An air conditioner indoor unit

Abstract

An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an indoor unit housing in which a fan assembly including a fan and a motor for driving the fan and a functional component are accommodated, the functional component being arranged side by side with the fan assembly. A first minimum distance exists between the functional component and a bottom side of the indoor unit housing, and a second minimum distance exists between the functional component and a suction surface of the fan. Let the first minimum distance be L1 and the second minimum distance be a1, then the value of the first minimum distance and the value of the second minimum distance satisfy the following fitting formula: L1 >= -0.0105*(a1)^2 - 0.1516*(a1) + 70. In the formula, the units of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance are millimeters. The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the structure can ensure the operating performance and help miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air treatment, specifically to an improvement in the arrangement of functional components such as electrical component boxes, fresh air modules, and purification devices in an indoor unit of an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners are widely used in people's lives and workplaces. They regulate the air in these environments, such as temperature and humidity, to improve people's comfort. The indoor unit of an air conditioner contains various components, such as a fan assembly and a heat exchanger assembly.

[0003] In addition, other functional components can be selectively installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, such as electrical component boxes including control circuit boards, fresh air modules, noise reduction modules, purification devices, and humidification devices, as needed. These functional components are often arranged side-by-side with the fan assembly. Corresponding to the demand for miniaturization in the design of air conditioner indoor units, the requirements for the compactness of the arrangement of various components are also constantly increasing.

[0004] As air conditioner indoor units become increasingly miniaturized, some operational issues have emerged. For example, the smaller size of the indoor unit reduces the distance between functional components and the fan assembly, causing these components to obstruct airflow and reduce the air volume. Furthermore, the fan's suction resistance increases. Consequently, the increased suction resistance leads to a higher operating load on the fan, while the air handling capacity of the indoor unit decreases, thus affecting its overall performance.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in this field to further improve the structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner in order to reduce the impact of functional components on the air intake performance of the fan, improve the operating performance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and thus contribute to the miniaturization of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application is made to address the problems existing in the prior art described above. The purpose of this application is to provide an air conditioner indoor unit with an improved structure, which can improve the operating performance of the air conditioner indoor unit and contribute to the miniaturization of the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0007] The indoor unit of this air conditioner includes an indoor unit housing, within which a fan assembly and functional components are housed. An air inlet is formed on the indoor unit housing, with the plane containing the air inlet designated as the air intake surface. The fan assembly includes a fan and a motor for driving the fan. The functional components are arranged side-by-side with the fan assembly. A first minimum distance exists between the functional components and the air intake surface, and a second minimum distance exists between the functional components and the fan's suction surface. Let the first minimum distance be L1 and the second minimum distance be a1. The values ​​of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance satisfy the following fitting formula: L1 ≥ -0.0105 × (a1)^2 - 0.1516 × (a1) + 70. In this formula, the units of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance are millimeters (mm).

[0008] By setting a first minimum distance between the functional components and the air intake surface on the indoor unit casing, and specifically setting the value of this first minimum distance according to the aforementioned fitting formula, the air intake area of ​​the fan can be effectively expanded. This improves the fan's operating efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the air conditioner's indoor unit. Furthermore, setting this first minimum distance allows for a more compact arrangement of the fan assembly and functional components, contributing to the miniaturization of the air conditioner's indoor unit.

[0009] In one exemplary configuration, the functional component has a functional component housing, the functional component housing including: a first wall; a second wall facing the wind turbine assembly; and a third wall connected to the first and second walls.

[0010] Preferably, the functional component housing further includes at least one of the following structures: a fourth wall connected to the first and third walls; and a fifth wall formed between the first and second walls and inclined toward the fan assembly. The arrangement of the fourth and fifth walls provides clearance for the assembly and disassembly of the functional component, facilitating these operations.

[0011] The first minimum distance is the minimum distance from the first wall of the functional component housing to the air inlet surface.

[0012] In addition, the second minimum distance between the functional component housing and the air intake surface of the fan is the minimum distance between the second wall and the air intake surface of the fan.

[0013] Preferably, the values ​​of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance also satisfy the following relationship:

[0014] 0.1×a1≤L1≤a1, and 15mm≤L1≤50mm.

