Deformable key, plug assembly, drainage assembly and air conditioner
By using deformable keys and plug assemblies in air conditioners, the deformable part deforms under external force to form a recess, thus solving the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side of the air conditioner and achieving a reliable drainage effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioners are prone to water accumulation in the drain pan on the non-drainage side, leading to seal failure and water leakage.
The system employs deformable keys and plug components. The deformable part changes from a first form to a second form under external force, forming a recess that replaces the drain groove. This ensures that condensate flows out and is discharged through the drain pipe, preventing water accumulation, corrosion, and seal failure.
It effectively solves the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side, ensures sealing, avoids seal failure caused by long-term corrosion, and achieves reliable drainage of the air conditioner.
Smart Images
Figure CN224434655U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically to a deformable key, a hole plug assembly, a drainage assembly, and an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] Different countries, regions, and even room designs have different drainage installation requirements. Some require the drain pipe to run from the left end of the indoor unit, while others require it from the right. To meet these varying installation requirements, a current type of wall-mounted air conditioner has a drain groove on both the left and right ends of its bottom casing, along with a drain hole at the bottom of the groove. Both drain holes are initially sealed with rubber plugs. Each indoor unit only needs one drain pipe. After determining which side requires the pipe, the rubber plug on the side requiring the pipe is removed from the outside of the indoor unit, while the drain hole on the non-draining side remains sealed with a rubber plug.
[0003] The problem with the existing air conditioner is that the relatively low-lying drainage groove on the non-drainage side becomes a water accumulation point; and the accumulated water reaches the mating point between the drain hole and the rubber plug, and long-term water accumulation corrodes the rubber plug, causing the seal to fail and resulting in water leakage on the non-drainage side. Utility Model Content
[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a deformable key that is installed in the drain groove of an air conditioner, which can be used in conjunction with a plug to meet the drainage needs of the air conditioner and solve the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side.
[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a plug assembly that meets the drainage requirements of air conditioners and solves the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side.
[0006] The third objective of this utility model is to provide a drainage component that meets the drainage needs of air conditioners and solves the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side.
[0007] The fourth objective of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner that meets drainage requirements and solves the problem of water accumulation and leakage on the non-drainage side.
[0008] The deformable key provided by the present invention includes a base and a deformable part; the deformable part can be transformed from a first form to a second form by external force; when the deformable part is in the first form, the deformable part forms a first protrusion, which protrudes from the first side of the base; when the deformable part is in the second form, the deformable part forms a recess, which is recessed into the first side; the deformable part is provided with a first drainage hole.
[0009] As can be seen from the above scheme, the base of the deformable key is fixed to the bottom surface of the drain groove of the air conditioner's bottom shell by bonding and / or embedding. After fixing, the surface of the first side of the base of the deformable key is flush with the water flow surface of the water receiving tray on the bottom shell. The deformable key is made of elastically deformable silicone or rubber material, and its deformable part can deform between concave and convex. In the initial state, deformable keys and plugs are provided at the drain grooves on both sides of the air conditioner. The plugs are sealed to the first drain hole of the deformable part, and the deformable part is in the first form. At this time, the position where the plug seals with the first drain hole is higher than the surface of the first side. When it is determined that drainage is needed on a certain side, the plug on that side is pulled out from the outside of the air conditioner. The force generated during the pulling out of the plug will force the deformable part to change from the first form to the second form. The deformable part becomes a lower concave position, and the first drain hole is in the concave position. The first drain hole, the second drain hole of the bottom shell, and the drain pipe are connected in sequence. In this way, the concave area replaces the original drainage groove as a low-lying part. When condensate flows to the drainage side, it will flow into the concave area and eventually be discharged through the drain pipe. On the non-drainage side where the plug is still blocked, the base of the deformable key fills the drainage groove to solve the problem of water accumulation. Since the sealing fit between the plug and the first drainage hole is on the convex part, even if condensate reaches the base on the non-drainage side, it cannot reach the fit between the plug and the first drainage hole, thus avoiding long-term corrosion that could cause seal failure and solving the leakage problem.
[0010] A further option is to design at least a portion of the base as plate-like.
[0011] As can be seen from the above, the plate-shaped base is more conducive to meeting the requirements of filling the drainage channel and being flush with the water receiving surface of the water receiving tray.
[0012] A further proposed solution is that the base includes a first plate section and a second plate section connected together, the width and thickness of the second plate section being smaller than those of the first plate section, and a deformable part being disposed in the second plate section.
[0013] As can be seen from the above, under this configuration, the first plate meets the requirements for filling the drainage channel and connecting the water receiving tray, while the second plate meets the design requirement that the deformable part can easily trigger deformation.
