Front panel assembly, air conditioner shell and air conditioner

By adopting multiple detachable components assembled, the problems of inconvenient processing, high cost and complex disassembly and assembly of the air conditioner front panel structure are solved, and the effect of reducing production costs and improving maintenance and maintenance efficiency is achieved.

CN222651601UActive Publication Date: 2025-03-21QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420919907.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-29
Publication Date
2025-03-21
Estimated Expiration
2034-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The structure of the front panel of the existing air conditioner is inconvenient to process, is costly and complicated to disassemble and assemble, which affects maintenance and repair.

Method used

The design of multiple removable components is adopted, including the main frame, front wall assembly, first side panel and second side panel, flexible selection of materials and processing methods, reducing production costs and simplifying maintenance and repairs.

Benefits of technology

It has achieved the reduction of production costs, simplified maintenance and repair processes, and improved the maintainability and user experience of air conditioners.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to a front panel assembly, an air conditioner shell and an air conditioner, and aims to solve the problems that an existing air conditioner front panel structure is inconvenient to machine, high in machining cost and inconvenient to disassemble and assemble. Therefore, the front panel assembly provided by the utility model comprises a main frame which is provided with a front side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall are opposite to each other, and the front side wall is provided with an air outlet; the front wall assembly is detachably arranged on the front side wall; the first side plate is detachably arranged on the first side wall; and the second side plate is detachably arranged on the second side wall. The front panel assembly provided by the utility model is formed by assembling a plurality of components, so that materials and processing modes of all the components can be flexibly selected according to requirements, and due to the design, not only can the production cost be reduced, but also the maintenance and repair of the air conditioner can be facilitated, and more convenient use experience is provided for a user.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and specifically provides a front panel component, an air conditioner shell and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] The front panel of the air conditioner is located in the front or side of the air conditioner body. It not only includes elements such as the control screen or display screen and air outlets, but is also the main interface for users to interact with the air conditioner. At the same time, its structure also affects the aesthetics of the air conditioner.

[0003] In some related technologies, in order to improve the appearance of the air conditioner, the front panel structure of the air conditioner is usually designed with an integrated component. These components can be processed by injection molding of plastic parts or extrusion molding of sheet metal parts. However, both methods have some defects: the manufacture of plastic parts is usually carried out by mold injection molding. For components with a larger appearance such as the front panel structure, its size is difficult to control, and the injection molding process is also prone to deformation of the components; and although the sheet metal parts have less dimensional deformation and are easy to assemble, the complex curved surface modeling is difficult to control, and the material and processing costs are also high. In addition, when an integrated component is used, the disassembly and assembly of the front panel will become complicated, which is not conducive to the maintenance or repair of the air conditioner.

[0004] In view of this, the art needs a new air conditioner front panel structure solution to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that the existing air conditioner front panel structure is inconvenient to process, has high processing cost and is inconvenient to disassemble and assemble.

[0006] In a first aspect, the utility model provides a front panel assembly, comprising:

[0007] A main frame having a front side wall and a set of opposite first and second side walls, wherein the front side wall is provided with an air outlet;

[0008] A front wall assembly, which is detachably disposed on the front side wall;

[0009] A first side panel, which is detachably disposed on the first side wall;

[0010] The second side plate is detachably disposed on the second side wall.

[0011] Optionally, the front wall assembly comprises:

[0012] A lining plate, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the front side wall, and the lining plate is further provided with a first opening corresponding to the air outlet;

[0013] The front plate body is detachably arranged on the second surface, and a second opening corresponding to the first opening is arranged on the front plate body.

[0014] Optionally, a first annular flange is formed on the second surface, and the second opening is sleeved on the first flange.

[0015] Optionally, a groove is provided on the first surface, the groove is used for installing an air outlet assembly, and the groove is communicated with the first opening.

[0016] Optionally, the first side wall, the front side wall and the second side wall are connected in sequence, and the first side wall, the front side wall and the second side wall jointly define a concave cavity.

[0017] Optionally, a second flange extends from the edge of the air outlet in a direction away from the front panel, and the second flange forms a closed ring along the circumference of the air outlet.

[0018] Optionally, the front panel assembly further includes:

[0019] A connecting plate is arranged on the top of the lining plate, and the connecting plate has a front side and a set of opposite first and second sides, the front side is connected to the first surface, the first side is connected to the first side wall, and the second side is connected to the second side wall.

