air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that allows for quick adjustment of the indoor environment even after cleaning the fan and filter. [Solution] When cleaning the fan and filter, the control unit 70 causes the cleaning unit 50 to move in contact with the rotating cross-flow fan 31 from one end to the other for forward cleaning. The control unit 70 stops the cross-flow fan 31 and starts cleaning the filter. The control unit 70 starts the return cleaning, in which the cleaning unit 50 moves in contact with the stopped cross-flow fan 31 from one end to the other, so that it overlaps with a portion of the time spent cleaning the filter. This allows the fan cleaning and filter cleaning to overlap in a shorter time than if the fan cleaning and filter cleaning were performed consecutively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioner equipped with an automatic cleaning function for a fan and a filter.

Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners are widely used to adjust the temperature indoors, such as in houses and the like. As a conventional technology related to air conditioners, there is a technology disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] An air conditioner as shown in Patent Document 1 has a filter cleaning unit that automatically cleans the filter by contacting a filter provided at the suction port, and a cleaning unit that automatically cleans the blower fan by contacting a blower fan provided in the air duct. Some of the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit perform fan cleaning and filter cleaning at the timing when the operation of the air conditioner stops when the integrated operation time of the air conditioner reaches a predetermined time or more.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the prior art, when instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning are given, since the dust that has fallen on the fan during filter cleaning can be collected during fan cleaning, the order of performing fan cleaning after filter cleaning has been considered optimal. However, if fan cleaning is started after filter cleaning is completed, the time required to complete the cleaning becomes long. Therefore, there is room for improvement because the indoor environment is not adjusted by cooling operation or heating operation for a long time from the start of filter cleaning to the end of fan cleaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, claim 1 of the present invention provides a case having an intake port that can draw in air from the outside and an outlet that can blow out the drawn-in air to the outside; a filter provided in the intake port to prevent dust from entering the case; an air passage that serves as a path connecting the intake port to the outlet; a blower fan provided in the air passage and rotatably supported by the case, which blows air by rotating; a filter cleaning unit having a filter cleaning part that cleans the filter by contacting the filter; and a unit that cleans the blower fan by contacting the blower fan. An indoor unit comprising a cleaning unit having a fan cleaning section, and a control unit that operates the filter cleaning unit so that the filter cleaning section contacts the filter, and operates the cleaning unit so that the fan cleaning section contacts the blower fan, wherein the control unit operates the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit such that, when an operation instruction is issued to the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, the operating time of the filter cleaning unit and the operating time of the cleaning unit overlap by at least a portion of the operating time.

[0007] Furthermore, in claim 2, the blower fan is a cross-flow fan, the filter cleaning unit has a filter cleaning section installed along one side of the intake port and cleaning the filter by contacting the filter, and a filter drive section provided at the intake port that moves the filter from the intake port in the direction of the filter cleaning section, the cleaning unit has a movable section provided in the air passage that moves parallel to the axis of the cross-flow fan, and a fan cleaning section formed on the movable section that cleans the cross-flow fan by contacting the cross-flow fan, the filter cleaning unit moves the filter in the direction where the filter cleaning section is installed by the operation of the filter drive section, and moves the filter to the filter cleaning section The cleaning unit performs filter cleaning by contacting the cross-flow fan, and the cleaning unit performs forward cleaning by moving from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning part in contact with the cross-flow fan, and return cleaning by moving from the other end to the one end in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning part in contact with the cross-flow fan. The control unit, when an operation instruction is given to the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, causes the cleaning unit to perform the forward cleaning and to operate the cross-flow fan, and after the forward cleaning of the cleaning unit is completed, stops the operation of the cross-flow fan and causes the filter cleaning and the return cleaning of the cleaning unit to be performed.

