Air conditioner

An air conditioner includes a chassis, a face frame over the chassis, an electric control box mounted at the face frame and located at a front portion of the face frame, and a panel configured to openably cover the front portion of the face frame and the electric control box. At least a portion of the electric control box is detachably connected to the face frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/CN2019/103825, filed on Aug. 30, 2019, which is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201921063126.8, filed on Jul. 8, 2019, and Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 201921058404.0, filed on Jul. 8, 2019, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates to a technical field of air conditioning, and more particularly to an air conditioner.

BACKGROUND

In the related art, an electric control box is under a face frame. When mounting or maintenance operation of an electric control board is needed, a panel needs to be opened first, and then the face frame is removed, so as to operate the electric control box. In some models, the face frame includes a large opening at a right side thereof, and the electric control board can be removed through the opening. The large opening is closed with a cover plate, it is necessary to remove the cover plate first so as to operate the electric control box, resulting in relatively cumbersome operations.

SUMMARY

The present application seeks to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art to at least some extent.

To this end, one objective of the present application is to propose an air conditioner, an electric control box of the air conditioner is easy to dismount and mount.

The air conditioner according to embodiments of the present application includes a chassis; a face frame covering on the chassis; an electric control box mounted at the face frame and located at a front portion of the face frame, at least a portion of the electric control box being detachably connected to the face frame; and a panel openably covering the front portion of the face frame, the electric control box facing the panel in a front-and-rear direction.

In the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present application, the electric control box is mounted at the front portion of the face frame, at least a portion of the electric control box is detachably connected to the face frame, and the panel faces the electric control box in the front-and-rear direction, thereby facilitating maintenance of the electric control box.

Additionally, the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present application may further have the following additional technical features.

According to an embodiment of the present application, an entirety of the electric control box is detachably mounted at the face frame.

According to an embodiment of the present application, an upper end of the electric control box is inserted into an upper side of the front portion of the face frame, and a lower end of the electric control box is provided with a first overlapping part overlapped at a front surface of a lower side of the front portion of the face frame, and the first overlapping part is detachably connected to the face frame.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the electric control box is disposed at least one end of the face frame in a left-and-right direction, the electric control box is provided with a second overlapping part overlapped at a front surface of the corresponding end of the face frame, and the second overlapping part is detachably connected to the face frame.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the front portion of the face frame has an opening part, and at least a portion of the electric control box is detachably disposed in the opening part.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the electric control box includes a box body and a box cover, the box body is internally formed with an accommodating cavity having an open front portion and adapted to position an electric control board, and the box cover openably covers an open side of the box body.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the box cover is turnably or detachably connected to the box body.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the box body comprises a first inner housing and a first sheet metal part, the first sheet metal part wraps an outer side of the first inner housing, and the first sheet metal part is undetachably or detachably connected to the first inner housing; or the box cover includes a second inner housing and a second sheet metal part, the second sheet metal part wraps an outer side of the second inner housing, and the second sheet metal part is undetachably or detachably connected to the second inner housing.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the face frame and the chassis are detachably connected.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the panel is rotatably or turnably connected to the face frame.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the face frame has an overlapping groove recessed rearwards; and the electric control box includes a wire passage part internally having a wire passage groove, the wire passage groove is in communication with an internal space of the electric control box, and the wire passage part is embedded in the overlapping groove.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the panel is hinged with the face frame.

According to another embodiment of the present application, the electric control box includes: a first inner housing having an opening and a first connection face; a second inner housing detachably connected to the first inner housing to open and close the opening, the second inner housing having the second connection face fitted to the first connection face, in which one of the first inner housing and the second inner housing has a water stop part extending into the other thereof, and the water stop part is located inside fitting place between the first connection face and the second connection face.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the second inner housing has a flange part extending towards the first inner housing, and the water stop part is disposed on an inner side of the flange part and the water stop part and the flange part are oppositely arranged.

According to an embodiment of the present application, an end face of the flange part forms the second connection face.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the water stop part is arranged adjacent to the opening, and the first connection face is disposed outside the water stop part and lower than an end face of the water stop part.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the flange part and the water stop part are spaced apart from each other.

According to an embodiment of the present application, a length of an overlapping portion between the flange part and the water stop part is greater than or equal to 1 millimeter in an extending direction of the flange part.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the water stop part is oriented in an extending direction of an edge of the opening.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the electric control box further includes a first sheet metal part covering an outer side of the first inner housing and connected to the first inner housing; a second sheet metal part covering an outer side of the second inner housing and connected to the second inner housing, in which the second sheet metal part has a blocking part extending towards the first sheet metal part, and the blocking part extends beyond fitting place between the first connection face and the second connection face.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the first inner housing is fitted to the first sheet metal part by snap-fit; and/or the second inner housing is fitted to the second sheet metal part by snap-fit.

According to an embodiment of the present application, one of the first inner housing and the first sheet metal part has a first snap, and the other thereof has a first snap hole fitted to the first snap; and/or one of the second inner housing and the second sheet metal part has a second snap, and the other thereof has a second snap hole fitted to the second snap.

