air conditioner

Abstract

We provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner equipped with a maintenance-free filter that eliminates the need for filter cleaning. [Solution] The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is an indoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner and comprises a heat exchanger, a blower, a casing having an intake port and an outlet, housing the heat exchanger and the blower inside, and a filter disposed between the intake port and the heat exchanger, wherein the filter is a roll-up type filter in which the used filter portion is wound up and the unused filter portion is supplied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is provided with a filter at an intake port for taking in air in order to prevent the inside of the indoor unit of the air conditioner from being contaminated by dust in the taken-in air. If this filter is left with dust attached, the filter will become clogged with dust, causing the air flow to stagnate, resulting in a decrease in air conditioning capacity or an increase in power consumption. Therefore, cleaning of the filter is necessary. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, there are air conditioners having an automatic cleaning function for automatically cleaning such a filter. The automatic cleaning function of the filter generally consists of three elements: a filter, a cleaning unit for cleaning the filter, and a dust box for collecting and holding the cleaned dust. Also, various methods have been proposed for the automatic cleaning method of the filter, such as a method in which the cleaning unit is fixed and the filter moves, and a method in which the filter is fixed and the cleaning unit moves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional air conditioners with automatic filter cleaning functions required a brush or blade for cleaning the filter, a brush for cleaning the brush or blade, and a dust box to collect and hold the dust. Furthermore, complex drive circuits and multiple motors were necessary to operate the filter and cleaning unit. Additionally, the dust collected in the dust box had to be cleaned periodically by the user, or the system needed to be equipped with an expensive fan to expel the dust outdoors. Moreover, even with thorough cleaning by the automatic filter cleaning function, it was difficult to completely remove the dust adhering to the filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that, while having a filter configuration, can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems of an air conditioner that has an automatic filter cleaning function.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an indoor unit for a wall-mounted air conditioner, Heat exchanger, A blower and A casing having an intake port and an outlet port, which houses the heat exchanger and the blower inside, The system includes a filter positioned between the intake port and the heat exchanger, The aforementioned filter is a roll-type filter in which the used filter portion is wound up and the unused filter portion is supplied. This is the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0007] With the indoor unit of the air conditioner described above, the used filter section with dust attached is wound up and an unused filter section is supplied, eliminating the need to clean the filter in the first place. In other words, the cleaning unit, including brushes and blades for cleaning the filter, and the dust box for collecting and holding dust are unnecessary. Furthermore, complex drive circuits for operating the filter and cleaning unit are unnecessary. In addition, since there is no need to collect dust in the dust box, periodic cleaning of the dust box is unnecessary. Moreover, since the filter is not cleaned in the first place, the filter will not be damaged. Furthermore, the time spent cleaning the filter is eliminated. In addition, the used filter section is replaced with an unused filter section that does not have dust attached, resulting in a clean configuration.

[0008] In the above-described air conditioner, preferably, a filter cover is provided so as to cover the filter, A first shaft portion that holds the used filter portion in a wound state, A second shaft portion that holds the unused filter portion in a wound state, The device further comprises one or more idler shafts positioned between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, extending axially parallel to the direction in which the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion extend, and guiding the movement of the filter.

[0009] With the indoor unit described above, the first shaft holds the used portion of the filter in a wound state, and the second shaft holds the unused portion of the filter in a wound state. In addition, the idler shaft allows the tension of the filter in use to be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0010] Preferably, in the above-described air conditioner, the first shaft portion is a drive shaft that is rotated by a drive unit. The second shaft portion is a driven shaft that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second shaft portion.

[0011] With the indoor unit described above, the used filter can be stably wound up by the first shaft.

[0012] Preferably, in the above-described air conditioner, at least one of the first shaft portion and the idler shaft has a crown shape in which the diameter of the central portion in the axial direction is larger than the diameters of both ends, or an inverted crown shape in which the diameter of the central portion in the axial direction is smaller than the diameters of both ends.

[0013] With the indoor unit described above, it is possible to prevent the filter from meandering or shifting when the rolled filter is wound up, due to factors such as the tilt of the shaft or the frictional force between the filter and the first shaft or idler shaft.

[0014] Preferably, in the above air conditioner, the filter cover has a rib that extends in the direction of movement of the filter and in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the filter. The strut has a strut projection that protrudes toward the filter so as to contact the filter.