[0008] Furthermore, in claim 3, the blower fan is a cross-flow fan, the filter cleaning unit has a filter cleaning section installed along one side of the intake port and cleaning the filter by contacting the filter, and a filter drive section provided at the intake port and moving the filter from the intake port in the direction of the filter cleaning section, the cleaning unit has a movable section provided in the air passage and moving parallel to the axis of the cross-flow fan, and a fan cleaning section formed on the movable section and cleaning the cross-flow fan by contacting the cross-flow fan, the filter cleaning unit performs filter cleaning by moving the filter in the direction where the filter cleaning section is installed as the filter drive section operates, and cleaning the filter by contacting the filter cleaning section, and the cleaning unit The system is characterized by performing forward cleaning, in which the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the cross-flow fan and moves from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan, and return cleaning, in which the fan cleaning unit is in contact with the cross-flow fan and moves from the other end to the one end in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan. When the control unit determines that an operation instruction has been issued for the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, it will cause the cleaning unit to perform the forward cleaning and operate the cross-flow fan, and after the forward cleaning of the cleaning unit is completed, it will stop the cross-flow fan, and after the operation of the cross-flow fan is stopped, it will operate the filter cleaning unit, and when the time required to complete the cleaning of the filter becomes the same as the time required to complete the return cleaning, it will start the return cleaning.

[0009] Furthermore, in claim 4, the cleaning unit has a mounting portion, the mounting portion has a front side facing the cross-flow fan and a back side facing the airflow passage, the fan cleaning portion is formed on the front side and the airflow passage cleaning portion is formed on the back side to clean the airflow passage by contacting the airflow passage, and the cleaning unit is characterized in that when performing the forward cleaning and the return cleaning, the fan cleaning portion contacts the cross-flow fan and the airflow passage cleaning portion contacts the airflow passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In this invention, by operating the fan cleaning function while the filter cleaning function is running, the time required for filter cleaning and fan cleaning is reduced, thereby providing an air conditioning system that reduces the time the air conditioning system is unusable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] External view of the indoor unit in the same embodiment [Figure 3] Side view cross-sectional view of the indoor unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cleaning unit and the cross-flow fan in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cleaning motor, wire, and cleaning unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the airflow path in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the state in which the mounting part is attached to and detached from the movable part in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] A side view showing the cleaning unit in the same embodiment in contact with the cross-flow fan and the air duct. [Figure 9] This figure shows the state in which the cleaning unit is stored in the storage compartment of the same embodiment. [Figure 10] Front view of the filter section in the same embodiment [Figure 11] Front view of the filter unit in the same embodiment [Figure 12] Side view of the filter unit in the same embodiment [Figure 13] Front view of the brush section in the same embodiment. [Figure 14] Front view of the filter drive unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 15] Control block diagram in the same embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart of control for causing the return path cleaning and the filter cleaning of the control unit in the same embodiment to overlap for at least a part of the time [Figure 17] Time chart of the same control in the same embodiment [Figure 18] Flowchart of control for causing the completion time of the filter cleaning and the completion time of the return path cleaning of the control unit in the second embodiment to overlap [Figure 19] Time chart of the same control in the same embodiment [Figure 20] Flowchart of control for performing fan cleaning after filter cleaning in the prior art [Figure 21] Time chart of the same control in the prior art

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 will be described in outline as an air conditioner 10 having a cooling operation function for cooling the indoor space In and a heating operation function for heating the indoor space In.

[0013] The air conditioner 10 includes an outdoor unit 20 provided outdoors Ou and an indoor unit 30 provided indoors In. The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected to each other so that a refrigerant can circulate. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the direction of refrigerant circulation is based on the cooling operation.

[0014] The outdoor unit 20 includes a four-way switching valve 21 for switching the direction of refrigerant circulation during cooling operation and heating operation, a compressor 22 for compressing the refrigerant passing through the four-way switching valve 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 23 through which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 22 and having become high temperature and high pressure flows, an outdoor fan 24 for blowing air toward the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and an expansion valve 25 for decompressing the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0015] During cooling operation, the refrigerant, which has become high temperature and high pressure in the compressor 22, exchanges heat with the outdoor air Ou in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and releases heat. At this time, the outdoor fan 24 operates to forcibly circulate the outdoor air Ou around the outer perimeter of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, promoting heat exchange. The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and released heat is depressurized by the expansion valve 25, and its temperature drops. The refrigerant with reduced temperature is sent to the indoor unit 30.

