Spraying device and air conditioner

Abstract

A spraying device and an air conditioner. The spraying device comprises a spraying box, a control assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The control assembly is arranged in the spraying box, and the control assembly comprises a water path switch and is configured to control flow of spraying water. The nozzle assembly is connected to a water outlet end of the water path switch, and a nozzle of the nozzle assembly is exposed out of the spraying box and is configured to spray water to a heat exchanger. The spraying box comprises a base and a support. The base is provided with a guide rail part. The support is inserted into the guide rail part, and the support is configured to be connected to a housing of an air conditioner or a wall.

Description

Sprinklers and air conditioners

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420184960.7 filed on January 25, 2024, priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420182189.X filed on January 25, 2024, priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420189572.8 filed on January 25, 2024, and priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420182811.7 filed on January 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air treatment, and in particular to a spray device and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0003] During the scorching summer heat, it's common for outdoor surface temperatures to exceed 50°C. This is when users are most in need of air conditioning for cooling. However, due to the limitations of current refrigeration and heat exchange technology, when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches 55°C or above, air conditioners can only maintain low-frequency operation or shut down for protection, failing to meet user cooling needs.

[0004] In the related art, a spray device is typically installed to spray water onto the heat exchanger of the air conditioner's outdoor unit to achieve evaporative cooling, thereby improving heat exchange capacity. However, the current installation structure of the spray device is relatively fixed and cannot adapt to the installation requirements of different installation scenarios or different outdoor unit models.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] On the one hand, a spray device is provided, which is configured as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the outdoor unit has a heat exchanger, wherein the spray device includes: a spray box, a control component, and a nozzle assembly. The control component is arranged in the spray box, and the control component includes a water circuit switch, which is configured to control the on and off of the spray water. The nozzle assembly is connected to the water outlet end of the water circuit switch, and the nozzle of the nozzle assembly is exposed outside the spray box, and is configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger. The spray box includes a base and a bracket. A guide rail portion is provided on the base. The bracket is plugged into the guide rail portion, and the bracket is configured to be connected to the casing or wall of the air conditioner.

[0007] In another aspect, an air conditioner is provided, comprising a housing, a heat exchanger, and a spray device. The housing has a top cover. The heat exchanger is disposed within the housing. The spray device is configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0009] FIG2 is a rear view of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0010] FIG3 is a partial side view of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0011] FIG4 is a perspective view of a spray device according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG5 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a spray device according to some embodiments;

[0013] FIG6 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a spray device according to some embodiments from another angle;

[0014] FIG7 is an exploded view of the interior of a spray device according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG8 is a structural diagram of a base portion of a spray box according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG9 is a partial perspective view of a spray box according to some embodiments;

[0017] 10 and 11 are exploded views of a spray device according to some embodiments;

[0018] 12 and 13 are perspective views of a spray device and a top cover according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG14 is a perspective view of a bracket of a spray device according to some embodiments;

[0020] FIG15 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to other embodiments;

[0021] FIG16 is a perspective view of a spray box according to some other embodiments;

[0022] FIG17 is a bottom view of a spray box according to other embodiments;

[0023] FIG18 is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0024] FIG19 is a side view of a nozzle assembly of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG20 is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly and a fixing bracket of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG21 is a top view of a nozzle assembly and a fixing bracket of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0027] 22 is a perspective view of a fixing bracket of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0029] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0030] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0031] When describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. The term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The term "coupled" indicates that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this document.

[0032] “At least one of A, B and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B or C” and both include the following combinations of A, B and C: A only, B only, C only, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B and C.

[0033] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0034] The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0035] As used herein, "about," "substantially," or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0036] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0037] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0038] The air conditioner in the present disclosure performs a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat-exchanged.

[0039] The compressor compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, releasing heat from the refrigerant into the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0040] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser to a lower-pressure liquid. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves cooling by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout this cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0041] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a portion of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve may be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0042] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0043] 1 to 3 , an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space, which is connected to an indoor unit installed in an indoor space via a pipe. The outdoor unit may include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, an expander, and similar components of a refrigeration cycle, while the indoor unit may also include an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan.

[0044] The outdoor unit includes a housing 10, which houses the various components that make up the refrigeration cycle. Housing 10 includes a top cover 11 defining the top structure, a bottom plate defining the bottom structure, and four side panels connected between the top cover 11 and the bottom plate. The rearmost side panel of the four side panels is referred to as the first side panel 13.

[0045] The top cover 11 includes a top wall and side walls connected to the top wall. For example, the top cover 11 has a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite each other in the front-to-back direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall arranged opposite each other in the left-to-right direction. The top cover 11 is placed on the top ends of the four side walls.

