Return air structure and air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to the air conditioning technical field, and provides a return air structure and an air conditioner, the return air structure comprises a return air frame and a filter screen assembly, the return air frame is provided with a groove; one side of the filter screen assembly is provided with a magnetic part, and the other side is provided with a shock absorption part; when the filter screen assembly is installed in the groove, the magnetic part is magnetically attracted to the return air frame, and the shock absorption part is located in the groove. The filter screen assembly is installed in the groove of the return air structure through the magnetic part, tools are not needed during installation and maintenance, the filter screen assembly can be manually disassembled, and the dismounting convenience of the filter screen assembly is improved. Meanwhile, the shock absorption part is arranged on the other side of the filter screen assembly to buffer, noise generated due to vibration of the filter screen assembly during air conditioner operation is reduced, and the use experience of users is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular relates to a return air structure and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioner indoor units all require the installation of a return air filter at the return air vent. This prevents dust or other impurities from entering the air conditioner, causing blockages in the fan impeller and evaporator, bacterial growth, and ultimately affecting machine performance and air quality. Currently, the commonly used filter is a pull-out type, which is inconvenient to disassemble, and the filter is prone to vibration during air conditioner operation, generating significant noise. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a return air structure and an air conditioner to solve the problems of inconvenient disassembly of the filter screen and easy noise generation in existing air conditioners.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a return air structure, including:

[0005] A return air frame, wherein the return air frame is provided with a groove;

[0006] A filter assembly is provided with a magnetic element on one side and a shock-absorbing element on the other side. When the filter assembly is installed in the groove, the magnetic element is magnetically attracted to the return air frame, and the shock-absorbing element is located in the groove.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the return air frame is provided with a clearance notch, which corresponds to the magnetic component.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, a handle is provided on the side of the filter assembly near the magnetic component.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the number of filter components is multiple, and the multiple filter components are installed side by side on the return air frame;

[0010] And / or, the number of magnetic elements is multiple, and the multiple magnetic elements are spaced apart on the filter assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the return air frame is provided with a support member, and the support member is configured to correspond to the gap between two adjacent filter components.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the filter assembly includes a filter screen and a fixed frame fixed around the filter screen, the magnetic component is installed on one side of the fixed frame, and the shock-absorbing component is disposed on the other side of the fixed frame.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-section of the filter screen is wavy.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a mounting base is provided on the fixed frame, and the magnetic component is fixed to the mounting base;

[0015] Alternatively, the magnetic component may be bonded to the fixed frame.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising:

[0017] case;

[0018] In the return air structure described in the above embodiments, the return air frame is mounted on the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the housing is provided with a first return air inlet and a second return air inlet, and the return air direction of the first return air inlet is different from that of the second return air inlet;

[0020] The return air frame is also provided with a return air cover. When the return air structure is installed on the housing, the return air cover corresponds to one of the first return air inlet and the second return air inlet, and the filter assembly corresponds to the other of the first return air inlet and the second return air inlet.

[0021] The return air structure provided in this embodiment includes a return air frame and a filter assembly. The return air frame has a groove. A magnetic element is provided on one side of the filter assembly, and a shock-absorbing element is provided on the other side. When the filter assembly is installed in the groove, the magnetic element magnetically engages with the return air frame, and the shock-absorbing element is located within the groove. By using a magnetic element to install the filter assembly into the groove of the return air structure, installation and maintenance can be performed without tools, allowing for manual disassembly and assembly, thus improving the convenience of filter assembly installation and removal. Simultaneously, the shock-absorbing element on the other side of the filter assembly provides cushioning, reducing noise generated by filter assembly vibration during air conditioning operation and improving the user experience.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the return air frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 A side view of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100. Return air frame; 110. Groove; 120. Clearance notch; 130. Support component; 140. Return air cover;

[0032] 200. Filter assembly; 210. Magnetic component; 220. Shock absorber; 230. Handle; 240. Filter screen; 250. Fixing frame; 251. Mounting base;

[0033] 300, casing; 310, first return air inlet; 320, second return air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] In related technologies, air conditioner indoor units require a return air filter at the return air vent to prevent dust or other impurities from entering the air conditioner, causing blockages in the fan impeller and evaporator, bacterial growth, and ultimately affecting machine performance and air quality. Currently, the most commonly used filter is the pull-out type, which is divided into left-right pull-out and top-bottom pull-out types. However, due to limitations in some installation environments, there is no space for pull-out during after-sales maintenance, making it impossible to remove the filter separately for cleaning and repair. The entire return air frame assembly must be disassembled, which is inconvenient and inefficient. Furthermore, the filter is prone to vibration during air conditioner operation, generating significant noise.

[0040] This application provides a return air structure and an air conditioner to solve the problems of inconvenient filter removal and noise generation in existing air conditioners. The following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-5 Please provide an explanation.

