Air conditioner indoor unit and fresh air module thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner indoor unit and a fresh air module thereof, and the fresh air module comprises a fresh air volute in which a fresh air cavity, and an air inlet duct and an air outlet duct which are communicated with the fresh air cavity are defined; the fresh air wheel is arranged in the fresh air cavity and is configured to rotate in a controlled manner so as to suck outdoor fresh air from the air inlet duct and blow the sucked outdoor fresh air into a room from the air outlet duct; the inner wall of the air outlet duct is provided with a plurality of noise reduction pits, the noise reduction pits are used for reducing friction between outdoor fresh air and the inner wall of the air duct, and then noise caused by vortexes generated by friction is reduced. The utility model has the advantages that the noise of the fresh air module can be obviously reduced, and the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioning indoor unit and its fresh air module. Background Technology

[0002] In modern life, users have increasingly higher requirements for indoor air quality and comfort. As an important device for regulating the indoor environment, air conditioners are constantly expanding and improving their functions. Among them, the addition of a fresh air module allows air conditioners not only to regulate indoor temperature but also to introduce fresh outdoor air, improve indoor air quality, and create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for users.

[0003] However, most air conditioning fresh air modules on the market currently suffer from wind noise during operation. When outdoor fresh air is drawn in and delivered indoors through ducts, significant friction occurs between the airflow and the inner wall of the duct, creating vortices. These vortices cause pressure pulsations, generating noticeable noise. Excessive wind noise not only interferes with users' normal life, work, and rest, reducing their comfort experience in the indoor environment, but may also pose a potential threat to their hearing health.

[0004] Existing methods for reducing wind noise, such as wrapping the air duct with sound-insulating materials and optimizing the impeller design, can reduce noise to some extent, but the effect is not ideal and increases production costs and the size of the air conditioner. Therefore, how to effectively reduce the wind noise of the fresh air module of an air conditioner, while ensuring the introduction of fresh air and providing users with a quiet and comfortable operating environment, has become a technical problem that the air conditioning industry urgently needs to solve. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this utility model is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide an air conditioning indoor unit and its fresh air module.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to reduce fresh air noise and optimize the listening experience of fresh air intake.

[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to improve the noise reduction effect.

[0008] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a fresh air module, comprising:

[0009] A fresh air volute, which internally defines a fresh air cavity and an air inlet duct and an air outlet duct communicating with the fresh air cavity; and

[0010] A fresh air impeller is disposed in the fresh air cavity and configured to rotate in a controlled manner to draw in outdoor fresh air from the air inlet duct and blow the drawn-in outdoor fresh air into the room from the air outlet duct.

[0011] The air outlet duct has multiple noise-reducing recesses on its inner wall. These recesses reduce friction between the outdoor fresh air and the inner wall of the duct, thereby reducing noise caused by vortices generated by friction.

[0012] Optionally, the inner wall of the air outlet duct includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall; and

[0013] The noise reduction pits are formed only on the two sidewalls of the air duct.

[0014] Optionally, on the inner wall of the air outlet duct, the noise reduction recesses are arranged in multiple rows along the air outlet direction, and the noise reduction recesses in each row are distributed vertically at intervals.

[0015] Optionally, the lateral spacing between two adjacent rows of noise-reducing pits is 0.5mm to 5mm.

[0016] Optionally, along the airflow direction, the gap formed between the two noise-reducing recesses in the upper and lower rows of the first row is blocked by the noise-reducing recesses in the second row.

[0017] Optionally, the noise reduction recess is a circular recess.

[0018] Optionally, the diameter of the noise reduction recess is 1.5mm to 15mm; and / or

[0019] The depth of the noise reduction pit is 0.2mm to 2mm.

[0020] Optionally, an inner lining plate is provided inside the air outlet duct, and the inner lining plate is fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the air outlet duct, and the noise reduction recess is formed on the inner lining plate.

