Airflow regulation and control assembly, air conditioner and air conditioner control method

Abstract

The invention discloses an airflow regulation and control assembly, an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method. The airflow regulation and control assembly comprises a storage bin body arranged on the peripheral side of an air outlet assembly, and a bin opening is formed in the storage bin body; the telescopic regulation and control assembly comprises a storage rail, an elastic folding structure and a first driving assembly, the storage rail is arranged in the storage bin body and extends in the direction of the air outlet, and the elastic folding structure is slidably mounted on the rail and driven by the first driving assembly; the airflow adjusting piece is connected with the far end of the elastic folding structure. When the elastic folding structure is driven to slide out of the bin opening, the elastic folding structure is automatically unfolded in the air outlet direction, and the air flow adjusting piece shields the air outlet to achieve the air guiding or direct blowing preventing function. And when not working, the assembly is integrally retracted into the storage bin body, so that complete hiding is realized. Through cooperation of the storage bin body and the telescopic unfolding structure, the technical problem that in the prior art, an air conditioner wind shielding device is poor in hiding performance is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an airflow control component, an air conditioner, and an air conditioner control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of home air conditioners in terms of comfort and intelligence, users have placed higher demands on the humanized design of air delivery methods. To avoid discomfort caused by the air conditioner's airflow blowing directly on the human body, various wind deflectors or air guides have gradually emerged in existing technologies to adjust the direction and intensity of the airflow.

[0003] However, traditional wind deflectors often employ fixed guide plates, manually flip-up deflectors, or externally mounted wind deflector components, which have significant technical drawbacks. Among these, a common approach is to install a one-piece molded air guide plate in front of the air conditioner's vent, or to physically block the airflow using an additional auxiliary wind-blocking structure. While these solutions can alter the airflow path to some extent, the wind deflector components remain exposed on the air conditioner's exterior surface when not in use, compromising the overall design and affecting the product's aesthetics and its harmony with the home environment.

[0004] Therefore, existing air conditioning deflectors struggle to balance functionality and aesthetics, especially in products like cabinet air conditioners where a high degree of aesthetic appeal is required. Exposed deflectors have become a significant factor impacting user experience. Providing a reliable airflow control component that can be completely concealed when not in operation, automatically deploys during operation, and is structurally sound has become a pressing technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide an airflow control component and an air conditioner, which aim to solve the technical problem of poor concealment of air conditioning deflectors in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an airflow control component, comprising: an air outlet component; A storage compartment is provided on the periphery of the air outlet assembly, and the storage compartment has an opening on the side of the air outlet assembly closer to the air outlet assembly. The telescopic control component includes a storage track, an elastic folding structure, and a first drive component. The first drive component is disposed on the storage track, the elastic folding structure is slidably disposed on the storage track, the storage track is disposed in the storage compartment, and the storage track extends toward the direction of the air outlet component. An airflow regulating component is connected to the end of the elastic folding structure that is away from the storage track. When the elastic folding structure slides out of the compartment opening, the elastic folding structure unfolds in the air outlet direction of the air outlet assembly, and the airflow regulating component blocks the air outlet direction.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the airflow control component described above.

[0008] Thirdly, the present invention also discloses an air conditioner control method, applied to the air conditioner described above, the method comprising: In response to the user's input command to open the windshield, the first drive component is controlled to drive the telescopic slide bar to slide along the storage track toward the compartment opening, so that the elastic folding structure extends out of the storage compartment. When the elastic folding structure slides out of the compartment, the first elastic element releases the pre-stored elastic potential energy, driving the support rod assembly to rotate around the telescopic slide rod, causing the airflow regulating component to automatically flip from the folded state to the unfolded state, so that the airflow regulating component covers the air outlet assembly's air outlet direction. The air conditioner acquires environmental and personnel information through a multimodal sensor and controls the second drive component to adjust the length of the adjustable support rod assembly based on the environmental and personnel information, thereby changing the flip angle of the airflow regulating component and its relative distance to the air outlet assembly. When a windshield closing command is received or a preset closing condition is met, the first drive component is controlled to reverse drive the telescopic slide bar to retract into the storage compartment, so that the elastic folding structure folds and resets under the guidance of the storage track. At the same time, the compartment cover automatically closes at the compartment opening under the action of the second elastic element.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: In the technical solution of this invention, the airflow control component includes a storage compartment located around the air outlet component, with an opening thereon; the telescopic control component includes a storage track, an elastic folding structure, and a first drive component. The storage track is located within the storage compartment and extends towards the air outlet. The elastic folding structure is slidably mounted on the track and driven by the first drive component; the airflow regulating element is connected to the distal end of the elastic folding structure. When the elastic folding structure slides out from the opening under drive, it automatically unfolds in the air outlet direction, causing the airflow regulating element to block the air outlet to achieve air guiding or anti-direct blowing functions. When not in operation, the entire component retracts into the storage compartment, achieving complete concealment. This invention solves the technical problem of poor concealment of existing air conditioning deflector devices through the cooperation of the storage compartment and the telescopic structure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow control component in its deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow control component in another deployed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow control component in its stowed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic control component of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A partial enlarged view A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the telescopic control component of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic slide and storage track of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable support rod assembly of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A partially enlarged view B is a schematic diagram of the adjustable support rod assembly of the airflow control component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 A front view of the airflow control component of this embodiment of the invention in a state of imminent deployment; Figure 11 A partial enlarged view C of the front view of the airflow control component of this embodiment of the invention in a state of being about to be deployed; Figure 12 A flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 A sub-flowchart of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure label explanation: 10. Air outlet assembly; 20. Storage compartment; 21. Storage opening; 30. Telescopic adjustment component; 31. Storage track; 32. First drive component; 40. Elastic folding structure; 41. Telescopic slide bar; 42. Support rod assembly; 421. Fixed support rod assembly; 422. Adjustable support rod assembly; 4221. First rod body; 4222. Second rod body; 4223. Second drive assembly; 43. First elastic element; 50. Airflow regulating components; 60. Silo sealing assembly; 61. Silo cover; 62. Second elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0013] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0014] Reference Figures 1-13 In order to solve the technical problem of poor concealment of air conditioning deflector devices in the prior art, the present invention proposes an airflow control component. The airflow control component includes: an air outlet assembly 10; a storage compartment 20 disposed around the air outlet assembly 10, with an opening 21 on the side of the storage compartment 20 closest to the air outlet assembly 10; a telescopic control component 30, including a storage track 31, an elastic folding structure 40, and a first drive component 32, wherein the first drive component 32 is disposed on the storage track 31, the elastic folding structure 40 is slidably disposed on the storage track 31, the storage track 31 is disposed within the storage compartment 20, and the storage track 31 extends toward the direction of the air outlet assembly 10; and an airflow regulating component 50 connected to the end of the elastic folding structure 40 away from the storage track 31; wherein, when the elastic folding structure 40 slides out of the opening 21, the elastic folding structure 40 unfolds toward the air outlet assembly 10, and the airflow regulating component 50 blocks the air outlet direction.

