EP3604937A1

EP3604937A1 - Housing assembly of air conditioner indoor unit, and air conditioner indoor unit

Info

Publication number: EP3604937A1
Application number: EP18903777.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kunyao WANG; Tian HE; Jielin PENG; Qian YUN
Original assignee: Midea Group Co Ltd; GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Co Ltd
Current assignee: Midea Group Co Ltd; GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2018-09-27
Publication date: 2020-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-27
Also published as: RU2745764C1; JP2020517894A; JP6810284B2; CN207962911U; HUE055088T2; EP3604937B1; WO2019148870A1; EP3604937A4

Abstract

A housing assembly of an indoor unit and indoor unit (100), wherein the housing assembly comprises the face frame (1), the end cover (2), the first auxiliary air-outlet grille (3) and the air guiding member (5). The face frame (1) is provided with the air inlet, the main air outlet (11), and two end covers (2) that are disposed at two ends of the face frame (1). The part of at least one of the end covers (2) adjacent to the main air outlet (11) forms the auxiliary air outlet (23). The auxiliary air-outlet channel (24) connected to the auxiliary air outlet (23) is defined between the end cover (2) and the face frame (1). The first auxiliary air-outlet grille (3) is disposed on the auxiliary air outlet (23), and the air guiding member (5) is disposed on the outer surface of the end cover (2) around the outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlet (23).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefits of Chinese patent application Serial No. 201820181641.5, filed on January 31, 2018 , the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, in particular to a housing assembly for an indoor unit and an indoor unit.

BACKGROUND

In the related technology, some indoor units are provided with auxiliary air outlets on the end covers at left and right sides to increase the air outflow range. However, since the auxiliary air outlets are disposed on the end covers at left and right sides of the unit, a share of the airflow will flow toward the rear side of the unit, which reduces the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlets. Thus, an improvement is required.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this application is to address at least one of the technical problems in the existing technology. Therefore, this application proposes a housing assembly for an indoor unit, of which the auxiliary air outlets have a good air outflow effect.
The application also proposes an indoor unit equipped with such housing assembly.
The housing assembly for an indoor unit in accordance with the embodiment of the first aspect of this application includes: a face frame having a top portion provided with an air inlet and a bottom portion provided with a main air outlet; two end covers arranged at a left end and a right end of the face frame separately, in which a portion of at least one end cover of the end covers adjacent to the main air outlet is provided with an auxiliary air outlet, and the end cover and the face frame define an auxiliary air-outlet channel in communication with the auxiliary air outlet therebetween; a first auxiliary air-outlet grille arranged on the auxiliary air outlet; and an air guiding member arranged on an outer surface of the end cover and surrounding an outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlet.
The housing assembly for an indoor unit according to the embodiment of this application may function to guide flow and air of the auxiliary air outlets to reduce the airflow towards the rear side of the unit, and improve the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlets by arranging the air guiding members on the outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlets.
According to some embodiments of this application, a shape of an outer contour of the air guiding member matches a shape of an outer contour of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille.
Optionally, the outer contour of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille and the outer contour of the air guiding member are both in the shape of "S".
According to some embodiments of this application, the air guiding member is detachably connected to the end cover.
Optionally, one of the air guiding member and the end cover is provided with a snap, and the other one of the air guiding member and the end cover is provided with a snapping slot fitted with the snap.
Further, a limiting groove is defined on the end cover, the snapping slot is defined on a side wall defining the limiting groove, and the snap is formed on the air guiding member.
Furthermore, a limiting part is formed on the air guiding member fitted with the limiting groove, and the limiting part extends along an extension direction of the air guiding member and is spaced apart from the snap.
According to some embodiments of this application, the first auxiliary air-outlet grille is integrally formed with the end cover.
According to some embodiments of this application, the first auxiliary air-outlet grille has a plurality of first partition ribs arranged side by side and extending in an arc shape, two adjacent first partition ribs defines a first air through hole therebetween, and the first air through hole has a gradually increasing width in a direction adjacent to the auxiliary air-outlet channel.
The indoor unit in accordance with the embodiment of the second aspect of this application consists of the housing assembly according to the embodiment of the first aspect of this application.
The indoor unit according to the embodiment of this application may improve the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlets by arranging the housing assembly.
Additional aspects and benefits of this application will be presented in the following sections, which will become apparent from the following descriptions or through the practice of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and easy to understand from the description of embodiments in combination with the attached drawings below, where:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged drawing of position A in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a partial structure diagram of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged drawing of position B in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of fit between the face frame and the end cover of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of assembly of the end cover with the second auxiliary air-outlet grille and the air guiding member of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 7 is the structure diagram of Fig. 6 in another angle;
Fig. 8 is the structure diagram of the end cover of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 9 is the structure diagram of the second auxiliary air-outlet grille of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application;
Fig. 9 is the structure diagram of the air guiding member of indoor unit as specified in an embodiment of this application.

