Air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and provides an air conditioner including an outdoor unit, a snow and rain collection cover, a water production device, a water supply device, and a humidification device. The snow and rain collection cover is located on top of the outdoor unit; the water production device includes a condenser, which is disposed on the snow and rain collection cover for heat exchange; the water supply device includes a water supply pipe and a first water receiving tray connected to the water supply pipe, which is disposed at the bottom of the snow and rain collection cover; the humidification device is connected to the water supply pipe. By collecting rainwater and snow water by setting a snow and rain collection cover on top of the outdoor unit, and by exchanging heat between the condenser of the water production device and the snow and rain collection cover to melt the snow to obtain snow melt water, the collected rainwater and snow melt water replenish the water source of the humidification device. When the air conditioner is heating, it humidifies the indoor air, effectively increasing the absolute moisture content of the indoor air, thereby significantly improving the relative humidity and enhancing the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, when using an air conditioner for heating in winter, the indoor air is heated, and the air temperature rises, which directly leads to an increase in the saturated water vapor partial pressure of the air, resulting in a significant decrease in relative humidity. This makes people feel dry indoors and affects the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an air conditioner to solve the problem that low indoor relative humidity during heating in existing air conditioners affects the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] Outdoor unit;

[0006] A rain and snow collection cover is installed on top of the outdoor unit;

[0007] A water production device includes a condenser, which is disposed on the rain and snow collection hood to exchange heat with the rain and snow collection hood;

[0008] A water conveying device includes a water conveying pipe and a first water receiving tray connected to the water conveying pipe, the first water receiving tray being disposed at the bottom of the rain and snow collection cover;

[0009] A humidification device is connected to the water supply pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the water production device further includes a first compressor, a third electronic expansion valve, and a first heat exchanger arranged in sequence, and the condenser is connected between the outlet of the first compressor and the third electronic expansion valve.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the water production device further includes:

[0012] Second heat exchanger;

[0013] The second four-way valve; the four ports of the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the inlet and outlet of the first compressor;

[0014] A second electronic expansion valve is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the water conveying device further includes a second water receiving tray connected to the water conveying pipe, and the bottom of both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is provided with the second water receiving tray.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the water production device further includes an installation box and a first fan. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are respectively disposed on both sides of the installation box, and the first fan is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the direction of the first fan is adjustable.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, a partition is provided in the middle of the mounting box, which divides the mounting box into a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are respectively accommodated in the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity;

[0018] The partition is equipped with a flow guide ring, and the first fan is installed in the flow guide ring.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the first mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable first damper and a third damper; and the second mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable second damper and a fourth damper.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner further includes:

[0021] Indoor unit;

[0022] The fresh air device includes a second fan and an air supply duct. The second fan is connected to the indoor unit through the air supply duct, and the humidification device is connected to the air supply duct.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the outdoor unit includes a second compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the second compressor;

[0024] The water supply device also includes a third water receiving tray, which is located at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger and connected to the water supply pipe.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, a decontamination device is provided between the first water receiving tray and the humidification device;

[0026] And / or, a water storage device is provided between the first water receiving tray and the humidification device.

[0027] The air conditioner provided in this application includes an outdoor unit, a snow and rain collection cover, a water production device, a water supply device, and a humidification device. The snow and rain collection cover is located on top of the outdoor unit. The water production device includes a condenser, which is disposed within the snow and rain collection cover for heat exchange. The water supply device includes a water pipe and a first water receiving tray connected to the water pipe, which is located at the bottom of the snow and rain collection cover. The humidification device is connected to the water pipe. By collecting rainwater and snow water through the snow and rain collection cover on top of the outdoor unit, and by exchanging heat between the condenser of the water production device and the snow and rain collection cover to melt the snow and obtain melted snow water, the collected rainwater and melted snow water replenish the water source for the humidification device. When the air conditioner is heating, it humidifies the indoor air, effectively increasing the absolute moisture content of the indoor air, thereby significantly improving the relative humidity and enhancing the user experience.