According to an embodiment of the present application, one of the first inner housing and the first sheet metal part has a first insertion groove, and the other thereof has a first insertion part fitted to the first insertion groove to cause the first sheet metal part to be in tight contact with the first inner housing; and/or one of the second inner housing and the second sheet metal part has a second insertion groove, and the other thereof has a second insertion part fitted to the second insertion groove to cause the second sheet metal part to be in tight contact with the second inner housing.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner includes a housing internally provided with a mounting cavity; an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the mounting cavity; an indoor fan disposed in the mounting cavity; and an electric control box according to the above-described embodiments, the electric control box being disposed in the mounting cavity and located at a shaft side of the indoor fan.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the electric control box is located at a side of the indoor heat exchanger, and a side of the electric control box near the indoor heat exchanger matches a shape of the indoor heat exchanger.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the following descriptions, become apparent in part from the following descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings, where same or similar reference numerals are used to indicate same or similar members or members with same or similar functions. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and intended to generally understand the present application. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present application.

In the following, an air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 13.

An up-and-down direction, a left-and-right direction, and a front-and-rear direction recited in the present application are as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 9. It should be understood that, terms such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “upper” and “lower” as well as derivative thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the present application be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the air conditioner100may generally include a chassis10, a face frame20, an electric control box30and a panel40.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the face frame20covers on the chassis10, and the electric control box30is mounted at the face frame20and located at a front portion of the face frame20. The electric control box30is mounted at the front portion of the face frame20, such that the electric control box30can be maintained, dismounted and mounted directly from the front portion of the face frame20during maintenance, thereby reducing probability of interference of the face frame20to an operator, and improving maintenance efficiency.

Additionally, at least a portion of the electric control box30is detachably connected to the face frame20. An entirety of the electric control box30may be detachably connected to the face frame20. In this way, the entirety of the electric control box30can be dismounted when maintenance of the electric control box30is needed. It could be understood that, an indoor unit for the air conditioner100, in particular a wall-mounted indoor unit for the air conditioner100, generally has a high mounting position, which brings trouble to the maintenance of the electric control box30. The electric control box30may be entirely dismounted and mounted, such that the entirety of the electric control box can be removed by the operator, and the electric control box30can be maintained on the ground, thereby facilitating the maintenance. Alternatively, a portion of the electric control box30is detachably connected to the face frame20. In this way, after completion of the maintenance, just the detached portion needs to be remounted, thereby reducing mounting steps. For example, a side of the electric control box30opposite the panel40is detachable.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the panel40openably covers the front portion of the face frame20, and the electric control box30faces the panel40in the front-and-rear direction. In this way, when maintenance of the electric control box30is needed, just the panel40needs to be opened, the operator can directly maintain the electric control box30, thereby further facilitating the maintenance.

Thus, in the air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application, the electric control box30is mounted at the front portion of the face frame20, at least a portion of the electric control box30is detachably connected to the face frame20, and the electric control box30faces the panel40in the front-and-rear direction, thereby improving convenience of the electric control box30and facilitating maintenance, mounting and dismounting of the electric control box30.

In some embodiments, the entirety of the electric control box30is detachably mounted at the face frame20. Certainly, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and cannot be construed to limit protection scope of the present application. For example, the electric control box30may also be partially and detachably connected to the face frame20. Certainly, the electric control box30may have a portion detachably connected to the face frame20, while its entirety is detachably connected to the face frame20. By taking the latter as an example, the operator can choose to entirely or partially remove the electric control box30according to actual situation, thereby increasing selectivity for the operator and facilitating improvement of the maintenance efficiency.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 5, 7 and 11, an upper end of the electric control box30is inserted to an upper side of the front portion of the face frame20, a lower end of the electric control box30is provided with a first overlapping part32overlapped at a front surface of a lower side of the front portion of the face frame20, and the first overlapping part32is detachably connected to the face frame20. Thus, the first overlapping part32at a lower side of the electric control box30is overlapped at the front surface of the face frame20, and the upper end of the electric control box30is inserted to the upper side of the front portion of the face frame20, and the electric control box30is mounted and secured to the face frame20. The upper end of the electric control box30may be provided with an insertion hole21, the face frame20is provided with a hook31corresponding to the insertion hole21, and the hook31extends into the insertion hole21and hooks the electric control box30. Alternatively, the upper end of the electric control box30is provided with the hook31, the face frame20is provided with the insertion hole21corresponding to the hook31, and the hook31extends into the insertion hole21and hooks the face frame20. Furthermore, a plurality of hooks31are provided and spaced apart from one another in the left-and-right direction. Thus, mounting stability of the electric control box30can be improved. Preferably, a side of the hook31facing the insertion hole21is provided with a guide slope. Thus, the hook31can easily extend into the insertion hole21and hook the face frame20or the electric control box30. Additionally, it could be understood that, the first overlapping part32is detachably connected to the face frame20, and the upper end of the electric control box30is inserted to the upper side of the front portion of the face frame20, thus, the detachable connection between the entirety of the electric control box30and the face frame20can be realized. For example, the first overlapping part32may be screwed, snapped or inserted into the face frame20.