[0046] The first side plate 13 is provided with an air inlet 30 , which can expose most of the heat exchanger 20 . For example, the air inlet 30 can expose 60% to 90% of the side of the heat exchanger 20 close to the air inlet 30 .

[0047] A heat exchanger 20 is installed in the housing 10 . The heat exchanger 20 is disposed corresponding to the air inlet 30 . The heat exchanger 20 performs heat exchange with the air inhaled through the air inlet 30 .

[0048] When the air conditioner is in cooling mode in hot weather, water is usually sprayed onto the heat exchanger 20 to achieve evaporative cooling. Therefore, the outdoor unit further includes a spray device 100. The spray device 100 is configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger 20 from the air inlet 30.

[0049] 4 to 6 , the spray device 100 includes a spray box 110 and a control assembly 120 .

[0050] The spray box 110 is in a rectangular box shape and is mounted on the casing 10. The spray box 110 can be mounted on the top cover 11 of the casing 10, or the spray box 110 can be mounted on the side panel of the casing 10, or the spray box 110 can be mounted on a wall.

[0051] In some embodiments, the spray box 110 includes a base 111 and a box body 112. The base 111 is connected to the top cover 11, and the box body 112 is connected to the base 111. A receiving space is enclosed between the box body 112 and the base 111.

[0052] The control assembly 120 is disposed in the accommodation space of the spray box 110. For example, the control assembly 120 can be connected to the base 111.

[0053] The control assembly 120 is configured to realize the electronic control function of the spray, wherein the control assembly 120 includes a control unit and a water circuit switch.

[0054] The control unit includes a card holder 121 and a control board 122. The card holder 121 is in the shape of a box with an open top. The control board 122 is connected to the card holder 121, and the card holder 121 accommodates the control board 122. The control board 122 is installed in the spray box 110 by connecting the card holder 121 to the base 111.

[0055] The control panel 122 is coupled with the power line and communication line of the outdoor unit to control the opening and closing of the spray and the spraying time according to the changes in the ambient temperature and the set control logic, thereby achieving the purpose of spraying water to cool the heat exchanger 20 and improving the cooling capacity of the air conditioner in high temperature environments.

[0056] The water circuit switch can be, for example, a water circuit solenoid valve 140. The water circuit solenoid valve 140 is connected to the shower box 110 and is configured to open and close the water circuit. When the shower function is on, the water circuit solenoid valve 140 opens, connecting the water circuit; when the shower function is off, the water circuit solenoid valve 140 closes, disconnecting the water circuit.

[0057] The spraying device 100 further includes a water supply pipe 150 and a nozzle assembly 130 .

[0058] The water supply pipe 150 is disposed in the spray box 110 , and one end of the water supply pipe 150 is connected to a water supply connector 151 . The water supply connector 151 is exposed outside the spray box 110 and is configured to connect to the water supply pipe. The other end of the water supply pipe 150 is connected to the water inlet of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 .

[0059] The water outlet of the water channel solenoid valve 140 is connected to the nozzle assembly 130. The nozzle 131 of the nozzle assembly 130 is exposed outside the spray box 110.

[0060] The water circuit solenoid valve 140 is coupled to the control board 122 to control the opening and closing of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 .

[0061] When the spray function is on, the electronic control system controls the water circuit solenoid valve 140 to open, and external water is supplied to the nozzle assembly 130 through the water supply pipe 150. The nozzle 131 of the nozzle assembly 130 sprays water toward the heat exchanger 20. When the spray function is on or off, the electronic control system controls the water circuit solenoid valve 140 to close, and the water circuit is disconnected.

[0062] In some embodiments, a partition 113 may be provided in the spray box 110 , and the partition 113 divides the accommodation space into two spaces, namely a first cavity 1102 and a second cavity 1103 .

[0063] For example, the partition 113 has a vertically extending plate body, and the bottom end of the plate body has a transversely extending flange, which abuts against the base 111 and can be fixedly connected to the base 111 by welding or screw connection.

[0064] The control assembly 120 is disposed in the first chamber 1102 , and the water supply pipe 150 , the water circuit solenoid valve 140 , etc. are disposed in the second chamber 1103 .

[0065] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control component 120 is separated from the waterway by a partition 113. When an accident such as water leakage occurs in the waterway, the partition 113 can play a certain blocking role on the water leaked from the waterway, thereby preventing the water in the second chamber 1103 from flowing into the first chamber 1102, thereby preventing the water from contacting the control component 120.

[0066] A rubber ring 114 may be connected to the partition 113 , and an electric wire of the water channel solenoid valve 140 may pass through the rubber ring 114 to the second cavity 1103 to be connected to the control board 122 .

[0067] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7 , a mounting bracket 115 is connected to the base 111, and the control assembly 120 is connected to the mounting bracket 115. The mounting bracket 115 can elevate the height of the control assembly 120. Thus, since the control assembly 120 is in a high position, even if water leaks from the waterway and enters the first chamber 1102, the water can still be prevented from contacting the control assembly 120 to a certain extent.