[0015] With the indoor unit described above, the filter makes contact with the protruding part of the frame as it moves, creating resistance to its movement and preventing the filter from meandering or becoming misaligned.

[0016] Preferably, in the above air conditioner, the filter cover has a rib that extends in the direction of movement of the filter and in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the filter. The system further includes brake members that are mounted between adjacent ribs extending in the width direction, extending in the direction of movement, and in contact with the filter.

[0017] According to the indoor unit described above, the braking component generates frictional resistance to the movement of the filter, preventing the filter from meandering or becoming misaligned.

[0018] In the above air conditioner, preferably, the idle shaft, the crosspiece convex portion or the brake member has irregularities on the contact surface with the filter.

[0019] According to the indoor unit as described above, it is possible to effectively generate a frictional resistance force for the movement of the filter.

[0020] In the above air conditioner, preferably, the drive shaft is rotatable only in one direction. At this time, it is preferable to further include a gear having a latch shape and arranged between the drive unit and the drive shaft, and being rotatable only in one direction.

[0021] According to the indoor unit as described above, since the drive shaft, which is the first shaft portion, rotates only in the position direction, it is possible to prevent wrinkles from occurring on the filter. Further, it is possible to prevent the filter from meandering or shifting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a filter and a filter cover, etc. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a filter and a filter cover, etc. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing a crown-shaped drive shaft or idle shaft. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view showing an inverse crown-shaped drive shaft or idle shaft. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a filter cover, etc. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a filter cover, etc. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a filter cover, etc. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a filter and filter cover, etc., that have brake components. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the brake component. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a filter and filter cover, etc., including a gear with a latch shape. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view showing a filter and filter cover, etc., including a gear with a latch shape. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a gear having a latch shape. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments and modified air conditioners of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0024] [Embodiment] [Overall configuration of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner] The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a wall-mounted indoor unit having a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit having a heat exchanger. A refrigerant is circulated between the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and heat is transmitted via the refrigerant to supply air at the desired temperature to the room in which the indoor unit is located. Since the mechanism of such an air conditioner is known, this embodiment will omit a detailed explanation and focus on its features. This embodiment is characterized by the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the following explanation will focus on the indoor unit, while the configuration and function of the outdoor unit are the same as known and will therefore be omitted. Hereinafter, the indoor unit of the air conditioner will simply be referred to as the "indoor unit".

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the indoor unit 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the indoor unit 1 includes a casing 2, a heat exchanger 3, a blower 4, a filter 5, a filter cover 6, a drive shaft 7, a driven shaft 8, and an idler shaft 9. As described above, the indoor unit 1 is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is installed on the wall of a room. The indoor unit 1 is connected to an outdoor unit (not shown) via piping (not shown) for circulating refrigerant, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit. In an air conditioner including the indoor unit 1, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the refrigerant in this refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes the heat exchanger 3 of the indoor unit 1 and the heat exchanger (not shown) of the outdoor unit.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the wall-mounted indoor unit 1 is installed on the wall of a room, the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction are referred to as top (upwards or upper side) and bottom (downwards or lower side), respectively. The side on which the air outlet 22 is provided is called the front (forward or front side), and the opposite side, i.e., the side where the wall is located, is called the rear (rear or rear side). The air blown out from the air outlet 22 is directed diagonally between the front and the bottom. The left and right directions when viewing the indoor unit 1 from the front are referred to as the left-right direction or width direction.

[0027] [Casing 2] Casing 2 is a box-shaped case (enclosure) that houses the components of the indoor unit 1, including the heat exchanger 3 and the blower 4, and forms the outer shell of the indoor unit 1. An intake port 21 is formed on the top surface of casing 2, which is an opening for drawing in air from the top of casing 2. An outlet port 22 is formed on the lower front of casing 2, which is an opening for blowing air out of casing 2 towards the room. Air drawn in through the intake port 21 of casing 2 changes temperature due to heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3, and the temperature-changed air is blown out from the outlet port 22 towards the room. As described above, the heat exchanger 3 performs heat exchange by circulating refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit formed between it and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, thereby raising or lowering the temperature of the air. The blower 4 is, for example, a cross-flow fan, which draws in air through the intake port 21 and blows out air through the outlet port 22, forming an airflow. The configuration of the blower 4 is not limited to a cross-flow fan, and other blowing mechanisms may be used. At the location where the air outlet 22 is provided, there is an up / down airflow direction changing vane 23 that opens and closes the air outlet 22 and changes the up / down direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 22. Between the air outlet 22 and the blower 4, there is a left / right airflow direction changing vane 24 that changes the left / right direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 22. The up / down airflow direction changing vane 23 and the left / right airflow direction changing vane 24 are plate-shaped members that are driven by motors.

