Ultrasonic filter screen cleaning device, air conditioner indoor unit and air conditioner
By introducing a roll-up storage structure and an ultrasonic heating device into the air conditioner filter cleaning device, the problems of large size, high energy consumption, and low cleaning efficiency in the existing technology have been solved, achieving a highly efficient and energy-saving filter cleaning effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioner filter cleaning devices suffer from problems such as large size, high energy consumption, and low cleaning efficiency. In particular, ultrasonic cleaning requires continuous control of the roller and can only partially clean the filter, resulting in poor cleaning performance.
The ultrasonic filter cleaning device, which adopts a roll-up storage structure, uses a storage guide rail inside the cleaning box to store the filter in a roll-up manner. Combined with an ultrasonic generator and heating device, it achieves all-round cleaning while reducing energy loss and noise.
It improves filter cleaning efficiency, saves energy, reduces device size, ensures uniform cleaning of each area, and avoids problems such as localized missed cleaning and uneven cleaning.
Smart Images
Figure CN224454730U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to an ultrasonic filter cleaning device, an indoor air conditioning unit using the ultrasonic filter cleaning device, and an air conditioner using the indoor air conditioning unit. Background Technology
[0002] During air conditioner operation, the filter, located at the air inlet of the evaporator, accumulates a significant amount of dust. Failure to clean the filter reduces airflow at the inlet, thus decreasing the air conditioner's cooling or heating efficiency. The accumulated dust also fosters microbial growth. While air conditioners provide a comfortable indoor environment, the health risks associated with dust accumulation during operation are a major concern. Cleaning air conditioner filters primarily involves rotating the fan to remove dust or using water spray combined with tools like brushes for physical friction. However, these methods have limitations in cleaning effectiveness. The uneven size of dust particles and the fixed diameter of the brush head limit cleaning efficiency. Brush wear and tear can also lead to ineffective cleaning. Therefore, effectively cleaning the filter to improve user health and comfort remains a ongoing challenge for air conditioning professionals.
[0003] In a current self-cleaning filter device, a filter assembly, a first roller, a second roller, a drive motor for rotating the rollers, and an ultrasonic cleaning tank are arranged. The filter assembly is located between the first and second rollers and can at least bypass the first roller, which is positioned within the ultrasonic cleaning tank. The first and second rollers drive the filter assembly through the ultrasonic cleaning tank for thorough cleaning. This ultrasonic cleaning method effectively removes highly adhesive dust and dirt adhering to the filter.
[0004] However, this method requires continuous control of the first and second rollers during cleaning, and only a small part of the filter assembly can be cleaned at the same time. The cleaning process is lengthy and energy-intensive. In addition, the air conditioner needs to have a large clearance space to allow the filter assembly to move, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the air conditioner.
[0005] Therefore, a more optimized ultrasonic filter cleaning device needs to be considered. Utility Model Content
[0006] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an ultrasonic filter cleaning device that can reduce size, improve filter cleaning efficiency, and save energy.
[0007] The second objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioning indoor unit that can reduce size, improve filter cleaning efficiency, and save energy.
[0008] The third objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner that can reduce size, improve filter cleaning efficiency, and save energy.
[0009] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device provided by this utility model includes a filter, a roller assembly, a cleaning box, and an ultrasonic generator. The roller assembly is used to drive the filter to move into or out of the receiving cavity of the cleaning box. The ultrasonic generator is mounted on the cleaning box. A winding storage guide rail is provided inside the receiving cavity of the cleaning box. The roller assembly drives the filter to move along the guide rail, so that the filter is wound and stored in the receiving cavity of the cleaning box.
[0010] As can be seen from the above solution, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device of this utility model, by setting a storage guide rail inside the cleaning box, allows the filter to be stored in a rolled-up manner within the cleaning box. This ensures that the entire filter is inside the cleaning box before cleaning, improving cleaning efficiency. Simultaneously, it ensures that each area is fully in contact with the cleaning solution. Combined with the uniform vibration of the ultrasonic waves, it achieves all-round cleaning, avoiding problems such as missed areas or uneven cleaning. Furthermore, the rolled-up storage structure allows long, large-area filters to be completely stored within the limited space of the cleaning box, significantly reducing the overall space occupied by the device.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the storage guide rail includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The first guide rail is installed on the first inner side wall of the cleaning box, and the second guide rail is installed on the second inner side wall of the cleaning box. The first inner side wall and the second inner side wall are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the cleaning box.
