Air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner system

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner system. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises a machine shell and an air duct assembly. The machine shell is provided with an upper air opening in the top and a lower air opening in the bottom. The air duct assembly is arranged in the machine shell. The air duct assembly comprises an air duct structure and cross-flow fan blades. The cross-flow fan blade is rotatably arranged in the air duct structure. The air duct structure comprises an air duct wall, a volute tongue and a turntable. The air duct wall and the volute tongue are arranged on the rotating disc and driven by the rotating disc to rotate so that the air duct structure can be switched between the first position and the second position, and at the first position, an outlet of an air outlet duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute tongue faces the upper air opening so that the upper air opening can form an air outlet. And at the second position, an outlet of an air outlet duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute tongue faces the lower air opening, so that the lower air opening forms an air outlet. According to the air conditioner indoor unit, the use comfort of a user can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventional air conditioner indoor units use a single air outlet structure, with the outlet located at the bottom of the unit. Both cooling and heating air are blown out through this outlet. Because the outlet is located at the bottom of the unit, in cooling mode, cold air can easily blow directly onto people, causing discomfort and potentially leading to air conditioning sickness over time.

[0003] It should be noted that the statements in this background section only provide background information relevant to this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an indoor air conditioning unit and an air conditioning system to improve user comfort.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0006] The housing has an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom; and

[0007] An air duct assembly is disposed within a housing and includes an air duct structure and a cross-flow fan blade. The cross-flow fan blade is rotatably disposed within the air duct structure. The air duct structure includes an air duct wall, a volute, and a turntable. The air duct wall and the volute are disposed on the turntable and rotate under the drive of the turntable to switch the air duct structure between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute faces the upper air outlet so that the upper air outlet becomes an air outlet. In the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute faces the lower air outlet so that the lower air outlet becomes an air outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air duct assembly further includes a first drive mechanism connected to the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is directly connected to the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air duct assembly further includes a first transmission mechanism disposed between the first drive mechanism and the turntable, wherein the first drive mechanism drives the turntable to rotate via the first transmission mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first transmission mechanism includes an annular gear ring disposed on the turntable and a gear meshing with the annular gear ring. The gear is drivenly connected to the first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism, and the gear meshes with the annular gear ring to drive the turntable to rotate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the turntable has an axial end face, an annular gear ring is formed on the axial end face, and a gear is located inside the annular gear ring and meshes with the annular gear ring; or, the turntable has a radial outer peripheral face, an annular gear ring is formed on the radial outer peripheral face, and a gear is located outside the annular gear ring and meshes with the annular gear ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first transmission mechanism includes a turbine disposed on the radial outer circumferential surface of the turntable and a worm gear meshing with the turbine. The axis of rotation of the worm gear is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turbine gear. The worm gear is drivenly connected to a first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism. The worm gear meshes with the turbine gear to drive the turntable to rotate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the duct assembly further includes a second drive mechanism for driving the cross-flow fan blades to rotate, the second drive mechanism driving the turntable to rotate via a second transmission mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second transmission mechanism includes a central gear disposed on the drive shaft of the second drive mechanism, an annular gear disposed on the turntable, and a planetary gear disposed between the central gear and the annular gear, wherein the planetary gear meshes with both the central gear and the annular gear.

[0016] In some embodiments, the duct assembly further includes a push rod mechanism connected to the planetary gear and controlling the planetary gear to move closer to or away from the turntable in its own axial direction. When the duct structure needs to switch positions, the push rod mechanism pushes the planetary gear closer to the turntable and meshes with both the central gear and the ring gear. After the duct structure reaches the first position or the second position, the push rod mechanism pushes the planetary gear away from the turntable to disengage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the duct assembly further includes a fixed disk and at least two bearing pads. The turntable is rotatably disposed on the fixed disk. The turntable also includes at least two bearing pad mounting portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each bearing pad mounting portion includes a mounting groove and a mounting post. The mounting groove is disposed radially outside the mounting post. The bearing pad passes through the mounting post, is mounted on the mounting groove, and contacts the turntable, so that when the duct structure rotates, it drives the bearing pad to rotate around the mounting post.

[0018] In some embodiments, the turntable is further provided with an arc-shaped ring, the air duct wall and the volute tongue are connected to the arc-shaped ring, and the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a baffle ring, which is detachably connected to one side of the arc-shaped ring to splice with the arc-shaped ring in the circumferential direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the air duct near the air intake is provided with a plurality of grooves evenly distributed along the axial direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the air duct structure is integrally formed.

[0021] A second aspect of this application provides an air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

[0022] Based on the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, an air conditioner indoor unit includes a casing and an air duct assembly. The casing has an upper air outlet at the top and a lower air outlet at the bottom. The air duct assembly is disposed within the casing. The air duct assembly includes an air duct structure and a cross-flow fan blade. The cross-flow fan blade is rotatably disposed within the air duct structure. The air duct structure includes an air duct wall, a volute, and a rotating disk. The air duct wall and volute are disposed on the rotating disk and rotate under the drive of the rotating disk to switch the air duct structure between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute faces the upper air outlet, making the upper air outlet an air outlet. In the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute faces the lower air outlet, making the lower air outlet an air outlet. The air conditioner indoor unit casing of this application embodiment has an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom. The air duct structure can switch the direction of its air outlet by rotating, thereby achieving the purpose of switching the air outlet. In the cooling mode, by controlling the rotation of the air duct structure, air is discharged from the upper air vent to avoid the problem of cold air blowing directly on the human body and causing discomfort. In the heating mode, air is discharged from the lower air vent, so that hot air can reach the ground through the lower air vent to achieve the purpose of quickly warming the room and improving the user's comfort.

