Air conditioner self-cleaning assembly and air conditioner
By introducing a vibration device and a spiral structure cleaning component into the air conditioner self-cleaning assembly, the problems of complex structure and obstructed air intake are solved, achieving self-cleaning of the filter and water collection structure, reducing the complexity of the device and maintaining unobstructed air intake.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423212667.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioner self-cleaning components have complex structures, and the filter gets wet after cleaning, affecting air intake.
It employs a vibration device and a cleaning component with a spiral structure. The vibration causes dust to fall onto the water-receiving structure, and the spiral structure pushes the dust into the drain outlet, achieving self-cleaning of the filter screen and the water-receiving structure.
This reduces structural complexity, prevents the filter from getting wet, ensures unaffected airflow, and achieves comprehensive cleaning.
Smart Images

Figure CN223550604U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically to an air conditioner self-cleaning component and an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] An air conditioner self-cleaning component includes an indoor unit housing, a filter, a heat exchanger, a drive unit, a water storage pan, a cleaning brush, and a drip tray. The housing has a U-shaped track, and the filter is designed to move along the U-shaped track. The drive unit controls the movement of the filter so that one end of the filter is immersed in the water in the water storage pan. The cleaning brush is located inside the water storage pan and contacts the outer surface of the filter to clean it. After dust falls into the water storage pan, the baffle of the water storage pan opens, and the wastewater can flow through the drain outlet of the baffle to the drip tray below, and then flow out of the unit.
[0003] The existing self-cleaning components for air conditioners have the following problems: the design of the housing and filter of the U-shaped filter movement structure, as well as the water channel design between the water storage tray and the water receiving tray, all complicate the structure of the device; and the filter will be wetted after cleaning, which will affect the air intake. Utility Model Content
[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioning self-cleaning component that reduces structural complexity and avoids affecting air intake.
[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner that achieves filter self-cleaning while reducing structural complexity and avoiding affecting air intake.
[0006] The first objective of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner self-cleaning component, which includes a housing, a filter, a cleaning component, and a drive unit. The housing forms an air outlet and has a water-receiving structure. The filter is installed at the air outlet, and the water-receiving structure is located below the filter. The drive unit is installed on the housing. It also includes a vibration device, which is installed on the housing. The vibration output end of the vibration device contacts and engages with the filter. The cleaning component is disposed in the water-receiving structure. The drive unit drives the cleaning component to rotate around an axis. The cleaning component includes a spiral structure, and the generatrix of the three-dimensional spiral line along which the spiral structure runs coincides with the axis.
[0007] As can be seen from the above solution, the self-cleaning component of this utility model, based on most existing air conditioner indoor unit casings, firstly, requires no significant adjustment to the filter installation structure, or even any adjustment at all; only a vibration device needs to be installed near the filter. Secondly, the casing already has a water-receiving structure for collecting condensate from the heat exchanger, requiring no significant adjustment to the water-receiving structure, or even any adjustment at all; only a cleaning component with a spiral structure and a drive unit for the cleaning component need to be installed inside the water-receiving structure, and near the water-receiving structure. When the vibration device is working, the dust on the filter falls onto the evaporator and the water-receiving structure. Under the rotation of the spiral structure, the dust, which has been bound together into clumps by bacteria and fungi, will be broken down, pushing the dust into the drain outlet of the water-receiving structure. While cleaning the water-receiving structure, the dust is also smoothly discharged from the unit through the drain pipe. This utility model not only reduces structural complexity but also avoids affecting the air intake of the filter, and simultaneously achieves self-cleaning of both the filter and the water-receiving structure.
[0008] A further design involves setting the cleaning component as a cleaning rod, with the length of the cleaning rod aligned with the axial direction of the shaft; the water-receiving structure includes a water channel, with the length of the cleaning rod aligned with the length of the water channel.
[0009] As can be seen from the above, with this setup, only one cleaning component needs to be installed. The continuous spiral structure along its length can clean all parts of the waterway, achieving the cleaning purpose while further reducing the number of components.
