An air duct structure, an air duct machine and an air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses a duct structure, a ducted air conditioner, and an air conditioning unit, relating to the field of air conditioning equipment technology. The duct structure includes a central partition, a water collection tray, and a bottom wall of the casing. One end of the central partition connects to an air supply component, and the other end overlaps the water collection tray. The side of the central partition facing the airflow channel forms a guide surface extending from the air supply component to the water collection tray, while the side facing away from the airflow channel forms a through-flow space between itself and the bottom wall of the casing. The ducted air conditioner has outlets on both sides of its casing that communicate with the through-flow space. Refrigerant pipes and drain pipes can exit through the same or different outlets via the through-flow space. This invention can balance airflow guidance and internal ductwork, allowing selection of the outlet side without changing the overall installation direction of the unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to a duct structure, a duct air conditioner, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Ductless air conditioning units are typically suspended within the building's ceiling. Their refrigerant pipes and condensate drain pipes need to extend from the side of the unit and connect to pre-installed refrigerant and drainage lines within the building. Due to variations in ceiling structures, wall locations, and pipe routing directions at different installation sites, even the same model of ductless air conditioning unit may require pipes to exit to either the left or right side of the unit. When the unit's pre-designed pipe exit direction differs from the on-site pre-installed pipe direction, the refrigerant and drain pipes usually need to be routed around the outside of the unit casing. This not only occupies limited installation and maintenance space within the ceiling but also increases pipe bending and connection operations. Therefore, there is a practical need for ductless air conditioning units to select the appropriate pipe exit side based on the on-site pre-installed pipe routing direction.

[0003] To meet the above requirements, existing technologies achieve duct outlet direction conversion by changing the overall installation direction of the ducted air conditioner. For example, identical air frames are installed on opposite sides of the casing. By rotating the entire unit horizontally by 180° and correspondingly changing the fan's operating direction, the ductwork located on the other side of the casing faces a different direction. This solution can adapt to different ductwork pre-reserved positions to a certain extent, but it requires simultaneous changes to the unit's air inlet direction, air outlet direction, and the orientation of related components. The ductwork essentially still exits from the same pre-installed outlet side of the casing.

[0004] Existing technologies involve creating piping space inside the indoor unit of an air conditioner, allowing refrigerant and drain pipes to extend within the casing and exit at appropriate connection points. For example, a hollow space is formed between the bottom casing and the air duct, and the direction of the piping extension within this space is adjusted to accommodate different connection points. While this approach reduces piping routing outside the casing, it primarily focuses on pipe containment and exit. The piping space and the air duct between the fan and heat exchanger are separate, and the same structure is not used to simultaneously define the boundaries of both the piping layout and the air duct.

[0005] Regarding the airflow pattern inside ducted air conditioners, existing technologies still include independent flow guide components on the air supply side of the fan assembly, extending towards the heat exchanger to guide the airflow delivered by the fan assembly. In this type of solution, the flow guide components and the partition plate are either interconnected or separately installed. They are mainly used to adjust the airflow direction, but do not utilize the side of the partition plate away from the airflow channel to form a piping space for refrigerant pipes and drain pipes to extend, nor do they connect this piping space to the opposite sides of the casing.

[0006] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the existing ducted air conditioning unit includes a fan assembly 1, a partition 2, a condensate tray 3, and a heat exchanger 4. The partition 2 is located between the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4. The existing partition 2 is generally vertically oriented, with a local turning area formed between the lower part of the partition 2 and the condensate tray 3. When the airflow from the fan assembly 1 passes through the lower part of the partition 2, it needs to change its flow direction in this area, which can easily lead to… Figure 1 The area A shown forms a backflow or turbulence; simultaneously, no independent space for piping arrangement is formed below the partition 2, which runs through the width of the unit. Furthermore, the partition 2 is approximately flat, with air vents 201 corresponding to the fan assembly. This partition 2 primarily separates the fan assembly from the heat exchanger area; its body does not form a guide section continuously extending from the fan assembly to the water tray, nor does it create a transversely running pipe space between the leeward side and the bottom wall of the casing through its shape. Therefore, the existing partition structure cannot simultaneously fulfill the functions of airflow guidance and pipe space separation without adding independent guide plates or independent pipe partitions.

[0007] In summary, existing solutions meet some installation or airflow requirements by adjusting the overall installation direction, setting up separate piping space inside the casing, or adding airflow guiding components. However, the following interrelated problems still exist: changing the overall installation direction will affect the air intake and exhaust direction of the unit and the orientation of other components; setting up separate piping space may occupy the original air duct space; the existing near-flat partition and water tray are prone to forming local turning areas; adding separate airflow guiding components will increase the number of air duct components and cannot simultaneously provide through space for the selective extension of piping to both sides of the casing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the challenge of existing ducted air conditioning systems that cannot simultaneously achieve continuous airflow and selective arrangement of refrigerant and drain pipes to both sides of the casing without altering the overall installation direction or excessively occupying internal space, one objective of this invention is to provide an airflow structure. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an air duct structure, including a middle partition, a water receiving tray and a bottom wall of the casing; The partition plate has a first side and a second side, the first end of the partition plate is used to connect with the air supply component, and the second end overlaps the water receiving tray. The first side forms a guide surface extending from the first end to the water receiving tray. The second side is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the casing and forms a pipe space that runs through the width direction of the air duct structure between the second side and the bottom wall of the casing. The two ends of the pipe space form a first outlet end and a second outlet end, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the partition includes an air vent connection portion, a flow guide portion, and an overlap portion connected sequentially along the airflow direction. The air vent connection portion constitutes the first end, the overlap portion constitutes the second end, and the flow guide surface is formed on the flow guide portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the air vent connection portion is provided with an air vent, and the overlapping portion is provided with an overlapping edge; in the installed state, the air vent connection portion is higher than the overlapping edge, and the air guide portion extends downward from the air vent connection portion to the overlapping edge through multiple bends.