[0068] For example, the mounting bracket 115 is roughly U-shaped and includes a first wall 1151, a second wall 1152 and a third wall 1153, the second wall 1152 and the third wall 1153 extending roughly vertically, and the first wall 1151 is connected between the top of the second wall 1152 and the top of the third wall 1153.

[0069] 5 and 7 , the control assembly 120 is connected to the first wall 1151 . For example, the base 121 of the control assembly 120 is connected to the first wall 1151 via screws, thereby achieving installation of the control assembly 120 on the mounting bracket 115 .

[0070] The bottom ends of the second wall 1152 and the third wall 1153 respectively have flanges extending away from each other, and the flanges can be connected to the base 111 by welding or screws.

[0071] 4 and 5 , the first chamber 1102 and the second chamber 1103 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction. For example, the first chamber 1102 is located near the front, and the second chamber 1103 is located near the back (i.e., near the air inlet 30). The water channel is located within the spray box 110 near the air inlet 30. This reduces the length of the water channel.

[0072] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 9 , a slot 1113 is provided on the base 111. The bottom end of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 corresponds to the slot 1113. The fixing plate 116 abuts against the outer side of the base 111 (the bottom surface near the air inlet 30) and is screwed to the water circuit solenoid valve 140 through the slot 1113.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slots 1113 position the water circuit solenoid valve 140, thereby limiting its lateral movement (i.e., along the length of the partition 113). By limiting the position of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 through the slots 1113, the number of screws used during installation of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 can be reduced, improving assembly efficiency and simplifying installation.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, two opposing sides of the slot 1113, such as the left and right ends of the slot 1113 shown in FIG8 , are provided with stoppers 1114 extending toward the fixing plate 116. The bottom of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 is trapped between the two stoppers 1114. The provision of the stoppers 1114 can increase the area of ​​the slot 1113 that limits the water circuit solenoid valve 140, thereby enhancing the reliability of the limit.

[0075] In some embodiments, fixing plate 116 is generally U-shaped, with the two sidewalls of fixing plate 116 abutting against stopper 1114 from the left and right sides, i.e., stopper 1114 is inserted into the cavity of fixing plate 116. Stopper 1114 restricts the left and right movement of fixing plate 116. Thus, a single screw can ensure the secure connection of fixing plate 116. For example, the screw connects the bottom surface of stopper 1114 and the bottom surface of slot 1113.

[0076] 6 and 7 , the spray device 100 further includes a wire clamp 152, which clamps the water supply pipe 150 from the upper side and is connected to the base 111. The wire clamp 152 can limit the movement of the water supply pipe 150, preventing the water supply pipe 150 from being pulled by the water supply pipe and moving.

[0077] For example, the wire clamp 152 includes two laterally extending straight pieces 1521 and an arcuate hoop portion 1522 connected between the two straight pieces 1521. The hoop portion 1522 is clamped around the water supply pipe 150, and the straight piece 1521 abuts against the base 111 and is connected to the base 111 by screws.

[0078] The spray device 100 intermittently sprays water onto the outdoor unit's heat exchanger 20, utilizing the water's sensible and latent heat to improve the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 20 and reduce condensing pressure, thereby achieving higher cooling capacity and energy efficiency. The parameters of the nozzle 131 in the spray device 100 significantly influence the spraying effect.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9 , the base 111 includes a base body portion 1111 and a guide rail portion 1112 .

[0080] The base body 1111 is plate-shaped, and the box body 112 is connected to the base body 1111 by screws. The guide rails 1112 are connected to two opposite ends of the base body 1111.

[0081] The guide rail portion 1112 includes a first guide rail portion and a second guide rail portion that are opposite to each other. For example, the first guide rail portion is located at the left end of the base body portion 1111, and the second guide rail portion is located at the right end of the base body portion 1111. Both the first guide rail portion and the second guide rail portion are L-shaped, with the first guide rail portion and the base body portion 1111 forming a U-shaped groove, and the second guide rail portion and the base body portion 1111 forming a U-shaped groove, with the left and right openings of the U-shaped grooves facing each other.

[0082] For example, the left end of the base body 1111 is first bent downward and then bent to the right to form a first guide rail portion, and the right end of the base body 1111 is first bent downward and then bent to the left to form a second guide rail portion.

[0083] 4, 5, and 16, the spray box 110 further includes a bracket 117, which is located at the bottom of the box body 112 and connected to the guide rail portion 1112. For example, the bracket 117 is inserted into the guide rail portion 1112. When the spray device 100 is installed and used, the bracket 117 can be connected to the housing 10, or the bracket 117 can be connected to the wall, thereby achieving installation of the spray box 110.

