Panel assembly and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of air conditioner provides a panel assembly and air conditioner, panel assembly can be dismantled and installed in air conditioner, the air conditioner includes panel frame, the panel assembly includes: panel, is suitable for installing in panel frame, sealing strip, two sealing strips are respectively arranged in the both sides of panel along horizontal direction, is suitable for installing between panel and panel frame, the panel is suspended relative to panel frame and sets up. The utility model is used to solve the defect that the decorative panel structure of cabinet type air conditioner in the prior art is complex, the installation process is complicated and the poor defect of beautiful, realizes the panel structure and installation of simplification, improves the appearance of whole machine simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a panel assembly and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Common air conditioner indoor units include wall-mounted, cabinet, and built-in types. Cabinet air conditioners are not only suitable for temperature regulation in large spaces, but their appearance is also of great interest.

[0003] Existing decorative structures used on the front wall of cabinet air conditioners typically take the form of decorative panel assemblies. These assemblies are composed of multiple layers of panels, and some also include fixing strips or edging structures along the edges of the panels. During assembly, the decorative panel assemblies must be assembled first, and then installed onto the air conditioner. This complex installation process increases labor costs. Furthermore, the decorative panel assemblies directly cover the entire front side of the air conditioner panel frame, resulting in a lack of visual depth and a plain, unattractive appearance. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a panel assembly and an air conditioner to solve the defects of the existing cabinet air conditioner, such as complex decorative panel structure, cumbersome installation process and poor aesthetics, thereby simplifying the panel structure and installation, while improving the overall appearance of the unit.

[0005] This utility model provides a panel assembly that is detachably installed in an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a panel frame, and the panel assembly includes: A panel, adapted for mounting on the panel frame; Sealing strips, two of which are respectively disposed on both sides of the panel in the horizontal direction, are suitable for installation between the panel and the panel frame; The panel is suspended relative to the panel frame.

[0006] According to the present invention, a panel assembly includes a vertically extending main body and two extensions connected to the horizontal sides of the main body. The extensions extend in an arc shape toward the inner side of the main body, the inner end of the extensions abuts against the sealing strip, and the extensions cover the sealing strip from the front.

[0007] According to the present invention, the outer side of the sealing strip is recessed.

[0008] According to the present invention, a panel assembly is provided in which the inner sidewall of the inner end of the extension is provided with a mounting surface, and the sealing strip is provided with a first rib, the first rib abutting against the mounting surface.

[0009] According to the present invention, a panel assembly includes a top plate connected to the top of the main body and the extension, and a bottom plate connected to the bottom of the main body and the extension. The air conditioner includes a top seat disposed at the top of the panel frame and a base disposed at the bottom of the panel frame. The top plate overlaps the edge of the top seat, and the bottom plate is spaced apart from the base.

[0010] According to the present invention, a panel assembly is provided in which a first notch is provided on both sides of the top plate in the horizontal direction, a first support plate is provided on the top of the sealing strip, and the first support plate is disposed between the first notch and the top seat. The base plate has a second notch on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the bottom of the sealing strip has a second support plate, which is located at the second notch.

[0011] According to the present utility model, a panel assembly is provided with a plurality of first buckles on the side of the main body facing the panel frame, and the panel frame is provided with first buckle holes adapted to be installed with the first buckles; The extension is provided with a plurality of second buckles on the side facing the panel frame, and the panel frame is provided with second buckle holes adapted to be installed with the second buckles.

[0012] According to the present invention, a panel assembly is provided with a plurality of first screw posts on the side of the main body facing the panel frame, and the panel frame is provided with first screw holes corresponding to the first screw posts.

[0013] According to the present invention, a panel assembly is provided in which the sealing strip is provided with a plurality of third buckles, and the panel frame is provided with third buckle holes adapted to be installed with the third buckles; The sealing strip is provided with a fixing plate that extends into the inner side of the panel frame. The fixing plate is provided with a second screw hole, and the panel frame is provided with a second screw post corresponding to the second screw hole. The sealing strip is provided with a second rib, and the fixing plate is disposed on the second rib.

[0014] This utility model also provides an air conditioner, including a panel frame and a panel assembly as described above mounted on the panel frame.

