Structure for self-cleaning of filter screen of air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology and discloses a structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters. The structure includes a filter assembly transmission component and a drive device. The transmission component is disposed on the filter assembly, and the drive device is connected to the transmission component and configured to drive the transmission component to move the filter assembly to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger of the air conditioner. At the cleaning position, the filter can be cleaned simultaneously with the heat exchanger. On the one hand, the filter assembly is driven to the cleaning position by the drive device and transmission component to achieve filter cleaning, resulting in a simple structure. On the other hand, while cleaning the filter, the drawback of having to clean the filter and heat exchanger separately is avoided, improving the cleaning efficiency of both the filter and the heat exchanger. This application also discloses an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, for example to a structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when existing air conditioners are used for extended periods, dust in the air enters the air return vent. Fine dust particles pass through the filter for air circulation, but larger dust particles adhere to the air conditioner's filter. Due to the influence of wind speed and mesh size, the dust forms a chain-like structure, which captures even finer dust particles by swaying left and right. Furthermore, the humidity in the air increases the viscosity of the dust, making it adhere more firmly to the filter surface and extremely difficult to clean. When the filter is in a dirty state for a long time, bacteria will grow, becoming a source of viruses and bacteria.

[0003] Current filter cleaning methods are primarily mechanical, involving numerous moving parts and occupying considerable space. They cannot be directly applied to existing air conditioners, significantly increasing their thickness and making them aesthetically unappealing. Another method uses a rotating shaft to move the filter along a cleaning path and reset it, with a water tank at a fixed location for washing. However, this method requires a large amount of condensate; in low-humidity areas, the condensate is insufficient for cleaning. Furthermore, during winter heating, no condensate is generated, making filter cleaning impossible. This insufficient condensate is a fatal flaw of this method. A few methods use ultrasonic cleaning, but these require multiple points of placement, and the noise affects user experience.

[0004] It is evident that the above cleaning methods all have some drawbacks. How to avoid these drawbacks and achieve effective filter cleaning is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0006] This disclosure provides a structure and air conditioner for self-cleaning of air conditioner filters, to solve the problems of existing mechanical cleaning methods leading to increased air conditioner thickness, rotary shaft cleaning methods requiring a large amount of condensate, and ultrasonic methods causing high noise.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present application, a structure for self-cleaning the filter of an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a filter assembly; a transmission member disposed on the filter assembly; and a drive device connected to the transmission member and configured to drive the transmission member to move the filter assembly to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger of the air conditioner. In the cleaning position, the filter assembly is in contact with the surface of the heat exchanger. Frosting of the heat exchanger disperses cold air and frost onto the surface of the filter assembly, forming a frost layer on the surface of the filter assembly. The heat exchanger defrosts, and the frost layer forms a water flow that washes away the dust on the surface of the filter assembly. By utilizing the frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger, the frosting and defrosting of the filter assembly is achieved, thereby cleaning the filter assembly.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an air conditioner is provided, including a housing and a heat exchanger disposed within the housing. The air conditioner further includes: a structure for self-cleaning of the air conditioner filter as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the filter assembly is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger.

[0009] The self-cleaning structure and air conditioner for air conditioner filters provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects: When the filter needs to be cleaned, the drive device drives the filter assembly to the cleaning position via a transmission component. At the cleaning position, since the filter assembly is in contact with the heat exchanger surface (i.e., the filter assembly is in contact with the heat exchanger), the filter can be cleaned simultaneously with the heat exchanger. In other words, the cleaning of the filter and the heat exchanger are carried out synchronously. On the one hand, driving the filter assembly to the cleaning position via the drive device and transmission component to clean the filter is simple in structure, avoiding the drawbacks of increased air conditioner thickness caused by existing mechanical cleaning methods, and also avoiding the drawbacks of large condensate volume requirements for rotary shaft cleaning methods and high noise levels for ultrasonic cleaning methods. On the other hand, while cleaning the filter, the drawbacks of needing to clean the filter and heat exchanger separately are avoided, improving the cleaning efficiency of both the filter and the heat exchanger.

[0010] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0011] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the filter assembly is in the working position;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the filter assembly is in the cleaning position.

