Refrigerant leakage detection structure and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerant leakage detection structure and an air conditioner. The refrigerant leakage detection structure comprises a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a first end and a side plate; the water pan is arranged below the heat exchanger; a containing space is defined by the side plates, and the heat exchanger and the water pan are arranged in the containing space; the connecting plate is connected with the side plate and the side plate, and a refrigerant detection space is defined by the connecting plate, the side plate, the side plate and the water pan; and the refrigerant sensor and the first end are arranged in the refrigerant detection space. In the refrigerant leakage detection structure, the refrigerant detection space can be defined by the connecting plate, the side plate, the side plate and the water pan, and the first end and the refrigerant sensor are arranged in the refrigerant detection space, so that when the refrigerant leakage occurs at the first end, the leaked refrigerant can be accumulated in the refrigerant detection space and detected by the refrigerant sensor; therefore, the detection reliability of the refrigerant sensor can be ensured to a certain extent, and the use risk caused by refrigerant leakage is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a refrigerant leakage detection structure and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners use flammable refrigerant. During long-term use, this flammable refrigerant may leak, posing a certain risk. Currently, air conditioners are equipped with refrigerant sensors to detect leaks. The location of these sensors needs to ensure reliable detection. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a refrigerant leak detection structure and an air conditioner to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] This utility model provides a refrigerant leakage detection structure for an air conditioner, the refrigerant leakage detection structure comprising:

[0005] A heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising a first end and a side plate;

[0006] A water receiving tray is located below the heat exchanger;

[0007] Side plate, the side plate enclosing an accommodating space, the heat exchanger and the water receiving tray are disposed in the accommodating space;

[0008] A connecting plate, which is connected to the side plate and the edge plate, wherein the connecting plate, the edge plate, the side plate, and the water receiving tray form a refrigerant detection space;

[0009] A refrigerant sensor, wherein the refrigerant sensor and the first end are disposed in the refrigerant detection space.

[0010] In the above-mentioned refrigerant leak detection structure, a refrigerant detection space can be formed by a connecting plate, a side plate, a side plate, and a water receiving tray. The first end and the refrigerant sensor are located in the refrigerant detection space. When a refrigerant leak occurs at the first end, the leaked refrigerant can accumulate in the refrigerant detection space and be detected by the refrigerant sensor. This can, to a certain extent, ensure the reliability of the refrigerant sensor detection and avoid the risk of use caused by refrigerant leaks.

[0011] In some embodiments, the refrigerant detection space includes a first refrigerant space and a second refrigerant space. The connecting plate, the side plate, and the side panel form the first refrigerant space, and the water tray, the connecting plate, and the side panel form the second refrigerant space. The first refrigerant space and the second refrigerant space are in communication. The first end is located in the first refrigerant space, and the refrigerant sensor is located in the second refrigerant space or the first refrigerant space.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting plate includes a first sealing plate, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The first sealing plate, the first support plate, the side plate, and the side plate form a first refrigerant space, and the water receiving tray, the second support plate, and the side plate form a second refrigerant space.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second support plate has an opening, and the second refrigerant space communicates with the first refrigerant space through the opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first refrigerant space is located above the second refrigerant space, and the refrigerant sensor is disposed in the second refrigerant space.

[0015] In some embodiments, the side plate includes an upper side plate and a lower side plate, the first sealing plate is connected to the upper surface of the upper side plate, and the first support plate is connected to the lower surface of the lower side plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the refrigerant leakage detection structure includes a second sealing plate, the connecting plate includes a third support plate, the heat exchanger includes a second end and a heat exchanger body, the second end and the first end are respectively located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger body, the side plate, the edge plate, the second sealing plate and the third support plate form a third refrigerant space, the second end is disposed in the third refrigerant space, and the third refrigerant space is in communication with the second refrigerant space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the refrigerant sensor is mounted on the third support plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first end is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger, and the second end is the pipe end of the heat exchanger, or;

[0019] The first end is the pipe end of the heat exchanger, and the second end is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger.