[0028] [MAP5] Between the intake port 21 and the heat exchanger 3, there is a filter 5 that removes dust contained in the air drawn in from the intake port 21, and a filter cover 6 that is positioned to cover the filter 5.

[0029] Figures 3 and 4 show the filter 5 and filter cover 6, respectively, with Figure 3 being a perspective view and Figure 4 being a side view. As shown in Figure 3, the filters 5 are arranged side by side, for example, left and right, when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from above. The number of filters 5 arranged can be changed arbitrarily. The filter 5 is made of a synthetic resin or the like that is formed into a mesh shape, and captures and retains dust in the mesh portion. The filter 5 is installed at a position along the path from the air intake port 21 to the heat exchanger 3, and removes dust contained in the air going from the air intake port 21 to the heat exchanger 3.

[0030] For the sake of explanation, Figures 3 and 4 show both the position 5a of the filter 5 when the diameter of the filter 5 wound around the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8 is increased, and the position 5b of the filter 5 when the diameter of the filter 5 wound around the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8 is decreased.

[0031] [Drive shaft 7, driven shaft 8, idler shaft 9] One end of the filter 5 is wound around the drive shaft 7, and the other end is wound around the driven shaft 8. The part of the filter 5 wound around the drive shaft 7 is the used portion with dust attached, and the part of the filter 5 wound around the driven shaft 8 is the unused portion. The part of the filter 5 located between the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8 is the portion currently being used as a filter. The filter 5 is a roll-type filter supplied from the driven shaft 8 and wound up by the drive shaft 7.

[0032] The drive shaft 7 and driven shaft 8 extend axially and cylindrically in the left-right direction. The drive shaft 7 is located in front of the filter 5, and the driven shaft 8 is located behind the filter 5. The drive shaft 7 is rotated by a drive unit consisting of a motor, thereby winding up the filter 5. The driven shaft 8 rotates in conjunction with the movement of the filter 5 when the filter 5 is wound up by the drive shaft 7. In other words, the driven shaft 8 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 7, and the driven shaft 8 itself does not have a driving force. In the side view of Figure 4, the drive shaft 7 rotates counterclockwise, and as a result the filter 5 moves from the side of the driven shaft 8 towards the side of the drive shaft 7, that is, from rear to front.

[0033] In Figure 4, the drive shaft 7 rotates only in one direction, counterclockwise, and does not rotate in the opposite direction. The motor, which is the drive unit that drives the drive shaft 7, rotates only in one direction. As a result, the filter 5 can move in one direction, from rear to front, and does not move in the opposite direction.

[0034] An idler shaft 9 is provided between the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8, extending cylindrically in the left-right direction. That is, the drive shaft 7, the driven shaft 8, and the idler shaft 9 extend parallel to each other. The idler shaft 9 is positioned to contact the filter 5, guiding its movement and stabilizing its position as the filter 5 moves. The idler shaft 9 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 7. The indoor unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with three idler shafts 9 as shown in the figure, but the number of idler shafts 9 can be changed. However, the diameter of the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8 changes depending on the amount of filter 5 they hold, and the position of the filter 5 changes. Therefore, it is preferable that the indoor unit 1 is equipped with two or more idler shafts 9 in order to define both ends of the direction of movement of the filter 5 regardless of the amount of filter 5 held by the drive shaft 7 and the driven shaft 8, and to stabilize the position of the filter 5. Furthermore, by providing two or more idler shafts 9, the tension applied to the filter 5 can be set to an appropriate level.

[0035] The materials used for the drive shaft 7, driven shaft 8, and idler shaft 9 are arbitrary, but they can be made of resin or metal, for example.