[0020] Optionally, a positioning groove is provided on the first surface, and a positioning protrusion is provided on the front side surface, and the positioning protrusion is embedded in the positioning groove.

[0021] In a second aspect, the utility model provides an air conditioning housing, comprising:

[0022] rear housing;

[0023] The front panel assembly as described in any one of the first aspects is detachably disposed on the rear housing via the main frame.

[0024] In a third aspect, the utility model provides an air conditioner, comprising the air conditioner housing as described in the second aspect.

[0025] The front panel assembly provided by the utility model is assembled from multiple components, so the material and processing method of each component can be flexibly selected according to needs. Such a design can not only reduce production costs, but also facilitate the maintenance and repair of the air conditioner, providing users with a more convenient user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the front panel assembly provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the front panel assembly provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a front panel assembly provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a connecting plate provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a partial structural schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the utility model.

[0032] List of reference numerals:

[0033] 1-main frame, 10-concave cavity, 11-front side wall, 110-air outlet, 12-first side wall, 13-second side wall, 14-second flange, 2-front wall assembly, 21-lining plate, 210-first opening, 211-first surface, 2111-positioning groove, 212-second surface, 213-first flange, 214-groove, 22-front plate body, 220-second opening, 3-first side plate, 4-second side plate, 5-connecting plate, 51-front side, 511-positioning protrusion, 52-first side, 53-second side, 6-air outlet assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0035] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or components must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1-5 The front panel assembly provided by the embodiment of the utility model is formed by assembling multiple parts in a detachable manner.

[0038] Specifically, if Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the front panel assembly includes a main frame 1, which is the main supporting component of the front panel assembly or the entire air conditioner housing. The main frame 1 includes a front side wall 11 and a first side wall 12 and a second side wall 13 disposed on both sides of the front side wall 11 and connected to the front side wall 11. The design of the main frame 1 enables the front panel assembly to bear the weight of the entire air conditioner housing and provide a stable support for the installation of other components.

[0039] Furthermore, the first side wall 12, the front side wall 11 and the second side wall 13 are connected in sequence, and the front side wall 11 and the first side wall 12, and the front side wall 11 and the second side wall 13 are connected by arcs, which can increase the beauty of the overall appearance.

[0040] Furthermore, if Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the first side wall 12, the front side wall 11 and the second side wall 13 jointly define a recessed cavity 10, which provides a space for installing internal components of the air conditioner.

[0041] Furthermore, an air outlet 110 of the air conditioner is disposed on the front side wall 11 .

[0042] The front panel assembly further includes a first side panel 3 and a second side panel 4 . The first side panel 3 is connected to the first side wall 12 , and the second side panel 4 is connected to the second side wall 13 .

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first side panel 3 and the second side panel 4 can be connected to the first side wall 12 and the second side wall 13 respectively by adhesive bonding. Of course, this does not constitute a limitation to the present application, and the first side panel 3 and the second side panel 4 can also be connected to the first side wall 12 and the second side wall 13 in other ways, such as mechanical connection, such as fasteners or clips, to ensure the firmness of the connection.

[0044] The front side wall 11 of the main frame 1 is also connected to the front wall assembly 2 .

[0045] In one embodiment, the front wall assembly 2 can be designed as an integrated injection molded part, made of plastic. This manufacturing method is low in cost and helps to control the production cost of the front panel assembly.

[0046] In another embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the front wall assembly 2 includes a backing plate 21 and a front plate body 22 which are connected to each other.

[0047] Specifically, the lining plate 21 has two surfaces: a first surface 211 close to the front side wall 11, and a second surface 212 facing away from the first surface 211. During the assembly process, the lining plate 21 is first connected to the front side wall 11 of the main frame 1 through its first surface 211, and then the front plate body 22 is connected to the second surface 212 of the lining plate 21 to complete the installation of the front wall assembly 2. Alternatively, the front plate body 22 can be connected to the lining plate 21 first, and then the two can be installed as an assembly on the front side wall 11 of the main frame 1.

[0048] By designing the front wall of the front panel assembly into two components, namely the lining plate 21 and the front panel body 22, different materials and different processing methods can be used to produce these two components according to the needs. For example, the front panel body 22 is usually used for the control screen or display screen, so it may be necessary to use high-quality materials such as acrylic to ensure its transparency and durability; while the lining plate 21 is set inside the air-conditioning shell, mainly for supporting and fixing, so it can be processed with a lower-priced plastic material. This design method helps to achieve the functionality of the air-conditioning shell while reducing processing costs.