Reference numerals:

Indoor unit 100;
Face frame 1; main air outlet 11; air deflector 12; air hole 121; air-inlet grille 13; snapping slot 14;
End cover 2; body part 21; extension part 22; reinforcing structure 221; auxiliary air outlet 23; auxiliary air-outlet channel 24; snap 25; mounting groove 26; snapping slot 261; limiting groove 27; snapping slot 271;
First auxiliary air-outlet grille 3; first partition rib 31; first air through hole 32;
Second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4; second partition rib 41; second air through hole 42; snap 43;
Air guiding member 5; snap 51; limiting part 52;
Front panel 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of this application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the attached drawings, throughout which the identical or similar labels are used to denote the identical or similar elements or elements having identical or similar functions. The embodiments described below by reference to the attached drawings are illustrative and are used only to interpret this application but should not be construed as restrictions on this application.
In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or position relations indicated with the terms "center", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "level", "top", "bottom", "inner" and "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" are based on the orientation or position relationships shown in the attached drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, so they shall not be construed as a restriction on this application. In addition, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may, explicitly or implicitly, include one or more such features. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more in the description of this application.
In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "linking" and "connection" shall be understood generally, for example, it may be fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; or mechanical or electrical connections; or direct linking, indirect linking through an intermediate medium, or internal connection of two components. The specific meaning of the above terms in this application may be understood on a case by case basis by ordinary technical personnel in the field.
The following part refers to Figs. 1-10 to describe the housing assembly for an indoor unit 100 according to the embodiment of this application.
As shown in Figs. 1-10, the housing assembly for an indoor unit 100 as specified in the embodiment of the first aspect of this application consists of face frame 1, end cover 2, first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and air guiding member 5.
Specifically, the top of the face frame 1 is formed with the air inlet and the bottom of the face frame 1 is formed with the main air outlet 11. The air-inlet grille 13 may be mounted at the air inlet, and the front side of the face frame 1 is provided with the front panel 6. The main air outlet 11 lying under the front panel 6 is provided with the air deflector 12 for opening and closing the main air outlet 11. There are two end covers 2 disposed at the left and right ends of the face frame 1 separately. The part of at least one of the end covers 2 adjacent to the main air outlet 11 forms the auxiliary air outlet 23. The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 connected to the auxiliary air outlet 23 is defined between the end cover 2 and the face frame 1.
Optionally, the end cover 2 formed with the auxiliary air outlet 23 comprises the body part 21 and the extension part 22 that are connected to each other. The body part 21 is positioned on the left side and/or the right side of the face frame 1, and provided with the auxiliary air outlet 23. The extension part 22 is positioned at the front side of the face frame 1 and on the left side and/or the right side of the air outlet. The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is provided between the extension part 22 and the face frame 1. Thus, the formation of the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is facilitated, with which air is easily guided to the auxiliary air outlet 23 and blown out.
Where, the auxiliary air outlet 23 can be seated on the end cover 2 at the left end of the face frame 1 only, which is positioned on the body part 21 of the end cover 2. In this case, the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is defined between the extension part 22 of the end cover 2 and the face frame 1. The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is connected to the corresponding auxiliary air outlet 23 so that air can be blown out from the main air outlet 11 and the auxiliary air outlet 23 at the left side while the air conditioner is working; or, the auxiliary air outlet 23 can be seated on the end cover 2 at the right end of the face frame 1 only, which is positioned on the body part 21 of the end cover 2. In this case, the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is defined between the extension part 22 of the end cover 2 and the face frame 1. The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is connected to the corresponding auxiliary air outlet 23 so that air can be blown out from the main air outlet 11 and the auxiliary air outlet 23 at the right side while the air conditioner is working; Alternatively, the end cover 2 at the left end of the face frame 1 and the end cover 2 at the right end of the face frame 1 may be both provided with the auxiliary air outlet 23, which are positioned on the body part 21 of the two end covers 2. The auxiliary air-outlet channels 24 are defined between the extension parts 22 of both end covers 2 and the face frame 1 separately. Each auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is connected to the corresponding auxiliary air outlet 23 so that air can be blown out from the main air outlet 11 and the auxiliary air outlets 23 at both sides while the air conditioner is working.
The first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 is provided on the auxiliary air outlet 23, and the air guiding member 5 is disposed on the outer surface of the end cover 2 around the outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlet 23. Thus, the functions of flow guide and air guide are achieved for the auxiliary air outlet 23, which reduces the airflow towards the rear side of the unit and improves the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlet 23. Optionally, the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 is integrally molded with the end cover 2.