[0023] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in cooling mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an indoor air conditioning unit in heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct assembly of an indoor air conditioning unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of a duct assembly according to some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the air duct structure of some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a side view of the air duct structure according to some embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the air duct structure according to some embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of the air duct assembly of an indoor air conditioning unit according to other embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the air duct assembly of an air conditioning indoor unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the air duct assembly of an air conditioning indoor unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the duct structure of the duct assembly.

[0036] Figure 12 This is an exploded structural diagram of the air duct assembly of an air conditioning indoor unit according to other embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 12 The diagram shows a side view of the air duct structure of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1. Casing; 11. Rear panel; 12. Top panel; 121. Upper air vent; 13. Bottom panel; 131. Lower air vent; 14. Front panel;

[0040] 3. Heat exchanger;

[0041] 4. Lower air guide plate;

[0042] 5. Install the upper air guide plate;

[0043] 6. Air duct baffle;

[0044] 7. Duct assembly; 701. Lower left fixed plate; 702. Upper left fixed plate; 703. Motor cover; 704. Stepper motor; 705. Brushless DC motor; 706. Duct structure; 7061. Duct wall; 70611. Groove; 7062. Volute tongue; 7063. Turntable; 70631. Arc ring; 7064. First annular gear ring; 7065. Mounting post; 7066. Mounting slot; 7068. Mounting slot; 7069. Second annular gear ring; 707. Retaining ring; 708. Gear; 709. Cross-flow fan blade; 710. Upper right fixed plate; 711. Lower right fixed plate; 712. Bearing pad; 713. Bearing rubber ring; 718. Worm gear; 7164. Turbine; 721. Central gear; 722. Planetary gear; 723. Push rod mechanism;

[0045] 9. Water drip tray;

[0046] I. Intake section; Q. Diffusion section; O. Exhaust section;

[0047] X: length direction; Y: thickness direction; Z: height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0048] 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to be a description of this application or its application or use.

[0049] Limitations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] An air conditioner's indoor unit connects to the outdoor unit to regulate indoor air temperature, either by cooling or heating. The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger; in cooling mode, the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, absorbing heat from the air to cool; in heating mode, it acts as a condenser, releasing heat to the air to heat. Wall-mounted air conditioner indoor units are typically installed on a wall, near the ceiling.

[0053] In related technologies, whether in heating or cooling mode, the indoor unit of an air conditioner blows air out through the air outlet located at the bottom of the casing. This makes it easy for cold air to blow directly on people in cooling mode, causing discomfort and potentially leading to air conditioning sickness if the cold air is blown directly on them for a long time.

[0054] To improve the above problems, this application proposes an indoor air conditioner unit, which includes an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom. By controlling the rotation of the air duct structure, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall and the volute tongue is directed towards the upper or lower air vent. In this way, when in cooling mode, the air is selected to be discharged from the upper air vent, thereby avoiding direct cold air blowing and improving the user's comfort.

[0055] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 13 The structure and operation of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 7The air conditioning indoor unit provided in some embodiments of this application includes a housing 1 and an air duct assembly 7. The housing 1 has an upper air outlet 121 located at the top and a lower air outlet 131 located at the bottom. The air duct assembly 7 is disposed within the housing 1. The air duct assembly 7 includes an air duct structure 706 and a cross-flow fan blade 709. The cross-flow fan blade 709 is rotatably disposed within the air duct structure 706. The air duct structure 706 includes an air duct wall 7061, a volute 7062, and a turntable 7063. The air duct wall 7061 and the volute 7062 are disposed on the turntable 7063 and rotate under the drive of the turntable 7063 to switch the air duct structure 706 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 7061 and the volute 7062 faces the upper air outlet 121 so that the upper air outlet 121 forms an air outlet. In the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 faces the downwind opening 131 so that the downwind opening 131 forms an air outlet.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 The top plate 12 of the casing 1 is provided with an upper air vent 121, and the bottom plate 13 is provided with a lower air vent 131. In cooling mode, the air duct structure 706 rotates to the first position, and the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 faces the upper air vent 121, thus making the upper air vent 121 an air outlet. That is to say, in cooling mode, the lower air vent 131 becomes an air inlet, and the upper air vent 121 becomes an air outlet, with airflow entering from below and exiting from above, thereby allowing cold air to be blown out from the upper air vent, avoiding direct airflow onto the human body; Reference Figure 2 In heating mode, the air duct structure 706 rotates to the second position, and the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 faces the downwind outlet 131, thus making the downwind outlet 131 an air outlet. In other words, in heating mode, the upwind outlet 121 becomes an air inlet and the downwind outlet 131 becomes an air outlet, with airflow entering from the top and exiting from the bottom, thereby achieving the effect of rapid heating by blowing hot air out from the downwind outlet.