[0020] This utility model provides an air conditioner that includes the refrigerant leakage detection structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0021] In the aforementioned air conditioner, a refrigerant detection space can be formed by a connecting plate, a side plate, a side panel, and a water collection tray. The first end and the refrigerant sensor are located in the refrigerant detection space. Thus, when refrigerant leakage occurs at the first end, the leaked refrigerant can accumulate in the refrigerant detection space and be detected by the refrigerant sensor. This can, to a certain extent, ensure the reliability of the refrigerant sensor detection and avoid the risk of use caused by refrigerant leakage.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the air conditioner along line AA;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a portion of the air conditioner structure according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the air conditioner along line BB;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the air conditioner along the CC line;

[0030] Figures 7 to 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Explanation of key component reference numerals:

[0032] The refrigerant leak detection structure 100, air conditioner 200, heat exchanger 12, water tray 14, side plate 16, connecting plate 18, refrigerant sensor 20, first end 22, side plate 24, accommodating space 26, heat exchanger body 28, second end 30, first refrigerant space 32, second refrigerant space 34, first sealing plate 36, first support plate 38, second support plate 40, crossbeam 42, opening 44, upper side plate 46, lower side plate 48, second sealing plate 50, third support plate 52, third refrigerant space 54, and fan assembly 56. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] This disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described herein. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This utility model provides a refrigerant leak detection structure 100 for use in an air conditioner 200. The refrigerant leak detection structure 100 includes a heat exchanger 12, a drip tray 14, a side plate 16, a connecting plate 18, and a refrigerant sensor 20. The heat exchanger 12 includes a first end 22 and a side plate 24. The drip tray 14 is located below the heat exchanger 12. The side plate 16 forms an accommodating space 26, in which the heat exchanger 12 and the drip tray 14 are located. The connecting plate 18 connects to the side plate 16 and the side plate 24, and the connecting plate 18, the side plate 24, the side plate 16, and the drip tray 14 form a refrigerant detection space. The refrigerant sensor 20 and the first end 22 are located within the refrigerant detection space.

[0039] In the aforementioned refrigerant leak detection structure 100, a refrigerant detection space can be formed by a connecting plate 18, a side plate 24, a side plate 16, and a water receiving tray 14. The first end 22 and the refrigerant sensor 20 are located in the refrigerant detection space. Thus, when a refrigerant leak occurs at the first end 22, the leaked refrigerant can accumulate in the refrigerant detection space and be detected by the refrigerant sensor 20. This can, to a certain extent, ensure the reliability of the refrigerant sensor 20's detection and avoid the risk of use caused by refrigerant leaks.

[0040] Specifically, the refrigerant leak detection structure 100 can be used in the air conditioner 200, which may include, but is not limited to, the indoor unit. The indoor unit may be suspended from the ceiling or the top of the room, or on a wall. The heat exchanger 12 may be an evaporator or a condenser. When the air conditioner 200 is working, the indoor unit can cool or heat the room.

[0041] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 12 includes a heat exchanger body 28 and a second end 30, with the first end 22 and the second end 30 respectively located on opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the heat exchanger body 28. A refrigerant channel is provided within the heat exchanger body 28, connecting the first end 22 and the second end 30. The refrigerant can circulate within the refrigerant channel, the first end 22, and the second end 30 to exchange heat with the heat exchanger 12. As an example, the refrigerant includes, but is not limited to, combustible refrigerants (such as R32 and R454b).

[0042] Side plates 24 can be disposed around the heat exchanger body 28. Side plates 24 can be connected to connecting plates 18 and side plates 16, thereby allowing the heat exchanger 12 to be installed and fixed.

[0043] The drip tray 14 is located below the heat exchanger 12 and can collect the condensate on the heat exchanger 12, thereby preventing the condensate from spilling onto other parts of the air conditioner 200 and causing short circuits, or dripping onto the ground or onto the user.

[0044] The air conditioner 200 may include a housing, which includes a side panel 16. The side panel 16 can enclose an accommodating space 26, within which a heat exchanger 12 and a drip tray 14 can be housed, providing installation and protection space for the heat exchanger 12 and the drip tray 14. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the accommodating space 26 enclosed by the side plate 16 is generally rectangular in shape.

[0045] The connecting plate 18 connects to the side plate 16 and the edge plate 24, thereby effectively supporting and fixing the heat exchanger 12. The connecting plate 18, edge plate 24, side plate 16, and drip tray 14 form a refrigerant detection space. Leaking refrigerant can be collected in the refrigerant detection space for detection by the refrigerant sensor 20. The materials of the connecting plate 18, side plate 16, and edge plate 24 include, but are not limited to, metal. The connection methods between the connecting plate 18 and the side plate 16 and edge plate 24 include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, and clips.

