Air conditioner and air outlet structure thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner and an air outlet structure thereof. The air outlet structure is located between a heat exchanger and an air outlet of the air conditioner. The air outlet structure forms an air outlet channel. The air outlet structure comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first drainage hole and a first water receiving groove, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are located on the two transverse opposite sides of the air outlet channel, and the top wall and the bottom wall are located on the two vertical opposite sides of the air outlet channel. The first drainage hole is formed in the joint of the top wall and the first side wall. The first water receiving groove is formed in the joint of the bottom wall and the first side wall and located below the first drainage hole. Compared with the prior art, the technical scheme does not need to additionally arrange a drain pipe, the risk of pipeline blockage is avoided, and the production cost of the air conditioner can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioning, in particular to an air conditioner and an air outlet structure thereof. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners typically have an outlet structure between the heat exchanger and the air outlet, with an outlet duct within the outlet structure. After passing through the heat exchanger, ambient temperature air undergoes pressure expansion and rectification within the outlet duct before being blown out through the outlet. Due to contact with the heat-exchanged air, condensation water easily forms on the top surface of the outlet structure's top wall. In response to this, related art proposes providing drainage holes on the top wall of the outlet structure and draining a drain pipe downwardly to drain the condensation water on the top wall into the air conditioner's water pan. However, the drain pipe is prone to clogging after long-term use, leading to leakage of condensation water. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner and its air outlet structure that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems, aiming to solve the problem that condensed water on the top wall of the air outlet structure of the existing air conditioner is not easy to discharge.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0005] An air outlet structure for an air conditioner is disposed between a heat exchanger and an air outlet of the air conditioner. The air outlet structure forms an air outlet duct. The air outlet structure includes a first side wall and a second side wall located on opposite horizontal sides of the air outlet duct, a top wall and a bottom wall located on opposite vertical sides of the air outlet duct, a first drain hole, and a first water receiving trough.

[0006] The first drainage hole is arranged at the junction of the top wall and the first side wall. The first water receiving trough is arranged at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall and is located below the first drainage hole.

[0007] Optionally, the first drainage hole and the first water receiving groove are both located on a side of the first side wall away from the air outlet duct.

[0008] Optionally, the first water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall on a side facing away from the air outlet duct.

[0009] A second drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the first water receiving trough.

[0010] Optionally, on a horizontal projection plane, the first drainage hole is located in the first water receiving groove, and a first groove wall of the first water receiving groove opposite to the first side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall by more than 5 mm.

[0011] Optionally, on a horizontal projection plane, a distance between a first groove wall of the first water receiving groove opposite to the first side wall and the first side wall is greater than 10 mm, and a distance between the first groove wall and an end of the first drainage hole away from the first side wall is greater than 5 mm.

[0012] Optionally, a second water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the second side wall facing away from the air outlet duct. A third drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the second water receiving trough.

[0013] On a horizontal projection plane, a distance between a second groove wall of the second water receiving groove opposite to the second side wall and the second side wall is greater than 5 mm.

[0014] Optionally, a third water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall close to the air outlet duct, and a fourth drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the third water receiving trough.

[0015] A fourth water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the second side wall near the air outlet duct. A fifth drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the fourth water receiving trough.

[0016] Optionally, the front edge of the bottom wall between the first side wall and the second side wall is higher than or equal to the rear edge. A first water retaining rib protruding upward is provided on the front edge.

[0017] Optionally, a second water retaining rib protruding upward is provided on the peripheral edge of the top wall.

[0018] On the other hand, the present application also provides an air conditioner, which includes a shell, a heat exchanger located in the shell, an air outlet located on the shell, and the above-mentioned air outlet structure, wherein the air outlet structure is located between the heat exchanger and the air outlet.

[0019] The air outlet structure of the air conditioner of the present invention features a first drain hole in the top wall and a first water receiving trough below the first drain hole. Condensed water on the top wall's upper surface can be drained downward through the first drain hole into the first water receiving trough. Furthermore, both the first drain hole and the first water receiving trough are connected to the first side wall. Condensed water flowing downward from the first drain hole adheres to the first side wall and then slides down along the first side wall into the first water receiving trough, thereby preventing condensed water from splashing when it drips into the first water receiving trough. Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution does not require an additional drain pipe, thus eliminating the risk of pipe blockage and reducing the production cost of the air conditioner.

