Window Air Conditioner

The present application is submitted based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Nos. 202210605603.9 and 202221344810.5, both filed on May 30, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technologies, and more particularly, to a window air conditioner.

A window air conditioner in the related art is an integrated air conditioner that may be mounted for use at a window opening. In order to meet noise reduction requirements, some window air conditioners are designed in a form of a saddle with an open bottom groove between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, in order to allow the window air conditioners to be stuck on a window sill using the groove and block noise of the outdoor unit by a physical wall. However, a configuration of such window air conditioner is fixed, and it is difficult to ensure good attachment when the window air conditioner is mounted to physical walls of different dimensions.

The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present disclosure is to provide a window air conditioner, capable of improving mounting adaptability to walls of different dimensions through a configuration adjustment.

A window air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit body, an indoor unit component, a connection support, and a seal member. The outdoor unit body is adapted to be arranged at an outdoor side. The indoor unit component includes an indoor unit body adapted to be arranged at an indoor side. The connection support is adapted to pass through a window opening, and the indoor unit component and the outdoor unit body are connected to each other by the connection support. The indoor unit component is slidable relative to the connection support in an inward-outward direction. The seal member is configured to seal a sliding-fit gap between the connection support and the indoor unit component.

The window air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve mounting adaptability to the walls of the different dimensions through the configuration adjustment while having good seal performance during the configuration adjustment. In this way, reliability and use performance of the window air conditioner are improved.

In some embodiments, the indoor unit component has a drawable cavity that is open towards an outside. An inner end portion of the connection support is inserted and engaged in the drawable cavity.

In some embodiments, the seal member includes a seal ring arranged around a peripheral wall surface of the inner end portion of the connection support.

In some embodiments, the seal member includes a plurality of the seal rings arranged around the peripheral wall surface of the inner end portion of the connection support. The plurality of the seal rings is arranged at intervals in the inward-outward direction.

In some embodiments, the window air conditioner further includes a pipeline assembly. The pipeline assembly passes through an interior of the connection support to connect the indoor unit component and the outdoor unit body. The connection support is provided with a blocking member at the inner end portion of the connection support. The blocking member has a through hole configured to avoid the pipeline assembly.

In some embodiments, the blocking member is a barrier integrally formed with the connection support and located at an inner end surface of the connection support.

In some embodiments, the connection support has an opened inner end surface. The blocking member is a thermal insulation material member arranged inside the inner end portion of the connection support.

In some embodiments, the window air conditioner includes a limit structure arranged between the connection support and the indoor unit component and configured to limit an extreme distance position of the indoor unit component away from the connection support.

In some embodiments, the indoor unit component has a drawable cavity that is open towards an outside; the drawable cavity has a transverse dimension greater than or equal to ½ of a transverse width of the indoor unit component; an inner end portion of the connection support is inserted and engaged in the drawable cavity; and at the extreme distance position, an overlapping distance between the indoor unit component and the connection support in the inward-outward direction is greater than or equal to 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the connection support has a transverse dimension greater than or equal to ⅘ of the transverse width of the indoor unit component; and at the extreme distance position, the overlapping distance between the indoor unit component and the connection support in the inward-outward direction is greater than or equal to 100 mm.

In some embodiments, the limit structure includes a limit hook arranged at a bottom of an inner end of the connection support and extending in a vertical direction. The limit hook is hooked at the indoor unit body when the indoor unit component moves to the limit distance position.

In some embodiments, the limit structure further includes a first stop rib arranged at each of two transverse sides of the connection support and a second stop rib arranged at each of two transverse sides of the indoor unit component. The second stop rib is stopped against the first stop rib when the indoor unit component moves to the extreme distance position.

In some embodiments, the connection support is connected between a top portion of the indoor unit component and a top portion of the outdoor unit body. The outdoor unit body is rotatably connected to the connection support to enable the outdoor unit body to rotate relative to the connection support about an upper inner end of the outdoor unit body to raise or lower a bottom of the outdoor unit body. The outdoor unit body has a first state in which a back plate of the outdoor unit body is vertically arranged and a second state in which the back plate of the outdoor unit body is transversely arranged. The outdoor unit body is adapted to rotate into the second state from the first state by rotating upwardly to raise the bottom of the outdoor unit body.

