first moving the air guide plate to its limit position to determine its default position and then swinging it to a set angle, the air guide plate angle can be automatically corrected and the air guide plate angle can be precisely controlled.

[0030] A further option is that the driving component of the driving mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing to the first preset limit position and then continues to rotate forward by the first preset angle; and / or the driving component of the driving mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing to the second preset limit position and then continues to rotate forward by the second preset angle.

[0031] Therefore, by ensuring that the air guide plate reaches the preset limit position after it reaches the preset limit position, the driving component continues to rotate, thus avoiding the situation where the air guide plate does not reach the default position. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a state diagram of the air guide plate in the upper air guide position in an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state of the air guide plate in the air conditioner embodiment of the present invention when it is in the upper air guide position and swings to a set angle.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a state diagram of the air guide plate in the air conditioner embodiment of the present invention when it is in the lower air guide position or the closed position.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the air guide plate in the air conditioner embodiment of the present invention when it is in the lower air guide position and swings to a set angle.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the upper air guide position of an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view from a first perspective of the air guide plate in the lower air guide position of an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view from a second perspective of the air guide plate in the lower air guide position of an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the lower air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention from a first-view perspective.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second lower drive wheel, the second rack, and the second moving wheel when the air guide plate is in the lower air guide position according to an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first lower drive wheel, the first rack, the first moving wheel, the drive wheel, and the motor when the air guide plate is in the lower air guide position according to an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the upper air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second upper drive wheel, the second rack, and the second moving wheel when the air guide plate is in the upper air guide position according to an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first upper drive wheel, the first rack, the first moving wheel, the drive wheel, and the motor when the air guide plate is in the upper air guide position according to an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a diagram and a partial enlarged view of the state when the air guide plate of the embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention is in the upper air guide position and the air guide plate swings to a preset angle.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a left view of the air guide plate in the upper air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the upper air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a state diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate moving from the upper air guide position to the lower air guide position in an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the lower air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 19 This is a state diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in the embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention when it is in the upper air guide position and swings to the first preset limit position.

[0051] Figure 20 This is a left view of an embodiment of the air guiding mechanism of the present invention when the air guiding plate is in the lower air guiding position.

[0052] Figure 21 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view from a second perspective of the air guide plate in the lower air guide position of an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 22 This is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of the air guide plate in an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell from a first angle in an embodiment of the air guiding mechanism of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell from a second angle in an embodiment of the air guiding mechanism of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the first moving wheel in an embodiment of the air guiding mechanism of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 26 These are exploded views and enlarged views of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of the drive component in an embodiment of the air guide mechanism of the present invention.

[0059] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0060] See Figures 1 to 7 as well as Figure 26 The air conditioner includes an air conditioner housing 1, an air guide mechanism 2, a heat exchanger 5, a water collection tray 6, an internal fan 7, and an air supply duct 8. An air outlet 11 is provided on the side wall of the air conditioner housing 1 near the top. The heat exchanger 5, the water collection tray 6, and the internal fan 7 are all located inside the air conditioner housing 1. The water collection tray 6 is located below the heat exchanger 5. The internal fan 7 is located in the air supply duct 8 and is located downstream of the heat exchanger 5 in the air supply direction. The air outlet 11 is located at the air outlet end of the air supply duct 8 and is connected to the air supply duct 8.

[0061] The air guide mechanism 2 is located at the air outlet 11 of the housing. The air conditioner housing 1 is also provided with a first mounting groove 12 and a second mounting groove 13 that both extend in the vertical direction. The first mounting groove 12 and the second mounting groove 13 are respectively located on both sides of the extension direction of the air guide mechanism 2.

[0062] The air guiding mechanism 2 includes an air guiding plate 3 and a driving mechanism 4. An air guiding plate gear 31 is provided on the inner surface of the air guiding plate 3, and air guiding plate shafts 32 are provided at both ends of the air guiding plate 3 (e.g., ...). Figure 22 As shown), the drive mechanism 4 can drive the air guide plate 3 to move vertically between the upper air guide position and the lower air guide position. In both the upper and lower air guide positions, the drive mechanism 4 can drive the air guide plate 3 to swing around the air guide plate shaft 32 through the air guide plate gear 31.