[0012] As can be seen, the first guide rail and the second guide rail are respectively installed on the first inner wall and the second inner wall opposite to each other in the length direction of the cleaning box, forming a symmetrical guide structure. This structure can provide guidance and constraint from both sides of the filter screen at the same time, preventing the filter screen from shifting, tilting or wrinkling due to uneven force on one side during winding or movement.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the roller assembly includes a first roller, which is installed inside a cleaning box. The axial direction of the first roller extends along the length of the cleaning box, and the inlet of the receiving guide rail is configured to cooperate with the first roller. At least one end of the first roller is provided with a gear portion, which surrounds the outer periphery of the first roller. The filter screen is provided with a rack, which meshes with the gear portion.
[0014] It can be seen that the gear at the end of the first roller forms a rigid mesh with the rack on the filter screen, which can achieve more precise linear speed control and displacement accuracy.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the cleaning box includes a metal inner shell, with an ultrasonic generator mounted on the outside of the metal inner shell.
[0016] It can be seen that, due to the excellent ultrasonic transmission properties of metal materials, their high density and elastic modulus can efficiently transmit the high-frequency vibrations generated by the ultrasonic generator. When the ultrasonic generator is installed outside the metal inner shell, the vibration energy can be quickly and evenly transmitted to the cleaning fluid inside through the metal inner shell, reducing energy loss.
[0017] In a further embodiment, a heating device is installed on the outside of the metal inner shell to heat the metal inner shell.
[0018] Therefore, by setting up a heating device to heat the cleaning solution in the cleaning box, the heated cleaning solution has a stronger ability to dissolve soluble dirt, and combined with the physical impact of ultrasonic waves, the cleaning effect is improved.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the cleaning box also includes a plastic outer shell, which is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the metal inner shell; the ultrasonic generator and the heating device are both located between the plastic outer shell and the metal inner shell.
[0020] It is evident that plastic materials have higher elasticity, a high damping coefficient, and an absorption effect on sound waves. The plastic outer shell, fitted onto the outer wall of the metal inner shell, reduces the energy of sound waves propagating to the outside of the cleaning box, thus reducing noise.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the top of the cleaning box is equipped with a cover and a top cover drive device, which drives the cover to open and close.
[0022] Therefore, the cleaning box, with its cover and top cover drive mechanism, can be opened and closed. This allows the cleaning box to be closed when the filter needs cleaning to prevent the cleaning liquid from splashing out. At the same time, after cleaning, the cleaning box can be opened to allow any residual liquid inside to evaporate and prevent mold growth.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device also includes a water storage box, the water outlet of which is connected to the water inlet of the cleaning box, and the water storage box supplies water to the cleaning box.
[0024] Therefore, by setting up a water storage box, it is convenient to supply water to the cleaning box.
[0025] In a further embodiment, a water pump is installed at the inlet of the water storage box, and the inlet of the water pump is used to connect to the condensate recovery tank of the air conditioner.
[0026] Therefore, it can be seen that the water inlet of the water storage box is equipped with a water pump, which can pump the water in the condensate recovery tank into the water storage box for storage, thereby improving the utilization rate of water resources.
[0027] In a further embodiment, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device also includes a wastewater tank, and the cleaning box is equipped with a drain outlet that is connected to the wastewater tank.
[0028] Therefore, by setting up a wastewater tank, it is convenient to collect the wastewater after the filter screen is cleaned.
[0029] In a further embodiment, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device also includes a filter weight detection device, which is used to detect the weight of the filter.
[0030] Therefore, by setting up a filter weight detection device to detect the weight of the filter, it is easy to determine whether the filter needs to be cleaned based on its weight.
[0031] To achieve the second objective of this utility model, the air conditioner indoor unit provided by this utility model includes a housing, on which an ultrasonic filter cleaning device is installed, and the ultrasonic filter cleaning device uses the aforementioned ultrasonic filter cleaning device.
[0032] To achieve the third objective of this utility model, the air conditioner provided by this utility model includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the indoor unit and the outdoor unit form a heat exchange circuit, and the indoor unit uses the aforementioned indoor unit. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the hidden portion of the housing in an embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit of this utility model.
