Indoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner indoor unit which comprises a machine shell, a heat exchanger, a first fan and an air humidification module, an air outlet and a humidification outlet are formed in the machine shell, and a front panel of the machine shell comprises a transparent area; the air humidifying module comprises a water vapor generating device and a humidifying pipe which is connected to the water vapor generating device so as to guide water vapor to the humidifying outlet; a containing cavity is formed in the visual shell, the containing cavity communicates with the humidifying pipe, the visual shell comprises a front side wall and a rear side wall, in the front-back direction of the air conditioner indoor unit, the front side wall corresponds to the transparent area, and the rear side wall and the front side wall are oppositely arranged; the light-emitting part is located on the side, away from the transparent area, of the front side wall. The front side wall is of a one-way light-transmitting structure, and the front side wall is configured to enable water vapor in the visual shell to be observed when the light-emitting part is turned on and to be capable of weakening the visual degree of the water vapor in the visual shell when the light-emitting part is turned off, unnecessary visual interference is avoided, and the cleanliness and attractiveness of the indoor environment are kept.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to an indoor air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner, or air conditioner, is a device used to regulate and control indoor environmental parameters (such as temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and airflow) to meet people's needs for a comfortable indoor environment or the requirements of specific processes.

[0003] During air conditioning operation, whether in cooling or heating mode, indoor air humidity may decrease, causing people to feel dry and uncomfortable, and potentially leading to problems such as dry skin and respiratory illnesses. Therefore, air conditioners are equipped with a steam humidification module, which delivers water vapor into the room to increase indoor air humidity and improve indoor comfort.

[0004] In related technologies, to allow users to more intuitively understand the air humidification process, some air conditioners have a visual enclosure inside the unit casing, through which the steam pipe of the steam humidification module passes. This allows users to clearly see whether the humidification function is on. However, when the humidification function is off, the condensate or backflow liquid inside the visual enclosure will be visible, resulting in a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application discloses an indoor air conditioner unit that allows for clear observation of the interior of the housing when the humidification function is on. When the humidification function is off, the front sidewall reduces the visibility of water vapor inside the housing, avoiding unnecessary visual interference and maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing indoor environment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, some embodiments of this application provide an indoor air conditioning unit, including:

[0007] The housing has an air outlet and a humidification outlet, and the housing includes:

[0008] Front panel, the front panel including a transparent area;

[0009] A heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed within the housing;

[0010] The first fan is located inside the casing. The first fan is used to introduce gas into the casing and exchange the gas through the heat exchanger before sending it out through the air outlet.

[0011] An air humidification module, disposed within the housing, comprising:

[0012] A steam generating device for converting water into steam;

[0013] A humidifying pipe is connected to the water vapor generating device to guide the water vapor to the humidifying outlet;

[0014] A visualization housing having a receiving cavity formed within it, the receiving cavity being connected to the humidification pipe, the visualization housing comprising:

[0015] The front sidewall, along the front-rear direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, corresponds to the transparent area;

[0016] The rear sidewall is arranged opposite to the front sidewall along the front-rear direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0017] A light-emitting element, wherein the light-emitting element is located on the side of the front sidewall away from the transparent area;

[0018] The front sidewall is a one-way light-transmitting structure, and the front sidewall is configured such that when the light-emitting element is lit, the water vapor located inside the visualization housing can be observed, and when the light-emitting element is turned off, the visibility of the water vapor located inside the visualization housing is weakened.

[0019] Thus, by designing the front sidewall as a one-way light-transmitting structure, when the humidification function is on and the light-emitting element is lit, the light emitted by the element illuminates the water vapor inside the visible housing. At this time, the inside of the visible housing is a relatively bright environment, and the user can clearly observe the generation, flow, and state changes of the water vapor inside the visible housing through the transparent area of ​​the front panel and then through the front sidewall. When the humidification function is off and the light-emitting element is off, the inside of the visible housing becomes a dim environment, while the outside of the housing is usually a normal lighting environment, which is a bright side. At this time, the one-way light-transmitting structure of the front sidewall will reflect most of the external light back. From the outside of the housing, it is like seeing a mirror, mainly seeing the reflected image of the external environment, and it is difficult to see the water vapor inside the housing, greatly weakening the visibility of the water vapor.

[0020] This application also provides an indoor air conditioning unit, wherein the rear sidewall is a light-transmitting structure, and the light-emitting element is located on the side of the rear sidewall away from the front sidewall.

[0021] By placing the light-emitting element on the rear sidewall away from the front sidewall, it is positioned on the outside of the visualization housing, effectively preventing direct contact with moisture, reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions, and ensuring safe operation. Arranging the light-emitting element outside the housing allows for more flexible adjustment of its position, angle, and number, resulting in more uniform light and a clearer, more realistic representation of water vapor throughout the cavity, thus improving the accuracy and user experience.

[0022] This application also provides an air conditioning indoor unit, wherein the front sidewall includes:

[0023] Glass body;

[0024] A reflective film is disposed on the surface of the glass body facing outwards from the visualization housing.