[0036] Dust adhering to the filter 5 is not removed by cleaning or other means. Used filters 5 are periodically wound up by the drive shaft 7, and at the same time, unused filters 5 free of dust are supplied between the intake port 21 and the heat exchanger 3. This ensures that the filters 5 placed between the intake port 21 and the heat exchanger 3 are replaced with new, unused ones. The replacement of the filters 5 by winding up the used filters 5 by the drive shaft 7 is performed periodically, for example, at predetermined intervals such as every month and a half, or when the operating time reaches a predetermined time. Alternatively, one or more sensors for detecting the degree of contamination may be installed on the filter 5 in use, and when a preset level of contamination is detected, the used filter 5 may be wound up and replaced. The timing of filter 5 replacement is managed by an information processing device (not shown) such as a microcomputer mounted on the indoor unit 1. That is, when the preset timing for filter 5 replacement arrives, the microcomputer rotates the drive shaft 7 via a motor, causing the used filters 5 to be wound up onto the drive shaft 7. Furthermore, when it is time to replace filter 5, the controller (not shown in the diagram) may display a message indicating that it is time to replace filter 5, and filter 5 may be replaced by the user through an operation to replace filter 5.

[0037] The filter 5 is gradually supplied and used from the driven shaft 8, but it is preferable that the amount of filter 5 held by the driven shaft 8 at the start of use is such that it does not need to be replaced over the expected usage period, i.e., the lifetime of the indoor unit 1. This eliminates the need to replace the filter 5 inside the indoor unit 1 over its lifetime, thus eliminating the hassle of replacing the filter 5. However, the filter 5 may be replaceable.

[0038] Furthermore, filter 5 is thinner than filters used in conventional air conditioners, which are designed to remove accumulated dust through regular or irregular cleaning, and is more flexible than conventional filters. Filter 5 is made of, for example, nylon. An example of filter 5 is a porous nonwoven fabric.

[0039] [Filter Cover 6] The filter cover 6 is positioned parallel to the filter 5 so as to cover it. The filter cover 6 has multiple struts 61 extending in the front-to-back direction and the width direction, respectively, which are the directions of movement of the filter 5. The filter cover 6 also has a central strut 62 extending in the front-to-back direction at the center in the width direction. The struts 61 and central strut 62, which extend in a grid pattern, stabilize the shape of the filter cover 6. The filter cover 6 may, but does not necessarily, contact with the filter 5. The filter 5 is supported by the drive shaft 7, the driven shaft 8, and the idler shaft 9, and its position is stabilized.

[0040] [Example 1] [Crown shape of drive shaft 7 and idler shaft 9] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 7, driven shaft 8, and idler shaft 9 are assumed to be cylindrical in shape, but at least one of the drive shaft 7 and idler shaft 9 may have a crown shape in which the diameter of the central part in the axial direction is larger than the diameters of the ends.

[0041] Figure 5 shows an example of a crown-shaped drive shaft 71 viewed from the side (radially outward). As shown in Figure 5, the diameter of the drive shaft 71 is largest at the axial central portion 71a, and the diameters are smallest at both ends 71b in the axial direction. This crown shape can also be applied to the idler shaft 9.

[0042] In this embodiment, the filter 5 of the indoor unit 1 moves from the driven shaft 8 toward the drive shaft 7 and is wound up by the drive shaft 7. However, due to the tilt of the shaft and the relationship between the filter 5 and the frictional force between the filter 5 and the shaft, the filter 5 may meander or become unevenly distributed. In this case, if at least one of the drive shaft 7 and the idler shaft 9 is made into the crown shape described above, a force is applied to the filter 5 that is in contact with the crown-shaped shaft in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5, i.e., toward the axial center portion 71a, causing the filter 5 to move toward the center portion 71a. This suppresses meandering or uneven distribution of the filter 5, allowing it to move straight, and prevents the used filter 5 wound up on the drive shaft 7 from becoming unevenly distributed.

[0043] Furthermore, the drive shaft 7 or idler shaft 9 may have an inverted crown shape, as shown in Figure 6. In the inverted crown shaped drive shaft 72, the diameter is smallest at the axial central portion 72a and largest at both ends 72b in the axial direction. The ends 72b are the ends of the portion of the drive shaft 72 that contacts the filter 5, and further towards the ends of the ends 72b, there are end support portions 72c formed for inserting the drive shaft 72 into holes in the indoor unit 1 that support both ends of the drive shaft 72. The end support portions 72c may have a smaller diameter than the end portions 72b. This inverted crown shape can also be applied to the idler shaft 9. The aforementioned drive shaft 71 may also have similar end support portions 72c.