[0015] The airflow control component is applied to a vertical cabinet air conditioner to intelligently adjust the airflow during operation, preventing cold or hot air from blowing directly onto the human body and improving airflow comfort. This component includes an air outlet assembly 10 located in the upper part of the front panel of the air conditioner. This assembly is a horizontally extending grille-like structure used to guide the airflow generated by the internal fan forward. Directly below the air outlet assembly 10 is an integrated storage compartment 20, a long, closed shell arranged horizontally along the bottom of the front panel, forming an internal space for accommodating moving parts. The upper end of the storage compartment 20, near the air outlet assembly 10, has an opening 21 that slopes forward and upward or extends vertically, serving as a channel for the airflow control structure to enter and exit.

[0016] The storage track 31 is fixedly installed inside the storage compartment 20, extending from bottom to top and inclined towards the air outlet assembly 10 to ensure smooth movement and minimal space occupation. The telescopic adjustment assembly 30 is located on the storage track 31 and mainly includes a first drive assembly 32, an elastic folding structure 40, and a matching transmission mechanism. The first drive assembly 32 is a low-speed, high-torque forward and reverse rotating motor, installed at the bottom or middle of the storage track 31, with its output shaft connected to a gear transmission unit. The elastic folding structure 40 includes a telescopic slide rod 41 and a support rod assembly 42 hinged thereto. The bottom of the telescopic slide rod 41 has a rack structure that meshes with the gear of the first drive assembly 32, forming a gear and rack transmission pair.

[0017] In the non-operating state, the entire elastic folding structure 40 is completely retracted into the storage compartment 20, and the airflow regulator 50 moves down and is hidden. The outer surface of the compartment opening 21 is flat, without affecting the overall appearance of the unit. When the user activates the anti-direct-blow mode or the air conditioner automatically triggers the wind deflector function, the first drive assembly 32 moves forward, driving the telescopic slide rod 41 to slide upward along the storage track 31, causing the support rod assembly 42 and the airflow regulator 50 connected to its top to rise synchronously. As the elastic folding structure 40 slides out of the compartment opening 21, the first elastic element 43, which was originally in a pre-compressed state, such as a torsion spring or compression spring, is located at the hinge between the support rod assembly 42 and the telescopic slide rod 41. The first elastic element 43 releases its elastic potential energy due to the release of constraint, driving the support rod assembly 42 to unfold outward around the hinge point, causing the airflow regulator 50 to automatically flip from a vertical storage state to a forward-tilted unfolded state. Finally, it spans across the front of the air outlet assembly 10, effectively blocking or guiding the airflow.

[0018] By adjusting the unfolding angle and extension length, different intensities of gentle breeze effects can be achieved. When the wind-blocking function ends, the first drive component 32 reverses its direction, causing the entire structure to descend and reset at a uniform speed. During the retraction process, the support rod assembly 42 folds and retracts under the guidance of the track, and the airflow regulating component 50 returns to its initial posture and completely enters the storage compartment 20, achieving full concealment. This structure, through the combination of centralized storage in a single compartment and a self-unfolding mechanism, achieves a highly integrated and automated airflow control function, solving the problems of exposed traditional wind-blocking devices, which compromise the aesthetics of the entire machine and are cumbersome to operate. It has the technical advantages of compact structure, reliable operation, and a neat appearance.