[0028] 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

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the water production device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams illustrating the different operating modes of the water production device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the humidifier and the fresh air device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 100. Outdoor unit; 110. Second compressor; 120. Outdoor heat exchanger; 130. First four-way valve; 140. First electronic expansion valve;

[0038] 200. Rain and snow collection cover;

[0039] 300. Water production unit; 310. First compressor; 320. Condenser; 330. Third electronic expansion valve; 340. First heat exchanger; 350. Second heat exchanger; 360. Second four-way valve; 370. Second electronic expansion valve; 380. Mounting box; 390. First fan; 381. Baffle plate; 382. Guide ring; 391. First damper; 392. Second damper; 393. Third damper; 394. Fourth damper;

[0040] 400. Water conveying device; 410. First water receiving tray; 420. Second water receiving tray; 430. Third water receiving tray; 440. Water conveying pipe; 450. Decontamination equipment; 460. Water storage device;

[0041] 500. Humidification device;

[0042] 600. Indoor unit; 610. Indoor heat exchanger;

[0043] 700. Fresh air unit; 710. Second fan; 720. Air supply duct. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In related technologies, room air conditioners are now widespread, and heat pump heating is one of their most important functions. Residents south of the Qinling-Huaihe line in my country mostly do not have centralized heating in winter. Except for Hainan province, which has relatively warm winters, and parts of Guangdong and Guangxi, other areas have a need for heating in winter, such as Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi. Previously, people mostly relied on stoves for heating in winter, but now more and more people are using the heat pump heating function of air conditioners to save electricity. However, after using air conditioning for heating, people often feel dry mouth and throat, which is very uncomfortable. This is because after the indoor air is heated, the air temperature rises, but the moisture content remains the same, causing a decrease in relative humidity. The relative humidity that humans feel most comfortable with is 40% to 60%. When the relative humidity is below 40%, dry mouth and throat occur, causing discomfort.

[0050] When an air conditioner is running in heating mode during winter, the room receives heat, and the temperature rises. However, because the indoor air is heated in a dry-type manner, the moisture content remains unchanged, while the saturated water vapor partial pressure increases with the rise in temperature. This leads to a decrease in the relative humidity of the indoor air. Humans are primarily sensitive to relative humidity, feeling comfortable at 40%–60%, while their perception of moisture content or absolute humidity is less noticeable. Therefore, people feel significantly drier after turning on an air conditioner's heat pump for heating in winter. To maintain relative humidity within a comfortable range for humans, it is necessary to humidify the air conditioner while it is heating.

[0051] For room air conditioners, ease of installation, convenient use, and stable and reliable quality are all very important. Some humidifying air conditioners require connection to a tap water pipe, which is not only troublesome to install, but also prone to freezing in winter. Others use bottled distilled water for humidification, requiring frequent water tank changes or manual water refills, resulting in low automation and a reduced user experience.

[0052] This application provides an air conditioner to solve the problem that low indoor relative humidity during heating in existing air conditioners affects the user experience. The following will be discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-5 Explanation (the arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of refrigerant flow).

[0053] The heat exchange system provided in this application embodiment is referenced. Figures 1-2 As shown, the device includes an outdoor unit 100, a snow and rain collection cover 200, a water production device 300, a water supply device 400, and a humidification device 500. The snow and rain collection cover 200 is installed on top of the outdoor unit 100. The water production device 300 includes a condenser 320, which is installed on the snow and rain collection cover 200 to exchange heat with it. The water supply device 400 includes a water supply pipe 440 and a first water receiving tray 410 connected to the water supply pipe 440. The first water receiving tray 410 is installed at the bottom of the snow and rain collection cover 200. The humidification device 500 is connected to the water supply pipe 440.

[0054] For example, the rain and snow collection device can be a roof-like structure, and the sides of the rain and snow collection cover 200 have a certain tilt angle to facilitate efficient collection of naturally falling rainwater and snow. On the other hand, the rain and snow collection cover 200 can also provide shelter for the outdoor unit 100, playing a certain protective role.

[0055] The water production device 300 includes a condenser 320, which is configured to exchange heat with a snow and rain collection hood 200 to heat the hood 200, thereby melting the snow accumulated on the hood 200 to obtain liquid snow melt water during winter snowfall. Specifically, the coil of the condenser 320 can extend along the extension direction of the snow and rain collection hood 200 to achieve sufficient and efficient heat exchange with it.