[0025] In this way, the reflective film and the light-emitting element work together to achieve a one-sided light transmission effect. When the light-emitting element is lit, light shines from inside the visualization housing onto the reflective film. Through the action of the reflective film, the water vapor inside the visualization housing can be clearly seen from outside the housing. When the light-emitting element is turned off, the reflective film reflects the outside light back, weakening the visibility of the water vapor inside the visualization housing.

[0026] This application also provides an indoor air conditioning unit, wherein the reflective film is a silver film or an aluminum film.

[0027] Thus, both the silver and aluminum films have high reflectivity in the visible light range, enabling the front sidewall to effectively achieve one-sided light transmission. When the light source is turned off, the silver or aluminum film can reflect a large amount of external light back, making it difficult for outsiders to see the situation inside the housing, thereby reducing the visibility of water vapor inside the housing and enhancing the overall aesthetics and simplicity of the air conditioner's appearance.

[0028] This application also provides an air conditioning indoor unit, wherein the surface of the front sidewall away from the rear sidewall is concave.

[0029] This creates an arc-shaped structure on the front sidewall, similar to a concave mirror, which has a certain light-focusing effect. As the light emitted by the light source propagates, it will be reflected and refracted multiple times by the front sidewall. Some of the light will be reflected and focused onto the central area of ​​the visualization shell, enhancing the brightness of the water vapor in the central area and making the details of the water vapor easier to observe.

[0030] This application also provides an indoor air conditioning unit, wherein the rear sidewall is configured such that when the light-emitting element is lit, the light emitted by the light-emitting element is diffused after reaching the visualization housing.

[0031] In this way, when light enters the visualization housing from the rear side wall, it can scatter the light to every corner of the cavity, helping to eliminate shadow areas caused by the position of the light source or the light propagation path, so that the water vapor in the entire containment cavity can be evenly illuminated. By diffusing the light from the light source, the light can propagate at multiple angles within the visualization housing, providing good lighting conditions when observing the visualization housing from different angles, and better highlighting the shape and dynamic changes of the water vapor.

[0032] This application also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein the surface of the rear sidewall away from the front sidewall has a frosted structure so that the light emitted by the light-emitting element is diffused after reaching the visualization housing.

[0033] The frosted structure is formed directly on the surface of the rear sidewall, without affecting the overall strength and structural stability of the rear sidewall. At the same time, the frosted structure can evenly scatter the light shining on the rear sidewall into the visualization housing, and work together with the one-way light-transmitting structure and light-emitting components of the front sidewall to make the lighting environment inside the visualization housing and the user's observation experience better.

[0034] This application also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein a decorative cavity is formed in the portion of the housing corresponding to the transparent area, the decorative cavity comprising:

[0035] The front side is transparent;

[0036] The rear side panel corresponds to the transparent area along the front-rear direction of the indoor air conditioner unit. The rear side panel is provided with a through hole, and the front side wall of the visualization housing is located in the through hole so that water vapor located in the visualization housing can be observed through the transparent area and the decorative cavity.

[0037] Thus, a decorative cavity is set inside the casing. The front side of the decorative cavity is transparent, forming a continuous transparent observation area together with the front and rear side walls of the visual housing. The rear side panel is located at the rear of the decorative cavity, corresponding to the transparent area of ​​the indoor air conditioner unit in the front-to-back direction. The front side wall of the visual housing is located in the through hole of the rear side panel, realizing the connection between the visual housing and the decorative cavity. This combines the function of observing water vapor with the decorative function, achieving multiple functions within the limited casing space. It does not occupy too much space and provides users with a unique visual experience. At the same time, the front side wall of the visual housing being located in the through hole is equivalent to adding a support point to the rear side panel of the decorative cavity, which helps to enhance the connection strength between the decorative cavity and the visual housing, making the entire structure more stable when subjected to external forces, less prone to deformation or damage, and improving the durability of the product.

[0038] This application also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein the rear panel includes a light-transmitting area that extends along the length of the air conditioner indoor unit;

[0039] The light-emitting element includes a light strip body that extends along the length of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and along the front-back direction of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the light strip body corresponds to the light-transmitting area.

[0040] In this way, the light strip extends along the length direction and corresponds to the light-transmitting area, which can provide relatively uniform basic lighting for the interior of the decorative cavity, thereby showcasing the decorative environment inside the cavity. The light strip is arranged along the length direction and works in conjunction with the light-transmitting area of ​​the rear panel to achieve large-area lighting without taking up too much extra space.

[0041] This application also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, wherein the light-emitting element further includes a light strip extension, the light strip extension is connected to the light strip body, the light strip extension extends along the height direction of the air conditioner indoor unit and along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit, the light strip extension corresponds to the visual housing.