[0010] A further proposed solution is to have a spiral structure arranged along a cylindrical helix; the waterway includes a bottom surface, at least a portion of which is a concave arc surface, the center of which coincides with the axis.
[0011] As can be seen from the above, this design ensures that the spiral structure can reach all parts of the bottom surface, reducing blind spots and ensuring cleaning effectiveness.
[0012] A further solution is to use a spiral structure with an interference fit to the arc surface.
[0013] As can be seen from the above, this design avoids the formation of gaps that would create unsanitary corners, and further ensures that dust can be transported to the drain outlet through the spiral structure, thus further guaranteeing the cleaning effect.
[0014] Another further option is to have the helix angle of the three-dimensional helix range from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
[0015] A further proposed solution is that the waterway includes a first waterway and a second waterway that are parallel to each other, with the first waterway being at a higher height than the second waterway and the width of the first waterway being less than the width of the second waterway; the cleaning rod includes a first cleaning rod installed in the first waterway and a second cleaning rod installed in the second waterway.
[0016] A further proposed solution is that the spiral angle of the first cleaning rod ranges from 10 to 15 degrees, and the spiral angle of the second cleaning rod ranges from 20 to 30 degrees.
[0017] As can be seen above, a smaller helix angle (10 to 15 degrees) provides greater propulsion, suitable for narrower water channels or applications requiring stronger thrust. A smaller helix angle can better capture and push clumps of dust, but may increase the load on the motor. A larger helix angle (20 to 30 degrees) reduces the motor load and increases the screw speed, suitable for wider water channels or applications requiring rapid cleaning. A larger helix angle can push dust out of the water channel faster, but may lack sufficient propulsion in some cases. For narrower water channels that easily accumulate clumps of dust, a smaller helix angle (10 to 15 degrees) can be selected to ensure sufficient propulsion to break up and push the dust. For wider water channels with a larger flow, a larger helix angle (20 to 30 degrees) can be selected to improve cleaning efficiency and reduce the motor load.
[0018] Another further option is to extend the cleaning rod between the two opposite ends along the length of the waterway.
[0019] As can be seen above, this setup ensures that the cleaning rod is long enough to cover the entire waterway for thorough cleaning.
[0020] Another further option is to use a brush-like structure for the spiral structure.
[0021] As can be seen from the above, using a high-density bristle structure can improve the cleaning effect, especially for dust adhering to the waterway walls.
[0022] The second objective of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned air conditioner self-cleaning component. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lower shell, the first cleaning rod, and the second cleaning rod of the first embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vibration device and filter screen in the first embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cleaning rod and the first drive unit in the first embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the second embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lower shell, the first cleaning rod, and the second cleaning rod of the second embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle. Detailed Implementation
[0031] First embodiment of air conditioner
[0032] See Figure 1 The air conditioner in this embodiment includes an indoor unit, which is a wall-mounted unit. The indoor unit includes a housing 1, a filter 2, a first heat exchanger 31, a second heat exchanger 32, a vibration device 4, a first cleaning rod 51, a second cleaning rod 52, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, and a drain pipe 7. The first cleaning rod 51 and the second cleaning rod 52 are both cleaning rods and cleaning components of this utility model. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are both drive units of this utility model. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are both motors.
[0033] Combination Figure 2 The housing 1 includes an upper shell 191 and a lower shell 192. An air vent 100 is provided on the upper shell 191, and a filter screen 2 is installed at the air vent 100. A first heat exchanger 31 and a second heat exchanger 32 are both disposed within the housing 1 and located below the air vent 100. The lower shell 192 is provided with a first water channel 11 and a second water channel 12 that are parallel to each other. Both the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 are water channels and water receiving structures of this invention. The first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 are located directly below the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, respectively. The height of the first water channel 11 is higher than that of the second water channel 12, and the width of the first water channel 11 is smaller than the width of the second water channel 12. A first cleaning rod 51 is disposed in the first water channel 11, and a second cleaning rod 52 is disposed in the second water channel 12. A drain pipe 7 is disposed at the lower part of the housing 1, and the drain outlets of both the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 are connected to the drain pipe 7.
