Indoor unit shell, air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521784216.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-21
AI Technical Summary
[0006] Traditional top panel air inlets are mostly flat openings, which easily accumulate dust and hair on the top. Dust may also fall into the internal filter or evaporator through the air inlet, increasing the frequency of cleaning. The indoor unit housing provided by this utility model eliminates the original air inlet on the top panel and replaces it with a first air inlet at the connection between the top panel and the front frame. This reduces the dust accumulation area on the top plane and the structure of the edge gaps makes it less likely for dust to accumulate, indirectly reducing the rate of dust accumulation on internal components.
Smart Images

Figure CN224757260U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an indoor unit housing, an indoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] The air inlet of an air conditioner is a key structure for achieving indoor air circulation and temperature regulation. During cooling, indoor air enters the air conditioner through the inlet, flows through the evaporator, and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. During heating, the air is heated and then returned to the room through the outlet, forming a closed-loop circulation and thus lowering the indoor temperature. During heating, indoor air enters the air conditioner through the inlet, flows through the heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with hot water, thus heating the indoor air. It is then returned to the room through the outlet, thus raising the indoor temperature.
[0003] In existing technology, the air inlet of the indoor unit of an air conditioner is usually located on the ceiling, which is not only difficult to clean, but also affects the air intake efficiency when used in buildings with low ceilings due to its proximity to the ceiling. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model provides an indoor unit housing, an indoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner, to at least solve one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art.
[0005] This utility model provides an indoor unit housing, including a back panel, a top panel, a front frame, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels. The back panel is used to connect to a mounting base. One side of the top panel is connected to the back panel, and the other side of the top panel is connected to the front frame. The bottom panel and the top panel are arranged opposite to each other. The pair of side panels are arranged opposite to each other, and the outer periphery of the side panels is connected to the back panel, the top panel, and the front frame. The top panel is closed, and a first air inlet is provided at the connection between the top panel and the front frame. An air outlet is provided on the bottom side of the front frame.
[0006] Traditional top panel air inlets are mostly flat openings, which easily accumulate dust and hair on the top. Dust may also fall into the internal filter or evaporator through the air inlet, increasing the frequency of cleaning. The indoor unit housing provided by this utility model eliminates the original air inlet on the top panel and replaces it with a first air inlet at the connection between the top panel and the front frame. This reduces the dust accumulation area on the top plane and the structure of the edge gaps makes it less likely for dust to accumulate, indirectly reducing the rate of dust accumulation on internal components.
[0007] Meanwhile, the connection between the top plate and the front frame is usually closer to the front side that the user can reach, such as the upper edge of the front of the wall-mounted unit. When cleaning, the top surface can be reached by simply raising your hand. Users can more easily wipe the area near the first air inlet, and even the operation path when removing the filter is straighter, lowering the cleaning threshold.
[0008] In addition, the first air inlet at the connection between the top panel and the front frame is closer to the front, so there is almost no need to reserve extra space at the top. The requirements for the distance to the top when installing the air conditioner are lower, reducing the feeling of oppression and improving the space utilization of small apartments. It is more suitable for rooms with low ceilings.
[0009] According to the present invention, an indoor unit housing is provided, wherein a second air inlet is provided on each of the pair of side panels.
[0010] By combining the top-mounted first air inlet with the side-mounted second air inlets, a three-dimensional air intake network is formed, drawing in air from the ceiling and drawing in cool or warm air from the ceiling. The side air inlets simultaneously draw in air from the lower and middle parts of the room, creating a three-dimensional airflow circulation within the space and significantly reducing local temperature differences. The dual air inlets also increase the air intake area, directly improving the overall airflow and significantly enhancing cooling or heating efficiency without increasing power consumption.
[0011] According to the present invention, an indoor unit housing is provided with a filter structure at the second air inlet.
[0012] With the above structural design, the filter structure can adsorb and prevent dust from entering.
[0013] According to the present invention, an indoor unit housing is provided, wherein the filter structure is a mesh or a dust filter.
