Indoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The indoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a shell, an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, the water pan is arranged below the indoor heat exchanger and configured to receive condensate water at the indoor heat exchanger, and the water pan is provided with a connecting pipe; the drain pipe is clamped with the connecting pipe, so that condensate water in the water pan flows into the drain pipe through the connecting pipe, and the total length between the water inlet of the connecting pipe and the water outlet of the drain pipe is changed by adjusting the clamping position of the drain pipe and the connecting pipe. According to the air conditioner indoor unit, the redundant length of the drainage pipe can be reduced, the situation that the service life of the drainage pipe is shortened due to bending of the drainage pipe is avoided, and user experience is improved; the cabinet is embedded in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air inlet amount is increased, the freezing phenomenon of the indoor heat exchanger due to insufficient air amount is avoided, and the working reliability of the indoor heat exchanger is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to an indoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With social development and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, various air conditioning devices have become an indispensable electrical appliance in people's daily lives. These devices help people reach a comfortable temperature when the ambient temperature is too high or too low. Currently, air conditioning devices mainly include various types of air conditioners and fans.

[0003] Air conditioners can be divided into integrated air conditioners and split air conditioners. Split air conditioners include an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Due to the increasing popularity of integrated home décor, people's requirements for air conditioner indoor units are also gradually rising. They not only need a high-quality appearance and superior performance, but also must meet the needs of home decoration. Built-in air conditioner indoor units not only have the functions of a regular air conditioner indoor unit, but also blend seamlessly with the style of the cabinetry. Embedding the air conditioner indoor unit into the cabinetry creates a unified and aesthetically pleasing look.

[0004] When using existing air conditioner indoor units for recessed installation, a drain pipe must be laid first, then the indoor unit is installed in the cabinet, and finally the indoor unit is connected to the drain pipe. During the drain pipe connection, it is easy for the drain pipe to bend, forming a water trap, which reduces the lifespan of the drain pipe and increases the risk of condensate leakage. Furthermore, the air intake method of existing air conditioner indoor units, similar to that of traditional wall-mounted air conditioners, is not suitable for recessed installation. Traditional wall-mounted air conditioners typically draw air through a top air intake vent, which is obstructed by the cabinet after the indoor unit is installed, affecting air intake. Reduced airflow can also lead to insufficient heat exchange by the indoor heat exchanger, causing icing and affecting its normal operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to reduce the redundant length of the drain pipe and avoid bending of the drain pipe, which would shorten its service life.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to increase the air intake while mounting the indoor unit of the air conditioner in a cabinet, thereby preventing the indoor heat exchanger from icing due to insufficient airflow.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: a housing having an indoor heat exchanger disposed therein; a drip tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger and configured to collect condensate from the indoor heat exchanger, and the drip tray having a connecting pipe; and a drain pipe that is snapped into the connecting pipe so that condensate in the drip tray flows into the drain pipe through the connecting pipe, and the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe can be changed by adjusting the snapping position of the drain pipe and the connecting pipe.

[0008] Optionally, the drain pipe includes a connector and a water pipe, with one end of the connector snapped into the connecting pipe and the other end connected to the water pipe.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting pipe is provided with a first buckle at the front and a second buckle at the rear, and the connector is provided with a first slot. When the first slot is engaged with the first buckle, the total length is a first length; when the first slot is engaged with the second buckle, the total length is a second length, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting pipe is provided with a third buckle, and the connector is provided with a second groove at the front and a third groove at the rear. When the second groove and the third buckle are engaged, the total length is the third length; when the third groove and the third buckle are engaged, the total length is the fourth length, wherein the third length is greater than the fourth length.

[0011] Optionally, the water tray includes a frame body configured to support the indoor heat exchanger, and the connecting pipe is located on either the left or right side of the frame body.

[0012] Optionally, the frame body gradually decreases from the side away from the connecting pipe to the side of the connecting pipe, so that condensate water gathers at the connecting pipe and flows out.