[0056] Rainwater and snowmelt collected by the rain and snow collection hood 200 flow naturally into the first water receiving tray 410 below the hood, and are then transported by gravity through the water supply pipe 440 to the humidification device 500 for humidification. The humidification device 500 can employ various atomization methods such as ultrasonic atomization, centrifugal atomization, or wet film evaporation. When the air conditioner is in heating mode and the indoor fan blows out warm, dry air, the humidification device 500 starts simultaneously, atomizing the water from the water supply pipe 440 into micron-sized water mist or water vapor. These moist particles are then carried by the warm air and evenly diffused throughout the indoor space, thereby directly and effectively increasing the relative humidity of the indoor air.

[0057] Optionally, the first water tray 410 may be equipped with a filter screen to remove leaves and debris and prevent the water pipe 440 from becoming clogged.

[0058] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water production device 300 also includes a first compressor 310, a third electronic expansion valve 330 and a first heat exchanger 340 arranged in sequence, and a condenser 320 connected between the outlet of the first compressor 310 and the third electronic expansion valve 330.

[0059] In this embodiment, when it snows outdoors in winter, the control system can activate the water production device 300 to melt the snow and obtain liquid water using the condensing heat of the compressor. Specifically, the first compressor 310 starts, compressing the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the condenser 320. The coil of the condenser 320 is in close contact with the snow and rain collection hood 200, and heat is efficiently transferred through the coil wall to the snow and rain collection hood 200 and the snow on its surface. During this process, the refrigerant releases heat to the snow, serving as a heat source for melting the snow. The heat exchange efficiency is fast, which can significantly improve the snow melting efficiency.

[0060] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water production device 300 also includes a second heat exchanger 350, a second four-way valve 360, and a second electronic expansion valve 370. The four ports of the second four-way valve 360 ​​are respectively connected to the first heat exchanger 340, the second heat exchanger 350, and the inlet and outlet of the first compressor 310. The second electronic expansion valve 370 is disposed between the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350.

[0061] In this embodiment, the water production device 300 has different operating modes, and the refrigerant flow direction is different in different operating modes, thereby realizing the continuous frosting and defrosting of the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 to produce water. (Refer to...) Figure 3As shown, the specific principles of its different working modes are as follows:

[0062] In the first operating mode, the third electronic expansion valve 330 is fully open, and the second electronic expansion valve 370 acts as a throttling valve. Part of the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the first compressor 310 flows through the condenser 320 to exchange heat and melt snow on the rain and snow collection cover 200, and then flows through the third electronic expansion valve 330 and enters the second electronic expansion valve 370 for throttling. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the second four-way valve 360 ​​and flows along the direction of the solid arrow in the figure through the first heat exchanger 340 to melt the frost layer on the surface of the first heat exchanger 340, and then enters the second electronic expansion valve 370 to merge and throttle. The throttled refrigerant then passes through the second heat exchanger 350, where it frosts on the surface of the coils, and then returns to the inlet of the first compressor 310.

[0063] In the second operating mode, both the second electronic expansion valve 370 and the third electronic expansion valve 330 function as throttling valves. Part of the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the first compressor 310 flows through the condenser 320 to exchange heat and melt snow on the rain and snow collection cover 200. After passing through the third electronic expansion valve 330 for throttling, it enters the first heat exchanger 340, causing frost to form on the surface of the first heat exchanger 340. The other part of the refrigerant passes through the second four-way valve 360 ​​and flows along the direction of the dotted arrow in the figure through the second heat exchanger 350 to melt the frost layer on the surface of the second heat exchanger 350 to obtain defrosting water. Then it enters the second electronic expansion valve 370 for throttling. The throttled refrigerant enters the first heat exchanger 340, further causing frost to form on the surface of the first heat exchanger 340, and then returns to the inlet of the first compressor 310.

[0064] In the third operating mode, the third electronic expansion valve 330 acts as a throttling valve, and the second electronic expansion valve 370 closes to stop flow. At this time, the surface of the first heat exchanger 340 is frosted, and the second heat exchanger 350 is idle. Part of the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the first compressor 310 flows through the condenser 320 to exchange heat and melt snow on the rain and snow collection cover 200, then flows through the third electronic expansion valve 330 for throttling, and then enters the first heat exchanger 340, causing the surface of the first heat exchanger 340 to be frosted. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows into the inlet of the first compressor 310; the other part of the refrigerant passes through the second four-way valve 360 ​​and flows along the direction of the dotted arrow in the figure through the second heat exchanger 350, and then flows into the second electronic expansion valve 370 to stop.

