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

Abstract

The application relates to the air conditioner technical field, and discloses a structure for self-cleaning of a filter screen of an air conditioner. When the filter screen needs to be cleaned, a driving device drives a filter screen assembly to move to a cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the filter screen assembly abuts against the surface of a heat exchanger, so that the filter screen can be cleaned while the heat exchanger is cleaned, that is, the cleaning of the filter screen is synchronized with the cleaning of the heat exchanger. On the one hand, the filter screen is cleaned by driving the filter screen assembly to the cleaning position through the driving device, and the structure is simple; on the other hand, the cleaning of the filter screen and the cleaning of the heat exchanger are simultaneously realized, the disadvantages that the cleaning of the filter screen and the cleaning of the heat exchanger need to be respectively performed are avoided, and the cleaning efficiency of the filter screen and the heat exchanger is improved. The application further 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 an air conditioner filter is provided, comprising: a filter assembly; and a driving device disposed between the filter assembly and the heat exchanger of the air conditioner, configured to drive the filter assembly to a cleaning position abutting against the heat exchanger of the air conditioner.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present application, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a heat exchanger; and 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 driving device drives the filter assembly to the cleaning position. 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 driving device to clean the filter results in a simple 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 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 view of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the filter assembly is in the cleaning position;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure label:

[0016] 100 Air conditioner, 10 Housing, 101 Installation space, 20 Filter assembly, 201 Filter frame, 202 Second magnetic attractor, 203 Filter, 30 Heat exchanger, 40 Fan wheel, 50 Air guide plate, 60 Reset device, 601 Rotating shaft, 602 Support, 6021 First end, 6022 Second end. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The structure for self-cleaning air conditioner filters includes a filter assembly 20 and a drive unit.

[0026] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the filter assembly 20 includes a filter 203 for filtering the air flowing through it.

[0027] A drive unit is disposed between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 of the air conditioner 100. The drive unit is configured to drive the filter assembly 20 to a cleaning position where it is in contact with the heat exchanger 30 of the air conditioner 100, such as... Figure 2 The middle filter assembly 20 is in the cleaning position.

[0028] Using the structure for self-cleaning of air conditioner filters provided in this embodiment, the driving device can drive the filter assembly 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30, 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] At the cleaning position, under the action of the drive device, the filter screen assembly 20 is in contact with the heat exchanger 30. The frost and defrost of the heat exchanger 30 can be used to achieve the frost and defrost of the filter screen 203. Thus, the filter screen 203 can be cleaned at the same time as the heat exchanger 30. This simplifies the cleaning method of the filter screen 203, improves the cleaning efficiency of 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 203 and the heat exchanger 30 separately.

[0031] Optionally, the driving device includes a first magnetic attracting element and a second magnetic attracting element 202.

[0032] A first magnetic attractor is disposed on the heat exchanger 30, and a second magnetic attractor 202 is disposed on the filter assembly 20, and is capable of attracting the first magnetic attractor so that the filter assembly 20 moves to the cleaning position.

[0033] A magnetic attraction exists between the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202, thereby driving the filter assembly 20 to move closer to the heat exchanger 30, and thus to the cleaning position. Optionally, the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 are arranged correspondingly. Taking the filter assembly 20 being located above the heat exchanger 30 as an example, the second magnetic attractor 202 can be positioned directly above the first magnetic attractor, thereby driving the filter assembly 20 to move vertically relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0034] The drive device adopts a first magnetic attractor and a second magnetic attractor 202, which has a simple structure and low cost.

[0035] Optionally, one of the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 is an electromagnet, and the other is at least one of an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a ferromagnetic metal. Ferromagnetic metal refers to a metal that can attract an electromagnet, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. When the first magnetic attractor or the second magnetic attractor 202 is a ferromagnetic metal, the ferromagnetic metal can be disposed on the heat exchanger 30 or the filter assembly 20, or the heat exchanger 30 or the filter assembly 20 itself can be made of a ferromagnetic metal.

[0036] Optionally, there are multiple first magnetic attracting elements and multiple second magnetic attracting elements 202. The first magnetic attracting elements are evenly distributed on the surface of the heat exchanger 30 facing the filter assembly 20, and the second magnetic attracting elements 202 are evenly distributed on the surface of the filter assembly 20 away from the heat exchanger 30. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the second magnetic attracting member 202 is evenly distributed on the upper surface of the filter assembly 20, and the first magnetic attracting member is evenly distributed on the upper surface of the heat exchanger 30, so as not to affect the contact between the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 at the cleaning position.

[0037] When the electromagnet is energized, the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 attract each other, thereby causing the filter assembly 20 to move to a cleaning position that is in contact with the heat exchanger 30, and to be held in the cleaning position by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202.