[0013] Optionally, the skeleton body and the connecting pipe are integrally formed.

[0014] Optionally, the drip tray is made of ABS or HIPS; the connector is made of POM.

[0015] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes: a panel, which is located on the front side of the casing, with an air inlet at the top and an air outlet at the bottom.

[0016] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is housed in a cabinet with a front opening and the panel facing forward. The cabinet has a rear wall, and the water pipes are fixed to the rear wall.

[0017] The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention includes: a housing, wherein an indoor heat exchanger is disposed inside; a water collection tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger and configured to receive condensate from the indoor heat exchanger, and the water collection tray is provided with a connecting pipe; and a drain pipe, which is snapped into the connecting pipe so that condensate in the water collection tray flows into the drain pipe through the connecting pipe. By adjusting the snapping position of the drain pipe and the connecting pipe, the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe can be changed, thereby reducing the redundant length of the drain pipe, preventing the drain pipe from bending and shortening its service life, and improving the user experience.

[0018] Furthermore, in the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, the panel is located on the front side of the housing, with an air inlet at the top and an air outlet at the bottom; the indoor unit is installed in a cabinet with a front opening, and the panel faces forward, thereby increasing the air intake while the indoor unit is installed in the cabinet, preventing the indoor heat exchanger from freezing due to insufficient airflow, and improving the working reliability of the indoor heat exchanger; the cabinet has a rear wall, and the water pipe is fixed to the rear wall to ensure the installation stability of the drain pipe and prevent the drain pipe from easily moving and causing water leakage.

[0019] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe of an air conditioner indoor unit is a first length, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe of an air conditioner indoor unit is a second length, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe of the indoor unit of an air conditioner is a third length, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe of the indoor unit of an air conditioner is a fourth length, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the housing of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This embodiment provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner that can reduce the redundant length of the drain pipe, avoid bending the drain pipe and shortening its service life, and improve the user experience. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air conditioner indoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 of an air conditioner indoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a first length. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 of an air conditioner indoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a second length. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 of the indoor unit 100 of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention is a third length. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing that the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 of the indoor unit 100 of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention is a fourth length. Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the housing 110 of an indoor unit 100 of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner in this embodiment generally includes: a housing 110, a water tray 130, and a drain pipe 140.

[0028] The housing 110 houses an indoor heat exchanger 111. The indoor heat exchanger 111 is configured to exchange heat with the air entering the housing 110. Specifically, when the indoor unit 100 operates in cooling mode, the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 111 is cold air, which lowers the ambient temperature after being delivered to the indoor environment. When the indoor unit 100 operates in heating mode, the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 111 is hot air, which raises the ambient temperature after being delivered to the indoor environment.

[0029] A drip tray 130, located below the indoor heat exchanger 111, is configured to collect condensate from the indoor heat exchanger 111 and is equipped with a connecting pipe 131. A drain pipe 140 can be snapped into the connecting pipe 131, allowing condensate from the drip tray 130 to flow into the drain pipe 140 through the connecting pipe 131. Specifically, during the cooling process of the indoor unit 100, when the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 111 is lower than the dew point temperature of the indoor air, water vapor in the air condenses upon contact with the condensate, forming liquid condensate. After flowing into the drip tray 130, the condensate can flow through the connecting pipe 131 to the drain pipe 140, and finally be discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 140.