[0014] A further option is that when the deformable part is in the second form, the first drainage hole is located at the lower part of the recess.
[0015] As can be seen from the above, this setting ensures that the first drain hole is located at the lower part of the recess, ensuring that the condensate in the recess can be drained and preventing water from accumulating in the recess.
[0016] A further embodiment includes at least one of the following: when the deformable portion is in a first form, the first convex portion is spherical; when the deformable portion is in a second form, the inner surface of the concave portion is spherical; when the deformable portion is in a second form, the deformable portion forms a second convex portion, the second convex portion protruding from a second side of the base, the second side being opposite to the first side.
[0017] As can be seen from the above, under this setting, the deformable part has a spherical shell structure. Since it does not have sharp edges, it is easier to trigger concave and convex deformation, which prevents the problem that the required starting force is too large and the plug-pulling force is insufficient to trigger deformation, ultimately leading to functional failure. It also reduces the difficulty of deformation operation.
[0018] The second objective of this utility model is to provide a plug assembly including the aforementioned deformable key and plug; the plug is sealed to the first drain hole, and the plug can be pulled out from the second side of the base to release the seal on the first drain hole; when the deformable part is in the first form, the force generated by pulling out the plug from the second side of the base forces the deformable part to change from the first form to the second form.
[0019] As can be seen from the above scheme, the base of the deformable key is fixed to the bottom surface of the drain groove of the air conditioner's bottom shell by bonding and / or embedding. After fixing, the surface of the first side of the base of the deformable key is flush with the water flow surface of the water receiving tray on the bottom shell. The deformable key is made of elastically deformable silicone or rubber material, and its deformable part can deform between concave and convex. In the initial state, deformable keys and plugs are provided at the drain grooves on both sides of the air conditioner. The plugs are sealed to the first drain hole of the deformable part, and the deformable part is in the first form. At this time, the position where the plug seals with the first drain hole is higher than the surface of the first side. When it is determined that drainage is needed on a certain side, the plug on that side is pulled out from the outside of the air conditioner. The force generated during the pulling out of the plug will force the deformable part to change from the first form to the second form. The deformable part becomes a lower concave position, and the first drain hole is in the concave position. The first drain hole, the second drain hole of the bottom shell, and the drain pipe are connected in sequence. In this way, the concave area replaces the original drainage groove as a low-lying part. When condensate flows to the drainage side, it will flow into the concave area and eventually be discharged through the drain pipe. On the non-drainage side where the plug is still blocked, the base of the deformable key fills the drainage groove to solve the problem of water accumulation. Since the sealing fit between the plug and the first drainage hole is on the convex part, even if condensate reaches the base on the non-drainage side, it cannot reach the fit between the plug and the first drainage hole, thus avoiding long-term corrosion that could cause seal failure and solving the leakage problem.
[0020] A further option is that the plug has a recessed groove on its outer periphery, and the deformable part includes a hole wall surrounding the first drain hole, the hole wall engaging with the groove.
[0021] As can be seen from the above, the fit between the slot and the hole wall not only ensures the sealing effect of the plug on the first drain hole, but also provides a greater force for the deformation of the trigger shell deformation part during the plug removal operation.
[0022] The drainage assembly provided by the third objective of this utility model includes a bottom shell, on which drainage grooves and second drainage holes located at the bottom of the drainage grooves are provided on opposite sides; it also includes two sets of the above-mentioned hole plug assemblies; two bases are respectively disposed in two drainage grooves, and two plugs are respectively disposed in two second drainage holes; on any side of the bottom shell, when the plug is pulled out, the first drainage hole and the second drainage hole are connected.
[0023] As can be seen from the above solution, when it is determined that drainage is needed on a certain side, the plug on that side is pulled out from the outside of the air conditioner. The force generated during the removal of the plug will force the deformable part to change from the first form to the second form, making the deformable part a lower recess. The first drain hole is located in the recess, and the first drain hole, the second drain hole of the bottom shell, and the drain pipe are connected in sequence. In this way, the recess replaces the original drain groove as the lower part. When condensate flows to the drain side, it will flow into the recess and eventually be discharged through the drain pipe. On the non-drain side where the plug is still blocked, the base of the deformable key fills the drain groove, solving the problem of water accumulation. Since the sealing fit between the plug and the first drain hole is on the protrusion, even if condensate reaches the base of the non-drain side, it cannot reach the fitting fit between the plug and the first drain hole, avoiding long-term corrosion that could cause seal failure and solving the leakage problem.
[0024] A further solution is to seal the plug with the second drain hole.