[0035] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the ultrasonic filter cleaning device in an embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit of this utility model.
[0036] Figure 4 This is a structural cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0038] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the cleaning box hidden cover and the first roller from a rear view in an embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit of this utility model.
[0039] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram from another perspective of the cleaning box hidden cover and the first roller in an embodiment of the air conditioner indoor unit of this utility model.
[0040] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the first roller in an embodiment of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0041] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the cleaning box after the first roller is hidden in an embodiment of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of this utility model.
[0042] Figure 10 This is a structural cross-sectional view from one perspective of the indoor unit embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model after the filter screen is stored in the cleaning box.
[0043] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner indoor unit embodiment of this utility model, showing the filter screen housed in the cleaning box from another perspective.
[0044] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0045] Air Conditioner Indoor Unit Implementation Examples:
[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a housing 1, and an ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 is installed on the housing 1.
[0047] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 includes a filter 21, a roller assembly 22, a cleaning box 23, and an ultrasonic generator 24. The roller assembly 22 is used to drive the filter 21 to move into or out of the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23. The ultrasonic generator 24 is mounted on the cleaning box 23. An air inlet is provided on the top of the housing 1. A grid panel 11 and a filter support 12 are provided at the air inlet. The grid panel 11 and the filter support 12 cooperate to form a filter channel. One end of the filter channel is connected to an opening near the cleaning box 23, and the filter 21 is movably disposed within the filter channel. The filter channel restricts the movement path of the filter 21, allowing the filter 21 to move back and forth between the air inlet and the cleaning box 23.
[0048] In this embodiment, a winding storage guide rail 25 is provided inside the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23. The roller assembly 22 drives the filter screen 21 to move along the guide rail 25, so that the filter screen 21 is wound and stored in the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23. See Figure 6 and Figure 7The storage guide rail 25 includes a first guide rail 251 and a second guide rail 252. The first guide rail 251 is installed on the first inner side wall of the cleaning box 23, and the second guide rail 252 is installed on the second inner side wall of the cleaning box 23. The first inner side wall and the second inner side wall are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the cleaning box 23. The first guide rail 251 and the second guide rail 252 are respectively installed on the first inner side wall and the second inner side wall opposite to each other in the length direction of the cleaning box 23, forming a symmetrical guide structure. This structure can provide guidance and constraint from both sides of the filter screen 21 simultaneously, preventing the filter screen 21 from shifting, tilting, or wrinkling due to uneven force on one side during winding or movement.
[0049] In this embodiment, the roller assembly 22 includes a first roller 221, a second roller 222, a first roller drive motor 223, and a second roller drive motor (not shown). The first roller drive motor 223 is driven by the first roller 221, and the second roller drive motor is driven by the second roller 222. The first roller 221 is installed inside the cleaning box 23, and its axial direction extends along the length of the cleaning box 23. The inlet of the receiving guide rail 25 is configured to cooperate with the first roller 221. The second roller 222 is located on the side of the filter channel away from the cleaning box 23. Through the cooperation of the first roller 221 and the second roller 222, the filter 21 can move back and forth between the air inlet and the cleaning box 23.
[0050] In this embodiment, see Figure 8 At least one end of the first roller 221 is provided with a gear portion 2211, which surrounds the outer periphery of the first roller 221. Preferably, both ends of the first roller 221 are provided with gear portions 2211. The filter screen 21 is provided with a rack 211, which meshes with the gear portion 2211. The gear portion 2211 at the end of the first roller 221 and the rack 211 on the filter screen 21 form a rigid mesh, which can achieve more precise linear velocity control and displacement accuracy. The second roller 222 has the same structure as the first roller 221, and will not be described in detail here.
[0051] When it is necessary to move the filter screen 21 to the cleaning box 23, the second roller 222 drives the filter screen 21 to move towards the cleaning box 23. When the rack 211 of the filter screen 21 moves to mesh with the gear part 2211 of the first roller 221, the first roller 221 drives the filter screen 21 into the receiving guide rail 25, so that the filter screen 21 is wound and stored in the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23. When it is necessary to retract the filter screen 21 to the air inlet, the first roller 221 drives the filter screen 21 to move towards the air inlet. Under the limiting action of the filter screen channel, the filter screen 21 moves towards the second roller 222. When the rack 211 of the filter screen 21 moves to mesh with the gear part 2211 of the second roller 222, the second roller 222 removes the filter screen 21 from the cleaning box 23.
