Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner, relating to the technical field of refrigeration devices. The air conditioner comprises a first body (100) and a piping cover (200). The first body (100) is provided with a clearance opening (111), a refrigerant pipe assembly (120) partially exposed outside the first body (100) through the clearance opening (111), and a drip tray (102) arranged inside the first body (100). The piping cover (200) is connected to the first body (100) to shield the exposed refrigerant pipe assembly (120); a water guide surface (150) located below the refrigerant pipe assembly (120) is provided in the piping cover (200); and the water guide surface (150) extends toward the clearance opening (111), so as to allow received condensate water generated by the refrigerant pipe assembly (120) to flow into the drip tray (102) through the clearance opening (111).

Description

air conditioner

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421661492.4, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0003] An air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The refrigerant piping (usually copper pipes) extends out of the air conditioner's casing, connecting the indoor and outdoor units. The air conditioner is equipped with a piping cover, which protects the refrigerant piping and enhances its appearance. The refrigerant piping is responsible for transporting refrigerant, so condensation will form on its surface. The condensation from the exposed refrigerant piping will seep directly from the edge of the piping cover. Technical issues

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to propose an air conditioner that aims to solve the problem of condensate leakage from refrigerant piping. Technical solutions

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the air conditioner proposed in this application includes:

[0006] The first unit includes a clearance opening, a refrigerant piping assembly partially exposed outside the first unit through the clearance opening, and a drip tray disposed within the first unit; and

[0007] A pipe cover is connected to the first body to cover the exposed refrigerant pipe assembly. The pipe cover has a water guide surface located below the refrigerant pipe assembly, and the water guide surface extends toward the relief opening so that the condensate generated by the refrigerant pipe assembly flows into the water receiving pan through the relief opening.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water guiding surface is inclined towards the middle on both sides.

[0009] In one embodiment, the water guide extends downward at an angle in the direction close to the avoidance opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pipe cover is provided with a water guide plate located below the refrigerant pipe assembly and extending toward the clearance opening, and the water guide surface is provided on the upper surface of the water guide plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water guide plate includes a water guide section and two baffles disposed on both sides of the width of the water guide section. The bottom of the refrigerant pipe assembly is disposed above the water guide section and between the two baffles. The water guide surface is configured as the upper surface of the water guide section.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water guide plate further includes a connecting section, which connects the water guide section and the sidewall of the pipe cover respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thickness of the water-guiding section is greater than the thickness of the connecting section.

[0014] In one embodiment, the water guide section and / or the connecting section are provided with reinforcing ribs extending toward the clearance opening.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water guide plate and the pipe cover are integrally formed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pipe cover is detachably connected to the first body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first body includes a chassis and a shock-absorbing base disposed on the chassis. The water receiving tray is formed on the chassis. The shock-absorbing base is provided with a compressor mounting position and a water receiving trough. The first body also includes a compressor disposed at the compressor mounting position. The water receiving trough is provided corresponding to the clearance opening, and the side wall of the water receiving trough is provided with a drainage notch so that the condensate flows into the water receiving tray through the drainage notch.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first unit is the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit; the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a flexible refrigerant pipe. Beneficial effects