[0025] As can be seen from the above, since the plug is required to be placed at the second drain hole and pulled out from the second drain hole, under this setting, the plug simultaneously seals the first drain hole and the second drain hole, fully ensuring the water tightness of the non-draining side.
[0026] The fourth objective of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned drainage assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the deformable key of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the plug in an embodiment of the hole plug assembly of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom shell in an embodiment of the drainage component of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first state of an embodiment of the drainage component of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the second state of an embodiment of the drainage component of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the third state of an embodiment of the drainage component of this utility model.
[0033] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the third state of the drainage component embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0034] Variable key, plug assembly, drainage assembly and air conditioner embodiment
[0035] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the deformable key 1 is made of a material with a certain elastic deformation capability, such as silicone rubber, neoprene rubber or synthetic rubber. The deformable key 1 includes a base 10 and a deformable part 13. The base 10 is generally set as a plate, which is mainly used to be embedded in the drain groove of the bottom shell of the air conditioner and to be bonded and fixed to the inner wall of the drain groove. The base 10 includes a first side 101 and a second side arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction. The surface of the first side 101 serves as the upward water receiving surface of the base 10.
[0036] The base 10 includes a first plate portion 11 and a second plate portion 12 connected along its own extension direction. The width and thickness of the second plate portion 12 are both smaller than those of the first plate portion 11. A deformable portion 13 is disposed in the second plate portion 12.
[0037] In the basic form, that is, in the first form of this utility model, the deformable part 13 is a first protrusion 13 protruding from the first side 101. In the use state, the surface of the first side 101 faces upward and the first protrusion 13 protrudes upward.
[0038] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4 The first protrusion 13 is a spherical shell structure. At this time, the deformable part 13 also forms a recess in the second side of the base 10 relative to the first protrusion 13.
[0039] By applying external force, the deformable portion 13 can transform from a first form to a second form, as shown in Figure 5. In the second form, the deformable portion 13 forms a recess 133, which is recessed into the first side 101. Conversely, the deformable portion 13 forms a second protrusion 132, which protrudes from the second side 102 of the base 10. In use, the recess 133 is recessed downwards, and the second protrusion 132 protrudes downwards. Furthermore, when the deformable portion 13 is in the second form, the inner surface of the recess 133 is a spherical cap surface.
[0040] The deformable portion 13 is provided with a first drainage hole 100 penetrating between the two sides of its wall thickness. The first drainage hole 100 is a circular hole, and the deformable portion 13 includes a hole wall 109 surrounding the first drainage hole 100. Figure 4 As shown, when the deformable part 13 is in the first state, the first drainage hole 100 is located on the upper part of the first protrusion 13 near the top. Figure 5 As shown, when the deformable part 13 is in the second state, the first drain hole 100 is located at the lower part of the recess 133 near the bottom.
[0041] See Figure 2 The plug assembly of this utility model includes, in addition to the deformable key 1 mentioned above, a plug 2. In this embodiment, the plug 2 is a rubber plug, which can be made of rubber or plastic material. The plug 2 includes a head 21 and a tail 22 arranged opposite to each other along its extension direction. The head 21 has a smaller diameter and the tail 22 has a larger diameter. A groove 201, recessed around the head 21 and surrounding its outer periphery, is provided near the head 21. In addition, two raised ribs 202 are provided in the middle of the extension of the plug 2, slightly near the tail 202.
[0042] See Figure 3 The drainage assembly of this utility model includes a plug assembly and the bottom shell 3 of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Combined with... Figure 7 The bottom shell 3 is provided with a water receiving tray 31 extending laterally. A drainage groove 30 is provided on each of the two opposite sides of the bottom shell 3. The drainage groove 30 is recessed into the water receiving surface at the bottom of the water receiving tray 31. A second drainage hole 300 is provided at the bottom of the drainage groove 30.
[0043] See Figure 4 and Figure 7 Only one set of plug assemblies is provided at the two drainage channels 30 on both sides of the bottom shell 3. The attached figure only shows one side.
[0044] Two bases 10 are respectively disposed within two drainage grooves 30. Furthermore, the plate-shaped bases 10 are embedded in the recessed drainage grooves 30, and the surface of the first side 101 (the upper side at this time) of the installed base 10 is flush with or slightly lower than the water receiving surface of the water receiving tray 31. This arrangement allows the condensate from the water receiving tray 31 to flow onto the first side 101.
