Structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters and air conditioners

Abstract

This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology and discloses a structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters. In the cleaning position, since the filter assembly is in contact with the heat exchanger, cleaning the filter can be achieved simultaneously with cleaning the heat exchanger. On one hand, the filter assembly is driven to the cleaning position by a drive device and transmission components to achieve filter cleaning. This structure is simple and avoids the drawbacks of existing mechanical cleaning methods that increase the thickness of the air conditioner. It also avoids the drawbacks of rotary shaft cleaning methods requiring a large amount of condensate and ultrasonic cleaning methods being noisy. On the other hand, while cleaning the filter, it avoids the drawback of needing to clean the filter and heat exchanger separately, improving the cleaning efficiency of both the filter and 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 invention, a self-cleaning structure for an air conditioner filter is provided, comprising: a filter assembly; a driving device; and a transmission member disposed between the driving device and the filter assembly, and rotatably connected to the driving device and / or the filter assembly; wherein the driving device is configured to drive the transmission member to move the filter assembly to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger of the air conditioner.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, 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 (i.e., the filter assembly is against the surface of 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 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 schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a filter assembly and a transmission component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein arrow M indicates the length direction of the filter assembly and arrow N indicates the width direction of the filter assembly;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a clamping component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a second-view structural schematic of the clamping component;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a housing provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of a housing from a second perspective provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a housing from a third-view perspective provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of a housing from a fourth perspective provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the filter assembly is in the cleaning position.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 100 Air conditioner, 10 Housing, 101 Installation space, 102 Installation notch, 103 Support groove, 20 Filter assembly, 201 Filter frame, 202 Filter, 203 Clamping part, 2031 Second rotating hole, 204 Reinforcing rib, 30 Heat exchanger, 40 Fan wheel, 50 Air guide plate, 6 Transmission component, 61 Transmission shaft, 62 Rotating assembly, 621 First rotating accessory, 6211 First end, 6212 Second end, 6213 First rotating shaft, 622 Second rotating accessory, 6221 Third end, 6222 Fourth end, 6223 Second rotating shaft, 6223. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0032] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11 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.

[0033] 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. The filter assembly 20 includes a filter screen for filtering air flowing through it. For example... Figure 11 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.

[0034] The structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters also includes a drive unit and a transmission component 6.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the transmission component 6 is disposed between the drive device and the filter assembly 20, and is rotatably connected to the drive device and / or the filter assembly 20; wherein, the drive device is configured to drive the transmission component 6 to move the filter assembly 20 to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger 30 of the air conditioner 100.

[0036] The structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transmission member 6 connected to a drive device and a filter assembly 20. At least one of the drive device and the filter assembly 20 is rotatably connected to the transmission member 6. The drive device, via the transmission member 6, can move the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, thereby changing the position of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, and allowing the filter assembly 20 to move to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger 30.

[0037] At the cleaning position, the filter assembly 20 is in contact with the heat exchanger 30, and the frost and defrost of the heat exchanger 30 can be used to achieve the frost and defrost of the filter 202. Thus, the filter 202 can be cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger 30. This simplifies the cleaning method of the filter 202, improves the cleaning efficiency of the filter 202 and the heat exchanger 30, reduces the user's actions, and avoids the drawback of having to clean the filter 202 and the heat exchanger 30 separately.

[0038] The drive unit drives the transmission components to move the filter assembly closer to the heat exchanger and to the cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the filter assembly and the heat exchanger are in contact. "In contact" means that the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger is less than the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger when the air conditioner is in normal cooling or heating mode. Therefore, "in contact" 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. Specifically, "relatively small distance" means that the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger is less than the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger when the air conditioner is in normal cooling or heating mode. Since the position of the filter assembly during normal cooling or heating is defined as the working position, the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger when "in contact" is less than the distance between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger in the working position. In other words, when the filter needs to be cleaned, the drive unit drives the filter assembly to move closer to the heat exchanger and to the cleaning position. After cleaning, the drive unit drives the filter assembly to move away from the heat exchanger and to the working position.

[0039] Optionally, the drive device includes a driver and a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the driver and the transmission member 6 respectively, and is configured to rotate forward or backward under the drive of the driver to drive the filter assembly 20 to reciprocate between a cleaning position and a working position separated from the heat exchanger 30, 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.

[0040] The drive shaft is connected to the driver and the transmission component 6 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.