[0019] This solution offers at least the following benefits: First, since the refrigerant piping of an air conditioner typically extends from the main unit, it is exposed, affecting the overall aesthetics. Designing a pipe cover to conceal the exposed refrigerant piping improves the overall appearance of the air conditioner, making it look cleaner and more harmonious. Second, without protection, exposed refrigerant piping may suffer from impacts, scratches, or other physical damage, affecting the air conditioner's performance. The pipe cover provides an extra layer of protection for the refrigerant piping, reducing the risk of damage caused by external factors. Finally, during operation, condensation may occur on the exposed refrigerant piping. Without proper handling, this condensation may drip, causing slippery or damaged surfaces. The water guide surface within the pipe cover is designed to collect this condensation and direct it through a drainage opening into the drip tray within the main unit, preventing condensation leakage from the pipe cover and avoiding user concerns about product quality and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the first machine body provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the side of the housing where the clearance opening is located in Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the pipe cover in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the pipe cover in Figure 4 from another perspective.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100. First unit body; 101. Chassis; 102. Water collection tray; 110. Casing; 111. Circumvention opening; 120. Refrigerant piping assembly; 130. Vibration damping base; 131. Mounting port; 132. Mounting position; 133. Water collection trough; 134. Drainage notch; 140. Water guide plate; 141. Water guide section; 142. Water baffle; 143. Connecting section; 150. Water guide surface; 160. Reinforcing rib; 200. Pipe cover; 210. Clip.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0033] An air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The refrigerant piping (usually copper pipes) extends out of the air conditioner's casing, connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Air conditioners are equipped with piping covers to protect the refrigerant piping and enhance its appearance. The refrigerant piping is responsible for transporting refrigerant, so condensation will form on its surface. The condensation from exposed refrigerant piping will seep directly from the edge of the chassis, affecting the quality of the product.

[0034] To address the issue of condensate leakage from refrigerant piping, this application proposes an air conditioner.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1. In one embodiment of this application, the air conditioner includes a first body 100 (internal structure not shown) and a pipe cover 200. Referring to Figure 4, the first body 100 includes a clearance opening 111, a refrigerant pipe assembly 120 partially exposed outside the first body 100 through the clearance opening 111, and a water collection tray 102 disposed inside the first body 100. The pipe cover 200 is connected to the first body 100 and covers the exposed refrigerant pipe assembly 120. The pipe cover 200 is provided with a water guiding surface 150 located below the refrigerant pipe assembly 120, and the water guiding surface 150 extends toward the clearance opening 111 so that the condensate generated by the refrigerant pipe assembly 120 flows into the water collection tray 102 through the clearance opening 111.

[0036] An air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The first unit 100 is configured as either an indoor unit or an outdoor unit. The indoor and outdoor units can be integrated into one unit, in which case the air conditioner is a portable air conditioner that does not require an external exhaust pipe or outdoor unit, and all components are integrated into one unit. However, it is not limited to this. The first unit 100 can be configured as the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a flexible refrigerant pipe. Furthermore, the air conditioner compressor can be located in the indoor unit.

[0037] This type of split-system air conditioner, which is easy for users to install themselves, uses flexible refrigerant pipes to connect the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit and the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and refrigerant is injected into the refrigerant circuit before the equipment leaves the factory. Therefore, when users install the equipment themselves, they only need to fix the indoor and outdoor units separately, without needing to install refrigerant pipes or add refrigerant, thus reducing installation difficulty and enabling individual installation.

[0038] Placing the compressor within the indoor unit of the air conditioner reduces the weight of the outdoor unit, making it easier for users to move the outdoor unit and find a suitable installation location, thus reducing installation difficulty and labor costs, especially in areas with high labor costs. Correspondingly, to reduce noise, the compressor within the indoor unit undergoes noise reduction treatment, such as filling it with noise-reducing materials and incorporating a buffer structure to reduce compressor vibration transmission.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 and 4. The first unit 100 has a housing 110 with a clearance opening 111. The interior of the first unit 100 has a water collection tray 102. The refrigerant pipe assembly 120 of the first unit 100 is partially exposed outside the first unit 100 through the clearance opening 111. The pipe cover 200 is connected to the first unit 100 and covers the exposed refrigerant pipe assembly 120. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the pipe cover 200 has a water guiding surface 150 located below the refrigerant pipe assembly 120. The water guiding surface 150 is used to collect the condensate generated by the exposed part of the refrigerant pipe assembly 120 and allows the collected condensate to flow into the water collection tray 102 through the clearance opening 111.