[0041] The return air structure provided in this application embodiment is referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device includes a return air frame 100 and a filter assembly 200. The return air frame 100 has a groove 110. A magnetic element 210 is provided on one side of the filter assembly 200, and a shock absorber 220 is provided on the other side. When the filter assembly 200 is installed in the groove 110, the magnetic element 210 and the return air frame 100 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the shock absorber 220 is located in the groove 110.

[0042] For example, the return air frame 100 can be a frame structure for installation on the housing of the air conditioner indoor unit, or it can be an integral structure with the housing of the air conditioner indoor unit. The upper and lower sides of the return air frame 100 are formed with grooves 110. The outline and size of the grooves 110 match the shape of the filter assembly 200 to accommodate and position the filter assembly 200 in order to filter dust, hair and other particulate matter in the air.

[0043] Magnetic component 210 is disposed on one side of filter assembly 200, for example, on the side of filter assembly 200 facing or close to the side wall of groove 110 of return air frame 100 during installation. Specifically, magnetic component 210 can be one or more permanent magnets (such as neodymium magnets), fixed to the frame of filter assembly 200 by embedding, snapping, or pasting. Correspondingly, on the inner wall of groove 110 of return air frame 100, at a position corresponding to magnetic component 210, a magnetically attracted component (such as iron sheet, steel plate, etc.) is disposed. Alternatively, return air frame 100 itself can be made of a magnetically attracted material. Of course, it is also possible to provide a magnetically attracted component on filter assembly 200 and a permanent magnet on return air frame 100, with the same magnetic attraction principle.

[0044] By incorporating a magnetic component 210 on the filter assembly 200, a magnetic attraction is generated between it and the return air frame 100, thereby achieving rapid fixation of the filter assembly 200. Compared to traditional complex mechanical structures such as clips and slide rails, users can easily install, detach, and disassemble the filter assembly 200 by hand without any tools during installation, maintenance, or cleaning, greatly simplifying the operation process and effectively improving the ease of maintenance of the filter assembly 200.

[0045] The shock absorber 220 is disposed on the opposite side of the magnetic component 210 of the filter assembly 200. Exemplarily, the shock absorber 220 can be made of a material with good elasticity and abrasion resistance, such as rubber, silicone, sponge, or flexible foam (e.g., EVA, PU foam). The shock absorber 220 can be a continuous sealing strip disposed along the edge of the filter assembly 200, or it can be a plurality of buffer pads spaced at specific locations to provide physical cushioning and support.

[0046] When the filter assembly 200 is magnetically fixed within the groove 110, the damping element 220 precisely fills the space between the filter assembly 200 and the inner wall of the groove 110. During air conditioning operation, the airflow generated by the fan causes slight vibrations in the filter assembly 200. At this time, the damping element 220, as an elastic damping material, can absorb and dissipate this vibration energy, effectively buffering and supporting the filter assembly 200. This reduces the collision and friction between the filter assembly 200 and the return air frame 100 caused by rigid contact, thereby significantly reducing the resulting vibration noise and greatly improving the user experience.

[0047] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the return air frame 100 is provided with a clearance notch 120, which corresponds to the magnetic component 210. The clearance notch 120 is used to avoid the magnetic component 210 during the installation of the filter assembly 200. The clearance notch 120 can play a guiding and positioning role during the installation of the filter assembly 200, reducing the installation difficulty of the filter assembly 200 and the return air frame 100, and making it convenient for users to install and remove the filter assembly 200.

[0048] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple magnetic elements 210, and these magnetic elements 210 are spaced apart on the filter assembly 200. For example, there may be two or more magnetic elements 210, and they are installed on the same side of the filter assembly 200 and arranged at certain intervals.

[0049] Understandably, a single magnetic component 210 can only provide one fixing point, and the rest of the filter screen is prone to warping, loosening, or even partial detachment under the vibration of the air conditioner or external force. Multiple spaced magnetic components 210, however, can provide greater and more uniform suction, firmly installing the filter assembly 200 within the groove 110 of the return air frame 100. This ensures a complete fit between the filter screen and the return air frame 100, thereby improving the stability, flatness, and sealing of the filter assembly 200 installation. This guarantees that all return air must be filtered by the filter assembly 200, improving the filtration effect.

[0050] Furthermore, the number of clearance notches 120 can be multiple, and they are set one-to-one with the magnetic components 210.

[0051] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the filter assembly 200 includes a filter screen 240 and a fixed frame 250 fixed around the filter screen 240. A magnetic component 210 is installed on one side of the fixed frame 250, and a shock-absorbing component 220 is disposed on the other side of the fixed frame 250.