[0020] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of an air outlet structure according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an air outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-AA axis;

[0026] Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-AA axis;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial structural diagram of an air outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial structural diagram of an air outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 It is a schematic partial structural diagram of an air outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] List of reference numerals:

[0031] 100. Air outlet structure; 110. First side wall; 120. Second side wall; 130. Top wall; 140. Bottom wall; 141. Front edge; 142. Rear edge; 151. First drainage hole; 160. First water receiving trough; 161. First trough wall; 162. Second drainage hole; 170. Second water receiving trough; 172. Second trough wall; 173. Third drainage hole; 181. Third water receiving trough; 182. Fourth drainage hole; 184. Fourth water receiving trough; 185. Fifth drainage hole; 191. First water retaining rib; 192. Second water retaining rib; 200. Air outlet duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 8To describe the air conditioner and its air outlet structure in the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features, that is, include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or some of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may further include other features.

[0033] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "disposed," "installed," "connected," "connected," "fixed," and "coupled" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections, or integration; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited. A person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact via another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, the first feature being "above," "above," and "above" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below," "below," or "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of the present embodiment, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0036] Figure 1 According to a schematic structural diagram of the air outlet structure of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, and reference Figure 2-8 The present invention provides an air outlet structure 100 for an air conditioner, which is located between the heat exchanger and the air outlet of the air conditioner. The air outlet structure 100 forms an air outlet duct 200. The air outlet structure 100 includes a first sidewall 110 and a second sidewall 120 on opposite sides of the air outlet duct 200 in the horizontal direction, a top wall 130 and a bottom wall 140 on opposite sides of the air outlet duct 200 in the vertical direction, a first drainage hole 151, and a first water receiving trough 160.

[0037] The first drainage hole 151 is disposed at the junction of the top wall 130 and the first side wall 110 . The first water receiving trough 160 is disposed at the junction of the bottom wall 140 and the first side wall 110 and is located below the first drainage hole 151 .

[0038] The air conditioner can be a cabinet air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, an integrated air conditioner, etc. In the embodiment of the present utility model, the technical solution of the present application is described by taking the cabinet air conditioner as an example.

[0039] A vertical cabinet air conditioner generally has a heat exchanger, a wind wheel, and an air outlet arranged vertically, and the air outlet structure 100 is located downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the air outlet. In some embodiments, the outlet of the air outlet duct 200 directly forms the air outlet.

[0040] During cooling, ambient air enters the air conditioner through the air inlet under the action of the impeller. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger, it forms a low-temperature airflow. The impeller then expands and rectifies the airflow within the outlet duct 200 of the outlet structure 100 before finally blowing it out of the air conditioner through the outlet. Due to contact with the low-temperature airflow, the outlet structure 100 is kept at a relatively low temperature, creating a significant temperature difference with the surrounding air, which can easily lead to condensation on its surface.

[0041] In this embodiment, a first drain hole 151 is provided on the top wall 130, and a first water receiving trough 160 is provided on the top wall 130 directly below the first drain hole 151. This allows condensed water on the upper surface of the top wall 130 to flow downward along the first drain hole 151 and into the first water receiving trough 160. The first drain hole 151 can be circular, elongated, or otherwise shaped. It should be understood that the first side wall 110, second side wall 120, top wall 130, bottom wall 140, first drain hole 151, and first water receiving trough 160 can be manufactured using an integral injection molding process, and the first drain hole 151 should be located at the lowest point of the top wall 130.

[0042] Because the air duct of a cabinet air conditioner is relatively high, condensed water on the top wall 130 can splash around when it flows directly down through the first drain hole 151 or drips into the first water receiving trough 160, causing water leakage and potentially posing a safety hazard. To address this issue, in this embodiment, both the first drain hole 151 and the first water receiving trough 160 are connected to the first side wall 110. Condensed water flowing down through the first drain hole 151 adheres to the first side wall 110, then slides down along the first side wall 110 and into the first water receiving trough 160, preventing condensed water from splashing around. Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution eliminates the need for an additional drain pipe, eliminates the risk of pipe blockage, and reduces the production cost of the air conditioner.

[0043] It should be understood that the heat exchanger, impeller, and air outlet mentioned in this embodiment are all characteristics of the use environment of the air outlet structure 100 and are only used to illustrate the structural characteristics and working process of the air outlet structure 100. In practice, the air outlet structure 100 can be produced, sold, and maintained separately as an independent product.

[0044] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 6-7 As shown, the first drainage hole 151 and the first water receiving groove 160 are both located on the side of the first side wall 110 away from the air outlet duct 200 .

[0045] The airflow within the outlet duct 200 has a high velocity. When the first drain hole 151 is located within the outlet duct 200, the airflow can carry condensed water and blow it out of the air outlet, affecting the user experience. In this embodiment, the first drain hole 151 is located outside the outlet duct 200, allowing condensed water on the top wall 130 to slide down along the outer surface of the first side wall 110 and flow into the first water receiving trough 160 without being affected by the airflow.

[0046] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, a first water receiving groove 160 is formed at the joint of the bottom wall 140 and the first side wall 110 facing away from the air outlet duct 200 .

[0047] A second drainage hole 162 is provided at the bottom of the first water receiving tank 160 .