[0044] In this way, by making at least one of the drive shaft 7 and idler shaft 9 an inverted crown shape, a force is applied to the filter 5 in contact with the crown-shaped shaft in the outward direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 6, that is, from the axial center 72a to both ends 72b, causing the filter 5 to spread outwards towards the ends. This suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the filter 5, prevents meandering or shifting of the filter 5, and allows it to move straight, thus preventing the used filter 5 wound onto the drive shaft 7 from shifting to one side.

[0045] As described above, a certain effect can be obtained by making at least one of the drive shafts 7 and idler shafts 9 a crown shape or an inverted crown shape, and multiple or all of the drive shafts 7 and idler shafts 9 may be crown-shaped or inverted crown-shaped. A mixture of crown-shaped and inverted crown-shaped shafts may be present among the drive shafts 7 and idler shafts 9. The driven shaft 8 may also be crown-shaped or an inverted crown-shaped, but it is more effective to make at least one of the drive shafts 7 and idler shafts 9 a crown-shaped or inverted crown-shaped.

[0046] [Differentiation 2] [Brake mechanism] In the indoor unit 1, it is preferable to provide a braking mechanism that generates frictional force to create resistance when the filter 5 moves, in order to prevent meandering and shifting when the filter 5 moves. A specific example of the braking mechanism will be described below.

[0047] [Protrusion 611] Figure 7 is a plan view of the filter 5 and filter cover 6 of this modified example. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter 5 and filter cover 6 at position AA in Figure 7. In other words, Figure 8 shows the filter 5 and filter cover 6 as viewed from the front. Figure 9 is an enlarged view at position B in Figure 8. In Figures 8 and 9, the outer surface of the filter 5 wound around the driven shaft 8 is shown as the outer surface 81.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the strut 61 extending in the front-rear direction has a strut projection 611 that protrudes toward the filter 5 so as to be in contact with the filter 5. The lower surface of the strut projection 611, i.e., the contact surface 612 facing the filter 5, is in surface contact with the filter 5. Such a strut projection 611 may be formed on the entire strut 61 extending in the front-rear direction, or it may be formed on only a part of it.

[0049] If the ribs 61 of the filter cover 6 are configured to have such rib protrusions 611, the filter 5 will come into contact with the rib protrusions 611 when it moves, creating resistance to its movement and preventing the filter 5 from meandering or shifting to one side.

[0050] Furthermore, the rib projection 611 may have an uneven surface on the contact surface 612. Such unevenness can be formed, for example, by texturing, but is not limited to this. If the rib projection 611 has an uneven surface on the contact surface 612 with the filter 5, the coefficient of friction between it and the filter 5 will increase, thereby increasing the resistance generated when the filter 5 moves.

[0051] [Brake component 63] The filter cover 6 may be configured to include a brake member 63 that provides resistance to the movement of the filter 5. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the filter cover 6 and filter 5 with the brake member 63 attached. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the brake member 63.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the brake member 63 is mounted between adjacent struts 61 that extend in the width direction, so as to extend in the direction of movement of the filter 5, i.e., in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the brake member 63 is mounted so as to be sandwiched between adjacent struts 61. Multiple brake members 63 may be mounted on the filter cover 6. The brake member 63 is detachable. Figure 10 shows a filter cover 6 with two brake members 63 mounted as an example, but it is not limited to this configuration, and any number may be mounted.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11, the brake member 63 has engaging portions 631 at both ends in the longitudinal direction that engage with the rail 61 by clamping the rail 61. The brake member 63 is made of, for example, resin and is hollow. The lower surface of the brake member 63, i.e., the contact surface 632 facing the filter 5, is in surface contact with the filter 5.

[0054] When the filter cover 6 is configured to have such a brake member 63, the filter 5 comes into contact with the brake member 63 as it moves, creating resistance to its movement and preventing the filter 5 from meandering or shifting to one side.

[0055] The brake member 63 may also have an uneven surface on its contact surface 632, similar to the protruding stud portion 611. Such uneven surfaces can be formed, for example, by texturing, but are not limited to this. If the brake member 63 has an uneven surface on its contact surface 632 with the filter 5, the coefficient of friction between it and the filter 5 increases, thereby increasing the resistance generated when the filter 5 moves. The shape of the brake member 63 may be any other configuration as long as it generates frictional resistance to the movement of the filter 5.