[0065] Regardless of the operating mode, the control system can transfer heat to the snow and rain collection hood 200 through the condenser 320 to melt the snow.

[0066] By controlling the water production device 300 to operate and switch between different modes, the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 can alternately cycle through frosting and defrosting. This allows the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 to alternately perform the functions of evaporator and condenser. When one heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, absorbing heat from the air and causing water vapor to sublimate and frost, the other heat exchanger acts as a condenser, releasing heat to melt the previously accumulated frost layer. This cycle repeats continuously, allowing the system to continuously convert gaseous water in the air into liquid defrosting water, thus providing a stable and reliable water supply to the humidification device 500.

[0067] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water supply device 400 also includes a second water receiving tray 420 connected to the water supply pipe 440, and the bottom of the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 are both provided with the second water receiving tray 420.

[0068] In this embodiment, a water collection tray is added to the bottom of the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350. When the first heat exchanger 340 operates as an evaporator, its surface temperature is below freezing, and water vapor in the air sublimates on its surface, forming a frost layer. When the system switches modes via the second four-way valve 360, and the first heat exchanger 340 becomes a condenser, its coil temperature rapidly rises to above 0°C. The frost layer adhering to its surface begins to melt, forming liquid water. Under the action of gravity, this defrosting water drips down the fins and coils of the heat exchanger into the second water collection tray 420 below, and then flows into the humidification device 500 through the water supply pipe 440 for humidification. The second heat exchanger 350 operates similarly.

[0069] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the water production device 300 also includes a mounting box 380 and a first fan 390. The first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 are respectively disposed on both sides of the mounting box 380. The first fan 390 is disposed between the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350, and the direction of the first fan 390 is adjustable.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 are arranged side by side on both sides of the mounting box 380, and the first fan 390 is located between the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 to force air convection. The airflow direction of the first fan 390 can be controlled by reversing the fan, or the airflow direction can be adjusted by setting an additional rotating mechanism. The basic principle is that the evaporator is located on the suction side of the first fan 390, and the condenser is located on the exhaust side of the first fan 390, so that the first heat exchanger 340 can improve the frosting effect as an evaporator and the condensation effect as a condenser.

[0071] Optionally, the first fan 390 is a propeller-type axial flow fan.

[0072] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a partition 381 is provided in the middle of the mounting box 380, which divides the mounting box 380 into a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity. The first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 are respectively housed in the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity. A guide ring 382 is installed on the partition 381, and the first fan 390 is installed in the guide ring 382. The guide ring 382 can be an annular structure, which functions similarly to the volute of a fan, guiding the airflow towards the first heat exchanger 340 or the second heat exchanger 350 to form a directional and concentrated airflow.

[0073] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable first damper 391 and a third damper 393; and the second mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable second damper 392 and a fourth damper 394.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first damper 391 and the third damper 393 are located on different sides of the first heat exchanger 340, and the second damper 392 and the fourth damper 394 are located on different sides of the second heat exchanger 350. Air intake or exhaust is achieved by switching the flow direction of the first fan 390. The first damper 391, the second damper 392, the third damper 393, and the fourth damper 394 are all dampers with adjustable flow area, such as louvered dampers or spiral dampers, and can be fully open, fully closed, or partially open. By adjusting the opening degree of each damper, the airflow through the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350 can be adjusted respectively, achieving the best frosting and defrosting effect.

[0075] In one application scenario, condensate can be generated using a water production device: when the outdoor temperature is not too low (outdoor ambient temperature 4℃ or above), the water production device 300 can directly condense and collect water. At this time, the second four-way valve 360 ​​is not energized, and the refrigeration cycle of the water production device 300 circulates in the direction of the solid arrow. The first heat exchanger 340 acts as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 350 acts as an evaporator. The first heat exchanger 340 requires a large airflow to lower the condensation temperature. The second heat exchanger 350, as an evaporator, needs to cool the evaporator coils to below the outdoor dew point temperature but above 0℃ (since frost forms below 0℃), so the second heat exchanger 350 only requires a small amount of airflow. At this point, the first damper 391 can be fully opened, the third damper 393 closed, the second damper 392 partially opened (e.g., 30%), and the fourth damper 394 partially opened (e.g., 70%). The motor of the first fan 390 rotates counterclockwise (viewed from left to right). Air enters through the second damper 392 and the fourth damper 394 and exits through the first damper 391. The air blown out from the first damper 391 is warmer than the outdoor temperature and is directly blown onto the outdoor heat exchanger 120 of the outdoor unit 100 for heat recovery. As a result, the airflow to the second heat exchanger 350 is not very large, and the coil temperature is low, which is beneficial for obtaining more condensate. The first heat exchanger 340 receives air cooled by the second heat exchanger 350 on the right and supplemented by air from the fourth damper 394, resulting in a larger airflow, better condensation effect, and reduced power consumption.