[0041] One end of the drive shaft is connected to the driver, and the other end of the drive shaft is connected to the transmission component 6. Thus, the driver drives the drive shaft to rotate, and the drive shaft drives the filter screen assembly 20 to move, thereby realizing the movement of the filter screen assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0042] The driver rotates the drive shaft in either the forward or reverse direction, thereby moving the filter assembly 20 towards or away from the heat exchanger 30; in other words, moving the filter assembly 20 between a cleaning position and a working position. The drive unit is used to transmit power and control the position of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0043] When the filter 202 needs cleaning, the driver drives the drive shaft to rotate, moving the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position, where the filter 202 is cleaned. After cleaning, the driver drives the drive shaft to rotate 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 air intake resistance during normal operation of the air conditioner 100 and prevents increased air resistance caused by the filter 202 being in contact with the heat exchanger during normal cooling and heating.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Optionally, the transmission component 6 includes a transmission shaft 61 and a plurality of rotating components 62. The plurality of rotating components 62 are sequentially fixedly connected to the transmission shaft 61 along the axial direction of the transmission shaft 61, and the plurality of rotating components 62 are rotatably connected to the filter screen assembly 20; wherein, the drive shaft is fixedly connected to the axial end of the transmission shaft 61 or fixedly connected to at least one rotating component 20 to drive the transmission shaft 61 to rotate.

[0046] The drive shaft is located at the axial end of the transmission shaft 61 and is fixedly connected to the axial end of the transmission shaft 61 to drive the transmission shaft 61 to rotate. Alternatively, the drive shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating component 62 located at the axial end of the transmission shaft 61. The drive shaft drives the rotating component 62 to rotate, thereby driving the transmission shaft 61 to rotate, and thus driving other rotating components 62 to move.

[0047] Multiple rotating components 62 are sequentially arranged axially along the drive shaft 61 and fixedly connected to the drive shaft 61. Each of the multiple rotating components 62 is rotatably connected to the filter screen assembly 20. The multiple rotating components 62 move synchronously through the drive shaft 61.

[0048] The drive shaft is fixedly connected to the axial end of the transmission shaft 61 or fixedly connected to at least one rotating component 62, so that the drive shaft can drive the transmission shaft 61 and the rotating component 62 to rotate with the drive shaft. Moreover, the rotating component 62 is rotatably connected to the filter screen assembly 20, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the connection between the rotating component 62 and the filter screen assembly 20. In turn, the reciprocating motion of the filter screen assembly 20 between the cleaning position and the working position can be realized by the forward and reverse rotation of the drive shaft.

[0049] Optionally, the drive shaft and transmission shaft 61 are arranged coaxially, and the number of drive devices is twice the number of transmission shafts 61. Each transmission shaft 61 has a drive shaft fixedly connected to both ends in the axial direction. For example, there is one transmission shaft 61 and two drive devices. The two drive devices are located at the two ends in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 61, respectively. The drive shaft of one drive device is fixedly connected to one end in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 61, and the drive shaft of the other drive device is fixedly connected to the other end in the axial direction of the transmission shaft 61.

[0050] Optionally, such as Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the housing 10 is provided with a mounting notch 102 for mounting the drive device. The housing 10 is provided with a mounting notch 102 at each end along the axial direction of the transmission shaft 61 to accommodate the corresponding drive device.

[0051] Optionally, the rotating assembly 62 is sleeved on the outside of the drive shaft 61. Multiple rotating assemblies 62 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, with the axial direction of the rotating shaft parallel to the length direction of the filter assembly 20 (e.g.,...). Figure 3 As shown by the middle arrow M), multiple rotating components 62 are arranged to drive the filter assembly 20 to move smoothly relative to the heat exchanger 30 between the cleaning position and the working position.

[0052] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating assembly 62 includes a first rotating accessory 621 and a second rotating accessory 622.

[0053] The first rotating component 621 includes a first end 6211 and a second end 6212 disposed opposite to each other. The second rotating component 622 includes a third end 6221 and a fourth end 6222 disposed opposite to each other. The first end 6211 of the first rotating component 621 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 61, the second end 6212 of the first rotating component 621 is rotatably connected to the third end 6221 of the second rotating component 622, and the fourth end 6222 of the second rotating component 622 is rotatably connected to the filter assembly 20, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the movement of the filter assembly 20 relative to the heat exchanger 30, and thus enabling the filter assembly 20 to perform linear reciprocating motion relative to the heat exchanger 30. Taking the filter assembly 20 located above the heat exchanger 30 as an example, under the action of the drive device and the transmission component 6, the filter assembly 20 performs up-and-down reciprocating linear motion relative to the heat exchanger 30 between the cleaning position and the working position.