[0049] Of course, according to actual needs, the materials and processing techniques of the main frame 1, the first side panel 3 and the second side panel 4 can also be flexibly selected, and freely matched and assembled.

[0050] Specifically, the main frame 1, as the supporting frame of the entire structure, can be manufactured by injection molding, also using plastic processing technology, such as selecting suitable plastic materials such as ABS. This method can reduce manufacturing costs and is highly efficient in large-scale production, while also ensuring the stability and strength requirements of the structure.

[0051] As for the first side panel 3 and the second side panel 4, different manufacturing methods can also be selected according to specific circumstances. One option is to design them as injection molded parts and use plastic processing technology. The advantage of this is that it can simplify the production process and improve production efficiency, just like the front wall component 2. Another option is to design them as sheet metal parts and use extrusion technology. This method is suitable for occasions that require higher strength and durability.

[0052] In summary, the materials and processing technology of the main frame 1, the first side panel 3 and the second side panel 4 can be flexibly selected according to factors such as product design requirements, cost considerations and production efficiency, so as to achieve the best structural design and manufacturing solution.

[0053] Furthermore, the front panel assembly provided in the embodiment of the utility model is designed as a plurality of detachable parts, which facilitates the maintenance and repair of the air conditioner.

[0054] When maintenance or repair is required, the components that need maintenance can be removed individually by simply releasing the corresponding connections or fixations without disassembling the entire front panel assembly, thus saving time and labor costs.

[0055] In addition, the detachable design also facilitates quick replacement of damaged parts or upgrade of components. For example, when the front panel body 22 is a display screen, if the display screen is damaged, the maintenance personnel can only remove it and replace it with a new one without affecting the functions of other parts or the entire front panel assembly, which can also save costs to a certain extent.

[0056] Therefore, the use of a detachable front panel component design not only improves the maintenance efficiency of the air conditioner, but also reduces the cost and risk during maintenance and repair, providing users with a more convenient user experience.

[0057] Furthermore, the lining plate 21 is provided with a first opening 210 corresponding to the air outlet 110, and the front plate body 22 is provided with a second opening 220 corresponding to the first opening 210. The openings on the lining plate 21 and the front plate body 22 correspond to and communicate with each other, so that the processed air inside the air conditioner can effectively flow into the room.

[0058] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 and 3 As shown, a first annular flange 213 is formed on the second surface 212 of the lining plate 21, and the first flange 213 surrounds the first opening 210. The second opening 220 of the front plate body 22 is sleeved on the first flange 213, which is helpful for positioning and installing the front plate body 22 and the lining plate 21 during assembly.

[0059] Specifically, the first flange 213 provides support for the front plate body 22 when it is assembled onto the lining plate 21, so that the front plate body 22 can be stabilized in the installation position, avoiding misalignment or looseness during the installation process, and effectively improving the assembly efficiency and quality of the product.

[0060] In addition, accurate positioning and firm connection can also ensure the sealing between the front panel body 22 and the lining plate 21, preventing air leakage inside the air conditioner or external dust from entering, thereby ensuring the normal operation and performance of the air conditioner.

[0061] Furthermore, the first flange 213 forms a folded edge structure at the first opening 210, which can increase the strength and rigidity of thinner shell parts such as the lining plate 21 at the opening, making it more able to withstand external stress and pressure and reducing the possibility of deformation and damage.

[0062] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, a groove 214 is formed on the first surface 211 of the lining plate 21 . The groove 214 is communicated with the first opening 210 and is used for positioning and installing the air outlet assembly 6 .

[0063] Specifically, by providing such a groove 214 on the lining plate 21, a stable support platform can be provided for the installation of the air outlet component 6. When installing components such as the air outlet blade, they can be inserted into the groove 214, thereby achieving accurate positioning of the component and ensuring that it is firmly and stably connected to the lining plate 21.

[0064] In addition, the design of the groove 214 also helps to simplify the installation process of the air outlet assembly 6 and improve assembly efficiency.

[0065] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the edge of the air outlet 110 of the main frame 1 extends a second flange 14 in a direction away from the front panel. The second flange 14 forms a closed ring along the periphery of the air outlet 110 and protrudes toward the cavity 10 .

[0066] Similar to the structure of the first flange 213, the second flange 14 forms a folded edge structure at the air outlet 110. For thinner shell-like parts such as the main frame 1, this can increase its strength and rigidity at the air outlet 110, making it more able to withstand external stress and pressure and reduce the possibility of deformation and damage.

