Front panel assembly, air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a front panel assembly, an air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner, and relates to the technical field of air conditioners, the front panel assembly comprises a front panel and a motor frame, and the front panel is provided with an air outlet; the motor frame comprises a fixing base and a switching supporting leg, the switching supporting leg is connected between the fixing base and the edge of the air outlet, the fixing base is used for installing a driving motor of the fan, a reinforcing groove is formed in the side, facing the fan, of the switching supporting leg, and a plurality of airflow passing openings are formed in the side groove wall of the reinforcing groove. According to the technical scheme, noise can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to a front panel assembly, an outdoor air conditioner unit, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner outdoor unit is equipped with a fan to accelerate the heat exchange process. The fan includes a motor and an impeller. Currently, a motor bracket is added inside the outdoor unit to ensure the installation of the fan. However, the addition of the motor bracket also brings problems. The reinforcing groove on the adapter bracket of the motor bracket will cause airflow to swirl and backflow, which will increase the noise. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a front panel assembly, an outdoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner designed to reduce noise.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a front panel assembly, including a front panel and a motor bracket. The front panel is provided with an air outlet. The motor bracket includes a fixed base and an adapter leg. The adapter leg is connected between the fixed base and the edge of the air outlet. The fixed base is used for mounting the drive motor of the fan. The adapter leg is provided with a reinforcing groove on the side facing the fan. The side wall of the reinforcing groove is provided with multiple airflow passages.

[0005] In one embodiment, the shape of the airflow inlet is at least one of a triangle, trapezoid, rectangle, sector, and circle.

[0006] In one embodiment, the airflow inlet is provided as a notch.

[0007] In one embodiment, the radius of the air outlet is R, the width of the adapter leg is W, the thickness of the adapter leg is H, the depth of the airflow passage is h, the width of the airflow passage diameter is w, the opening distance between two adjacent airflow passages is s, and the draft angle of the airflow passage is θ.

[0008] Wherein, the ratio of W to R ranges from 0.03 to 0.06; and / or

[0009] The ratio of H to R is in the range of: 0.04 ≤ H / R ≤ 0.07; and / or

[0010] The ratio of h to H is in the range of: 0.1 ≤ h / H ≤ 0.3; and / or

[0011] The ratio of w to H is in the range of: 0.2 ≤ w / H ≤ 0.4; and / or

[0012] The ratio of s to H is in the range of: 0.4 ≤ s / H ≤ 1.2; and / or

[0013] The range of θ is: 0°≤θ≤45°.

[0014] In one embodiment, the adapter leg is arranged in an arc shape in the radial direction of the air outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment, the front panel assembly further includes an air vent grille covering the air outlet. The air vent grille includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced grille strips, which are arc-shaped in the radial direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the degree of bending of the adapter leg is equal to the degree of bending of the grille bar.

[0017] In one embodiment, the adapter leg is arranged in a straight line in the radial direction of the air outlet.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bottom of the reinforcing groove is provided with a secondary reinforcing groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the front panel and the motor frame are integrally stamped.

[0020] This utility model also proposes an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, including the aforementioned front panel assembly.

[0021] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner, including the above-mentioned outdoor unit.

[0022] This invention addresses this issue by incorporating reinforcing grooves in the adapter legs to enhance their structural strength. This ensures reliable support for the drive motor and impeller by the motor frame, while simultaneously reducing the weight of the motor frame and achieving a lightweight design. For ease of manufacturing, the motor frame is typically produced using a one-piece stamping process. However, the opening of the stamped reinforcing groove usually faces the fan side. During operation of the outdoor unit, airflow enters the reinforcing groove, causing backflow. Furthermore, the reinforcing groove can cause circumferential airflow separation, resulting in whirlpools and increased noise. This solution addresses this by providing multiple airflow outlets on the side walls of the reinforcing groove. Airflow entering the reinforcing groove can exit through these outlets, reducing the groove's obstruction of airflow rotation. This also creates a through-flow design on both sides, minimizing whirlpools and backflow, thus reducing noise. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the front panel and motor bracket of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the front panel and motor bracket of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model from a second perspective in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the front panel and motor bracket of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the front panel and motor bracket of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0032] Figure 9 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 10 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0034] Figure 11 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0035] Figure 12 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model;

[0036] Figure 13 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the motor bracket adapter foot of the front panel assembly provided by this utility model.