[0015] This initial minimum distance setting can further help to expand the air intake area of ​​the fan and improve the operating performance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0016] More preferably, the range of the first minimum distance is 25mm≤L1≤40mm, which can further optimize the operating performance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0017] Preferably, there is a third minimum distance between the fourth wall and the indoor unit casing, the third minimum distance being L2, and the range being 20mm≤L2≤50mm. This third minimum distance can provide a larger air intake area for the fan, especially when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is of the side-suction type, that is, when the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located on the first end side (e.g., the rear end side) of the indoor unit casing, the third minimum distance can effectively provide a larger air intake area.

[0018] Further preferably, when the air inlet is located on the bottom side of the indoor unit casing, the height of the indoor unit is H1, and the first minimum distance and the height of the indoor unit satisfy the following relationship: 10% × H1 ≤ L1 ≤ 25% × H1.

[0019] Alternatively, the indoor unit housing may also house a heat exchanger assembly, and the indoor unit housing may have a partition that divides the space within the indoor unit housing into a first receiving space and a second receiving space. The first receiving space houses a fan assembly, and the second receiving space houses the heat exchanger assembly. Furthermore, the air inlet is located at a first end side (e.g., the rear end side) of the indoor unit housing, and the distance from this first end side to the partition is H2. Then, the first minimum distance L1 and this distance from the first end side to the partition satisfy the following relationship: 10% × H2 ≤ L1 ≤ 30% × H2.

[0020] The proportional relationship between the first minimum distance L1 defined above and the height H1 of the indoor unit of the air conditioner or the distance H2 from the first end to the middle partition ensures the capacity of the indoor unit casing while guaranteeing the air intake efficiency of the fan, thereby ensuring the operating performance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. In an exemplary embodiment, H1 or H2 is 230mm, and the first minimum distance L1 is 38mm.

[0021] Preferably, the heat exchanger assembly includes a drain pan located below, with a drain pan sidewall near the fan assembly fitting into a partition plate. The upper edge of this drain pan sidewall is higher than the bottom of the functional component. For example, this upper edge may be higher than the first wall in the functional component housing. Thus, for example, in the case where the air inlet is located on the bottom side of the indoor unit housing, the drain pan sidewall can block the opening formed in the partition plate when a flange is formed to fix the functional component, thereby achieving a seal.

[0022] Preferably, there is a fourth minimum distance between the air inlet and the air intake surface of the fan, wherein the first minimum distance is greater than or equal to the fourth minimum distance. In this way, the air inlet of the fan can be approximately flush with the functional components, or at least a part of it can be unobstructed by the functional components, thereby helping to improve the air intake efficiency of the fan.

[0023] Preferably, the fifth wall forms a first angle with the first wall, the first angle being greater than 95°. Furthermore, the fifth wall also forms a second angle with the second wall, the second angle being greater than or equal to 95°. Through the arrangement of the fifth wall, and further through the aforementioned specific angle settings, sufficient clearance can be provided for disassembling and assembling the indoor unit housing.

[0024] Preferably, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is provided with a fixing part. At least one gourd-shaped hole is formed on the first wall of the functional component housing, which can engage with a screw to fix the functional component housing to the fixing part. The gourd-shaped hole includes a large hole portion and a small hole portion. By translating the functional component housing, the gourd-shaped hole can engage with and disengage from the screw, thereby facilitating the fixing and disassembly of the functional component housing.

[0025] Regarding the fixing part, one embodiment is a folded part formed on the partition plate provided in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. In addition, the fixing part can also be formed in other locations in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, such as a folded part formed on the side plate of the fan.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of a first notch and a second notch is provided on the indoor unit housing, wherein the first notch is formed on a first wall and the second notch is formed on a third wall, and is adjacent to the top plate of the indoor unit housing. The first and second notches can be used for cable insertion; for example, power lines and signal lines for fans and motors can be inserted into the first notch, and signal lines such as sensors can be inserted into the second notch.

[0027] Preferably, the first wall is inclined relative to the air inlet surface, and the inclination angle of the first wall relative to the air inlet surface is less than or equal to 15°. This inclination of the first wall relative to the air inlet surface guides the airflow, thereby helping the fan to draw in air and improving the operating performance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The specific embodiments of this utility model can be more clearly understood from the structure shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of this application is shown, wherein the bottom side of the indoor unit faces upward, the air inlet of the indoor unit is formed on the bottom side, and the fan assembly and functional components (e.g., electrical component box) are shown.

[0030] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the outer casing of the functional components in the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0031] Figure 2b It is along Figure 2a The diagram shows a schematic plan view of the casing of a functional component, looking in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0032] Figure 3 Another perspective view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is shown, with the bottom side of the indoor unit facing upwards and the fan protection mesh visible.