[0063] See Figures 8 to 15 The drive mechanism 4 includes a drive assembly 41, a support rod assembly 42, and a rack assembly 43. The support rod assembly 42 includes an upper support rod group 40 and a lower support rod 47. The upper support rod group 40 is located above the lower support rod 47, and both the upper support rod group 40 and the lower support rod 47 extend horizontally. The rack assembly 43 includes a first rack 431 and a second rack 432. The first rack 431 and the second rack 432 are respectively disposed at both ends of the support rod assembly 42 and both extend vertically. The upper support rod group 40, the lower support rod 47, the first rack 431, and the second rack 432 form the air outlet 44 of the air guide mechanism 2, and the air guide plate 3 can cover the air outlet 44 of the air guide mechanism 2.

[0064] The upper strut assembly 40 is provided with a first upper drive wheel 461, a second upper drive wheel 462 and an upper steering gear 451. The first upper drive wheel 461 and the second upper drive wheel 462 are located at both ends of the upper strut assembly 40, respectively. The first upper drive wheel 461 is close to the first rack 431 and is located above the first rack 431. The second upper drive wheel 462 is close to the second rack 432 and is located above the second rack 432. The upper steering gear 451 is located between the first upper drive wheel 461 and the second upper drive wheel 462.

[0065] The lower support rod 47 is equipped with a first lower drive wheel 471, a second lower drive wheel 472, and a lower steering gear 473, all of which are coaxially aligned with the lower support rod 47. The first lower drive wheel 471 and the second lower drive wheel 472 are located at opposite ends of the lower support rod 47. The first lower drive wheel 471 is located below the first rack 431, the second lower drive wheel 472 is located below the second rack 432, and the lower steering gear 473 is located between the first lower drive wheel 471 and the second lower drive wheel 472. When the air guide plate 3 is in the upper air guide position, the air guide plate gear 31 is connected to the upper steering gear 451, and the drive assembly 41 drives the first upper drive wheel 461 to rotate. The first upper drive wheel 461 drives the air guide plate gear 31 to rotate, and the air guide plate gear 31 causes the air guide plate 3 to swing. When the air guide plate 3 is in the lower air guide position, the air guide plate gear 31 is connected to the lower steering gear 473. The drive assembly 41 drives the first lower drive wheel 471 to rotate, the first lower drive wheel 471 drives the air guide plate gear 31 to rotate, and the air guide plate gear 31 drives the air guide plate 3 to swing.

[0066] By cooperating with the rack assembly 43 and the drive assembly 41, the drive assembly 41 can move in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the air guide plate 3 to move between the upper air guide position and the lower air guide position. At the same time, the drive assembly 41 can also drive the first upper drive wheel 461 to rotate, so that the air guide plate 3 swings in the upper air guide position, or drive the first lower drive wheel 471 to rotate, so that the air guide plate 3 swings in the lower air guide position.

[0067] The upper support rod assembly 40 includes a first upper support rod 45 and a second upper support rod 46. See also... Figure 15 and Figure 20In the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first upper support rod 45, the first upper support rod 45 is closer to the air guide plate 3 than the second upper support rod 46. The second upper support rod 46 is positioned close to and below the first upper support rod 45. The upper steering gear 451 is located on the first upper support rod 45. The first upper drive wheel 461 and the second upper drive wheel 462 are located at opposite ends of the second upper support rod 46 and are both coaxial with the second upper support rod 46. A third upper drive wheel 463 is also provided on the second upper support rod 46. The third upper drive wheel 463 is located between the first upper drive wheel 461 and the second upper drive wheel 462 and is positioned close to the upper steering gear 451. The third upper drive wheel 463 is coaxial with the second upper support rod 46. A fourth upper drive wheel 452 is also provided on the first upper support rod 45. The fourth upper drive wheel 452 and the upper steering gear 451 are both coaxial with the first upper support rod 45, and the fourth upper drive wheel 452 meshes with the third upper drive wheel 463. By placing the first upper support rod 45, which is equipped with the upper steering gear 451, diagonally above the second upper support rod 46, it is ensured that the air guide plate 3 can mesh with the upper steering gear 451 when it reaches the limit of its travel stroke, thereby achieving stable transmission of driving force.