[0040] The technical solution of this application adopts a water guiding surface 150 designed in the pipe cover 200. The water guiding surface 150 of the pipe cover 200 located below the refrigerant pipe group 120 receives the condensate generated by the refrigerant pipe group 120, and the collected condensate flows into the water receiving pan 102 through the avoidance port 111, thereby solving the problem of water leakage in the air conditioner during operation.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1. The water tray 102 is set inside the chassis 101. The shock-absorbing base 130 is made of rubber and has a mounting position 132. The compressor is arranged on the mounting position 132. The shock-absorbing base 130 also has a water trough 133 to collect condensate. The chassis 101 and the water tray 102 are fixed with screws. Please refer to Figure 3. The water trough 133 has an installation port 131. The refrigerant pipe assembly 120 is configured with two copper pipes. The two copper pipes are respectively clamped to an installation port 131 and bend and extend at the avoidance port 111. The copper pipes form a refrigerant flow channel.

[0042] Condensate flowing from the water guide surface 150 into the water receiving tank 133 flows through the drain opening 134 into the water receiving pan 102 of the chassis 101. The water receiving pan 102 is the lowest point of the chassis 101, which facilitates water collection. Finally, the water is discharged from the first body 100 by the water pump.

[0043] Without loss of generality, in other ways, the compressor may also be arranged in the water tray 102, i.e., installed in the water trough 133.

[0044] Thus, by placing the compressor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the weight of the outdoor unit can be reduced, making it easier for users to move the outdoor unit themselves and find a suitable installation location, reducing installation difficulty and labor costs, especially in areas where labor costs are high. Correspondingly, to reduce noise, the drip tray 102 is made of rubber, and the drip tray 102 is reused as a buffer structure to reduce compressor vibration transmission without adding new structures or increasing costs; it also does not increase the space of the indoor unit, which is conducive to a compact structure and miniaturization.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 4. The clearance opening 111 is provided on the rear panel of the housing 110. The rear panel is connected to the chassis 101 by screws. The pipe cover 200 is detachably connected to the first body 100. After the pipe cover 200 is snapped into the buckle 210 of the rear panel, it is connected by screws. The clearance opening 111 corresponds to the mounting opening 131. In one embodiment, the water guide surface 150 can extend from the clearance opening 111 and abut against the groove wall of the mounting opening 131. In another embodiment, the water guide surface 150 is set as a pointed tip and placed at the bottom of the groove of the mounting opening 131.

[0046] In cooling mode, the surface temperature of the two copper pipes is low. Water vapor in the air condenses into water droplets on the surface of the copper pipes and adheres to them. As the number of water droplets increases, they fall onto the lower water guide surface 150. The condensate collects and flows into the water collection pan 102 on the chassis 101. When the water level reaches a certain height, the water pump draws the water in the water collection pan 102 into the outdoor unit and discharges it to the outside. This solves the problem of condensate leakage.