[0033] Figure 4a It shows Figure 1 The rear view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein a portion of the indoor unit housing at the first end side (e.g., the rear end side) of the indoor unit housing has been removed to expose the fan assembly and functional components.

[0034] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a The image includes a partial enlarged view of the functional component housing and the adjacent fan section.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The image shows a side sectional view of the indoor unit of an air conditioner, with the indoor unit facing the orientation it is in use, i.e., the top side is on top and the bottom side is on the bottom.

[0037] Figure 7 Another side view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is shown, which more clearly shows the drain pan and the housing of the functional components.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a simplified structural diagram of the indoor unit of an air conditioner, which schematically shows the positional relationship between the drain pan and the outer casing of the functional components.

[0039] Figure 9 A rear perspective view of a modified structure of an indoor unit of an air conditioner is shown, wherein the air inlet is located on the first end side of the indoor unit casing.

[0040] Figure 10 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of another variant structure of an air conditioner indoor unit is shown.

[0041] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A schematic partial top view of the structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0042] (Symbol Explanation)

[0043] 1. Indoor unit of air conditioner

[0044] 10 Indoor unit casing

[0045] 11 top plate

[0046] 12 First end side

[0047] 13 partitions

[0048] 14 screws

[0049] 15 bottom side

[0050] 16 air inlets

[0051] 20 wind turbine components

[0052] 21 fans

[0053] 22 motors

[0054] 23 (fan's) air intake surface

[0055] 30 functional components

[0056] 31 Functional Component Housing

[0057] 32 First Wall

[0058] 33 Second Wall

[0059] 34 Third Wall

[0060] 35 Fourth Wall

[0061] 36 Fifth Wall

[0062] 38 gourd-shaped holes

[0063] 41 First Gap

[0064] 42 Second Gap

[0065] 50 Fan Protection Net

[0066] 51 First Protection Network

[0067] 52 Second Protection Network

[0068] 60 heat exchanger assembly

[0069] 61 Drainage tray

[0070] 62 Drainage Pan Side Wall

[0071] α First included angle

[0072] β second included angle

[0073] L1 (the first minimum distance between the functional component and the air inlet surface of the indoor unit of the air conditioner)

[0074] a1 (Second minimum distance between functional components and the air intake surface of the fan)

[0075] The distance between the side wall of the a2 drain pan and the bottom of the indoor unit casing

[0076] L2 (the third minimum distance between the functional component and the first end of the indoor unit housing)

[0077] a3 (the fourth minimum distance between the fan's air intake and the first end side)

[0078] Height of H1 air conditioner indoor unit

[0079] The distance of H2 from the first end to the middle partition. Detailed Implementation

[0080] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, the specific embodiments of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious modifications, variations, and equivalent substitutions to this utility model based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, and, without contradiction, the technical features in the different embodiments described below can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0081] In the following detailed description of this utility model, terms such as "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "front," and "rear" are used based on the orientation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner in actual use. The top and bottom of the indoor unit in use may be opposite to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the term "horizontal" as used herein means that the relevant component is horizontal in the installed state of the indoor unit, or it may mean that the component extends approximately horizontally with a small angle to the horizontal direction.

[0082] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, an electrical component box is used as an example of the functional component described below. However, as mentioned above, the functional component can also be of other types, such as a fresh air module, a noise reduction module, a purification device, etc.

[0083] Figure 1 A perspective view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner according to this application is shown, with the bottom side of the indoor unit 1 facing upwards. The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor unit housing 10, in which various components of the indoor unit 1 are housed, such as a fan assembly 20 and a heat exchanger assembly 60. Figure 5 (as shown in the diagram) and functional components, which may include, for example, electrical component boxes, fresh air modules, noise reduction modules, purification devices, etc.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In this figure, the bottom side of the indoor unit housing 10 of the air conditioner indoor unit 1 faces upward, and the air inlet 16 of the air conditioner indoor unit 1 is formed on the bottom side, exposing the fan assembly 20 and functional components 30 housed in the indoor unit housing 10. The exemplary fan assembly 20 shown in the figure includes two fans 21 and a motor 22 disposed between the two fans 21. The motor 22 is connected to the fans 21 and is used to drive the fans 21 to operate. Of course, those skilled in the art will know that the air conditioner indoor unit 1 may also include more or fewer fans 21, for example, including one, three, or more fans 21. Moreover, the number of motors 22 can be set as needed. For example, only one motor 22 can be set to drive all the fans 21, or multiple motors 22 can be set, each motor 22 driving one or more fans 21, or the number of motors 22 can be the same as the number of fans 21, with each motor 22 driving a corresponding fan 21. These are all within the scope of this application. The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner also includes a functional component 30, which is located near the fan assembly 20, for example, as shown in the figure, arranged side by side with the fan assembly 20, and at least a part of it is close to the fan assembly 20.