[0068] The first rack 431, the first upper drive wheel 461, and the first lower drive wheel 471 are all located in the first mounting groove 12. The second rack 432, the second upper drive wheel 462, and the second lower drive wheel 472 are all located in the second mounting groove 13. The first mounting groove 12 has a first upper support hole group and a first lower support hole 123 on its groove wall. The first upper support hole group includes a first upper support hole 121 and a second upper support hole 122. The second mounting groove 13 has a second upper support hole group (not shown) and a second lower support hole (not shown) on its groove wall. The second upper support hole group includes a third upper support hole and a fourth upper support hole. The two ends of the first upper support rod 45 are rotatably connected to the first upper support hole 121 and the third upper support hole, respectively. The two ends of the second upper support rod 46 are rotatably connected to the second upper support hole 122 and the fourth upper support hole, respectively.

[0069] The drive assembly 41 includes a drive element 411, a drive wheel 412, a first movable wheel 413, a second movable wheel 414, a first housing 415, and a second housing 416. Preferably, the drive element 411 is a motor. The first movable wheel 413 and the second movable wheel 414 are rotatably mounted on the two air guide plate shafts 32, respectively. The drive wheel 412 is connected to the drive element 411, and the drive wheel 412 and the first movable wheel 413 mesh. When the air guide plate 3 is in the upper air guide position, the first upper drive wheel 461 meshes with the first movable wheel 413, and the second upper drive wheel 462 meshes with the second movable wheel 414. The drive element 411 drives the drive wheel 412 to rotate, the drive wheel 412 drives the first movable wheel 413 to rotate, the first movable wheel 413 drives the upper support rod assembly 40 to rotate, the upper support rod assembly 40 drives the upper steering gear 451 to rotate, and the upper steering gear 451 drives the air guide plate gear 31 to rotate. When the air guide plate 3 is in the lower air guide position, the first lower drive wheel 471 meshes with the first moving wheel 413, and the second lower drive wheel 472 meshes with the second moving wheel 414. The drive component 411 drives the drive wheel 412 to rotate, the drive wheel 412 drives the first moving wheel 413 to rotate, the first moving wheel 413 drives the lower support rod 47 to rotate, the lower support rod 47 drives the lower steering gear 473 to rotate, and the lower steering gear 473 drives the air guide plate gear 31 to rotate. This air guide mechanism 2 can realize the movement of the air guide plate 3 and the swing of the air guide plate 3 between the upper and lower air guide positions with only one drive component 411. The air guide plate 3 is controlled by a single motor, which is simple in structure, reduces product cost, and achieves low-cost improvement of product energy efficiency and product experience.

[0070] See Figures 21 to 27 The first outer shell 415 is provided with a drive component mounting cavity 4151, a drive wheel mounting cavity 4152, and a first movable wheel mounting cavity 4153. The drive component mounting cavity 4151 and the drive wheel mounting cavity 4152 are arranged coaxially. The first movable wheel mounting cavity 4153 is connected to the drive wheel mounting cavity 4152. The drive component 411 is located in the drive component mounting cavity 4151, the drive wheel 412 is located in the drive wheel mounting cavity 4152, and the first movable wheel 413 is located in the first movable wheel mounting cavity 4153. The first outer shell 415 is provided with a first clearance opening 4155 on the side facing the first rack 431. The first rack 431 can mesh with the first movable wheel 413 through the first clearance opening 4155. A limiting rib 4154 is provided in the mounting cavity 4153 of the first movable wheel, and a limiting groove 4131 is provided on the end wall of the first movable wheel 413. The limiting groove 4131 is coaxially arranged with the first movable wheel 413, and the limiting rib 4154 extends into the limiting groove 4131 along the axial direction of the movable wheel and rotates with the limiting groove 4131.