[0015] The panel assembly and air conditioner provided by this utility model consist only of a panel and a sealing strip located on the side of the panel. The structure is simple, and installation is straightforward, requiring only the panel and sealing strip to be fixed to the panel frame. The installation process is simple, efficient, and cost-effective. By using the sealing strip, gaps between the panel and the panel frame are avoided, preserving the aesthetics. Furthermore, the sealing strip acts as a support structure, preventing the panel from directly contacting the panel frame. This allows the panel to float relative to the frame, creating a clear distinction between the panel and the frame, making the panel's protrusion more noticeable, and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the unit, resulting in a more novel design. The sealing strip is semi-concealed; it is not visible from the front but only from the side, further improving the aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the panel assembly provided by this utility model installed on the front of an air conditioner; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the panel assembly provided by this utility model installed on the side of an air conditioner; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the panel assembly provided by this utility model installed on the back of an air conditioner; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the panel frame of the air conditioner provided by this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the panel assembly provided by this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing strip provided by this utility model; Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the fit between the sealing strip and the panel provided by this utility model.

[0018] Figure label: 100. Panel assembly; 10. Panel; 11. Sealing strip; 111. First rib; 112. First support plate; 113. Second support plate; 114. Third buckle; 115. Fixing plate; 116. Second screw hole; 117. Second rib; 12. Main body; 121. First buckle; 122. First screw post; 13. Extension; 131. Mounting surface; 132. Second buckle; 14. Top plate; 141. First notch; 15. Bottom plate; 151. Second notch; 200. Air conditioner; 20. Panel frame; 21. Opening; 22. Top mount; 23. Base; 24. First locking hole; 25. Second locking hole; 26. First screw hole; 27. Third locking hole; 28. Second screw post. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing 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 this utility model.

[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first and second features, or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. 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.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this utility model provides a panel assembly 100, which is detachably installed on an air conditioner 200. The air conditioner 200 includes a panel frame 20, and the panel assembly 100 includes: Panel 10 is adapted to be mounted on the panel frame 20; Sealing strip 11, two sealing strips 11 are respectively disposed on both sides of the panel 10 in the horizontal direction, and are suitable for installation between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20; The panel 10 is suspended relative to the panel frame 20.

[0024] Specifically, when installing the panel assembly 100 onto the panel frame 20, two sealing strips 11 can be fixed first, followed by fixing the panel 10. The sealing strips 11 are sandwiched between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20, which improves the installation firmness of the sealing strips 11 and avoids gaps between the panel 10 and the sealing strips 11, thus affecting aesthetics. A matching installation structure is provided between the sealing strips 11 and the panel frame 20, enabling detachable installation of the sealing strips 11. A matching installation structure is also provided between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20, enabling detachable installation of the panel 10. Both the panel 10 and the sealing strips 11 are directly fixed to the panel frame 20, ensuring a secure installation, preventing component detachment, and improving installation stability and reliability. Furthermore, in the prior art, the decorative panel assembly is assembled first and then fixed to the air conditioner. This can easily lead to stress concentration among the components of the decorative panel assembly, affecting the installation effect between the decorative panel assembly and the air conditioner (e.g., local unevenness) and causing the components to deform under pressure, thus affecting their service life.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner 200 in this embodiment is, for example, a cabinet air conditioner. The panel frame 20, panel 10, and sealing strip 11 all extend along the height of the air conditioner. The panel frame 20 is located on the front side of the air conditioner body, and the panel 10 is installed on the panel frame 20. The panel 10 faces the user and serves a decorative function to improve the appearance of the air conditioner. Traditional decorative panel components directly cover the front side of the panel frame 20, lacking a sense of layering between the two, appearing monotonous and ordinary, and failing to meet the current consumer demand for novelty and aesthetics in product appearance. The panel component 100 of this utility model uses the sealing strip 11 to make the panel 10 appear to float relative to the panel frame 20. From the front, the panel 10 appears to float in front of the panel frame 20. This sense of layering not only breaks the traditional flat appearance but also makes the protruding effect of the panel 10 more visually apparent, adding a three-dimensional and dynamic feel to the overall appearance of the unit. This allows the air conditioner to not only meet the cooling and heating functions but also become an artistic decorative element in the indoor space, enhancing the overall style and market competitiveness of the product. Meanwhile, the semi-concealed design of the sealing strip 11 makes it invisible from the front and only visible from the side, avoiding the destruction of the overall aesthetics due to the exposure of additional structures and further enhancing the simplicity and refinement of the product's appearance.