[0084] It should be noted that, according to air conditioners of different sizes or different usage scenarios, the installation requirements can be met by replacing the bracket 117.

[0085] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 11 , the guide rail portion 1112 is provided with an elongated adjustment slot 1115, the length of which extends in the same direction as the guide rail portion 1112. The bracket 117 is provided with a first screw mounting hole 1171, and a fastener is inserted through the adjustment slot 1115 and the first screw mounting hole 1171. This achieves a fixed connection between the box body 112 and the bracket 117.

[0086] It is understandable that since the bracket 117 is inserted into the guide rail portion 1112, the position of the bracket 117 relative to the base 111 can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the bracket 117 extending into the guide rail portion 1112, thereby meeting the installation requirements of different models.

[0087] The adjusting groove 1115 may be in the shape of a waist groove, in which case both ends of the adjusting groove 1115 are in arc shape. In addition, in other embodiments, the adjusting groove 1115 may also be provided on the base body 1111 .

[0088] A circular hole can also be set on the guide rail part 1112, and accordingly, a screw mounting hole corresponding to the circular hole is set on the bracket 117. In this way, the circular hole of the guide rail part 1112 can be connected with the screw mounting hole of the bracket 117 by screws passing through the screw to achieve a fixed connection between the guide rail part 1112 and the bracket 117.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 11 and 12 , the spray box 110 is mounted on the top cover 11. The bracket 117 includes a plug-in portion 1172 that plugs into the guide rail portion 1112, and a fixing portion 1173 configured to connect to the top cover 11. The plug-in portion 1172 and the fixing portion 1173 are connected to form an "L" shape. The fixing portion 1173 extends vertically and is connected to the side wall of the top cover 11.

[0090] 10 to 12 , in some embodiments, the bracket 117 includes a first bracket 1174 and a second bracket 1175. The first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the guide rail portion 1112. For example, the guide rail portion 1112 extends in a front-to-back direction, the first bracket 1174 is connected to the front end of the guide rail portion 1112, and the second bracket 1175 is connected to the rear end of the guide rail portion 1112.

[0091] The first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175 clamp the top cover 11 from the front and back directions. For example, the fixing portion 1173 of the first bracket 1174 can abut against the front side wall of the top cover 11, and the fixing portion 1173 of the second bracket 1175 can abut against the rear side wall of the top cover 11.

[0092] When the air conditioner is relatively large, that is, the width (front-to-back direction) of the air conditioner is relatively large, the distance between the fixing portion 1173 of the first bracket 1174 and the fixing portion 1173 of the second bracket 1175 needs to be relatively large. At this time, the position of the second bracket 1175 can be kept stationary, and the position of the first bracket 1174 can be adjusted: the first bracket 1174 is moved to the front side so that the size of the first bracket 1174 extending into the guide rail portion 1112 (such as the plug-in portion 1172) is reduced, thereby increasing the distance between the first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175 to adapt to the width of the top cover 11.

[0093] Alternatively, the position of the first bracket 1174 can be kept stationary and the position of the second bracket 1175 can be adjusted: the second bracket 1175 can be moved toward the rear side so that the size of the second bracket 1175 extending into the guide rail portion 1112 is reduced, thereby increasing the distance between the first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175.

[0094] Alternatively, the positions of the first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175 can be adjusted: the first bracket 1174 is moved to the front side so that the size of the first bracket 1174 extending into the guide rail portion 1112 is reduced, and the second bracket 1175 is moved to the rear side so that the size of the second bracket 1175 extending into the guide rail portion 1112 is reduced, thereby increasing the distance between the first bracket 1174 and the second bracket 1175.

[0095] In some embodiments, since the nozzle assembly 130 is connected to the rear end of the spray box 110, the second bracket 1175 is also located at the rear end of the spray box 110. If the second bracket 1175 is adjusted too far rearward, it may contact the nozzle assembly 130. Therefore, referring to Figure 11, the adjustment slot 1115 at the rear end of the base 111 corresponding to the second bracket 1175 can be set relatively small. In this way, the adjustable range of the second bracket 1175 is relatively small, which can avoid interference with the nozzle assembly 130.

[0096] In addition, the requirements of different machine sizes can be met by replacing the bracket 117. For example, brackets 117 of corresponding sizes are designed for different models of air conditioners, and during installation, only the bracket 117 suitable for the model needs to be selected for installation.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spray box 110 can be installed on the air conditioner to adapt to different models of air conditioners by adjusting the position of the bracket 117 relative to the base 111 or replacing the corresponding bracket 117, thereby avoiding the trouble of designing spray boxes 110 of different sizes for different air conditioners, saving costs, and expanding the installation range of the spray device 100.

[0098] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bracket 1174 can be fastened to the front side wall of the top cover 11 by screws, thereby achieving the connection between the first bracket 1174 and the top cover 11.

