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 the air deflector assembly. The shell is provided with an upper air opening and a lower air opening. The air conditioner indoor unit has a refrigerating mode and a heating mode. In the refrigeration mode, the lower air port forms a refrigeration air inlet, and the upper air port forms a refrigeration air outlet. In the heating mode, the upper air opening forms a heating air inlet, and the lower air opening forms a heating air outlet. The air guide plate assembly is arranged at at least one of the upper air opening and the lower air opening and comprises an air guide plate, and the air guide plate is rotatably arranged relative to the machine shell so as to open or close the air opening. According to the air conditioner indoor unit, the upper air opening in the top and the lower air opening in the bottom are formed, air is discharged from the upper air opening in the refrigeration mode, and the problem that cold air directly blows a human body to cause discomfort is solved; and in the heating mode, air is discharged from the lower air port, so that hot air can directly reach the ground through the lower air port, the purpose of quickly warming a room is achieved, and the use comfort of a user is 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. Utility Model Content

[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 unit housing has an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom. The indoor unit has a cooling mode and a heating mode. In cooling mode, the lower air vent becomes a cooling air inlet and the upper air vent becomes a cooling air outlet. In heating mode, the upper air vent becomes a heating air inlet and the lower air vent becomes a heating air outlet.

[0007] An air guide plate assembly is disposed at at least one of an upper air vent and a lower air vent, and the air guide plate assembly includes an air guide plate that is rotatably disposed relative to the housing to open or close the air vent.

[0008] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes two air guide plate assemblies, which are respectively disposed at the upper air vent and the lower air vent.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly includes at least two air guide plates spaced apart in the thickness direction of the housing, wherein one of the air guide plates rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly further includes a connecting rod, at least two air guide plates are connected to the connecting rod, one of the air guide plates rotates to drive the connecting rod to rotate, and the connecting rod rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly further includes a drive mechanism, the drive shaft of which is drivenly connected to one of the at least two air guide plates.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly further includes a snap-fit ​​structure, which includes a snap-fit ​​disposed on the connecting rod and a corresponding snap-fit ​​hole disposed on the air guide plate, wherein the snap-fit ​​and the snap-fit ​​hole engage to snap the air guide plate onto the connecting rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a rotating air duct structure and a cross-flow fan blade disposed within the rotating air duct structure. The rotating air duct structure includes an air duct wall and a volute for discharging air to the cross-flow fan blade. The rotating air duct structure rotates to switch 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 forms a cooling 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 forms a heating air outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a duct baffle rotatable relative to the casing. When the rotating duct structure is rotated to a first position, the duct baffle is configured to abut against the volute tongue; when the rotating duct structure is rotated to a second position, the duct baffle is configured to abut against the duct wall.

[0015] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a heat exchanger and a water collection tray disposed below the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and the rotating air duct structure are arranged in the height direction of the casing. The heat exchanger has a V-shaped structure and includes a first heat exchanger section and a second heat exchanger section. The water collection tray 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. The air duct baffle is rotatably connected to the first water collection tray. When the rotating air duct structure is rotated to a first position, the air duct wall is configured to abut against the outer wall of the second water collection tray.

[0016] A second aspect of this application provides an air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit and the aforementioned indoor unit.

[0017] Based on the technical solution provided in this application, the indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a casing and an air guide plate assembly. The casing has an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom. The indoor unit of the air conditioner has a cooling mode and a heating mode. In cooling mode, the lower air vent forms a cooling air inlet and the upper air vent forms a cooling air outlet. In heating mode, the upper air vent forms a heating air inlet and the lower air vent forms a heating air outlet. The air guide plate assembly is disposed at at least one of the upper and lower air vents, and the air guide plate assembly includes an air guide plate, which is rotatably disposed relative to the casing to open or close the air vent. By providing an upper and lower air vent, the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this application allows air to exit from the upper air vent in cooling mode to avoid cold air blowing directly on the human body and causing discomfort; and in heating mode, air exits from the lower air vent, so that hot air can reach the ground directly through the lower air vent, achieving the purpose of quickly warming the room, thereby improving the user's comfort. Furthermore, the air conditioner indoor unit of this application embodiment is provided with an air guide plate assembly at the upper or lower air vent. In this way, the air guide plate assembly can operate according to the switching of the indoor unit's heating mode and cooling mode to control the opening and closing of the air vent. Moreover, when the air conditioner indoor unit is turned off, the air guide plate can also be controlled to close, thereby preventing dust from entering the inside of the casing and reducing dirt clogging of the filter and evaporator.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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:

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner indoor unit in heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the air guide plate assembly of an air conditioner indoor unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the air guide plate assembly of an air conditioner indoor unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a side view of the air guide plate assembly of an air conditioner indoor unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Casing; 11. Rear panel; 12. Top panel; 121. Upper air vent; 13. Bottom panel; 131. Lower air vent; 14. Front panel;

[0027] 4. Heat exchanger;

[0028] 5. Air guide plate assembly; 501. First mounting base; 502. Second mounting base; 504. Drive mechanism; 505. Air guide plate; 505a. First air guide plate; 505b. Second air guide plate; 505c. Third air guide plate; 506. Connecting rod; 507. Snap-fit ​​structure; 5071. Snap-fit; 5072. Snap-fit ​​hole; 508. Connecting seat;

[0029] 6. Air duct baffle;

[0030] 7. Rotating air duct structure; 71. Air duct wall; 72. Volute tongue;

[0031] 8. Crossflow fan blades;

[0032] 9. Water drip tray;

[0033] X: length direction; Y: thickness direction; Z: height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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 limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes an indoor air conditioning unit that includes an upper air vent at the top and a lower air vent at the bottom. In cooling mode, air is directed from the upper air vent, thus avoiding direct cold airflow and improving user comfort.

[0040] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 5 The structure and operation of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0041] The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment includes a housing 1 and an air guide plate assembly 5. The housing 1 has an upper air vent 121 at the top and a lower air vent 131 at the bottom. The indoor unit has a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the lower air vent 131 forms a cooling air inlet and the upper air vent 121 forms a cooling air outlet. In the heating mode, the upper air vent 121 forms a heating air inlet and the lower air vent 131 forms a heating air outlet. The air guide plate assembly 5 is disposed at at least one of the upper air vent 121 and the lower air vent 131, and the air guide plate assembly 5 includes an air guide plate 505, which is rotatably disposed relative to the housing 1 to open or close the air vent.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The housing 1 includes a rear panel 11, a top panel 12, a bottom panel 13, and a front panel 14. The top panel 12 and the bottom panel 13 are spaced apart in the height direction Z, and the rear panel 11 is positioned between the top panel 12 and the bottom panel 13. When the indoor unit is a wall-mounted unit, the rear panel 11 is positioned close to the wall, and the front panel 14 is positioned opposite the rear panel 11 and away from the wall. The top panel 12 has an upper air vent 121, and the bottom panel 13 has a lower air vent 131.

[0043] The indoor unit of the air conditioner has cooling and heating modes. In cooling mode, airflow enters the casing 1 from the bottom air inlet 131 and exits through the top air inlet 121. This means the overall airflow follows a bottom-in, top-out path, resulting in a longer flow path within the casing 1. This allows for more efficient heat exchange in the heat exchanger 4, leading to better cooling performance. Similarly, refer to... Figure 2 In heating mode, airflow enters the casing 1 from the top air inlet 121 and exits through the bottom air inlet 131. The overall airflow follows a top-in, bottom-out path, resulting in a longer flow path within the casing 1. This allows for more efficient heat exchange with the heat exchanger 4, leading to better heating performance. Furthermore, the distance between the air inlet and outlet of the indoor unit in this embodiment is relatively large, thus preventing interference between the air intake and exhaust.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the application, the upper air vent 121 and the lower air vent 131 are respectively provided with air guide plate assemblies 5. In some other embodiments, the upper air vent 121 is provided with air guide plate assemblies 5, while the lower air vent 131 is not provided with air guide plate assemblies 5; or in still other embodiments, the lower air vent 131 is provided with air guide plate assemblies 5, while the upper air vent 121 is not provided with air guide plate assemblies 5.