[0038] Taking the second magnetic attractor 202 as an electromagnet and the first magnetic attractor as a permanent magnet or ferromagnetic metal as an example, when the filter assembly 20 needs to move to the cleaning position, the electromagnet is energized and attracts the first magnetic attractor, thereby driving the filter assembly 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30 to the cleaning position.

[0039] Taking the example where both the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 are electromagnets, when the filter assembly 20 needs to move to the cleaning position, the electromagnets controlling the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 are energized, and the two electromagnets attract each other, thereby driving the filter assembly 20 to move relative to the heat exchanger 30 to the cleaning position.

[0040] In addition to adopting the form of including a first magnetic attractor and a second magnetic attractor, the driving device can also adopt the form of a gear and rack. For example, the driving device includes a motor, and a gear is connected to the motor shaft. The motor shaft is used to drive the gear to rotate. The filter screen assembly is provided with a rack, and the rack meshes with the gear. Thus, the rotation of the motor shaft drives the gear to rotate, the gear drives the rack to move, and the filter screen assembly moves with the rack and moves to the cleaning position.

[0041] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the structure for self-cleaning of the air conditioner filter also includes a reset device 60.

[0042] The reset device 60 includes an elastic element that deforms in the cleaning position to drive the filter assembly 20 back to 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.

[0043] When the filter assembly 20 moves to the cleaning position, the elastic element deforms. Thus, when the electromagnet is de-energized, the filter assembly 20 moves relative to the heat exchanger 30 under the restoring force of the elastic element and moves to the working position.

[0044] When the filter 203 needs cleaning, the drive device moves the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position, where the filter 203 is cleaned. After cleaning, the drive device moves the filter assembly 20 to the working position, where the filter assembly 20 is separated from the heat exchanger 30. In other words, the filter assembly 20 and the heat exchanger 30 do not contact each other in the working position. This reduces air intake resistance during normal operation of the air conditioner 100 and prevents increased air resistance caused by the filter 203 sticking to the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during normal cooling and heating.

[0045] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reset device 60 abuts against the filter assembly 20 in the working position to limit the filter assembly 20 to the working position.

[0046] In the working position, the reset device 60 abuts against the filter assembly 20, thereby supporting the filter assembly 20, fixing the filter assembly 20 in the working position, and preventing the filter assembly 20 from moving relative to the heat exchanger 30.

[0047] After the electromagnet is de-energized, the reset device 60 drives the filter assembly 20 to reset from the cleaning position to the working position. The reset device 60 can also keep the filter assembly 20 in the working position. In other words, the reset device 60 has multiple functions, thereby reducing the number of parts in the air conditioner 100 and improving the structural compactness of the air conditioner 100.

[0048] Optionally, the reset device 60 further includes a rotating shaft 601 and a support member 602. The support member 602 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 601 and is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 601. An elastic element is disposed between the rotating shaft 601 and the support member 602, and in the working position, the support member 602 abuts against the filter assembly 20.

[0049] In the working position, the support member 602 abuts against the filter assembly 20, thereby supporting the filter assembly 20 and ensuring that the filter assembly 20 remains in the working position when the electromagnet is de-energized. When the electromagnet is energized, the filter assembly 20 moves to the cleaning position, and the filter assembly 20 drives the support member 602 to rotate relative to the rotation axis 601. The elastic member is compressed, and the filter assembly 20 is held in the cleaning position by the attraction between the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202.

[0050] The elastic element can be, but is not limited to, a torsion spring or a spring.

[0051] Optionally, the support member 602 includes a first end 6021 and a second end 6022. The first end 6021 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 601 and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 601. In the working position, the second end 6022 abuts against the filter assembly 20, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the size of the second end 6022 is smaller than the size of the first end 6021, and the second end 6022 is triangular pyramidal.

[0052] Multiple reset devices 60 are provided on the housing 10. For example, the rotating shaft 601 is provided on the housing 10, and the multiple reset devices 60 are located at opposite ends of the filter assembly 20. The reset devices 60 need to be positioned to avoid the filter assembly 20 so that the filter assembly 20 can be in contact with the heat exchanger in the cleaning position. In other words, the reset devices 60 do not affect the contact area of ​​the filter assembly 20 on the heat exchanger 30, thus not affecting the cleaning of the filter assembly 20. Figure 1 As shown, there are two reset devices 60, located at the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 30, respectively. The presence of multiple reset devices 60 improves the smoothness of movement of the filter assembly 20 when moving from the cleaning position to the working position.