[0099] 10 to 13 , a second screw mounting hole 1179 may be provided on the fixing portion 1173 of the first bracket 1174 , and a screw passes through the second screw mounting hole 1179 to be connected to the side wall of the top cover 11 .

[0100] A hook portion 1176 is provided at the bottom end of the fixing portion 1173 of the second bracket 1175 . The hook portion 1176 hooks the bottom end of the top cover 11 , thereby achieving connection between the second bracket 1175 and the top cover 11 .

[0101] The second bracket 1175 is hooked with the top cover 11 through the hook portion 1176, which can save the use of screws. It is only necessary to hook the second bracket 1175 to the top cover 11, thereby improving the convenience of operation and the efficiency of disassembly and assembly.

[0102] 14 , the bracket 117 includes a bracket body 1177 , which may be L-shaped. The bracket body 1177 has upwardly extending flanges 1178 on both sides of its upper end, and the first screw mounting holes 1171 are provided on the flanges 1178 .

[0103] In some embodiments, since the space above the air conditioner is limited, that is, there is not enough space above the air conditioner to accommodate the spray box 110, the spray box 110 can be installed on the wall.

[0104] 9 and 15 , the nozzle assembly 130 is mounted to the rear end of the top cover 11 , and then an extension water pipe is connected between the water outlet of the water solenoid valve 140 and the nozzle assembly 130 (the dotted line in FIG. 15 indicates the extension water pipe).

[0105] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 16 and 17 , bracket 117 can be plate-shaped. In this case, bracket 117 can also be divided into an inserting portion 1172 and a fixing portion 1173. Inserting portion 1172 is the portion inserted into guide rail 1112, while fixing portion 1173 is the portion exposed from guide rail 1112. Bracket 117 is secured to base 111 using screws, and then secured to the wall using wall nails, thereby mounting spray box 110 on the wall.

[0106] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by pulling out the bracket 117 and adjusting the position of the bracket 117 relative to the base 111, or by replacing the bracket 117 with a different size, the installation requirements of the spray box 110 on walls of different sizes can be met, thereby improving the versatility of installation and use of the spray box 110.

[0107] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the bracket 117 includes a bracket body 1177 in a plate shape. The bracket body 1177 has upwardly extending flanges 1178 on both sides, and the first screw mounting holes 1171 can be provided on the flanges 1178.

[0108] It should be noted that the spray device 100 intermittently sprays water onto the outdoor unit's heat exchanger 20, utilizing the water's sensible and latent heat to improve the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 20, reduce condensing pressure, and achieve higher cooling capacity and energy efficiency. The parameters of the nozzle 131 in the spray device 100 significantly influence the spraying effect.

[0109] Among the parameters of nozzle 131, its spray distance has a significant impact on overall heat exchanger performance. The spray distance can be designed based on the size of the heat exchanger 20. A greater spray distance increases the spray area of ​​the heat exchanger 20 and significantly improves overall heat exchange capacity. While increasing the spray area, it is important to avoid water spraying outside the heat exchanger, which could reduce water utilization, or splashing onto neighbors' homes and cause complaints.

[0110] Therefore, the present disclosure sets the spray distance of the nozzle 131 and the size of the heat exchanger 20: parameters of the nozzle 131: the spray area is recorded as S, the spray width is recorded as L; the area of ​​the exposed portion of the heat exchanger 20 at the air inlet 30 is M. The relationship between the spray area S and M of the nozzle 131 satisfies: S = (85% to 95%) M. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the spray width L can be the total length of the spray distance of the nozzle 131 in the left and right directions of the casing 10. The distance W1 from the center of the nozzle 131 to the right end of the first side panel 13 is greater than 1 / 2L, and the distance W2 from the center of the nozzle 131 to the left end of the first side panel 13 is greater than 1 / 2L.

[0111] In this way, the spraying effect is ensured by making the spraying area satisfy S=(85%-95%) M. By setting W1>1 / 2L and W2>1 / 2L, the spraying water will not be sprayed outside the casing 10, thereby avoiding water waste and preventing water from spraying out.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 6 , the nozzle assembly 130 further includes a supporting water pipe 132 , one end of which is connected to the water outlet of the water circuit solenoid valve 140 , and the other end of which is connected to the nozzle 131 .

[0113] 18 and 19 , the nozzle 131 may be a fan-shaped nozzle, and the nozzle 131 may be cylindrical. A nozzle opening 1311 is provided on the cylindrical side of the nozzle 131. The nozzle opening 1311 is in the shape of a fan formed by a plane 1312 and an arc surface 1313. The plane 1312 is perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 131.