[0021] Optionally, an air inlet baffle is provided in the air inlet duct, and the air inlet baffle is configured to rotate in a controlled manner, thereby adjusting the air intake volume of the air inlet duct and opening and closing the air inlet duct.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an indoor air conditioning unit, including the fresh air module described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0023] This novel fresh air module incorporates multiple noise-reducing recesses on the inner wall of the air outlet duct, altering its smooth surface. These recesses offer multiple noise reduction benefits: firstly, they disrupt the development of boundary layer airflow, resulting in a more uniform velocity distribution within the boundary layer, weakening viscous shearing, and reducing frictional noise; secondly, they promote the formation of complex flow patterns on the surface, suppressing the generation of regular, stable, and large-scale vortices, reducing pressure pulsations caused by vortices, and lowering vortex noise; thirdly, they scatter noise waves, dispersing noise energy and reducing the noise intensity reaching the ear, thus optimizing the listening experience of the fresh air intake.

[0024] Furthermore, in this invention's fresh air module, the noise-reducing recesses are arranged in multiple rows along the air outlet direction, with the recesses in each row spaced vertically. This design significantly increases the contact area between the noise-reducing recesses and the outdoor fresh air. When the outdoor fresh air flows along the outlet duct, the multiple rows of noise-reducing recesses continuously interfere with the airflow. On the one hand, the fresh air is continuously dispersed during its flow, avoiding strong disturbances caused by concentrated airflow; on the other hand, by continuously altering the airflow state, the generation and expansion of vortices are effectively suppressed, thereby significantly enhancing the overall noise reduction performance of the fresh air module.

[0025] Furthermore, in the fresh air module of this utility model, the gaps between the first row of noise-reducing recesses are blocked by the second row of recesses. Thus, even if small vortices form in the gaps between the first row of recesses due to airflow disturbance, when the airflow carrying these small vortices flows towards the second row of recesses, the solidity of the noise-reducing recesses will obstruct and guide the airflow, disrupting the original rotational structure of the small vortices, weakening their rotational intensity, and limiting their development space. This prevents the expansion of small vortices from interfering with the overall airflow stability, ensuring the smooth delivery of outdoor fresh air within the air outlet duct, and effectively reducing noise caused by airflow turbulence.

[0026] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fresh air module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A schematic structural diagram of the air outlet duct of the fresh air module from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of a fresh air module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic exploded view of the air outlet duct and inner lining plate according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 10. Fresh air module; 100. Fresh air volute; 101. Fresh air cavity; 110. Air inlet duct; 111. Air inlet baffle; 120. Air outlet duct; 121. Top wall of duct; 122. Bottom wall of duct; 123. Side wall of duct; 130. Fresh air impeller; 140. Inner lining plate; 141. Noise reduction recess. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to explain the present invention and not to limit it. In fact, various modifications and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] The following reference Figure 1-5 The present invention describes an indoor air conditioning unit and its fresh air module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "horizontal," and "vertical" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some examples," "one example," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0040] Generally, when the fresh air module is running, outdoor fresh air enters the fresh air volute through the intake duct and is blown into the room from the outlet duct under the drive of the fresh air impeller. In the outlet duct, the outdoor fresh air is in direct contact with the inner wall of the duct. Due to the velocity difference between the two, the outdoor fresh air will form a boundary layer on the inner wall of the duct.

[0041] Existing fresh air modules have smooth-walled outlet ducts, where the airflow velocity within the boundary layer changes abruptly from zero at the wall to the mainstream velocity, creating a significant velocity gradient. This not only degrades airflow stability within the boundary layer but also intensifies friction between the fresh air and the duct's inner wall, generating numerous vortices. The generation, development, and shedding of these vortices cause pressure pulsations, ultimately resulting in frictional noise and significantly impacting the user experience of the fresh air module.

[0042] Based on an in-depth analysis of the aforementioned problems of the existing fresh air module 10, this utility model embodiment provides a brand-new fresh air module 10.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fresh air module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the air outlet duct 120 of the fresh air module 10 from another perspective. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of a fresh air module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the fresh air module 10 of this embodiment may include a fresh air volute 100 and a fresh air impeller 130. The fresh air volute 100 defines a fresh air cavity 101 and an air inlet duct 110 and an air outlet duct 120 that connect the fresh air cavity 101. The fresh air impeller 130 is disposed in the fresh air cavity 101 and configured to rotate in a controlled manner to draw in outdoor fresh air from the air inlet duct 110 and blow the drawn outdoor fresh air into the room from the air outlet duct 120. The inner wall of the air outlet duct 120 is provided with a plurality of noise reduction pits 141. The noise reduction pits 141 are used to reduce the friction between the outdoor fresh air and the inner wall of the duct, thereby reducing the noise caused by the vortex generated by friction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the fresh air module 10 has multiple noise-reducing pits 141 on the inner wall of its air outlet duct 120, which changes the smooth state of the inner wall of the duct.