[0054] Optionally, one of the second end 6212 of the first rotating accessory 621 and the third end 6221 of the second rotating accessory 622 is provided with a first rotating shaft 6213, and the other is provided with a first rotating hole that mates with the first rotating shaft 6213. The first rotating shaft 6213 is located in the first rotating hole and can rotate relative to the first rotating hole, thereby realizing a rotatable connection between the second end 6212 of the first rotating accessory 621 and the third end 6221 of the second rotating accessory 622. Figure 2 As shown, a first rotating shaft 6213 is disposed on a first rotating accessory 621, and a first rotating hole is disposed on a second rotating accessory. Alternatively, both the second end 6212 of the first rotating accessory 621 and the third end 6221 of the second rotating accessory 622 may have first through holes. The first rotating shaft passes through these first through holes on the second end 6212 of the first rotating accessory 621 and the third end 6221 of the second rotating accessory 622, and rotates relative to these first through holes, thus achieving a rotatable connection between the second end 6212 of the first rotating accessory 621 and the third end 6221 of the second rotating accessory 622.

[0055] The fourth end 6222 of the second rotating accessory 622 and one of the filter screen assembly 20 are provided with a second rotating shaft 6223, and the other is provided with a second rotating hole 2031 that mates with the second rotating shaft 6223. The second rotating shaft 6223 is located within the second rotating hole 2031 and can rotate relative to the second rotating hole 2031, thereby realizing a rotatable connection between the fourth end 6222 of the second rotating accessory 622 and the filter screen assembly 20. Figure 2As shown, the second rotating shaft 6223 is disposed on the second rotating accessory, and the second rotating hole 2031 is disposed on the filter assembly 20. Alternatively, both the fourth end 6222 of the second rotating accessory 622 and the filter assembly 20 may be provided with second through holes, and the second rotating shaft may pass through the fourth end 6222 of the second rotating accessory 622 and the second through holes on the filter assembly 20, rotating relative to the second through holes to achieve a rotatable connection between the fourth end 6222 of the second rotating accessory 622 and the filter assembly 20.

[0056] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the filter assembly 20 includes a filter frame 201 and a filter 202. The filter 202 is disposed on the filter frame 201; wherein, the shape of the filter assembly 20 is adapted to the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger 30.

[0057] The filter frame 201 supports the filter 202, thereby enhancing the strength of the filter 202, so that the filter assembly 20 can fit tightly against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during cleaning. Optionally, the filter 202 is arranged inside the filter frame 201, and the filter 202 is arranged flat and straight on the filter frame 201.

[0058] Optionally, the filter frame 201 is a rigid frame, and the filter 202 is a rigid filter 202, thereby further enhancing the strength of the filter assembly 20 and 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 202 can be a metal filter 202. It is understood that the filter frame 201 can also be a plastic frame, and the filter 202 can be a plastic filter 202. The structure of the filter 202 is the same as the shape of the fins.

[0059] 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 fit against the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position.

[0060] The shape of the filter assembly 20 perfectly matches the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger 30. Therefore, at the cleaning location, the filter assembly 20 can fit tightly against the windward side of the heat exchanger 30. When the heat exchanger 30 is frosted, it is easier for a frost layer to form on the filter 202, enhancing the cleaning effect. Here, 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 202. Figure 11In the middle, the filter screen 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 screen assembly 20 is close to the heat exchanger 30, that is, the filter screen assembly 20 is attached to the upper surface of the heat exchanger 30 or the distance between the filter screen assembly 20 and the upper surface of the heat exchanger is small (less than the distance between the filter screen assembly and the heat exchanger in the working position). The heat exchanger 30 has a three-plane sheet metal connection.

[0061] Optionally, the second rotating accessory 622 is rotatably connected to the filter assembly 20 by being rotatably connected to the filter frame 201.

[0062] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a clamping member 203 protrudes from the side of the filter frame 201 away from the heat exchanger 30.

[0063] The clamping member 203 can enhance the strength of the filter assembly 20 and support the shape of the filter assembly 20, so that in the working position, the filter assembly 20 can maintain its shape and be separated from the heat exchanger 30, avoiding the filter 202 from sticking to the heat exchanger 30 and affecting the air resistance. In the cleaning position, the filter assembly 20 can be tightly attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 30, enhancing the cleaning effect on the filter 202.

[0064] The clamping element 203 is located on the side of the filter assembly 20 facing away from the heat exchanger 30, so as not to affect the contact between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position. Multiple clamping elements 203 can be provided, and these multiple clamping elements 203 are evenly distributed on the filter assembly 20. Optionally, multiple clamping elements 203 are evenly distributed on the filter frame 201.