[0045] The indoor unit of this air conditioner embodiment features an upper air vent 121 and a lower air vent 131. In cooling mode, air is discharged from the upper air vent 121 to avoid direct cold air blowing on the user and causing discomfort. In heating mode, air is discharged from the lower air vent 131, allowing hot air to reach the ground quickly and warm the room, thus improving user comfort. Furthermore, the indoor unit of this air conditioner embodiment has an air guide plate assembly 5 at either the upper or lower air vent. The air guide plate assembly 5 can operate according to the switching between heating and cooling modes of the indoor unit to control the opening and closing of the air vent. When the indoor unit is turned off, the air guide plate can also be closed to prevent dust from entering the casing and reduce clogging of the filter and evaporator.

[0046] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes two air guide plate assemblies 5, which are respectively disposed at the upper air outlet 121 and the lower air outlet 131.

[0047] Both the upper air vent 121 and the lower air vent 131 are equipped with air guide vane assemblies 5. This allows the airflow direction to be controlled by rotating the air guide vane assemblies 5 at the corresponding vents, for example, in cooling mode. Figure 1 As shown, the airflow blows diagonally upwards and forwards when it is released, which avoids blowing directly on people and also prevents the cold air from blowing directly onto the wall and affecting the cooling effect. For example, in heating mode, the airflow blows diagonally downwards and backwards when it is released, which causes the hot air to flow down the wall, thereby increasing the vertical air delivery distance and improving the heating effect.

[0048] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly 5 includes at least two air guide plates 505 spaced apart in the thickness direction Y of the housing 1. One of the at least two air guide plates 505 rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the application, at least two air guide plates 505 are spaced apart in the thickness direction Y of the housing 1. Each air guide plate 505 extends along the length direction X of the housing 1, and each air guide plate 505 is rotatably connected to the housing 1. The axis of rotation of each air guide plate 505 is arranged parallel to the length direction X of the housing 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the air guide plate assembly 5 at the air outlet has at least two air guide plates 505 spaced apart in the thickness direction Y. This ensures that airflow from different positions of the corresponding air outlet is guided by the air guide plates 505, resulting in better airflow guidance. The air guide plate assembly 5 in this embodiment includes at least two air guide plates 505, and rotation of one air guide plate can drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously, ensuring the synchronicity of rotation of at least two air guide plates 505. Furthermore, since one of the at least two air guide plates 505 is the dominant air guide plate, only a separate drive mechanism needs to be configured for this dominant air guide plate, eliminating the need for drive mechanisms for each air guide plate, thus simplifying the structure and logic of the control system.

[0051] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly 5 further includes a connecting rod 506. At least two air guide plates 505 are connected to the connecting rod 506. One of the air guide plates 505 rotates to drive the connecting rod 506 to rotate, and the connecting rod 506 rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 At least two air guide vanes 505 each extend along the length direction X of the housing 1, and both ends of each air guide vane 505 are rotatably connected to mounting seats at both ends. At least two air guide vanes 505 are connected to a connecting rod 506, which extends along the thickness direction Y of the housing 1 to connect the at least two air guide vanes 505. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each air guide plate 505 is connected to a connecting seat 508, which is snapped into the connecting rod 506 via a snap-fit ​​structure 507. One end of the connecting seat 508 is connected to the air guide plate 505, and the other end of the connecting seat 508 is snapped into the connecting rod 506.

[0053] In this embodiment, the air guide plate assembly 5 connects at least two air guide plates 505 via a connecting rod 506. This ensures that when one of the air guide plates rotates, the connecting rod forces the other air guide plates to move synchronously, guaranteeing consistent angle changes between the at least two air guide plates. Furthermore, the synchronous movement of at least two air guide plates via the connecting rod 505 is purely mechanical, without relying on sensors or electronic control, making it more reliable.

[0054] In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly 5 further includes a drive mechanism 504. The drive shaft of the drive mechanism 504 is drivenly connected to one of the at least two air guide plates 505.

[0055] Specifically, the drive mechanism 504 includes a stepper motor. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the air guide plate assembly 5 includes a first mounting base 501 and a second mounting base 502 respectively disposed at both ends in the length direction. Each mounting base is equipped with a stepper motor, so that both ends of the main air guide plate are driven by the corresponding stepper motor, making the movement of the main air guide plate more stable.