Certainly, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and cannot be construed to limit protection scope of the present application. For example, the upper end of the electric control box30may also be screwed to the upper side of the front portion of the face frame20.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 6, 7 and 8, the electric control box30is disposed at least one end of the face frame20in the left-and-right direction, the electric control box30is provided with a second overlapping part33overlapped at the corresponding end of the face frame20, and the second overlapping part33is detachably connected to the face frame20. For instance, the electric control box30is disposed at a right end of the face frame20, and a right end of the electric control box30is provided with the second overlapping part33, the second overlapping part33is overlapped at the face frame20, and the second overlapping part33is detachably connected to the face frame20. Thus, the face frame20can position the right end of the electric control box30. The second overlapping part33is detachably connected to the face frame20, and the second overlapping part33may be screwed, snapped, or inserted into the face frame20. For instance, the second overlapping part33extends rightwards, the face frame20is provided with a limiting part22, the limiting part22is provided with a limiting groove that opens leftwards, and the second overlapping part33is adapted to extend into the limiting groove. Certainly, the electric control box30may also be disposed at a left end of the face frame20, which is not elaborated herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the front portion of the face frame20has an opening part201, and at least a portion of the electric control box30is detachably disposed in the opening part201. The at least a portion of the electric control box30is detachably disposed in the opening part201, that is, the electric control box30is entirely or partially detachable. By providing the opening part201, on the one hand, a mounting space can be provided for the electric control box30, and a thickness of a machine body can be reduced; on the other hand, material used for the face frame20may be decreased, thereby facilitating cost saving.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, the electric control box30includes a box body34and a box cover35. The box body34is internally formed with an accommodating cavity having an open front portion and adapted to position an electric control board36, and the box cover35openably covers an open side of the box body34. In this way, when maintenance of the electric control box30is needed, the entirety of the electric control box30is removed from the face frame20, then the box cover35is opened, and the electric control board36can be maintained; or, the panel40is opened, the accommodating cavity opens forwards when the box cover35is opened because the electric control box30and the panel40face each other, thus the electric control board36is exposed, the operator can directly maintain the electric control board36, and just close the box cover35and the panel40after completion of the maintenance, resulting in reduced steps and an improved maintenance efficiency.

In some optional embodiments, the box cover35is turnably or detachably connected to the box body34. In the form in which the box cover35is arranged to be turnably connected to the box body34, the box body34can be opened just by turning the box cover35, and the box body34can be closed just by turning the box cover35again after the completion of the maintenance, resulting in a simple operation and a convenient maintenance. In the form in which the box cover35is arranged to be detachably connected to the box body34, the box cover35is removed from the box body34, and the box cover35is mounted at the box body34after completion of maintenance to close the accommodating cavity. The box cover35and the box body34can be connected by snap-fit, screw connection, etc.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the box body34includes a first inner housing341and a first sheet metal part342. The first sheet metal part342wraps an outer side of the first inner housing341, and the first sheet metal part342is undetachably or detachably connected to the first inner housing341. It could be understood that, the electric control box30is arranged near an indoor heat exchanger50, the electric control box30may internally produce condensation water when the indoor heat exchanger50refrigerates. In the present application, the box body34includes the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342, the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342have a gap therebetween, as illustrated inFIG. 9, so as to add an air layer to prevent the electric control box30from producing condensation water internally. The air layer may be a cavity, and may also be provided with a thermally insulative medium. Thus, the probability of producing the condensation water inside the electric control box30can be reduced, and safety performance of the electric control box30can be improved.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the box cover35includes a second inner housing351and a second sheet metal part352. The second sheet metal part352wraps an outer side of the second inner housing351, and the second sheet metal part352is undetachably or detachably connected to the second inner housing351. It could be understood that, the electric control box30is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger50, the electric control box30may internally produce condensation water when the indoor heat exchanger50refrigerates. In the present application, the box cover35includes the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352, the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352have a gap therebetween, so as to add an air layer to prevent the electric control box30from producing condensation water internally. The air layer may be a cavity, and may also be provided with a thermally insulative medium. Thus, the probability of producing the condensation water inside the electric control box30can be reduced, and safety performance of the electric control box30can be improved.

In some embodiments, the face frame20is detachably connected to the chassis10. Thus, when the maintenance of the chassis10is needed, the chassis10is removed from the face frame20, and the operator can operate the chassis10on the ground, facilitating the maintenance. For instance, the face frame20is provided with a maintenance opening that opens forwards, the chassis10can extend into and withdraw from the maintenance opening, and the face frame20and the chassis10are connected by snap-fit.

In some optional embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the panel40is rotatably or turnably connected to the face frame20. In the form in which the panel40is arranged to be turnably connected to the face frame20, the face frame20can be opened just by turning the panel40, and the face frame20can be closed just by turning the panel40again after the completion of the maintenance, resulting in a simple operation and a convenient maintenance. In the form in which the face frame20is arranged to be detachably connected to the panel40, the panel40is removed from the face frame20, and the panel40is mounted at the face frame20after completion of maintenance to close the face frame20. The panel40and the face frame20can be connected by snap-fit, screw connection, etc.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the face frame20has an overlapping groove231recessed rearwards, the electric control box30includes a wire passage part37internally having a wire passage groove371, the wire passage groove371is in communication with an internal space of the electric control box30, and the wire passage part37is embedded in the overlapping groove231. The wire passage part37is embedded in the overlapping groove231, thereby providing support for the electric control box30. For instance, as illustrated inFIG. 8, a left side of the electric control box30is provided with the wire passage part37, and the wire passage part37extends leftwards and into the overlapping groove231. Thus, the electric control box30can be supported on an outer surface of the face frame20, and the electric control box30can be further conveniently maintained.

The wire passage groove371is used for wiring, in some specific embodiments, the wire passage part37is internally provided with a harness fixing structure, and the harness fixing structure is used to fix the harness. Further, as illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13, the harness fixing structure is a plurality of ribs372spaced apart from one another in the left-and-right direction. Thus, the plurality of ribs372not only can fix the harness, but also has a sealing effect, thereby preventing the condensation water from entering the accommodating cavity through the wire passage part37.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the panel40is hinged with the face frame20. In other words, the panel40is rotatably connected to the face frame20, and the panel40is rotatable to open and close the face frame20. Thus, when the maintenance is needed, the panel40can be rotated and the electric control box30can be directly maintained, and the panel40can be rotated and restored after completion of the maintenance, thereby resulting in a simple operation and facilitating improvement of the maintenance efficiency.