[0014] Figure label:

[0015] 100 Air conditioner, 10 Housing, 101 Installation space, 20 Filter assembly, 201 Filter frame, 2011 Guide section, 30 Heat exchanger, 301 Guide mating section, 40 Fan wheel, 50 Air guide plate, 70 Gear, 80 Transmission component, 801 Rack. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0017] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0018] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0022] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides a structure for self-cleaning of an air conditioner filter. The air conditioner 100 can be a wall-mounted air conditioner 100 or a floor-standing air conditioner 100. The following description uses a wall-mounted air conditioner 100 as an example.

[0023] Air conditioner 100 includes a heat exchanger 30, a fan 40 or a blower, a housing 10, and a structure for self-cleaning the air conditioner filter. The self-cleaning structure includes a filter assembly 20, which is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 30, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the filter assembly 20 is positioned above the heat exchanger 30. The housing 10 defines an installation space 101, within which the heat exchanger 30 and the filter assembly 20 are housed. The housing 10 has an air outlet communicating with the installation space 101. Under the action of the impeller 40 or a fan, air passes sequentially through the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 before being blown out through the air outlet. A guide vane 50 is provided at the air outlet to adjust the airflow direction.

[0024] The structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters includes a filter assembly 20, a transmission component 80, and a drive unit.

[0025] The filter assembly 20 includes a filter screen for filtering air flowing through it. A transmission member 80 is mounted on the filter assembly 20. A drive unit is connected to the transmission member 80 and configured to drive the transmission member 80 to move the filter assembly 20 to a cleaning position where it contacts the heat exchanger 30 of the air conditioner 100. Figure 2 The middle filter assembly is in the cleaning position.

[0026] The structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure is used. The drive device is connected to the transmission component 80, and the transmission component 80 is connected to the filter assembly 20. Thus, the drive device can drive the filter assembly 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30 through the transmission component 80, thereby changing the position of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, so that the filter assembly 20 moves to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger 30.

[0027] In the cleaning position, the filter assembly and heat exchanger are close together. "Close together" means that the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger is less than the distance between them when the air conditioner is in normal cooling or heating mode. Therefore, "close together" includes two situations: the filter assembly is at least partially in contact with the surface of the heat exchanger (i.e., the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger is zero), and the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger is relatively small. For example... Figure 2 In this configuration, the filter assembly is positioned above the heat exchanger and adheres to its upper surface, with the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger being zero. The term "smaller distance" refers to a distance less than the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger during normal cooling and heating operation. Since the position of the filter assembly during normal cooling and heating is defined as the working position, the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger when they are "close" is less than the distance in the working position. In other words, when cleaning is required, the drive unit moves the filter assembly closer to the heat exchanger to the cleaning position. After cleaning, the filter assembly moves away from the heat exchanger back to the working position.

[0028] At the cleaning position, the filter screen assembly 20 is tightly attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 30. The frost and defrost of the heat exchanger 30 can be used to achieve the same effect on the filter screen. Thus, the filter screen can be cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger 30. This simplifies the cleaning process, improves the cleaning efficiency of both the filter screen 203 and the heat exchanger 30, reduces the user's actions, and avoids the drawback of having to clean the filter screen and the heat exchanger 30 separately.

[0029] Optionally, the drive unit includes a driver and a drive shaft.

[0030] The drive shaft is connected to the driver and the transmission component 80 respectively, and is configured to rotate forward or backward under the drive of the driver to drive the filter assembly 20 to move between the cleaning position and the working position separated from the heat exchanger 30.

[0031] One end of the drive shaft is connected to the driver, and the other end of the drive shaft is connected to the filter assembly 20. The driver drives the drive shaft to rotate, and the drive shaft drives the filter assembly 20 to move, thereby realizing the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0032] The driver drives the drive shaft to rotate in the forward or reverse direction, thereby causing the filter assembly 20 to move closer to the heat exchanger 30 or further away from the heat exchanger 30. In other words, it causes the filter assembly 20 to move between the cleaning position and the working position.

[0033] When the filter needs cleaning, the driver rotates the drive shaft, moving the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position, where the filter is cleaned. After cleaning, the driver rotates the drive shaft in the opposite direction, moving the filter assembly 20 to the working position. In the working position, the filter assembly 20 is separated from the heat exchanger 30; in other words, the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 are not in contact. This reduces airflow resistance during normal operation of the air conditioner 100 and prevents increased airflow resistance caused by the filter adhering to the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during normal cooling and heating.