[0042] In this way, the light strip extension illuminates the visual housing, allowing the water vapor inside the housing to be clearly illuminated. Since the light strip extends in both length and height, it makes full use of the space inside the air conditioner indoor unit. The combination of the light strip body and the light strip extension ensures that the decorative cavity has a certain brightness while highlighting the observation area of ​​the visual housing, allowing users to observe the generation and flow of water vapor more clearly, enhancing the visualization effect, and making the layout of each component more compact and reasonable, thus improving space utilization.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are at least as follows:

[0044] This application provides an air conditioner indoor unit, including a casing, a heat exchanger, a first fan, and an air humidification module. The front panel of the casing has a transparent area, and the casing is provided with an air outlet and a humidification outlet. Specifically, the air humidification module includes a water vapor generating device, a visual housing, a humidification pipe, and a light-emitting element. The water vapor generating device converts water into water vapor, and the humidification pipe is connected to the water vapor generating device. A receiving cavity is formed inside the visual housing, which communicates with the humidification pipe. Along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit, the front sidewall of the visual housing corresponds to the transparent area, and the rear sidewall of the visual housing is opposite to the front sidewall. The light-emitting element is located on the side of the front sidewall away from the transparent area. By setting the front sidewall as a one-way light-transmitting structure, when the humidification function is turned on and the light-emitting element is lit, the light emitted by the light-emitting element illuminates the water vapor inside the visual housing. At this time, the inside of the visual housing is a relatively strong light environment, and the user can clearly observe the generation, flow, and state changes of water vapor inside the visual housing through the transparent area of ​​the front panel of the casing and through the front sidewall. When the humidification function is off and the light source is extinguished, the interior of the housing becomes a low-light environment, while the exterior is typically under normal lighting, a strong light environment. In this situation, the one-way light-transmitting structure of the front wall reflects most of the external light back, making it appear as if a mirror is being used from the outside, primarily showing the reflected image of the external environment and making it difficult to see the water vapor inside the housing, significantly reducing its visibility. Therefore, compared to existing technologies with a two-way light-transmitting front wall, this application, through the combination of the light source and the one-way light-transmitting front wall, allows users to clearly observe the interior of the housing when the humidification function is on. When the humidification function is off, the front wall reduces the visibility of water vapor inside the housing, avoiding unnecessary visual interference and maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing indoor environment. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a front view of an indoor air conditioning unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 This is an isometric drawing of the indoor unit of the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the visible housing of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the visible housing of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 6 This is the third of the structural schematic diagrams of the visible housing of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner with the transparent area removed, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0054] Figure 9 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the assembly of the visible housing and rear panel of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Exploded view of the structure;

[0056] Figure 11 This is the second schematic diagram of the assembly of the visible housing and rear panel of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in this application embodiment;

[0057] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the display and visualization housing and light-emitting element of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0059] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display light-emitting element of the air conditioner indoor unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0061] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light-emitting element of the indoor unit of an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0062] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0063] 100 - Air conditioner indoor unit;

[0064] 10-Housing; 11-Air outlet; 12-Humidification outlet; 13-Front panel; 131-Transparent area; 14-Decorative cavity; 141-Rear panel; 1411-Light-transmitting area; 142-Through hole;

[0065] 20-Air humidification module; 21-Visual housing; 211-Receiving cavity; 212-Front sidewall; 2121-Concave surface; 213-Rear sidewall; 22-Light-emitting element; 221-Light strip body; 222-Light strip extension. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0068] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0071] In modern life, air conditioning has long been an indispensable part of people's living and working environments. An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioner, is a device used to regulate and control indoor environmental parameters (such as temperature, humidity, cleanliness, airflow, etc.) to meet people's needs for a comfortable indoor environment or the requirements of specific processes.

[0072] During air conditioning operation, especially in cooling or heating mode, indoor air humidity may decrease, causing people to feel dry and uncomfortable, and may even lead to problems such as dry skin and respiratory illnesses. Therefore, air conditioner indoor units are equipped with steam humidification modules. The function of the steam humidification module is to deliver water vapor into the room, increase indoor air humidity, and improve indoor comfort.

[0073] An air conditioner indoor unit includes a casing, heat exchanger, fan, drainage system, and control system. The casing is typically made of plastic or metal, serving to protect internal components and for aesthetic purposes. The casing has air inlets and outlets; the inlet is usually located on the top or side to draw in indoor air, while the outlet is located on the front or bottom to expel the treated air. The heat exchanger, consisting of an evaporator (for cooling) and a condenser (for heating), is the core component for heat exchange. The fan drives airflow, allowing indoor air to pass through the heat exchanger for heat exchange. The drainage system removes condensate that forms on the evaporator surface during cooling. The control system includes control circuit boards, sensors, and a remote control, used to control the air conditioner's operating mode, temperature adjustment, fan speed adjustment, and other functions.

[0074] In related technologies, to allow users to more intuitively understand the air humidification process, some air conditioners have a visual enclosure inside the unit casing, through which the steam pipe of the steam humidification module passes. This allows users to clearly see whether the humidification function is on. However, when the humidification function is off, the condensate or backflow liquid inside the visual enclosure will be visible, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0075] Based on this, this application provides an indoor air conditioner unit that allows for clear observation of the interior of the housing when the humidification function is on. When the humidification function is off, the front sidewall reduces the visibility of water vapor inside the housing, avoiding unnecessary visual interference and maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing indoor environment.

[0076] The following will describe specific embodiments and appendices. Figure 1-16 The technical solution of the air conditioner indoor unit of this application will be further explained.

[0077] Please see Figure 1One embodiment of this application provides an air conditioner indoor unit 100, which includes a housing 10. The housing 10 serves as the outer shell of the entire indoor unit, providing installation space and protection for other components, while also possessing a certain degree of decorativeness to integrate into different interior decoration styles.