[0056] [Knurling on the idle axis 9] The idler shaft 9 may be configured to have knurling on its outer circumferential surface that contacts the filter 5, thereby providing resistance to the movement of the filter 5. Specifically, for example, an idler shaft 9 made of metal can have knurling applied to its outer circumferential surface to create irregularities, i.e., knurling. The idler shaft 9 with knurling functions as a braking mechanism that generates frictional force by providing resistance when the filter 5 moves.

[0057] If the idler shaft 9 has such irregularities, i.e., knurling, on its outer surface which is the contact surface with the filter 5, the filter 5 will come into contact with the idler shaft 9 when it moves, creating resistance to its movement and preventing the filter 5 from meandering or shifting to one side.

[0058] The knurling of the rib protrusion 611, brake member 63, and idler shaft 9 described above may be implemented individually or in combination.

[0059] [Difference 3] [Gear connected to drive shaft 7] As described in the embodiment, the drive shaft 7 rotates in only one direction, but as an example, the gear 72 connected to the drive shaft 7 may have a latch shape.

[0060] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the filter cover 6 and filter 5, etc., including the gear 72 having a latch shape. Figure 13 is a side view of Figure 12. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the gear 72 having a latch shape.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, a gear 72 is connected to one end of the drive shaft 7. The drive shaft 7 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 72. The gear 72 meshes with a gear 73 connected to a motor (not shown). When the motor rotates, the gear 73 rotates, the gear 72 that meshes with the gear 73 rotates, and the drive shaft 7 connected to the gear 72 rotates.

[0062] As shown in Figure 14, the gear 72 is formed by connecting a gear-shaped portion 721 and a latch-shaped portion 722. The gear-shaped portion 721 is a general gear shape and is the driving portion of the drive shaft 7 that meshes with the gear 73 connected to the motor. The latch-shaped portion 722 is formed in the shape of a latch as shown in Figures 13 and 14. As shown in Figure 14, the latch-shaped portion 722 rotates in one direction (counterclockwise in Figure 14), but when it tries to rotate in the opposite direction (clockwise in Figure 13), the claw-shaped portion 723 engages with the latch-shaped portion 722 and prevents rotation. The claw-shaped portion 723 is fixedly positioned on the indoor unit 1. With this configuration, the gear 72 rotates in only one direction, and consequently the drive shaft 7 also rotates in only one direction.

[0063] [Other variations] In addition to the modifications shown above, the indoor unit 1 may also be modified as follows. Note that these modifications may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0064] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 7 was configured to rotate in only one direction, but it may also be configured to rotate in the opposite direction. In this case, it is preferable that the driven shaft 8 also rotates.

[0065] The drive shaft 7, driven shaft 8, and idler shaft 9 may be cylindrical in shape, or have a polygonal cross-section, rather than being cylindrical in shape.

[0066] [Features of the indoor unit 1 in the embodiment and modified example] As described above, one of the features of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is that the filter 5, positioned between the intake port 21 and the heat exchanger 3, is a roll-up type filter in which the used filter portion is wound up and an unused filter portion is supplied. Using an indoor unit 1 with such a configuration eliminates the need to clean dust adhering to the filter 5, thus eliminating the need for a cleaning unit including brushes and blades for cleaning the filter 5, and eliminating the need for a dust box to hold the dust generated by cleaning. In addition, a complex drive circuit to operate the filter 5 and the cleaning unit for cleaning is not required. Furthermore, since dust is not collected in the dust box, periodic cleaning of the dust box is unnecessary. Moreover, since the filter 5 is not cleaned in the first place, the filter 5 will not be damaged. Furthermore, the time required for cleaning the filter etc. is eliminated. In addition, since the used filter 5 is replaced with an unused filter 5 that does not have dust adhering to it, a cleaner filter 5 can be used. In other words, since there is no need to clean the filter 5 and no need to dispose of dust accumulated in the dust box, a maintenance-free indoor unit 1 can be provided.

[0067] The indoor unit 1 is preferably configured to include a filter cover 6, a drive shaft 7 as the first shaft, a driven shaft 8 as the second shaft, and an idler shaft 9. In such a configuration, the drive shaft 7 can hold the used portion of the filter 5 in a wound state, and the driven shaft 8 can hold the unused portion of the filter 5 in a wound state. Furthermore, the idler shaft 9 can maintain the tension of the portion of the filter 5 in use at an appropriate level.