[0030] When using existing air conditioner indoor units, a drain pipe must be laid first, then the indoor unit is installed in the cabinet, and finally the indoor unit is connected to the drain pipe. During the connection of the drain pipe, it is easy for the drain pipe to bend, forming a water trap, which reduces the lifespan of the drain pipe and increases the risk of condensate leakage. In this embodiment, the air conditioner indoor unit 100 changes the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 by adjusting the snap-fit ​​position between the drain pipe 140 and the connecting pipe 131. This primarily reduces the total length, which in turn reduces the length of the movable portion of the drain pipe 140, thus reducing the redundant length of the drain pipe 140, preventing bending and shortening its lifespan, and improving the user experience.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the drain pipe 140 includes a connector 141 and a water pipe 142, with one end of the connector 141 snap-fitted to the connecting pipe 131 and the other end connected to the water pipe 142. That is, one end of the connector 141 of the drain pipe 140 can be snap-fitted to the connecting pipe 131 of the water tray 130. Furthermore, the other end of the connector 141 can be quickly connected to the water pipe 142 via a snap-fit ​​connection. In other embodiments, the drain pipe 140 may not have a connector 141, and may only have a water pipe 142; the connecting pipe 131 of the water tray 130 can be directly connected to the water pipe 142 of the drain pipe 140.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connecting pipe 131 may be provided with a first buckle 133 at the front and a second buckle 134 at the rear, and the connecting member 141 may be provided with a first slot 143. Furthermore, when the first slot 143 engages with the first buckle 133, the total length is a first length; when the first slot 143 engages with the second buckle 134, the total length is a second length, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

[0033] It should be noted that, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 141 shown has a front first slot 143 and a rear fourth slot 146, but in reality, the overall length is changed by adjusting the engagement of the front first slot 143 with the first buckle 133 and the second buckle 134. The reason for providing the fourth slot 146 at the rear of the connector 141 is to... Figure 2 When the first slot 143 and the first buckle 133 are engaged, the second buckle 134 can be exposed in the fourth slot 146, avoiding interference between the second buckle 134 and the inner wall of the connector 141, and effectively ensuring the connection reliability of the connector 141 and the connecting pipe 131.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting pipe 131 may be provided with a third latch 135, and the connecting piece 141 may be provided with a front second latch 144 and a rear third latch 145. Specifically, the third latch 135 may be located slightly rearward of the connecting pipe 131. Furthermore, when the second latch 144 and the third latch 135 are engaged, the total length is the third length; when the third latch 145 and the third latch 135 are engaged, the total length is the fourth length, wherein the third length is greater than the fourth length.

[0035] Figures 2 to 5 The illustrations show the connection between one end of the connector 141 of the drain pipe 140 and the connecting pipe 131 of the water receiving tray 130. In some other embodiments, where the drain pipe 140 does not have a connector 141 and only has a water pipe 142, the connecting pipe 131 of the water receiving tray 130 can be directly connected to the water pipe 142 of the drain pipe 140. In this case, the corresponding slots originally provided on the connector 141 can be changed to be provided on the water pipe 142.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the drip tray 130 may include a frame body 132 configured to support the indoor heat exchanger 111. That is, the drip tray 130 has a dual function in this embodiment: it can both support the indoor heat exchanger 111 and collect condensate from the indoor heat exchanger 111. Furthermore, the connecting pipe 131 is located on either the left or right side of the frame body 132. Figures 2 to 5 The connecting pipes 131 shown are all located on the right side of the skeleton body 132.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the skeleton body 132 gradually decreases in elevation from the side away from the connecting pipe 131 to the side of the connecting pipe 131, so that condensate collects at the connecting pipe 131 and flows out. Figures 2 to 5The connecting pipes 131 shown are all located on the right side of the frame body 132, meaning the frame body 132 gradually decreases in elevation from left to right. It should be noted that the slope of the frame body 132 as it gradually decreases is relatively small to avoid affecting the stability of the heat exchanger 111 in the support chamber due to an excessive slope. A small slope is sufficient to ensure that condensate collects at the connecting pipe 131, flows in through the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131, and finally flows out through the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the frame body 132 and the connecting pipe 131 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the water receiving tray 130 can be made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), which offers high strength, good toughness, and ease of processing and molding. The connector 141 can be made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), which has the advantages of high strength, high rigidity, and good elasticity.