[0078] Please see Figure 2 The housing 10 is equipped with an air outlet 11 and a humidification outlet 12. The air outlet 11 delivers the air processed by the heat exchanger to the indoor space. The design of the air outlet 11 typically considers factors such as the air outlet angle, wind speed, and uniformity of airflow to ensure effective circulation and regulation of indoor air. The humidification outlet 12 is used to release water vapor generated by the air humidification module 20 into the room, thereby increasing the humidity of the indoor air.

[0079] Please see Figure 3 The housing 10 includes a front panel 13, which includes a transparent area 131. The transparent area 131 is typically made of a high-strength, high-transparency material, such as glass or plastic, providing a viewing window for the user.

[0080] The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger (not shown in the figure), which is located inside the casing 10. The heat exchanger is the core component for temperature regulation in the indoor unit 100. The heat exchanger mainly consists of copper tubes and aluminum foil fins. In cooling mode, liquid refrigerant flows through the copper tubes of the heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the indoor air and evaporating into a gaseous state, thereby lowering the indoor air temperature. In heating mode, the flow direction of the refrigerant is changed by a four-way valve, and the function of the heat exchanger changes. The gaseous refrigerant condenses into a liquid state in the copper tubes, releasing heat and heating the indoor air.

[0081] The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes a first fan (not shown in the figure). The first fan is located inside the casing 10. The first fan is used to introduce gas into the casing 10 and, after the gas is exchanged through a heat exchanger, to be sent out through the air outlet 11. The first fan is driven by a motor to rotate an impeller, generating a strong suction force to introduce indoor gas into the casing 10. Then, it pushes the gas through the heat exchanger, allowing the gas to fully exchange heat with the heat exchanger. Finally, the treated air is sent out into the room through the air outlet 11, realizing indoor air circulation and temperature regulation.

[0082] Please see Figure 3The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes an air humidification module 20, which is located inside the casing 10. The air humidification module 20 includes a water vapor generating device (not shown in the figure), which is used to convert water into water vapor. It generally includes components such as a water tank, a heating element (or an ultrasonic generator), and a water level sensor. The water tank stores water and provides a water source for water vapor generation. The heating element or ultrasonic generator is responsible for converting water into water vapor, and the water level sensor monitors the water level in the tank. When the water level is too low, it sends a signal to remind the user to add water.

[0083] The air humidification module 20 also includes a humidification pipe (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the water vapor generating device. The humidification pipe can guide water vapor to the humidification outlet 12 and finally discharge the water vapor into the room, thereby humidifying the indoor air, effectively increasing the humidity of the indoor air, and improving the indoor comfort.

[0084] Please see Figures 3 to 6 The air humidification module 20 also includes a visual housing 21, in which a receiving cavity 211 is formed. The receiving cavity 211 is connected to the humidification pipe. The receiving cavity 211 in the visual housing 21 is used to contain water vapor introduced from the humidification pipe, ensuring that the water vapor can enter smoothly.

[0085] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The visible housing 21 includes a front sidewall 212, which corresponds to the transparent area 131 along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100.

[0086] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The visible housing 21 also includes a rear side wall 212, which is arranged opposite to the front side wall 212 along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100.

[0087] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The air humidification module 20 also includes a light-emitting element 22, which is located on the side of the front sidewall 212 away from the transparent area 131.

[0088] The front sidewall 212 is a one-way light-transmitting structure. The front sidewall 212 is configured such that when the light-emitting element 22 is lit, the water vapor located in the visualization housing 21 can be observed, and when the light-emitting element 22 is turned off, the visibility of the water vapor located in the visualization housing 21 is weakened.

[0089] Thus, by setting the front sidewall 212 as a one-way light-transmitting structure, when the humidification function is turned on and the light-emitting element 22 is lit, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 22 illuminates the water vapor inside the visualization housing 21. At this time, the interior of the visualization housing 21 is a relatively bright environment, and the user can clearly observe the generation, flow, and state changes of water vapor inside the visualization housing 21 through the transparent area 131 of the front panel 13 of the housing 10 and through the front sidewall 212. When the humidification function is turned off and the light-emitting element 22 is turned off, the interior of the visualization housing 21 becomes a weak light environment, while the outside of the housing 10 is usually a normal lighting environment, which is a strong light side. At this time, the one-way light-transmitting structure of the front sidewall 212 will reflect most of the external light back. Looking from the outside of the housing 10, it is like seeing a mirror, mainly seeing the reflected image of the external environment, and it is difficult to see the water vapor inside the housing, greatly weakening the visibility of the water vapor. Therefore, compared with the existing technology where the front sidewall 212 adopts a two-sided light-transmitting structure, this application, through the cooperation of the light-emitting element 22 and the one-way light-transmitting structure of the front sidewall 212, allows users to clearly observe the situation inside the visualization shell 21 when the humidification function is turned on. After the humidification function is turned off, the front sidewall 212 will weaken the visibility of water vapor inside the visualization shell 21, avoid unnecessary visual interference, and maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of the indoor environment.