[0058] The indoor unit of the air conditioner has a heating mode and a cooling mode. In cooling mode, the air duct structure 706 rotates to the first position; in heating mode, the air duct structure 706 rotates to the second position. In other words, the air duct structure 706 rotates to switch to the corresponding position according to the user's mode selection.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The air duct structure 706 includes an air duct wall 7061 and a volute tongue 7062, which are relatively fixed and rotate together. In the radial direction, one end between the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 forms an air inlet duct, and the other end forms an air outlet duct. In this embodiment, the positions of the air inlet and outlet of the air conditioner indoor unit are different in cooling and heating modes. Therefore, to adapt to these changes in the air inlet and outlet, the air duct structure 706 is configured to be rotatably arranged. This allows the position of the air inlet duct of the air duct structure 706 to match the air inlet, and the position of the air outlet duct to match the air outlet, thereby making the airflow smoother, reducing wind resistance, and optimizing performance.

[0060] refer to Figures 3 to 7 The air duct structure 706 also includes a turntable 7063. The air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 are mounted on the turntable 7063. The turntable 7063 is rotatably mounted to drive the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 to rotate together. By setting the turntable 7063 to drive the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 to rotate together, the relative fixation of the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 is ensured, thereby guaranteeing the accurate positioning of both.

[0061] The air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment has an upper air vent 121 at the top and a lower air vent 131 at the bottom. The air duct structure 706 rotates to switch the direction of its air outlet, thereby switching the air outlet. In cooling mode, the air duct structure 706 rotates to allow air to exit from the upper air vent 121, avoiding direct cold air blowing on the user and causing discomfort. In heating mode, air exits from the lower air vent 131, allowing hot air to reach the ground directly and quickly warm the room, thus improving user comfort. Furthermore, the air duct structure of this embodiment uses a turntable 7063 to rotate the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 together, ensuring that the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 are relatively fixed, thus ensuring accurate positioning and improving operational stability.

[0062] In some embodiments, the air duct structure is integrally formed. Specifically, the turntable 7063, the air duct wall 7061, and the volute 7062 are integrally formed. This arrangement avoids the problems of assembly gaps and inconsistent positions of the volute and air duct wall caused by assembly methods.

[0063] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a wall-mounted indoor unit.

[0064] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the air duct assembly 7 further includes a first drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is connected to the turntable 7063 to drive the turntable 7063 to rotate.

[0065] Specifically, the first drive mechanism includes a stepper motor 704. The duct assembly 7 also includes a second drive mechanism for driving the cross-flow fan blades 709 to rotate, the second drive mechanism including a brushless DC motor 705. It should be noted that the first drive mechanism drives the turntable 7063 to rotate, thereby switching the entire duct structure between a first position and a second position, and the second drive mechanism drives the cross-flow fan blades 709 to rotate around their axis. Any drive device capable of achieving the above functions is acceptable, and this application does not limit the specific implementation of the first and second drive mechanisms.

[0066] The air duct assembly 7 in this embodiment of the application is equipped with a first drive mechanism specifically designed to drive the rotation of the turntable 7063, thereby achieving precise control over the rotation of the turntable 7063, avoiding interference from other mechanisms, and improving the positional accuracy of the air duct structure 706.

[0067] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is directly connected to the turntable 7063 to drive the turntable 7063 to rotate.

[0068] The direct connection between the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism and the turntable 7063 means that no transmission components are set between the first drive mechanism and the turntable 7063.

[0069] refer to Figure 11 The turntable 7063 is provided with a mounting slot 7068, and the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism (such as the motor shaft of the stepper motor 704) is directly engaged in the mounting slot 7068, thereby realizing direct drive of the turntable 7063.

[0070] In this embodiment, the drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is directly connected to the turntable 7063 to drive its rotation, reducing mechanical parts and assembly complexity. Furthermore, the reduction in mechanical parts also reduces potential failure points, thereby improving maintainability. Moreover, by directly driving the turntable 7063 through the first drive mechanism, there is no transmission loss, resulting in higher energy conversion efficiency.

[0071] In some embodiments, the air duct assembly 7 further includes a first transmission mechanism disposed between the first drive mechanism and the turntable 7063. The first drive mechanism drives the turntable 7063 to rotate via the first transmission mechanism.

[0072] In this embodiment, a first transmission mechanism is provided between the turntable 7063 and the first drive mechanism. The drive shaft of the first drive mechanism drives the turntable 7063 to rotate through the first transmission mechanism. This first transmission mechanism allows a low-power first drive mechanism to drive a large-load turntable, reducing costs. Furthermore, by setting the first transmission mechanism, the transmission ratio of the first transmission mechanism can be set to precisely control the rotational speed of the turntable, thereby improving the precision control of the turntable's position and thus achieving precise control of the air duct structure's position. On the other hand, by providing the first transmission mechanism between the first drive mechanism and the turntable 7063, the first drive mechanism can be positioned far from the turntable during layout, thus increasing layout flexibility.

[0073] refer to Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figure 8 In some embodiments, the first transmission mechanism includes a first annular gear ring 7064 disposed on a turntable 7063 and a gear 708 meshing with the first annular gear ring 7064. The gear 708 is drivenly connected to a first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism, and the gear 708 meshes with the first annular gear ring 7064 to drive the turntable 7063 to rotate.