[0048] When the air conditioner is operating, the first side wall 110 is in contact with the outlet air flow and has a lower temperature. A large temperature difference is formed between the outer surface of the first side wall 110 facing away from the outlet air duct 200 and the surrounding air, which easily condenses condensed water. Condensed water may slide downward from the entire outer surface of the first side wall 110. In addition, the condensed water flowing down from the first drain hole 151 may also deviate from the vertical direction while sliding downward along the outer surface of the first side wall 110. In this embodiment, the first water receiving trough 160 extends along the extension direction of the first side wall 110, so that the condensed water sliding downward from the entire outer surface of the first side wall 110 flows into the first water receiving trough 160, preventing the condensed water from leaking out.

[0049] The second drain hole 162 may be provided at the lowest point of the bottom of the first water receiving tank 160 to drain the condensed water into the water receiving tray to prevent the condensed water from overflowing.

[0050] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, on the horizontal projection plane, the first drainage hole 151 is located in the first water receiving groove 160 , and the distance L1 between the first groove wall 161 of the first water receiving groove 160 opposite to the first side wall 110 and the first side wall 110 is greater than 5 mm.

[0051] The distance L1 between the first groove wall 161 and the first side wall 110 is the width of the first water receiving groove 160. Condensed water flowing down the first side wall 110 into the first water receiving groove 160 is somewhat prevented from splashing. However, if the height difference between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 140 is large, a small amount of condensed water splashing may still occur. In this embodiment, the width of the first water receiving groove 160 is appropriately increased so that the splashing water falls back into the first water receiving groove 160, preventing leakage.

[0052] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, on the horizontal projection plane, the distance L1 between the first groove wall 161 of the first water receiving groove 160 opposite to the first side wall 110 and the first side wall 110 is greater than 10 mm, and the distance L2 between the first groove wall 161 and the end of the first drainage hole 151 away from the first side wall 110 is greater than 5 mm.

[0053] During the air conditioner's manufacturing / assembly process and home installation, the air outlet structure 100 may tilt slightly, causing the first drainage hole 151 to deviate from the first water receiving groove 160 in horizontal projection, potentially leading to water leakage. In this embodiment, the width of the first water receiving groove 160 is further increased, and the distance L2 between the outermost end of the first drainage hole 151 and the first groove wall 161 is appropriately increased to ensure that water leakage is prevented even if the air outlet structure 100 tilts slightly.

[0054] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the second water receiving groove 170 is formed at the junction of the bottom wall 140 and the second side wall 120 facing away from the air outlet duct 200. A third drainage hole 173 is provided at the bottom of the second water receiving groove 170.

[0055] On the horizontal projection plane, a distance L3 between the second groove wall 172 of the second water receiving groove 170 opposite to the second side wall 120 and the second side wall 120 is greater than 5 mm.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second water receiving groove 170 extends along the extension direction of the second side wall 120 so that the condensed water sliding down from the entire outer surface of the second side wall 120 flows into the second water receiving groove 170 to prevent the condensed water from leaking out.

[0057] The third drain hole 173 may be provided at the lowest point of the bottom of the second water receiving tank 170 to drain the condensed water into the water receiving tray to prevent the condensed water from overflowing.

[0058] The distance L3 between the second groove wall 172 and the second side wall 120 is the width of the second water receiving groove 170. By appropriately increasing the width of the second water receiving groove 170, the splashing water falls back into the second water receiving groove 170 to prevent water leakage.

[0059] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, a third water receiving groove 181 is formed at the joint of the bottom wall 140 and the first side wall 110 near the air outlet duct 200. A fourth drainage hole 182 is provided at the bottom of the third water receiving groove 181.

[0060] The inner surface of the first side wall 110 and the inner surface of the second side wall 120 form two lateral sides of the air outlet duct 200. The inner surface of the first side wall 110 and the inner surface of the second side wall 120 are also prone to condensation of condensed water.

[0061] In this embodiment, the third water receiving groove 181 extends along the extension direction of the first side wall 110, so that the condensed water sliding down from the entire inner surface of the first side wall 110 flows into the third water receiving groove 181, preventing the condensed water from leaking out.

[0062] The fourth drain hole 182 can be set at the lowest point of the bottom of the third water receiving tank 181 to drain the condensed water into the water receiving tray to prevent the condensed water from overflowing.

[0063] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, a fourth water receiving groove 184 is formed at the junction of the bottom wall 140 and the second side wall 120 near the air outlet duct 200. A fifth drainage hole 185 is provided at the bottom of the fourth water receiving groove 184.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fourth water receiving groove 184 extends along the extension direction of the second side wall 120, so that the condensed water sliding down from the entire inner surface of the second side wall 120 flows into the fourth water receiving groove 184, preventing the condensed water from leaking out.