[0065] The clamping element 203 includes a protrusion on the side of the filter frame 201 facing away from the heat exchanger 30. The shape of the clamping element 203 can be, but is not limited to, a triangle, a rectangle, or an irregular shape. The clamping element 203 is positioned in the width direction of the filter frame 201 (the width direction of the filter frame is the same as the width direction of the filter assembly, both being...). Figure 3 The center (in the direction of the arrow N) is positioned to better enhance the strength of the filter frame 201. For example... Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the second rotating hole 2031 is provided on the clamping member 203.

[0066] Optionally, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, when the filter frame 201 is made of metal, the clamping part 203 and the filter frame 201 are made separately, and then the clamping part 203 is assembled onto the filter frame 201. The clamping part 203 can be fixed to the filter frame 201 with fasteners such as screws, or it can be welded to the filter frame 201 or bonded to the filter frame 201.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the filter frame 201 is made of plastic, the filter frame 201 and the clamping member 203 form an integral structure, which improves the connection strength between the filter assembly 20 and the clamping member 203. Furthermore, the integral structure has a simple molding process and low cost. The clamping member 203 is also equipped with reinforcing ribs 204. The filter frame 201 and the clamping member 203 can be formed by injection molding or 3D printing.

[0068] Optionally, the clamping element 203 is provided with reinforcing ribs 204.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing rib 204 can enhance the strength of the filter assembly 20 and support the shape of the filter assembly 20, so that in the working position, the filter assembly 20 can maintain its shape and be separated from the heat exchanger 30, avoiding the filter 202 from sticking to the heat exchanger 30 and affecting the air resistance. In the cleaning position, the filter assembly 20 can stick to the surface of the heat exchanger 30, enhancing the cleaning effect on the filter 202.

[0070] The reinforcing ribs 204 are located on the side of the filter assembly 20 away from the heat exchanger 30, so as not to affect the contact between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position. There can be multiple reinforcing ribs 204, which are evenly distributed on the filter assembly 20.

[0071] This 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The housing 10 defines an installation space 101, within which the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 are located.

[0074] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the housing 10 is provided with a support groove 103, and the drive shaft 61 is located in the support groove 103 and can rotate relative to the support groove 103.

[0075] The support groove 103 supports the drive shaft 61 and prevents the drive shaft 61 from deforming during rotation. Optionally, there are multiple support grooves 103, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the drive shaft 61, and the axial direction of the drive shaft 61 is consistent with the length direction of the air conditioner 100. Optionally, the housing 10 is recessed to form a support groove 103 with one end open.

[0076] Optionally, the air conditioner 100 also includes a controller 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 202, 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Upon receiving a cleaning command for filter 202, the controller, in response, activates the drive unit. The drive shaft rotates the transmission shaft 61, which in turn rotates the rotating component 62, moving the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position. Simultaneously, 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 surface of filter 202, forming a frost layer. The accumulation of this frost layer ensures frost formation on the filter 202 surface. The frost formation process compresses the dust on the filter 202 surface, ultimately loosening the dust and reducing its adhesion. Afterward, the controller controls the air conditioner 100 to operate... In heating mode, optionally, the air outlet is closed to avoid affecting the indoor temperature. The heat exchanger 30 defrosts, and the frost layer forms a water flow that washes away the dust on the surface of the multi-filter screen, carrying away the dust from the filter screen 202 and the surface of the heat exchanger 30. The water flow carrying the dust flows into the water collection box and is discharged outdoors through the drain pipe, completing one cleaning of the filter screen 202. After cleaning, the controller controls the drive shaft of the drive device to rotate in the opposite direction, which drives the filter screen assembly 20 to return to the working position through the transmission shaft 61 and the rotating component 62, thus completing one cleaning action of the filter screen 202.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, taking a stepper motor as the driving device, when the filter 202 needs cleaning, the user activates it via remote control. The sensor receives the cleaning signal for the filter 202, and the controller controls the stepper motor to move. The drive shaft 61 drives the rotating parts to move, pressing the filter 202 tightly against the surface of the heat exchanger 30, causing the filter assembly 20 to move to the cleaning position. The heat exchanger 30 enters a frosting state, spreading the cold air and frost layer onto the filter 202. Finally, the frost loosens the dust on the surface of the filter 202. When the frost layer reaches a certain thickness, the defrosting process begins. The four-way valve of the air conditioner 100 reverses, and the heat exchanger 30 switches to the heating state to defrost, forming a water flow to rinse the surface of the filter 202, ultimately achieving the cleaning effect. When cleaning is complete, the stepper motor, drive shaft 61, and rotating parts reset the filter 202, driving the filter assembly 20 to move to the working position.