[0071] The second outer casing 416 has a second movable wheel mounting cavity 4161, and the second movable wheel 414 is located in the second movable wheel mounting cavity 4161. The second outer casing 416 has a second clearance opening 4162 on the side facing the second rack 432, and the second rack 432 can mesh with the second movable wheel 414 through the second clearance opening 4162. The second movable wheel mounting cavity 4161 also has a limiting rib 4154, and the end wall of the second movable wheel 414 has a limiting groove 4131. The limiting groove 4131 is coaxial with the second movable wheel 414, and the limiting rib 4154 extends into the limiting groove 4131 along the axial direction of the second movable wheel 414 and rotates with the limiting groove 4131.

[0072] The first housing 415, drive component 411, drive wheel 412, and first movable wheel 413 are located within the first mounting groove 12 and can move vertically along the first mounting groove 12. The second housing 416 and the second movable wheel 414 are located within the second mounting groove 13 and can move vertically along the second mounting groove 13. The first housing 415 assembles the drive component 411, drive wheel 412, and first movable wheel 413 together, ensuring stable movement of each component and protecting them. The second housing 416 protects the second movable wheel 414.

[0073] Both air guide plate shafts 32 include a movable wheel limiting part 321 and a shaft support part 322 arranged axially. The shaft support part 322 is located at the end of the corresponding movable wheel limiting part 321 away from the air guide plate 3. A first limiting hole 4156 is provided on the first housing 415, and a second limiting hole (not shown) is provided on the second housing 416. The two shaft support parts 322 are rotatably engaged with the first limiting hole 4156 and the second limiting hole, respectively. Through the cooperation of the limiting rib 4154 and the limiting groove 4131, the axial positioning of the movable wheel is achieved, ensuring the stable rotation of the movable wheel.

[0074] Two or more first magnetic strips 323 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft support 322. Each first magnetic strip 323 is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft support 322 and extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft support 322. Two or more second magnetic strips 417 are provided in both the first limiting hole 4156 and the second limiting hole. Each second magnetic strip 417 is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the corresponding limiting hole and extends along the axial direction of the corresponding limiting hole. The polarity of the first magnetic strips 323 is opposite to that of the second magnetic strips 417. The magnetic strips ensure that the air guide plate 3 will not rotate due to gravity when no external force is applied; the magnetic strips will fix the air guide plate 3 at a certain angle. In other embodiments, the first and second magnetic strips may not be provided. The friction between the rotating shaft support 322 and the corresponding limiting hole can prevent the air guide plate 3 from rotating when no force is applied. Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on one of the rotating shaft support 322 and the corresponding limiting hole, and multiple circumferentially arranged grooves may be provided on the other of the rotating shaft support 322 and the corresponding limiting hole. The limiting of the air guide plate 3 can be achieved through the cooperation between the protrusion and the groove.

[0075] The control method for the air guide mechanism 2 in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0076] See Figures 16 to 19 After receiving the upward airflow signal, the drive mechanism 4 drives the air guide plate 3 to reset to its vertical position, and then continues to drive the air guide plate 3 downward to the lower airflow position. Next, the drive mechanism 4 first drives the air guide plate 3 to swing to the first preset limit position (e.g., ...). Figure 19 As shown, when the air guide plate 3 is at the first preset limit position, the opening angle of the air guide plate 3 is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate 3 at the first set position. At this time, the drive member 411 continues to rotate forward by the first preset angle, that is, the first preset angle is blocked, so as to ensure that the air guide plate 3 reaches the first preset limit position. Then, the drive mechanism 4 drives the air guide plate 3 to swing from the first preset limit position to the first set position.