[0034] The driving device can be, but is not limited to, a motor or electric motor. In this case, the driver includes the motor body or electric motor body, and the drive shaft is the output shaft of the motor or electric motor. For example, the driving device is a stepper motor.

[0035] Optionally, a gear 70 is provided on the drive shaft, and the transmission component 80 includes a rack 801 that meshes with the gear 70.

[0036] The driver drives the drive shaft to rotate. Gear 70 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft, so gear 70 rotates with the drive shaft. Gear 70 meshes with rack 801, and the rotation of gear 70 drives the filter assembly 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30. The forward and reverse movement of the drive shaft can also drive the gear 70 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, thus enabling the filter assembly 20 to move between the working position and the cleaning position. Figure 2 As shown, the filter assembly 20 is in the cleaning position, and the gear 70 and rack 801 work together to tighten the filter assembly 20, so that the filter assembly 20 is tightly attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 30.

[0037] Optionally, there are multiple drive devices, which are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 30. The number of transmission components 80 is equal to the number of drive devices and corresponds one-to-one. This can improve the smoothness of the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0038] Optionally, multiple transmission components 80 are located at opposite ends of the filter assembly 20, and on the side of the filter assembly 20 away from the heat exchanger 30. This arrangement of the transmission components 80 does not affect the contact between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, multiple drive devices are respectively installed on the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 30, and multiple transmission components 80 are respectively installed on the front and rear ends of the filter assembly 20.

[0039] Optionally, the drive unit is mounted on the housing 10.

[0040] In addition to using a rack and pinion mechanism, the transmission component can also be a worm gear, with the gear connected to the drive shaft replaced by a turbine.

[0041] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the filter assembly 20 includes a guide section 2011 that extends along the direction of movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30. During the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, the guide section 2011 abuts against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 and moves along the surface of the heat exchanger 30.

[0042] Because the guide section 2011 extends along the direction of movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, the guide section 2011 remains in contact with and moves along the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30 between the cleaning position and the working position. The guide section 2011 guides the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, enabling the filter assembly 20 to reciprocate between the cleaning position and the working position.

[0043] Optionally, the filter assembly 20 reciprocates linearly between the cleaning position and the working position relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the filter assembly 20 is located above the heat exchanger 30, and the filter assembly 20 reciprocates up and down relative to the heat exchanger 30 between the cleaning position and the working position. When the filter needs to be cleaned, the drive shaft controls the gear 70 to rotate, and the gear 70 meshes with the rack 801, driving the filter assembly 20 downward to the cleaning position; after cleaning, the drive shaft controls the gear 70 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the gear 70 meshes with the rack 801, driving the filter assembly 20 upward to the working position. The heat exchanger 30 has a three-plane sheet metal connection. The heat exchanger 30 includes a guide mating section 301 extending in the vertical direction. The vertical section is located near the front end of the housing 10, and the guide section 2011 also extends in the vertical direction. When the filter assembly 20 moves between the working position and the cleaning position, the guide section 2011 always abuts against the surface of the guide mating section 301 to better secure the shape of the filter and maintain the movement trajectory of the filter assembly 20.

[0045] Optionally, the filter assembly 20 includes a filter and a filter frame 201.

[0046] The filter screen is mounted on the filter screen frame 201, and the shape of the filter screen frame 201 is adapted to the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 so that the filter screen assembly 20 can be attached to the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position.

[0047] The filter frame 201 supports the filter screen, thereby enhancing its strength. This allows the filter assembly 20 to fit snugly against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during cleaning. Optionally, a rack 801 is mounted on the filter frame 201. The filter screen is arranged inside the filter frame 201, and it is laid flat and straight on the filter frame 201.

[0048] Optionally, the filter frame 201 is a rigid frame, and the filter screen is a rigid filter screen, thereby further enhancing the strength of the filter assembly 20, allowing the filter assembly 20 to fit tightly against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during cleaning. For example, the filter frame 201 can be a metal frame, and the filter screen can be a metal filter screen. It is understood that the filter frame 201 can also be a plastic frame, and the filter screen can be a plastic filter screen.