[0074] The first transmission mechanism uses a gear 708 and a first ring gear 7064 meshing to drive the turntable 7063 to rotate. In other words, it uses a gear transmission mechanism. Gear reduction can further improve the angle control accuracy. For example, when the first drive mechanism is a stepper motor, its single step is 1.8°. After a 10:1 reduction, the turntable 7063's single step is 0.18°. Therefore, the angle control accuracy can be improved, thereby controlling the positioning accuracy of the air duct structure.

[0075] refer to Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the turntable 7063 has an axial end face. A first annular gear ring 7064 is formed on the axial end face. A gear 708 is located inside the first annular gear ring 7064 and meshes with the first annular gear ring 7064.

[0076] refer to Figure 5 The turntable 7063 has a flat, disc-shaped structure, with its axis coinciding with the axis of the air duct structure 706. It has two axial end faces arranged opposite each other and perpendicular to its axis. The inner axial end face is provided with an air duct wall 7061 and a volute tongue 7062, while the outer axial end face is provided with a first annular toothed ring 7064. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the first annular gear ring 7064 is disposed on the axial end face, and reference Figure 4The axial end face is provided with an annular edge located at the radial edge, and the first annular gear ring 7064 is disposed on the inner wall of the annular edge. The gear 708 is disposed inside the first annular gear ring 7064, so that the gear 708 is embedded inside the annular edge and the gear 708 is located on the axial outer side of the turntable 7063.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first annular gear ring of the first transmission mechanism is formed on the axial end face of the turntable 7063. This ensures that when the gear meshes with the first annular gear ring, it is also located on one side of the axial direction of the turntable 7063, avoiding an increase in the radial dimension of the air duct assembly. Furthermore, this integrates all the drive components of the turntable at one end. By providing the annular gear ring on the inner side of the turntable and the gear on the inner side of the first annular gear ring, the internal space of the turntable is utilized to arrange the drive components, resulting in a more compact air duct structure.

[0078] refer to Figure 8 In other embodiments, the turntable 7063 has a radially outer peripheral surface. A first annular gear ring 7064 is formed on the radially outer peripheral surface, and a gear 708 is located outside the first annular gear ring 7064 and meshes with the first annular gear ring 7064.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the turntable 7063 is also provided with an annular edge, and a first annular toothed ring 7064 is provided on the radial outer circumferential surface of its annular edge. A gear 708 is provided on the radial outer side of the first annular toothed ring 7064, and the gear 708 and the first annular toothed ring 7064 form an external meshing relationship.

[0080] The first annular gear ring of the first transmission mechanism in this embodiment is formed on the radial outer circumferential surface of the turntable 7063. The gear 708 and the first annular gear ring 7064 form an external meshing relationship. Since the positions of the two are independent of each other and there is no enclosing relationship, the inspection and maintenance are convenient and the heat dissipation is better.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the first transmission mechanism includes a turbine 7164 disposed on the radial outer circumferential surface of the turntable 7063 and a worm 718 meshing with the turbine 7164. The axis of rotation of the worm 718 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turbine 7164. The worm 718 is drivenly connected to a first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism, and the meshing of the worm 718 with the turbine 7164 drives the turntable 7063 to rotate.

[0082] like Figure 9As shown, turbine 7164 is formed on the radial outer circumferential surface of turntable 7063, and the axis of turbine 7164 is collinear with the axis of turntable 7063, specifically extending along the length direction X of housing 1. The axis of worm 718 is perpendicular to the axis of turbine 7164, specifically extending along the width direction Y of housing 1.

[0083] The use of a worm gear transmission mechanism to drive the rotation of the 7063 turntable facilitates a larger reduction ratio. Furthermore, the contact between the tooth surfaces of the worm and the worm is line contact, resulting in primarily sliding friction, leading to a smoother transmission process and improved transmission stability.

[0084] The air duct assembly 7 in the above embodiments includes a first drive mechanism for driving the turntable 7063 to rotate and a second drive mechanism for driving the cross-flow fan blade 709 to rotate. That is, the cross-flow fan blade 709 and the turntable 7063 are driven by different drive mechanisms.

[0085] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 In other embodiments, the duct assembly 7 further includes a second drive mechanism for driving the cross-flow fan blade 709 to rotate, the second drive mechanism driving the turntable 7063 to rotate via a second transmission mechanism. That is, in Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, both the turntable 7063 and the cross-flow fan blade 709 are driven by a second drive mechanism.

[0086] The air duct assembly 7 of this application uses a second drive mechanism to drive the rotation of the cross-flow fan blade 709 to drive the rotation of the turntable 7063. This eliminates the need for a dedicated drive mechanism to drive the rotation of the turntable 7063, further simplifying the structure of the air duct assembly 7 and reducing costs.

[0087] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the second transmission mechanism includes a central gear 721 mounted on the drive shaft of the second drive mechanism, a second ring gear 7069 mounted on the turntable 7063, and a planetary gear 722 positioned between the central gear 721 and the second ring gear 7069. The planetary gear 722 meshes with both the central gear 721 and the second ring gear 7069. Thus, the second drive mechanism drives the central gear 721 to rotate, and the meshing of the planetary gear 722 with both the central gear 721 and the second ring gear 7069 transmits the rotation of the central gear 721 to the second ring gear 7069 via the planetary gear 722, thereby driving the turntable 7063 to rotate.

