Air conditioner and cabinet indoor unit thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner and a cabinet indoor unit thereof. The cabinet indoor unit comprises a machine shell, the interior of the machine shell is provided with a mounting cavity used for mounting a functional module in a limited mode, and the front side of the machine shell is provided with an access hole communicating with the mounting cavity; the lower decoration plate is detachably connected with the machine shell through a buckling piece and used for shielding or exposing the access hole; moreover, the two transverse sides of the lower decoration plate are respectively provided with a buckle, and the buckles are used for providing finger acting points for a user when the lower decoration plate is disassembled. The lower decorative plate has the advantage that the lower decorative plate is easy to disassemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner repair, and in particular to an air conditioner and its cabinet indoor unit. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of air conditioning technology, air conditioners are becoming increasingly versatile. To meet users' higher demands for indoor comfort and air quality, modern air conditioner units often integrate multiple functional modules at the bottom, such as humidification, purification, or fresh air modules. These modules enable air conditioners not only to regulate indoor temperature but also to effectively improve indoor air humidity, cleanliness, and freshness, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for users.

[0003] However, the inclusion of these functional modules also presents some challenges in terms of use and maintenance. Because these modules require regular operation and maintenance by the user, such as replacing filters and adding humidifying water, it is inevitable that users will frequently need to remove the decorative panel at the bottom of the unit.

[0004] When removing the trim panel, users often lack a suitable point of leverage and can only use a squeezing motion from left to right towards the center. This squeezing method causes uneven force on the trim panel, leading to gradual deformation. Once deformed, noticeable gaps will appear, affecting not only the overall aesthetics of the unit but also reducing the seal between the trim panel and the main body, thus impacting the air conditioner's performance. 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 conditioner and its cabinet indoor unit.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to provide handles on both sides of the trim panel to provide a point of leverage for the fingers, thereby improving the ease of removing the trim panel.

[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to optimize the structure of the handle and improve its stability during use.

[0008] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a cabinet-style indoor unit, comprising:

[0009] A housing, the interior of which defines a mounting cavity for installing functional modules, and a maintenance port communicating with the mounting cavity is provided on the front side of the housing; and

[0010] The lower trim panel is detachably connected to the housing via a snap fastener and is used to cover or expose the access panel;

[0011] Furthermore, handles are provided on both sides of the lower trim panel, which provide users with finger support points when removing the lower trim panel.

[0012] Optionally, the lower trim panel includes:

[0013] The motherboard body is located on the front side of the casing; and

[0014] Two side panels extend rearward from the lateral sides of the main body, respectively;

[0015] Each of the side panels has a plurality of fasteners spaced at intervals along its height on its inner side. The plurality of fasteners hook onto the periphery of the access port to connect the lower trim panel to the housing.

[0016] Optionally, the handle is formed on the side plate and extends along the height direction of the side plate.

[0017] Optionally, the handle is arranged close to the upper edge of the side plate.

[0018] Optionally, the handle is flat or arc-shaped.

[0019] Optionally, the height of the handle is 1 cm to 3 cm; and / or,

[0020] The width of the handle is 0.5cm to 1cm; and / or

[0021] The thickness of the handle is 2mm to 5mm.

[0022] Optionally, an air inlet is provided on the rear side of the casing and an air outlet is provided on the front side, and a heat exchanger is provided inside the casing; and

[0023] The heat exchanger is located at the air inlet to exchange heat with the air passing through the air inlet.

[0024] Optionally, the indoor unit of the cabinet air conditioner also includes:

[0025] Two vertical air guide vanes are arranged at intervals on the left and right sides inside the air inlet, and each of the vertical air guide vanes can be rotated independently in a controlled manner.

[0026] Optionally, the functional modules include, but are not limited to, a humidification module, a purification module, and a fresh air module.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an air conditioner including the cabinet indoor unit described in any one of the above-mentioned methods.

[0028] This utility model discloses a cabinet-style indoor unit. The mounting cavity within the casing is used to install functional modules, ensuring the realization of the unit's functions and a reasonable module layout. The front access panel facilitates inspection and maintenance of the functional modules within the mounting cavity, improving product maintainability. The lower trim panel is detachably connected to the casing via clips, allowing it to either conceal or expose the access panel. During normal use, the access panel is concealed, maintaining the product's neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance; when maintenance is required, the lower trim panel can be removed. Handles are provided on both sides of the lower trim panel, providing users with finger support points for removal, solving the problems of difficult disassembly and easy deformation of the lower trim panel caused by the lack of handles in existing technologies, thus improving the ease of disassembly and the service life of the lower trim panel.