[0037] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0038] 10. Front panel assembly; 100. Motor bracket; 110. Mounting base; 120. Adapter foot; 121. Reinforcing groove; 122. Airflow inlet; 123. Secondary reinforcing groove; 200. Front panel; 210. Air outlet; 300. Air outlet grille; 310. Grille strip.

[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0041] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0042] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0043] An air conditioner outdoor unit is equipped with a fan to accelerate the heat exchange process. The fan includes a motor and an impeller. Currently, a motor bracket is added inside the outdoor unit to ensure the installation of the fan. However, the addition of the motor bracket also brings problems. The reinforcing groove on the adapter bracket of the motor bracket will cause airflow to swirl and backflow, which will increase the noise.

[0044] To address this issue, this utility model proposes a front panel assembly 10.

[0045] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel assembly 10 includes a front panel 200 and a motor bracket 100. The front panel 200 is provided with an air outlet 210. The motor bracket 100 includes a fixed base 110 and an adapter leg 120. The adapter leg 120 is connected between the fixed base 110 and the edge of the air outlet 210. The fixed base 110 is used for mounting the drive motor of the fan. The adapter leg 120 is provided with a reinforcing groove 121 on the side facing the fan. The side wall of the reinforcing groove 121 is provided with a plurality of airflow passages 122.

[0046] The technical solution of this utility model enhances the structural strength of the adapter support 120 by setting a reinforcing groove 121 in the adapter support 120, thereby ensuring reliable support of the drive motor and fan wheel by the motor frame 100. Simultaneously, it reduces the weight of the motor frame 100, achieving a lightweight design. For ease of manufacturing, the motor frame is typically manufactured using a one-piece stamping process. However, the opening of the stamped reinforcing groove 121 usually faces the fan side. During operation of the outdoor unit, airflow enters the reinforcing groove 121, causing airflow recirculation. Furthermore, the reinforcing groove 121 can cause circumferential airflow separation, resulting in whirlpooling and increased noise. This solution addresses this by setting multiple airflow passages 122 on the side wall of the reinforcing groove 121. Airflow entering the reinforcing groove 121 can exit through these passages, reducing the obstruction of airflow rotation by the reinforcing groove 121. This also creates a through-flow on both sides, reducing whirlpooling and recirculation in the reinforcing groove 121, thus lowering noise levels.

[0047] Secondly, the adapter leg 120 of the motor bracket 100 is connected between the fixed base 110 and the edge of the air outlet 210. The fixed base 110 is used for the installation of the drive motor of the fan. Therefore, in this solution, the motor bracket 100 is located between the fan and the front panel 200, and the fan is located between the heat exchanger and the motor bracket 100. Compared with the prior art solution of mounting the motor bracket 100 on the heat exchanger, this solution can improve the resistance around the heat exchanger, reduce the flow loss between the impeller and the heat exchanger, and thus improve the overall heat exchange effect.

[0048] Reference Figures 6 to 13 Optionally, the shape of the airflow inlet 122 is at least one of triangle, trapezoid, rectangle, fan shape and circle. It is understood that such an airflow inlet 122 is aesthetically pleasing and can reduce the wind scouring and backflow phenomenon of the reinforcing groove 121 while increasing the aesthetics of the motor frame 100.

[0049] It should be noted that the airflow passages 122 on the side wall of the reinforcing groove 121 can be of the same shape or different shapes. Only one shape of airflow passage 122 can be provided on the same side wall, or several shapes of airflow passages 122 can be provided on the same side wall. No restrictions are placed on the specific shape of the airflow passage 122 here.