[0088] Specifically, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, both the center gear 721 and the planetary gear 722 are bevel gears. Using bevel gears can reduce noise.

[0089] The second transmission mechanism in this embodiment of the application realizes the rotation of the turntable 7063 by setting a central gear 721, a second ring gear 7069 and a planetary gear 722. Since the planetary gear system has a larger transmission ratio, it can reduce the high speed of the drive shaft of the second drive mechanism, making the rotation control of the turntable 7063 by the second drive mechanism more suitable.

[0090] Since the cross-flow fan blade 709 rotates continuously during the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the second drive mechanism used to drive the rotation of the cross-flow fan blade 709 also works continuously. For example, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, the second drive mechanism needs to work continuously to drive the cross-flow fan blade 709 to rotate. However, the position of the air duct structure is fixed when running in cooling mode. The position of the air duct structure only needs to be changed when switching from cooling mode to heating mode or vice versa. Therefore, the transmission of the rotation of the second drive mechanism by the second transmission mechanism is not continuous. The rotation needs to be transmitted to the turntable only when the mode needs to be switched. After the turntable rotates to the corresponding position, the transmission of the rotation needs to be stopped so that the turntable or the air duct structure is stably located in that position.

[0091] Based on the above problems, in some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 12 The duct assembly also includes a push rod mechanism 723. The push rod mechanism 723 is connected to a planetary gear 722 and controls the planetary gear 722 to move closer to or further away from the turntable 7063 in its own axial direction. When the duct structure 706 needs to switch positions, the push rod mechanism 723 pushes the planetary gear 722 closer to the turntable 7063, engaging with both the central gear 721 and the second ring gear 7069; after the duct structure 706 reaches the first or second position, the push rod mechanism 723 pushes the planetary gear 722 away from the turntable 7063 to disengage.

[0092] Specifically, the push rod mechanism 723 is an electric push rod.

[0093] In this embodiment, the planetary gear 722 is controlled by a push rod mechanism 723 to control the planetary gear 722 to mesh with or disengage from the central gear 721 and the second ring gear 7069, thereby controlling the rotation or stopping of the turntable 7063, preventing operational errors caused by the turntable 7063 rotating when it is not needed, and improving operational reliability.

[0094] In some embodiments, the duct assembly 2 further includes a fixed disk and at least two bearing pads 712. A turntable 7063 is rotatably disposed on the fixed disk. The turntable 7063 also includes at least two bearing pad mounting portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each bearing pad mounting portion includes a mounting groove and a mounting post. The mounting groove is disposed radially outside the mounting post. The bearing pads 712 pass through the mounting post, are mounted on the mounting groove, and contact the turntable 7063, so that when the duct structure rotates, the bearing pads rotate around the mounting post.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the air duct assembly 2 also includes fixed plates, specifically, two fixed plates located at the axial ends of the air duct structure 706. Figure 5 As shown, the turntable 7063 is provided with a semi-circular mounting groove 7066 and a mounting post 7065 for mounting the bearing pad 712. After installation, the bearing pad 712 protrudes from the turntable, and the protruding part contacts the mounting groove. When the air duct structure rotates, the bearing pad 712 simultaneously rotates around the mounting post 7065, changing the relative sliding between the turntable and the fixed plate into rolling, reducing motion resistance and noise. Furthermore, the aforementioned bearing pads are mounted on both sides of the turntable 7063 in the thickness direction of this application.

[0096] The air duct assembly of this application embodiment has a mounting groove and a mounting post on the turntable. The bearing pad 712 passes through the mounting post and contacts the turntable. When the turntable rotates, it will drive the bearing pad 712 to rotate around the mounting post, thereby changing the friction between the turntable and the fixed plate into rolling friction, reducing resistance and noise.

[0097] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the turntable 7063 is also provided with an arc-shaped ring 70631, the air duct wall 7061 and the volute tongue 7062 are connected to the arc-shaped ring 70631, and the air conditioner indoor unit also includes a baffle ring 707, which is detachably connected to one side of the arc-shaped ring 70631 to be spliced ​​with the arc-shaped ring 70631 in the circumferential direction.

[0098] Specifically, the arc ring 70631 is semi-circular, and the baffle ring 707 is also semi-circular. The baffle ring 707 and the arc ring 70631 are fixed to the corresponding mounting position on the rotating disk by clips and screws. They cooperate with the corresponding semi-circular arc ring 70631 on the rotating disk to cover the gap at both ends of the cross-flow fan blade, greatly reducing the airflow passing through both ends of the fan blade, eliminating whistling sound, and improving sound quality.

[0099] The baffle ring 707 is located on one side of the arc-shaped ring 70631 to block the gap between the cross-flow fan blade and the turntable after installation, reducing air leakage, improving the smoothness of the flow channel, and preventing airflow backflow. Moreover, the baffle ring 707 is detachable from the arc-shaped ring 70631, which facilitates the removal of the cross-flow fan blade.