[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The vibration device 4 is installed on the housing 1. The vibration output end 42 of the vibration device 4 is in contact with the filter screen 2. In this embodiment, the vibration device 4 includes a vibration motor 41 and an eccentric rod, and the eccentric rod is the vibration output end 42.
[0035] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 Taking the first cleaning rod 51 as an example. The first drive unit 6 is a motor, mounted on the housing 1. Driven by the first drive unit 6, the first cleaning rod 51 rotates around an axis. The axial direction of this axis is consistent with the length direction of the first cleaning rod 51. The first cleaning rod 51 includes a rod body 511 and a spiral structure 512 connected to the outer periphery of the rod body 511. The spiral structure 512 is a high-density bristle structure, and the three-dimensional spiral line along which the spiral structure 512 follows is a cylindrical spiral line, the generatrix of which coincides with the axis. Figure 2 As shown, the length direction of the first cleaning rod 51 is consistent with the length direction of the first water channel 11, which is also the length direction of the indoor unit, and the first cleaning rod 51 extends between the two opposite ends of the length direction of the first water channel 11. The length direction of the second cleaning rod 52 is consistent with the length direction of the first water channel 12, and the second cleaning rod 52 extends between the two opposite ends of the length direction of the second water channel 12.
[0036] Preferably, the helix angle of the three-dimensional spiral of the cleaning rod is in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. Specifically, the helix angle of the first cleaning rod 51 is in the range of 10 to 15 degrees, and the helix angle of the second cleaning rod 52 is in the range of 20 to 30 degrees. The first water channel 11 is relatively narrow and easily accumulates clumps of dust, so a smaller helix angle (10 to 15 degrees) can be selected to ensure sufficient propulsion to break up and push the dust. The second water channel 12 is wider and has a larger water flow, so a larger helix angle (20 to 30 degrees) can be selected to improve cleaning efficiency and reduce the load on the second drive unit.
[0037] See Figure 1When the air conditioning system finishes cooling / heating operation, the vibration device 4 is activated, causing the filter screen 2 to vibrate at high frequency. Dust, bacteria, and other contaminants attached to the filter screen 2 are dislodged by the vibration and fall onto the first heat exchanger 31, the second heat exchanger 32, the first water channel 11, and the second water channel 12. The dust falling into the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 is broken into small pieces by the rotation of the spiral structure of the cleaning rod and pushed into the drain outlet. The rotation of the spiral structure also effectively removes dirt and scale from the inner walls of the water channels, keeping the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 unobstructed. Dust and dirt pass through the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 and ultimately enter the drain pipe, being smoothly discharged from the air conditioning system and preventing secondary pollution. As for the contaminants that fall onto the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, the self-cleaning function can be activated. Through the process of condensation, frosting, and defrosting, the condensate water will remove the contaminants from the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32. Ultimately, the contaminants will fall into the first water channel 11 and the second water channel 12 and be discharged. Of course, special coatings can also be applied to the surfaces of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 to reduce contaminant adhesion.
[0038] Based on the existing housings of most air conditioner indoor units, firstly, no significant adjustments are needed to the installation structure of the filter 2, or even any adjustments at all; only a vibration device 4 needs to be installed near the filter 2. Secondly, the housing 1 already has a water-receiving structure for collecting condensate from the heat exchanger; no significant adjustments are needed to this structure, or even any adjustments at all. Only a cleaning component with a spiral structure and a drive unit for the cleaning component need to be installed within the water-receiving structure. When the vibration device 4 is working, the dust on the filter 2 falls onto the evaporator and the water-receiving structure. Under the rotation of the spiral structure, the dust, which has been bound together by bacteria and fungi, is broken down and pushed into the drain outlet of the water-receiving structure. While cleaning the water-receiving structure, the dust is also smoothly discharged from the unit through the drain pipe. This invention not only reduces structural complexity but also prevents the filter 2 from getting wet during the cleaning process, thus avoiding affecting the air intake of the filter. It also achieves self-cleaning of both the filter 2 and the water-receiving structure.