[0052] In this embodiment, see Figure 9 The cleaning box 23 includes a metal inner shell 232 and a plastic outer shell 233. An ultrasonic generator 24 is mounted outside the metal inner shell 232, and the plastic outer shell 233 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the metal inner shell 232. The ultrasonic generator 24 is positioned between the plastic outer shell 233 and the metal inner shell 232. Because metal has excellent ultrasonic conductivity, high density, and high elastic modulus, it can efficiently transmit the high-frequency vibrations generated by the ultrasonic generator 24. When the ultrasonic generator 24 is mounted outside the metal inner shell 232, the vibration energy can be quickly and evenly transmitted to the cleaning fluid inside through the metal inner shell 232, reducing energy loss. Plastic has higher elasticity and a high damping coefficient, which absorbs sound waves. The plastic outer shell 233 fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the metal inner shell 232 reduces the energy of sound waves propagating to the outside of the cleaning box 23, thus reducing noise.
[0053] A heating device 26 is installed on the outside of the metal inner shell 232 to heat the metal inner shell 232. In this embodiment, the heating device 26 is an electric heating device. By setting the heating device 26, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning box 23 is heated. The heated cleaning fluid has a stronger ability to dissolve soluble dirt, and combined with the physical impact of ultrasonic waves, the cleaning effect is improved. In this embodiment, the heating device 26 is disposed between the plastic outer shell 233 and the metal inner shell 232.
[0054] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 also includes a water storage box 27. The outlet of the water storage box 27 is connected to the inlet of the cleaning box 23, and the water storage box 27 supplies water to the cleaning box 23. By setting up the water storage box 27, it is convenient to supply water to the cleaning box 23. A water pump 271 is provided at the inlet of the water storage box 27, and the inlet of the water pump 271 is connected to the condensate recovery tank 13 of the air conditioner through a hose 272. The water pump 271 at the inlet of the water storage box 27 can pump water from the condensate recovery tank 13 into the water storage box 27 for storage, thereby improving the utilization rate of water resources. Of course, the water storage box 27 can also be connected to an external water source to avoid insufficient water in the water storage box 27.
[0055] In this embodiment, see Figure 10The top of the cleaning box 23 is provided with a cover 234 and a top cover driving device. The top cover driving device drives the cover 234 to open and close, thereby closing or opening the cleaning box 23. In this embodiment, the top cover driving device includes a drive motor 235, which is mounted on the housing 1. A drive gear 2351 is mounted on the shaft of the drive motor 235, and a tooth 2341 is provided on the top of the cover 234. The tooth 2341 extends along the width direction of the cover 234 and meshes with the drive gear 2351. By providing the cover 234 and the top cover driving device, the cleaning box 23 can be opened or closed. This facilitates closing the cleaning box 23 when the filter screen 21 needs to be cleaned to prevent cleaning liquid from splashing out. At the same time, after cleaning is completed, the cleaning box 23 can be opened to allow the residual liquid in the cleaning box 23 to evaporate, preventing mold growth.
[0056] The ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 also includes a wastewater tank 28, which is located at the bottom of the cleaning box 23. Figure 6 As can be seen, the cleaning box 23 is provided with a drain outlet 236, which is connected to the sewage tank 28. The sewage tank 28 facilitates the collection of wastewater after cleaning the filter screen 21. In this embodiment, the drain outlet 236 is connected to the sewage tank 28 via a control valve assembly 29. The control valve assembly 29 allows the drain outlet 236 to be closed when the cleaning box 23 needs to store water, and opened when the cleaning box 23 needs to discharge wastewater. The bottom of the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23 has a slope structure of 1° to 3°, angled towards the drain outlet 236, ensuring smooth water flow.
[0057] In addition, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 also includes a filter weight detection device (not shown), which is used to detect the weight of the filter. By setting up a filter weight detection device to detect the weight of the filter, it is easy to determine whether cleaning is required by measuring the weight of the filter 21. A known filter weight detection device can be used, and will not be described in detail here.