[0050] In this embodiment, multiple airflow inlets 122 are spaced apart along the length of the adapter leg 120. Of course, this solution is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the multiple airflow inlets 122 may also be arranged in an array or scattered on the adapter leg 120. The distribution method of the multiple airflow inlets 122 is not limited here.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this solution, the airflow passage 122 is provided with a notch, which facilitates processing and shaping, and helps to improve production efficiency. Of course, this solution is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the airflow passage 122 may also be in the form of a complete hole.

[0052] In this embodiment, the radius of the air outlet 210 is R, the width of the adapter leg 120 is W, the thickness of the adapter leg 120 is H, the depth of the airflow passage 122 is h, the width of the airflow passage 122's opening diameter is w, the opening distance between two adjacent airflow passages 122 is s, and the draft angle of the airflow passage 122 is θ; wherein, the ratio of W to R is in the range of 0.03 ≤ W / R ≤ 0.06; specifically If the ratio of W to R is less than 0.03, the adapter leg 120 will not meet the strength requirements. If the ratio of W to R is greater than 0.06, it will excessively block the air outlet of the air outlet cover 300, resulting in an insufficient total air outlet area of ​​the air outlet cover 300. This solution limits the ratio of W to R to between 0.03 and 0.06, which is beneficial to meet the strength requirements of the adapter leg 120 while increasing the total air outlet area of ​​the air outlet cover 300.

[0053] Optionally, in one embodiment of this solution, the ratio of H to R is in the range of 0.04 ≤ H / R ≤ 0.07. Specifically, if the ratio of H to R is less than 0.04, the adapter leg 120 cannot meet the strength requirements; if the ratio of H to R is greater than 0.07, the motor bracket 100 will be placed closer to the fan impeller due to the dimensional limitation of the total thickness of the outdoor unit, leading to increased noise. Therefore, this solution limits the ratio of H to R to between 0.04 and 0.07, which helps to meet the strength requirements of the adapter leg 120 while keeping the motor bracket 100 as far away from the fan impeller as possible, thereby reducing noise.

[0054] Optionally, in one embodiment of this solution, the ratio of h to H is in the range of 0.1 ≤ h / H ≤ 0.3. Specifically, if the ratio of h to H is less than 0.1, the airflow passing through the airflow throughlet 122 is less, which does not effectively reduce wind scouring and backflow, and therefore does not achieve the purpose of noise reduction. If the ratio of h to H is greater than 0.3, the airflow throughlet 122 will be too large. Since the airflow throughlet 122 is located on the adapter foot 120, the strength of the adapter foot 120 will be greatly reduced, and the strength of the adapter foot 120 will not meet the requirements. By limiting the ratio of h to H to between 0.1 and 0.3, this solution can reduce wind scouring and backflow while meeting the strength requirements of the adapter foot 120, thereby reducing noise.

[0055] Optionally, in one embodiment of this solution, the ratio of w to H is in the range of 0.2 ≤ w / H ≤ 0.4. Specifically, if the ratio of w to H is less than 0.2, the airflow through the air passage 122 is less, which does not effectively reduce wind scouring and backflow, and therefore does not achieve the purpose of noise reduction. If the ratio of w to H is greater than 0.4, the air passage 122 will be too large. Since the air passage 122 is located on the adapter foot 120, the strength of the adapter foot 120 will be greatly reduced, and the strength of the adapter foot 120 will not meet the requirements. By limiting the ratio of w to H to between 0.2 and 0.4, this solution can reduce wind scouring and backflow while meeting the strength requirements of the adapter foot 120, thereby reducing noise.

[0056] Optionally, in one embodiment of this solution, the ratio of s to H is in the range of 0.4 ≤ s / H ≤ 1.2. Specifically, if the ratio of s to H is less than 0.4, the airflow passing through the airflow outlet 122 is less, which does not effectively reduce wind scouring and backflow, and therefore does not achieve the purpose of noise reduction. If the ratio of s to H is greater than 0.12, the airflow outlet 122 will be too large. Since the airflow outlet 122 is located on the adapter foot 120, the strength of the adapter foot 120 will be greatly reduced, and the strength of the adapter foot 120 will not meet the requirements. By limiting the ratio of s to H to between 0.4 and 1.2, this solution can reduce wind scouring and backflow while meeting the strength requirements of the adapter foot 120, thereby reducing noise.