[0046] The first end 22 is connected to the heat exchanger body 28. Refrigerant may leak at the connection point between the first end 22 and the heat exchanger body 28, and at the first end 22 itself. In particular, for flammable refrigerants, leaked refrigerant can pose a safety hazard. Therefore, the refrigerant leak detection structure 100 includes a refrigerant sensor 20, and the refrigerant sensor 20 and the first end 22 are located in a refrigerant detection space. When refrigerant leaks from the first end 22 or the connection point, the leaked refrigerant can be collected in the refrigerant detection space, where it can be detected by the refrigerant sensor 20. When the refrigerant concentration in the refrigerant detection space reaches an alarm threshold, the air conditioner 200 can send an alarm message to the user.

[0047] In this embodiment of the utility model, the refrigerant detection space is formed by the connecting plate 18, the side plate 24, the side plate 16 and the water receiving tray 14, which can meet the refrigerant leakage detection at the first end 22 or the connection point.

[0048] In some embodiments, the refrigerant detection space includes a first refrigerant space 32 and a second refrigerant space 34. The connecting plate 18, the side plate 24 and the side plate 16 form the first refrigerant space 32, and the water tray 14, the connecting plate 18 and the side plate 16 form the second refrigerant space 34. The first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34 are connected. The first end 22 is located in the first refrigerant space 32, and the refrigerant sensor 20 is located in the second refrigerant space 34 or the first refrigerant space 32.

[0049] Thus, the first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34 can be formed by using the water receiving tray 14 and the support of the heat exchanger 12, respectively.

[0050] Specifically, the supporting components of the heat exchanger 12 may include a side plate 16, a side plate 24, and a connecting plate 18. The connecting plate 18, the side plate 24, and the side plate 16 can form a first refrigerant space 32, and the drip tray 14, the connecting plate 18, and the side plate 16 can form a second refrigerant space 34. For the air conditioner 200, at least the side plate 16, the side plate 24, the side plate 16, and the drip tray 14 are original structural components of the air conditioner 200. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 18 may also be an original structural component of the air conditioner 200. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 18 may be a structural component added to form the refrigerant space. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 18 may include both original structural components of the air conditioner 200 and added structural components.

[0051] Therefore, the original structural configuration of the air conditioner 200 can be effectively utilized to form a corresponding refrigerant space, thereby reducing the use of structural components, simplifying the structure of the air conditioner 200, and reducing the cost of the air conditioner 200.

[0052] Depending on the requirements, the refrigerant sensor 20 can be installed in the first refrigerant space 32 or the second refrigerant space 34, so as to detect whether the density of the leaked refrigerant exceeds the alarm threshold.

[0053] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 18 includes a first sealing plate 36, a first support plate 38, and a second support plate 40. The first sealing plate 36, the first support plate 38, the side plate 24, and the side plate 16 form a first refrigerant space 32, and the water receiving tray 14, the second support plate 40, and the side plate 16 form a second refrigerant space 34.

[0054] Therefore, the first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34 can be formed according to the structural configuration of the air conditioner 200.

[0055] Specifically, the first support plate 38 and the second support plate 40 can be existing structural components of the air conditioner 200, used to support and install the heat exchanger 12. Specifically, the side plates 24 on the heat exchanger 12 corresponding to the first support plate 38 and the second support plate 40 can be connected to the first support plate 38 and the second support plate 40 respectively, thereby effectively fixing and installing the heat exchanger 12.

[0056] The first sealing plate 36 may be an additional structural component that encloses the first refrigerant space 32. In one embodiment, the first sealing plate 36 is located above the first support plate 38, and the side plate 24 on the same side as the first end 22 is located between the first sealing plate 36 and the first support plate 38. The plane of the side plate 24 is fitted and connected to the plane of the first sealing plate 36 and the plane of the first support plate 38 respectively, thereby forming a relatively sealed first refrigerant space 32. The first sealing plate 36 may be connected to the side plate 16 by means including but not limited to bolts, welding, etc. Optionally, foam may be used to fill the connection between the first sealing plate 36 and the side plate 16 to improve the sealing performance of the first refrigerant space 32.