The housing assembly for an indoor unit 100 according to the embodiment of this application may function to guide flow and air of the auxiliary air outlet 23 to reduce the airflow towards the rear side of the unit, and improve the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlets 23 by arranging the air guiding member 5 on the outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlet 23 on the end cover 2.
According to some embodiments of the application, the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 has a plurality of first partition ribs 31 that are disposed side by side and extend in an arc shape. The first air through hole 32 is defined between two adjacent first partition ribs 31. The first air through hole 32 has a gradually increasing width in the direction adjacent to the air-outlet channel 24. Thus, the larger portion of the first air through hole 32 adjoins the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24, which shortens the air flow path, reduces the airflow resistance, makes air outflow smooth and diminishes the energy loss of airflow.
According to some embodiments of this application, the air guiding member 5 is detachably coupled to the end cover 2, which facilitates disassembly and assembly of the air guiding member 5.
Optionally, either the air guiding member 5 or the end cover 2 is mounted with a snap and the other is provided with a snapping slot that fits with the snap. Thus, through the fit between the snap and the snapping slot, the disassembly and assembly of the air guiding member 5 is further facilitated. If the snap is mounted on the air guiding member 5, then the snapping slot is provided on the end cover 2; if the snapping slot is provided on the air guiding member 5, then the snap is mounted on the end cover 2.
For example, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the end cover 2 is provided with the limiting groove 27, on which there is the snapping slot 271 on the side wall. The air guiding member 5 is mounted with the snap 51. When installing the air guiding member 5, the snap 51 on the air guiding member 5 can be first stretched into the limiting groove 27 and clamped into the snapping slot 271 on the side wall of the limiting groove 27. With the joint limiting action of the snapping slot 271 and the limiting groove 27, the air guided part 5 can be better connected and fixed on the end cover 2.
Further, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the air guiding member 5 is formed with the limiting part 52 that fits with the limiting groove 27, which extends along the extension direction of the air guiding member 5 and staggers from the snap 51. Thus, the air guiding member 5 may be pre-positioned during its installation by the fit between the limiting part 52 on the air guiding member 5 and the limiting groove 27 on the end cover 2. After the air guiding member 5 is pre-positioned, the snap 51 on the air guiding member 5 is clamped into the snapping slot 271 on the side wall of the limiting groove 27. In this way, the fit between the snap 51 and the snapping slot 271 plus the fit between the limiting groove 27 and the limiting part 52 brings higher connection reliability to the air guiding member 5.
According to some embodiments of this application, the outer contour shape of the air guiding member 5 fits with that of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 so that the end cover 2 appears to be more harmonious and artistic, and the air guiding member 5 can better guide air and flow.
Optionally, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, the outer contour of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and that of the air guiding member 5 are both "S" shaped so that the air guiding member 5 has a decoration function and further graces the overall appearance.
In further embodiments of this application, as shown in Figs. 7-9, the housing assembly also includes the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 that is disposed outside the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3. By the setting of two air-outlet grilles on the auxiliary air outlet 23 of the end cover 2, the internal structure cannot be seen and the aesthetics of the complete unit is improved. The second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 is detachably coupled to the end cover 2. As much dust will get accumulated near the auxiliary air outlet 23 during the long-term operation of the indoor unit 100, it is only necessary to remove the external second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 for cleaning and mount it back onto the end cover 2 after the cleaning, which makes the cleaning of grilles on the auxiliary air outlet 23 easier.
For example, as shown in Figs. 1-10, the housing assembly comprises the aforementioned face frame 1, front panel 6, two end covers 2, and air deflector 12. The face frame 1 is provided with the air inlet on the top and the main air outlet 11 at the front bottom. The face frame 1 is provided with the front panel 6 at the front. The main air outlet 11 lying under the front panel 6 is provided with the air deflector 12. The two end covers 2 are respectively positioned on the left and right ends of the face frame 1. The snap 25 is mounted on the end cover 2, and the snapping slot is provided on the face frame 1. The end cover 2 can be mounted on the face frame 1 by the fit between the snap 25 and the snapping slot.
The end cover 2 at the left end of the face frame 1 and the end cover 2 at the right end of the face frame 1 are both provided with the auxiliary air outlet 23. Each auxiliary air outlet 23 is provided with the aforementioned first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4. Each end cover 2 comprises the body part 21 and the extension part 22, where the body parts 21 are positioned on the left and right sides of the face frame 1 respectively and each provided with the auxiliary air outlet 23 that are located at the lower portion and the front portion of the body parts 21. One end of the extension part 22 is connected to the bottom of the body part 21 and the other end is extended forward and upward. The extension part 22 is shaped as a curved plate that bends forward. The extension part 22 of each end cover 2 extends from the undersurface to the front side of the face frame 1. When the main air outlet 11 is closed by the air deflector 12, the air deflector 12 covers the outside of the extension part 22. The coverage of the extension part 22 by the air deflector 12 ensures the overall aesthetics. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, the extension part 22 may be provided with the reinforcing structure 221 to raise its strength. For instance, the reinforcing structure 221 may contain a plurality of grooves formed on the outer surface of the extension part 22.