[0114] In some embodiments, the exposed width of the heat exchanger 20 (e.g., the length of the exposed portion of the heat exchanger 20 in the left-right direction in Figure 2) W is ≥ 637 mm. Referring to Figures 18 and 19 , the radius R of the arc surface 1313 is 5.5-7.5 mm. The outlet direction of the arc surface 1313 (indicated by the hollow arrow in Figure 19 , i.e., the tangent direction of the arc end) is perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 131. The maximum axial length of the nozzle 1311 on the cylindrical surface is L' = R.

[0115] It should be noted that, under the condition of this size, the nozzle 1311 of the nozzle 131 will not cause too little improvement in the capacity of the heat exchanger 20 due to a small spraying range, nor will the spraying water splash outside the heat exchanger 20 or even outside the casing 10 due to an excessively large spraying range.

[0116] Therefore, under this size condition, the spraying range can be guaranteed, thereby improving the overall capacity of the machine, and splashing will not occur on the left and right sides of the heat exchanger 20.

[0117] The aperture size of the nozzle, that is, the aperture d of the water spray hole, is the key factor affecting the amount of water sprayed. The amount of water sprayed by the nozzle should be reduced as much as possible while meeting the capacity of the entire machine, thereby reducing the user's cost of use. However, since a small nozzle aperture is prone to the risk of scaling, the scaling of the nozzle should be avoided to affect the spraying effect. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the aperture d of the water spray hole is set to 1.5~1.7mm. In this way, the aperture is reduced as much as possible while ensuring the spraying effect, and the risk of scaling is relatively low at this aperture.

[0118] For example, the radius R of the arc surface 1313 is 6.5 mm, the maximum axial length of the nozzle 1311 on the cylindrical surface is L′=6.5 mm, and the aperture d of the water spray hole is 1.6 mm.

[0119] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lowest end of the nozzle 1311 is not higher than the top of the air inlet 30. In this way, the splashing of the spray water at the top can be reduced or even avoided.

[0120] 3 , the supporting water pipe 132 includes a first pipe 1321 and a second pipe 1322 connected at an angle. The first pipe 1321 extends horizontally, and the second pipe 1322 extends obliquely toward the rear and lower portion of the casing 10. The end of the second pipe 1322 is connected to the nozzle 131, and the angle α between the second pipe 1322 and the first pipe 1321 is 120° to 140°.

[0121] In some application scenarios, the upper space of the outdoor unit is limited and cannot accommodate the entire spray box 110. In this case, the spray box 110 can be installed on the wall in the application scenario, and the position of the nozzle assembly 130 remains unchanged and is still located on the top cover of the outdoor unit.

[0122] 15 and 20 , the spray device 100 further includes a fixing bracket 160 and a pipe joint 170 . The fixing bracket 160 is connected to the rear end of the top cover 11 , and the pipe joint 170 is mounted on the fixing bracket 160 .

[0123] 20 and 21 , the pipe joint 170 includes a nozzle joint 171 and a water supply joint 172. The nozzle assembly 130 is connected to the nozzle joint 171. The water supply joint 172 is configured to connect to an extended water pipe, the other end of which is connected to the water circuit solenoid valve 140 in the spray box 110.

[0124] 15 , 20 , and 22 , the fixing bracket 160 includes a fixing portion 161 and a supporting portion 162 . The fixing portion 161 is configured to be connected to the top cover 11 . The supporting portion 162 is connected to the upper end of the fixing portion 161 .

[0125] The support portion 162 is provided with a mounting portion 163 , and the pipe joint 170 is inserted into the mounting portion 163 .

[0126] For example, the mounting portion 163 is groove-shaped with an opening at the rear end. The pipe joint 170 is inserted into the mounting portion 163 from the rear side. The mounting portion 163 can limit the pipe joint 170, and then the pipe joint 170 is fixed to the support portion 162 by fasteners.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fixing bracket 160 connected to the top cover 11 is provided to fix the nozzle assembly 130. Since the fixing bracket 160 is relatively small and occupies relatively little space, the spray device 100 can be installed on the outdoor unit even in a scenario where the top space of the outdoor unit is limited.

[0128] In some embodiments, the nozzle joint 171 and the water supply joint 172 are arranged at an angle, for example, the axis of the nozzle joint 171 is parallel to the front-to-back direction, and the axis of the water supply joint 172 is parallel to the left-to-right direction.

[0129] 21 , the pipe joint 170 further includes a connecting portion 173, which is connected to the front end of the nozzle joint 171. The nozzle joint 171, the water supply joint 172, and the connecting portion 173 are generally T-shaped.

[0130] 21 and 22 , a groove-shaped relief portion 164 is provided on the sidewall forming mounting portion 163. A connecting portion 173 is inserted into mounting portion 163, and a water supply connector 172 of pipe connector 170 is correspondingly positioned at relief portion 164. Connecting portion 173 connects to support portion 162 of fixing bracket 160, thereby securing pipe connector 170 to fixing bracket 160.