[0019] In one embodiment, the elastic folding structure 40 includes a telescopic slide rod 41, a support rod assembly 42, and a first elastic element 43. The support rod assembly 42 is rotatably disposed on the telescopic slide rod 41, and the first elastic element 43 is disposed between the support rod assemblies 42. The support rod assembly 42 is connected to the airflow regulating component 50. The telescopic slide rod 41 is slidably disposed on the storage track 31. The first driving assembly 32 drives the telescopic slide rod 41 to slide on the storage track 31. When the support rod assembly 42 is located inside the storage compartment 20, the first elastic element 43 is pre-tensioned. When the support rod assembly 42 is located outside the storage compartment 20, the first elastic element 43 drives the airflow regulating component 50 to rotate away from the air outlet assembly 10.

[0020] The elastic folding structure 40 specifically includes a telescopic slide rod 41, a support rod assembly 42, and a first elastic element 43. The telescopic slide rod 41 is a straight rod or a sleeve-type graded telescopic structure, which has a sliding part and a transmission rack along its longitudinal direction. It is slidably embedded in the storage track 31 and meshes with the gear in the first drive assembly 32, thereby achieving smooth up-and-down reciprocating motion under the drive of the motor.

[0021] The support rod assembly 42 includes at least two sets of symmetrically arranged linkage units. Each set of linkage units is rotatably connected to the upper part or top side wall of the telescopic slide rod 41 via a rotating shaft, forming a multi-point hinge structure. The outer end of each linkage unit is hinged to the connecting seat on the back of the airflow regulator 50, so that the airflow regulator 50 can adjust its posture under the drive of the support rod assembly 42.

[0022] The first elastic element 43 is a torsion spring, tension spring, or rubber elastomer, and is located at the hinge point between the support rod group 42 and the telescopic slide rod 41, or between two adjacent support rod groups. In the initial state, when the elastic folding structure 40 is inside the storage compartment 20, the support rod group 42 is constrained inward by the side wall of the compartment or the guide structure, so that it is in a folded and retracted state. At this time, the first elastic element 43 is preloaded and stores elastic potential energy.

[0023] When the telescopic slide bar 41 is pushed by the first drive assembly 32 to drive the support rod assembly 42 to slide upward and gradually slide out of the compartment 21, the original lateral limiting effect on the support rod assembly 42 disappears. The first elastic element 43 then releases its stored elastic potential energy, driving the support rod assembly 42 to rotate outward around its hinge point with the telescopic slide bar 41. This causes the airflow regulating component 50 to automatically flip from a vertical or near-vertical storage posture to a forward tilted or horizontally unfolded posture, causing it to rotate away from the air outlet assembly 10 and cross in front of the air outlet path, thereby achieving the blocking and guiding of strong airflow.

[0024] The deployment process is passively and automatically triggered, requiring no additional motor control, resulting in a simple structure and reliable response. By adjusting the preload of the first elastic element 43, the deployment speed and final angle can be controlled to adapt to the needs of different air supply scenarios. This design realizes the "automatic deployment" function of the airflow regulating element 50, further enhancing the system's intelligence and user experience, while avoiding the problems of complex wiring, increased costs, and higher failure rates caused by multi-motor collaborative control in traditional solutions.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least two support rod groups 42 are provided on the telescopic slide rod 41 at intervals, and the ends of all the support rod groups 42 away from the telescopic slide rod 41 are hinged to the airflow regulating member 50.

[0026] To further improve the structural stability and motion consistency of the airflow regulating component 50 in the deployed state, at least two sets of support rods 42 are provided at intervals along the length of the telescopic slide rod 41, preferably two or three sets, evenly distributed in the upper region of the telescopic slide rod 41 to form a multi-point drive layout.

[0027] Each set of support rods 42 is rotatably connected to the side wall or top connecting seat of the telescopic slide rod 41 via a rotating shaft. The end of each support rod set 42 away from the telescopic slide rod 41 is hinged to the corresponding connecting part on the side or back of the airflow regulator 50 through an independent hinge point. This allows the airflow regulator 50 to be subjected to the synergistic effect of multiple support points during the unfolding and retraction process, resulting in a more uniform force distribution and avoiding problems such as twisting, jamming, or vibration caused by uneven force on one side.

[0028] When the telescopic slide bar 41 rises along the storage track 31 and slides out of the compartment 21 under the drive of the first drive assembly 32, each support rod group 42 unfolds outward synchronously under the action of the first elastic member 43. Since all support rod groups 42 are hinged to the airflow regulating member 50, their unfolding action can drive the airflow regulating member 50 to rotate smoothly as a whole, realizing a smooth transition from the vertical storage state to the forward tilting or horizontal working state.

[0029] The design of multiple support structures also improves the airflow regulator 50's resistance to deformation when subjected to the impact of the exhaust airflow, ensuring stability even in high-speed operation and effectively guaranteeing the continuity of the airflow guiding effect. Furthermore, damping hinges or flexible connection structures can be installed at the connection points between each support rod group 42 and the airflow regulator 50 to provide cushioning when fully extended, reducing mechanical impact noise and improving the user experience.