[0057] The side plate 16 that encloses the second refrigerant space 34 can be the side plate 16 of the crossbeam 42 of the air conditioner 200. The crossbeam 42 of the air conditioner 200 can increase the structural strength of the air conditioner 200 casing. The second support plate 40 is connected to the side plate 24 of the heat exchanger 12 near the second support plate 40. The second refrigerant space 34 can be enclosed by the original water tray 14, the second support plate 40, and the side plate 16 of the air conditioner 200, thereby effectively reducing the use of structural components and lowering the cost of the air conditioner 200. It is understood that even if the refrigerant space is enclosed by the original structural components of the air conditioner 200, the shape and / or structure of these structural components can be appropriately adjusted.

[0058] The second refrigerant space 34 can be formed by the original structural components of the air conditioner 200, and the first refrigerant space 32 can be formed by the original structural components of the air conditioner 200 and the added structural components, so that the first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34 can be formed according to the structural configuration of the air conditioner 200.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second support plate 40 is provided with an opening 44, and the second refrigerant space 34 is connected to the first refrigerant space 32 through the opening 44.

[0060] This allows the first refrigerant space 32 to be connected to the second refrigerant space 34.

[0061] Specifically, in one embodiment, the refrigerant sensor 20 can be disposed in the second refrigerant space 34, and the second support plate 40 is provided with an opening 44. The second refrigerant space 34 is connected to the first refrigerant space 32 through the opening 44, so that the refrigerant sensor 20 can detect the refrigerant when a refrigerant leak occurs in the first refrigerant space 32 or the second refrigerant space 34, thereby enabling the air conditioner 200 to sound an alarm when the density of the leaked refrigerant exceeds the alarm threshold.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first refrigerant space 32 is located above the second refrigerant space 34, and the refrigerant sensor 20 is disposed in the second refrigerant space 34.

[0063] This allows the refrigerant sensor 20 to detect refrigerant leaks more quickly.

[0064] Specifically, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 12 is inclined, and the first refrigerant space 32 is located on the left side of the heat exchanger body 28 and is also inclined. The second refrigerant space 34 is located on the rear side of the heat exchanger body 28 and extends in the left-right direction. The first refrigerant space 32 is located diagonally above the second refrigerant space 34 (e.g., Figure 7 As shown), the lower end of the first refrigerant space 32 is connected to the left end of the second refrigerant space 34 (as shown). Figure 4 and Figure 7 (As shown). Because the density of refrigerant is greater than that of air, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the first refrigerant space 32, the leaked refrigerant can sink and accumulate at the lower end of the first refrigerant space 32, thereby allowing the refrigerant to diffuse into the second refrigerant space 34 more quickly and be detected by the refrigerant sensor 20 more quickly, so that the air conditioner 200 can issue an alarm message in a timely manner.

[0065] It is understood that in other embodiments, depending on the setting direction of the heat exchanger 12, the first refrigerant space 32 may be located directly above the second refrigerant space 34, the first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34 may be set approximately perpendicularly, and the heat exchanger 12 may be set in a vertical direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, the side plate 24 includes an upper side plate 46 and a lower side plate 48, a first sealing plate 36 is connected to the upper surface of the upper side plate 46, and a first support plate 38 is connected to the lower surface of the lower side plate 48.

[0067] This facilitates the installation of heat exchanger 12.

[0068] Specifically, please combine Figure 5 and Figure 9 The first sealing plate 36, the upper side plate 46, the lower side plate 48, and the first support plate 38 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first sealing plate 36 is connected to the upper surface of the upper side plate 46, and the first sealing plate 36 and the upper side plate 46 can achieve contact sealing by mating their surfaces together. The first support plate 38 is connected to the lower surface of the lower side plate 48, and the first support plate 38 and the lower side plate 48 can achieve contact sealing by mating their surfaces together, thereby forming a relatively sealed first refrigerant space 32. The term "relatively sealed" may refer to a partial seal.

[0069] In one embodiment, when installing the heat exchanger 12, a first support plate 38 can be installed on the side plate 16 first, and then the heat exchanger 12 can be installed in the direction where the lower side plate 48 contacts the first support plate 38, so that the lower surface of the lower side plate 48 is connected to the first support plate 38. Then, a first sealing plate 36 is placed on the upper surface of the upper side plate 46, and the first sealing plate 36 is fixed to the side plate 16.