[0052] Optionally, the fixing frame 250 can be made of a single piece of aluminum alloy frame and fastened at the end with a countersunk screw to reduce the overall weight and lower production costs. The filter screen 240 is supported by the fixing frame 250 to prevent deformation, and the fixing frame 250 can also provide mounting positions for the magnetic component 210 and the shock absorber 220, which are respectively mounted on both sides of the fixing frame 250.

[0053] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the cross-section of filter 240 is wavy. Specifically, the wavy shape can be a broken line or a curve. The wavy design gives filter 240 a larger return air area, allowing more air to come into contact with the filter material, thereby improving filtration efficiency. It can more effectively capture and intercept particulate matter in the air, increase the return air volume, and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner. The wavy filter 240 is not prone to dust accumulation, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and cleaning. Compared to a straight filter, the wavy design increases the rigidity of filter 240, making it more durable, less prone to deformation or damage, and improving the user experience.

[0054] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, a mounting base 251 is provided on the fixed frame 250, and the magnetic component 210 is fixed to the mounting base 251. The mounting base 251 allows for precise positioning of the magnetic component 210. For example, the mounting base 251 can be provided with a groove 110, a snap-fit, a buckle, or a boss structure. The magnetic component 210 can be fixed within the mounting base 251 by snap-fit, embedding, or screw fastening. The shape of the mounting base 251 matches that of the magnetic component 210, ensuring that the magnetic component 210 will not shift or fall off during operation.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the magnetic component 210 is bonded to the fixing frame 250. Specifically, the magnetic component 210 can be directly bonded to the surface of the fixing frame 250 using adhesives such as double-sided tape or hot melt adhesive. This bonding method simplifies the structural design, eliminates the need for additional mechanical fixing structures, offers design flexibility and strong applicability, and allows the position of the magnetic component 210 to be adjusted as needed.

[0056] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, a handle 230 is provided on the side of the filter assembly 200 near the magnetic component 210 to improve the ease of disassembly and assembly of the filter assembly 200.

[0057] For example, the handle 230 may have a structure including but not limited to a concave handle, a convex handle, and a non-woven fabric handle. When the filter assembly 200 needs to be installed, the user holds the handle 230 with both hands, places the side without the magnetic component 210 into the groove 110 of the return air frame 100, then screws the side with the magnetic component 210 inward into the opposite groove 110, and finally lowers it so that the magnetic component 210 adheres to the bottom sheet metal of the groove 110. When the filter assembly 200 needs to be disassembled, the user holds the handle 230 with both hands and lifts it upward to separate the magnetic component 210 from the return air frame 100, and then removes it outward. This allows the filter assembly 200 to be installed and maintained without tools, and can be disassembled by hand. It can also be removed from the front of the return air vent through the maintenance port. This removes space restrictions from the installation and disassembly of the filter assembly 200, greatly enhancing the convenience of installing and disassembling the filter assembly 200 and improving the installation and maintenance of the air conditioner.

[0058] Optionally, the handle 230 is located directly below the magnetic component 210, and each magnetic component 210 is provided with a corresponding handle 230, which conforms to ergonomic design.

[0059] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple filter assemblies 200, and multiple filter assemblies 200 are installed side by side on the return air frame 100.

[0060] For example, the number of filter assemblies 200 can be two, three, or more. Multiple filter assemblies 200 are installed side-by-side in the grooves 110 of the return air frame 100. Each filter assembly 200 is independently formed, with a magnetic element 210 on one side and a shock-absorbing element 220 on the other side. Multiple filter assemblies 200 can be arranged side-by-side along the length or width of the return air frame 100 to form a continuous filter surface. Each filter assembly 200 can be independently disassembled, cleaned, or replaced, eliminating the need for complete disassembly during maintenance, greatly improving operational flexibility and efficiency.

[0061] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the return air frame 100 is provided with a support member 130, and the support member 130 is set with respect to the gap between two adjacent filter assemblies 200.

[0062] For example, the support member 130 can be fixedly connected to the return air frame 100 by welding to form a structure similar to a reinforcing rib, thereby improving the overall rigidity and deformation resistance of the return air frame 100. When multiple filter assemblies 200 are installed side by side, the support member 130 is positioned precisely between two adjacent filter assemblies 200, visually concealing the gaps and making the overall appearance of the return air vent neater and more uniform. Furthermore, the support member 130 can provide additional physical support for the filter assemblies 200, preventing them from sagging, deforming, or falling off due to long-term use, airflow impact, or external pressure, ensuring that the filter assemblies 200 are always in a flat working state, and improving the flatness and stability of the filter assembly installation.

[0063] The return air structure provided in this embodiment includes a return air frame 100 and a filter assembly 200. The return air frame 100 has a groove 110. A magnetic element 210 is provided on one side of the filter assembly 200, and a shock-absorbing element 220 is provided on the other side. When the filter assembly 200 is installed in the groove 110, the magnetic element 210 and the return air frame 100 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the shock-absorbing element 220 is located within the groove 110. By using the magnetic element 210 to install the filter assembly 200 within the groove 110 of the return air structure, no tools are needed for installation and maintenance; it can be disassembled by hand, improving the ease of installation and removal of the filter assembly 200. At the same time, the shock-absorbing element 220 on the other side of the filter assembly 200 provides cushioning, reducing the noise generated by the vibration of the filter assembly 200 during air conditioning operation, thus improving the user experience.