[0011] Furthermore, the air vent connection, the air guide, and the overlapping part are integrally formed from the same sheet material.

[0012] To address the problems of fixed duct outlet direction, the need for ductwork to bypass the machine casing, and the difficulty in balancing internal duct space with continuous airflow in existing ducted air handling units, another objective of this invention is to provide a ducted air handling unit.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a ducted air handling unit, comprising a casing, a fan assembly, a heat exchanger assembly, and the aforementioned air duct structure. The bottom wall of the casing forms the bottom wall of the casing. The fan assembly and the heat exchanger assembly are arranged inside the casing along the airflow direction. The water receiving tray is located below the heat exchanger assembly. The partition plate is located between the fan assembly and the heat exchanger assembly, and the first end of the partition plate is connected to the air outlet side of the fan assembly. The housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction. The first sidewall is provided with a first outlet, and the second sidewall is provided with a second outlet. The first outlet end is connected to the first outlet, and the second outlet end is connected to the second outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the partition plate includes an air outlet connecting part, a guide part, and an overlapping part connected sequentially along the airflow direction. The air outlet connecting part is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet of the fan assembly passes through the air outlet and fits against the air outlet connecting part. The air outlet connecting part is connected to the fan volute of the fan assembly by a buckle and fasteners, and a first sealing element is provided between the two. The overlapping part overlaps the water receiving tray, and a second sealing element is provided between the two.

[0015] Furthermore, the fan assembly includes a fan volute, the upper side of the duct space is defined by the middle partition, the lower side is defined by the bottom wall of the casing, the upstream side along the airflow direction is defined by the fan volute, and the downstream side is defined by the side wall of the water receiving tray.

[0016] Furthermore, the first outlet and the second outlet are respectively sealed by a removable sealing plate, and the removable sealing plate is provided with a knock-out hole.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a refrigerant pipe connected to the heat exchanger assembly, the refrigerant pipe being arranged within the pipe space and exiting the casing from the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0018] Furthermore, the water receiving tray is provided with drainage interfaces at both ends along the width direction; the duct unit also includes a drainage pipe, which is connected to one of the two drainage interfaces, and the other drainage interface is closed by a plug. The drainage pipe passes through the pipe space and exits the casing from the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the water receiving tray is provided with drainage interfaces at both ends along the width direction; the duct unit also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to one of the two drainage interfaces, and the other drainage interface is closed by a plug. The drain pipe passes through the pipe space and exits the casing; the refrigerant pipe and the drain pipe exit the casing from the same outlet, or from different outlets.

[0020] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, including the ducted air conditioner described above.

[0021] Beneficial effects: 1. By cooperating with the partition plate, the water tray, and the bottom wall of the casing, a guide surface can be formed on the first side of the partition plate, and a pipe space that runs through the width direction can be formed on the second side of the partition plate and the bottom wall of the casing. This solves the problem that the existing air duct structure cannot simultaneously take into account airflow guidance and internal pipe routing. The boundary of the air duct and the boundary of the pipe space can be formed by the same partition plate, which facilitates the extension of refrigerant pipes and drain pipes to different sides of the ducted air conditioner.

[0022] 2. By cooperating with the air outlet connection part, the air guide part, and the overlapping part, the partition plate can form structural areas that connect with the air supply component, guide the airflow, and overlap with the water collection tray. This solves the problem of unclear connection relationships between the functional areas of the partition plate, and forms a continuous air duct boundary between the air supply component and the water collection tray, which facilitates the positioning and assembly of the partition plate and adjacent components.

[0023] 3. By cooperating with the set air outlet connection part and the guide part and overlapping edge which have been bent multiple times, the guide surface can be extended downwards segment by segment from the higher air outlet connection part to the lower overlapping edge. This solves the problem of abrupt change in flow direction when the airflow passes between the middle partition and the water receiving tray, and allows the airflow to gradually change its flow direction along the guide surface, which facilitates the smooth flow of airflow to the heat exchanger assembly and the sheet metal processing of the middle partition.

[0024] 4. By using the same sheet metal to integrally form the air vent connection part, air guide part, and overlapping part, the connection structure and assembly seams between the parts can be reduced. This solves the problem of a large number of parts and easy assembly errors at the connection points in the split partition plate, giving the partition plate better integrity and dimensional consistency, and facilitating the processing, assembly, and air duct sealing of the partition plate.