[0047] In summary, this solution offers at least the following advantages: First, since the refrigerant piping assembly 120 of an air conditioner typically extends from within the first unit 100, it is exposed, affecting the overall aesthetics. Designing a piping cover 200 to conceal the exposed refrigerant piping assembly 120 improves the overall appearance of the air conditioner, making it look neater and more harmonious. Second, without protection, the exposed refrigerant piping assembly 120 may suffer impacts, scratches, or other physical damage, affecting the air conditioner's performance. The piping cover 200 provides an additional protective layer for the refrigerant piping, reducing the risk of damage caused by external factors. Third, the design of the piping cover 200 makes maintenance and inspection of the refrigerant piping assembly 120 more convenient. When inspection or maintenance of the refrigerant piping is required, the piping cover 200 can be easily removed, and then replaced after the work is completed, simplifying the maintenance process. Finally, during air conditioner operation, condensation may occur on the exposed portion of the refrigerant piping. Without proper handling, this condensation may drip, causing slippery or damaged floors in the operating area. The water guide surface 150 inside the pipe cover 200 is designed to collect the condensate and allow it to flow into the water receiving tray 102 inside the first body 100 through the relief opening 111, thereby preventing the problem of condensate dripping.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Specifically, to address the issues of condensate drainage and preventing water spillage, the guide surface 150 slopes inward from both sides, forming a V-shape in its axial cross-section. The V-shaped design utilizes gravity to help condensate converge towards the center. Since condensate typically occurs at the lowest point of the refrigerant pipe assembly 120, the V-shaped guide surface 150 ensures smooth flow of condensate towards the center, flowing into the drip tray 102 through the clearance port 111. This design improves drainage efficiency and reduces the likelihood of condensate accumulation on the guide surface 150. The V-shaped structure creates a natural groove during condensate flow, allowing even large volumes of condensate to be temporarily stored within the groove, preventing water spillage onto the outside of the air conditioner and avoiding potential damage and safety hazards. The V-shaped guide surface 150 design may also enhance the structural stability of the pipe cover 200, making it more robust and less prone to deformation or damage during installation and use. The V-shaped guide surface 150 has a simple structure, facilitating cleaning and maintenance. If debris or dust accumulates on the water guide surface 150, it can be easily cleaned, maintaining the water flow effect of the water guide surface 150. The V-shaped design may make the structure of the water guide surface 150 more compact, thereby saving internal space, which is an important consideration for compact equipment such as air conditioners.

[0049] Based on the V-shaped arrangement of the water guide surface 150, further, to better guide the condensate into the water receiving tray 102, the water guide surface 150 extends downward at an angle near the avoidance opening 111. The inclined water guide surface 150 utilizes gravity to ensure that the condensate can flow smoothly to the water receiving tray 102, reducing the time water stays on the water guide surface 150 and minimizing potential corrosion and mold problems caused by condensate accumulation.

[0050] In other embodiments, the V-shaped water guide surface 150 and the inclined water guide surface 150 are two separate designs.

[0051] In an embodiment of this solution, in order to better optimize the collection and drainage process of condensate, the pipe cover 200 is provided with a water guide plate 140 located below the refrigerant pipe assembly 120 and extending toward the avoidance port 111, and the water guide surface 150 is provided on the upper surface of the water guide plate 140.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, specifically, the water guide plate 140 includes a water guide section 141 and two baffles 142 disposed on both sides of the width of the water guide section 141. The bottom of the refrigerant pipe assembly 120 is disposed above the water guide section 141 and between the two baffles 142. The water guide surface 150 is configured as the upper surface of the water guide section 141.

[0053] When condensate generated during the operation of the refrigerant piping assembly 120 flows towards the guide water surface 150, the design of the baffle plate 142 prevents water droplets from splashing out due to excessive flow velocity or vibration from moving the air conditioner, thus keeping the operating environment dry. The presence of the baffle plate 142 prevents condensate from leaking from both sides of the guide water surface 150, ensuring that all condensate can be effectively collected and drained away.

[0054] In other embodiments, the baffle plate 142 is provided alone with a V-shaped water guiding surface 150 or alone with a downwardly inclined water guiding surface 150.

[0055] In this embodiment of the solution, the water guiding surface 150 further includes connecting sections 143, which connect the water guiding section 141 and the sidewalls of the pipe cover 200. The connecting sections 143 include two sections located on both sides of the two baffles 142. Specifically, the water guiding surface 150 and the pipe cover 200 are integrally formed. To prevent damage and failure during assembly, connecting sections 143 are provided on both sides of the water guiding surface 150, connecting to the sidewalls of the pipe cover 200, thereby improving the stability of the water guiding section 141 and preventing damage and failure during suspended assembly on both sides.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the connecting section 143 can be enclosed with the baffle plate 142 to form a frame groove. Multiple reinforcing ribs 160 are arranged in the frame groove to further enhance the structural strength. A water guiding channel is also provided that communicates with the water guiding section 141. The connecting section 143 is inclined toward the inclined water guiding section 141. In this way, some of the condensate that splashes into the connecting sections 143 on both sides collects and flows back to the water guiding section 141 under gravity through the water guiding channel.