[0065] The fifth drain hole 185 can be set at the lowest point of the bottom of the fourth water receiving groove 184 to drain the condensed water into the water receiving tray to prevent the condensed water from overflowing.

[0066] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the front edge 141 of the bottom wall 140 between the first side wall 110 and the second side wall 120 is higher than or equal to the rear edge 142. The front edge 141 is provided with a first water retaining rib 191 protruding upward.

[0067] Condensation water is easily condensed on the inner surface of the first side wall 110, the inner surface of the second side wall 120, and the lower surface of the top wall 130. Condensation water on the inner surface of the first side wall 110 and the inner surface of the second side wall 120 can flow down along the inner surface to the bottom wall 140, while condensation water on the lower surface of the top wall 130 tends to drip directly onto the bottom wall 140.

[0068] In this embodiment, the entire bottom wall 140 is used to receive condensed water on the inner surface of the first side wall 110, the inner surface of the second side wall 120, and the lower surface of the top wall 130. By setting the front edge 141 of the bottom wall 140 to be higher than or equal to the rear edge 142, and providing an upwardly protruding first water retaining rib 191 on the front edge 141, the condensed water on the bottom wall 140 can be guided to the rear edge 142 and then discharged. It should be understood that the rear side of the air outlet structure 100 is usually a heat exchanger accommodating chamber or a wind wheel accommodating chamber, and a water receiving pan is provided below it. After being discharged from the rear edge 142, the condensed water can enter the water receiving pan of the heat exchanger accommodating chamber or the wind wheel accommodating chamber and will not leak out of the air conditioner.

[0069] The first water retaining rib 191 can also enhance the structural strength of the bottom wall 140 to prevent the bottom wall 140 from being deformed or damaged due to stress.

[0070] In some embodiments of the air outlet structure of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a second water retaining rib 192 protruding upward is provided on the peripheral edge of the top wall 130 .

[0071] In this embodiment, the second water retaining ribs 192 surround the peripheral edge of the top wall 130 to prevent condensed water on the top wall 130 from flowing downward from the peripheral edge.

[0072] The second water retaining rib 192 can also enhance the structural strength of the top wall 130 to prevent the top wall 130 from being deformed or damaged due to stress.

[0073] In some embodiments of the air conditioner of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a shell, a heat exchanger in the shell, an air outlet on the shell, and the above-mentioned air outlet structure 100, and the air outlet structure 100 is located between the heat exchanger and the air outlet.

[0074] Compared with the prior art, the present technical solution does not require an additional drainage pipe to be provided on the top wall 130 of the air outlet structure 100 , does not generate the risk of pipe blockage, and can reduce the production cost of the air conditioner.

[0075] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that, although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications consistent with the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or deduced from the contents disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed to cover all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An air outlet structure of an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air outlet structure is located between the heat exchanger and the air outlet of the air conditioner; The air outlet structure forms an air outlet duct; the air outlet structure includes: a first side wall and a second side wall located on opposite sides of the air outlet duct in a transverse direction; A top wall and a bottom wall located on two opposite sides of the air outlet duct in the vertical direction; a first drainage hole, provided at a junction of the top wall and the first side wall; and The first water receiving trough is arranged at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall and is located below the first drainage hole.

2. The air outlet structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drainage hole and the first water receiving groove are both located on a side of the first side wall away from the air outlet duct.

3. The air outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first water receiving groove is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall facing away from the air outlet duct; A second drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the first water receiving trough.

4. The air outlet structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: On a horizontal projection plane, the first drainage hole is located in the first water receiving groove, and a first groove wall of the first water receiving groove opposite to the first side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall by more than 5 mm.

5. The air outlet structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: On a horizontal projection plane, a distance between the first groove wall of the first water receiving groove opposite to the first side wall and the first side wall is greater than 10 mm, and a distance between the first groove wall and the end of the first drainage hole away from the first side wall is greater than 5 mm.

6. The air outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the second side wall on a side facing away from the air outlet duct; a third drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the second water receiving trough; On a horizontal projection plane, a distance between a second groove wall of the second water receiving groove opposite to the second side wall and the second side wall is greater than 5 mm.

7. The air outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A third water receiving groove is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the first side wall near the air outlet duct; a fourth drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the third water receiving groove; A fourth water receiving trough is formed at the junction of the bottom wall and the second side wall on one side close to the air outlet duct; and a fifth drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the fourth water receiving trough.

8. The air outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front edge of the bottom wall between the first side wall and the second side wall is higher than or equal to the rear edge; the front edge is provided with a first water retaining rib protruding upward.

9. The air outlet structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second water retaining rib protruding upward is provided on the peripheral side edge of the top wall.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell, a heat exchanger in the shell, an air outlet on the shell, and an air outlet structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air outlet structure is located between the heat exchanger and the air outlet.

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