Additional aspects and advantages of present disclosure will be provided at least in part in the following description, or will become apparent in part from the following description, or can be learned from the practice of the present disclosure.

window air conditioner; window opening; indoor unit component;

indoor unit body; first back plate; first bottom plate; first top plate; first panel;

outdoor unit body; second back plate; second bottom plate; second top plate; second panel;

connection support; blocking member; barrier; thermal insulation material member; through hole;

extension support; drawable cavity;

seal member; seal ring; pipeline assembly;

limit structure; limit hook; first stop rib; second stop rib;

guide assembly; first guide rail; second guide rail; opening; support portion;

first locking hole; second locking hole; and screw.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which same or similar elements, or elements having same or similar functions, are denoted by same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative only, and are intended to explain rather than limit the present disclosure.

Many different embodiments or examples according to the present disclosure are used to realize different structures of the present disclosure. To simplify the present disclosure, components and settings in specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure may repeat reference numbers and/or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for purposes of simplicity and clarity and is not in itself indicative of a relationship among the various embodiments and/or settings discussed. In addition, the present disclosure provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art may recognize application of other processes and/or use of other materials.

A window air conditioneraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the drawings.

As illustrated in, a window air conditionermay include an indoor unit component, an outdoor unit body, and a connection support. The indoor unit componentincludes an indoor unit bodyadapted to be arranged at an indoor side. The outdoor unit bodyis adapted to be arranged at an outdoor side. The connection supportis adapted to pass through a window openingto connect the indoor unit componentand the outdoor unit body. Thus, the window air conditionercan be made into an integral component and pass through the window openingfor use.

It can be understood that the window air conditionerdescribed herein is adapted to be arranged for use at the window opening. An inward-outward direction of the window opening(i.e., a direction passing through the window opening) refers to a “longitudinal direction”; a width direction of the window openingrefers to a “transverse direction”; and a height direction of the window openingrefers to a “vertical direction.” In short, the indoor unit bodyand the outdoor unit bodyare spaced apart from each other in the inward-outward direction when the window air conditioneris in a use configuration (such as a state illustrated in). In this case, the indoor unit bodyis arranged at the indoor side for adjusting an indoor environment temperature and the like, and the outdoor unit bodyis arranged at the outdoor side for heat exchange with an outdoor environment. The connection supportpasses through the window openingand is connected to the indoor unit componentand the outdoor unit body. The term “inward” direction described herein refers to a direction towards or close to the indoor side, and the term “outward” direction refers to a direction towards or close to the outdoor side.

In some optional examples, the indoor unit bodymay include an indoor side heat exchanger, an indoor side fan, etc., and the outdoor unit bodymay include a compressor, an outdoor side heat exchanger, an outdoor side fan, etc. The indoor unit bodyis connected to the outdoor unit bodyvia a refrigerant pipeline, and therefore the indoor side heat exchanger, the outdoor side heat exchanger, the compressor, etc. constitute a refrigerant circulation system to realize a refrigeration cycle or a heating cycle. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to thereto. For example, in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the indoor side fan, the outdoor side fan, etc. may also be omitted, and no more examples are given herein.

As illustrated in, since the indoor unit componentis slidable relative to the connection supportin the inward-outward direction, when the window air conditioneris in a use configuration (for example, as illustrated in), at least part of the connection supportmay be located outside the indoor unit body, to enable the outdoor unit bodyand the indoor unit bodyto be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. When the window air conditioneris mounted at the window opening, the relative longitudinal position of the outdoor unit bodyto the indoor unit body I can be adjusted by the outdoor unit componentbeing movable relative to the connection supportin the longitudinal direction.