[0076] In another application scenario, the water production device 300 can produce frost and melt it into water: When the outdoor ambient temperature is 3℃ or below, the dew point temperature of the outdoor air is close to or below 0℃. At this time, condensate cannot be collected directly. Instead, the moisture in the air must first be condensed into frost, and then the frost can be melted to obtain water. Initially, the second four-way valve 360 ​​is not energized, and the refrigeration system circulates in the direction of the solid arrow. The first heat exchanger 340 is the condenser, and the second heat exchanger 350 is the evaporator. The damper and fan first form frost on the second heat exchanger 350 on the right side, as described in the above application scenario. When the frost layer is thick enough to meet the defrosting requirements, the second four-way valve 360 ​​is energized and reversed. The refrigeration system of the water production device 300 circulates in the direction of the dashed arrow. The second heat exchanger 350 on the right side becomes the condenser, and the first heat exchanger 340 on the left side becomes the evaporator. The second damper 392 is closed, the fourth damper 394 is fully open, the third damper 393 is fully closed, and the first damper 391 is fully open. The fan rotates slowly counterclockwise, blowing air from right to left. The second heat exchanger 350 on the right side defrosts, producing water, while the first heat exchanger 340 on the left side frosts. Once the second heat exchanger 350 on the right side has finished defrosting, if the frost thickness on the first heat exchanger 340 on the left side has reached the defrosting requirement, the second four-way valve 360 ​​is de-energized and reversed, turning the first heat exchanger 340 into a condenser and the second heat exchanger 350 into an evaporator, repeating the previous frosting and defrosting process.

[0077] If the frost buildup on the first heat exchanger 340 on the left is not thick enough, the unit damper is partially opened (e.g., 30%), the third damper 393 is partially opened (e.g., 70%), and the second damper 392 is fully opened. The fan rotates clockwise, blowing air from left to right to achieve optimal frosting on the first heat exchanger 340 and optimal condensation on the second heat exchanger 350 on the right. Once the frost layer on the first heat exchanger 340 reaches the required thickness, the second four-way valve 360 ​​is de-energized and reversed, turning the first heat exchanger 340 into a condenser and the second heat exchanger 350 into an evaporator, repeating the frosting and defrosting process. By continuously switching between evaporator and condenser functions on the first heat exchanger 340 and the second heat exchanger 350, frost is built up and defrosted simultaneously, continuously producing condensate to achieve the water production target.

[0078] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner also includes an indoor unit 600 and a fresh air device 700. The fresh air device 700 includes a second fan 710 and an air supply duct 720. The second fan 710 is connected to the indoor unit 600 through the air supply duct 720, and the humidifying device 500 is connected to the air supply duct 720.

[0079] In this embodiment, the fresh air device 700 and the humidifier 500 can use the same second fan 710 and the same air supply duct 720 to supply air. For example, when the humidifier 500 adopts ultrasonic humidification, the humidification and fresh air supply of the air conditioner can be carried out simultaneously.

[0080] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit 100 includes a second compressor 110 and an outdoor heat exchanger 120 connected to the second compressor 110; the water supply device 400 also includes a third water receiving tray 430, which is disposed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and connected to the water supply pipe 440.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is used for heating, the outdoor heat exchanger 120 of the outdoor unit 100 acts as an evaporator, and frost will form on its surface. After the defrosting function is turned on, the surface of the evaporator is defrosted. The defrosting water can be collected through the third water tray 430 and transported to the humidification device 500 through the water pipe 440 to provide a water source for the humidification device 500.