[0090] It should be explained that the visualization housing 21 has a connection port that passes through the receiving cavity 211, which is used to communicate with the humidification pipe. The rest of the receiving cavity 211 is a sealed structure. When the light-emitting element 22 is turned off, the front sidewall 212 can weaken the visibility of water vapor located in the visualization housing 21. This visibility is compared with the situation where both sides of the front sidewall 212 are light-transmitting structures.

[0091] The humidifying pipe is typically made of materials such as plastic or rubber, which have good flexibility and sealing properties. The humidifying pipe may consist of only one pipe running from the visible housing 21 to the humidifying outlet 12, or it may have separate connecting pipes for the visible housing 21 and the humidifying outlet 12. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0092] In the diagram, the X direction is the front-to-back direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100, the Y direction is the length direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100, and the Z direction is the height direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100.

[0093] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5 to 6 The rear sidewall 213 is a light-transmitting structure.

[0094] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The light-emitting element 22 is located on the side of the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212.

[0095] Thus, the visible housing 21 is formed by the front sidewall 212 and the rear sidewall 213, which together form a receiving cavity 211. The front sidewall 212 is a one-way light-transmitting structure and corresponds to the transparent area 131 of the front panel 13 of the housing 10. The rear sidewall 213 is a light-transmitting structure, and the two are arranged opposite each other along the front-rear direction of the indoor air conditioning unit 100. The light-emitting element 22 is located on the side of the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212. The rear sidewall 213, as a light-transmitting structure, allows light to pass through, and the one-way light-transmitting performance of the front sidewall 212 results in different light transmission characteristics when the light-emitting element 22 is lit and turned off.

[0096] In this way, since there is a large amount of water vapor and high humidity inside the visualization housing 21, placing the light-emitting element 22 on the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212, thus placing the light-emitting element 22 on the outside of the visualization housing 21, can effectively avoid direct contact with water vapor, reduce the risk of electrical failure, and ensure safe use. Arranging the light-emitting element 22 outside the housing allows for more flexible adjustment of its position, angle, and number, making the light more uniform and the water vapor more clearly and realistically presented throughout the cavity, improving the accuracy of user observation and the user experience.

[0097] Furthermore, the internal space of the visualization housing 21 is limited, requiring sufficient space to accommodate and allow for the flow of water vapor. Placing the light-emitting element 22 outside the housing avoids occupying internal space and allows for inspection and replacement without disassembling the housing, reducing maintenance difficulty and costs, and saving time and manpower. The light-emitting element 22 generates heat during operation, and if the water vapor accumulated inside the housing comes into contact with the high-temperature light-emitting element 22, it may accelerate the aging of the components.

[0098] In other embodiments, if a good seal can be achieved for the light-emitting element 22, the light-emitting element 22 can also be disposed inside the visualization housing 21.

[0099] In some embodiments, the front sidewall 212 includes a glass body.

[0100] In some embodiments, the front sidewall 212 further includes a reflective film disposed on the surface of the glass body facing outwards from the visualization housing 21.

[0101] Thus, the front sidewall 212 is composed of a glass body and a reflective film, forming a structure with one-way light transmission. The glass body is the basic supporting part of the front sidewall 212. It provides a carrier for the reflective film to attach to and has a certain strength and transparency, which can ensure that light can pass through to a certain extent. The reflective film is set on the surface of the glass body facing the outside of the visualization shell 21 and is attached to the glass through a special coating process to achieve one-way light transmission.

[0102] In this way, the reflective film and the light-emitting element 22 work together to achieve a one-sided light transmission effect. When the light-emitting element 22 is lit, light shines from inside the visualization housing 21 onto the reflective film. Through the action of the reflective film, the water vapor inside the visualization housing 21 can be clearly seen from outside the housing 10. When the light-emitting element 22 is turned off, the reflective film reflects the outside light back, weakening the visibility of the water vapor inside the visualization housing 21.

[0103] Meanwhile, the reflective film is placed on the surface of the glass body facing outwards from the visualization housing 21. The glass body can provide a certain degree of protection for the reflective film, preventing it from being damaged by external physical forces such as scratches and collisions. It can also reduce the erosion of the reflective film by dust and moisture, extend the service life of the reflective film, and ensure the stability of the one-sided light transmission effect.

[0104] In other embodiments, the front sidewall 212 may also be made of other one-way transparent structures such as electro-controlled liquid crystal glass, one-way transparent film or polarizer.

[0105] The reflective film can be implemented in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the reflective film is a silver film. Silver is a metal with high reflectivity. The silver film has good optical properties and high reflectivity in the visible light range, which can effectively reflect light. The microstructure of the silver film is usually composed of many tiny silver particles arranged closely together. This structure makes the surface of the silver film relatively smooth, which is conducive to the specular reflection of light.

[0106] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the reflective film is an aluminum film. Aluminum is also a commonly used reflective material, and aluminum films have high reflectivity, especially performing well in the ultraviolet and infrared regions. The structure of aluminum films is relatively uniform, consisting of a continuous thin film structure formed by aluminum atoms, and its surface roughness is relatively small, which can achieve a good reflective effect.

[0107] Therefore, both the silver film and the aluminum film have high reflectivity in the visible light range, which enables the front sidewall 212 to effectively achieve one-sided light transmission. When the light-emitting element 22 is turned off, the silver film or aluminum film can reflect a large amount of external light back, making it difficult for outsiders to see the situation inside the visible housing 21, thereby weakening the visibility of water vapor inside the housing and enhancing the overall aesthetics and simplicity of the air conditioner's appearance.