In some embodiments, the electric control box30is detachably connected to the face frame20; the face frame20is detachably connected to the chassis10; the panel40is detachably connected to the face frame20or the panel40is turnable to open the face frame20; the indoor heat exchanger50is detachably connected to the chassis10; the electric control box30includes the box cover35and the box body34; the box cover35is detachably connected to the box body34; the box cover35includes the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342, and the first inner housing341is detachably connected to the first sheet metal part342; the box body34includes the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352, and the second inner housing351is detachably connected to the second sheet metal part352.

In one specific embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the electric control box30is located above the indoor heat exchanger50. An accommodating space is formed between the face frame20, the indoor heat exchanger50and the panel40, and the electric control box30is located in the accommodating space. The electric control box30is mounted at the face frame20, and the electric control box30is detachably connected to the face frame20.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5, an air-inlet grille60is connected to the face frame20and is integrally formed with the face frame20, and the face frame20is provided with at least one insertion hole21. The box body34is integrally formed, the upper end of the box body34is provided with at least one hook31, and the hook31is provided with a guide bevel to cause the hook31to easily enter the insertion hole21. The insertion hole21corresponds to the hook31, so as to fix the electric control box30to the face frame20. The face frame20includes a top plate, a right side of the top plate is provided with a support part, and the support part and the top plate are integrally formed. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the face frame20is provided with a support beam23at a left side of the electric control box30, and the support beam and the top plate are integrally formed. The support part and the support beam23have pre-positioning effect, and can guide the mounting of the electric control box30. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the corresponding structure of the electric control box30is the second overlapping part33and the wire passage part37. The second overlapping part33and the wire passage part37are both connected to the box body34, and are both integrally formed with the box body34. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the box cover35and the box body34are detachably connected, and each have a structural form of sheet metals snapped to each other in the up-and-down direction. As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 12, the box cover35is provided with a screw hole39, the box body34is provided with a screw column38corresponding to the screw hole39, and a screw can be connected to the box cover35and the box body34to seal the box body34and the box cover35.

The electric control box30according to embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

An electric control box of the related art, such as an electric control box for the air conditioner, is disposed in a dry environment and is not waterproof. However, when the electric control box is in a humid environment, moisture easily enters an interior of the electric control box, affects normal use of components and parts inside the electric control box, and easily causes damage of the components and parts, thereby affecting operational reliability and stability of the electric control box and affecting service life of the electric control box.

As illustrated inFIGS. 14 to 20, the electric control box30according to embodiments of the present application includes the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351.

The inner housing341has an opening202, and the first inner housing341has a first connection face212. The second inner housing351and the first inner housing341are detachably connected to open and close the opening202, and the second inner housing351has a second connection face223fitted to the first connection face212. One of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351has a water stop part230extending into the other thereof, and the water stop part230is located inside fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223.

In the electric control box30according to embodiments of the present application, the first inner housing341has the first connection face212, and the second inner housing351has the second connection face223fitted to the first connection face212. In this way, a contact fit between the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351can be realized by using the first connection face212and the second connection face223, a large gap between the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351can be avoided, the probability that the moisture enters its interior through the gap between the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351can be reduced, sealing performance of the junction between the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351can be improved, and the waterproof performance of the electric control box30can be improved.

Furthermore, one of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351has the water stop part230extending into the other thereof, and the water stop part230is located inside the fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223. In this way, the water stop part230can be used to obstruct the moisture, the probability that the moisture enters the interior of electric control box30can be reduced, the water stop part230can also be used to obstruct the moisture even if the moisture enters through the fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223, the moisture can be prevented from entering interiors of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351through the opening202, the waterproof performance of the electric control box30can be improved, the moisture can be prevented from entering which otherwise affects normal operation of the electric control box30and even causes damage of the electric control box30, thereby facilitating improvement of the operational reliability and stability of the electric control box30, the service life of the electric control box30, and the functionality and applicability of the electric control box30.

Therefore, the electric control box30according to embodiments of the present application has advantages of good waterproof effect, high reliability, etc.

The electric control box30according to specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In some specific embodiments of the present application, as illustrated inFIGS. 14 to 20, the electric control box30according to embodiments of the present application includes the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, the first inner housing341has the water stop part230extending into the second inner housing351, the second inner housing351has a flange part224extending towards the first inner housing341, the water stop part230is disposed on an inner side of the flange part224, and the water stop part230and the flange part224are arranged oppositely. In this way, not only assembling and forming of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are facilitated, but also the flange part224and the water stop part230together can be conveniently used to obstruct the moisture, thereby preventing the moisture from entering interiors of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351and further improving the waterproof performance of the electric control box30.

More specifically, an end face of the flange part224forms the second connection face223. In this way, the formation of the second connection face223is facilitated, and the fitting and mounting of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are facilitated.

Optionally, the water stop part30is disposed adjacent to the opening202, and the first connection face212is disposed at an outer side of the water stop part230and lower than an end face of the water stop part230. In this way, the water stop part230is used to block out the moisture, thereby protecting the opening202, preventing the moisture from entering interiors of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351through the opening202, and improving the waterproof performance of the electric control box30.