[0057] Optionally, in one embodiment of this solution, when the airflow inlet 122 is configured as a notch with a slant, such as a triangle or trapezoid, the range of θ is: 0°≤θ≤45°, which facilitates the processing of the adapter leg 120.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, the adapter leg 120 is arc-shaped in the radial direction of the air outlet 210. This arc-shaped adapter leg 120 can more effectively guide airflow and reduce wind resistance, thus achieving a still blade guide effect. The arc-shaped adapter leg 120 matches the fan impeller, thereby improving static pressure recovery. This means that when the airflow diffuses out of the air conditioner's outdoor unit, the reduced flow velocity does not increase resistance significantly, which helps reduce flow loss and improve flow efficiency. Compared to a straight adapter leg 120, the arc-shaped adapter leg 120 creates a smoother transition when air passes through, thereby reducing energy loss during flow. Furthermore, the arc-shaped adapter leg 120 design reduces turbulence and eddies generated during airflow, thus reducing noise. Therefore, the technical solution of this application can reduce airflow resistance while also reducing noise. Of course, this solution is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, the adapter leg 120 is arranged in a straight line in the radial direction of the air outlet 210. This can reduce the molding difficulty of the adapter leg 120, thereby improving the production efficiency of the motor frame 100. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2Optionally, the front panel assembly 10 further includes an air outlet grille 300, which covers the air outlet 210. The air outlet grille 300 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced grille strips 310, which are arc-shaped in the radial direction. It can be understood that the air outlet grille 300 provides safety protection. Furthermore, by arranging the grille strips 310 in an arc shape in the radial direction of the air outlet 210, the arc-shaped grille strips 310 can more effectively guide airflow, reducing wind resistance and achieving a still-blade guide effect. The arc-shaped grille strips 310 are matched with the fan impeller, thus enabling better static pressure recovery. This means that when the airflow exits the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and diffuses, the reduced flow velocity does not increase resistance significantly, which helps reduce flow loss and improve flow efficiency. Compared to straight grille strips 310, the arc-shaped grille strips 310 create a smoother transition when air passes through, thereby reducing energy loss during the flow process. Moreover, the curved grille bar 310 design can reduce turbulence and eddies generated during airflow, thereby reducing noise generation.

[0060] It should be noted that in this solution, the adapter leg 120 and the grille bar 310 are both arranged in an arc shape in the radial direction of the air outlet 210. This not only reduces the airflow resistance at the adapter leg 120, but also reduces the airflow resistance at the grille bar 310, thereby enabling better static pressure recovery, further reducing airflow resistance and noise.

[0061] In one embodiment of this solution, the bending degree of the adapter leg 120 is equal to that of the grille strip 310. This allows the adapter leg 120 and the grille strip 310 to integrate better, making the adapter leg 120 of the added motor bracket 100 virtually invisible from the front of the outdoor unit, thus concealing the adapter leg 120 and improving the appearance of the outdoor unit. Secondly, because the bending degree of the adapter leg 120 is equal to that of the grille strip 310, the adapter leg 120 and the grille strip 310 can also work together better, further improving static pressure recovery and reducing airflow resistance and noise. Furthermore, compared to conventional motor brackets (such as motor brackets with a straight radial extension at the air outlet 210), the extension leg 120 in this design obstructs the air outlet of the grille less, meaning it reduces the obstruction to the air outlet area of ​​the grille strip 310. In comparison, the motor bracket 100 designed in this solution increases the total air outlet area of ​​the air outlet of the air outlet cover 300 by 2.2%, thereby further reducing airflow resistance. Of course, this solution is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the curvature of the extension leg 120 may not be equal to that of the grille strip 310, and both the extension leg 120 and the grille may each have a certain air-guiding curvature.