[0029] Furthermore, the cabinet indoor unit of this utility model optimizes the structure of the handle, making the handle formed on the side panel and extending along the height direction of the side panel. This design allows the handle to be tightly integrated with the overall structure of the lower trim panel, which not only increases the stability of the handle, but also provides users with a larger force area by extending the handle along the height direction, making it easier for users to press the lower trim panel and further improving the convenience of removing the lower trim panel.

[0030] 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

[0031] 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:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the indoor unit of a cabinet air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the indoor unit of a cabinet air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic front view of the indoor unit of the cabinet air conditioner after the lower trim panel has been removed;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the lower trim panel from a first-person perspective;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the lower trim panel from a second-view perspective.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 10. Cabinet indoor unit; 100. Casing; 101. Air inlet; 102. Air outlet; 103. Inspection port; 110. Lower trim panel; 111. Main board; 112. Side panel; 113. Fasteners; 114. Handles; 120. Air guide plate; 130. Functional modules. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] The following reference Figure 1-5 This description refers to an air conditioner and its cabinet indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "horizontal," and "vertical," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the present invention, 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] This utility model embodiment provides a cabinet indoor unit 10. By providing handles 114 for finger grips on both sides of the lower trim panel 110, the aesthetics and practicality of the cabinet indoor unit 10 are taken into account. While ensuring the appearance of the cabinet indoor unit 10, it is easier for users to remove the lower trim panel 110, thereby improving the user experience.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the indoor unit 10 of a cabinet air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the cabinet indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic front view of the indoor unit 10 of the cabinet air conditioner after the lower trim panel 110 has been removed. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the lower trim panel 110 from a first-view perspective. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the lower trim panel 110 from a second perspective.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cabinet indoor unit 10 of this embodiment includes at least a housing 100 and a lower trim panel 110.

[0046] The housing 100 has an internal mounting cavity for installing various functional modules 130 to meet different indoor environment requirements. These functional modules 130 include, but are not limited to, humidification modules, purification modules, and fresh air modules.

[0047] In dry seasons or environments, such as when indoor heating is used in winter or air conditioning is used for extended periods in summer, indoor air humidity drops significantly, leading to problems such as dry skin, itchy throat, and increased static electricity. Humidifiers increase indoor humidity by spraying water mist or steam into the air, thereby increasing the water vapor content and making the indoor environment more comfortable and pleasant. Furthermore, dry air can cause wooden furniture to shrink and crack, and can also affect the normal operation of electronic devices. Appropriate humidity helps maintain the stability of furniture and equipment, extending their lifespan.

[0048] Indoor air may contain various particulate matter, such as dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. These particles not only affect indoor air clarity but can also be inhaled, harming the respiratory system and overall health. Air purification modules are typically equipped with high-efficiency particulate filters that effectively capture and filter these tiny particles, purifying indoor air. In addition to particulate matter, indoor air may also contain various harmful gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, as well as harmful gases produced by cigarette smoke and kitchen fumes. Activated carbon filters in purification modules can adsorb these harmful gases, reducing their concentration in the air and improving indoor air quality.

[0049] In a closed indoor environment, the oxygen content in the air gradually decreases over time, while the concentration of pollutants such as carbon dioxide and odors increases, leading to poor indoor air quality and causing people to feel stuffy, dizzy, and weak. A fresh air module introduces fresh outdoor air into the room through ducts while simultaneously expelling stale indoor air, achieving air circulation and exchange between indoors and outdoors to ensure indoor air freshness.

[0050] The installation cavity in this embodiment has high flexibility and compatibility. It can accommodate one or more of the following: humidification module, purification module, and fresh air module. Users can freely choose to install the appropriate functional module 130 according to their actual needs and indoor environment conditions to achieve personalized indoor environment adjustment.

[0051] The front side of the housing 100 has an access port 103, which is connected to the mounting cavity. Users can easily inspect, repair and replace the functional modules 130 inside the mounting cavity through the access port 103 to ensure the normal operation of the cabinet indoor unit 10.

[0052] The lower trim panel 110 is detachably connected to the housing 100 via a snap fastener 113, and is used to cover or expose the access port 103. During normal use, the lower trim panel 110 covers the access port 103, maintaining the product's neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance. When maintenance is required, the user can remove the lower trim panel 110 to expose the access port 103, facilitating maintenance work.

[0053] It is worth mentioning that handles 114 are provided on both sides of the lower trim panel 110. When removing the lower trim panel 110, the handles 114 can provide the user with a finger support point. The user only needs to place their fingers on the back of the lower trim panel 110 and pull the lower trim panel 110 forward to easily remove it.