As a result, a longitudinal spacing between the outdoor unit bodyand the indoor unit bodycan match windowsills of different longitudinal dimensions. In this way, compactness and reliability of the mounting between the window air conditionerand the window opening.

In some embodiments, no matter how the connection supportmoves, at least part of the connection supportis constantly located outside the indoor unit body. In this case, the indoor unit componentmay include an extension support. At least part of the extension supportis located outside the indoor unit body, and the indoor unit componentis in a sliding-fit with the connection supportthrough the extension support. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the connection support, relative to the indoor unit component, may be stacked with the indoor unit bodyor accommodated in the indoor unit body. In this case, when the window air conditioneris not used, for example, when the window air conditioneris transported and packaged, the connection supportmay be completely shielded. As a result, the indoor unit bodyand the outdoor unit bodymay be adjacent to each other. Thus, a space occupied by the window air conditioneris reduced.

As illustrated in, the window air conditionermay include a seal memberconfigured to seal a sliding-fit gap between the connection supportand the indoor unit component. Thus, damage to the window air conditionercaused by external gas, liquid, etc., entering the indoor unit componentor the connection supportfrom the fit gap can be avoided. In this way, operating reliability and a service life of the window air conditionerare improved. Moreover, a loss or condensation problem caused by airflow in the indoor unit componentleaking from the sliding-fit gap can be avoided. In this way, the overall use performance of the window air conditioneris improved.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in, the indoor unit componenthas a drawable cavitythat is open towards an outside. An inner end portion of the connection supportis inserted and engaged in the drawable cavity. Thus, the structure is simple for ease of the mounting, and the sliding-fit between the indoor unit componentand the connection supportis easily achieved. For example, when the indoor unit componentincludes the above-mentioned extension support, the above-mentioned drawable cavitymay be formed by the extension support, and the inner end portion of the connection supportis inserted and engaged in the extension support.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in, the seal membermay include a seal ringarranged around a peripheral wall surface of the inner end portion of the connection support. Thus, the sliding gap between the connection supportand the indoor unit componentcan be simply and effectively sealed while not hindering the relative sliding of the indoor unit componentand the connection support, and cost of the seal memberis low. Further, with reference to, a plurality of seal ringsis arranged around the peripheral wall surface of the inner end portion of the connection support. The plurality of seal ringsis arranged at intervals in the inward-outward direction. Thus, a seal effect can be further improved. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the seal ringmay be replaced by applying a sealing sponge or the like, and details thereof will not be described herein.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in, the window air conditionermay include a pipeline assembly. The pipeline assemblypasses through an interior of the connection supportto connect the indoor unit componentand the outdoor unit body. The connection support is provided with a blocking memberat the inner end portion of the connection support. The blocking memberhas a through holeconfigured to avoid the pipeline assembly. Thus, the blocking membercan serve to block communication between the interior of the connection supportand the indoor unit component. Therefore, an adverse consequence caused by the indoor unit componentsupplying air to the connection supportcan be avoided. Moreover, routing of the pipeline assemblycan be guaranteed by providing the through hole. In addition, the pipeline assemblycan be protected by routing the pipeline assemblyinside the connection support. It should be noted that the constituent of the pipeline assemblyis not limited, for example, which may include at least one of a refrigerant pipe, a water pipe, or an electric wire.

It should be noted that the specific constituent of the blocking memberis not limited. In some optional examples, as illustrated in, the blocking memberis a barrierintegrally formed with the connection supportand located at an inner end surface of the connection support. Thus, the structure is simple for ease of machining and has a good blocking effect. In some other optional examples, as illustrated in, the connection supporthas an opened inner end surface, and the blocking memberis a thermal insulation material memberarranged inside the inner end portion of the connection support. Thus, a thermal insulation effect can be achieved while facilitating the assembly of the pipeline assembly.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in, the window air conditionerfurther includes a limit structurearranged between the connection supportand the indoor unit componentand configured to limit an extreme distance position of the indoor unit componentaway from the connection support. That is, when the indoor unit componentmoves away from the outdoor unit bodyto the extreme position, the limit structureserves to stop the indoor unit componentfrom further moving. Thus, a problem of separation of the indoor unit componentfrom the connection supportcan be avoided to ensure connection reliability.