[0085] The functional component 30 includes a functional component housing 31, in which the various components of the functional component (such as electrical components like the control circuit board of the electrical component box) are housed. Figure 1 The indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner shown is in a bottom-up position, exposing the air inlet 16 formed on the indoor unit housing 10, and showing the fan assembly 20 and functional components 30 housed in the indoor unit housing 10. It can be seen that the functional component housing 31 of the functional component 30 can be fixed to the indoor unit housing 10 by fasteners such as screws, for example, it can be fixed to the top plate 11 of the indoor unit housing 10.

[0086] Figure 2a A perspective view of the functional component housing 31 is shown. Figure 2b It is along Figure 2a The diagram shows a plan view of the functional component housing 31 as indicated by arrow A. This functional component housing 31 has a first wall 32, which, in the exemplary structure shown, may extend generally horizontally, for example, parallel to the top plate 11 of the indoor unit housing 10. Alternatively, the first wall 32 may also be at an angle to the top plate 11, as will be described in more detail below.

[0087] In the exemplary structure shown in the figure, the functional component housing 31 also includes a second wall 33 and a third wall 34. The second wall 33 may be connected to the first wall 32, and the second wall 33 is oriented to face the fan assembly 20. Alternatively, as will be described below, a structure such as a ramp may also be provided between the first wall 32 and the second wall 33. The third wall 34 is connected to the first wall 32 and the second wall 33, for example, the third wall 34 is connected to the first wall 32 at its lower edge and at least partially connected to the second wall 33 at one of its side edges. Furthermore, the third wall 34 is preferably inclined relative to the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10.

[0088] The functional component housing 31 may optionally include a fourth wall 35 connected to the first wall 32 and the third wall 34. For example, the fourth wall 35 is connected to the first wall 32 at its lower edge and to the third wall 34 at one side edge. Furthermore, the fourth wall 35 is oriented to face the first end side 12 (e.g., the rear end side) of the indoor unit housing 10.

[0089] Preferably, a fifth wall 36 is connected between the first wall 32 and the second wall 33. This fifth wall 36 is inclined towards the fan assembly 20, thereby increasing the space between the fan assembly 20 and the functional component 30. Specifically, the fan 21 of the fan assembly 20 has an air intake on its side, the plane of which is the air intake surface 23 (see...). Figure 4b The suction surface 23 faces the functional component 30. The inclined fifth wall 36 ensures sufficient space between the functional component 30 and the suction surface 23 of the fan 21, thereby reducing the obstruction of the functional component housing 31 of the functional component 30 to the suction of the fan 21 of the fan assembly 20. Furthermore, the inclined fifth wall 36 also acts as a guide surface, directing the airflow towards the suction surface 23 of the fan assembly 20, specifically the fan 21, thereby increasing the suction volume of the fan 21 of the fan assembly 20. Thus, the arrangement of the fifth wall 36 ensures and even increases the suction volume of the fan 21 of the fan assembly 20.

[0090] from Figure 2b As can be seen, a first angle α is formed between the fifth wall 36 and the first wall 32. By selecting the value of the first angle α, the air guiding effect of the fifth wall 36 can be improved. Specifically, in this application, the first angle α between the fifth wall 36 and the first wall 32 is preferably greater than 95°.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, a second included angle β is formed between the fifth wall 36 and the second wall 33, which is preferably greater than or equal to 95°.

[0092] Besides the electrical component box used as an example, functional component 30 can also be a fresh air module, a noise reduction module, a purification module, etc. For example, when functional component 30 is a noise reduction module, it includes noise reduction elements, such as an active noise cancellation (ANC) unit. In this case, a housing can be provided to house and protect the noise reduction elements. As another example, when functional component 30 is a fresh air module, it may include components such as a fan and a filter assembly, and functional component housing 31 serves as the fresh air module housing, used to house and protect the fan, filter assembly, and other components. Here, the noise reduction module housing and the fresh air module housing can adopt the same structure as the functional component housing 31 in the figure. Additionally, in some cases, the functional component housing may not be included; for example, when the noise reduction module includes only a single component, the functional component housing may be omitted.