[0025] 5. By cooperating with the first outlet and the first outlet end, and the second outlet and the second outlet end, the through-flow space can be connected to both sides of the casing width, solving the problem of fixed outlet direction and the need for the pipeline to detour outside the casing of existing ducted air conditioners. This allows the pipeline to be led out from either side of the casing according to the location of the reserved pipeline on site, facilitating the installation and connection of the ducted air conditioner in different ceiling installation environments.

[0026] 6. By cooperating with the air outlet of the fan assembly, the air outlet of the partition plate, the air outlet connection with the fan casing, and the overlapping part with the water collection tray, the fan assembly, the partition plate, and the water collection tray can form a relatively continuous and sealed airflow channel. This solves the problems of easy air leakage and unstable connection at the connection of adjacent air duct components, and allows the airflow delivered by the fan assembly to stably enter the area where the guide surface is located, which facilitates the reliable installation of the partition plate and the sealing of the air duct.

[0027] 7. By cooperating with the middle partition, the bottom wall of the casing, the fan volute, and the side wall of the water tray, the upper, lower, upstream, and downstream sides of the pipe running space can be defined respectively. This solves the problems of unclear pipe running space boundaries and pipes easily occupying the main airflow channels, making the pipe running space a relatively stable and independent pipe layout area, which facilitates the layout, turning, and fixing of refrigerant pipes and drain pipes inside the casing.

[0028] 8. The detachable sealing plate works in conjunction with the first and second outlet ports, and a knock-out hole is provided on the detachable sealing plate. The corresponding outlet position can be opened according to the actual outlet direction, which solves the problem of the reserved outlet port being open for a long time or the inconvenience of on-site hole opening operation. It allows unused outlet ports to be kept closed, which is convenient for installers to carry out outlet operations and maintain the closed state of the machine casing.

[0029] 9. By coordinating the refrigerant pipes with the pipe routing space, the first outlet, and the second outlet, the refrigerant pipes can extend to any outlet inside the casing. This solves the problems of fixed refrigerant pipe outlet direction and the need for the pipes to detour outside the casing, allowing the refrigerant pipes to adjust their outlet direction inside the unit and facilitating connection between the refrigerant pipes and pre-installed refrigerant lines on site.

[0030] 10. By cooperating with the two drainage interfaces, drainage pipes, plugs, and pipe running space, the appropriate drainage interface can be selected according to the outlet direction of the drainage pipe, and unused drainage interfaces can be sealed. This solves the problems of fixed drainage interface direction and possible leakage of unused interfaces, allowing the drainage pipe to be led out from either side of the casing, making it convenient for the drainage pipe to adapt to the reserved direction of the on-site drainage pipeline.

[0031] 11. By coordinating the refrigerant pipes and drain pipes, the through-flow pipe space, and the two outlets, the refrigerant pipes and drain pipes can both exit through the same outlet or exit through different outlets. This solves the problem of limited pipe layout when the reserved locations of the refrigerant pipes and drain pipes are inconsistent, allowing the two types of pipes to be combined and arranged according to site conditions, making it convenient for the duct air conditioner to adapt to different ceiling spaces and pipe reservation methods.

[0032] 12. By cooperating with other components of the ducted air conditioner, the air conditioner can have a structure with through-flow ducting inside the unit and selective ducting out on both sides. This solves the problem of the ducting out direction being difficult to match with the pre-reserved direction on site during air conditioner installation. This allows the air conditioner to adapt to different installation spaces and ducting directions, facilitating on-site installation, ducting connection, and subsequent maintenance of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air duct of an existing ducted air conditioning unit; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partition structure in an existing ducted air conditioning unit; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal air duct structure of the air duct machine of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partition structure in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first outlet of the duct machine in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second outlet of the duct machine in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal piping arrangement of the duct air handling unit of the present invention in the first outlet state; Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the connection between the partition and the fan assembly in this invention; Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of the overlap between the partition and the water receiving tray in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the detachable sealing plate and the knock-off part of the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Fan assembly; 2. Middle partition; 201. Air outlet; 202. Guide surface; 203. Overlapping edge; 3. Water tray; 4. Heat exchanger; 5. Casing; 501. First outlet; 502. Second outlet; 503. First side wall; 504. Second side wall; 6. Refrigerant liquid pipe; 7. Removable sealing plate; 701. Knockout hole; 8. Drain pipe; 9. Refrigerant gas pipe; A. Turbulent flow area; B. Pipe running space; C. Overlapping area. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following is combined Figures 1 to 10 The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below. It should be understood that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Where there is no conflict, the various embodiments and their technical features can be combined with each other.

[0036] For ease of description, the installation state referred to in this invention refers to the state when the duct unit is normally hoisted and used; the width direction of the duct unit refers to the direction from the first side wall 503 to the second side wall 504; the side where the fan assembly 1 is located is the upstream side of the airflow direction, and the side where the heat exchanger assembly is located is the downstream side of the airflow direction. The heat exchanger assembly is marked as heat exchanger 4 in the drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or corresponding structures.