[0030] In one embodiment, the support rod assembly 42 includes a fixed support rod assembly 421 and an adjustable support rod assembly 422. The fixed support rod assembly 421 and the adjustable support rod assembly 422 are spaced apart from the telescopic slide rod 41. Both ends of the fixed support rod assembly 421 and the adjustable support rod assembly 422 along their own length direction are respectively hinged to the telescopic slide rod 41 and the airflow regulating member 50. The first elastic member 43 is disposed between the telescopic slide rod 41 and the fixed support rod assembly 421 and the adjustable support rod assembly 422. The adjustable support rod assembly 422 can adjust its own length.

[0031] To further achieve precise control of the flip angle of the airflow regulator 50, the support rod group 42 includes a fixed support rod group 421 and an adjustable support rod group 422, which are alternately or intermittently arranged along the length direction of the telescopic slide rod 41 to form a differentiated drive layout.

[0032] The fixed support rod assembly 421 has a constant length, and its two ends are hinged to the telescopic slide rod 41 and the airflow regulating component 50 respectively through a rotating shaft, which is used to provide basic support force and deployment guidance; the adjustable support rod assembly 422 has the ability to adjust its length, and its two ends are also hinged to the telescopic slide rod 41 and the airflow regulating component 50 respectively, so that when the length changes, it can actively change the connection point position of the airflow regulating component 50, thereby adjusting its deployment posture.

[0033] The first elastic element 43 is located at the hinge between the telescopic slide rod 41 and each support rod assembly 42, or directly connected between the support rod assembly 42 body. In the retracted state, it is compressed or stretched to store elastic potential energy. When the support rod assembly 42 slides out of the compartment opening 21, it is automatically released, driving the entire support rod assembly 42 to unfold outwards and complete the initial flipping action. The length adjustment function of the adjustable support rod assembly 422 can be achieved through a built-in telescopic mechanism, such as a threaded sleeve, a sliding nested rod, or an electromagnetic push rod, allowing it to actively extend or shorten under external control signals. When the air conditioner is operating in different modes, the control system drives the adjustable support rod assembly 422 to make fine adjustments based on the current wind speed, temperature, and user location information.

[0034] In cooling mode, its extension is controlled, causing the airflow regulator 50 to tilt forward and downward, thus reducing the feeling of direct cold air blowing. In heating mode, its shortening is controlled, causing the airflow regulator 50 to tend to be vertical or tilted backward, reducing obstruction to the natural rise of hot air.

[0035] This design utilizes a hybrid support structure with one fixed end and one adjustable end to achieve graded adjustable posture of the airflow regulator 50. It retains the automatic deployment reliability of the first elastic element 43 while introducing active adjustment capabilities, enhancing the intelligent level of airflow comfort. Simultaneously, all support rod assemblies 42 maintain a hinged connection with the telescopic slide rod 41 and the airflow regulator 50, ensuring no rigid interference during movement and smooth, stable operation. This design is suitable for mid-to-high-end cabinet air conditioning products with high requirements for user-friendly airflow.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adjustable support rod assembly 422 includes a first rod body 4221, a second rod body 4222, and a second drive assembly 4223. The second rod body 4222 is slidably disposed on the first rod body 4221, and the second drive assembly 4223 is disposed on the first rod body 4221. The second drive assembly 4223 drives the second rod body 4222 to slide along the length direction of the first rod body 4221. The second rod body 4222 is hinged to the airflow regulating member 50, and the first rod body 4221 is hinged to the telescopic slide rod 41. The first elastic member 43 is disposed between the first rod body 4221 and the telescopic slide rod 41.

[0037] The adjustable support rod assembly 422 specifically includes a first rod body 4221, a second rod body 4222, and a second drive assembly 4223, forming an actively telescopic transmission unit. The first rod body 4221 is a cylindrical or rod with a mounting flange, one end of which is hinged to a connecting seat on the telescopic slide rod 41 via a rotating shaft, forming a rotation fulcrum; the second rod body 4222 is an extended section slidably embedded inside the first rod body 4221, which can slide freely along the axial direction of the first rod body 4221, forming a telescopic structure.

[0038] The second drive assembly 4223 is located inside or at the end of the first rod 4221, preferably a micro stepper motor or a DC geared motor, and its output shaft is connected to a lead screw, gear rack or cam mechanism to convert rotational motion into linear thrust, driving the second rod 4222 to extend or retract relative to the first rod 4221.

[0039] When the control system issues an adjustment command, the second drive assembly 4223 is activated, driving the second rod 4222 to move along the length direction of the first rod 4221, thereby changing the overall length of the adjustable support rod assembly 422 and realizing the dynamic adjustment of the connection point position of the airflow regulating component 50.

[0040] The outer end of the second rod 4222 is hinged to the adjustment support on the back of the airflow regulator 50 via a hinge structure, so that changes in length can be converted into changes in the attitude angle of the airflow regulator 50. At the same time, the fixed support rod assembly 421 and other non-adjustable support structures maintain the basic support function, ensuring the overall motion stability.