[0056] At least one of the two air guide vanes 505 is the main air guide vane. The main air guide vane is driven and connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism 504. Therefore, only a separate drive mechanism needs to be configured for this main air guide vane, and there is no need to configure a drive mechanism for each air guide vane, thus simplifying the structure of the control system. Moreover, compared with configuring a drive mechanism for each air guide vane, which requires synchronous control of multiple drive mechanisms, the embodiments of this application only need to actively control the angle of the main air guide vane, thus simplifying the control logic.

[0057] refer to Figure 5In some embodiments, the air guide plate assembly 5 further includes a snap-fit ​​structure 507. The snap-fit ​​structure 507 includes a snap-fit ​​5071 disposed on the connecting rod 506 and a snap-fit ​​hole 5072 correspondingly disposed on the air guide plate 505. The snap-fit ​​5071 and the snap-fit ​​hole 5072 engage to snap the air guide plate 505 onto the connecting rod 506.

[0058] The locking hole 5072 is located on the connecting seat 508, and the buckle 5071 is located on the connecting rod 506. When installing the air guide plate, simply engage the corresponding locking hole 5072 on the connecting seat 508 with the corresponding buckle 5071 to achieve a secure fit. For example, the buckle engages directly through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for tightening tools, thus simplifying installation. Furthermore, since the buckle is directly formed on the connecting rod 506, even if the buckle is disassembled, there will be no extra independent parts, preventing increased costs due to lost parts.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a rotating air duct structure 7 and a cross-flow fan blade 8 disposed within the rotating air duct structure 7. The rotating air duct structure 7 includes an air duct wall 71 and a volute 72 for discharging air to the cross-flow fan blade 8. The rotating air duct structure 7 rotates to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 71 and the volute 72 faces the upper air outlet 121 so that the upper air outlet 121 forms a cooling air outlet; in the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 71 and the volute 72 faces the lower air outlet 131 so that the lower air outlet 131 forms a heating air outlet.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotating air duct structure 7 includes an air duct wall 71 and a volute tongue 72. The positions of the air duct wall 71 and the volute tongue 72 are relatively fixed, and they rotate together. In the radial direction, one end between the air duct wall 71 and the volute tongue 72 forms an air inlet duct, and the other end forms an air outlet duct.

[0061] In this embodiment of the air conditioner, the positions of the air inlet and air outlet of the indoor unit are different in cooling mode and heating mode. In order to adapt to the changes in the air inlet and air outlet, the rotating air duct structure 7 of this embodiment of the application is configured to be rotatably set. This makes the position of the air inlet duct of the rotating air duct structure 7 match the air inlet, and the position of the air outlet duct matches the air outlet, thereby making the airflow smoother, reducing wind resistance, and optimizing performance.

[0062] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a duct baffle 6 rotatable relative to the housing 1. When the rotating duct structure 7 is rotated to a first position, the duct baffle 6 is configured to abut against the volute tongue 72; when the rotating duct structure 7 is rotated to a second position, the duct baffle 6 is configured to abut against the duct wall 71.

[0063] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the rotating duct structure 7 rotates to the first position. At this time, the duct baffle 6 abuts against the volute tongue 72, and the duct baffle 6 forms the duct surface for the cooling air outlet. Specifically, the volute tongue 72 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 72. Simultaneously, the volute tongue 72 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 71. At this time, the duct baffle 6 limits the rotational position of the duct wall 71.

[0064] In this embodiment, the duct baffle 6 is rotatable relative to the housing 1 and, in the first and second positions of the rotating duct structure 7, respectively limits the rotational positions of the volute tongue 72 and the duct wall 71, thereby improving the accuracy of the rotational position of the rotating duct structure 7. Furthermore, the duct baffle 6 also forms the duct surface, ensuring the sealing and integrity of the duct. Moreover, when the volute tongue 72 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 airflow resistance.