[0131] It can be understood that the opening of the avoidance portion 164 faces the rear side, that is, the water supply connector 172 of the pipe connector 170 enters the avoidance portion 164 from the rear side.

[0132] The mounting portion 163 limits the connection portion 173 of the pipe joint 170 in the left and right directions, and the avoidance portion 164 limits the water supply joint 172 in the up and down directions. The connection portion 173 is connected to the support portion 162 by bolts, which can limit the movement of the pipe joint 170 in the front and back directions.

[0133] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the installation portion 163 limits the connection portion 173, and the avoidance portion 164 limits the water supply connector 172, so as to reduce the number of fasteners used when connecting the pipe connector 170 to the fixing bracket 160, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0134] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the avoidance portion 164 is used to form a lever limiting structure for the pipe joint 170 and a fastener, so that effective limiting is formed in all directions after the pipe joint 170 is installed, thereby fixing the position of the nozzle 131.

[0135] In some embodiments, the support portion 162 includes two support arms spaced apart and arranged in parallel, the two support arms being a first support arm 1621 and a second support arm 1622 .

[0136] The space between the first support arm 1621 and the second support arm 1622 forms a mounting portion 163 , and the avoidance portion 164 is provided on the second support arm 1622 .

[0137] In other embodiments, the first support arm 1621 and the second support arm 1622 are both provided with an avoidance portion 164 , and the avoidance portion 164 passes through both the first support arm 1621 and the second support arm 1622 .

[0138] In this way, the water supply connector 172 of the pipe connector 170 may correspond to the avoidance portion 164 of the first support arm 1621 or the avoidance portion 164 of the second support arm 1622 .

[0139] For example, first support arm 1621 and second support arm 1622 extend generally vertically, with first support arm 1621 located on the left side and second support arm 1622 located on the right side. The front, rear, and upper ends of mounting portion 163, formed by first support arm 1621 and second support arm 1622, are open. Thus, after connecting portion 173 of pipe connector 170 is inserted into mounting portion 163, first support arm 1621 and second support arm 1622 can restrict left and right movement of pipe connector 170.

[0140] In some embodiments, the avoidance portion 164 is a U-shaped groove including an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a bottom wall, with the opening of the U-shaped groove facing rearward. The avoidance portion 164 is configured to avoid the installation of the water supply connector 172.

[0141] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixing portion 161 includes a first fixing arm 1611 and a second fixing arm 1612. The first fixing arm 1611 and the second fixing arm 1612 are L-shaped. The first fixing arm 1611 extends vertically, and the second fixing arm 1612 extends horizontally.

[0142] 15 and 22 , the first fixing arm 1611 is connected to the rear sidewall of the top cover 11. For example, the first fixing arm 1611 can be connected to the top cover 11 by at least three screws. The second fixing arm 1612 abuts against the upper end of the top cover 11, thereby achieving the connection of the fixing bracket 160 to the top cover 11.

[0143] At this time, the first supporting arm 1621 is connected to the left end of the second fixing arm 1612 , and the second supporting arm 1622 is connected to the right end of the second fixing arm 1612 .

[0144] In some embodiments, the fixing bracket 160 is a sheet metal member. The first fixing arm 1611 is formed by bending the rear end of the second fixing arm 1612 downward. The first support arm 1621 is formed by bending the left end of the second fixing arm 1612 upward. The second support arm 1622 is formed by bending the right end of the second fixing arm 1612 upward.

[0145] In some embodiments, the support arm has at least one transverse bend, and the bend is located below the avoidance portion 164, so as to utilize the bend structure to achieve structural reinforcement.

[0146] For example, the support arm includes a connecting portion 1623, a horizontal arm portion 1624, and a vertical arm portion 1625. The bottom end of the connecting portion 1623 is connected to the fixing portion 161, the horizontal arm portion 1624 is formed by extending laterally from the top end of the connecting portion 1623, and the vertical arm portion 1625 is formed by extending upward from the end of the horizontal arm portion 1624.

[0147] The transverse arm portion 1624 of the first support arm 1621 is bent toward the second support arm 1622 , and the transverse arm portion 1624 of the second support arm 1622 is bent toward the first support arm 1621 .

[0148] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control component 120 is separated from the waterway by a partition 113. When an accident such as water leakage occurs in the waterway, the partition 113 can play a certain blocking role on the water leaked from the waterway, thereby preventing the water in the second chamber 1103 from flowing into the first chamber 1102, thereby avoiding the influence of water on the control component 120.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a mounting bracket 115 is connected to the base 111, and the control assembly 120 is connected to the mounting bracket 115. The mounting bracket 115 can elevate the height of the control assembly 120. Thus, because the control assembly 120 is in a high position, even if water leaks from the waterway and enters the first chamber 1102, the water can be prevented from contacting the control assembly 120 to a certain extent.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a slot 1113 is provided on the base 111, and the water circuit solenoid valve 140 is connected to the slot 1113. The slot 1113 limits the position of the water circuit solenoid valve 140, which can reduce the number of screws used when connecting the water circuit solenoid valve 140, improve assembly efficiency, and has the advantages of simple installation and high assembly efficiency.