[0039] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner may further include a panel 120, disposed on the front side of the housing 110, with an air inlet 121 at the top and an air outlet 122 at the bottom. Air can enter the interior of the housing 110 through the air inlet 121, and after heat exchange by the indoor heat exchanger 111, it can be delivered to the indoor environment through the air outlet 122. When the indoor unit 100 is installed, the drain pipe 140 needs to be laid first, then the indoor unit 100 is installed in the cabinet, and finally the indoor unit 100 is connected to the drain pipe 140. However, in this embodiment, after removing the panel 120, the lower right side of the indoor unit 100 has a gap, making it convenient for workers or users to reach inside and connect the indoor unit 100 to the drain pipe 140.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the housing 110 internally defines a first channel 115 and a second channel 116, with the air inlet of the first channel 115 higher than the air inlet of the second channel 116. In fact, the air inlets of both the first channel 115 and the second channel 116 are part of the air inlet 121. That is, some of the air entering the housing 110 from the air inlet 121 flows through the first channel 115, and some flows through the second channel 116.

[0041] Furthermore, both the first channel 115 and the second channel 116 are equipped with indoor heat exchangers 111. In a specific embodiment, such as... Figure 6As shown, the indoor heat exchanger 111 is segmented and includes a front heat exchanger 117, a middle heat exchanger 118 and a rear heat exchanger 119 from front to back. The front heat exchanger 117 and the middle heat exchanger 118 are located in the second channel 116, and the rear heat exchanger 119 is located in the first channel 115.

[0042] Depend on Figure 6 It can be seen that the front heat exchanger 117 and the middle heat exchanger 118 are closer to the air inlet 121 than the rear heat exchanger 119. Under normal circumstances, most of the air entering the casing 110 through the air inlet 121 flows to the front heat exchanger 117 and the middle heat exchanger 118, while less air flows through the rear heat exchanger 119. This may lead to insufficient overall airflow, resulting in problems such as icing in the indoor heat exchanger 111. In this embodiment, by setting two channels inside the casing 110, and making the airflow of the first channel 115 stronger than that of the second channel 116, more air can enter the first channel 115 through the air inlet 121 and exchange heat through the rear heat exchanger 119 in the first channel 115, effectively solving the problem of icing in the indoor heat exchanger 111 caused by insufficient airflow.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, a fan 112 can be installed below the indoor heat exchanger 111, configured to blow the air that has been heated by the indoor heat exchanger 111 toward the air outlet 122. More specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, the front heat exchanger 117 can be set in a basically vertical position, the middle heat exchanger 118 can be set to gradually rise from front to back, and the rear heat exchanger 119 can be set to gradually lower from front to back, so that the space below where the fan 112 is housed is defined by the front heat exchanger 117, the middle heat exchanger 118 and the rear heat exchanger 119.

[0044] Furthermore, the stronger airflow in the first channel 115 compared to the second channel 116 can be achieved through specific settings of the fan 112. For example, the suction direction of the fan 112 can be adjusted to be more towards the downstream heat exchanger 119, making the airflow in the first channel 115 stronger than that in the second channel 116. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the fan 112 can also be adjusted in other ways to achieve the same effect.

[0045] The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner can be housed in a cabinet with a front opening, and the panel 120 faces forward. Specifically, the cabinet may have a storage space inside, and the indoor unit 100 can be housed within that storage space. In one specific embodiment, the indoor unit 100 can be placed directly in the storage space. In other embodiments, the indoor unit 100 can be secured to the cabinet in various ways, such as by securing the casing 110 of the indoor unit 100 to the cabinet, to improve overall stability.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the cabinet has a back wall, and the water pipe 142 is fixed to the back wall. This ensures the installation stability of the drain pipe 140 and prevents it from easily moving and causing leakage. Furthermore, the water pipe 142 can pass through a gap in the lower right corner of the cabinet, allowing condensate to flow out from the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 and be discharged to the outside. In another specific embodiment, the cabinet may not have a back wall, and the water pipe 142 can be directly fixed to the wall, which also serves to prevent the drain pipe 140 from easily moving.