[0041] The first elastic element 43 is located at the hinge between the first rod body 4221 and the telescopic slide rod 41. For example, it adopts a torsion spring or tension spring structure. It is preloaded when the elastic folding structure 40 is housed in the storage compartment 20. When the support rod assembly 42 slides out of the compartment opening 21 with the telescopic slide rod 41, it automatically releases elastic potential energy, driving all support rod assemblies 42, including the adjustable support rod assembly 422, to unfold outward as a whole, completing the initial flipping action.

[0042] Subsequently, the second drive component 4223 further fine-tunes the extension and retraction of the second rod 4222 according to the air conditioning operation mode, fan speed setting, or user needs, to achieve precise angle control.

[0043] The structure of this solution combines passive automatic deployment with active fine adjustment, which improves the intelligence level of air supply control while ensuring the reliability of the operation. It is suitable for high-end cabinet air conditioning products that need to achieve differentiated air guiding strategies.

[0044] In addition, the second drive component 4223 can be electrically connected to the main control system through a flexible circuit or slip ring structure to adapt to the electrical transmission requirements during the motion process and ensure stable and reliable signal.

[0045] In one embodiment, the two telescopic adjustment components 30 are symmetrically arranged facing each other on the inner wall of the storage compartment 20 with the air outlet component 10 as the center.

[0046] To improve the stability and force balance of the airflow regulating component 50 in the unfolded state, the two sets of telescopic control components 30 are arranged symmetrically on the inner wall of the storage compartment 20 with the central axis of the air outlet component 10 as the symmetry reference, preferably on the left and right inner walls of the storage compartment 20 or along the two horizontal ends.

[0047] Each telescopic control assembly 30 includes an independent storage track 31, a telescopic slide rod 41, an elastic folding structure 40, and a first drive assembly 32, forming a dual-sided synchronous drive unit. The telescopic slide rod 41 of the left telescopic control assembly 30 extends forward and upward along the left inner side wall, while the right unit is arranged in a mirror image. The two rise synchronously during movement, driving their respective connected support rod groups 42 and airflow regulating components 50 to unfold synchronously.

[0048] The airflow regulating component 50 is an integral wind deflector, with its bottom sides hinged to the ends of the left and right adjustable support rod assemblies 422, respectively. This ensures uniform force distribution under dual-sided drive, avoiding torsion, jamming, or tilting caused by unilateral thrust. The two sets of first drive assemblies 32 are driven by the same control signal to ensure synchronized operation. Their transmission structure can adopt common forms such as gear-rack, synchronous belt, or lead screw to ensure consistent motion.

[0049] When the system is started, the telescopic slide bars 41 on both sides slide upward along their respective storage tracks 31 at the same time. After the support rod group 42 slides out of the compartment 21, it automatically unfolds by relying on the first elastic element 43 located at the hinge point, which drives the airflow regulating element 50 to smoothly flip from the vertical storage state to the forward tilting working state and span across the front of the air outlet assembly 10 to form a complete shielding surface.

[0050] The symmetrical arrangement of this design significantly improves the structural stability of the airflow regulating component 50 under high wind speed operating conditions, enhances the system's resistance to deformation, and shortens the single-sided load stroke, thus extending the service life of the drive components.

[0051] In one embodiment, the airflow control component of the present invention further includes a chamber sealing component 60, including a chamber cover 61 and a second elastic member 62. The chamber cover 61 is disposed at the chamber opening 21 and is hinged to the storage chamber 20. The second elastic member 62 is disposed between the chamber cover 61 and the storage chamber 20. The second elastic member 62 is pre-tensioned and drives the chamber cover 61 to rotate away from the air outlet component 10 to cover the chamber opening 21.

[0052] To improve the appearance integrity and dustproof performance of the airflow control component in the non-working state, the storage compartment 20 also includes a compartment sealing component 60. This component is located at the compartment opening 21 of the storage compartment 20 and is used to automatically close the inlet and outlet after the airflow control component 50 is fully retracted to prevent foreign objects from entering the internal mechanism.

[0053] The compartment sealing assembly 60 includes a compartment cover 61 and a second elastic element 62. The compartment cover 61 is a sheet-like structure that matches the shape of the compartment opening 21. It can be made of plastic or lightweight alloy. One end of the cover is hinged to the side wall or top edge of the storage compartment 20 via a pivot, so that the compartment cover 61 can rotate around the pivot between the closed and open states.

[0054] When the airflow regulating component 50 is in the retracted state, the cover 61 remains closed under the action of the second elastic component 62, tightly covering the outside or inside of the opening 21 to form a flat sealing surface that is flush with or smoothly transitions to the front panel of the air conditioner, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the unit.

[0055] The second elastic element 62 is a torsion spring, tension spring, or spring sheet structure, located in the hinge area between the cover 61 and the storage compartment 20. During installation, it is pre-existingly deformed to form a pre-tensioned state, continuously providing a restoring force that causes the cover 61 to rotate in the closing direction.