[0049] Optionally, the filter frame 201 includes a guide section 2011.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the present invention employs a rigid filter frame 201 that matches the outer surface structure of the heat exchanger 30. A metal filter is arranged inside the filter frame 201 to ensure that the heat exchanger 30 can transfer frost and cold energy to the filter surface when the filter assembly 20 is in contact with the heat exchanger 30. Racks 801 are arranged at the front, back, and sides of the metal filter frame 201 for separation and contact conduction between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30. Gears 70 are arranged at the front and back of the filter frame 201. The driving device is a stepper motor, which drives the gears 70 to rotate, completing the cleaning reciprocating action. Finally, through frost formation and defrosting, the dust on the filter surface is washed and sterilized. The water after defrosting melts and flows into the water collection tray and flows outdoors without user intervention.

[0051] Optionally, the shape of the filter assembly 20 is adapted to the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 so that the filter assembly 20 can be attached to the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position.

[0052] The shape of the filter assembly 20 perfectly matches the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger 30. Therefore, at the cleaning position, the filter assembly 20 can fit tightly against the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 at all points. This facilitates frost formation on the filter screen when the heat exchanger 30 is frosted, enhancing the cleaning effect. The windward side of the heat exchanger 30 refers to the surface of the heat exchanger 30 facing the filter assembly 20; air reaches the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 after passing through the filter. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the filter assembly 20 is located above the heat exchanger 30. The upper surface of the heat exchanger 30 is the windward side. In the cleaning position, the filter assembly 20 is attached to the upper surface of the heat exchanger 30. The heat exchanger 30 has a three-plane sheet metal connection.

[0053] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner 100, including a housing 10, a heat exchanger 30 disposed within the housing 10, and a structure for self-cleaning of the air conditioner filter as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the filter assembly 20 is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 30.

[0054] The air conditioner 100 provided in this embodiment includes the structure for self-cleaning of the air conditioner filter as described in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the structure for self-cleaning of the air conditioner filter as described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Optionally, the drive unit is disposed in the housing 10 or inside the housing 10.

[0056] Optionally, the air conditioner 100 also includes a controller connected to the drive unit and configured to control the drive unit to move the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position in response to a cleaning command for cleaning the filter, and to control the drive unit to move the filter assembly 20 to the working position after frost formation and defrosting on the surface of the heat exchanger 30.

[0057] The controller is used to control the operation of the drive unit to adjust the position of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, so that the filter assembly 20 moves between the cleaning position and the working position.

[0058] Upon receiving a cleaning command for the filter screen, the controller controls the driver to rotate the drive shaft in response to the cleaning command. Through the meshing of gear 70 and rack 801, the filter screen assembly 20 is driven to the cleaning position. The controller controls the air conditioner 100 to operate in cooling mode. Optionally, the air outlet is closed at this time to prevent the cooling mode from affecting the indoor temperature. The heat exchanger 30 frosts, dispersing the cold air and frost onto the filter surface, forming a frost layer. The accumulation of the frost layer ensures frost formation on the filter surface. The frost formation process squeezes the dust on the filter surface, ultimately loosening the dust and reducing its adhesion. Then, the controller controls the air conditioner 100 to operate in heating mode. Optionally, the air outlet is closed at this time to prevent the heating mode from affecting the indoor temperature. The heat exchanger 30 defrosts, and the frost layer forms a water flow that washes away the dust on the filter surface, carrying away the dust from the filter and the heat exchanger 30. The water containing dust flows into the water collection box and is discharged outdoors through the drain pipe, completing one filter cleaning cycle. After cleaning, the controller controls the driver to rotate the drive shaft in the opposite direction, causing the gear 70 to rotate in the opposite direction, resetting the filter assembly 20 to the working position, thus completing one filter cleaning cycle.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the filter assembly 20 is located above the heat exchanger 30. During normal heating and cooling, the heat exchanger 30 is separated from the filter, which does not affect the air resistance. The filter surface is cleaned by frosting and defrosting. A rigid filter frame 201 is used, with a rigid filter on it. The shape of the filter frame 201 perfectly matches the shape of the windward side (upper surface) of the heat exchanger 30. A rack 801 is arranged on the rigid filter frame 201, and gears 70 are arranged at the front and rear of the frame. Through the gears 70 and rack 801, the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 are brought into contact and separated. Since the filter moves vertically, the guide section 2011 at the front of the filter assembly 20 is always tightly attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 30, better securing the filter shape and maintaining the movement trajectory of the filter assembly 20. Taking a drive device including a stepper motor as an example... Figure 2 As shown, when the filter needs cleaning, the stepper motor rotates, driving gear 70 and rack 801 to move the filter assembly 20 downwards and tightly against the surface of the heat exchanger 30, causing frost to form on the heat exchanger 30. When the frost layer reaches a certain level, the four-way valve of the air conditioner 100 switches to heat for defrosting. After defrosting, the air conditioner is reset via gear 70 and rack 801. Figure 1 As shown, this completes one cleaning of the filter screen surface.