[0026] Both panel 10 and sealing strip 11 can be made of injection molded parts, which improves aesthetics and helps save costs. Of course, panel 10 and / or sealing strip 11 can also be made of metal parts, depending on actual needs.

[0027] The panel 10 and the panel frame 20 are provided with a connecting opening 21 in the middle for arranging the air outlet and air guide structure. This is not the focus of this utility model and will not be elaborated on further.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel 10 includes a vertically extending main body 12 and two extensions 13 connected to the horizontal sides of the main body 12. The extensions 13 extend in an arc shape toward the inner side of the main body 12, the inner end of the extensions 13 abuts against the sealing strip 11, and the extensions 13 cover the sealing strip 11 from the front.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the main body 12 adopts a planar structure, with extensions 13 on both sides forming corners. The main body 12 and extensions 13 are smoothly transitioned by rounded corners and are integrally formed. A gap is formed between the inner end of the extension 13 and the panel frame 20, which is filled by the sealing strip 11 to ensure the floating effect of the panel 10. Traditional cabinet panels 10 mostly adopt a straight-edge splicing design, with sharp edges and rigid lines, which can easily create a sense of incongruity with modern minimalist, light luxury and other soft style home environments. The arc-shaped extension 13 of this utility model can soften the visual lines and adapt to diverse home styles. By covering the sealing strip 11 by the extension 13, when the user observes from the front, the panel 10 seems to be completely floating in front of the panel frame 20, with no exposed support structure, eliminating the splicing traces of traditional structures, making the floating effect of the panel 10 purer and the overall sense stronger.

[0030] Furthermore, the outer surface of the sealing strip 11 is recessed. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the recessed design of the sealing strip 11 helps to eliminate the abruptness of the side view, making the floating layers of the panel 10 more transparent. The convex and concave design of the sealing strip 11 and the extension 13 create visual symmetry and balance, enhancing the overall design sophistication. In addition, during air conditioning cooling operation, the sealing strip 11 may generate a small amount of condensation on its outer surface due to the temperature difference between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20. The recessed design forms a condensation drainage channel, where the condensation accumulates and flows to the bottom of the sealing strip 11 before being discharged through the drain hole of the air conditioner base 23, preventing condensation from polluting the ground or damaging the air conditioner components.

[0031] In some embodiments, the inner sidewall of the inner end of the extension 13 is provided with a mounting surface 131, and the sealing strip 11 is provided with a first rib 111, the first rib 111 abutting against the mounting surface 131.

[0032] like Figure 7 As shown, the first rib 111 abuts against the mounting surface 131, and the mounting surface 131 forms a rim around the first rib 111. The overlapping arrangement of the two makes the sealing strip 11 partially wrapped around the inside of the extension 13, which can avoid gaps at the connection and affect the aesthetics.

[0033] In some embodiments, the panel 10 includes a top plate 14 connected to the top of the main body 12 and the extension 13 and a bottom plate 15 connected to the bottom of the main body 12 and the extension 13. The air conditioner 200 includes a top seat 22 disposed at the top of the panel frame 20 and a base 23 disposed at the bottom of the panel frame 20. The top plate 14 partially overlaps the edge of the top seat 22, and the bottom plate 15 is spaced apart from the base 23.

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, specifically, the top wall of the panel frame 20 is connected to the front side of the top seat 22, and the top plate 14 is mostly supported on the top wall of the panel frame 20. The rear end of the top plate 14 is supported at the edge of the top seat 22. That is, the top of the main body 12 and the extension 13 extend upward to slightly higher than the top seat 22. On the one hand, this expands the size of the panel 10 and enhances the overall visual effect. On the other hand, by supporting the top wall of the panel frame 20 and the top seat 22 with the top plate 14, the installation stability and reliability of the panel 10 can be improved, the clamping effect of the sealing strip 11 can be enhanced, and gaps between the panel 10 and the sealing strip 11 can be prevented from affecting the aesthetics.