[0056] When the telescopic control component 30 is activated and the telescopic slide bar 41 drives the elastic folding structure 40 to slide upward, the root structure of the support rod assembly 42 or the airflow regulating component 50 contacts the inner side of the compartment cover 61 during the upward movement and applies a pushing force to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic component 62, pushing the compartment cover 61 to flip outward around the rotation axis and open, forming a channel for the moving parts to pass through. Once the airflow regulating component 50 is fully extended, the compartment cover 61 remains open. When the windproof function ends and the telescopic slide bar 41 begins to retract, the compartment cover 61 is no longer obstructed and automatically resets and rotates under the drive of the second elastic component 62, re-closing itself at the compartment opening 21 to complete the sealing action.

[0057] This process requires no additional motor or control unit; it relies solely on mechanical linkage and elastic reset to achieve automatic opening and closing. It features a simple structure, reliable response, and low power consumption. Flexible sealing strips or chamfered guide structures can be installed on the mating surfaces of the cover 61 and the opening 21 to enhance dust and moisture protection during closure and prevent jamming due to misalignment.

[0058] The enclosure sealing component 60 effectively solves the problems of dust accumulation, noise, and visual obtrusiveness caused by exposed holes in traditional movable mechanisms, further enhancing the product's intelligent experience and long-term reliability.

[0059] The present invention also discloses an air conditioner, which includes the airflow control components of the embodiments described above. Specifically, the air conditioner is a floor-standing unit, with an air outlet assembly 10 on its front panel for supplying air to the indoor space. The airflow control component is located below the air outlet assembly 10 and includes a horizontally arranged storage compartment 20, a telescopic control component 30 disposed therein, and an airflow regulating component 50 connected thereto. The storage compartment 20 is a hollow shell structure with a compartment opening 21. A compartment cover 61, driven by a second elastic element 62, is located at the compartment opening 21 and can automatically close when there is no external obstruction, maintaining a clean appearance of the front panel.

[0060] The telescopic control assembly 30 includes a storage track 31, a telescopic slide rod 41, an elastic folding structure 40, and a first drive assembly 32. The first drive assembly 32 is a miniature forward and reverse rotating motor installed in the storage track 31, which drives the telescopic slide rod 41 to rise or fall along the track via a gear-rack transmission. The elastic folding structure 40 includes at least two sets of support rods 42, which are hinged to the telescopic slide rod 41 and the airflow regulating component 50, respectively. After sliding out of the compartment opening 21, it automatically unfolds by releasing the potential energy of the first elastic element 43.

[0061] The airflow regulating component 50 is a plate-shaped structure connected to the distal end of the support rod assembly 42. In its unfolded state, it spans across the front of the air outlet to block or guide airflow, preventing cold or hot air from blowing directly on the human body. When the air conditioner activates the anti-direct-blow mode, the control system outputs a command, the first drive component 32 is activated, and the telescopic slide rod 41 pushes the support rod assembly 42 and the airflow regulating component 50 to slide upward. During the upward movement, the airflow regulating component 50 pushes open the compartment cover 61 and slides out of the compartment opening 21. The support rod assembly 42 flips outward under the action of the first elastic element 43, causing the airflow regulating component 50 to change from a vertically retracted posture to a forward-tilted working posture. According to the air conditioner's operating mode or user settings, the unfolding angle can be further adjusted by the second drive component 4223 in the adjustable support rod assembly 422.

[0062] After the task is completed, the system controls the telescopic slide bar 41 to retract in the opposite direction, and the airflow regulating component 50 descends and resets. After fully entering the storage compartment 20, the compartment cover 61 automatically closes under the action of the second elastic component 62, restoring the entire unit to a sealed state. This air conditioner, through its built-in airflow control components, achieves fully automated, highly concealed, and intelligent adjustment capabilities for its wind deflection function, significantly improving user comfort and product aesthetics. It also features a compact structure, reliable operation, and suitability for various residential and commercial indoor environments.

[0063] This invention also discloses an air conditioner control method, applied to the air conditioner described above. The method includes: S110. Responding to the user's input windshield opening command, control the first drive component to drive the telescopic slide bar to slide along the storage track toward the compartment opening, so that the elastic folding structure extends out of the storage compartment. S120. When the elastic folding structure slides out of the compartment, the first elastic element releases the pre-stored elastic potential energy, driving the support rod group to rotate around the telescopic slide rod, causing the airflow regulating component to automatically flip from the folded state to the unfolded state, so that the airflow regulating component covers the air outlet assembly's air outlet direction. S130. The air conditioner acquires environmental and personnel information through a multimodal sensor and controls the second drive assembly to adjust the length of the adjustable support rod assembly based on the environmental and personnel information, thereby changing the flip angle of the airflow regulating component and its relative distance to the air outlet assembly. S140. When a windshield closing command is received or a preset closing condition is met, the first drive component is controlled to reverse drive the telescopic slide bar to retract into the storage compartment, so that the elastic folding structure folds and resets under the guidance of the storage track. At the same time, the compartment cover automatically closes at the compartment opening under the action of the second elastic element.

[0064] When a user inputs the "turn on the fan deflector" command via remote control, mobile application, or voice command, the air conditioner's main control module receives the command and initiates the airflow control program. The control system first outputs a drive signal to the first drive assembly 32, controlling its forward movement to drive the telescopic slide rod 41 to slide smoothly upward along the storage track 31, pushing the elastic folding structure 40 as a whole towards the compartment opening 21. During the upward movement, the top of the telescopic slide rod 41 or the root of the support rod assembly 42 contacts the inside of the compartment cover 61, overcoming the preload force of the second elastic element 62, and opening the compartment cover 61, thus opening the passage.