[0100] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inner wall of the air duct wall 7061 near the air intake is provided with a plurality of grooves 70611 evenly distributed along the axial direction.

[0101] The inner wall of the air duct 7061 near the air intake is provided with grooves 70611 that are evenly distributed along the axial direction. This makes the incoming airflow more evenly drawn into the cross-flow fan blades, reducing wind noise and lowering the overall noise of the machine.

[0102] Specifically, the width of the groove is approximately 2.4 mm.

[0103] Other embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit and the aforementioned indoor unit.

[0104] The following is based on Figures 1 to 13 The structure and operation of an air conditioner indoor unit according to a specific embodiment of this application will be described in detail.

[0105] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment includes a casing 1, an air duct assembly 7 disposed in the casing 1, a heat exchanger 3, an air duct baffle 6, and a water collection tray 9.

[0106] The housing 1 includes a rear panel 11, a top panel 12, a bottom panel 13, and a front panel 14. The length direction X, thickness direction Y, and height direction Z of the housing 1 are perpendicular to each other.

[0107] The axial direction of the air duct assembly 7 is approximately parallel to the length direction X of the housing 1.

[0108] like Figure 1 As shown, an upper air vent 121 is provided on the top plate 12, and a lower air vent 131 is provided on the bottom plate 13. The air duct assembly 7 includes an air duct structure 706 and a cross-flow fan blade 709, and the air duct structure 706 includes an air duct wall 7061 and a volute tongue 7062.

[0109] exist Figure 1 In the cooling mode shown, airflow enters from the downwind vent 131 and exits from the upwind vent 121. Specifically, airflow enters from the bottom, passes through the air duct structure 706, and exits through the upwind vent 121, thus preventing cold air from blowing directly on the human body. Figure 2In the heating mode shown, airflow enters from the upper air vent 121 and exits from the lower air vent 131. Specifically, airflow enters from the top, passes through the air duct structure 706, and exits through the lower air vent 131. This allows hot air to be blown directly to the ground through the lower air vent, accelerating heating. In this embodiment, the air inlet and outlet of the indoor unit switch between cooling and heating modes. In cooling mode, the lower air vent 131 becomes the air inlet and the upper air vent 121 becomes the air outlet; in heating mode, the upper air vent 121 becomes the air inlet and the lower air vent 131 becomes the air outlet.

[0110] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the air duct assembly 7 in this embodiment includes a left fixed plate, a motor cover 703, a stepper motor 704, a brushless DC motor 705, an air duct structure 706, a retaining ring 707, a gear 708, a cross-flow fan blade 709, a right fixed plate, a bearing pad 712, and a bearing rubber ring 713.

[0111] The left fixing plate includes an upper left fixing plate 702 and a lower left fixing plate 701. The upper left fixing plate 702 and the lower left fixing plate 701 are spliced ​​together (e.g., connected by a snap fastener) to form the left fixing plate. The right fixing plate includes an upper right fixing plate 710 and a lower right fixing plate 711. The upper right fixing plate 710 and the lower right fixing plate 711 are spliced ​​together (e.g., connected by a snap fastener) to form the right fixing plate.

[0112] The air duct structure 706 includes an air duct wall 7061, a volute tongue 7062, and a turntable 7063.

[0113] The left and right fixed plates are respectively set at both ends of the axial direction of the air duct structure 706, and the left and right fixed plates are respectively provided with semi-circular grooves as the installation structure of the air duct structure 706.

[0114] The brushless DC motor 705 is fixed to the left mounting plate by the motor cover 703.

[0115] On the left and right fixed plates, there is a stepper motor 704. The stepper motor 704 is engaged with the gear 708. The turntable of the air duct structure 706 is provided with a first ring gear. The gear and the gear form an internal mesh. The stepper motor drives the gear to rotate. The gear meshes with the first ring gear, driving the air duct to rotate.

[0116] On the turntables at both ends of the air duct structure, such as Figure 5 As shown, a semi-circular mounting groove and mounting post are provided for installing bearing pads 712. Two bearing pads are installed per group, with four groups on each side. After installation, the bearing pads will protrude slightly from the turntable, and the protruding part contacts the mounting groove. This allows the bearing pads to rotate around the mounting post simultaneously when the air duct rotates, changing the relative sliding between the turntable and the fixed plate into rolling, reducing motion resistance and noise.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, between the turntables, there are air duct walls 7061 and volute tongues 7062, forming the volute of the cross-flow fan blades. The profiles of the air duct walls and volute tongues are designed through simulation. When the fan blades rotate counterclockwise, the airflow enters from the suction section I, passes through the diffuser section Q, and is blown out from the outlet section O. Figure 4 As shown, the inner side of the air duct wall 7061, and the part near the air intake section, is evenly provided with 2.4mm wide grooves 70611, so that the air intake airflow is drawn into the fan blades more evenly, which can reduce wind noise and lower the overall noise of the machine.

[0118] like Figure 8 As shown above, Figure 4 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the internal meshing of the gears is changed to external meshing. A ring of teeth is set on the outer side of the turntable along the circumferential direction to form a first annular gear ring 7064. The gear 708 meshes with the first annular gear ring 7064 to realize the rotation of the air duct.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown above, Figure 4 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the gear meshing is replaced with worm gear meshing. A ring of teeth is set on the outer side of the turntable along the circumferential direction. The mounting structure of the stepper motor and the worm gear is set on the left and right cover plates. The stepper motor drives the worm gear to rotate, and the worm gear drives the air duct to rotate.