[0065] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a heat exchanger 4 and a water receiving tray 9 disposed below the heat exchanger 4. The heat exchanger 4 and the rotating air duct structure 7 are arranged in the height direction Z of the casing 1. The heat exchanger 4 has a V-shaped structure and includes a first heat exchanger section and a second heat exchanger section. The water receiving tray 9 includes a first water receiving tray located below the first heat exchanger section and a second water receiving tray located below the second heat exchanger section. The air duct baffle 6 is rotatably connected to the first water receiving tray. When the rotating air duct structure 7 is rotated to the first position, the air duct wall 71 is configured to abut against the outer wall of the second water receiving tray.

[0066] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a heat exchanger 4. The heat exchanger 4 and the rotating air duct structure 7 are arranged in the height direction Z. The arrangement of the heat exchanger 4 and the rotating air duct in the height direction Z can reduce the thickness of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0067] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 4 has a V-shaped structure and is positioned above the rotating air duct structure 7. This allows the V-shaped space of the heat exchanger 4 to accommodate other components, further improving the compactness of the indoor air conditioning unit.

[0068] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a water collection tray 9 disposed below the heat exchanger 4. The heat exchanger 4 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 rotating duct structure 7 is rotated to a first position, the duct wall 71 is configured to abut against the outer wall of the second water collection tray.

[0069] 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 71, similarly eliminating the need for a dedicated limiting structure for the duct wall, further simplifying the structure of the indoor unit.

[0070] Some embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

[0071] The following is based on Figures 1 to 5 The structure and operation of an air conditioner indoor unit according to a specific embodiment of this application will be described in detail.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment includes a casing 1, a rotating air duct structure 7, a cross-flow fan blade 8, a heat exchanger 4, an air duct baffle 6, a water collection tray 9, and an air guide plate assembly 5 disposed within the casing 1.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The axial direction of the rotating air duct structure 7 is approximately parallel to the length direction X of the casing 1.

[0075] 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. In this embodiment, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner switches between cooling mode and heating mode, both its air inlet and air outlet switch. In cooling mode, the lower air vent 131 becomes an air inlet, and the upper air vent 121 becomes an air outlet; in heating mode, the upper air vent 121 becomes an air inlet, and the lower air vent 131 becomes an air outlet.

[0076] The rotating air duct structure 7 includes an air duct wall 71 and a volute tongue 72. The rotating air duct structure 7 is rotatably configured. Specifically, the rotating shaft of the rotating air duct structure 7 extends along the length direction X of the housing 1. This allows the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall 71 and the volute tongue 72 of the rotating air duct structure 7 to face the upper air outlet 121 or the lower air outlet 131. This allows air to be discharged from different air outlets in cooling mode and heating mode, thereby improving comfort.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the rotating air duct structure 7 is in the first position, and at this time, the outlet of the air duct of the rotating air duct structure 7 faces the upper air outlet 121. Figure 2 As shown, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in heating mode, the rotating air duct structure 7 is in the second position, and at this time the outlet of the air duct of the rotating air duct structure 7 faces the downdraft 131.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner switches between cooling and heating modes, the duct baffle 6 also rotates around its own axis to coordinate the switching. Specifically, in this embodiment, the duct baffle 6 is rotatable relative to the casing 1 and, in the first and second positions of the rotating duct structure 7, can respectively limit the rotational positions of the volute tongue 72 and the duct wall 71, thereby improving the accuracy of the rotational position of the rotating duct structure 7. Furthermore, the duct baffle 6 also forms the duct surface, ensuring the sealing and integrity of the duct.

[0079] In other words, the position of the air duct baffle 6 changes when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in cooling or heating mode. Figure 1 As shown, in cooling mode, the air duct baffle 6 rotates upward to abut against the volute tongue 72, and the air duct baffle 6 forms the air duct surface for cooling airflow. Specifically, the volute tongue 72 abuts against the abutment groove at the free end of the air duct baffle 6, the air duct baffle 6 limits the rotational position of the volute tongue 72, and simultaneously, the volute tongue 72 abuts against the abutment groove and engages with the air duct baffle 6 to form the air duct surface, ensuring the sealing and integrity of the air duct surface. Figure 2 As shown, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is in heating mode, the duct baffle 6 rotates downward clockwise and comes into contact with the duct wall 71. At this time, the duct baffle 6 limits the rotation position of the duct wall 71.