[0108] Meanwhile, due to the relatively uniform microstructure of the silver and aluminum films, the reflected light is distributed more evenly, avoiding obvious light spots or dark areas. When the light-emitting element 22 is lit, this helps to improve the clarity of observation of water vapor inside the visualization housing 21, allowing users to see the state and flow of water vapor more accurately.

[0109] Furthermore, the silver and aluminum films possess a certain degree of corrosion and wear resistance, enabling them to resist external environmental erosion and physical damage to a certain extent. The protective effect of the glass body further enhances the durability of the reflective film, extends its service life, and ensures the stability and reliability of the one-way light-transmitting structure during long-term use.

[0110] The front sidewall 212 can have various structural forms. For some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 5 The surface of the front sidewall 212 that is away from the rear sidewall 213 is concave 2121.

[0111] This results in the front sidewall 212 forming an arc-shaped structure, similar to a concave mirror 2121, which has a certain light-focusing effect. This causes the light emitted by the light-emitting element 22 to undergo multiple reflections and refractions with the front sidewall 212 during propagation. Some of the light is reflected and focused onto the central area of ​​the visualization shell 21, enhancing the brightness of the water vapor in the central area and making the details of the water vapor easier to observe.

[0112] Meanwhile, the reflection and refraction of the curved surface allows light to be distributed more evenly within the housing, reducing shadow areas and improving the overall visualization effect. The front sidewall 212 can change the direction of light propagation, thereby expanding the user's viewing angle range through the transparent area 131 of the front panel 13 of the housing 10 to observe the interior of the housing 21. This allows the user to observe the generation, flow, and distribution of water vapor from different angles more comprehensively, increasing the flexibility and comprehensiveness of observation.

[0113] Of course, in some other embodiments, the surface of the front sidewall 212 away from the rear sidewall 213 may also be a planar or convex surface or other shapes.

[0114] In some embodiments, the rear sidewall 213 is configured such that when the light-emitting element 22 is lit, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 22 is diffused after reaching the visualization housing 21.

[0115] Thus, when light enters the visualization housing 21 from the rear sidewall 213, it can scatter the light to every corner of the cavity, helping to eliminate shadow areas caused by the position of the light-emitting element 22 or the light propagation path, so that the water vapor in the entire housing 211 can be uniformly illuminated. The light dispersion emitted by the light-emitting element 22 allows the light to propagate in multiple angles within the visualization housing 21, providing good lighting conditions when observing the visualization housing 21 from different angles, and better highlighting the shape and dynamic changes of the water vapor.

[0116] Since the light-emitting element 22 is generally a light strip, which is composed of multiple small LED beads, the rear sidewall is configured so that when the light-emitting element 22 is lit, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 22 is diffused after reaching the visualization housing 21. This makes the light more dispersed, avoids the light from concentrating and forming obvious light spots, improves the uniformity of illumination, and to a certain extent reduces the requirements for the power and distribution of the light-emitting element 22. A lower power light-emitting element 22 or a reduced number of light-emitting elements 22 can still achieve a good visualization effect, reducing the energy consumption and cost of the product.

[0117] In some other embodiments, a diffuser or other separate structure, which is separate from the rear sidewall 213, may also be provided on the side of the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212.

[0118] The rear sidewall 213 can have various shapes to achieve light dispersion. Common shapes include microlens arrays, frosted textures, prismatic protrusions, or grooves. In some embodiments, the surface of the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212 has a frosted structure so that the light emitted by the light-emitting element 22 is dispersed after reaching the visualization housing 21.

[0119] The frosted structure is a fine, irregular rough surface formed by special processing on the rear sidewall 213 away from the front sidewall 212. This surface is composed of countless tiny protrusions and depressions. These tiny undulations will disrupt the regular reflection of light on the surface, thereby causing light to scatter.

[0120] Therefore, the frosted structure is formed directly on the surface of the rear sidewall 213, without affecting the overall strength and structural stability of the rear sidewall 213. At the same time, the frosted structure can evenly scatter the light that shines on the rear sidewall 213 into the visualization housing 21, and work together with the one-way light-transmitting structure of the front sidewall 212 and the light-emitting element 22 to make the lighting environment inside the visualization housing 21 and the user's observation experience better.

[0121] Of course, in other embodiments, the astigmatism structure can also be a microlens array, which consists of many tiny lenses, and these lenses can be hemispherical, conical, or other different shapes. Alternatively, the astigmatism structure can also be a geometrically arranged prismatic protrusion or groove, which can also change the direction of light propagation.

[0122] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 7 to 10 A decorative cavity 14 is formed in the part of the housing 10 corresponding to the transparent area 131. The decorative cavity 14 includes a front side and the front side of the decorative cavity 14 is transparent.

[0123] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11The decorative cavity 14 includes a rear side plate 141, which corresponds to the transparent area 131 along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100. The rear side plate 141 is provided with a through hole 142, and the front side wall 212 of the visualization housing 21 is located in the through hole 142 so that the water vapor located in the visualization housing 21 can be observed through the transparent area 131 and the decorative cavity 14.