[0062] It should be noted that the degree of curvature of the adapter leg 120 is equal to the degree of curvature of the grille strip 310, that is, the curvature of the adapter leg 120 is equal to the curvature of the grille strip 310.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Optionally, the bottom of the reinforcing groove 121 is provided with a secondary reinforcing groove 123, which can further enhance the structural strength of the motor frame 100, thereby ensuring the reliable support of the motor frame 100 for the drive motor and the impeller, while reducing the weight of the motor frame 100 and achieving a lightweight design.

[0064] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this solution, the front panel 200 and the motor frame 100 are integrally stamped, which facilitates the production and processing of the motor frame 100, ensuring both processing efficiency and quality. Since the motor frame 100 is integrally formed at the air outlet 210 of the front panel 200, this embodiment can effectively utilize the waste material generated during stamping at the air outlet 210 of the front panel 200, using this waste material as the stamping material for the motor frame 100, thus saving on the cost of the motor frame 100. It also eliminates the assembly steps between the motor frame 100 and the front panel 200, while reducing the overall weight of the front panel 200 and the motor frame 100, facilitating the lightweighting of the outdoor unit. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be integrally formed by casting or injection molding.

[0065] Secondly, the outdoor unit also includes an air guide ring, which is located on the wall of the air outlet 210. The front panel 200 and the motor frame 100 are integrally stamped, that is, the motor frame 100 and the front panel 200 are integrated as a whole. The motor is fixed to the mounting base 110 of the motor frame 100, which ensures that the motor frame 100, the motor and the impeller are located on the same axis, thereby reducing the gap between the outer circumference of the impeller and the inner surface of the air guide ring, which helps to improve the efficiency of the fan and reduce noise.

[0066] This utility model also proposes an outdoor air conditioner unit, which includes a front panel assembly 10. The specific structure of the front panel assembly 10 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this outdoor air conditioner unit adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0067] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit. The specific structure of the outdoor unit is as described in the above embodiments. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A front panel assembly, characterized in that, include: Front panel, the front panel is provided with air outlet; and The motor frame includes a fixed base and an adapter leg. The adapter leg is connected between the fixed base and the edge of the air outlet. The fixed base is used to install the drive motor of the fan. The adapter leg has a reinforcing groove on the side facing the fan. The side wall of the reinforcing groove has multiple airflow passages.

2. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the airflow inlet is at least one of the following: triangle, trapezoid, rectangle, fan, and circle.

3. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow inlet is provided with a notch.

4. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The radius of the air outlet is R, the width of the adapter leg is W, the thickness of the adapter leg is H, the depth of the airflow passage is h, the width of the airflow passage diameter is w, the opening distance between two adjacent airflow passages is s, and the draft angle of the airflow passage is θ. Wherein, the ratio of W to H ranges from 0.3 to 0.06; and / or The ratio of H to R is in the range of: 0.04 ≤ H / R ≤ 0.07; and / or The ratio of h to H is in the range of: 0.1 ≤ h / H ≤ 0.3; and / or The ratio of w to H is in the range of: 0.2 ≤ w / H ≤ 0.4; and / or The ratio of s to H is in the range of: 0.4 ≤ s / H ≤ 1.2; and / or The range of θ is: 0°≤θ≤45°.

5. The front panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The adapter feet are arranged in an arc shape in the radial direction of the air outlet.

6. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The front panel assembly also includes an air outlet grille, which covers the air outlet and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced grille strips, which are arranged in an arc shape in the radial direction.

7. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The degree of bending of the adapter leg is equal to the degree of bending of the grille bar.

8. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter feet are arranged in a straight line in the radial direction of the air outlet.

9. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the reinforcing groove is provided with a secondary reinforcing groove.

10. The front panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The front panel and the motor frame are integrally stamped.

11. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the front panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Including the outdoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 11.

Images