[0054] Previously, because the lower trim panel 110 did not have a handle 114, users often had to use a squeezing method from the left and right to the middle to disassemble it. This not only made the disassembly process very difficult, but also easily caused the lower trim panel 110 to deform due to uneven force, affecting its subsequent use and aesthetics.

[0055] The handle 114 design in this embodiment effectively avoids these problems, greatly improves the ease of disassembly, extends the service life of the lower trim panel 110, and significantly enhances the user experience.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the lower trim panel 110 may include a main body 111 and two side panels 112, wherein the main body 111 is disposed on the front side of the housing 100, and the two side panels 112 extend rearward from the lateral sides of the main body 111, respectively. Each side panel 112 has a plurality of latching members 113 spaced apart along its height direction on its inner side. The latching members 113 hook onto the periphery of the access port 103 to connect the lower trim panel 110 to the housing 100.

[0057] In other words, the lower trim panel 110 has a U-shaped structure, with its main body 111 facing the user directly. The fastener 113 is similar to a hook, hidden inside the side panel 112. By hooking the periphery of the access port 103, the lower trim panel 110 is securely connected to the housing 100.

[0058] Multiple fasteners 113 are spaced apart along the height of the side panel 112, which can distribute the force borne by the lower trim panel 110, making the connection between the lower trim panel 110 and the casing 100 more stable. When the indoor unit 10 of the cabinet air conditioner vibrates or is subjected to external forces during operation, this multi-point connection structure can effectively prevent the lower trim panel 110 from loosening or falling off, ensuring the stability and reliability of the lower trim panel 110, thereby ensuring the normal use of the product.

[0059] Since the lower trim panel 110 is connected to the housing 100 via a snap fastener 113, this detachable design greatly facilitates inspection and maintenance. When the indoor unit 10 of the cabinet unit malfunctions or requires maintenance of the internal functional module 130, the maintenance personnel only need to place their fingers on the back of the handle 114 and pull forward forcefully to gradually separate the snap fastener 113 from the periphery of the access port 103, thereby easily removing the lower trim panel 110 and exposing the access port 103. After the maintenance is completed, the lower trim panel 110 can be reinstalled. The whole process is simple and quick, significantly shortening maintenance time.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the handle 114 is formed on the side plate 112 and extends along the height direction of the side plate 112.

[0061] Since the handle 114 is formed on the side panel 112, when the user needs to remove the trim panel 110, they can naturally reach out from both sides of the housing 100 and place their fingers on the back of the handle 114. Compared with operating from other directions, this method is significantly more convenient and improves the ease of operation.

[0062] The handle 114 extends along the height of the side panel 112, which not only provides a secure connection with the lower trim panel 110, reducing the possibility of breakage at the connection, but also provides a larger force area for the user, making it easier for the user to fasten the lower trim panel 110.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, the handle 114 may be arranged close to the upper edge of the side panel 112.

[0064] From an aesthetic perspective, placing the handle 114 on the upper edge makes the overall appearance of the lower trim panel 110 more concise and streamlined. The handle 114 does not disrupt the flatness of the side of the lower trim panel 110, maintaining the consistency and aesthetics of the product's appearance. In terms of actual operation, when it is necessary to remove the lower trim panel 110, the user does not need to bend over excessively; simply squatting down allows for easy access to the handle 114 and completion of the removal action, making the entire operation smoother and more convenient.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, the handle 114 may be flat or arc-shaped.

[0066] The flat handle 114 has a simple and elegant appearance. Its smooth surface matches the overall style of the lower trim panel 110, giving a neat and stable feeling. Moreover, the flat handle 114 is relatively simple to process and manufacture, and has a low cost.

[0067] The rounded handle 114 is more ergonomic. When fingers rest on the rounded handle 114, it better conforms to the curvature of the fingers, providing a more comfortable grip and reducing finger fatigue during disassembly. At the same time, the rounded and smooth edges of the rounded handle 114 will not cause cuts or scratches to the fingers, improving safety during use.

[0068] In some embodiments, the height of the handle 114 can be 1cm to 3cm, such as 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, etc.; the width of the handle 114 can be 0.5cm to 1cm, such as 0.5cm, 0.8cm, 1cm, etc.; and the thickness of the handle 114 can be 2mm to 5mm, such as 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, etc.

[0069] Understandably, if the handle 114 is too low, less than 1cm, it will be difficult for fingers to rest stably on the back of the handle 114 during operation, making disassembly difficult. If the handle 114 is too high, it will appear too obtrusive, affecting the aesthetics of the lower trim panel 110. In this embodiment, the height of the handle 114 is controlled between 1cm and 3cm, which ensures sufficient operating space for the fingers while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the lower trim panel 110.