[0070] In one embodiment, when the heat exchanger 12 is installed, a first support plate 38 and a first sealing plate 36 can be installed on the side plate 16 first. Then, the upper side plate 46 and the lower side plate 48 of the heat exchanger 12 are inserted into the space between the first support plate 38 and the second sealing plate. By controlling the distance between the first support plate 38 and the first sealing plate 36, when the upper side plate 46 and the lower side plate 48 of the heat exchanger 12 are inserted, the first sealing plate 36 is connected to the upper surface of the upper side plate 46, and the first support plate 38 is connected to the lower surface of the lower side plate 48.

[0071] It is understood that this utility model is not limited to the two installation methods of the heat exchanger 12 described above.

[0072] In some embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection structure 100 includes a second sealing plate 50, the connecting plate 18 includes a third support plate 52, the heat exchanger 12 includes a second end 30 and a heat exchanger body 28, the second end 30 and the first end 22 are respectively located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger body 28, the side plate 16, the side plate 24, the second sealing plate 50 and the third support plate 52 form a third refrigerant space, the second end 30 is located in the third refrigerant space 54, and the third refrigerant space 54 is connected to the second refrigerant space 34.

[0073] Therefore, the refrigerant sensor 20 can also detect refrigerant leakage at the second end 30.

[0074] Specifically, in Figure 5 In the heat exchanger body 28, the first end 22 and the second end 30 are located on the left and right sides respectively. Correspondingly, the first refrigerant space 32 and the third refrigerant space 54 are located on the left and right sides respectively.

[0075] exist Figure 7 In this configuration, the heat exchanger 12 is tilted, and the third refrigerant space 54 is located above the second refrigerant space 34. The refrigerant sensor 20 can be located in the third refrigerant space 54 and close to the second refrigerant space 34. Thus, when a refrigerant leak occurs at the second end 30 in the third refrigerant space 54 or at the connection between the second end 30 and the heat exchanger body 28, the leaked refrigerant can sink and accumulate at the bottom of the third refrigerant space 54. This allows the refrigerant sensor 20 to detect the refrigerant leak more quickly, enabling the air conditioner 200 to issue an alarm message in a timely manner.

[0076] The second sealing plate 50 can be an added structural component to form the third refrigerant space 54, or it can be an existing structural component of the air conditioner 200. Figure 6 In the middle, the second sealing plate 50 is roughly triangular.

[0077] It is understood that in other embodiments, the refrigerant sensor 20 may be located in the first refrigerant space 32 or the second refrigerant space 34, and this utility model does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0078] In some embodiments, the refrigerant sensor 20 is mounted on the third support plate 52.

[0079] Therefore, the refrigerant sensor 20 can be installed using the existing structural components of the air conditioner 200, reducing the use of structural components and lowering costs.

[0080] Specifically, the third support plate 52 can be a support plate used for mounting and fixing the heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant sensor 20 is mounted on the third support plate 52 and can be located in the third refrigerant space 54, so that the leaked refrigerant can be detected in a timely manner when a refrigerant leak occurs in the third refrigerant space 54.

[0081] The refrigerant sensor 20 can be mounted on the third support member by means of bolts, clips, interference fits, etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first end 22 is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger 12, and the second end 30 is the pipe end of the heat exchanger 12.

[0083] Therefore, the refrigerant space can be configured to fit the structure of the heat exchanger 12.

[0084] Specifically, please combine Figure 5 The pipe end refers to the end of the heat exchanger 12 that connects the refrigerant outlet pipe and the refrigerant inlet pipe. The U-shaped end (also known as the long U-end) refers to the other side of the pipe end, corresponding to the U-shaped tube of the heat exchanger 12. Connecting the pipe end and the U-shaped end is the refrigerant passage, which can be located inside the heat exchanger body 28 and is used to allow the refrigerant to flow between the U-shaped end and the pipe end.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped end is located in the first refrigerant space 32, which is enclosed and sealed by the side plate 24, the side plate 16, the first support plate 38, and the first sealing plate 36. The second support plate 40 has an opening 44 for connecting the first refrigerant space 32 and the second refrigerant space 34. The pipe end is located in the third refrigerant space 54, which is enclosed and sealed by the side plate 24, the third support plate 52, the second sealing plate 50, and the side plate 16.