[0047] It is important to emphasize that the air intake method of traditional wall-mounted air conditioner indoor units is not suitable for recessed installation. Traditional wall-mounted air conditioner indoor units typically draw air in through a top-mounted vent. Once the indoor unit is recessed into a cabinet, the top of the cabinet will obstruct the airflow, affecting its operation. Furthermore, reduced airflow can lead to insufficient heat exchange by the indoor heat exchanger, potentially causing icing and hindering its normal function.

[0048] The indoor unit 100 of this embodiment adopts a front-intake and front-outtake airflow design, and uses a dual-channel configuration inside the casing 110. This effectively guides the air entering the casing 110 through the air inlet 121 to the rear heat exchanger 119, preventing icing of the indoor heat exchanger 111 due to insufficient airflow. Simultaneously, it achieves front-intake and front-outtake airflow, unaffected by cabinet obstructions. In a preferred embodiment, a filter 128 can be installed at the air inlet 121 to perform preliminary filtration of the air entering the casing 110, improving the cleanliness of the airflow and thus enhancing indoor air quality.

[0049] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is designed with two parts: a front panel 120 and a housing 110. This design facilitates both assembly and maintenance. Specifically, during assembly, the rear housing 110 and related structures can be installed into the cabinet first, followed by the front panel 120 and related structures. This allows for easy maintenance of the rear housing 110 and related structures when the front panel 120 is open. Furthermore, after the panel 120 and housing 110 are assembled, the rear housing 110 is not visible and is not considered an external component, allowing for lower requirements and effectively reducing costs.

[0050] Specifically, the front panel 120 mainly includes the filter 128 mentioned above, and may also include a display panel box, which can be used to display relevant information about the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner, such as the operating mode and set temperature. The rear housing 110 mainly includes the indoor heat exchanger 111 and the fan 112 mentioned above, wherein the fan 112 may also be equipped with a fan motor to drive the fan 112 to rotate. The airflow speed of the indoor unit 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the speed of the fan motor driving the fan 112. In addition, an electrical enclosure can be installed above the indoor heat exchanger 111 to house electronic control devices such as a computer board for controlling the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner.

[0051] When the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the air that has undergone heat exchange through the indoor heat exchanger 111 is cold air. After being delivered to the indoor environment through the air outlet 122, it can lower the temperature of the indoor environment and make the user feel cool. When the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the air that has undergone heat exchange through the indoor heat exchanger 111 is hot air. After being delivered to the indoor environment through the air outlet 122, it can raise the temperature of the indoor environment and make the user feel warm.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner can activate either cooling or heating mode after receiving a user's activation trigger signal. More specifically, it can receive activation trigger signals sent by the user through the display device, voice device, remote control, or a mobile terminal bound to the indoor unit 100. The mobile terminal can be a portable smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0053] The fan 112 delivers the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 111 to the indoor environment through the air outlet 122. The fan 112 can mainly include three types: centrifugal, cross-flow, and axial flow. In the centrifugal fan, the air inside is subjected to centrifugal force, creating a vacuum in the center of the impeller. The drawn-in air is turned 90° at the impeller inlet and enters the flow channel formed by the blades, gaining kinetic and pressure energy under the action of the blades. The airflow ejected from the blade channel enters the volute, is concentrated and guided, and then discharged from the outlet of the centrifugal fan.