[0070] If the handle 114 is too narrow, less than 0.5cm, its contact area is small. During disassembly, the limited contact area between the fingers and the handle makes it difficult to establish a stable point of force, and the fingers are prone to slipping off the handle. If the handle 114 is too wide, greater than 1cm, it will appear excessively large and disproportionate to the lower trim panel 110, compromising the product's aesthetics and harmony. Furthermore, an overly wide handle 114 could easily scratch the user when they are near the casing 100, causing unnecessary injury and inconvenience. In this embodiment, the width of the handle 114 is controlled between 0.5cm and 1cm, ensuring sufficient contact area while maintaining proportion with the lower trim panel 110, and preventing the handle from scratching the user.

[0071] If the handle 114 is too thin, less than 2mm, its strength will be insufficient, and it will easily break after repeated use. If the handle 114 is too thick, greater than 5mm, it will appear bulky and increase processing costs. In this embodiment, the thickness of the handle 114 is controlled between 2mm and 5mm, which ensures that the handle 114 has sufficient strength while controlling its aesthetics and cost.

[0072] In some embodiments, an air inlet 101 is provided on the rear side of the housing 100, an air outlet 102 is provided on the front side of the housing 100, and a heat exchanger (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the housing 100. The heat exchanger may be located at the air inlet 101 to exchange heat with the air passing through the air inlet 101.

[0073] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 10 of the cabinet air conditioner has both an air inlet 101 and an access panel 103 located on the front side of the casing 100, with the air inlet 101 positioned above the access panel 103. This layout ensures that air can smoothly enter the casing 100 for heat exchange and facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the functional module 130. Both the heat exchanger and the functional module 130 are installed inside the casing 100, working together to contribute to the regulation of the indoor environment. The heat exchanger may have only cooling or heating functions, or it may have both cooling and heating functions simultaneously, to adapt to changes in different seasons and weather conditions.

[0074] It is worth mentioning that the heat exchanger and the functional module 130 are arranged vertically, so the airflow between the two can not interfere with each other and can operate independently and efficiently. This ensures that the indoor air is humidified, purified and ventilated while maintaining the heat exchange output volume.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cabinet indoor unit 10 further includes two vertical air guide plates 120, which can be arranged at intervals on the left and right sides within the air inlet 101, and each vertical air guide plate 120 can be rotated independently in a controlled manner.

[0076] This means that users can flexibly adjust the air outlet angle of each vertical air deflector 120 according to their actual needs to meet their personal preferences for airflow direction, thereby creating a comfortable indoor environment and improving the user experience.

[0077] This utility model embodiment also provides an air conditioner, which includes the cabinet indoor unit 10 of any of the above embodiments.

[0078] Since the other components of the air conditioner, such as the outdoor unit, and their operation are well known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0079] 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 cabinet indoor unit, characterized by, The cabinet includes: a cabinet, an inside of the cabinet defining an installation cavity for installing a functional module, a front side of the cabinet being provided with an access hole communicating with the installation cavity; and a lower trim plate detachably connected with the cabinet by a buckle member, for covering or exposing the access hole. The lower trim plate includes: a main plate body arranged at the front side of the cabinet; and 2. The cabinet indoor unit of claim 1, wherein, two side plate bodies respectively extending rearward from the lateral sides of the main plate body. The inner side of each side plate body is spaced apart from each other along the height direction of the side plate body and is provided with a plurality of buckle members, the buckle members being hooked around the periphery of the access hole to connect the lower trim plate to the cabinet.

3. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein the finger hold is formed on the side plate body and extends along the height direction of the side plate body.

4. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 3, wherein the finger hold is arranged next to the upper edge of the side plate body.

5. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the finger hold is flat or arc-shaped.

6. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the height of the finger hold is 1 cm to 3 cm; and / or the width of the finger hold is 0.5 cm to 1 cm; and / or the thickness of the finger hold is 2 mm to 5 mm.

7. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the rear side of the cabinet is provided with an air inlet, the front side of the cabinet is provided with an air outlet, and the inside of the cabinet is provided with a heat exchanger; and the heat exchanger is located at the air inlet to exchange heat with air passing through the air inlet. The cabinet further includes: two vertical air deflectors arranged left and right in the air inlet and each independently rotatable under control.

8. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 7, characterized by, 9. The cabinet indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the functional module includes, but is not limited to, a humidification module, a purification module, and a fresh air module. The cabinet indoor unit according to any one of claims 1-9 is included. ​ 10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: ​

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