[0037] Example 1 Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 and combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention is a first embodiment of the present invention, compared with the existing structure shown. This embodiment provides a duct structure for a ducted air conditioner, which can form a continuous airflow channel between the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4, and form a duct space B extending along the width direction of the ducted air conditioner outside the airflow channel. The duct structure includes a partition plate 2, a water collection tray 3, and the bottom wall of the casing 5. The partition plate 2 forms part of the boundary of the airflow channel, the water collection tray 3 collects the condensate generated by the heat exchanger 4, and the space between the partition plate 2 and the bottom wall of the casing forms the duct space B, which facilitates the arrangement and adjustment of the extension direction of the refrigerant gas pipe 9, refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and drain pipe 8 inside the ducted air conditioner.

[0038] Specifically, the partition plate 2 is disposed between the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4, and the partition plate 2 has a first side and a second side. The first end of the partition plate 2 is disposed towards the fan assembly 1 and is used to connect with the air outlet side of the fan assembly 1; the second end of the partition plate 2 is disposed towards the water receiving pan 3 and overlaps the side of the water receiving pan 3 near the fan assembly 1.

[0039] The first side of the partition 2 faces the airflow channel and forms a guide surface 202 extending from the first end of the partition 2 towards the water receiving tray 3. The second side of the partition 2 is away from the airflow channel and is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the casing 5, forming a pipe space B between the second side of the partition 2 and the bottom wall of the casing.

[0040] Furthermore, the duct space B extends along the width of the duct structure, with the end near the first sidewall 503 forming the first outlet end and the end near the second sidewall 504 forming the second outlet end. Both the first and second outlet ends are connecting channels that allow pipes to pass through, and there are no obstructions between the first and second outlet ends of the duct space B that would prevent the refrigerant gas pipe 9, refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and drain pipe 8 from passing through.

[0041] The upper side of the duct space B is defined by the central partition 2, the lower side by the bottom wall of the casing 5, the upstream side along the airflow direction by the fan volute of the fan assembly 1, and the downstream side by the side wall of the water receiving tray 3. The two ends of the duct space B along the width direction extend to the first side wall 503 and the second side wall 504 of the casing 5, respectively. Thus, the central partition 2, the bottom wall of the casing, the fan volute, and the side wall of the water receiving tray 3 together form the duct space B located outside the main airflow channel.

[0042] Preferably, in a 4-horsepower ducted air conditioner, the duct space B has a height of 80mm, a width of 80mm, and a through length of 1200mm along the width direction; the refrigerant gas pipe 9 has a diameter of 25mm, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 has a diameter of 12mm, the drain pipe 8 has a diameter of 25mm, and the insulation layer on the outside of the pipes is 5mm thick. These dimensions allow the refrigerant gas pipe 9, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and the drain pipe 8 to be arranged within the duct space B and extend along the duct space B according to the selected outlet direction.

[0043] It should be noted that the above dimensions are exemplary dimensions for a specific model and do not constitute a limitation on the duct structure or the specifications of the ducted air handling unit. The specific height, width, and through length of the duct space B can be set according to the specifications of the ducted air handling unit and the diameters of the refrigerant gas pipe 9, refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and drain pipe 8, as long as the requirements for the arrangement and reversal of the corresponding pipes within the duct space B are met.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the partition 2 in the existing duct air conditioner is generally vertically arranged, and a local turning area is formed between the lower part of the partition 2 and the water receiving tray 3. When the airflow delivered by the fan assembly 1 flows through this area, it needs to suddenly change direction, which can easily lead to airflow separation, backflow, or vortex in the turbulent area A.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the existing partition 2 is almost a flat plate structure. Although it has air vents 201, it cannot simultaneously form a guide surface and a duct space through its own shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the structure shown, this embodiment utilizes the first side of the partition plate 2 to form a guide surface 202, and utilizes the second side of the partition plate 2 to form a pipe space B between the partition plate 2 and the bottom wall of the casing, so that the same partition plate 2 can simultaneously undertake the functions of airflow guidance and pipe space separation.

[0046] Working principle: The air delivered by the fan assembly 1 enters the airflow channel defined by the first side of the partition 2 and flows along the guide surface 202 towards the water receiving pan 3 and the heat exchanger 4. At the same time, the refrigerant gas pipe 9, refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and drain pipe 8 are arranged in the pipe space B on the second side of the partition 2. The pipes are separated from the main airflow channel by the partition 2, thereby reducing the occupation and interference of the pipes on the airflow channel.

[0047] In summary, by using the partition 2, the water tray 3, and the bottom wall of the casing 5 in conjunction, a guide surface 202 can be formed on the first side of the partition 2, and a pipe space B that runs through the width direction can be formed between the second side of the partition 2 and the bottom wall of the casing. This solves the problem that the existing duct structure cannot simultaneously take into account airflow guidance and internal pipe routing, and allows the duct boundary and the pipe space boundary to be formed by the same partition 2. This makes it convenient for the refrigerant gas pipe 9, refrigerant liquid pipe 6, and drain pipe 8 to select the extension direction inside the ducted air conditioner.

[0048] Example 2 Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is the second embodiment of the present invention; combined with Figure 2 The existing baffle structure shown in this embodiment further provides a specific structure for the baffle 2 to solve the problem that the existing flat baffle is difficult to form a continuous flow guide surface and a lower pipe running space.