[0080] like Figure 11 As 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 202, which does not affect the air resistance. When cleaning, as... Figure 11 As shown, the controller controls the drive shaft of the drive unit to rotate, causing the filter assembly 20 to move downwards and come into contact with the upper surface of the heat exchanger 30. Ultimately, the frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger 30 causes the filter 202 to frost and defrost, washing and sterilizing the dust on the surface of the filter 202. In other words, the controller controls the heat exchanger 30 to sequentially operate in cooling and heating modes, with the heat exchanger 30 frosting and defrosting, and the filter 202 frosts and defrosts along with the heat exchanger 30, thus cleaning the filter 202. The defrosted water melts and flows into the drip tray, flowing outdoors without user intervention. After the filter 202 is cleaned, the controller controls the drive shaft of the drive unit to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby causing the filter assembly 20 to move away from the heat exchanger 30, i.e., upwards, until it reaches the working position.

[0081] In this application, the filter screen 202 is cleaned by controlling the drive device through a controller. This eliminates the traditional mechanical cleaning method used for the filter screen 202. Instead, the surface of the filter screen 202 is cleaned by the frosting and defrosting action of the heat exchanger 30. This eliminates the need for dust collection and dust box; dust is directly discharged outdoors through a water box and drain pipe, ensuring that the user requires no additional action, making it simple and convenient. The overall movement structure is simple, ensuring that the wind resistance during normal operation is minimized while maintaining close contact between the filter screen assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 during the cleaning process. The overall structure is simple, easy to use, and easy to replace. Furthermore, the use of a rigid filter screen frame 201 and a rigid filter screen 202, such as a metal filter screen frame 201 and a metal filter screen 202, makes it easier for the filter screen assembly 20 to adapt to the surface of the heat exchanger 30, resulting in greater adaptability. The drive device and transmission component 6 work together to move the filter screen assembly 20 between the working position and the cleaning position, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability.

[0082] In summary, this application cleans the surface of filter screen 202 through frosting and defrosting, with the cleaning process occurring simultaneously with the cleaning of the heat exchanger 30 surface, making it simple and quick. The filter screen 202 surface is cleaned of dust through two processes: frosting and defrosting. The filter screen assembly 20 is tightly attached to the heat exchanger 30 according to its outer surface shape, ensuring the spread of the frost layer. Finally, through frosting and defrosting, the dust on the filter screen 202 surface is rinsed and sterilized. The defrosted water melts and flows into the water collection tray, flowing outdoors, requiring no user intervention. Furthermore, the drive device enables the filter screen assembly 20 to adhere to and reposition itself on the heat exchanger 30 surface, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability. The filter assembly 20 is well-suited to the shape of the heat exchanger 30, has high adaptability, is easy for users to use, can quickly clean the filter 202, has good cleaning effect and high reliability; and 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.

[0083] 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, including a filter screen; Drive unit; and A transmission component is disposed between the drive device and the filter assembly, and is rotatably connected to the drive device and / or the filter assembly; The drive device 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. The controller is configured to respond to a cleaning command for cleaning the filter, control the drive device to move the filter assembly to the cleaning position, control the air conditioner to operate in cooling mode to form a frost layer on the filter surface, and then control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode to defrost the heat exchanger.

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 reciprocate 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 transmission component includes: Drive shaft; and Multiple rotating components are sequentially and fixedly connected to the drive shaft along its axial direction, and each of the multiple rotating components is rotatably connected to the filter assembly. The drive shaft is fixedly connected to the axial end of the transmission shaft or fixedly connected to at least one rotating component to drive the transmission shaft to rotate.

4. The structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotating component includes: The first rotating component includes a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other; and The second rotating component includes a third end and a fourth end that are disposed opposite to each other; The first end of the first rotating component is fixedly connected to the drive shaft, the second end of the first rotating component is rotatably connected to the third end of the second rotating component, and the fourth end of the second rotating component is rotatably connected to the filter assembly.

5. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The filter assembly also includes: A filter frame, on which the filter is mounted; The shape of the filter assembly is adapted to the shape of the windward side of the heat exchanger.

6. The structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filter screen frame has a clamping member protruding on the side opposite to the heat exchanger.

7. The structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping component is provided with reinforcing ribs.

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 housing is provided with a support groove, and the drive shaft is located in the support groove and can rotate relative to the support groove.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to control the drive unit to move the filter assembly to the working position after frost and defrosting on the heat exchanger surface.

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