Specifically, the flange part224and the water stop part230are spaced apart from each other. In this way, the flange part224is prevented from interfering with the water stop part230, and the smooth mounting of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351is facilitated.

Optionally, in an extending direction of the flange part224, a length of an overlapping portion between the flange part224and the water stop part230is greater than or equal to 1 millimeter. In this way, the overlapping portion between the flange part224and the water stop part230is enabled to have an enough length, the flange part224and the water stop part230can be conveniently used to obstruct the moisture, and the waterproof performance of the electric control box30can be improved.

In some embodiments of the present application, the water stop part230is oriented in an extending direction of an edge of the opening202. In this way, the opening202is conveniently and better protected by the water stop part230, and the moisture is prevented from entering an interior of the opening202.

In some specific embodiments of the present application, the opening202is formed in a front surface of the first inner housing341, the second inner housing351is located in front of the first inner housing341and covers an outer side of the first inner housing341, and the water stop part230is oriented in a horizontal direction.

Optionally, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the electric control box30further includes the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352, the first sheet metal part342covers the outer side of the first inner housing341and is connected to the first inner housing341. The second sheet metal part352covers the outer side of the second inner housing351and is connected to the second inner housing351. The second sheet metal part352has the blocking part130extending towards the first sheet metal part342, and the blocking part130extends beyond the fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223. In this way, not only the first sheet metal part342can be used to protect the first inner housing341, the second sheet metal part352can be used to protect the second inner housing351, but also the blocking part130can be used to shield the fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223, thereby preventing the moisture from entering the interior of the electric control box30, further facilitating improvement of the waterproof performance of the electric control box30, and improvement of the operational reliability and stability of the electric control box30.

Further, the first inner housing341is fitted to the first sheet metal part342by snap-fit; and/or, the second inner housing351is fitted to the second sheet metal part352by snap-fit. In this way, mounting and dismounting of the first sheet metal part342and the first inner housing341as well as the second sheet metal part352and the second inner housing351is facilitated, connection strength and reliability between the first sheet metal part342and the first inner housing31is improved, and connection strength and reliability between the second sheet metal part352and the second inner housing351is improved.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 11, one of the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342has a first snap211, and the other thereof has a first snap hole117fitted to the first snap211; and/or, one of the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352has a second snap221, and the other thereof has a second snap hole126fitted to the second snap221. In this way, the first snap211and the first snap hole117can be used to realize the snap-fit connection between the first sheet metal part342and the first inner housing341, the second snap221and the second snap hole126can be used to realize the snap-fit connection between the second sheet metal part352and the second inner housing351, the connection stability and reliability between the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342is improved, and the connection stability and reliability between the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352is improved.

More specifically, a plurality of first snaps211are provided and arranged in a circumferential direction of the electric control box30, a plurality of second snap holes126are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, and the first snaps211have a one-to-one correspondence with the first snap holes117. A plurality of second snaps221are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, a plurality of second snap holes126are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, and the second snaps221have a one-to-one correspondence with the second snap holes126. A size of the first snap211is greater than or equal to a size of the second snap221, and an area of the first snap hole117is greater than or equal to an area of the second snap hole126. In this way, the connection strength between the first sheet metal part342and the first inner housing341is conveniently improved to enable more uniform stress between the first sheet metal part342and the first inner housing341, and the connection strength between the second sheet metal part352and the second inner housing351is conveniently improved to enable more uniform stress between the second sheet metal part352and the second inner housing351.

Optionally, as illustrated inFIG. 17, one of the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342has an first insertion groove213, and the other thereof has a first insertion part118fitted to the first insertion groove213to cause the first sheet metal part342to be in tight contact with the first inner housing341; and/or, one of the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352has a second insertion groove, and the other thereof has a second insertion part fitted to the second insertion groove to cause the second sheet metal part352to be in tight contact with the second inner housing351. In this way, the tight contact and fitting between the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342can be conveniently achieved, the tight contact and fitting between the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352can be conveniently achieved, and assembling effect between the first inner housing341and the first sheet metal part342as well as between the second inner housing351and the second sheet metal part352is improved.

Specifically, the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are made of metal materials. In this way, structural strength and connection reliability of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352can be improved, and the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351can be conveniently protected.

More specifically, both the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are sheet metal parts. In this way, not only production and machining of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are facilitated, and production efficiency of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are improved, but also enhancement of the structural strength of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are facilitated.

Further, an edge of the sheet metal part may undergo an edge folding process, an edge pressing process, etc. to prevent the sheet metal part from cutting a finger of a user hence wounding the user, during the user's operation.

Optionally, the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are fireproof plastic members. Thicknesses of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters. The first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are sheet metal parts, and thicknesses of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are greater than or equal to 0.3 millimeter.

In some embodiments of the present application, the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are connected by snap-fit. In this way, not only dismounting and mounting of the electric control box30are facilitated to improve assembling efficiency of the electric control box30, but also enhancement of the connection strength and connection reliability between the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are facilitated, and the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are conveniently used to wrap a body part200. Compared to the form of employing a plastic housing in the related art, the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352can effectively obstruct the fire when the interior of the electric control box30is on fire, the fire is isolated within the interior of the electric control box30, and is prevented from coming out of the interior of the electric control box30after the plastic housing is burned out which may ignite other components. For example, when the electric control box30is disposed in the air conditioner100, when the interior of the electric control box30is on fire, the fire can be prevented from coming out of the interior of the electric control box30which may ignite other components. Capability of the electric control box30to isolate the fire is conveniently improved, and the fire behavior can be controlled after the electric control box30is on fire, thereby improving use safety and reliability of the electric control box30.