[0049] Specifically, the partition 2 is a non-planar plate extending along the width of the ductwork unit, including an air outlet connection part, a guide part, and an overlap part connected sequentially along the airflow direction. The air outlet connection part constitutes the first end of the partition 2, the overlap part constitutes the second end of the partition 2, and the guide surface 202 is formed on the first side of the guide part.

[0050] Furthermore, the air outlet connection portion is provided with an air outlet 201, which corresponds to the air outlet side of the fan assembly 1. The overlapping portion is provided with an overlapping edge 203, which overlaps the water receiving tray 3 on the side near the fan assembly 1. The air outlet connection portion, the air guide portion, and the overlapping portion are directly connected sequentially along the airflow direction, and no other intermediate components that would obstruct the continuous flow of airflow are provided between them.

[0051] In the normal installation state of the ducted air conditioner, the air outlet connection is higher than the overlap edge 203, and the guide section extends downward from the air outlet connection to the overlap edge 203 through multiple bends. The guide section formed by multiple bends causes the guide surface 202 to transition gradually from the air outlet side of the fan assembly 1 to the water collection tray 3, so as to reduce the abrupt change in the duct cross-section between the partition plate 2 and the water collection tray 3, and avoid the formation of obvious right-angle turns in the existing structure.

[0052] Preferably, the air outlet connection, air guide, and overlap are integrally formed from the same sheet material through stamping, bending, or molding. Using a single sheet material for integral forming reduces the connection seams between the air outlet connection, air guide, and overlap, and allows the multi-segment bending structure of the air guide to structurally reinforce the partition plate 2, thereby improving the overall integrity and structural strength of the partition plate 2, and reducing the need for additional reinforcing ribs or localized molding structures.

[0053] Furthermore, when the warmer air comes into contact with the cooler partition 2, condensation may form on the surface of the partition 2. Since the guide surface 202 extends from the higher air outlet connection to the lower overlap edge 203, the condensation formed on the guide surface 202 can flow along the guide surface 202 to the overlap edge 203 under the action of gravity, and further flow into the drip tray 3, thereby reducing the possibility of condensation entering the pipe space B.

[0054] Working principle: After air enters the airflow channel through the air vent 201, it flows from the higher position where the air vent connection is located to the lower position where the overlapping edge 203 is located under the guidance of the guide surface 202, and then flows towards the heat exchanger 4. The multi-segment bending structure of the guide section gradually changes the direction of airflow; the overlapping edge 203 overlaps with the water receiving tray 3, so that the middle partition 2 and the water receiving tray 3 form a continuous airflow channel boundary.

[0055] In summary, by using the air outlet connection part, the air guide part and the overlapping part in combination, the air outlet 201 can receive the airflow sent by the fan assembly 1, the airflow can be guided to gradually change direction by the air guide surface 202, and the overlapping edge 203 can overlap with the water receiving tray 3. This solves the problem that the existing flat partition plate and the water receiving tray are prone to local turning, making the airflow channel between the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4 more continuous, facilitating the smooth flow of airflow to the heat exchanger 4, and making it easier to manufacture the partition plate 2 using sheet metal processing technology.

[0056] Example 3 Reference Figures 3 to 10This is the third embodiment of the present invention, which provides a ducted air handling unit capable of selecting different sides of the casing 5 for pipe outlets based on the location of pre-reserved pipes on site. The ducted air handling unit includes a casing 5, a fan assembly 1, a heat exchanger 4, a condensate tray 3, and the duct structure described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The casing 5 forms the installation space for each structure; the fan assembly 1 drives airflow; the heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the air; the condensate tray 3 collects condensate; and the partition 2 forms a guide surface 202 and a pipe routing space B.

[0057] Specifically, the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4 are spaced apart within the casing 5 along the airflow direction. The fan assembly 1 is located upstream in the airflow direction, with its outlet side facing the heat exchanger 4; the heat exchanger 4 is located downstream in the airflow direction. The water collection tray 3 is located below the heat exchanger 4 and corresponds to the heat exchanger 4 in the vertical direction, and is used to collect the condensate formed by the heat exchanger 4 during the cooling or dehumidification process.

[0058] Furthermore, the partition plate 2 is disposed between the fan assembly 1 and the heat exchanger 4. The air outlet connection of the partition plate 2 is connected to the air outlet side of the fan assembly 1, and the overlapping part of the partition plate 2 overlaps with the side of the water receiving tray 3 near the fan assembly 1.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the air outlet of the fan assembly 1 passes through the air outlet 201 and is fitted and connected to the air outlet connection part. The periphery of the air outlet of the fan assembly 1 is correspondingly arranged with the periphery of the air outlet 201, and the connection position between the two is provided with a flange structure.

[0060] The air outlet connection is connected to the fan casing of the fan assembly 1 via a snap-fit ​​and screws as fasteners. A first sealing element, which is a sponge placed at the contact point between the air outlet connection and the fan casing, is provided between them. The snap-fit ​​and screws can be used to position and fix the partition plate 2; the sponge seal can reduce air leakage between the air outlet connection and the fan casing.