It should be noted that the specific constituent of the limit structureis not limited.

For example, in some optional examples, the limit structureincludes a limit hookarranged at a bottom of the inner end portion of the connection supportand extending in a vertical direction. When the indoor unit componentmoves to the extreme distance position, the limit hookis hooked at the indoor unit body. As illustrated in, the limit structuremay include a limit hookarranged at a bottom of the inner end portion of the connection supportand extending downwards. When the indoor unit componentmoves towards the indoor side to the extreme distance position, the limit hookmay be hooked at the indoor unit bodyto limit the extreme distance position of the indoor unit componentaway from the connection support. Thus, the structure is simple and easily realized.

In some other optional examples, the limit structureincludes a first stop ribarranged at each of the two transverse sides of the connection supportand a second stop ribarranged at each of the two transverse sides of the indoor unit component. When the indoor unit componentmoves to the extreme distance position, the second stop ribis stopped against the first stop rib. As illustrated in, the limit structuremay include a first stop ribarranged at each of the two transverse sides of the connection supportand a second stop ribarranged at each of the two transverse sides of the indoor unit component. When the indoor unit componentmoves towards the indoor side to the extreme distance position, the second stop ribstops outside the first stop ribto limit the extreme distance position of the indoor unit componentaway from the connection support. Thus, the structure is simple and easily realized.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in, and, the indoor unit componenthas a drawable cavitythat is open towards an outside. The drawable cavityhas a transverse dimension L1 greater than or equal to ½ of a transverse width W of the indoor unit component, that is, L1≥0.5W. The inner end portion of the connection supportis inserted and engaged in the drawable cavity, that is, a shape and a dimension of the inner end portion of the connection supportmatch the shape and the dimension of the drawable cavity. Thus, a transverse dimension L2 of the inner end portion of the connection supportis greater than or equal to ½ of the transverse width W of the indoor unit component, that is, L2≥0.5W. Therefore, a large transverse dimension of the connection supportcan be ensured, and the sliding of the indoor unit componentcan be supported reliably and stably.

As illustrated in, at the extreme distance position, an overlapping distance H between the indoor unit componentand the connection supportin the inward-outward direction is greater than or equal to 50 mm, that is, H≥50 mm. Thus, by limiting the longitudinal overlapping distance, the connection supportcan provide a relatively reliable and stable support on the indoor unit componentto improve the reliability of the indoor unit component. Further, the connection supporthas a transverse direction L2 greater than or equal to ⅘ of the transverse width W of the indoor unit component, that is, L2≥0.8W. Moreover, at the extreme distance position, the overlapping distance H between the indoor unit componentand the connection supportin the inward-outward direction is greater than or equal to 100 mm, that is, H≥100 mm. Thus, the large transverse dimension of the connection supportcan be ensured, and the sliding of the indoor unit componentcan be supported reliably and stably. Moreover, by limiting the longitudinal overlapping distance, the connection supportcan provide a reliable and stable support on the indoor unit componentto improve the reliability of the indoor unit component.

Further, at the extreme distance position, the overlapping distance H between the indoor unit componentand the connection supportin the inward-outward direction is greater than or equal to 200 mm, that is, H≥200 mm. Thus, the connection supportcan provide a more reliable and stable support on the indoor unit componentto improve the reliability of the indoor unit component.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in, the pipeline assemblyextends along a loop in the connection support. For example, when the indoor unit componentmoves to the extreme distance position, a part of the pipeline assemblyin the connection supportmay be in an annular shape (for example, as illustrated in); and when the indoor unit componentmoves to an extreme proximity position (that is, a position closest to the outdoor unit body), the part of the pipeline assemblyin the connection supportmay be in a shape of ellipse or an elongated oblong (for example, as illustrated in). Thus, the pipeline assemblyis not prone to be pulled off, and a circulation effect is good.