[0067] In one embodiment, a connecting plate 5 is further provided on the top of the lining plate 21. The connecting plate 5 is located on the top of the air conditioner and mainly serves as a decoration. At the same time, the connecting plate 5 can also play a certain protective role. It can shield the components inside the air conditioner to a certain extent, reduce the entry of dust and debris, and keep the air conditioner clean and beautiful as a whole.

[0068] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the connecting plate 5 is arc-shaped, and its overall shape is adapted to the shape of the top of the front panel assembly. The connecting plate 5 includes a front side surface 51 facing the front side wall 11, and a first side surface 52 and a second side surface 53 located on both sides of the front side surface 51. The front side surface 51 of the connecting plate 5 is connected to the first surface 211, the first side surface 52 is connected to the first side wall 12, and the second side surface 53 is connected to the second side wall 13.

[0069] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 and 5As shown, a positioning groove 2111 is provided on the first surface 211 of the lining plate 21 , and a positioning protrusion 511 is provided on the front side surface 51 , and the positioning protrusion 511 is embedded in the positioning groove 2111 .

[0070] The design of the positioning protrusion 511 and the positioning groove 2111 ensures that the position between the connecting plate 5 and the lining plate 21 is accurately aligned, avoiding displacement or misalignment between the components. At the same time, through the engagement of the protrusion and the groove, the fixing force between the connecting plate 5 and the lining plate 21 can be increased, making it more stable and not easy to loosen. This design can also simplify the installation process, allowing the installer to complete the assembly more easily.

[0071] The embodiment of the utility model further provides an air-conditioning housing, which comprises a rear housing and the front panel assembly as described above, wherein the front panel assembly is detachably arranged on the rear housing through a main frame 1 .

[0072] The front panel assembly is assembled from multiple components, and the materials and processing methods can be flexibly selected. This design not only reduces production costs, but also facilitates the repair and maintenance of the air conditioner. When maintenance or replacement of parts inside the air conditioner is required, the front panel assembly can be easily removed without having to disassemble the entire air conditioner casing, thus saving time and energy.

[0073] Furthermore, this design enhances the customizability and upgradeability of the air conditioner. Since the front panel assembly is detachable, users can customize or replace it according to their needs or preferences. For example, they can choose a front panel assembly of a different style or color, or upgrade to a new assembly with more functions to meet changing needs.

[0074] In addition, since the front panel assembly can be removed separately, the detachable design also helps reduce shipping and storage costs.

[0075] The embodiment of the utility model further provides an air conditioner, the shell of the air conditioner is selected as the air conditioner shell as described above.

[0076] Since the air-conditioning housing can provide the above advantages, the air-conditioning including the air-conditioning housing also has the above superior performance, can provide a better user experience, and enhance its competitiveness in the market.

[0077] So far, the technical solution of the present invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front panel assembly, characterized in that: include: A main frame having a front side wall and a set of opposite first and second side walls, wherein the front side wall is provided with an air outlet; A front wall assembly, which is detachably disposed on the front side wall; A first side panel, which is detachably disposed on the first side wall; The second side plate is detachably disposed on the second side wall.

2. The front panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front wall assembly comprises: A lining plate, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the front side wall, and the lining plate is further provided with a first opening corresponding to the air outlet; The front plate body is detachably arranged on the second surface, and a second opening corresponding to the first opening is arranged on the front plate body.

3. The front panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first annular flange is formed on the second surface, and the second opening is sleeved on the first flange.

4. The front panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A groove is formed on the first surface, the groove is used for installing an air outlet component, and the groove is communicated with the first opening.

5. The front panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first side wall, the front side wall and the second side wall are connected in sequence, and the first side wall, the front side wall and the second side wall jointly define a concave cavity.

6. The front panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second flange extends from the edge of the air outlet in a direction away from the front panel, and the second flange forms a closed ring along the circumference of the air outlet.

7. The front panel assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The front panel assembly further comprises: A connecting plate is arranged on the top of the lining plate, and the connecting plate has a front side and a set of opposite first and second sides, the front side is connected to the first surface, the first side is connected to the first side wall, and the second side is connected to the second side wall.

8. The front panel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first surface is provided with a positioning groove, the front side surface is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the positioning protrusion is embedded in the positioning groove.

9. An air conditioning housing, characterized in that: include: rear housing; The front panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front panel assembly is detachably disposed on the rear housing via the main frame.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Comprising the air conditioning housing as claimed in claim 9.