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, the overlapping edge 203 of the partition plate 2 overlaps with the water receiving tray 3 at the overlapping position C. A second sealing element, which is a sponge placed at the overlapping position, is provided between the overlapping edge 203 and the water receiving tray 3. Through the cooperation of the overlapping edge 203, the water receiving tray 3 and the sponge, a continuous and relatively sealed air duct boundary can be formed between the partition plate 2 and the water receiving tray 3.

[0062] Preferably, the housing 5 has a first sidewall 503 and a second sidewall 504 disposed opposite to each other in the width direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first sidewall 503 is provided with a first outlet 501; as Figure 6 As shown, the second sidewall 504 is provided with a second outlet 502.

[0063] The first outlet end of the pipe space B is directly connected to the first outlet port 501, and the second outlet end is directly connected to the second outlet port 502. There are no additional connecting cavities, conduits or other intermediate connecting structures between each outlet end and the corresponding outlet port, and there are no obstructions in the pipe space B that would prevent the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9 and drain pipe 8 from passing through.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first outlet 501 and the second outlet 502 are respectively sealed by removable sealing plates 7, and the two removable sealing plates 7 adopt the same structure. The removable sealing plates 7 are provided with knockout holes 701. During installation, the knockout holes 701 can be knocked open or the corresponding removable sealing plates 7 can be removed according to the required pipe exit position; the knockout holes 701 on the unused side remain in the unknocked state, and the corresponding removable sealing plates 7 remain closed to maintain the closed state of the housing 5 and reduce the entry of foreign objects or insects into the housing 5 through the unused outlets.

[0065] Working principle: When the ducted air conditioner is running, the fan assembly 1 drives air to enter the fan assembly 1 from the air inlet side of the casing 5. After being accelerated by the fan assembly 1, the air is discharged from its air outlet and enters the airflow channel defined by the first side of the partition 2 through the air outlet 201. The air gradually changes its flow direction along the guide surface 202, reaches the heat exchanger 4, and exchanges heat with the refrigerant inside the heat exchanger 4. The air after heat exchange is discharged from the air outlet side of the casing 5. The condensate produced by the heat exchanger 4 falls into the water collection pan 3 and is discharged through the drain pipe 8.

[0066] In summary, by using the casing 5, fan assembly 1, heat exchanger 4, water tray 3, and partition 2 together, the air outlet of the fan assembly 1 can be sealed to the air outlet 201, the overlapping edge 203 can overlap with the water tray 3 at the overlapping position C, and the pipe running space B can be connected to the first outlet 501 and the second outlet 502 respectively. This solves the problem of fixed pipe outlet direction and easy air leakage at the duct connection of the existing duct air conditioner, and allows the pipeline to pass out from either side of the casing 5 according to the installation conditions, which is convenient for the on-site installation, connection and maintenance of the duct air conditioner.

[0067] Example 4 Reference Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 This is the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Unlike embodiment 3, this embodiment provides a first outlet state in which the pipeline passes through the first outlet 501 and exits the casing 5, so as to solve the problem that when the reserved pipeline in the building is located on one side of the first side wall 503, the pipeline needs to detour outside the casing 5.

[0068] Specifically, the ducted air conditioner includes a refrigerant liquid pipe 6, a refrigerant gas pipe 9, and a drain pipe 8. The refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 are respectively connected to the corresponding refrigerant interfaces of the heat exchanger 4, and the drain pipe 8 is connected to the drain interface at one end of the water receiving tray 3 along the width direction.

[0069] Furthermore, when the building's pre-installed pipes are located on one side of the first side wall 503, the knockout hole 701 of the removable sealing plate 7 at the first outlet 501 is opened, or the removable sealing plate 7 at the first outlet 501 is removed. The knockout hole 701 at the second outlet 502 remains unknocked, and the corresponding removable sealing plate 7 remains closed.

[0070] The refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 enter the pipe space B from the position where they are connected to the heat exchanger 4, and extend towards the first side wall 503 within the pipe space B. The extension direction of the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 is adjusted on-site by bending and rotating joints, and they exit the casing 5 sequentially through the first outlet end and the first outlet port 501.

[0071] Preferably, the water receiving tray 3 has drain ports at both ends along its width. In the first outlet state, the drain pipe 8 is connected to the drain port on the side closest to the first side wall 503, and the unused drain port on the other side is sealed by a rubber plug to prevent condensate from flowing out of the unused drain port.

[0072] The ducted air conditioner is installed at a certain angle so that the drain pipe 8 forms a drainage angle when it extends from the water receiving pan 3 to the first outlet 501, so that the condensate in the water receiving pan 3 can be discharged along the drain pipe 8.

[0073] Furthermore, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 can all pass through the first outlet 501 and exit the casing 5, so as to centrally connect to the external piping located on one side of the first side wall 503.

[0074] When the pre-reserved refrigerant pipes and drainage pipes are located on different sides of the casing 5, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 can pass through the first outlet 501, and the drainage pipe 8 can extend through the pipe space B to the second side wall 504 and pass through the second outlet 502.

[0075] Working principle: The installer selects the first outlet 501 according to the location of the pre-reserved pipeline on site, opens the corresponding knockout hole 701 or removes the corresponding removable sealing plate 7, and adjusts the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9 and drain pipe 8 within the piping space B to face the first side wall 503, and then passes them out through the first outlet 501. Since the switching of pipeline direction is completed inside the casing 5, there is no need to flip the duct unit or make the pipeline go around the outside of the casing 5.