[0053] When the air conditioner 100 is in normal heating or cooling mode, the heat exchanger 30 is separated from the filter 203, which does not affect the air resistance. When the filter 203 is being cleaned, the electromagnet is energized, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic element, and the filter assembly 20 is brought into contact with the heat exchanger 30. Finally, through the frost and defrosting of the heat exchanger 30, the dust on the surface of the filter 203 is washed and sterilized. The defrosted water melts and flows into the drip tray and outwards, requiring no user intervention. When the filter assembly 20 needs to be reset to its working position, the electromagnet is de-energized and loses its magnetism. The support 602 lifts the filter 203 and separates it from the surface of the heat exchanger 30, ensuring airflow. When the filter 203 is being cleaned, the electromagnet is energized, and the magnetic force between the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor 202 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element, attracting the filter assembly 20 into contact with the heat exchanger 30, completing the subsequent cleaning process.

[0054] Optionally, the filter assembly 20 also includes a filter frame 201, with a filter 203 disposed on the filter frame 201, and the filter frame 201 having reinforcing ribs on the side facing away from the heat exchanger 30.

[0055] The filter frame 201 supports the filter 203, thereby enhancing the strength of the filter 203, so that the filter assembly 20 can be placed against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during cleaning. Optionally, the filter 203 is arranged inside the filter frame 201, and the filter 203 is arranged flat and straight on the filter frame 201.

[0056] Optionally, the filter frame 201 is a rigid frame, and the filter 203 is a rigid filter 203, thereby further enhancing the strength of the filter assembly 20, allowing the filter assembly 20 to rest against the surface of the heat exchanger 30 in the cleaning position. For example, the filter frame 201 can be a metal frame, and the filter 203 can be a metal filter 203. It is understood that the filter frame 201 can also be a plastic frame, and the filter 203 can be a plastic filter 203.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 be in contact with the windward side of the heat exchanger 30 at various points. When the heat exchanger 30 is frosted, it is easier for a frost layer to form on the filter 203, enhancing the cleaning effect on the filter 203. 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 203. 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.

[0059] The reinforcing ribs can enhance the strength of the filter assembly 20 and support its shape, 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 203 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 203.

[0060] The reinforcing ribs are 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 reinforcing ribs can be evenly distributed on the filter assembly 20. Optionally, multiple reinforcing ribs can be evenly distributed on the filter frame 201, and the second magnetic attractor 202 can be disposed on the reinforcing ribs.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the filter frame 201 is a rigid frame with the same shape as the windward side of the heat exchanger 30. The filter 203 is a flat metal filter. Electromagnets are arranged on the reinforcing ribs of the filter frame 201. Iron structures are arranged at corresponding positions on the heat exchanger 30. The iron structures constitute the first magnetic attraction element so that the filter assembly 20 can be accurately adsorbed onto the surface of the heat exchanger 30 during self-cleaning and match the heat exchanger 30, so that the surface of the metal filter 203 is tightly attached to the surface of the heat exchanger 30 to achieve the best frosting effect. Reset devices 60 are arranged at the front and rear of the rigid filter frame 201. By energizing the electromagnet, it becomes magnetic and attracts the filter screen 203 to the iron structure on the surface of the heat exchanger 30, ensuring that the rigid filter screen 203 can perfectly match the heat exchanger 30. This allows the frost layer to completely cover the filter screen 203 during cleaning, achieving a better cleaning effect. Reset devices 60 are arranged at both the front and rear of the rigid filter screen 203. During reset, the electromagnet is demagnetized, and the support member 602 supports the filter screen 203 and separates it from the surface of the heat exchanger 30, ensuring the air intake volume. When cleaning is performed, the electromagnet is energized, and the magnetic force overcomes the elasticity of the elastic member, causing the filter screen 203 to be attracted to the heat exchanger 30, completing the subsequent cleaning action.