[0093] exist Figure 3 As shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner preferably also includes a fan protection net 50. This fan protection net 50 can be used to shield rotating parts such as the fan 21 and motor 22 of the fan assembly 20, preventing maintenance personnel or users from touching them and protecting them from injury. The fan protection net 50 may include several parts, such as from... Figure 3 As can be seen, the fan protection net 50 may include a first protection net 51 and a second protection net 52, wherein the first protection net 51 is disposed between the fan assembly 20 and the functional component 30. The second protection net 52 is configured to cover at least a portion of the air inlet 16. Specifically, in Figure 3 In the structure shown, the air inlet 16 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is formed on the bottom side of the indoor unit housing 10 of the indoor unit 1, and the position of the air inlet 16 is roughly aligned with the fan assembly 20, especially its fan 21. Furthermore, a component such as an air inlet grille may also be provided at the air inlet 16.

[0094] Additionally, at least one gourd-shaped hole 38 is preferably formed on the first wall 32 of the functional component housing 31 (e.g., Figure 3 As can be seen in the image, the gourd-shaped hole 38 has a large hole portion and a small hole portion. A fixing part is provided in the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, and a screw 14 can be provided on the fixing part. The gourd-shaped hole 38 on the first wall 32 can cooperate with the screw 14 provided on the fixing part to help fix the functional component housing 31. The fixing part can be, for example, a folded part formed in the partition 13 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The partition 13 is provided in the indoor unit housing 10 and divides the space inside the indoor unit housing 10 into two parts, namely a first receiving space and a second receiving space. The first receiving space houses the fan assembly 20, and the second receiving space houses the heat exchanger assembly 60, thereby separating the fan assembly 20 and the heat exchanger assembly 60 from each other.

[0095] Alternatively, the fixing part can be formed in other locations, such as a folded part on the side plate of the fan 21, as a fixing part.

[0096] During the process of fixing the functional component housing 31, the larger hole portion of the gourd hole 38 can be fitted onto the screw 14, and then the smaller hole portion of the gourd hole 38 can be made to engage with the screw 14 by translating the functional component housing 31, thereby completing the fixing. During the process of disassembling the functional component housing 31, the functional component housing 31 can be translated in the opposite direction, causing the screw 14 to switch from the smaller hole portion of the gourd hole 38 to the larger hole portion, and then the screw 14 can be dislodged from the larger hole portion, thereby removing the functional component housing 31.

[0097] Figure 4a The rear view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is shown. Figure 4b The image shows a partial enlarged view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, in which part of the indoor unit housing 10 at the first end side 12 (i.e. the rear end side) has been removed, exposing the fan assembly 20 and the functional components 30.

[0098] like Figure 4a and 4b As shown, in the structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner in this application, the functional component 30 is spaced apart from the bottom side 15 of the indoor unit housing 10 by a certain distance, that is, there is a first minimum distance L1 between the functional component 30 and the bottom side 15. Specifically, this first minimum distance L1 can also be interpreted as the minimum distance between the functional component 30 and the bottom side 15, or more specifically, the minimum distance between the first wall 32 of the functional component housing 31 and the bottom side of the indoor unit housing 10. In the case where the air inlet 16 of the indoor unit 1 is formed on the bottom side 15 of the indoor unit housing 10, this first minimum distance L1 is the minimum distance from the functional component 30 to the air inlet surface of the indoor unit 1.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 4b As can be seen from the figure, there is a second minimum distance a1 between the functional component 30 and the suction surface 23 of the fan 21 of the fan assembly 20. Specifically, the suction port of the fan 21 shown in the figure is located on the side of the fan 21, that is, the side of the fan 21 facing the functional component 30. Figure 4b In the structure shown, the second minimum distance a1 is the minimum distance from the second wall 33 of the functional component housing 31 to the air intake surface 23 of the fan 21.