[0124] Thus, a decorative cavity 14 is provided inside the housing 10. The front side of the decorative cavity 14 is transparent, and together with the front sidewall 212 and rear sidewall 213 of the visualization housing 21, it forms a continuous transparent observation area. The rear sideplate 141 is located at the rear of the decorative cavity 14 and corresponds to the transparent area 131 of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 in the front-back direction. The front sidewall 212 of the visualization housing 21 is located in the through hole 142 of the rear sideplate 141, realizing the connection between the visualization housing 21 and the decorative cavity 14. The function of observing water vapor is combined with the decorative function, realizing multiple functions in the limited space of the housing 10, which does not occupy too much space and can provide users with a unique visual experience.

[0125] Furthermore, the decorative cavity 14 serves not only for observing water vapor but also, through its internal decorative design—such as the arrangement of soft lighting, exquisite patterns, or shapes—to create a unique visual effect for the air conditioner indoor unit 100. When water vapor flows within the visual housing 21, it interacts with the decorative elements of the decorative cavity 14 to form a unique visual effect. This design, combining visualization and decorative functions, allows the product to stand out, thereby increasing its market competitiveness.

[0126] It should be explained that the front side of the decorative cavity 14 can be semi-transparent or fully transparent, as long as it does not affect the observation effect of water vapor on the visible housing 21. The front side of the decorative cavity 14 can be provided with a front panel such as transparent glass, or the front side of the decorative cavity 14 can be formed directly by enclosing it with the housing 10 without any structure.

[0127] Meanwhile, the combination of the transparent front side of the decorative cavity 14 and the front sidewall 212 and rear sidewall 213 of the visualization shell 21 forms a transparent observation channel. The situation inside the visualization shell 21 and the decorative cavity 14 can be directly observed from the transparent area 131 in front. The flow of water vapor and other states can be clearly seen. The various parts work together to achieve a unique visualization function.

[0128] Furthermore, the through hole 142 provides a precise mounting position for the transparent part of the visualization housing 21. The through hole 142 on the rear side plate 141 allows the transparent part of the visualization housing 21 to be more tightly integrated with the decorative cavity 14. During the installation process, the visualization housing 21 and the decorative cavity 14 can be assembled quickly and accurately, ensuring that the relative positions of the two are accurate. This reduces the adjustment and calibration time during the installation process and improves the efficiency of production assembly.

[0129] Meanwhile, the front sidewall 212 of the visualization housing 21 is located within the through hole 142, which is equivalent to adding a support point to the rear side plate 141 of the decorative cavity 14. This helps to enhance the connection strength between the decorative cavity 14 and the visualization housing 21, making the entire structure more stable under external forces and less prone to deformation or damage, thus improving the product's durability. When maintenance is required on the visualization housing 21 or the decorative cavity 14, this structure facilitates disassembly and reinstallation. Since the front sidewall 212 is located within the through hole 142, the visualization housing 21 can be easily separated from the decorative cavity 14 during disassembly, making it easier for maintenance personnel to inspect, repair, or replace various components, reducing the difficulty and cost of maintenance.

[0130] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 The rear panel 141 includes a light-transmitting area 1411, which extends along the length of the indoor air conditioning unit 100.

[0131] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 12 to 16 The light-emitting element 22 includes a light strip body 221, which extends along the length of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 and corresponds to the light-transmitting area 1411 along the front-back direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100.

[0132] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 16 The light-emitting element 22 also includes a light strip extension 222, which is connected to the light strip body 221. The light strip extension 222 extends along the height direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100 and corresponds to the visual housing 21 along the front-back direction of the air conditioner indoor unit 100.

[0133] Thus, the light strip body 221 extends along its length and corresponds to the light-transmitting area 1411, providing relatively uniform basic lighting for the interior of the decorative cavity 14, thereby showcasing the decorative environment inside the cavity. Meanwhile, the light strip extension 222 illuminates the visualization housing 21, allowing the water vapor inside to be clearly illuminated. The combination of these two elements ensures that the decorative cavity 14 has sufficient brightness while highlighting the observation area of ​​the visualization housing 21, enabling users to more clearly observe the generation and flow of water vapor, thus enhancing the visualization effect.

[0134] Because the light strip extends in both length and height, it makes full use of the internal space of the air conditioner indoor unit 100. The light strip body 221 is arranged along the length direction and cooperates with the light-transmitting area 1411 of the rear panel 141 to achieve large-area illumination without occupying too much extra space. The light strip extension 222 extends along the height direction to illuminate the visible housing 21, making the layout of various components more compact and reasonable, and improving space utilization. It provides convenience for users to observe the inside of the housing 10 from different angles, improving the comprehensiveness and flexibility of observation.

[0135] In some embodiments, the air conditioner indoor unit 100 further includes a second fan (not shown in the figure), which is disposed inside the housing 10, and the airflow of the second fan can send water vapor out through the humidification outlet 12.