[0046] Noise Reduction Dent 141 has multiple noise reduction functions:

[0047] On the one hand, the noise reduction pit 141 can interfere with the development of airflow within the boundary layer, making the airflow velocity distribution within the boundary layer more uniform, reducing the airflow shear force caused by the velocity gradient, thereby reducing the friction between the outdoor fresh air and the inner wall of the duct and reducing friction noise.

[0048] On the other hand, the noise reduction pit 141 can make the outdoor fresh air form a complex flow state on its surface, suppress the generation of regular, stable and large-scale vortices, reduce the pressure pulsation amplitude caused by vortices, and thus reduce vortex noise.

[0049] On the other hand, the noise reduction pit 141 can scatter noise waves. When noise waves propagate to the noise reduction pit 141, they will scatter in different directions, disperse noise energy, reduce the noise intensity reaching the human ear, and thus optimize the fresh air ear sensation.

[0050] In some embodiments, the longitudinal section of the air outlet duct 120 can be rectangular, and its inner wall can include a top wall 121, a bottom wall 122, and two side walls 123 connecting the top wall 121 and the bottom wall 122, and the noise reduction pit 141 is formed only on the two side walls 123.

[0051] When airflow flows within the air outlet duct 120, friction and collision with the duct sidewall 123 are among the main sources of noise. Concentrating noise-reducing recesses 141 on the duct sidewall 123 can precisely reduce this noise. The noise-reducing recesses 141 effectively reduce friction noise and vortex noise by interfering with boundary layer airflow, dispersing vortices, and scattering noise, significantly improving the acoustic performance of the fresh air module 10.

[0052] Compared to installing noise-reducing recesses 141 on all inner walls of the air outlet duct 120, installing them only on the side walls 123 of the duct reduces unnecessary interference with the mainstream airflow. The top and bottom walls of the duct remain relatively smooth, ensuring stable vertical flow of outdoor fresh air. The noise-reducing recesses 141 on the side walls 123 focus on improving the contact state between the airflow and the side walls, suppressing vortex formation caused by side wall friction, guiding the airflow more smoothly through the air outlet duct 120, and reducing wind resistance. The stable airflow pattern reduces energy loss caused by airflow turbulence, allowing the fresh air impeller 130 to drive the airflow more efficiently, reducing the operating energy consumption of the fresh air module 10, and improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0053] By omitting the noise-reducing recesses 141 on the top wall 121 and bottom wall 122 of the duct, the area of ​​the recesses 141 can be reduced, thus lowering processing costs and material consumption. Eliminating the need for complex recess processing on the top and bottom walls 121 and 122 simplifies the production process, improves efficiency, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the fresh air module 10. Furthermore, the smooth surface of the top and bottom walls 121 and 122 reduces the accumulation of dust and impurities, making cleaning and maintenance easier.

[0054] Of course, in other embodiments, the longitudinal section of the air outlet duct 120 may also be circular, and the noise reduction pits 141 are evenly distributed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the air outlet duct 120.

[0055] In some embodiments, noise reduction recesses 141 are arranged in multiple rows along the air outlet direction on the inner wall of the air outlet duct 120, and the noise reduction recesses 141 in each row are distributed vertically at intervals.

[0056] This design significantly increases the contact area between the noise-reducing recesses 141 and the outdoor fresh air. As the outdoor fresh air flows along the air outlet duct 120, the multiple rows of noise-reducing recesses 141 continuously interfere with the outdoor fresh air. On the one hand, the fresh air is continuously dispersed during its flow, avoiding strong disturbances caused by concentrated airflow; on the other hand, by continuously altering the airflow state, the generation and expansion of vortices are effectively suppressed, thereby greatly enhancing the overall noise reduction performance of the fresh air module 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lateral spacing between two adjacent rows of noise-reducing recesses 141 is 0.5mm to 5mm. For example, 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, etc. This spacing allows the noise-reducing recesses 141 to better and more effectively interfere with outdoor fresh air.