The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is defined between the extension part 22 of the end cover 2 at the left end and the face frame 1, which is connected to the auxiliary air outlet 23 on the corresponding body part 21. The auxiliary air-outlet channel 24 is defined between the extension part 22 of the end cover 2 at the left end and the face frame 1, which is connected to the auxiliary air outlet 23 on the corresponding body part 21.
Therefore, if the air deflector 12 opens the main air outlet 11 as the air conditioner is working, a share of the air is blown out from the main air outlet 11, while the other share of the air flows through the auxiliary air-outlet channels 24 on the left and right sides, and is blown out from the auxiliary air outlets 23 on the end covers 2 separately. In the process when the air is blown out from the auxiliary air outlets 23 on the end covers 2, the air passes through the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 in order. In this way, the two air-outlet grilles may function to guide air.
Optionally, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a plurality of air holes 121 may be formed on the air deflector 12 that are evenly distributed on the air deflector 12. Then the air conditioner may have a normal mode and a breezeless mode. When the air conditioner is in the normal mode, the air deflector 12 opens the main air outlet 11. Consequently, a share of the air is blown out from the main air outlet 11, while the other share of the air flows through the auxiliary air-outlet channels 24 on the left and right sides, and is blown out from the auxiliary air outlets 23 on the end covers 2 separately; when the air conditioner is in the breezeless mode, the air deflector 12 closes the main air outlet 11. Thus, a share of the air is blown out from the air holes on the air deflector 12 and airflow is dispersed. The other share of the air flows over the auxiliary air-outlet channels 24 at both sides and is blown out from the auxiliary air outlets 23 on the end covers 2. Thus, the different usage requirements of users can be satisfied.
In some optional embodiments of this application, as shown in Fig. 7-Fig. 9, the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 is provided with several snaps 43 that stagger in the extension direction of the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4. The end cover 2 is provided with several snapping slots 261 that fit with the snaps 43. In this way, the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 is reliably connected and fixed on the end cover 2.
In some optional embodiments of this application, as shown in Fig. 7-Fig. 9, the end cover 2 is provided with the mounting groove 26. The first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 constitutes the bottom wall of the mounting groove 26, and the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 is disposed in the mounting groove 26. Thus, the installation of the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 is facilitated, the outer structure of the end cover 2 is more compact and the overall appearance is more artistic.
In some optional embodiments of this application, as shown in Fig. 7-Fig. 9, the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 has a plurality of second partition ribs 41 that are disposed side by side and extend in an arc shape. The second air through hole 42 is defined between two adjacent second partition ribs 41. At least a part of the second partition ribs 41 in the air outlet direction is opposite the first air through hole 32, and the width of the second partition ribs 41 is smaller than that of the first air through hole 32. Thus, the gap caused by the auxiliary air outlet 23 on the end cover 2 can be reduced, so that the internal structure of the unit cannot be seen from the appearance, which improves the fairness of the complete unit and exerts no influence on the air outflow volume. Besides, the arch extension of the first partition rib 31 of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and the second partition rib 41 of the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 can further enhance the appearance fairness of the end cover 2.
Further, as shown in Fig. 9, the second air through hole 42 has a gradually increasing width in the direction adjacent to the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24. Thus, the larger portion of the second air through hole 42 adjoins the auxiliary air-outlet channel 24, which shortens the air flow path, reduces the airflow resistance, makes air outflow smooth and diminishes the energy loss of airflow.
Where the housing assembly comprises the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4, the outer contour shape of the air guiding member 5 fits with that of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and the second auxiliary air-outlet grille 4 so that the end cover 2 appears to be more harmonious and artistic. For example, the outer contours of both the first auxiliary air-outlet grille 3 and the air guiding member 5 are "S" shaped so that the air guiding member 5 has a decoration function and further graces the overall appearance.
The indoor unit 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the second aspect of this application consists of the housing assembly according to the embodiment of the first aspect of this application.
The indoor unit 100 in accordance with the embodiment of this application may enhance the air outflow effect of the auxiliary air outlets 23 by setting the housing assembly mentioned above.
In the description of this application, the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments" and "schematic embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific feature, structure, material or characteristic of that embodiment or example described are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this description, the schematic presentation of such terms may not refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structure, material or characteristics described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or multiple embodiments or examples.
Although the embodiments of this application have been presented and described, the ordinary technical personnel in the field can understand that multiple changes, modifications, substitutions and variations of such embodiments can be made without deviating from the principles and purposes of this application, and that the scope of this application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A housing assembly for an indoor unit, comprising:
a face frame having a top portion provided with an air inlet and a bottom portion provided with a main air outlet;