[0120] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown above, Figure 4 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the gears are eliminated and replaced with a stepper motor directly connected to the turntable. The outer side of the turntable is provided with a mounting slot to connect with the stepper motor shaft. During operation, the stepper motor directly drives the air duct to rotate, switching the air outlet direction.

[0121] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown above, Figure 4The illustrated embodiment differs in that the stepper motor is omitted. Instead, a central gear 721 is placed between the brushless DC motor 705 and the cross-flow fan 709, fixed to the motor shaft and rotating with the motor. A ring of teeth is formed on the inner side of the turntable to create a second annular gear ring 7069. A planetary gear 722 is placed between the central gear 721 and the second annular gear ring 7069, meshing with both the central gear 721 and the second annular gear ring 7069. When the motor rotates counterclockwise, the planetary gear rotates accordingly, transmitting torque to the duct structure, causing the duct structure to rotate clockwise, thus switching the airflow direction. Simultaneously, a push rod mechanism 723 is used to control the engagement and disengagement of these three components. The push rod mechanism 723 can be a miniature electric push rod, fixed on the left cover plate. The push rod extension shaft is connected to the planetary gear. When the push rod extends, it pushes the planetary gear and the central gear 721 to mesh with the second ring gear 7069, driving the air duct to rotate. After the air duct rotates to the position, the push rod retracts, causing the planetary gear to disengage and the air duct to stop rotating.

[0122] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes an upper air guide plate 5 disposed at the upper air vent 121. The indoor unit also includes a lower air guide plate 4 disposed at the lower air vent 131. The upper air guide plate 5 and the lower air guide plate 4 are rotatably disposed relative to the casing 1 to open or close the air vents. Furthermore, the airflow direction can be changed. Figure 2 As shown, in this state, the hot airflow is blown diagonally downwards along the duct and flows down the wall, resulting in a longer vertical airflow distance. This avoids a situation where the top temperature is high and the bottom temperature is low, thus improving the heating effect. Figure 1 As shown, airflow enters the unit through the bottom air inlet, is cooled by the evaporator, and then blows out at an angle upwards. In this state, the cool air in the room flows from top to bottom, avoiding direct airflow onto people, effectively improving comfort. Simultaneously, because the airflow is higher, the airflow range is wider, resulting in better cooling performance.

[0123] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes an air duct baffle 6 rotatable relative to the housing 1. (See reference) Figure 1 With the air duct structure 706 rotated to the first position, the air duct baffle 6 is configured to abut against the volute tongue 7062. (Reference) Figure 2 When the air duct structure 706 is rotated to the second position, the air duct baffle 6 is configured to abut against the air duct wall 7061.

[0124] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the duct structure 706 rotates to the first position. At this time, the duct baffle 6 abuts against the volute tongue 7062, and the duct baffle 6 forms the duct surface for the cooling air outlet. Specifically, the volute tongue 7062 abuts against the abutment groove at the free end of the duct baffle 6, and the duct baffle 6 limits the rotational position of the volute tongue 7062. Simultaneously, the volute tongue 7062 abuts against the abutment groove and engages with the duct baffle 6 to form the duct surface, ensuring the sealing and integrity of the duct surface. When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in heating mode, the duct baffle 6 rotates clockwise and abuts against the duct wall 7061. At this time, the duct baffle 6 limits the rotational position of the duct wall 7061.

[0125] In this embodiment, the duct baffle 6 is rotatable relative to the housing 1 and, in the first and second positions of the duct structure 706, respectively, limits the rotational positions of the volute tongue 7062 and the duct wall 7061, thereby improving the accuracy of the rotational position of the duct structure 706. Furthermore, the duct baffle 6 also forms the duct surface, ensuring the airtightness and integrity of the duct.

[0126] In some embodiments, the duct baffle 6 has a pivot end and a free end. The duct baffle 6 is configured to rotate about the pivot end, and the free end of the duct baffle 6 is provided with an abutment groove. The abutment groove not only limits the movement of the volute tongue 7062, but also, when the volute tongue 7062 abuts against the abutment groove, the wall surface of the volute tongue and the wall surface of the duct baffle 6 form a smooth surface, constituting a smooth duct surface and reducing the flow resistance of the airflow.

[0127] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 and the air duct structure 706 are arranged in the height direction Z. The arrangement of the heat exchanger 3 and the rotating air duct in the height direction Z can reduce the thickness of the indoor unit. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 3 has a V-shaped structure and is positioned above the air duct structure 706, which allows space to be formed within the V-shaped space of the heat exchanger 3 to accommodate other components, thereby further improving the compactness of the indoor unit.

[0128] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a water collection tray 9 disposed below the heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 has a V-shaped structure and includes a first heat exchanger section and a second heat exchanger section. The water collection tray 9 includes a first water collection tray located below the first heat exchanger section and a second water collection tray located below the second heat exchanger section. A duct baffle 6 is rotatably connected to the first water collection tray. When the duct structure 706 is rotated to a first position, the duct wall 7061 is configured to abut against the outer wall of the second water collection tray.