[0062] This disclosure provides an air conditioner 100, including a heat exchanger 30 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Optionally, the air conditioner 100 also includes a controller connected to the drive unit. The controller is 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 203, and to move the filter assembly 20 to the working position after frost formation and defrosting on the surface of the heat exchanger 30.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Upon receiving a cleaning command for the filter 203, the controller energizes the electromagnet in response. Through the attraction of the first and second magnetic attractors 202, the elastic force of the elastic element is overcome, driving the filter assembly 20 to the cleaning position. Simultaneously, the support member 602 rotates relative to the rotating shaft 601 under the influence of the filter assembly 20, compressing the elastic element. The controller also controls the air conditioner 100 to operate in cooling mode. Optionally, the air outlet is closed to prevent the cooling mode from affecting the indoor temperature. The heat exchanger 30 frosts, dispersing cold air and frost onto the surface of the filter 203, forming a frost layer. The accumulation of frost thickness ensures frost formation on the filter 203 surface. The frost formation process squeezes dust from the filter 203 surface, ultimately loosening the dust and reducing its adhesion. Afterwards, the controller... The air conditioner 100 is controlled to operate in heating mode. Optionally, the air outlet is closed at this time to avoid the heating mode 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. The dust on the filter screen 203 and the surface of the heat exchanger 30 is carried away. The water flow with dust flows into the water collection box and is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe. One cleaning of the filter screen 203 is completed. After the cleaning is completed, the controller controls the electromagnet to de-energize, and the elastic element drives the filter screen assembly 20 to return to the working position. At this time, one cleaning action of the filter screen 203 is completed.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 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 203, which does not affect the air resistance. When cleaning, as... Figure 2As shown, the controller energizes the electromagnet, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic element, causing the filter assembly 20 to move downwards and adhere to the upper surface of the heat exchanger 30. Ultimately, the frosting and defrosting of the heat exchanger 30 causes the filter 203 to frost and defrost, washing and sterilizing the dust on the surface of the filter 203. 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 203 frosts and defrosts along with the heat exchanger 30, thus cleaning the filter 203. The defrosted water melts and flows into the drip tray, flowing outdoors without user intervention. After the filter 203 is cleaned, the controller de-energizes the electromagnet, causing the filter assembly 20 to move away from the heat exchanger 30, i.e., upwards, until it reaches the working position. Figure 1 As shown.

[0068] In this application, the filter screen 203 is cleaned by controlling the drive device through a controller. This eliminates the traditional mechanical cleaning method used for the filter screen 203. Instead, the surface of the filter screen 203 is cleaned by the frosting and defrosting action of the heat exchanger 30. This eliminates the need for dust collection and dust box, allowing dust to be discharged outdoors directly through a 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 203, such as a metal filter screen frame 201 and a metal filter screen 203, makes it easier for the filter screen assembly 20 to fit the surface of the heat exchanger 30, resulting in greater adaptability. The drive device and the reset device 60 work together to realize the movement of the filter screen assembly 20 between the working position and the cleaning position, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability.

[0069] In summary, this application cleans the surface of filter screen 203 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 203 surface is cleaned by 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 203 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 has a good shape to adapt to the heat exchanger 30, is highly adaptable, and is easy for users to use. It can quickly clean the filter 203, with good cleaning effect and high reliability. 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 does not affect the appearance. The filter assembly 20 is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0070] 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 of an air conditioner filter, characterized by, The structure comprises: a filter screen assembly; and a driving device in driving connection with the filter screen assembly and configured to drive the filter screen assembly to move to a cleaning position in which the filter screen is cleaned by using the defrosting of the heat exchanger.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein The driving device comprises: a first magnetic attraction element arranged on the heat exchanger; and a second magnetic attraction element arranged on the filter screen assembly and capable of attracting the first magnetic attraction element to drive the filter screen assembly to move to the cleaning position.

3. The structure according to claim 2, wherein one of the first magnetic attraction element and the second magnetic attraction element is an electromagnet, and the other is at least one of an electromagnet, a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic metal.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein The structure further comprises: a reset device comprising an elastic element, the elastic element being deformed at the cleaning position to drive the filter screen assembly to return to a working position, wherein the distance between the filter screen assembly and the heat exchanger at the working position is greater than the distance between the filter screen assembly and the heat exchanger at the cleaning position.

5. The structure according to claim 4, wherein the reset device abuts against the filter screen assembly at the working position to limit the filter screen assembly at the working position.

6. The structure of claim 4, wherein The reset device further comprises: a rotating shaft; and a support element sleeved on the rotating shaft and capable of rotating relative to the rotating shaft; wherein the elastic element is arranged between the rotating shaft and the support element, and the support element abuts against the filter screen assembly at the working position.

7. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The filter screen assembly comprises: a filter screen; and a filter screen frame, the filter screen being arranged on the filter screen frame, and the filter screen frame being provided with a reinforcing rib on the side away from the heat exchanger.

8. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter screen assembly is shaped to match the shape of the windward surface of the heat exchanger, so that the filter screen assembly can abut against the windward surface of the heat exchanger at the cleaning position.

9. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The structure comprises: a heat exchanger; and the structure for self-cleaning of a filter screen of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the filter screen assembly being arranged on one side of the heat exchanger.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The structure further comprises: a controller connected with the driving device and configured to control the driving device to drive the filter screen assembly to move to the cleaning position in response to a cleaning instruction for cleaning the filter screen, and to drive the filter screen assembly to move to the working position after the heat exchanger is frosted and defrosted.

Images