[0077] For example, when the air conditioner receives a signal to guide the air upwards by 60°, it controls the motor to rotate counterclockwise, moving the air guide plate 3 to the lower edge of the air outlet 11 of the housing. At this time, the air guide plate 3 covers the air outlet 11 of the housing. The length of the track of the moving wheel formed by the first rack 431, the first upper drive wheel 461, and the first lower drive wheel 471 is L track, and the circumference of the moving wheel is C moving wheel. Let the angle ratio between the driving wheel 412 and the moving wheel be i, then the calculation formula for the number of rotations of the motor r motor is: r motor = i × (L track / C moving wheel). After the air guide plate 3 reaches the lower edge of the air outlet 11 of the housing, the rotation angle of the air guide plate 3 is controlled. First, the air guide plate 3 is controlled to rotate to the first preset limit position. In this embodiment, the opening angle of the air guide plate 3 corresponding to the first preset limit position is 90°. Then, the motor is controlled to continue rotating counterclockwise by 10°. 10° is the error correction design angle to correct the error generated during the movement and avoid the situation where the air guide plate 3 does not reach the default position (i.e., the first preset limit position). After reaching the first preset limit position, according to the received instruction, the motor is controlled to rotate clockwise by 30°. That is, the air guide plate 3 is controlled to rotate counterclockwise by 30°, where 30° = 90° - 60°. In this embodiment, since the angle ratio between the air guide plate gear 31 and the driving wheel 412 is 1, the rotation angle of the air guide plate 3 is equal to the rotation angle of the driving wheel 412, which is also equal to the rotation angle of the motor. If the angle ratio is other, it is necessary to multiply the angle ratio to calculate the rotation angle of the motor. In addition, since the default angle position of the air guide plate 3 at the lower edge is 90°, the rotation angle is 90° - 60°. If the default angle changes, let it be T, then the rotation angle should be T - 60°.

[0078] After receiving the signal for downward airflow, the drive mechanism 4 drives the air guide plate 3 to reset to the vertical arrangement, and then continues to drive the air guide plate 3 to move upward to the upper airflow position. Next, the drive mechanism 4 first drives the air guide plate 3 to swing to the second preset limit position. At the second preset limit position, the opening angle of the air guide plate 3 is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate 3 at the second set position. At this time, the drive component 411 continues to rotate forward by the second preset angle, that is, to block the second preset angle, so as to ensure that the air guide plate 3 reaches the second preset limit position. Then, the drive mechanism 4 drives the air guide plate 3 to swing from the second preset limit position to the second set position.

[0079] For example, when the air conditioner receives a signal to guide the air downwards by 60°, it controls the motor to rotate clockwise, and the air guide plate 3 moves upwards to the upper edge of the air outlet 44 on the casing. At this time, the air guide plate 3 fully opens the air outlet 11 on the casing. The formula for calculating the number of rotations of the motor is the same as for upward air guidance: r_motor = i × (L_track / C_moving wheel). After reaching the upper edge of the air outlet 11 on the casing, the air guide plate 3 is rotated to the maximum default position (i.e., the second preset limit position). The opening angle of the air guide plate 3 corresponding to the maximum default position is designed to be 180°, which can be adjusted according to the specific model. At this time, the control motor continues to rotate clockwise by 10°. Similarly, 10° is the error correction design angle. After reaching the maximum default position, the air guide plate 3 is adjusted according to the received instruction, that is, the air guide plate 3 is controlled to rotate counterclockwise by 60°. If the default angle is not 180 degrees, but T, the formula for calculating the rotation angle is: 60° - (180° - T).

[0080] In addition, for more efficient airflow, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the air guide plate 3 is automatically set to upward airflow, and when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the air guide plate 3 is automatically set to downward airflow. At the same time, in order to meet the diverse needs of users, users can automatically adjust the combination of different heat exchange modes and airflow modes according to their own needs.

[0081] As can be seen from the above, the air guide plate of this air guiding mechanism can move up and down to select the optimal air guiding position, minimizing wind resistance. Simultaneously, it can achieve various motion forms without significantly changing the cost, and can greatly improve airflow and energy efficiency. Furthermore, because the air guiding position can be adjusted, compared to existing technologies, the air guiding mechanism of this invention has less stringent requirements on the orientation of the air outlet of the air conditioning housing, allowing for more design possibilities for the air conditioner. This solves the problems of high wind resistance in existing air conditioning air guide plates, which only generate low wind resistance within a specific angle range, and the high cost caused by complex control structures. At the same time, the air guiding mechanism of this application, through the reasonable setting of the air guide plate position, can isolate the airflow at the air outlet from the air inlet when the air guide plate swings to adjust the airflow direction, reducing air backflow at the air outlet and improving cooling and heating efficiency.