[0129] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and its surface temperature is low. When water vapor in the air encounters the condenser, it condenses into water droplets. These water droplets flow down the evaporator into the drip tray, preventing water from dripping directly onto the indoor floor or furniture, thus keeping the indoor environment clean and dry. In this embodiment, the duct baffle 6 is rotatably connected to the first drip tray, using the drip tray of the indoor unit as a base for rotation, eliminating the need for additional components specifically designed for the rotatable connection of the duct baffle 6, thus simplifying the structure of the indoor unit. Furthermore, the outer wall of the second drip tray forms a limiting structure for the duct wall 7061, similarly eliminating the need for a dedicated limiting structure for the duct wall, further simplifying the structure of the indoor unit.

[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this application or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this application.

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has an upper air vent (121) at the top and a lower air vent (131) at the bottom. and A duct assembly (7) is disposed within the housing (1), and the duct assembly (7) includes a duct structure (706) and a cross-flow fan (709). The cross-flow fan (709) is rotatably disposed within the duct structure (706). The duct structure (706) includes a duct wall (7061), a volute (7062), and a turntable (7063). The duct wall (7061) and the volute (7062) are disposed on the turntable (7063) and are driven by the turntable (7063). The duct structure (706) is rotated downwards to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the duct wall (7061) and the volute tongue (7062) faces the upper air outlet (121) so that the upper air outlet (121) forms an air outlet. In the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the duct wall (7061) and the volute tongue (7062) faces the lower air outlet (131) so that the lower air outlet (131) forms an air outlet.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (7) further includes a first drive mechanism, which is connected to the turntable (7063) to drive the turntable (7063) to rotate.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive shaft of the first drive mechanism is directly connected to the turntable (7063) to drive the turntable (7063) to rotate.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (7) further includes a first transmission mechanism disposed between the first drive mechanism and the turntable (7063), wherein the first drive mechanism drives the turntable (7063) to rotate through the first transmission mechanism.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first transmission mechanism includes a first annular gear ring (7064) disposed on the turntable (7063) and a gear (708) meshing with the first annular gear ring (7064). The gear (708) is drivenly connected to the first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism. The gear (708) meshes with the first annular gear ring (7064) to drive the turntable (7063) to rotate.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The turntable (7063) has an axial end face, the first annular gear ring (7064) is formed on the axial end face, and the gear (708) is located inside the first annular gear ring (7064) and meshes with the annular gear ring (7064); or, the turntable (7063) has a radial outer peripheral surface, the first annular gear ring (7064) is formed on the radial outer peripheral surface, and the gear (708) is located outside the first annular gear ring (7064) and meshes with the first annular gear ring (7064).

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first transmission mechanism includes a turbine (7164) disposed on the radial outer circumferential surface of the turntable (7063) and a worm (718) meshing with the turbine (7164). The axis of rotation of the worm (718) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the turbine (7164). The worm (718) is drivenly connected to the first drive mechanism to rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism. The worm (718) meshes with the turbine (7164) to drive the turntable (7063) to rotate.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (7) further includes a second drive mechanism for driving the cross-flow fan blade (709) to rotate, the second drive mechanism driving the turntable (7063) to rotate through a second transmission mechanism.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second transmission mechanism includes a central gear (721) disposed on the drive shaft of the second drive mechanism, a second annular gear ring (7069) disposed on the turntable (7063), and a planetary gear (722) disposed between the central gear (721) and the second annular gear ring (7069). The planetary gear (722) meshes with both the central gear (721) and the second annular gear ring (7069).

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air duct assembly also includes a push rod mechanism (723), which is connected to the planetary gear (722) and controls the planetary gear (722) to move in its own axial direction to approach or move away from the turntable (7063). When the air duct structure (706) needs to switch positions, the push rod mechanism (723) pushes the planetary gear (722) closer to the turntable (7063) and meshes with both the central gear (721) and the second annular gear ring (7069). After the air duct structure (706) reaches the first position or the second position, the push rod mechanism (723) pushes the planetary gear (722) away from the turntable (7063) to disengage.

11. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (7) further includes a fixed disk and at least two bearing pads (712). The turntable (7063) is rotatably mounted on the fixed disk. The turntable (7063) also includes at least two bearing pad mounting portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each bearing pad mounting portion includes a mounting groove and a mounting post. The mounting groove is located on the radial outer side of the mounting post. The bearing pad (712) passes through the mounting post, is mounted on the mounting groove, and contacts the turntable (7063) so that when the air duct structure rotates, it drives the bearing pad to rotate around the mounting post.

12. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The turntable (7063) is also provided with an arc-shaped ring (70631), the air duct wall (7061) and the volute tongue (7062) are connected to the arc-shaped ring (70631), and the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a baffle ring (707), which is detachably connected to one side of the arc-shaped ring (70631) to be spliced ​​with the arc-shaped ring (70631) in the circumferential direction.

13. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The inner wall of the air duct wall (7061) near the air inlet is provided with a plurality of grooves (70611) evenly distributed along the axial direction.

14. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The air duct structure is integrally formed.

15. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, It includes an outdoor air conditioning unit and an indoor air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images