[0035] By spacing the base plate 15 and the base 23 apart, the floating effect is further enhanced from the bottom. When viewed from the front or side, the bottom of the panel 10 does not contact the base 23, creating a visual effect of the bottom being suspended, thus improving aesthetics. Combined with the overlapping arrangement of the top plate 14, it can provide upper support for the panel 10 from the top. The top seat 22 transfers part of the weight of the panel 10 to the body through the overlapping point, forming a collaborative support system with the lateral support of the side sealing strips 11, counteracting the sagging tendency of the panel 10. The spacing between the base plate 15 and the base 23 allows air circulation at the bottom, and moisture is dispersed with the airflow, avoiding localized dampness. It also prevents friction noise between the base plate 15 and the base 23, eliminating this frictional contact at its source.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the top plate 14 has a first notch 141 on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the top of the sealing strip 11 has a first support plate 112, which is disposed between the first notch 141 and the top seat 22. The first support plate 112 can improve the overall structural strength of the sealing strip 11. At the same time, the end of the first support plate 112 facing away from the panel 10 abuts against the boss on the top seat 22, thereby tightening the sealing strip 11 against the panel 10 and improving the overall installation strength of the panel assembly 100.

[0037] The base plate 15 has a second notch 151 on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the bottom of the sealing strip 11 has a second support plate 113, which is located at the second notch 151. The second support plate 113 can improve the overall structural strength of the sealing strip 11, and the second notch 151 abuts against the second support plate 113 on the panel frame 20.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, in order to achieve the installation of panel 10 and panel frame 20, in one implementation, panel 10 and panel frame 20 are snap-fit ​​connected. For example... Figures 3 to 5As shown, the main body 12 has a plurality of first buckles 121 on the side facing the panel frame 20, and the panel frame 20 has first latching holes 24 adapted to be installed with the first buckles 121. A portion of the first buckles 121 are spaced apart along the height direction of the main body 12, and another portion of the first buckles 121 are spaced apart along the width direction of the main body 12, so as to provide more mounting points and ensure the snap-fit ​​effect between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20.

[0039] The extension 13 is provided with a plurality of second buckles 132 spaced apart along the height direction on the side facing the panel frame 20, and the panel frame 20 is provided with second snap holes 25 adapted to be installed with the second buckles 132. By using a plurality of first buckles 121 and a plurality of second buckles 132 to be installed with the panel frame 20, the snap-fit ​​effect can be further improved.

[0040] Furthermore, to improve the mounting firmness of the panel 10 and the panel frame 20, the main body 12 is provided with a plurality of first screw posts 122 on the side facing the panel frame 20, and the panel frame 20 is provided with first screw holes 26 corresponding to the first screw posts 122. Using screws to pass through the first screw holes 26 and fasten them to the first screw posts 122 can enhance the fixing effect of the panel 10 and prevent the panel 10 from falling off the panel frame 20.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, in order to achieve the installation of the sealing strip 11 and the panel frame 20, in one implementation, the sealing strip 11 and the panel frame 20 are snap-fit ​​connected. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the sealing strip 11 is provided with multiple third buckles 114, and the panel frame 20 is provided with third snap holes 27 adapted to the third buckles 114 for installation. The snap-fit ​​connection method facilitates installation and disassembly, resulting in high assembly efficiency. The multiple third buckles 114 are spaced apart along the height direction of the sealing strip 11 to ensure a secure connection.

[0042] Furthermore, the sealing strip 11 is provided with a fixing plate 115 extending into the inner side of the panel frame 20. The fixing plate 115 is provided with a second screw hole 116, and the panel frame 20 is provided with a second screw post 28 corresponding to the second screw hole 116. By fastening the screw to the second screw post 28 through the second screw hole 116, the fixing effect of the sealing strip 11 can be strengthened, and the sealing strip 11 can be pulled taut on the panel frame 20 to prevent the existence of any gaps.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, the sealing strip 11 is provided with a second rib 117, and the fixing plate 115 is disposed on the second rib 117. The second rib 117 can be used as a reinforcing rib to improve the structural strength of the sealing strip 11 and at the same time improve the structural strength of the fixing plate 115, prevent the fixing plate 115 from breaking under stress, thereby improving the installation reliability.