[0151] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the spray box 110 is installed on the air conditioner to adapt to different models of air conditioners by adjusting the position of the bracket 117 relative to the base 111 or replacing the corresponding bracket 117, thereby avoiding the trouble of designing spray boxes 110 of different sizes for different air conditioners, saving costs, and improving the installation versatility of the spray device 100.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by pulling out the bracket 117 and adjusting the position of the bracket 117 relative to the base 111, or by replacing the bracket 117 with a different size, the installation requirements of the spray box 110 on walls of different sizes can be met, thereby improving the versatility of installation and use of the spray box 110.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the exposed area of ​​the heat exchanger 20 at the air inlet 30 is set to M, and the relationship between the spray area S of the nozzle 131 and M satisfies: S = (85% to 95%) M, thereby ensuring a good spraying effect. By setting the distance from the center of the nozzle 131 to the left and right ends of the first side panel 13 to be greater than 1 / 2L, the spray water is prevented from being sprayed outside the housing 10, thereby avoiding water waste and preventing water from being sprayed out.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the exposed width W of the heat exchanger 20 is ≥ 637 mm, and the radius R of the arc surface is 6.5 mm. The outlet direction of the arc surface is perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 131. That is, the length of the nozzle 1311 on the cylindrical surface is 6.5 mm, and the diameter d of the water hole of the nozzle 131 is 1.6 mm. Under these dimensions, the nozzle 1311 of the nozzle 131 can ensure a wide spray range without splashing onto the left and right sides of the heat exchanger 20.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fixing bracket 160 connected to the top cover 11 is provided to fix the nozzle assembly 130. Since the fixing bracket 160 is relatively small and occupies relatively little space, the spray device 100 can be installed on the outdoor unit even in a scenario where the top space of the outdoor unit is limited.

[0156] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by limiting the connection portion 173 by the installation portion 163 and limiting the water supply connector 172 by the avoidance portion 164, the number of fasteners used when connecting the pipe connector 170 to the fixing bracket 160 can be reduced, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and that certain elements of the embodiments may be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spraying device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the outdoor unit having a heat exchanger, wherein, The spray device includes: A spray box; A control component disposed inside the spray box, the control component includes a waterway switch, and the control component is configured to control the on / off of the sprayed water; and A nozzle component connected to the water outlet end of the waterway switch, the nozzles of the nozzle component are exposed outside the spray box and are configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger; Wherein, the spray box includes: A base provided with a guide rail portion thereon; and A bracket inserted into the guide rail portion, and the bracket is configured to be connected to the casing of the air conditioner or the wall.

2. The spray device according to claim 1, wherein The guide rail portion is provided with an adjustment slot, the adjustment slot is strip-shaped, and the length extension direction of the adjustment slot is the same as the extension direction of the guide rail portion; the bracket is provided with a first screw mounting hole; a fastener passes through the adjustment slot and the first screw mounting hole.

3. The spray device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bracket includes a plug-in portion and a fixing portion that are vertically connected, the plug-in portion is inserted into the guide rail portion; the fixing portion is configured to be connected to the casing.

4. The spray device according to claim 3, wherein, The outdoor unit further includes a top cover; The bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are respectively located at opposite ends of the guide rail portion; a second screw mounting hole is provided on the fixing portion of the first bracket, and the second screw mounting hole is configured to be connected to the top cover; a hook portion is provided on the fixing portion of the second bracket, and the hook portion is configured to hook the bottom end of the top cover.

5. The spraying device according to claim 4, wherein, The nozzle component and the second bracket are located on the same side of the spray box.

6. The spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bracket includes a plug-in portion and a fixing portion, the plug-in portion is inserted into the guide rail portion, and the fixing portion is exposed outside the guide rail portion, and the fixing portion is configured to be connected to the wall.

7. The spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The base includes a base main body portion, and the guide rail portion is formed by bending the edge of the base main body portion.

8. The spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The bracket includes a bracket main body portion, and a flanging portion is provided on the bracket main body portion, and the flanging portion is connected to the guide rail portion through a fastener.

9. An air conditioner, including: A casing having a top cover; A heat exchanger disposed inside the casing; And The spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the spray device is configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, The top cover has opposite first side walls and second side walls; The bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are respectively located at opposite ends of the guide rail portion; the first bracket and the second bracket respectively clamp the first side wall and the second side wall of the top cover.

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