[0080] Meanwhile, by opening and closing the air guide plates set at the upper air inlet 121 and the lower air inlet 131 respectively, the airflow is lowered and highered in the cooling mode, and higher and lowered in the heating mode, thereby improving the cooling and heating effect and enhancing human comfort.

[0081] exist Figure 2In the heating mode shown, airflow enters from the upper vent 121 and exits from the lower vent 131. Specifically, airflow enters from the top, flows through the rotating air duct structure 7, and exits through the lower vent 131. This allows hot air to be blown directly to the ground through the lower vent, accelerating heating. Furthermore, in this state, the hot airflow is blown diagonally downwards along the air duct and flows down the wall, resulting in a longer vertical air delivery distance. This avoids a situation where the top temperature is high and the bottom temperature is low, thus improving the heating effect.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the cooling mode shown, airflow enters from the lower vent 131 and exits from the upper vent 121. Specifically, airflow enters from the bottom, passes through the rotating air duct structure 7, and exits through the upper vent 121, thus preventing cold air from blowing directly on people. In this state, the cold air in the room flows from top to bottom, avoiding direct airflow onto people, effectively improving human comfort. Simultaneously, due to the higher airflow height, the airflow range is wider, resulting in better cooling performance.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, air guide plates are respectively provided at the upper air outlet 121 and the lower air outlet 131. The air guide plates are rotatably configured to not only control the opening and closing of the air outlets, but also to adjust the angle of the air inlet and outlet by adjusting the angle of the air guide plates. For example, in cooling mode, the airflow blows out diagonally upward and forward, thus avoiding direct airflow onto the human body and preventing the cold air from blowing directly onto the wall and affecting the cooling effect. As another example, in heating mode, the airflow blows out diagonally downward and backward, causing the hot air to flow downward along the wall, thereby increasing the vertical air delivery distance and improving the heating effect.

[0084] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the air guide plate assembly 5 in this embodiment includes a first mounting base 501, a second mounting base 502, a drive mechanism 504, a first air guide plate 505a, a second air guide plate 505b, a third air guide plate 505c, a connecting rod 506, and a snap-fit ​​structure 507.

[0085] Specifically, the drive mechanism 504 is a stepper motor, and the air guide plate assembly 5 in this embodiment includes two drive mechanisms 504 respectively mounted on the first mounting base 501 and the second mounting base 502. The first air guide plate 505a is provided with a mounting slot, which cooperates with the stepper motor to rotate under the drive of the stepper motor.

[0086] The connecting rod 506 has three latches 5071, which are respectively engaged with the corresponding latches 5072 on the three air guide plates. The stepper motor drives the first air guide plate 505a to rotate, which in turn drives the connecting rod 506 to move. The connecting rod 506 then drives the second air guide plate 505b and the third air guide plate 505c to rotate, so that the three air guide plates rotate together, thereby opening and closing the air vent.

[0087] Specifically, the first air guide plate 505a rotates around the rotating shaft A, the second air guide plate 505b rotates around the rotating shaft B, and the third air guide plate 505c rotates around the rotating shaft C.

[0088] In this embodiment, the air guide plate located at the upper air vent 121 is configured to rotate clockwise. When opened, the air guide plate is angled forward at a 65° angle to the casing. In cooling mode, airflow enters the unit from the lower air vent and then blows forward and upward. The outlet airflow is at a lower temperature and flows from top to bottom. This bottom-in, top-out configuration achieves efficient airflow circulation in the room, improving the cooling effect. Simultaneously, the cool air does not blow directly on people, effectively improving human comfort.

[0089] The air guide plate located at the downwind vent 131 is designed to rotate clockwise. When opened, the air guide plate angles backward, forming a 75° angle with the unit. In heating mode, the hot airflow blows downward at an angle, flowing down the wall, resulting in a wider air outlet angle and a deeper and longer air delivery distance. The hot airflow can reach the bottom of the room more effectively, preventing the ceiling from being too hot and the floor too cold, thus improving heating efficiency and enhancing human comfort.