[0057] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment of the solution, to further strengthen the structure of the water guide section 141, prevent damage and failure during assembly, and improve the durability of the pipe cover 200, the thickness of the water guide section 141 is greater than the thickness of the connecting section 143. The water guide section 141 is the main channel for condensate flow; increasing its thickness improves the structural strength and stability of the water guide section 141. Increasing the thickness of the water guide section 141 makes the overall structure of the pipe cover 200 more robust, improving its durability and impact resistance, and extending the service life of the pipe cover 200. By using different thicknesses for the water guide section 141 and the connecting section 143, design optimization can be achieved, allowing the pipe cover 200 to have different strengths and stability in different parts according to its functional requirements, thereby achieving economical material use and optimal performance.

[0058] To further strengthen the structure of the water-conducting section 141, a reinforcing structure is also provided on the water-conducting section 141 to improve the structural strength of the water-conducting section 141.

[0059] In one embodiment, the water guide section 141 is provided with a reinforcing rib 160 extending toward the avoidance opening 111.

[0060] In one embodiment, the connecting section 143 is provided with a reinforcing rib 160 extending toward the clearance opening 111.

[0061] In this embodiment, the water guiding section 141 / or the connecting section 143 is provided with reinforcing ribs 160 extending toward the avoidance opening 111; and a flow channel is formed between the plurality of reinforcing ribs 160 to allow condensate to pass through.

[0062] In this embodiment, multiple reinforcing ribs 160 extend in the same direction as the water guiding section 141 and are arranged at intervals. The flow guiding channel passes through the multiple reinforcing ribs 160, so that the water flow in the groove defined by adjacent reinforcing ribs 160 can be collected and better guided into the water receiving tray 102. This embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the reinforcing ribs 160 are protrusions or grooves provided on the water guiding section 141, thereby forming a flow guiding channel between the protrusions or grooves.

[0063] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, The air conditioner includes: The first unit includes a clearance opening, a refrigerant piping assembly partially exposed outside the first unit through the clearance opening, and a drip tray disposed within the first unit; and A pipe cover is connected to the first body to cover the exposed refrigerant pipe assembly. The pipe cover has a water guide surface located below the refrigerant pipe assembly, and the water guide surface extends toward the relief opening so that the condensate generated by the refrigerant pipe assembly flows into the water receiving pan through the relief opening.

2. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein, The water guiding surface is inclined towards the middle on both sides.

3. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein, The water guide extends downwards in the direction close to the avoidance opening.

4. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, wherein, The pipe cover is provided with a water guide plate located below the refrigerant pipe assembly and extending toward the clearance opening, and the water guide surface is provided on the upper surface of the water guide plate.

5. The air conditioner as described in claim 4, wherein, The water guide plate includes a water guide section and two baffles located on both sides of the width of the water guide section. The bottom of the refrigerant pipe assembly is located above the water guide section and between the two baffles. The water guide surface is configured as the upper surface of the water guide section.

6. The air conditioner as described in claim 5, wherein, The water guide plate also includes a connecting section, which connects the water guide section and the side wall of the pipe cover respectively.

7. The air conditioner as described in claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the water-guiding section is greater than the thickness of the connecting section; and / or The water guide section and / or the connecting section are provided with reinforcing ribs extending toward the avoidance opening.

8. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The water guide plate and the pipe cover are integrally formed.

9. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The pipe cover is detachably connected to the first body.

10. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first body includes a chassis and a shock-absorbing base disposed on the chassis. The water receiving tray is formed on the chassis. The shock-absorbing base is provided with a compressor mounting position and a water receiving trough. The first body also includes a compressor, which is disposed at the compressor mounting position. The water receiving trough is provided corresponding to the clearance opening, and the side wall of the water receiving trough is provided with a drainage notch so that the condensate flows into the water receiving tray through the drainage notch.

11. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The first unit is the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit; the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a flexible refrigerant pipe.

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