[0082] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Air guiding mechanism, including: An air guide plate, wherein an air guide plate gear is provided on the inner surface of the air guide plate, and an air guide plate shaft is provided at both ends of the air guide plate; The air guiding mechanism is characterized in that it further includes: A drive mechanism that can drive the air guide plate to move vertically between an upper air guide position and a lower air guide position; At both the upper and lower air guide positions, the drive mechanism can drive the air guide plate to swing around the air guide plate axis via the air guide plate gear. The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly, a support rod assembly, and a rack assembly; The support rod assembly includes an upper support rod group and a lower support rod, the upper support rod group being located above the lower support rod, and both the upper support rod group and the lower support rod extending in a horizontal direction; The rack assembly includes a first rack and a second rack, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the support rod assembly and both extend in a vertical direction. The upper support rod assembly, the lower support rod, the first rack and the second rack form an air outlet of the air guide mechanism, and the air guide plate can cover the air outlet of the air guide mechanism. The upper support rod assembly is provided with a first upper drive wheel, a second upper drive wheel and an upper steering gear. The first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel are respectively located at both ends of the upper support rod assembly. The first upper drive wheel is close to the first rack and located above the first rack. The second upper drive wheel is close to the second rack and located above the second rack. The upper steering gear is located between the first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel. The lower support rod is provided with a first lower drive wheel, a second lower drive wheel and a lower steering gear. The first lower drive wheel and the second lower drive wheel are respectively located at both ends of the lower support rod. The first lower drive wheel is located below the first rack and the second lower drive wheel is located below the second rack. The lower steering gear is located between the first lower drive wheel and the second lower drive wheel. When the air guide plate is in the upper air guide position, the air guide plate gear is connected to the upper steering gear, the drive assembly drives the first upper drive wheel to rotate, the first upper drive wheel drives the air guide plate gear to rotate, and the air guide plate gear drives the air guide plate to swing. When the air guide plate is in the lower air guide position, the air guide plate gear is connected to the lower steering gear, the drive assembly drives the first lower drive wheel to rotate, the first lower drive wheel drives the air guide plate gear to rotate, and the air guide plate gear drives the air guide plate to swing.

2. The air guiding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper support rod assembly includes a first upper support rod and a second upper support rod; The second upper support rod is positioned close to and below the first upper support rod; The upper steering gear is located on the first upper support rod, and the first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel are respectively located at both ends of the second upper support rod and are both coaxially arranged with the second upper support rod; The second upper support rod is also provided with a third upper drive wheel, which is located between the first upper drive wheel and the second upper drive wheel and is close to the upper steering gear. The third upper drive wheel is coaxial with the second upper support rod. The first upper support rod is also provided with a fourth upper drive wheel. The fourth upper drive wheel and the upper steering gear are both coaxially arranged with the first upper support rod, and the fourth upper drive wheel meshes with the third upper drive wheel.

3. The air guiding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first upper support rod, the first upper support rod is closer to the air guide plate than the second upper support rod.

4. The air guiding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a drive component, a drive wheel, a first moving wheel, and a second moving wheel; The first movable wheel and the second movable wheel are rotatably mounted on the two air guide plate shafts, respectively; The drive wheel is connected to the drive component, and the drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel; When the air guide plate is in the upper air guide position, the first upper drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel, the second upper drive wheel meshes with the second movable wheel, the drive member drives the active wheel to rotate, the active wheel drives the first movable wheel to rotate, the first movable wheel drives the upper support rod assembly to rotate, the upper support rod assembly drives the upper steering gear to rotate, and the upper steering gear drives the air guide plate gear to rotate. When the air guide plate is in the lower air guide position, the first lower drive wheel meshes with the first movable wheel, the second lower drive wheel meshes with the second movable wheel, the drive member drives the drive wheel to rotate, the drive wheel drives the first movable wheel to rotate, the first movable wheel drives the lower support rod to rotate, the lower support rod drives the lower steering gear to rotate, and the lower steering gear drives the air guide plate gear to rotate.