[0090] In related technologies, air conditioner indoor units only have a downward air outlet. Therefore, to achieve upward airflow, the air guide vane needs to rotate upwards, deflecting the airflow at a large angle. This results in significant resistance, airflow loss, and a tendency for airflow to short-circuit. In contrast, the air conditioner indoor unit of this embodiment has air guide vanes at both the upward and downward air outlets, allowing for switching between the inlet and outlet. Airflow can be directed upwards and downwards or vice versa, resulting in smoother airflow organization, less airflow loss, and reduced likelihood of airflow short-circuiting. Furthermore, compared to open air inlets, the air guide vanes in this embodiment close when the unit is turned off, preventing dust from entering the unit and reducing clogging of the filter and evaporator.

[0091] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 4 and the rotating air duct structure 7 are arranged vertically in the height direction Z within the casing 1. Specifically, the heat exchanger 4 is positioned above the rotating air duct structure 7. This allows the thickness of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment, i.e., the dimension in the thickness direction Y, to be set smaller, thus reducing the thickness of the indoor unit. Furthermore, the vertical arrangement of the heat exchanger 4 and the rotating air duct structure 7 ensures that the airflow exiting the rotating air duct structure 7 can essentially receive heat exchange from the heat exchanger 4, or in other words, the airflow that has undergone heat exchange with the heat exchanger 4 can essentially exit through the rotating air duct structure 7.

[0092] 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. The indoor unit of the air conditioner has a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the lower air vent (131) forms a cooling air inlet and the upper air vent (121) forms a cooling air outlet. In the heating mode, the upper air vent (121) forms a heating air inlet and the lower air vent (131) forms a heating air outlet. An air guide plate assembly (5) is disposed at at least one of the upper air outlet (121) and the lower air outlet (131), and the air guide plate assembly (5) includes an air guide plate (505) which is rotatably disposed relative to the housing (1) to open or close the air outlet.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes two air guide plate assemblies (5), which are respectively disposed at the upper air outlet (121) and the lower air outlet (131).

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide plate assembly (5) includes at least two air guide plates (505) spaced apart in the thickness direction (Y) of the housing (1), wherein one of the air guide plates (505) rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air guide plate assembly (5) also includes a connecting rod (506), and the at least two air guide plates (505) are connected to the connecting rod (506). One of the air guide plates (505) rotates to drive the connecting rod (506) to rotate, and the connecting rod (506) rotates to drive the other air guide plates to rotate synchronously.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air guide plate assembly (5) further includes a drive mechanism (504), the drive shaft of which is drivenly connected to one of the at least two air guide plates (505).

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air guide plate assembly (5) further includes a snap-fit ​​structure (507), which includes a snap-fit ​​(5071) disposed on the connecting rod (506) and a corresponding snap-fit ​​hole (5072) disposed on the air guide plate (505). The snap-fit ​​(5071) and the snap-fit ​​hole (5072) engage to snap the air guide plate (505) onto the connecting rod (506).

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a rotating air duct structure (7) and a cross-flow fan blade (8) disposed in the rotating air duct structure (7). The rotating air duct structure (7) includes an air duct wall (71) and a volute (72) for discharging air to the cross-flow fan blade (8). The rotating air duct structure (7) rotates to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall (71) and the volute (72) faces the upper air outlet (121) so that the upper air outlet (121) forms a cooling air outlet. In the second position, the outlet of the air duct formed between the air duct wall (71) and the volute (72) faces the lower air outlet (131) so that the lower air outlet (131) forms a heating air outlet.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a duct baffle (6) that is rotatable relative to the housing (1). When the rotating duct structure (7) is rotated to the first position, the duct baffle (6) is configured to abut against the volute tongue (72); when the rotating duct structure (7) is rotated to the second position, the duct baffle (6) is configured to abut against the duct wall (71).

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a heat exchanger (4) and a water tray (9) disposed below the heat exchanger (4). The heat exchanger (4) and the rotating air duct structure (7) are arranged in the height direction (Z) of the casing (1). The heat exchanger (4) has a V-shaped structure and includes a first heat exchanger section and a second heat exchanger section. The water tray (9) includes a first water tray located below the first heat exchanger section and a second water tray located below the second heat exchanger section. The air duct baffle (6) is rotatably connected to the first water tray. When the rotating air duct structure (7) is rotated to the first position, the air duct wall (71) is configured to abut against the outer wall of the second water tray.

10. 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 9.

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