[0044] This utility model also provides an air conditioner 200, including a panel frame 20 and a panel assembly 100 mounted on the panel frame 20. The panel assembly 100 adopts the panel assembly 100 of the above-described embodiments and has all the beneficial effects of the above-described embodiments and examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] The panel assembly 100 and air conditioner 200 provided by this utility model include only a panel 10 and a sealing strip 11 disposed on the side of the panel 10. The structure is simple, and installation is straightforward, requiring only the panel 10 and sealing strip 11 to be fixed to the panel frame 20. The installation process is simple, efficient, and low in labor costs. By setting the sealing strip 11, gaps between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20 are avoided, which would affect aesthetics. Furthermore, the sealing strip 11 acts as a supporting structure, with the panel 10 resting against it, preventing direct contact with the panel frame 20. This allows the panel 10 to be suspended relative to the panel frame 20, creating a clear distinction between the panel 10 and the panel frame 20, making the protrusion of the panel 10 more visually appealing and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the unit, resulting in a more novel design. The sealing strip 11 is semi-hidden; it is not visible from the front but only from the side, further improving the aesthetics.

[0046] 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. A panel assembly (100), characterized in that, The panel assembly (100) is detachably mounted to the air conditioner (200), the air conditioner (200) includes a panel frame (20), and the panel assembly (100) includes: Panel (10), adapted to be mounted on the panel frame (20); Sealing strips (11), two of the sealing strips (11) are respectively disposed on both sides of the panel (10) in the horizontal direction, and are suitable for installation between the panel (10) and the panel frame (20); The panel (10) is suspended relative to the panel frame (20).

2. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel (10) includes a vertically extending main body (12) and two extensions (13) connected to the horizontal sides of the main body (12). The extensions (13) extend in an arc shape toward the inner side of the main body (12), and the inner end of the extensions (13) abuts against the sealing strip (11). The extensions (13) also cover the sealing strip (11) from the front.

3. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sealing strip (11) is recessed.

4. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inner end of the extension (13) is provided with a mounting surface (131), and the sealing strip (11) is provided with a first rib (111), which abuts against the mounting surface (131).

5. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The panel (10) includes a top plate (14) connected to the top of the main body (12) and the extension (13) and a bottom plate (15) connected to the bottom of the main body (12) and the extension (13). The air conditioner (200) includes a top seat (22) disposed at the top of the panel frame (20) and a base (23) disposed at the bottom of the panel frame (20). The top plate (14) partially overlaps the edge of the top seat (22), and the bottom plate (15) is spaced apart from the base (23).

6. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top plate (14) has a first notch (141) on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the top of the sealing strip (11) has a first support plate (112) and the first support plate (112) is located between the first notch (141) and the top seat (22). The bottom plate (15) has a second notch (151) on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the bottom of the sealing strip (11) has a second support plate (113), which is located at the second notch (151).

7. The panel assembly (100) according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The main body (12) is provided with a plurality of first buckles (121) on the side facing the panel frame (20), and the panel frame (20) is provided with first buckle holes (24) adapted to be installed with the first buckles (121). The extension (13) is provided with a plurality of second buckles (132) on the side facing the panel frame (20), and the panel frame (20) is provided with second buckle holes (25) adapted to be installed with the second buckles (132).

8. The panel assembly (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body (12) has a plurality of first screw posts (122) on the side facing the panel frame (20), and the panel frame (20) has first screw holes (26) corresponding to the first screw posts (122).

9. The panel assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The sealing strip (11) is provided with a plurality of third buckles (114), and the panel frame (20) is provided with a third buckle hole (27) adapted to the third buckle (114). The sealing strip (11) is provided with a fixing plate (115) extending into the inner side of the panel frame (20), the fixing plate (115) is provided with a second screw hole (116), and the panel frame (20) is provided with a second screw post (28) corresponding to the second screw hole (116). The sealing strip (11) is provided with a second rib (117), and the fixing plate (115) is disposed on the second rib (117).

10. An air conditioner (200), characterized in that, It includes a panel frame (20) and a panel assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9 mounted on the panel frame (20).

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