[0045] See Figure 4Two plugs 2 are respectively installed in two second drain holes 300. The tail 22 of the plug 2 protrudes from the outside of the bottom shell 3 and the outside of the indoor unit of the air conditioner through the outlet of the second drain hole 300. The head of the plug 2 extends upward through the second drain hole 300 and passes upward through the first drain hole 100 on the first protrusion 131. At this time, the hole wall 109 engages with the slot 201 so that the first drain hole 100 is sealed by the plug 2, that is, the plug 2 is sealed to the first drain hole 100; and at this time, the rib 202 abuts against the inner wall surface of the second drain hole 300 so that the plug 2 seals the second drain hole 300, that is, the plug 2 is sealed to the second drain hole 300.
[0046] See Figure 4 When the side shown in the current cross-section is the non-drainage side and the plug 2 is not removed, the plug 2 still blocks the first drain hole 100. The base 10 of the deformable key 1 basically fills the drain groove 30 to solve the water accumulation problem. Since the mating point between the plug 2 and the first drain hole 100 is located on the upper part of the first protrusion 131, which is a certain distance above the surface of the first side 101, even if the condensate 9 reaches the base 10 on the non-drainage side, it cannot reach the mating point between the plug 2 and the first drain hole 100, thus avoiding long-term corrosion that could cause seal failure and solving the leakage problem.
[0047] See in sequence Figures 4 to 6 If the side shown in the current cross-section needs to be used as the drainage side, the plug 2 can be pulled out from the second side 102 of the base 10, from the outside of the air conditioner body, and the seal on the first drainage hole 100 can be released.
[0048] See Figures 4 to 5 In the initial state, the deformable part 13 is in the first mode ( Figure 4 At this time, the force generated by pulling out the plug 2 from the second side 102 of the base 10 forces the deformable part 13 to change from the first form to the second form. Figure 5 (As shown), at this time, the deformable part 13 forms a downwardly recessed recess 133.
[0049] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 After the deformable part 13 changes from the first form to the second form, the plug 2, which is being pulled, eventually disengages from the deformable part 13, and the seal of the first drain hole 100 is released.
[0050] See Figure 6 and Figure 7A drain pipe (not shown) is also connected to the drain side. When condensate flows to the drain side and reaches the surface of the first side 101, the water will flow into the recess 133 due to its low position, and finally be discharged from the air conditioner body through the first drain hole 100, the second drain hole 300 and the drain pipe. In this way, the recess 133 replaces the original drain groove 30 as a low-lying area, and when the condensate 9 flows to the drain side, it will flow towards the recess 133 and eventually be discharged.
[0051] In addition, the air conditioner of this utility model includes the above-mentioned drainage component.
[0052] In other embodiments, the first protrusion may be configured with other shapes to meet the deformation requirements of the deformable portion.
[0053] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A deformable key, characterized in that: Includes the base and the deformable part; The deformable part can be transformed from a first form to a second form by the action of external force; When the deformable part is in the first form, the deformable part forms a first protrusion, which protrudes from a first side of the base. When the deformable part is in the second form, the deformable part forms a recess, and the recess is recessed into the first side; The deformable part is provided with a first drainage hole.
2. The deformable key according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the base is configured as a plate.
3. The deformable key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected together, the thickness of the second plate portion is less than that of the first plate portion, and the deformable portion is disposed in the second plate portion.
4. The deformable key according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the deformable part is in the second form, the first drainage hole is located at the lower part of the recess.
5. The deformable key according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Includes at least one of the following: When the deformable part is in the first form, the first protrusion is shaped like a spherical crown. When the deformable part is in the second form, the inner surface of the recess is a spherical cap surface; When the deformable portion is in the second form, the deformable portion forms a second protrusion, which protrudes from a second side of the base, and the second side is opposite to the first side.
6. A plug assembly, characterized in that: Includes the deformable key and plug as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; The plug is sealed to the first drain hole, and the plug can be pulled out from the second side of the base to release the seal on the first drain hole; When the deformable part is in the first form, the force generated by pulling the plug out from the second side of the base forces the deformable part to change from the first form to the second form.
7. The plug assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plug has a recessed groove on its outer periphery, and the deformable part includes a hole wall surrounding the first drain hole, the hole wall engaging with the groove.
8. A drainage assembly, including a bottom shell, wherein drainage grooves are provided on opposite sides of the bottom shell and a second drainage hole is located at the bottom of the drainage groove; Its features are: It also includes two sets of the hole plug assemblies described in claim 6 or 7 above; Each of the base portions is disposed within a drainage groove, and each of the plugs is disposed within a second drainage hole; On either side of the bottom shell, when the plug is pulled out, the first drain hole communicates with the second drain hole.
9. The drainage assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The plug is sealed to the second drain hole.
10. An air conditioner characterized by Includes the drainage component described in claim 8 or 9 above.