[0058] When outdoor fresh air flows through the appropriately spaced noise-reducing recesses 141, the recesses continuously interfere with the airflow, interrupting its path, suppressing the formation of regular vortices, and reducing noise caused by vortices. Simultaneously, the noise-reducing recesses 141 enhance the scattering effect on noise waves, causing them to continuously reflect and scatter between adjacent rows of recesses, dispersing the originally concentrated noise energy in multiple directions. The noise gradually attenuates during repeated scattering, further reducing the intensity of noise propagating to the outside world.

[0059] In some embodiments, along the air outlet direction, the gap formed between the upper and lower noise reduction recesses 141 in the front row is blocked by the noise reduction recesses 141 in the rear row.

[0060] By adopting the above layout, even if small vortices are formed in the gaps of the first row of noise-reducing recesses 141 due to airflow disturbance, when the airflow carrying the small vortices flows to the second row of noise-reducing recesses 141, the solid structure of the noise-reducing recesses 141 will block and guide the airflow, disrupt the original rotation structure of the small vortices, weaken their rotation intensity, and limit their development space. This avoids the small vortices from interfering with the stability of the overall airflow due to their expansion, ensuring that the outdoor fresh air is delivered smoothly in the air outlet duct 120, and effectively reducing the noise caused by airflow turbulence.

[0061] In some embodiments, the noise reduction recess 141 can be a circular recess that mimics the shape of the recesses on the surface of a golf ball.

[0062] The smooth surface of the circular recess, without sharp edges, reduces local resistance caused by abrupt changes in shape when airflow passes through it. The circular symmetry ensures that airflow is evenly dispersed around the recess 141, allowing for smoother airflow around the recess and preventing airflow separation and vortex formation caused by sharp edges. This maintains boundary layer stability and makes the flow of fresh air within the outlet duct 120 more stable, reducing wind resistance. This not only reduces energy consumption but also ensures efficient delivery of fresh air.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, the noise reduction recess 141 can also be an elliptical recess. The elliptical recess, due to its geometric characteristics, can also contribute to noise reduction to some extent.

[0064] In some embodiments, the diameter of the noise reduction recess 141 can be 1.5mm to 15mm, for example, 2mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, etc. The depth of the noise reduction recess 141 can be 0.2mm to 2mm, for example, 0.2mm, 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, etc.

[0065] In one example, the noise reduction pit 141 has a diameter of 10 mm and a depth of 1.5 mm.

[0066] The noise-reducing recess 141 has a diameter of 10mm, providing sufficient space to effectively alter the airflow pattern as it passes through, causing the airflow to form complex flow patterns within the recess and enhancing the dispersing effect on vortices. The depth of the noise-reducing recess 141 is 1.5mm, ensuring that the recess significantly interferes with the airflow without causing excessive turbulence due to its depth.

[0067] The specific combination of diameter and depth mentioned above also enhances the noise reduction pit 141's ability to scatter noise waves to a certain extent. When noise waves propagate to the pit, they can undergo multiple reflections and scatterings within the space formed by the 10mm diameter and 1.5mm depth, thereby dispersing the noise energy in multiple directions, reducing noise intensity, widening the noise reduction frequency range, and achieving a more comprehensive noise reduction effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, an inner liner plate 140 is provided inside the air outlet duct 120. The inner liner plate 140 is fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the air outlet duct 120, and a noise reduction recess 141 is formed on the inner liner plate 140.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a schematic exploded view of the air outlet duct 120 and the inner lining plate 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, in the actual manufacturing process, noise reduction recesses 141 can be pre-machined on the inner liner 140, and then the inner liner 140 can be installed into the air outlet duct 120. Compared with directly machining the noise reduction recesses 141 on the inner wall of the duct, the installation process is simpler and faster, which can improve the production efficiency of the fresh air module 10.