[0014] With the above structural design, the mesh or dust filter material is water-resistant and wipe-resistant, and does not need to be replaced regularly. The thickness of the mesh or dust filter is only 0.3-1mm, which will not increase the load-bearing burden of the side panel structure, nor will it require thickening the side panel to accommodate the thick filter. This makes the whole machine lighter and thinner, allowing it to be installed closer to the wall, further reducing the feeling of spatial oppression in low-ceilinged rooms.
[0015] According to the present invention, an indoor unit housing is provided, wherein a drain pipe arrangement hole is provided on one of the side plates, and a cover plate is detachably provided at the position of the drain pipe arrangement hole.
[0016] With the above structural design, when a drain pipe needs to be led out from the side panel, the cover plate can be removed to pass the pipe through the hole, avoiding the pipe from detouring around the bottom or back of the machine body and reducing right-angle turns of more than 90 degrees. If it is not necessary to lead out from the side panel, the cover plate can tightly seal the work area, ensuring the integrity of the side panel structure and preventing dust and insects from entering the machine body through the holes.
[0017] According to the present invention, an indoor unit housing is provided in which the drain pipe arrangement hole and the second air inlet are arranged diagonally.
[0018] With the above structure, the function of the second air inlet is to draw in indoor air, which needs to be kept stable and clean. The function of the drain pipe hole is to drain condensate, which needs to be kept away from water vapor diffusion and pipe interference. The diagonal arrangement of the two can cut off functional interference at the source.
[0019] According to the present invention, the area of the second air inlet accounts for one-third to two-thirds of the total area of the side panel.
[0020] With the above structural design, the air inlet area directly determines the air volume per unit time. Sufficient airflow through the evaporator (during cooling) or heat exchanger (during heating) is necessary for rapid heat exchange and indoor temperature regulation. If the air inlet area is less than one-third of the total side panel area, insufficient air intake cross-section will lead to a surge in wind resistance. If the air inlet area exceeds two-thirds of the total side panel area, although it can increase the air volume, it will result in excessively slow air intake speed, increasing the drainage burden, and it will also conflict with the matching of the filter structure.
[0021] The indoor unit housing provided by this utility model also includes a front panel, which is detachably connected to the front frame.
[0022] With the above structural design, the front frame is the key structure connecting the top panel and side panels, and the first air inlet and the front air outlet are both distributed around the front frame. After the front panel is removed, the user can directly expose the front frame area, easily clean the filter of the first air inlet, wipe the air guide plate and sweeping blades of the air outlet, and even conveniently disassemble related front components for maintenance.
[0023] This utility model also provides an air conditioner indoor unit, including the indoor unit housing as described above.
[0024] The air conditioner indoor unit provided by this utility model has the various advantages described above because it includes the indoor unit casing as described above.
[0025] This utility model also provides an air conditioner, including the indoor unit housing as described above or the air conditioner indoor unit as described above.
[0026] The air conditioner provided by this utility model, because it includes the indoor unit casing as described above or the air conditioner indoor unit as described above, can reduce the probability of dust accumulation, facilitate the cleaning of the air inlet, and is more suitable for use in rooms with low ceilings. Attached Figure Description
[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the indoor unit housing provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view of the indoor unit housing provided in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view of the indoor unit housing provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the indoor unit housing provided in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0032] Figure label: 1. Back panel; 2. Top panel; 3. Front frame; 4. Bottom panel; 5. Side panel; 6. First air inlet; 7. Second air inlet; 8. Filter structure; 9. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation
[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model. 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.
[0035] The following is combined Figures 1-4This utility model describes an indoor unit housing, typically referring to the housing of a wall-mounted air conditioner indoor unit. The indoor unit housing includes a back panel 1, a top panel 2, a front frame 3, a bottom panel 4, and a pair of side panels 5. The back panel 1 is used to connect to a mounting base, typically a wall. One side of the top panel 2 is connected to the back panel 1, and the other side is connected to the front frame 3. The bottom panel 4 is positioned opposite to the top panel 2, with both sides of the bottom panel 4 connected to the back panel 1 and the front frame 3, respectively. The pair of side panels 5 are positioned opposite to each other, and their outer peripheries are connected to the back panel 1, the top panel 2, and the front frame 3. The top panel 2 has its original air inlet removed and is enclosed; a first air inlet 6 is provided at the connection between the top panel 2 and the front frame 3. An air outlet is provided on the bottom side of the front frame 3.