[0064] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioner, see reference. Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner includes a housing 300 and a return air structure as described in the above embodiment, with the return air frame 100 mounted on the housing 300.

[0065] It should be noted that the air conditioner can be a wall-mounted unit, floor-standing unit, ceiling-mounted unit, or ducted unit, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit it. By applying the return air structure of the above embodiment, it is convenient for users to disassemble the air conditioner's filter assembly 200, while reducing the noise generated during operation and improving the user experience.

[0066] If the return air structure has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments, then the air conditioner will have the beneficial effects of the above embodiments accordingly. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above embodiments, and this embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0067] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the housing 300 has a first return air inlet 310 and a second return air inlet 320. The return air direction of the first return air inlet 310 is different from that of the second return air inlet 320. The return air frame 100 is also provided with a return air cover 140. When the return air structure is installed on the housing 300, the return air cover 140 corresponds to one of the first return air inlet 310 and the second return air inlet 320, and the filter assembly 200 corresponds to the other of the first return air inlet 310 and the second return air inlet 320.

[0068] In this embodiment, the housing 300 is provided with at least two first return air inlets 310 and second return air inlets 320 in different directions. For example, the first return air inlet 310 is for side return air, and the second return air inlet 320 is for bottom return air. The return air cover 140 can be an airtight plate structure that can close the corresponding return air inlet after installation, preventing airflow. The return air frame 100 is designed to be compatible with both the first return air inlet 310 and the second return air inlet 320. By adjusting the installation position of the return air cover 140 and the filter assembly 200, the return air direction can be switched to meet the diverse installation scenarios of users.

[0069] In an optional implementation, the return air cover 140 is detachably mounted to the return air frame 100 by screws, and the screw holes on the return air cover 140, the return air frame 100 and the housing 300 must correspond to each other. After switching, they can share the same screw holes to adapt to different installation methods. When it is necessary to change the return air direction (such as due to installation location restrictions or changes in user needs), it is only necessary to remove the filter assembly 200 and the return air cover 140 and interchange their positions.

[0070] Optionally, to comply with electrical safety certifications, screw holes can be made on the fixed frame 250 and the return air frame 100, and the components can be secured with screws at the factory. These screws are not required after installation and disassembly. Furthermore, when the filter assembly 200 is fully installed inside the return air frame 100, it must be impossible to detach it from the return air frame 100.

[0071] In another alternative embodiment, the return air cover 140 and the return air frame 100 can be made into the same part and integrally formed. When it is necessary to change the return air direction, the return air structure can be completely removed, flipped at a certain angle, and reinstalled into the housing 300, so that the return air inlet positions corresponding to the filter assembly 200 and the return air cover 140 can be interchanged, thereby reducing the number of parts and improving assembly efficiency.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A return air structure, characterized in that, include: A return air frame, wherein the return air frame is provided with a groove; A filter assembly is provided with a magnetic element on one side and a shock-absorbing element on the other side. When the filter assembly is installed in the groove, the magnetic element is magnetically attracted to the return air frame, and the shock-absorbing element is located in the groove.

2. The return air structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return air frame is provided with a clearance notch, which corresponds to the magnetic component.

3. The return air structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly has a handle on the side near the magnetic component.

4. The return air structure of claim 1, wherein, The number of filter components is multiple, and the multiple filter components are installed side by side on the return air frame; And / or, the number of magnetic elements is multiple, and the multiple magnetic elements are spaced apart on the filter assembly.

5. The return air structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The return air frame is provided with a support member, and the support member is configured to correspond to the gap between two adjacent filter assemblies.

6. The return air structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly includes a filter screen and a fixed frame fixed around the filter screen. The magnetic component is installed on one side of the fixed frame, and the shock-absorbing component is disposed on the other side of the fixed frame.

7. The return air structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-section of the filter screen is wavy.

8. The return air structure of claim 6, wherein, The fixed frame is provided with a mounting base, and the magnetic component is fixed to the mounting base; Alternatively, the magnetic component may be bonded to the fixed frame.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: case; The return air structure according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the return air frame is mounted on the housing.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The housing has a first return air inlet and a second return air inlet, and the return air direction of the first return air inlet is different from that of the second return air inlet. The return air frame is also provided with a return air cover. When the return air structure is installed on the housing, the return air cover corresponds to one of the first return air inlet and the second return air inlet, and the filter assembly corresponds to the other of the first return air inlet and the second return air inlet.

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