[0058] In this embodiment, when the indoor unit of the air conditioner is operating, if a self-cleaning command for the filter is received, the roller assembly 22 is activated, driving the filter 21 to move into the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23, so that the filter 21 is rolled up and stored in the cleaning box 23. Next, water is added to the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23. When the liquid level sensor (not shown) of the receiving cavity 231 reaches the required liquid level, water addition is stopped. After water addition is completed, the heating device 26 is turned on to heat the liquid in the receiving cavity 231 until it reaches a preset temperature. After heating is completed, the ultrasonic generator 24 is turned on to perform the filter cleaning operation. After a preset cleaning time, the ultrasonic generator 24 and the heating device 26 are stopped. Then, the roller assembly 22 is driven to move the filter 21 out of the receiving cavity 231 of the cleaning box 23 and cover the air inlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. When the filter 21 has just finished cleaning, it is still damp. At this time, the indoor unit of the air conditioner will switch to heating mode, and the indoor fan will run at low speed and in reverse, so that hot air can pass through the filter 21 and dry it. At the same time, the receiving cavity 231 will be emptied, thus completing the entire self-cleaning process.
[0059] As described above, the ultrasonic filter cleaning device 2 of this invention, by setting a storage guide rail 25 inside the cleaning box 23, allows the filter screen 21 to be stored in a rolled-up manner within the cleaning box 23. This ensures that the entire filter screen 21 enters the cleaning box 23 before cleaning, improving cleaning efficiency. Simultaneously, it ensures that each area is fully in contact with the cleaning solution. Combined with the uniform vibration of the ultrasonic waves, it achieves all-round cleaning, avoiding problems such as missed areas or uneven cleaning. Furthermore, the rolled-up storage structure allows long, large-area filter screens 21 to be completely stored within the limited space of the cleaning box 23, significantly reducing the overall space occupied by the device.
[0060] Air conditioner example:
[0061] In this embodiment, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit form a heat exchange circuit. The indoor unit is the same as described above.
[0062] It should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the design concept of the utility model is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present utility model using this concept shall also fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic filter cleaning device, comprising a filter, a roller assembly, a cleaning box, and an ultrasonic generator, wherein the roller assembly is used to drive the filter to move into or out of the receiving cavity of the cleaning box, and the ultrasonic generator is mounted on the cleaning box; characterized in that: The cleaning box has a winding storage guide rail inside its receiving cavity. The roller assembly drives the filter screen to move along the guide rail, so that the filter screen is wound and stored in the receiving cavity of the cleaning box.
2. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage guide rail includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The first guide rail is installed on the first inner side wall of the cleaning box, and the second guide rail is installed on the second inner side wall of the cleaning box. The first inner side wall and the second inner side wall are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the cleaning box.
3. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roller assembly includes a first roller, which is installed inside the cleaning box. The axial direction of the first roller extends along the length direction of the cleaning box, and the inlet of the storage guide rail is configured to cooperate with the first roller. At least one end of the first roller is provided with a gear portion, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the first roller; The filter screen is provided with a rack, which meshes with the gear section.
4. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The cleaning box includes a metal inner shell, and the ultrasonic generator is mounted on the outside of the metal inner shell.
5. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A heating device is installed on the outside of the metal inner shell, and the heating device is used to heat the metal inner shell.
6. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning box also includes a plastic outer shell, which is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the metal inner shell; Both the ultrasonic generator and the heating device are disposed between the plastic outer shell and the metal inner shell.
7. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The top of the cleaning box is provided with a cover and a top cover driving device, which drives the cover to open and close.
8. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic filter cleaning device also includes a water storage box, the water outlet of which is connected to the water inlet of the cleaning box, and the water storage box supplies water to the cleaning box.
9. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water inlet of the water storage box is equipped with a water pump, and the water inlet of the water pump is used to connect to the condensate recovery tank of the air conditioner.
10. The ultrasonic filter cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic filter cleaning device also includes a wastewater tank, and the cleaning box is provided with a drain outlet, which is connected to the wastewater tank.
11. The ultrasonic filter screen cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic filter screen cleaning device further comprises a filter screen weight detection device for detecting the weight of the filter screen.
12. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising a housing, wherein an ultrasonic filter cleaning device is installed on the housing, characterized in that: The ultrasonic filter screen cleaning device applies the ultrasonic filter screen cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. An air conditioner comprising an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner outdoor unit, the air conditioner indoor unit and the air conditioner outdoor unit forming a heat exchange circuit, characterized in that: The air conditioner indoor unit applies the air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 12.