[0036] Traditional top-mounted air inlets are located at the top of the unit, where dust easily accumulates. In contrast, the first air inlet 6 is positioned at the junction of the top panel 2 and the front frame 3, lower and more easily accessible. Users can easily clean the edges of the first air inlet 6 during routine cleaning, reducing the likelihood of dust entering the interior. Traditional top-mounted air inlets require a 5-10cm gap between the unit and the ceiling, while a closed top panel eliminates this need. The unit can be installed close to the ceiling, appearing more flush with the wall and reducing the perceived intrusion on ceiling height, making it suitable for low-ceilinged units.
[0037] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, a second air inlet 7 is provided on each of the pair of side panels 5. Based on the first air inlet 6 at the top, this embodiment combines the second air inlets 7 on both sides to form a three-dimensional air intake network of upward drawing and side suction. The first air inlet 6 preferentially draws in hot or cold air near the ceiling, while the second air inlets 7 on the side panels simultaneously draw in air from the lower middle part of the room, so that the airflow forms a three-dimensional circulation in the space, significantly reducing the local temperature difference.
[0038] The placement of the first air inlet 6 and the second air inlet 7 increases the air intake area and improves the overall airflow of the unit. Since the first air inlet 6 and the second air inlet 7 do not rely on ceiling space, the ceiling clearance requirement is reduced, making it especially suitable for small apartments with a ceiling height of less than 2.5m. Combined with the first air inlet 6, the unit can be installed closer to the wall, reducing the feeling of confinement and freeing up overhead storage space.
[0039] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, a filter structure 8 is provided at the second air inlet 7. The filter structure 8 may include a pre-filter layer, a main filter layer, and a support layer. The pre-filter layer is made of coarse nylon mesh to intercept large particulate pollutants such as hair and lint, preventing them from clogging the subsequent precision filter material. The main filter layer may be made of glass fiber filter paper, which can effectively filter fine particles such as PM2.5, pollen, and bacteria. The support layer may be made of an aluminum alloy frame and PET non-woven fabric to enhance structural strength and prevent filter material deformation.
[0040] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, the filter structure 8 is a mesh or dust filter. The pore size of the mesh or dust filter is typically 0.5-2mm, which can efficiently intercept common indoor impurities such as hair and large dust particles, preventing them from entering the machine body and adhering to the evaporator or fan, thus reducing the decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by dust accumulation. The porosity of the mesh or dust filter can reach 60%, resulting in extremely low wind resistance. Combined with the second air inlet 7 on the side panel, it can ensure that the air intake is not significantly affected. The mesh or dust filter is only 0.3-1mm thick, lightweight, and will not increase the load-bearing burden on the side panel structure. It also eliminates the need to thicken the side panel to accommodate a thick filter, making the whole machine lighter and thinner, allowing for installation closer to the ceiling, further reducing the feeling of spatial oppression in low-ceilinged rooms.
[0041] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, a drain pipe arrangement hole is provided on one of the side plates 5, and a cover plate 9 is detachably installed at the location of the drain pipe arrangement hole. The drain pipe arrangement hole and the cover plate 9 are typically connected by a snap-fit or magnetic connection, and with the help of a rubber sealing ring, they can effectively block external airflow and dust. The material of the cover plate 9 is mostly the same as that of the side plate 5, and its installation thickness forms an integral plane with the side plate 5, avoiding local structural weakness caused by the hole. The shape of the cover plate 9 is consistent with that of the drain pipe arrangement hole. The above structure not only solves the pain point of fixed drain pipe direction in traditional air conditioners, but also ensures the structural integrity and safety of the indoor unit casing through details.
[0042] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, the drain pipe arrangement hole and the second air inlet 7 are arranged diagonally. The side plate 5, as an important supporting component of the indoor unit casing, must simultaneously bear the weight of components such as the filter structure and air inlet, and withstand the vibrations during fan operation. If the drain pipe arrangement hole is adjacent to the cover plate 9, it will result in densely packed openings in a localized area, weakening the structural strength of the side plate 5. The diagonal arrangement disperses the two functional openings in the diagonal area of the side plate 5, reducing localized stress loads through spatial dispersion, making the stress on the side plate 5 more even, and significantly improving its resistance to deformation. Especially during transportation and installation, it can reduce the risk of structural damage caused by the openings.