[0100] The applicant discovered through research that setting the first minimum distance L1 helps to expand the air intake area of ​​the fan 21, thereby improving the operating performance of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Furthermore, the value of the first minimum distance L1 is related to the value of the aforementioned second minimum distance a1. Specifically, the value of the first minimum distance L1 and the value of the second minimum distance a1 from the second wall 33 of the functional component housing 31 to the air intake surface 23 of the fan 21 satisfy the following fitting formula (1):

[0101] L1≥-0.0105×(a1)^2-0.1516×(a1)+70…(1)

[0102] In this context, both L1 and a1 are in millimeters (mm).

[0103] Furthermore, in addition to satisfying the fitting formula (1), the values ​​of the first minimum distance L1 and the second minimum distance a1 mentioned above also satisfy the following relationship (2), where the units of L1 and a1 are both millimeters (mm):

[0104] 0.1×a1≤L1≤a1 ……(2)

[0105] Preferably, the range of L1 is 15mm ≤ L1 ≤ 50mm. More preferably, the range of L1 is 25mm ≤ L1 ≤ 40mm. In a specific example, a1 is 50mm and L1 is 38mm.

[0106] Furthermore, the value of the first minimum distance L1 can also be related to the height H1 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. In one example, the value of the first minimum distance L1 and the height H1 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner satisfy the following relationship (3):

[0107] 10% × H1 ≤ L1 ≤ 25% × H1 ……(3)

[0108] In a specific example, the height H1 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is 230mm, and the first minimum distance L1 between the functional component 30 and the bottom side 15 (or the air inlet surface of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner) is 38mm.

[0109] Further reference Figure 5 As can be seen, the functional component 30 and the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10, specifically the fourth wall 35 of the functional component housing 31 and the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10 (e.g., the rear end side in the figure), are also spaced apart by a distance, wherein there is a third minimum distance L2 between them, which satisfies the following condition (4):

[0110] 20mm≤L2≤50mm ……(4)

[0111] The third minimum distance L2 between the fourth wall 35 of the functional component housing 31 and the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10 within the aforementioned range can expand the air intake surface of the fan 21, ensuring the air intake volume of the fan 21 and improving the operating performance of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Furthermore, this setting range of the third minimum distance L2 produces a better performance improvement effect for both bottom suction (i.e., the air inlet of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is located on the bottom side of the indoor unit housing 10) and side suction (i.e., the air inlet of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is located on the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10). Moreover, this minimum distance L2 also provides clearance space, facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the functional component 30.

[0112] In addition, from Figure 2a As can be seen more clearly, a first notch 41 and a second notch 42 are provided on the housing 31 of the functional component, wherein the first notch 41 is formed on the first wall 32. Cables such as power lines and signal lines of the motor 22 can pass through the first notch 41 to connect to electrical components in the functional component 30, such as to a control circuit board.

[0113] The second notch 42 is formed, for example, on the upper part of the third wall 34, or in other words, it may be located near the top plate 11 of the indoor unit housing 10. Signal lines of components such as sensors can pass through the second notch 42 to connect to electrical components such as control circuit boards in the functional components 30.

[0114] Preferably, the first wall 32 is inclined relative to the air inlet surface, for example, the first wall 32 is inclined at an angle of less than or equal to 15° relative to the air inlet surface. This inclined arrangement of the first wall 32 also helps to provide space for the air intake section of the fan 21, expand the air intake area, and ensure the air intake volume of the fan 21.

[0115] Figure 6 A side view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is shown, indicating its orientation during normal use, with the top of the indoor unit 1 facing upwards and the bottom facing downwards. Furthermore, a side panel on one side of the indoor unit housing 10 has been removed to reveal the components inside the indoor unit 1. Figure 6 As can be seen, the space in the indoor unit casing 10 of the air conditioner indoor unit 1 is divided into two parts by the partition 13, namely the first receiving space and the second receiving space. The fan assembly 20 is received in the first receiving space, and the heat exchanger assembly 60 is received in the second receiving space. Thus, the partition 13 separates the fan assembly 20 and the heat exchanger assembly 60 from each other.

[0116] The heat exchanger assembly 60 includes a drain pan 61 located below it, which is used to store condensate generated during the heat exchange process. The drain pan sidewall 62 of the drain pan 61, near the fan assembly 20, is fitted onto the partition plate 13.

[0117] The functional component housing 31 of the functional component 30 is at least partially secured by a flange formed on the partition 13 that protrudes toward the first receiving space accommodating the indoor unit housing 10. Simultaneously with forming the flange on the partition 13, a notch complementary in shape to the flange is formed on the partition 13.