In some embodiments of the present application, the second sheet metal part352is provided with a first snap part, the first sheet metal part342is provided with a second snap part, and the first snap part is adapted to fit with the second snap part in a snap-fit manner. In this way, the first snap part and the second snap part can be used to realize snap fit between the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, which not only facilitates dismounting and mounting operations of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, but also facilitates improvement of the connection strength between the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the first snap part includes a first snap protrusion121, the second snap part includes a second snap protrusion111, and the first snap protrusion121extends beyond the second snap protrusion111to be staggered with the second snap protrusion111, thereby realizing interlock. In this way, the first snap protrusion121and the first snap protrusion111can be used to realize the reliable connection between the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, improve the connection strength and reliability between the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, and improve the structural stability of an outer casing100.

Optionally, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the second sheet metal part352has a first flange122extending towards the first sheet metal part342, the first sheet metal part342has a second flange112extending towards the second sheet metal part352, and the first flange122and the second flange112are oppositely arranged. The first snap part is formed at the first flange122and extends in a length direction of the first flange122, and the second snap part is formed at the second flange112and extends in a length direction of the second flange112. In this way, the production and machining of the first snap part and the second snap part are facilitated, and smooth snap fit between the first snap part and the second snap part is facilitated.

Further, the first snap part is located at an outer edge of the first flange122, and the second snap part is located at an outer edge of the second flange112. In this way, the smooth fitting between the first snap part and the second snap part is further facilitated, and the assembling efficiency of the electric control box30is improved.

Optionally, the first snap part is formed by folding the outer edge of the first flange122, and the second snap part is formed by folding the outer edge of the second flange112. In this way, structures of the first snap part and the second snap part can be simplified, the production and machining of the first snap part and the second snap part is facilitated, massive production of the outer casing100is facilitated, production cost of the outer casing100is reduced, and the production efficiency of the outer casing100is improved.

It should be understood herein that, the whole outer edge of the second sheet metal part352is provided with the first flange122, or at least a portion of the outer edge of the second sheet metal part352is provided with the first flange122. The whole outer edge of the first sheet metal part342is provided with the second flange112, or at least a portion of the outer edge of the first sheet metal part342is provided with the second flange112.

In some embodiments of the present application, the second sheet metal part352is provided with a first insertion part, the first sheet metal part342is provided with a second insertion part, and the first insertion part is adapted to fit with the second insertion part in an insertion manner. In this way, the first insertion part and the second insertion part can be used to position and guide assembling of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, smooth assembling and formation of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342can be facilitated, the assembling efficiency of the outer casing100is improved, and assembling time of the outer casing100is shortened.

According to some embodiments of the present application, as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 17, the first insertion part has an insertion projection123protruding outwards, the second insertion part has an insertion groove113, and a groove opening of the insertion groove113faces the insertion projection123to enable the insertion projection123to be inserted into the insertion groove113. In this way, insertion fit between the insertion projection123and the insertion groove113is facilitated, and the assembling efficiency of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342is further facilitated.

Optionally, the insertion projection123and the second sheet metal part352are integrally formed.

More specifically, the insertion projection123has a first guide face124adapted to be inserted into the insertion groove113, and the insertion groove113has a second guide face114fitted to the first guide face124. In this way, the first guide face124and the second guide face114can be used to position and guide insertion and mounting of the insertion projection123, smooth insertion of the insertion projection123into the insertion groove113is facilitated, mounting of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342can be more smooth, and the assembling and formation of the outer casing100is further facilitated.

Optionally, as illustrated inFIG. 17, an outer side wall of the first sheet metal part342is provided with a fixing sheet115protruding outwards, and the fixing sheet115includes the insertion groove113. Further, the insertion groove113is formed by bending the fixing sheet115. In this way, the machining and shaping of the insertion groove113is facilitated, the structural strength and reliability of the insertion groove113is facilitated, and improvement of the machining efficiency of the first sheet metal part342is facilitated at the same time.

Further, the fixing sheet115and the outer side wall of the first sheet metal part342are integrally formed.

Specifically, a junction between the insertion groove113and the outer side wall of the first sheet metal part342is provided with a reinforcing rib, and the reinforcing rib matches a shape of the insertion groove113. Further, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided and spaced apart from one another in a length direction of the insertion groove113. In this way, the structural strength and rigidity of the insertion groove113can be enhanced, production of a stress weak point of the insertion groove113is avoided, deformation and damage of the insertion groove113is prevented, and the fitting reliability between the insertion groove13and the insertion projection123is improved.

According to some other embodiments of the present application, the first insertion part has the insertion projection123protruding outwards, the second insertion part has the insertion hole, and the insertion hole faces the insertion projection123to enable the insertion projection123to be inserted into the insertion hole. The outer side wall of the first sheet metal part342is provided with a connecting sheet protruding outwards, and the connecting sheet includes the insertion hole. In this way, insertion fit between the insertion projection123and the insertion hole is facilitated, and the assembling efficiency of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342is further facilitated.

Optionally, as illustrated inFIG. 15, an edge of the second sheet metal part352is provided with a handle125. Further, the handle125is disposed at the first flange122and is arranged opposite the insertion projection123. In this way, the user can pull the second sheet metal part352outwards through the handle125, thereby facilitating realization offset and disengagement between the first snap protrusion121and the second snap protrusion111, facilitating dismounting operation of the second sheet metal part352and the first sheet metal part342, and improving dismounting efficiency of the outer casing100.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the outer casing100is provided with a passage opening101, and the body part200is in communication with the outside through the passage opening101. In this way, an internal structure of the body part200can be connected to the outside by using the passage opening101, and the electric control box30is conveniently connected to other structures.