[0060] In this application, the filter screen is cleaned by controlling the drive device through a controller, abandoning the traditional mechanical cleaning method. Instead, the filter screen surface is cleaned by the frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger 30. This application eliminates the need for dust collection and dust box; dust is directly discharged outdoors through the water box and drain pipe, ensuring that the user does not need to take any extra actions, making it simple and convenient. Moreover, the use of a rigid filter screen frame 201 and a rigid filter screen, such as a metal filter screen frame 201 and a metal filter screen, makes it easier for the filter screen assembly 20 to fit the surface of the heat exchanger 30, resulting in greater adaptability. The use of a drive device and a reset device to move the filter screen assembly 20 between the working position and the cleaning position results in a simple structure and high reliability.

[0061] In summary, this application cleans the filter screen surface through a process of frosting and defrosting, which is completed simultaneously with the cleaning process of the heat exchanger 30 surface, making it simple and quick. The filter screen surface is cleaned by two processes: frosting and defrosting. The filter screen assembly 20 is tightly attached to the heat exchanger 30 according to the shape of its outer surface (windward side), ensuring the spread of the frost layer. Finally, through frosting and defrosting, the dust on the filter screen surface is rinsed and sterilized. The defrosted water melts and flows into the water collection tray, flowing outdoors, requiring no user intervention. Furthermore, the filter screen assembly 20's attachment and repositioning on the heat exchanger 30 surface is achieved through a drive device, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability. The filter assembly 20 has a good shape to adapt to the heat exchanger 30, is highly adaptable, easy for users to use, can quickly clean the filter, has a good cleaning effect, and is highly reliable; moreover, the structure for self-cleaning the air conditioner filter occupies little space, does not affect the air intake and exhaust volume of the air conditioner 100, does not increase the overall thickness, and will not affect the appearance; the filter assembly 20 is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0062] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included or substituted for parts and features of other embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters, characterized in that, include: Filter assembly; A transmission component is disposed on the filter assembly; and A drive unit, connected to the transmission component, is configured to drive the transmission component to move the filter assembly to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger of the air conditioner. At the cleaning position, the filter assembly is attached to the surface of the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger frosts, the cold air and frost are dissipated onto the surface of the filter assembly, forming a frost layer. The heat exchanger defrosts, and the frost layer forms a water flow that washes away the dust on the surface of the filter assembly. The frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger is used to clean the filter assembly.

2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device includes: drive; and, A drive shaft, connected to the driver and the transmission member respectively, is configured to rotate forward or backward under the drive of the driver to drive the filter assembly to move between the cleaning position and the working position, wherein the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger in the working position is greater than the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger in the cleaning position.

3. The structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive shaft is provided with a gear, and the transmission component includes a rack that meshes with the gear.

4. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of driving devices is multiple, and the multiple driving devices are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the heat exchanger.

5. The structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of transmission components is equal to the number of drive devices and corresponds one-to-one, and multiple transmission components are located at opposite ends of the filter assembly.

6. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The filter assembly includes: The guide section extends along the direction of movement of the filter assembly relative to the heat exchanger. During the movement of the filter assembly relative to the heat exchanger, the guide section abuts against the surface of the heat exchanger and moves along the surface of the heat exchanger.

7. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The filter assembly includes: Filter screen; and A filter frame, wherein the filter is disposed on the filter frame, the shape of the filter frame being adapted to the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger so that the filter assembly can be attached to the windward side of the heat exchanger in the cleaning position.

8. An air conditioner, comprising a housing and a heat exchanger disposed within the housing, characterized in that, Also includes: The structure for self-cleaning of air conditioner filters as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter assembly is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive unit is located in or inside the housing.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The controller, connected to the drive unit, is configured to, in response to a cleaning command for cleaning the filter screen, control the drive unit to move the filter screen assembly to the cleaning position, and, after frost formation and defrosting on the heat exchanger surface, control the drive unit to move the filter screen assembly to the working position.

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