5. The air guiding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive assembly further includes a first housing, within which are disposed a drive component mounting cavity, a drive wheel mounting cavity, and a first movable wheel mounting cavity. The drive component mounting cavity and the drive wheel mounting cavity are coaxially arranged, and the first movable wheel mounting cavity communicates with the drive wheel mounting cavity. The drive component is located in the drive component mounting cavity, the drive wheel is located in the drive wheel mounting cavity, and the first movable wheel is located in the first movable wheel mounting cavity. The first housing has a first clearance opening on the side facing the first rack, through which the first rack can mesh with the first movable wheel. and / or The drive assembly further includes a second housing, within which a second movable wheel mounting cavity is provided. The second movable wheel is located in the second movable wheel mounting cavity. The second housing has a second clearance opening on the side facing the second rack, through which the second rack can engage with the second movable wheel.

6. The air guiding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: A limiting rib is provided in the mounting cavity of the first movable wheel, and a limiting groove is formed on the end wall of the first movable wheel. The limiting groove is coaxial with the first movable wheel, and the limiting rib extends into the limiting groove along the axial direction of the first movable wheel and rotates with the limiting groove. Both of the air guide plate shafts include a movable wheel limiting part and a shaft support part arranged along the axial direction, and the shaft support part is located at the end of the corresponding movable wheel limiting part away from the air guide plate; The first outer shell has a first limiting hole, and the second outer shell has a second limiting hole. The two rotating shaft support parts are respectively rotatably engaged with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole.

7. The air guiding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two or more first magnetic strips are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft support. Each first magnetic strip is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft support and extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft support. Both the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole are provided with two or more second magnetic strips. Each second magnetic strip is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the corresponding limiting hole and extends along the axial direction of the corresponding limiting hole. The polarity of the first magnetic strip is opposite to that of the second magnetic strip.

8. The air guiding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first lower drive wheel, the second lower drive wheel, and the lower steering gear are all coaxially arranged with the lower support rod; and / or The air guide plate gear is located on one side of the air guide plate in the width direction and in the middle of the air guide plate in the length direction.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes an air conditioner housing and an air guide mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the air conditioner housing has an air outlet and the air guide mechanism is located at the air outlet.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that: The air outlet of the air guide mechanism is arranged opposite to the air outlet of the housing; The air conditioner housing is also provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove that both extend in a vertical direction. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are respectively located on both sides of the extension direction of the air guide mechanism. The first rack, the first upper drive wheel, and the first lower drive wheel are all located in the first mounting groove, and the second rack, the second upper drive wheel, and the second lower drive wheel are all located in the second mounting groove; The first mounting groove has a first upper support hole group and a first lower support hole on its groove wall, and the second mounting groove has a second upper support hole group and a second lower support hole on its groove wall. The two ends of the upper support rod group are rotatably connected to the first upper support hole group and the second upper support hole group, respectively, and the two ends of the lower support rod are rotatably connected to the first lower support hole and the second lower support hole, respectively.

11. A control method for an air guiding mechanism, characterized in that, The control method, applied to the air guide mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprises: After receiving the signal for upward airflow, the drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to reset to a vertical arrangement, and then continues to drive the air guide plate to move downward to the lower airflow position. The drive mechanism then drives the air guide plate to swing to the first set position. After receiving the signal for downward airflow, the driving mechanism drives the air guide plate to reset to a vertical position, and then continues to drive the air guide plate to move upward to the upper airflow position. The driving mechanism then drives the air guide plate to swing to the second set position.

12. The control method for the air guiding mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The step of the driving mechanism driving the air guide plate to swing to the first preset position further includes: the driving mechanism first driving the air guide plate to swing to the first preset limit position, where the opening angle of the air guide plate at the first preset limit position is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate at the first preset position; and the driving mechanism then driving the air guide plate to swing from the first preset limit position to the first preset position; and / or The step of the driving mechanism driving the air guide plate to swing to the second set position further includes: the driving mechanism first driving the air guide plate to swing to the second preset limit position, where the opening angle of the air guide plate at the second preset limit position is greater than or equal to the opening angle of the air guide plate at the second set position, and the driving mechanism then driving the air guide plate to swing from the second preset limit position to the second set position.

13. The control method for the air guiding mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that: After the drive component of the drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing to the first preset limit position, it continues to rotate forward by a first preset angle; and / or After the drive component of the drive mechanism drives the air guide plate to swing to the second preset limit position, it continues to rotate forward by the second preset angle.

Images