[0076] In summary, by cooperating with the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 in conjunction with the piping space B and the first outlet 501, each pipe can extend from inside the casing 5 toward the first side wall 503. This solves the problem that when the reserved pipes are located on one side of the first side wall 503, the pipes need to detour around outside the casing 5. This allows the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 to all exit through the first outlet 501, or to exit through different outlets according to the reserved pipe positions on site, thus facilitating pipe connections and reducing the space occupied by the suspended ceiling.

[0077] Example 5 Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 and combined Figure 7 The corresponding arrangement of the first pipe outlet state shown is the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Unlike embodiment 4, this embodiment provides a second pipe outlet state in which the pipe passes through the second outlet port 502 and exits the casing 5, and an arrangement in which the refrigerant pipe and the drain pipe 8 exit from different sides, so as to solve the problem of inconsistent reserved positions of refrigerant pipe and drain pipe at different installation sites.

[0078] Figure 7 The internal piping arrangement is illustrated using the example of refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 exiting from the first outlet 501. When the second outlet configuration is used, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 extend along the through-piping space B towards the second sidewall 504, with their extension direction being... Figure 7 The first outlet tube state shown is the opposite.

[0079] Specifically, when the building's pre-installed pipes are located on one side of the second side wall 504, open the knockout hole 701 of the removable sealing plate 7 at the second outlet 502, or remove the removable sealing plate 7 at the second outlet 502. The knockout hole 701 at the first outlet 501 remains unknocked, and the corresponding removable sealing plate 7 remains closed.

[0080] Furthermore, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and refrigerant gas pipe 9 enter the pipe space B from the corresponding connection position of the heat exchanger 4, adjust their direction by bending and rotating joints on site, and extend towards the second side wall 504 in the pipe space B, and then pass through the second outlet end and the second outlet port 502 in sequence to exit the casing 5.

[0081] The drain pipe 8 is connected to the drain port on the side of the water receiving tray 3 near the second side wall 504. The unused drain port on the other end of the water receiving tray 3 is sealed with a rubber plug. When installing the duct air conditioner, by keeping the whole machine in a certain tilted state, the drain pipe 8 extends from the water receiving tray 3 towards the second outlet 502 to form a drainage angle, so that the condensate can be discharged normally.

[0082] Preferably, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, the refrigerant gas pipe 9, and the drain pipe 8 can all pass through the casing 5 from the second outlet 502.

[0083] When the building's pre-refrigerant piping is located on one side of the first side wall 503, and the building's pre-refrigerant drainage piping is located on one side of the second side wall 504, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 can pass through the first outlet 501, and the drainage pipe 8 can pass through the second outlet 502.

[0084] When the pre-installed refrigerant piping is located on the second side wall 504 and the pre-installed drainage piping is located on the first side wall 503, the liquid refrigerant pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant pipe 9 can exit through the second outlet 502, and the drainage pipe 8 can exit through the first outlet 501. Thus, the refrigerant pipe and the drainage pipe 8 can be led out from the same side or from opposite sides.

[0085] The remaining structures are the same as in Examples 3 and 4.

[0086] Working principle: Installers select either the first outlet 501 or the second outlet 502 based on the location of the pre-installed refrigerant and drainage pipes in the building. The refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drainage pipe 8 are adjusted in their extension direction within the pipe routing space B, allowing them to either exit from the same outlet or from different outlets. Unused knockout holes 701 remain unknocked, and the corresponding removable sealing plates 7 remain closed.

[0087] In summary, by using the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, refrigerant gas pipe 9, and drain pipe 8 in conjunction with the through-flow pipe space B, the first outlet 501, and the second outlet 502, the refrigerant pipe and drain pipe 8 can both exit through the same outlet or exit through different outlets. This solves the problem of limited pipe layout when the reserved locations of the refrigerant pipe and drain pipe are inconsistent on site, enabling the duct air conditioner to adapt to more ceiling space and pipe connection directions, facilitating on-site construction and reducing pipe bends.

[0088] Example 6 Reference Figures 3 to 10 This is the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which provides an air conditioner capable of achieving internal ductwork and selective duct outlets on both sides using the aforementioned ducted air conditioning unit. This air conditioner includes the ducted air conditioning unit described in any one of embodiments 3 to 5.

[0089] In addition to the ducted air conditioner mentioned above, the air conditioner may also include other conventional structures required for its operation. These structures are not the focus of this invention and will not be described further here.

[0090] Specifically, the ducted air conditioner includes a casing 5, a fan assembly 1, a heat exchanger 4, a drip tray 3, a partition 2, a refrigerant liquid pipe 6, a refrigerant gas pipe 9, a drain pipe 8, and a removable sealing plate 7. The first side of the partition 2 forms a guide surface 202, and the second side of the partition 2 forms a pipe-running space B between it and the bottom wall of the casing 5.