[0065] As the elastic folding structure 40 continues to slide out of the compartment 21, the previously constrained support rod assembly 42 disengages from the limiting area of ​​the storage compartment 20. The first elastic element 43, located at the hinge point between the support rod assembly 42 and the telescopic slide rod 41, releases its stored elastic potential energy, driving the support rod assembly 42 to rotate outward around its connection axis with the telescopic slide rod 41. This causes the airflow regulating component 50, connected to its distal end, to automatically flip from a vertically folded state to a forward-tilted unfolded state, ultimately spanning the air outlet assembly 10 in the airflow direction, forming a physical shield to achieve a gentle breeze or anti-direct-blow function. To achieve precise adjustment of the airflow angle, the air conditioner is equipped with multimodal sensors that collect real-time target environmental and personnel information. Among them, a visible light camera identifies whether there are people in the room, their location, and height; an infrared thermal imaging sensor confirms the actual presence of people and eliminates false alarms; and a temperature and humidity sensor determines the current air conditioning operating mode.

[0066] The control system makes decisions based on the fused sensing data. If it is in air conditioning cooling mode and the target user is detected to be a child or elderly person, it further outputs an adjustment command to the second drive component 4223, controlling it to extend the second rod 4222 of the adjustable support rod assembly 422 relative to the first rod 4221, thereby causing the airflow regulating component 50 to tilt further forward and enhance the shielding effect; if it is in heating mode or the user is far away, it controls the second rod 4222 to shorten, making the airflow regulating component 50 more vertical and reducing the obstruction of the rising path of hot air.

[0067] When the air conditioner is in standby, off, manually shut down by the user, or when no one is detected indoors for a preset period of time, the system determines that the preset shutdown conditions are met and initiates the retraction process. The control system reverses the drive of the first drive assembly 32, causing the telescopic slide rod 41 to descend uniformly along the retraction track 31, which in turn causes the airflow regulating component 50 to retract synchronously. During the descent, the support rod assembly 42 naturally folds inward and resets under the guidance and constraint of the retraction track 31, and the first elastic element 43 is recompressed and preloaded. When the airflow regulating component 50 is fully inside the retraction chamber 20, the chamber cover 61 loses its support and automatically rotates and closes under the action of the second elastic element 62, tightly sealing the chamber opening 21 and restoring the overall appearance of the front panel. This control method achieves fully automated operation of the airflow regulating component, taking into account functionality, intelligence, and aesthetics, and is suitable for intelligent air conditioning products with high requirements for humanized air delivery.

[0068] Furthermore, the steps in S130 include: S131. Obtain indoor personnel information through a camera and determine the location and age of the target user through a preset model; S132. Determine the current operating mode of the air conditioner using a temperature and humidity sensor; S133. If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the target user is detected to be a user of the first age, then control the second drive component to drive the second rod to move away from the air outlet component. S134. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the target user is detected to be a user of the second age, then control the second rod part to move towards the air outlet assembly.

[0069] In this embodiment, the term "first-age user" refers to children, and "second-age user" refers to the elderly. The air conditioner's built-in camera collects indoor image information in real time and transmits the data to a local processor or cloud analysis module. A preset image recognition model is used to detect and classify human targets in the image. This preset model can be trained based on a lightweight convolutional neural network, such as MobileNetV3, and has the ability to identify user location, height profile, posture orientation, and age range classification. For example, it can distinguish between adults, children, or the elderly based on head proportions and body features.

[0070] Meanwhile, the air conditioner's temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor changes in temperature and humidity on the return air side or in the indoor environment. The control system determines whether the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode based on the current set mode and measured parameters. After completing information fusion, the system activates a differentiated fan control strategy.

[0071] If the air conditioner is determined to be in cooling mode and the target user is identified as a child, a control signal is output to the second drive component 4223 to identify whether the child's height is below a preset threshold or the head is too large, based on a preset model. This drive component 4223 moves the second rod 4222 in the adjustable support rod assembly 422 away from the air outlet assembly 10, thereby forcing the airflow regulating component 50 to tilt forward to a larger angle, enhancing the shielding effect on the area below, effectively preventing cold air from blowing directly on the child's body, and improving safety and comfort.

[0072] If the system determines that the air conditioner is in heating mode and detects that the target user is an elderly person, it uses a preset model to identify the posture as sitting or lying down and combines this with body characteristics to determine the user's condition. Then, it controls the second drive component 4223 to move the second rod 4222 towards the air outlet component 10, correspondingly reducing the obstruction angle of the airflow regulator 50, making it more vertical or slightly tilted backward. This avoids excessively blocking the natural upward path of hot air, improving the efficiency of hot air diffusion and accelerating the indoor temperature rise. This adjustment process is dynamic, continuous, or stepped, and the extension / retraction amount can be further optimized according to the fan speed and distance.