Optionally, a surface of the first snap211is provided with a first-snap guide face adapted to be fitted to the first snap hole117, and a surface of the second snap is provided with a second-snap guide face adapted to be fitted to the second snap hole. In this way, the first-snap guide face can be used to position and guide the mounting of the first snap211, the second-snap guide face can be used to position and guide the mounting of the second snap221, thereby facilitating smooth snapping between the first snap211and the first snap hole117as well as between the second snap221and the second snap hole126.

In some embodiments of the present application, the first inner housing341is provided with a support bump adapted to support the first insertion part, the support bump is located at an inner side of the first insertion part, and the support bump extends in a length direction of the first insertion part. In this way, the support bump can be used to support the first insertion part, the deformation of the first insertion part is avoided, and improvement of the structural strength of the first insertion part is facilitated.

Specifically, the support bump is adapted to support the insertion projection123, the support bump is located at an inner side of the insertion projection123, and the support bump extends in a length direction of the insertion projection123.

Optionally, two ends of the first insertion part in the length direction is provided with a limiting plate respectively, and the first insertion part is fitted between the two limiting plates. In this way, the limiting plate can be used to limit the first insertion part, large size displacement of the first insertion part in the length direction is avoided, and the improvement of the arrangement reliability of the first insertion part is further facilitated.

Further, two limiting plates are disposed at two ends of the support bump in a length direction thereof respectively, and the support bump is located between the two limiting plates.

In some embodiments of the present application, as illustrated inFIG. 18, at least a portion of an outer surface of the body part200and an inner surface of the outer casing100are provided with an isolation gap203therebetween. At least one of the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100is provided with an isolation rib214configured to divide the isolation gap203. In this way, a thermal insulation layer can be formed at the isolation gap. For example, air and thermal insulation material can be filled in the isolation gap203. Thermal insulation performance of the electric control box30can be improved, formation of the condensation water inside the electric control box30in a case where the outside is cold and the inside is hot can be avoided, the operational reliability and stability of the electric control box30can be improved, and the service life of the electric control box300can be prolonged.

Furthermore, compared to a form in the related art that a thermal insulation material such as a sponge or the like is adhered to a surface of the electric control box assembly, the use of the thermal insulation material such as the sponge or the like can be reduced. Reduction of the production cost of the electric control box30is facilitated, and since the use of the sponge requires a certain thickness to realize thermal insulation effect, provision of the isolation gap203can avoid excessive occupied volume resulting from provision of the sponge thermal insulation layer, thereby facilitating control of an overall size of the electric control box30. Meanwhile, the sponge can be prevented from not having a heat preservation effect due to water absorption which cause failure of the thermal insulation function, and the improvement of the reliability and stability of the thermal insulation function of the electric control box30can be facilitated.

Additionally, at least one of the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100is provided with the isolation rib214configured to divide the isolation gap203. In this way, the isolation rib214can be used to divide the isolation gap203, and the isolation gap203can be conveniently subdivided. For example, more separate small zones are formed at the isolation gap203, the air in the plurality of small zones do not interfere with each other, formation of the stable air layer in the isolation gap203is facilitated, the probability that the air flows in the isolation gap203is reduced, the heat preservation and thermal insulation of the isolation gap203is more stable and reliable, and the heat preservation and thermal insulation effect of the isolation gap203is improved.

Specifically, the isolation rib214is disposed at one of the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100, and a distance between the isolation rib214and the other of the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100is less than or equal to 0.3 millimeter. In this way, the distance between the isolation rib214and the other of the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100can be controlled within a certain range, the probability that the air flows in the isolation gap203is reduced, and the stability of the air layer can be prevented from being affected by an excessive distance.

More specifically, the isolation rib214is disposed at the outer surface of the body part200, and a distance between the isolation rib214and the inner surface of the outer casing100is less than or equal to 0.3 millimeter.

Optionally, a plurality of isolation ribs214are provided, and the plurality of isolation ribs214divide the isolation gap203into a plurality of sub-zones204. In this way, a plurality of stable air zones can be formed at the isolation gap203, the air in the isolation gap203is prevented from flowing, and the heat insulation performance of the isolation gap203is improved.

In some embodiments of the present application, the isolation rib214includes a plurality of first isolation ribs spaced apart from one another in a width direction of the body part200, and each first isolation rib extends in the length direction of the body part200. In this way, the plurality of first isolation ribs can be used to divide the isolation gap203into the plurality of sub-zones204in the width direction of the body part200, and the air in the isolation gap203can be prevented from flowing in the width direction of the body part200.

Specifically, the isolation rib214includes a plurality of second isolation ribs spaced apart from one another in the length direction of the body part200, and each second isolation rib extends in the width direction of the body part200. In this way, the plurality of second isolation ribs213can be used to divide the isolation gap203into the plurality of sub-zones204in the length direction of the body part200, and the air in the isolation gap203can be prevented from flowing in the length direction of the body part200.

More specifically, the plurality of first isolation ribs and the plurality of second isolation ribs are arranged in a cross manner. In this way, the isolation gap203is conveniently divided into the plurality of separate sub-zones204, the stability of the air in the isolation gap203is improved, and the heat preservation and thermal insulation effect of the isolation gap203is improved.