[0043] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, the area of the second air inlet 7 occupies one-third to two-thirds of the total area of the side plate 5. This represents a precise balance between air intake efficiency, structural strength, and functional synergy. The area of the air inlet directly determines the air volume per unit time, and the air volume is the core variable of air conditioning heat exchange. Sufficient airflow through the evaporator or heat exchanger is necessary to quickly complete heat exchange and achieve indoor temperature regulation. If the area is less than one-third of the total area of the side plate, insufficient air intake cross-section will lead to a surge in wind resistance. If the area exceeds two-thirds of the total area of the side plate, although it can increase the air volume, it will cause two problems: first, the air intake speed is too slow, and the airflow stays on the evaporator surface for too long, which may lead to excessive local condensation and increase the drainage burden; second, it contradicts the matching with the filter structure 8. The filter area needs to match the air inlet. An oversized filter not only increases costs but also causes excessive load on the installation structure due to its own weight, making it prone to loosening or deformation.
[0044] In one feasible embodiment of this utility model, a front panel (not shown in the figure) is also included, which is detachably connected to the front frame 3. The front frame 3 is a key structure connecting the top plate 2 and the side plate 5, and the first air inlet 6 and the air outlet are distributed around the front frame 3. After the front panel is removed, the user can directly expose the area of the front frame 3, easily clean the filter of the first air inlet 6, wipe the air guide plate and the sweeping blades of the air outlet, and conveniently disassemble the relevant front components for maintenance.
[0045] In summary, the indoor unit housing provided by this utility model, which changes the first air inlet 6 and the second air inlet 7 from top air inlet to side air inlet, can reduce the probability of dust accumulation, facilitate the cleaning of the first air inlet 6 and the second air inlet 7, and is more suitable for use in rooms with low ceiling height.
[0046] A second aspect of this utility model provides an indoor air conditioning unit, including an indoor unit housing as described in any of the preceding embodiments.
[0047] The air conditioner indoor unit provided by this utility model includes the indoor unit casing as described above, which reduces the probability of dust accumulation, facilitates cleaning of the air inlet, and is suitable for use in rooms with low ceilings.
[0048] The third aspect of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner, including an indoor unit housing as described above or an air conditioner indoor unit as described above.
[0049] Since the air conditioner in this embodiment adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.
[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, 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 utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "method," "specific method," or "some methods," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or method is included in at least one embodiment or method of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or method. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or methods. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or methods described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or methods.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. An indoor unit housing, characterized in that, It includes a back plate (1), a top plate (2), a front frame (3), a bottom plate (4), and a pair of side plates (5). The back plate (1) is used to connect with the mounting base. One side of the top plate (2) is connected to the back plate (1), and the other side of the top plate (2) is connected to the front frame (3). The bottom plate (4) and the top plate (2) are arranged opposite to each other. The pair of side plates (5) are arranged opposite to each other, and the outer periphery of the side plates (5) is connected to the back plate (1), the top plate (2), and the front frame (3). The top plate (2) is closed, and a first air inlet (6) is provided at the connection between the top plate (2) and the front frame (3). An air outlet is provided on the bottom side of the front frame (3).
2. The indoor unit housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second air inlet (7) is provided on each of the two side plates (5).
3. The indoor unit housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, A filter structure (8) is provided at the second air inlet (7).
4. The indoor unit housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter structure (8) is a mesh or dust filter.
5. The indoor unit housing according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, One of the side plates (5) has a drain pipe arrangement hole, and the drain pipe arrangement hole is detachably connected to a cover plate (9).
6. The indoor unit housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drainage pipe arrangement hole and the second air inlet (7) are arranged diagonally.
7. The indoor unit housing according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The area of the second air inlet (7) accounts for one-third to two-thirds of the total area of the side plate (5).
8. The indoor unit housing according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, It also includes a front panel, which is detachably connected to the front frame (3) at the location of the front panel.
9. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the indoor unit housing as described in any one of claims 1-8.
10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the indoor unit housing as described in any one of claims 1-8 or the air conditioning indoor unit as described in claim 9.