[0082] In this embodiment, the humidification device 500 of the air conditioner obtains water from three sources: the first is natural rainwater or snow, the second is condensate or frost produced by the outdoor heat exchanger 120 during heating, and the third is water produced by a dedicated water production device 300, which does not require connection to a tap water pipe or the provision of purified water.

[0083] In an alternative implementation, to save energy, the humidifier 500 preferentially uses condensate or defrost water from the outdoor heat exchanger 120 of the air conditioner, then uses water collected from rain and snow, and finally uses water generated by the water production device 300 when water supply is insufficient. The collected water must be purified and softened before entering the humidifier 500 for humidification.

[0084] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner's refrigeration system also includes a second compressor 110, a first four-way valve 130, a first electronic expansion valve 140, and an indoor heat exchanger 610.

[0085] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, a decontamination device 450 is provided between the first water receiving tray 410 and the humidification device 500. The rainwater and snowmelt water collected by the first water receiving tray 410 are cleaned of dust and other impurities by the decontamination device, and then the relatively pure water is introduced into the humidification device 500 for humidification.

[0086] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, a water storage device 460 is provided between the first water receiving tray 410 and the humidification device 500. The water storage device 460 is used to store water, which can store more water during rain or snow, reducing the operating time of the water storage equipment and saving energy. At the same time, the water storage device 460 can also integrate purification and softening functions to treat the water quality.

[0087] The air conditioner provided in this application embodiment includes an outdoor unit 100, a snow and rain collection cover 200, a water production device 300, a water supply device 400, and a humidification device 500. The snow and rain collection cover 200 is installed on top of the outdoor unit 100. The water production device 300 includes a condenser 320, which is disposed on the snow and rain collection cover 200 to exchange heat with the snow and rain collection cover 200. The water supply device 400 includes a water supply pipe 440 and a first water receiving tray 410 connected to the water supply pipe 440. The first water receiving tray 410 is disposed at the bottom of the snow and rain collection cover 200. The humidification device 500 is connected to the water supply pipe 440. Rainwater and snow water are collected by a rain and snow collection cover 200 installed on the top of the outdoor unit 100. The snow can be melted by heat exchange between the condenser 320 of the water production device 300 and the rain and snow collection cover 200 to obtain snow melt water. The collected rainwater and snow melt water are used to replenish the water source of the humidification device 500. When the air conditioner is heating, it humidifies the room, effectively increasing the absolute humidity of the indoor air, thereby significantly improving the relative humidity and enhancing the user experience.

[0088] It should be noted that the air conditioner in this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, wall-mounted, floor-standing, and ceiling-mounted air conditioning equipment.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: include: Outdoor unit; A rain and snow collection cover is installed on top of the outdoor unit; A water production device includes a condenser, which is disposed on the rain and snow collection hood to exchange heat with the rain and snow collection hood; A water conveying device includes a water conveying pipe and a first water receiving tray connected to the water conveying pipe, the first water receiving tray being disposed at the bottom of the rain and snow collection cover; A humidification device is connected to the water supply pipe.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The water production device also includes a first compressor, a third electronic expansion valve, and a first heat exchanger arranged in sequence, with the condenser connected between the outlet of the first compressor and the third electronic expansion valve.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The water production device also includes: Second heat exchanger; The second four-way valve; the four ports of the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the inlet and outlet of the first compressor; A second electronic expansion valve is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The water conveying device also includes a second water receiving tray connected to the water conveying pipe, and the bottom of both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is provided with the second water receiving tray.

5. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The water production device also includes an installation box and a first fan. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are respectively disposed on both sides of the installation box. The first fan is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the direction of the first fan is adjustable.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein A partition is provided in the middle of the mounting box, which divides the mounting box into a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are respectively housed in the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity; The partition is equipped with a flow guide ring, and the first fan is installed in the flow guide ring.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable first air door and a third air door; and the second mounting cavity is provided with an openable and closable second air door and a fourth air door.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: Indoor unit; The fresh air device includes a second fan and an air supply duct. The second fan is connected to the indoor unit through the air supply duct, and the humidification device is connected to the air supply duct.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outdoor unit includes a second compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the second compressor; The water supply device also includes a third water receiving tray, which is located at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger and connected to the water supply pipe.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, A decontamination device is provided between the first water receiving tray and the humidification device; And / or, a water storage device is provided between the first water receiving tray and the humidification device.

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