Optionally, a distance between the outer surface of the body part200and the inner surface of the outer casing100at the isolation gap203is greater than or equal to 0.5 millimeter. In this way, the isolation gap203can has a sufficient thickness, and the isolation gap203is ensured to have a sufficient thermal insulation effect.

Specifically, the isolation gap203is internally filled with the air or the thermal insulation material. In this way, the heat preservation and thermal insulation performance of the isolation gap203can be improved, and isolation of heat transfer process between the inner side and the outer side of the electric control box can be facilitated.

In some embodiments of the present application, an outer surface of the first inner housing341and an inner surface of a metal box110form at least a portion of the isolation gap203. In this way, the formation of the isolation gap203is facilitated, improvement of the thermal insulation performance of the electric control box30is further facilitated, and the operational reliability and stability of the electric control box30is improved.

In one specific embodiment of the present application, the electric control box30includes the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351. The inner housing341has the opening202, and the first inner housing341has the first connection face212. The second inner housing351and the first inner housing341are detachably connected to open and close the opening202, the second inner housing351has the second connection face223fitted to the first connection face212. The first inner housing341has the water stop part230extending into the second inner housing351, the second inner housing351has the flange part224extending towards the first inner housing341, the water stop part230is disposed on an inner side of the flange part224, and the water stop part230and the flange part224are arranged oppositely.

The end face of the flange part224forms the second connection face223. The water stop part30is disposed adjacent to the opening202, and the first connection face212is disposed at an outer side of the water stop part230and lower than an end face of the water stop part230. The flange part224and the water stop part230are spaced apart from each other. In the extending direction of the flange part224, the length of overlapping portion between the flange part224and the water stop part230is greater than or equal to 1 millimeter. The water stop part230is oriented in the extending direction of the edge of the opening202.

The electric control box30further includes the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352, the first sheet metal part342covers the outer side of the first inner housing341and is connected to the first inner housing341. The second sheet metal part352covers the outer side of the second inner housing351and is connected to the second inner housing351. The second sheet metal part352has the blocking part130extending towards the first sheet metal part342, and the blocking part130extends beyond the fitting place between the first connection face212and the second connection face223.

The first inner housing341is fitted to the first sheet metal part342by snap-fit, and the second inner housing351is fitted to the second sheet metal part352by snap-fit. The first inner housing341has the first snap211, and the first sheet metal part342has the first snap hole117fitted to the first snap211. The second inner housing351has the second snap221, and the second sheet metal part352has the second snap hole126fitted to the second snap221. The plurality of first snaps211are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, the plurality of second snap holes126are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, and the first snaps211have the one-to-one correspondence with the first snap holes117. A plurality of second snaps221are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, a plurality of second snap holes126are provided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the electric control box30, and the second snaps221have a one-to-one correspondence with the second snap holes126. The size of the first snap211is greater than or equal to the size of the second snap221, and the area of the first snap hole117is greater than or equal to the area of the second snap hole126.

The first inner housing341has the first insertion groove213, and the first sheet metal part342has the first insertion part118fitted to the first insertion groove213to cause the first sheet metal part342to be in tight contact with the first inner housing341. The second inner housing351has the second insertion groove, and the second sheet metal part352has the second insertion part fitted to the second insertion groove to cause the second sheet metal part352to be in tight contact with the second inner housing351.

The first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are made of metal materials and are sheet metal parts. The edge of the sheet metal part may undergo the edge folding process, the edge pressing process, etc. The first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are fireproof plastic members. Thicknesses of the first inner housing341and the second inner housing351are greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters. The first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are sheet metal parts, and thicknesses of the first sheet metal part342and the second sheet metal part352are greater than or equal to 0.3 millimeter.

In the following, the air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application will be described. The air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application includes a housing2, an indoor heat exchanger3and an indoor fan. The housing2is internally provided with a mounting cavity, the indoor heat exchanger3is disposed in the mounting cavity, and the indoor fan is disposed in the mounting cavity. The electric control box30according to the above-described embodiments of the present application is disposed in the mounting cavity and located at a shaft side of the indoor fan.

Specifically, the electric control box30is located at a side of the indoor heat exchanger3, and a side of the electric control box30near the indoor heat exchanger3matches a shape of the indoor heat exchanger3. In this way, not only the electric control box30can be prevented from interfering with the indoor heat exchanger3, but also internal space of the electric control box30can be increased to the greatest extent, thereby facilitating improvement of structure rationality and compactness of the air conditioner100, and improving utilization ratio of the internal space of the air conditioner100.

Optionally, the electric control box30is located at an upper side of the indoor heat exchanger3, the housing2includes the face frame and a seat, the face frame is detachably connected to the seat, the electric control box30is detachably disposed at the face frame, and the indoor heat exchanger3is detachably disposed at the seat. In this way, mounting and arrangement of the electric control box30and the indoor heat exchanger3is facilitated, and improvement of the assembling efficiency of the electric control box30and the indoor heat exchanger3is facilitated.

The air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application, by using the electric control box30according to the above-described embodiments of the present application, has advantages of good waterproof effect, high reliability, etc.

Other constitutions and operations of the air conditioner100according to embodiments of the present application are well known by those skilled in the art, which will not be described in detail herein.

In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. Thus, the feature associated with “first” and “second” may comprise one or more of this feature. In the description of the present application, the term “a plurality of” means two or more than two, unless specified otherwise.

Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments cannot be construed to limit the present application, and changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments without departing from spirit, principles and scope of the present application.