[0118] Figure 7 Another side view of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is shown, in which other components are omitted, and the drain tray 61 and the functional component housing 31 can be seen more clearly. Figure 8 This is a simplified structural diagram of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, schematically showing the positional relationship between the drain tray 61 and the functional component housing 31. As can be seen from the diagram, the upper edge of the drain tray sidewall 62, which mates with the partition plate 13, is higher than the bottom of the functional component 30, specifically higher than the first wall 32 of the functional component housing 31. For ease of understanding, the diagram schematically shows the distance a2 by which the upper edge of the drain tray sidewall 62 is higher than the bottom of the electrical component housing 31. In this way, the drain tray sidewall 62 extends above the notch in the partition plate 13, thereby sealing the notch and achieving a structural seal.

[0119] Figure 9 The image shows a modified structure of an indoor unit 1 of an air conditioner, wherein the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is in the form of a side air intake, that is, the air intake 16 of the indoor unit 1 is formed at the first end side (rear end side) of the indoor unit casing 10. Figure 9 The image shows a fan assembly 20 and an electrical component housing 31 arranged alongside it. The fan assembly 20 includes a fan 21 and a motor 22. The electrical component housing 31 includes a first wall 32, a second wall 33, and a third wall 34. The first wall 32 has a first end facing the indoor unit housing 10 with an air inlet 16. The second wall 33 is connected to the first wall 32 and faces the fan assembly 20, and is preferably inclined relative to the fan assembly 20. The third wall 34 is connected to both the first wall 32 and the second wall 33.

[0120] In the case of this side-suction structure, the first minimum distance L1 is the minimum distance between the first wall 32 and the first end side where the air inlet 16 is formed. Furthermore, the first minimum distance L1 and the second minimum distance a1 between the second wall 32 and the suction surface 23 of the fan 21 also satisfy the fitting formula (1) and relation (2) disclosed above.

[0121] Furthermore, in Figure 9In the case of the side-suction structure shown, the first minimum distance L1 also satisfies the following relationship (5) with the distance H2 from the first end side to the middle partition:

[0122] 10% × H2 ≤ L1 ≤ 30% × H2 ……(5)

[0123] The distance H2 from the first end 12 to the middle partition 13 is Figure 5 It is marked in the text.

[0124] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, there is a fourth minimum distance a3 between the air inlet of the fan 21 and the first end side, i.e., the air inlet surface, where the first minimum distance L1 is greater than or equal to the fourth minimum distance a3. Therefore, the edge of the functional component 30 near the air inlet surface can be approximately flush with the edge of the air inlet of the fan 21 near the air inlet surface, or at least a portion of the air inlet of the fan 21 is not blocked by the functional component 30, thereby helping to improve the air intake efficiency of the fan 21.

[0125] Furthermore, the indoor unit 1 of this air conditioner may also include a fan protection net 50. The first protection net 51 is located between the fan assembly 20 and the electrical component housing 31. The second protection net 52 may cover at least a portion of the air inlet 16.

[0126] Figure 10 and 11 Another variant of the indoor unit 1 of this application is shown. In this variant, positions for air inlets are reserved on both the bottom side 15 and the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10. That is, for this structure of the indoor unit 1, air inlets can be optionally provided on at least one of the bottom side 15 and the first end side 12 of the indoor unit housing 10. Figure 10 As shown, the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner includes a functional component 30, which preferably has a functional component housing 31. The functional component housing 31 includes a first wall 32, a second wall 33, and a third wall 34. The first wall 32 faces the bottom side 15, the second wall 33 is connected to the first wall 32 and faces the first end side 12, and the third wall 34 is connected to the first wall 32 and the second wall 33 and faces the fan 21 (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0127] like Figure 10As shown, there is a distance between the first wall 32 and the bottom side 15, and specifically, the minimum distance between the first wall 32 and the bottom side 15 is L1-1. Additionally, there is also a distance between the second wall 33 and the first end side 12, and specifically, the minimum distance between the second wall 33 and the first end side 12 is L1-2. Furthermore, similar to the previous embodiment, there is also a second minimum distance a1 between the third wall 34 and the suction surface 23 of the fan 21.

[0128] The minimum distance L1-1 between the first wall 32 and the bottom side 15 and the minimum distance L1-2 between the second wall 33 and the first end side 12 correspond to the first minimum distance L1 described in the previous embodiment, and they also satisfy the fitting formula (1) and relation (2) described above with respect to the second minimum distance a1.