[0039] Second embodiment of air conditioner
[0040] See Figures 5 to 8Compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment further improves the bottom surface of the waterway. In this embodiment, the first waterway 81 includes a first bottom surface, a portion of which is configured as a concave first arc surface 811. The center of the first arc surface 811 coincides with the axis of the first cleaning rod 91, and the spiral structure of the first cleaning rod 91 is interference-fitted with the first arc surface 811. Similarly, the second waterway 82 includes a second bottom surface, a portion of which is configured as a concave second arc surface 821. The center of the second arc surface 821 coincides with the axis of the second cleaning rod 92, and the spiral structure of the second cleaning rod 92 is interference-fitted with the second arc surface 821. Both the first and second bottom surfaces are bottom surfaces of this invention, and both the first arc surface 811 and the second arc surface 821 are arc surfaces of this invention. This design avoids the formation of gaps between the cleaning rod and the waterway, thus preventing the formation of sanitary dead corners, further ensuring that dust can be transported to the drain outlet by the spiral structure, and further ensuring the cleaning effect.
[0041] In other embodiments, the spiral structure can be made of soft materials such as silicone or plastic, but the surface must be smooth and non-adhesive.
[0042] In other embodiments, the water receiving structure is a water receiving tray, and at least two cleaning components can be provided on a water receiving tray, and among the multiple cleaning components, the axial directions of the rotation axes of at least two cleaning components are not the same.
[0043] In other embodiments, the helix angle of the three-dimensional helix of the helical structure is less than 10 degrees or greater than 30 degrees.
[0044] In other embodiments, the cleaning rod extends to a portion along the length of the waterway.
[0045] In addition, in this utility model, one structure is located below another structure, meaning that the height of one structure is lower than that of the other structure; while one structure is located directly below another structure, meaning that one structure and the other structure are vertically opposite each other.
[0046] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An air conditioner self-cleaning component, comprising a housing, a filter, a cleaning component, and a drive unit, wherein the housing forms an air outlet, the housing is provided with a water-receiving structure, the filter is installed at the air outlet, the water-receiving structure is located below the filter, and the drive unit is installed on the housing; Its features are: It also includes a vibration device, which is mounted on the housing, and the vibration output end of the vibration device is in contact with the filter screen; The cleaning component is disposed in the water receiving structure, and the driving unit drives the cleaning component to rotate around the axis. The cleaning component includes a spiral structure, and the generatrix of the three-dimensional spiral along which the spiral structure is located coincides with the axis.
2. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component is configured as a cleaning rod, and the length direction of the cleaning rod is consistent with the axial direction of the shaft. The water receiving structure includes a water channel, and the length direction of the cleaning rod is consistent with the length direction of the water channel.
3. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral structure is arranged along a cylindrical helix; The waterway includes a bottom surface, at least a portion of which is configured as a concave arc surface, the center of which coincides with the axis.
4. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spiral structure is interference-fitted with the arc surface.
5. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The helix angle of the three-dimensional helix ranges from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.
6. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to claim 5, characterized in that: The waterway includes a first waterway and a second waterway that are parallel to each other. The first waterway is at a higher elevation than the second waterway, and the width of the first waterway is less than the width of the second waterway. The cleaning rod includes a first cleaning rod disposed in the first waterway and a second cleaning rod disposed in the second waterway.
7. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to claim 6, characterized in that: The helix angle of the first cleaning rod is in the range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees; The helix angle of the second cleaning rod ranges from 20 degrees to 30 degrees.
8. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The cleaning rod extends between the opposite ends of the waterway along its length.
9. The air conditioner self-cleaning component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The spiral structure adopts a brush-like structure.
10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the air conditioner self-cleaning component as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.