[0073] The entire control process requires no active user intervention, achieving an intelligent airflow experience that adapts to different scenarios. Furthermore, in multi-user scenarios, the system can prioritize responding to the nearest user or perform a comprehensive judgment according to preset priorities, ensuring that the control strategy is reasonable and effective. This method, by combining visual recognition and environmental perception, achieves precise airflow control based on user attributes and operating conditions, significantly enhancing the intelligent service level of air conditioning products.

[0074] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An airflow control component, characterized in that, include: Air outlet assembly; A storage compartment is provided on the periphery of the air outlet assembly, and the storage compartment has an opening on the side of the air outlet assembly closer to the air outlet assembly. The telescopic control component includes a storage track, an elastic folding structure, and a first drive component. The first drive component is disposed on the storage track, the elastic folding structure is slidably disposed on the storage track, the storage track is disposed in the storage compartment, and the storage track extends toward the direction of the air outlet component. An airflow regulating component is connected to the end of the elastic folding structure that is away from the storage track. When the elastic folding structure slides out of the compartment opening, the elastic folding structure unfolds in the air outlet direction of the air outlet assembly, and the airflow regulating component blocks the air outlet direction.

2. The airflow control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic folding structure includes a telescopic slide rod, a support rod assembly, and a first elastic element. The support rod assembly is rotatably disposed on the telescopic slide rod, and the first elastic element is disposed between the support rod assemblies. The support rod assemblies are connected to the airflow regulating component. The telescopic slide rod is slidably disposed on the storage track. The first driving assembly drives the telescopic slide rod to slide on the storage track. When the support rod assemblies are located inside the storage compartment, the first elastic element is pre-tensioned. When the support rod assemblies are located outside the storage compartment, the first elastic element drives the airflow regulating component to rotate away from the air outlet assembly.

3. The airflow control component according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two support rod groups are provided at intervals on the telescopic slide rod, and the end of all the support rod groups away from the telescopic slide rod is hinged to the airflow regulating component.

4. The airflow control component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support rod assembly includes a fixed support rod assembly and an adjustable support rod assembly, which are spaced apart from the telescopic slide rod. Both ends of the fixed support rod assembly and the adjustable support rod assembly are hinged to the telescopic slide rod and the airflow regulating component, respectively, along their length. The first elastic element is located between the telescopic slide rod and the fixed support rod assembly and the adjustable support rod assembly. The adjustable support rod assembly can adjust its own length.

5. The airflow control component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjustable support rod assembly includes a first rod body, a second rod body, and a second drive assembly. The second rod body is slidably disposed on the first rod body, and the second drive assembly is disposed on the first rod body. The second drive assembly drives the second rod body to slide along the length direction of the first rod body. The second rod body is hinged to the airflow regulating component, and the first rod body is hinged to the telescopic slide rod. The first elastic element is disposed between the first rod body and the telescopic slide rod.

6. The airflow control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two telescopic control components are arranged symmetrically facing each other on the inner wall of the storage compartment with the air outlet component as the center.

7. The airflow control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a compartment sealing assembly, comprising a compartment cover and a second elastic member. The compartment cover is disposed at the compartment opening and is hinged to the storage compartment. The second elastic member is disposed between the compartment cover and the storage compartment. The second elastic member is pre-tensioned and drives the compartment cover to rotate away from the air outlet assembly to close the compartment opening.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the airflow control component as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An air conditioner control method, characterized in that, Applied to the air conditioner as described in claim 8, the method includes: In response to the user's input command to open the windshield, the first drive component is controlled to drive the telescopic slide bar to slide along the storage track toward the compartment opening, so that the elastic folding structure extends out of the storage compartment. When the elastic folding structure slides out of the compartment, the first elastic element releases the pre-stored elastic potential energy, driving the support rod assembly to rotate around the telescopic slide rod, causing the airflow regulating component to automatically flip from the folded state to the unfolded state, so that the airflow regulating component covers the air outlet assembly's air outlet direction. The air conditioner acquires environmental and personnel information through a multimodal sensor and controls the second drive component to adjust the length of the adjustable support rod assembly based on the environmental and personnel information, thereby changing the flip angle of the airflow regulating component and its relative distance to the air outlet assembly. When a windshield closing command is received or a preset closing condition is met, the first drive component is controlled to reverse drive the telescopic slide bar to retract into the storage compartment, so that the elastic folding structure folds and resets under the guidance of the storage track. At the same time, the compartment cover automatically closes at the compartment opening under the action of the second elastic element.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of acquiring environmental and personnel information through a multimodal sensor mounted on the air conditioner, and controlling the second drive assembly to adjust the length of the adjustable support rod assembly based on the environmental and personnel information, thereby changing the flip angle of the airflow regulating component and its relative distance to the air outlet assembly, includes: The system uses cameras to acquire information about people indoors and uses a preset model to determine the location and age of the target user. The current operating mode of the air conditioner is determined by a temperature and humidity sensor. If the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the target user is detected to be a user of the first age, then the second drive component is controlled to drive the second rod to move away from the air outlet component. If the air conditioner is in heating mode and the target user is detected to be a user of the second age, the second rod part is controlled to move closer to the air outlet assembly.

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