[0070] If the noise reduction recess 141 is damaged or needs to be replaced, the inner lining plate 140 can be removed for treatment without repairing or replacing the entire air outlet duct 120, thus reducing maintenance costs and difficulty.

[0071] The inner lining plate 140 fits snugly against the inner wall of the air duct, which can buffer the impact of airflow on the inner wall of the air duct and reduce the possibility of deformation or damage to the inner wall of the air duct due to long-term airflow impact.

[0072] In some embodiments, an air inlet baffle 111 is provided in the air inlet duct 110. The air inlet baffle 111 is configured to rotate in a controlled manner, thereby adjusting the air intake volume of the air inlet duct 110 and opening and closing the air inlet duct 110.

[0073] Users' needs for fresh air volume may vary depending on the usage scenario and indoor environment. The air inlet damper 111, through controlled rotation, can precisely adjust the ventilation cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet duct 110, thereby flexibly adjusting the air intake volume. For example, when there are many people indoors, the space is large, or pollution is severe, the opening of the air inlet damper 111 can be increased to introduce more outdoor fresh air and improve indoor air quality; while when there are fewer people indoors and the environment is relatively clean, the opening of the air inlet damper 111 can be appropriately reduced to avoid energy waste caused by excessive introduction of outdoor fresh air.

[0074] Proper air intake control helps maintain the air pressure balance and airflow stability inside the fresh air module 10. This prevents abnormal load on the fresh air impeller 130 due to excessive or insufficient air intake, which could affect the normal operation and service life of the fresh air module 10.

[0075] In summary, this utility model focuses on optimizing the fresh air module 10. In terms of the air outlet duct 120, by setting noise reduction recesses 141 on the inner wall or inner lining plate 140 of the duct and carefully planning their layout, the noise generated by the outdoor fresh air during the flow process is effectively reduced, and the quietness of the fresh air module 10 is significantly improved.

[0076] This utility model embodiment also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, which includes the fresh air module 10 of any of the above embodiments.

[0077] The indoor unit of an air conditioner can be a floor-standing indoor unit. Since the other components and working principles of a floor-standing indoor unit are well known to those skilled in the art, they will not be elaborated here.

[0078] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A fresh air module, characterized in that The new air module comprises: a new air volute, which defines a new air cavity inside, and an air inlet duct and an air outlet duct communicating with the new air cavity; and a new air fan wheel arranged in the new air cavity and configured to rotate under control to suck outdoor new air from the air inlet duct and blow the sucked outdoor new air to indoor from the air outlet duct; wherein the air duct inner wall of the air outlet duct is provided with a plurality of noise reduction pits for reducing the friction between the outdoor new air and the air duct inner wall, thereby reducing the noise caused by the vortex generated by the friction.

2. The new air module according to claim 1, wherein the air duct inner wall of the air outlet duct comprises an air duct top wall, an air duct bottom wall, and two air duct side walls connecting the air duct top wall and the air duct bottom wall; and the noise reduction pits are only formed on the two air duct side walls.

3. The new air module according to claim 1, wherein on the air duct inner wall of the air outlet duct, the noise reduction pits are arranged into multiple columns along the air outlet direction, and the noise reduction pits in each column are distributed in an up-down interval.

4. The new air module according to claim 3, wherein the transverse interval distance between two adjacent columns of the noise reduction pits is 0.5mm-5mm.

5. The new air module according to claim 3, wherein along the air outlet direction, the gap formed between the upper and lower noise reduction pits in the previous column is blocked by the noise reduction pits in the next column.

6. The new air module according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction pits are circular pits.

7. The new air module according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the noise reduction pit is 1.5mm-15mm; and / or the depth of the noise reduction pit is 0.2mm-2mm.

8. The new air module according to claim 1, wherein an inner lining plate is arranged in the air outlet duct, the inner lining plate is fixedly attached to the air duct inner wall of the air outlet duct, and the noise reduction pits are formed on the inner lining plate.

9. The new air module according to claim 1, wherein an air inlet baffle is arranged in the air inlet duct, the air inlet baffle is configured to rotate under control to adjust the air inlet amount of the air inlet duct and open and close the air inlet duct.

10. An air conditioner indoor unit characterized by comprising: The new air module according to any one of claims 1-9.

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