[0091] Furthermore, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and the refrigerant gas pipe 9 are arranged within the pipe running space B and can exit the casing 5 through the first outlet 501 or the second outlet 502. The drain pipe 8 is connected to one drain port of the water receiving pan 3 and can exit the casing 5 through the first outlet 501 or the second outlet 502. The other drain port of the water receiving pan 3 is sealed by a rubber plug.

[0092] Among them, the refrigerant liquid pipe 6, the refrigerant gas pipe 9 and the drain pipe 8 can all pass through the first outlet 501, or they can all pass through the second outlet 502, or they can pass through the first outlet 501 and the second outlet 502 respectively according to the reserved position of the pipeline at the installation site.

[0093] Working principle: When the ducted air conditioner is running, the fan assembly 1 drives the air to flow along the guide surface 202 on the first side of the partition 2 to the heat exchanger 4. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger 4, the air is delivered by the ducted air conditioner. The refrigerant liquid pipe 6 and refrigerant gas pipe 9 are used to transport the refrigerant required for heat exchange. The condensate formed in the heat exchanger 4 falls into the water collection pan 3 and is discharged through the drain pipe 8.

[0094] When installing the ducted air conditioner, select either the first outlet 501 or the second outlet 502 according to the reserved location of the on-site piping. Adjust the direction of the corresponding piping within the piping space B before it exits through the casing 5. The switching of the piping direction is completed inside the casing 5, without changing the overall installation direction of the ducted air conditioner.

[0095] In summary, by using a ducted air conditioner with a partition 2, a pipe running space B, a first pipe outlet 501, and a second pipe outlet 502 in conjunction with the air conditioner, the air conditioner can have both continuous airflow guidance and selective pipe outlet functions on both sides. This solves the problem of the pipe outlet direction being difficult to match with the direction of the pre-reserved pipes on site during the installation of the air conditioner, and allows the pipes to switch the pipe outlet direction inside the casing 5, which facilitates the installation of the air conditioner, pipe connection, and subsequent maintenance.

[0096] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A duct structure for use in ducted air conditioning units, characterized in that, Including the central partition, water collection tray, and bottom wall of the casing; The partition plate has a first side and a second side, the first end of the partition plate is used to connect with the air supply component, and the second end overlaps the water receiving tray. The first side forms a guide surface extending from the first end to the water receiving tray. The second side is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the casing and forms a pipe space that runs through the width direction of the air duct structure between the second side and the bottom wall of the casing. The two ends of the pipe space form a first outlet end and a second outlet end, respectively.

2. The air duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition includes an air vent connection part, a flow guide part, and an overlap part connected sequentially along the airflow direction. The air vent connection part constitutes the first end, the overlap part constitutes the second end, and the flow guide surface is formed on the flow guide part.

3. The air duct structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air vent connection part is provided with an air vent, and the overlapping part is provided with an overlapping edge; in the installed state, the air vent connection part is higher than the overlapping edge, and the air guide part extends downward from the air vent connection part to the overlapping edge through multiple bends.

4. A duct structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The air vent connection, the air guide, and the overlapping part are integrally formed from the same sheet material.

5. A ducted air conditioner, comprising a housing, a fan assembly, a heat exchanger assembly, and the duct structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the casing forms the bottom wall of the casing. The fan assembly and the heat exchanger assembly are arranged inside the casing along the airflow direction. The water receiving tray is located below the heat exchanger assembly. The partition plate is located between the fan assembly and the heat exchanger assembly, and the first end of the partition plate is connected to the air outlet side of the fan assembly. The housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction. The first sidewall is provided with a first outlet, and the second sidewall is provided with a second outlet. The first outlet end is connected to the first outlet, and the second outlet end is connected to the second outlet.

6. A duct air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The partition includes an air outlet connection part, a guide part and an overlapping part connected in sequence along the airflow direction. The air outlet connection part is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet of the fan assembly passes through the air outlet and fits against the air outlet connection part. The air outlet connection is connected to the fan volute of the fan assembly by a snap and fasteners, and a first sealing element is provided between the two; the overlapping part overlaps the water receiving tray, and a second sealing element is provided between the two.

7. A duct air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fan assembly includes a fan volute. The upper side of the duct space is defined by the middle partition, the lower side is defined by the bottom wall of the casing, the upstream side along the airflow direction is defined by the fan volute, and the downstream side is defined by the side wall of the water receiving tray.

8. A duct air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first outlet and the second outlet are respectively sealed by a removable sealing plate, and the removable sealing plate is provided with a knock-out hole.

9. A duct air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a refrigerant pipe connected to the heat exchanger assembly, the refrigerant pipe being arranged within the pipe space and exiting the housing through the first outlet or the second outlet.

10. A duct air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water receiving tray is provided with drainage interfaces at both ends along the width direction; The duct unit also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to one of the two drain interfaces. The other drain interface is sealed by a plug. The drain pipe passes through the pipe space and exits the housing through the first or second outlet.

11. A duct air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water receiving tray is provided with drainage interfaces at both ends along the width direction; The duct unit also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to one of the two drain ports, and the other drain port is closed by a plug. The drain pipe passes through the pipe space and exits the housing. The refrigerant pipe and the drain pipe exit the housing through the same outlet, or they exit the housing through different outlets.

12. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the ductwork unit as described in any one of claims 5 to 11.

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