two end covers arranged at a left end and a right end of the face frame separately, wherein a portion of at least one end cover of the end covers adjacent to the main air outlet is provided with an auxiliary air outlet, and the end cover and the face frame define an auxiliary air-outlet channel in communication with the auxiliary air outlet therebetween;

a first auxiliary air-outlet grille arranged on the auxiliary air outlet; and

an air guiding member arranged on an outer surface of the end cover and surrounding an outer periphery of the auxiliary air outlet.
The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein a shape of an outer contour of the air guiding member matches a shape of an outer contour of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille.
The housing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer contour of the first auxiliary air-outlet grille and the outer contour of the air guiding member are both in the shape of "S".
The housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air guiding member is detachably connected to the end cover.
The housing assembly according to claim 4, wherein one of the air guiding member and the end cover is provided with a snap, and the other one of the air guiding member and the end cover is provided with a snapping slot fitted with the snap.
The housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein a limiting groove is defined on the end cover, the snapping slot is defined on a side wall defining the limiting groove, and the snap is formed on the air guiding member.
The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein a limiting part is formed on the air guiding member fitted with the limiting groove, and the limiting part extends along an extension direction of the air guiding member and is spaced apart from the snap.
The housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first auxiliary air-outlet grille is integrally formed with the end cover.
The housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first auxiliary air-outlet grille has a plurality of first partition ribs arranged side by side and extending in an arc shape, two adjacent first partition ribs defines a first air through hole therebetween, and the first air through hole has a gradually increasing width in a direction adjacent to the auxiliary air-outlet channel.
An indoor unit, comprising a housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.