[0136] Thus, the second fan drives the impeller to rotate via a motor. During rotation, the impeller generates centrifugal force or axial thrust, causing airflow. The second fan in this application operates at the fresh air outlet and humidification outlet 12. On one hand, it continuously introduces fresh outdoor air into the room, diluting indoor polluted air, such as harmful gases like carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, as well as exhaled waste gases, keeping the indoor air fresh and providing a healthier breathing environment. On the other hand, it works in conjunction with the ventilation ducts and exhaust vents of the air conditioning system to expel polluted indoor air outdoors, achieving indoor air circulation and maintaining indoor air cleanliness and quality.

[0137] Meanwhile, the fresh air outlet duct of the second fan introduces airflow to the humidification outlet 12 via a connecting pipe, which can evenly blow the water vapor from the humidification outlet 12 into the room. The airflow of the humidifying water vapor can utilize the airflow channel and power unit of the fresh air system, eliminating the need for a separate complex air supply system for the humidification function, thus reducing the energy consumption and operating costs of the equipment. Furthermore, reasonable humidity control helps improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system, because at suitable humidity levels, the human body perceives temperature more comfortably. The air conditioning system can achieve the same level of comfort with relatively low energy consumption, thus achieving energy-saving effects.

[0138] In some embodiments, the water vapor generating device may be an evaporative humidifier or an ultrasonic humidifier.

[0139] Evaporative humidifiers convert water into water vapor through natural evaporation, releasing the vapor slowly and evenly into the air. This results in a more natural humidification effect, stabilizing air humidity and preventing sudden spikes in localized humidity levels. It helps maintain indoor humidity levels closer to those found in the natural environment, reducing indoor environmental problems caused by over-humidification or uneven humidification. Generally, they operate with low noise levels; the fan noise is usually within an acceptable range and will not significantly disturb users' lives or rest, making them suitable for bedrooms, studies, and other places where noise levels are high. They do not release minerals or other impurities from the water into the air with the vapor, and they do not form white powdery substances on furniture, floors, or other surfaces, keeping the indoor environment clean.

[0140] Ultrasonic humidifiers convert electrical energy into high-frequency mechanical vibrations using ultrasonic transducers. These vibrations break water into tiny droplets, forming a mist. They can rapidly convert large amounts of water into mist, quickly increasing air humidity. They are highly efficient, producing extremely fine mist particles, typically at the micrometer level, which disperse more evenly in the air and mix thoroughly, resulting in a more significant humidification effect. The atomization rate can be easily adjusted via a control circuit, allowing users to flexibly adjust the humidification intensity according to their needs and indoor environment.

[0141] In other embodiments, the water vapor generating device may also be a thermal evaporation humidifier, a cold mist humidifier electrode type, a humidifier, or a wet film humidifier.

[0142] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner indoor unit characterized by comprising: The air conditioner indoor unit comprises: a casing, which is provided with an air outlet and a humidifying outlet, and comprises: a front panel, which comprises a transparent region; a heat exchanger, which is arranged in the casing; a first air fan, which is arranged in the casing and used to introduce air into the casing and send the air out through the air outlet after being exchanged by the heat exchanger; an air humidifying module, which is arranged in the casing and comprises: a water vapor generating device, which is used to convert water into water vapor; a humidifying pipe, which is connected to the water vapor generating device to guide the water vapor to the humidifying outlet; a visualization casing, which is formed with a containing cavity in the interior thereof, the containing cavity being in communication with the humidifying pipe, and the visualization casing comprising: a front side wall, which is arranged along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit and corresponds to the transparent region; a rear side wall, which is arranged along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit and is arranged opposite to the front side wall; a light emitting member, which is arranged on the side of the front side wall away from the transparent region; the front side wall is a one-way light transmission structure, and is configured to enable the water vapor in the visualization casing to be observed when the light emitting member is lighted up and to weaken the visibility of the water vapor in the visualization casing when the light emitting member is turned off. 2.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by, the rear side wall is a light transmission structure, and the light emitting member is arranged on the side of the rear side wall away from the front side wall. 3.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by, the front side wall comprises: a glass body; a reflective film, which is arranged on the surface of the glass body facing outside the visualization casing. 4.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized by, the reflective film is a silver film or an aluminum film. 5.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, the surface of the front side wall away from the rear side wall is concave. 6.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by, the rear side wall is configured to enable the light emitted by the light emitting member to be diffused after reaching the visualization casing when the light emitting member is lighted up. 7.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized by, the surface of the rear side wall away from the front side wall is frosted to enable the light emitted by the light emitting member to be diffused after reaching the visualization casing. 8.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by, a portion of the casing corresponding to the transparent region is formed with a decorative cavity, and the decorative cavity comprises: a front side, which is transparent; a rear side plate, which corresponds to the transparent region along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit, and is provided with a through hole, and the front side wall of the visualization casing is arranged in the through hole to enable the water vapor in the visualization casing to be observed through the transparent region and the decorative cavity. 9.The indoor unit of the air conditioner of claim 8, characterized in that, the rear side plate comprises a light transmission region, which extends along the length direction of the air conditioner indoor unit; the light emitting member comprises a light strip body, which extends along the length direction of the air conditioner indoor unit and corresponds to the light transmission region along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit. 10.The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized by, the light emitting member further comprises a light strip extension, which is connected to the light strip body, extends along the height direction of the air conditioner indoor unit, and corresponds to the visualization casing along the front-rear direction of the air conditioner indoor unit.

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