[0129] In addition, the distance L1-2 and the height H1 of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner satisfy the above relationship (3), and the distance L1-2 and the distance H2 from the first end side to the middle partition satisfy the above relationship (5).

[0130] Furthermore, there is a fourth minimum distance a3 between the air intake of the fan 21 and the air inlet surface of the air inlet provided on the first end side 12, and the minimum distance L1-2 between the second wall 33 and the first end side 12 is greater than or equal to this fourth minimum distance a3. Therefore, the edge of the functional component 30 near the air inlet surface can be approximately flush with the edge of the air intake of the fan 21 near the air inlet surface, or at least a portion of the air intake of the fan 21 is not blocked by the functional component 30, thereby helping to improve air intake efficiency.

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, the indoor unit (1) comprising an indoor unit housing (10), a fan assembly (20) and functional components housed within the indoor unit housing, and an air inlet formed on the indoor unit housing, the plane containing the air inlet being an air intake surface, the fan assembly comprising a fan (21) and a motor (22) for driving the fan, the functional components being arranged side-by-side with the fan assembly, characterized in that, The functional component has a first minimum distance from the air inlet surface, and the functional component has a second minimum distance from the air suction surface of the fan. Wherein, the first minimum distance is L1, the second minimum distance is a1, and the values ​​of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance satisfy the following fitting formula: L1≥-0.0105×(a1)^2-0.1516×(a1)+70; Furthermore, the units for the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance are millimeters.

2. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The functional component has a functional component housing, the functional component housing comprising: First wall (32), The second wall (33) faces the fan assembly (20); and The third wall (34) is connected to the first wall and the second wall.

3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing of the functional component also includes at least one of the following structures: A fourth wall (35), which connects to the first wall (32) and the third wall; and The fifth wall (36) is formed between the first wall (32) and the second wall (33) and is inclined toward the fan assembly (20).

4. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first minimum distance is the minimum distance from the first wall (32) of the housing of the functional component to the air inlet surface.

5. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second minimum distance between the housing of the functional component and the air intake surface of the fan is the minimum distance between the second wall (33) and the air intake surface of the fan.

6. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The values ​​of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance also satisfy the following relationship: 0.1×a1≤L1≤a1, and 15mm≤L1≤50mm.

7. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The range of the first minimum distance is 25mm≤L1≤40mm.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, There is a third minimum distance between the fourth wall (35) and the indoor unit housing (10), the third minimum distance being L2, and the range being 20mm≤L2≤50mm.

9. The indoor unit of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air inlet is located on the bottom side of the indoor unit housing (10), the height of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is H1, and the first minimum distance and the height of the indoor unit of the air conditioner satisfy the following relationship: 10%×H1≤L1≤25%×H1.

10. The indoor unit of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The indoor unit housing (10) also houses a heat exchanger assembly (60), and the indoor unit housing is provided with a partition (13) that divides the space in the indoor unit housing (10) into a first accommodating space and a second accommodating space. The first accommodating space houses the fan assembly (20), and the second accommodating space houses the heat exchanger assembly (60). as well as The air inlet is located on the first end side of the indoor unit housing (10), and the distance from the first end side to the middle partition is H2. The first minimum distance and the distance from the first end side to the middle partition satisfy the following relationship: 10%×H2≤L1≤30%×H2.

11. The indoor unit of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The indoor unit housing (10) also houses a heat exchanger assembly (60), and the indoor unit housing is provided with a partition (13) that divides the space in the indoor unit housing (10) into a first accommodating space and a second accommodating space. The first accommodating space houses the fan assembly (20), and the second accommodating space houses the heat exchanger assembly (60). The heat exchanger assembly (60) includes a drain pan (61) located below, and the drain pan sidewall (62) on the side of the drain pan closest to the fan assembly (20) fits into the partition plate; and The upper edge of the drain pan sidewall (62) is higher than the bottom of the functional component.

12. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There is a fourth minimum distance between the air intake of the fan and the air inlet surface, wherein the first minimum distance is greater than or equal to the fourth minimum distance.

13. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fifth wall (36) forms a first included angle (α) with the first wall (32), the first included angle being greater than 95°; and The fifth wall (36) and the second wall (33) form a second included angle (β), which is greater than or equal to 95°.

14. The indoor unit of the air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first wall (32) is inclined relative to the air inlet surface, and the inclination angle of the first wall relative to the air inlet surface is less than or equal to 15°.

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