[0068] In the indoor unit 1, the drive shaft 7 holds the used filter 5, and the driven shaft 8 holds the unused filter 5. Therefore, the configuration allows for stable winding of the used filter 5.

[0069] In the indoor unit 1, at least one of the drive shaft 7 and the idler shaft 9 is shaped like a crown or an inverted crown. This configuration prevents the filter 5 from meandering or shifting when the roll-shaped filter 5 is wound up, due to factors such as the tilt of the shaft or frictional force between the filter 5 and the drive shaft 7 or idler shaft 9.

[0070] In the indoor unit 1, the filter cover 6 has a rib 61 that extends in the direction of movement of the filter 5 and in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the filter 5, and the rib 61 has a rib projection 611 that protrudes toward the filter 5 so as to contact the filter 5. With this configuration, when the filter 5 moves, it comes into contact with the rib projection 611, which creates resistance to its movement and prevents the filter 5 from meandering or shifting to one side.

[0071] As described above, in order to prevent meandering and shifting during the movement of the filter 5, a configuration may be provided that creates resistance to movement, such as having a brake member 63 that is mounted between adjacent ribs 61 that extend in the width direction and that contacts the filter 5, extending in the direction of movement. Alternatively, the idler shaft 9 may be configured to have irregularities on the contact surface with the filter 5. Furthermore, it is even more preferable if the rib protrusions 611 or the brake member 63 have irregularities on the contact surface with the filter 5.

[0072] Since the indoor unit 1's drive shaft 7 rotates in only one direction, the filter 5 is prevented from moving in the reverse direction, thus preventing wrinkles from forming on the filter 5. Furthermore, it prevents the filter 5 from meandering or shifting to one side.

[0073] In the modified indoor unit 1, the gear 72 positioned between the drive shaft 7 and the drive unit that drives the drive shaft 7 has a latch shape, so that the drive shaft 7 can be configured to rotate in only one direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1…Indoor unit 2…Casing 21... Inlet 22…Air outlet 23... Up / down airflow direction changing blades 24…Left / right airflow direction changing blades 3...Heat exchanger 4… Blower 5…Filter 6…Filter cover 61... pier 611…Protrusion part 62...Central slat 63…Brake components 7, 71, 72… Drive shafts 8…Driven axis 9... Idol axis

Claims

1. This is an indoor unit for a wall-mounted air conditioner, Heat exchanger, A blower and A casing having an intake port and an outlet port, which houses the heat exchanger and the blower inside, The system includes a filter positioned between the intake port and the heat exchanger, The aforementioned filter is a roll-type filter in which the used filter portion is wound up and the unused filter portion is supplied. Indoor unit of an air conditioner.

2. A filter cover is positioned to cover the aforementioned filter, A first shaft portion that holds the used filter portion in a wound state, A second shaft portion that holds the unused filter portion in a wound state, The device further comprises one or more idler shafts positioned between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, extending axially parallel to the direction in which the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion extend, and guiding the movement of the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The first shaft portion is a drive shaft that is rotated by the drive unit, The second shaft portion is a driven shaft that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second shaft portion. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. At least one of the first shaft portion and the idler shaft has a crown shape in which the diameter of the central part in the axial direction is larger than the diameters of both ends, or an inverted crown shape in which the diameter of the central part in the axial direction is smaller than the diameters of both ends. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2.

5. The filter cover has a rib that extends in the direction of movement of the filter and in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the filter. The strut has a strut projection that protrudes toward the filter so as to contact the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2.

6. The filter cover has a rib that extends in the direction of movement of the filter and in the width direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the filter. The system further includes brake members that are mounted between adjacent rails extending in the width direction, extending in the direction of movement, and in contact with the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2.

7. The idler shaft has irregularities on the contact surface with the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2.

8. The aforementioned protruding part has an uneven surface on the contact surface with the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 5.

9. The brake member has irregularities on the contact surface with the filter. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6.

10. The drive shaft is rotatable in only one direction. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3.

11. The gear, positioned between the drive unit and the drive shaft, further comprises a gear having a latch shape that allows it to rotate in only one direction. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 10.

Images