[0054] A cross-flow fan, also known as a cross-flow fan, allows airflow to enter radially from the open end of the impeller, pass through the interior of the impeller, and exit into the volute from the other side of the impeller, forming the working airflow. In an axial flow fan, the airflow flows axially within the impeller. Each of these three types of fans has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be configured according to actual conditions. Regardless of the type of fan 112, it can deliver the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 111 to the indoor environment through the outlet 122 to regulate the indoor temperature.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, a guide plate 126 and a swivel blade 127 may also be provided at the air outlet 122. The swivel blade 127 can be configured to adjust the air outlet direction at the air outlet 122. In one specific embodiment, the swivel blade 127 is configured to adjust its specific posture according to the air supply mode. For example, the air supply mode may include a variety of different air supply commands, and the swivel blade 127 can adjust its specific posture according to different air supply commands. The guide plate 126 can be configured to open and close the air outlet 122. When the guide plate 126 opens the air outlet 122, the air guided by the swivel blade 127 can be delivered to the indoor environment. If the guide plate 126 closes the air outlet 122, no air will blow out from the air outlet 122. Generally, when the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner is turned off, the guide plate 126 can close the air outlet 122 to prevent external dust from entering the interior of the housing 110 through the air outlet 122, effectively ensuring the cleanliness of the interior of the housing 110.

[0056] In summary, the indoor unit 100 of this embodiment includes: a housing 110, which houses an indoor heat exchanger 111; a drip tray 130 located below the indoor heat exchanger 111 and configured to collect condensate from the indoor heat exchanger 111, with a connecting pipe 131 attached to the drip tray 130; and a drain pipe 140 connected to the connecting pipe 131, allowing condensate from the drip tray 130 to flow into the drain pipe 140 through the connecting pipe 131. By adjusting the connection position between the drain pipe 140 and the connecting pipe 131, the total length between the inlet 136 of the connecting pipe 131 and the outlet 147 of the drain pipe 140 can be changed, reducing the redundant length of the drain pipe 140, preventing bending of the drain pipe 140 and shortening its service life, and improving the user experience.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner has a panel 120 located on the front side of the housing 110. The panel 120 has an air inlet 121 at the top and an air outlet 122 at the bottom. The indoor unit 100 is housed in a cabinet with a front opening, and the panel 120 faces forward. This arrangement allows the indoor unit 100 to be installed in the cabinet while increasing the air intake, preventing the indoor heat exchanger 111 from freezing due to insufficient airflow and improving the operational reliability of the indoor heat exchanger 111. The cabinet has a rear wall, and the water pipe 142 is fixed to the rear wall to ensure the installation stability of the drain pipe 140 and prevent the drain pipe 140 from easily moving and causing leakage.

[0058] Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" used to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present invention are merely for the convenience of describing and understanding the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0059] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically stated, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0060] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0062] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0063] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The shell contains an indoor heat exchanger. A drip tray, located below the indoor heat exchanger, is configured to collect condensate from the indoor heat exchanger, and the drip tray is equipped with a connecting pipe; and A drain pipe is snapped into the connecting pipe so that condensate in the drip tray flows into the drain pipe through the connecting pipe, and The total length between the inlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the drain pipe can be changed by adjusting the snap-fit ​​position of the drain pipe and the connecting pipe.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe includes a connector and a water pipe, with one end of the connector snapped into the connecting pipe and the other end connected to the water pipe.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting pipe is provided with a first buckle at the front and a second buckle at the rear. The connector is provided with a first slot, and When the first slot and the first buckle are engaged, the total length is the first length; When the first slot and the second buckle are engaged, the total length is the second length, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe is equipped with a third clip. The connector is provided with a second slot at the front and a third slot at the rear, and When the second slot and the third buckle are engaged, the total length is the third length; When the third slot and the third buckle are engaged, the total length is the fourth length, wherein the third length is greater than the fourth length.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water receiving tray includes a frame body configured to support the indoor heat exchanger, and The connecting pipe is located on either the left or right side of the skeleton body.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame body gradually decreases from the side away from the connecting pipe to the side of the connecting pipe, so that the condensate water gathers at the connecting pipe and flows out.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The skeleton body and the connecting pipe are integrally formed.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drip tray is made of ABS or HIPS. The connector is made of POM.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A panel is located on the front side of the housing, with an air inlet at the top and an air outlet at the bottom.

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is housed in a cabinet with a front opening, and the panel faces forward. The cabinet has a rear wall, and the water pipe is fixed to the rear wall.

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