[0086] In this embodiment, the refrigerant detection space consists of a first refrigerant space 32, a second refrigerant space 34, and a third refrigerant space 54. The refrigerant sensor 20 is mounted on the third support plate 52 and located within the third refrigerant space 54. When a refrigerant leak occurs at the pipeline end, the leaked refrigerant is located in the third refrigerant space 54, and the refrigerant sensor 20 can detect whether the refrigerant concentration in the third refrigerant space 54 reaches the alarm threshold. When a refrigerant leak occurs at the U-shaped end, the leaked refrigerant is transferred from the first refrigerant space 32 to the third refrigerant space 54 through the second refrigerant channel, and the refrigerant sensor 20 can detect whether the refrigerant concentration in the third refrigerant space 54 reaches the alarm threshold.

[0087] In other embodiments, the first end 22 is the pipe end of the heat exchanger 12, and the second end 30 is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger 12.

[0088] An air conditioner 200 provided by this utility model includes a refrigerant leakage detection structure 100 of any of the above embodiments.

[0089] In the aforementioned air conditioner 200, a refrigerant detection space can be formed by a connecting plate 18, a side plate 24, a side plate 16, and a water collection tray 14. The first end 22 and the refrigerant sensor 20 are located in the refrigerant detection space. Thus, when refrigerant leaks at the first end 22, the leaked refrigerant can accumulate in the refrigerant detection space and be detected by the refrigerant sensor 20. This can, to a certain extent, ensure the reliability of the refrigerant sensor 20's detection and avoid the risk of use caused by refrigerant leakage.

[0090] Specifically, the air conditioner 200 also includes a fan assembly 56, which can draw in indoor air and blow it toward the heat exchanger 12, so that the indoor air and the heat exchanger 12 can exchange heat. The air after heat exchange is blown out from the heat exchanger 12 and becomes low-temperature air or high-temperature air, thereby cooling or heating the indoor environment.

[0091] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0092] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerant leak detection structure for use in an air conditioner, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection structure includes: A heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising a first end and a side plate; A water receiving tray is located below the heat exchanger; Side plate, the side plate enclosing an accommodating space, the heat exchanger and the water receiving tray are disposed in the accommodating space; A connecting plate, which is connected to the side plate and the edge plate, wherein the connecting plate, the edge plate, the side plate, and the water receiving tray form a refrigerant detection space; A refrigerant sensor, wherein the refrigerant sensor and the first end are disposed in the refrigerant detection space.

2. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant detection space includes a first refrigerant space and a second refrigerant space. The connecting plate, the side plate, and the side plate form the first refrigerant space, and the water receiving tray, the connecting plate, and the side plate form the second refrigerant space. The first refrigerant space and the second refrigerant space are connected. The first end is located in the first refrigerant space, and the refrigerant sensor is located in the second refrigerant space or the first refrigerant space.

3. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting plate includes a first sealing plate, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The first sealing plate, the first support plate, the side plate, and the side plate form the first refrigerant space, and the water receiving tray, the second support plate, and the side plate form the second refrigerant space.

4. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second support plate has an opening, and the second refrigerant space communicates with the first refrigerant space through the opening.

5. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first refrigerant space is located above the second refrigerant space, and the refrigerant sensor is located in the second refrigerant space.

6. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The side plate includes an upper side plate and a lower side plate. The first sealing plate is connected to the upper surface of the upper side plate, and the first support plate is connected to the lower surface of the lower side plate.

7. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant leakage detection structure includes a second sealing plate, the connecting plate includes a third support plate, the heat exchanger includes a second end and a heat exchanger body, the second end and the first end are respectively located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger body, the side plate, the edge plate, the second sealing plate and the third support plate form a third refrigerant space, the second end is located in the third refrigerant space, and the third refrigerant space is in communication with the second refrigerant space.

8. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerant sensor is mounted on the third support plate.

9. The refrigerant leakage detection structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first end is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger, and the second end is the pipe end of the heat exchanger, or; The first end is the pipe end of the heat exchanger, and the second end is the U-shaped end of the heat exchanger.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the refrigerant leak detection structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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