[0016] Refer to Figures 1 and 2. The indoor unit 30 is used by hanging it on wall Wa in room In. The case 40 of the indoor unit 30 is fixed to wall Wa via a support plate. The case 40 has an intake port 41 and an outlet port 42 that connect to room In.

[0017] The space between the intake port 41 and the outlet port 42 inside the case 40 is called the airflow passage AP. The airflow passage AP is rotatably supported on shaft C and contains a cross-flow fan 31, which is a blower fan, and an indoor heat exchanger 32 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve 25 and the air. When the cross-flow fan 31 operates, air from outside the case 40 is drawn in through the intake port 41. The drawn-in air passes around the outer circumference of the indoor heat exchanger 32 and is blown out to the outside of the case 40. The indoor heat exchanger 32 is supplied with refrigerant that has been cooled in the outdoor unit 20. The air passing around the outer circumference of the indoor heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat with the refrigerant and is cooled. The cooled air is then blown out to the outside of the case 40 through the outlet port 42.

[0018] The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 32 is sent to the compressor 22 by passing through the four-way switching valve 21 of the outdoor unit 20.

[0019] During heating operation, the four-way switching valve 21 switches the refrigerant flow path, circulating the refrigerant in the opposite direction to that during cooling operation.

[0020] Case 40 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Case 40 comprises an intake port 41 and an outlet port 42 formed on the surface of Case 40, an air passage AP in the space between the intake port 41 and the outlet port 42, a cross-flow fan 31, an indoor heat exchanger 32 positioned to cover the upper part of the cross-flow fan 31, a filter unit 60 positioned to cover the intake port 41, a cleaning unit 50 positioned to be in contact with the cross-flow fan 31, a filter cleaning unit 63 positioned on the rear side of the filter unit 60, and a control unit 70 that controls the cross-flow fan 31, the cleaning unit 50, and the filter cleaning unit 63.

[0021] A detailed explanation of the cleaning unit 50 will be given. Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. The cleaning unit 50 consists of a movable part 51 that moves parallel to the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31, a mounting part 52 that is detachably formed on the movable part 51, a fan cleaning part 53 formed on the front side of the mounting part 52 on the cross-flow fan 31 side and cleans the cross-flow fan 31 by contacting it, a duct cleaning part 54 formed on the back side of the mounting part 52 on the duct AP side and cleans the duct AP by contacting it, and a movable part 55 provided in the duct AP that moves the movable part 51 so that it is parallel to the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31.

[0022] Refer to Figures 4, 5, and 6. The air duct AP has a movable part section 55 that is configured to move so that the movable part 51 is parallel to the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31. A movable part storage section 55A, which is a groove, is provided in the air duct AP from the right end R to the left end L, parallel to the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31. A cleaning motor 55B, which is a stepping motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, is positioned at the right end R of the movable part storage section 55A. A wire 55C is also positioned in the movable part storage section 55A from the right end R to the left end L. A drive pulley 55D is provided at the right end R of the movable part storage section 55A, to which the rotation of the cleaning motor 55B is transmitted to the wire 55C, and a driven pulley (not shown) is provided at the left end L of the movable part storage section 55A that follows the rotation of the drive pulley 55D. A portion of the movable part 51 is connected to a portion of the wire 55C, and the other portion of the movable part 51 protrudes over the air passage AP. As the cleaning motor 55B rotates, the wire 55C and the movable part 51 move, and the cleaning unit 50 moves along with the movement of the movable part 51. A cover portion 55E protecting the cleaning motor 55B and wire 55C is provided so as to cover the movable parts storage portion 55A. At this time, a gap Sp is provided between the air passage AP and the cover portion 55E so as not to hinder the movement of the movable part 51. The gap Sp is formed parallel to the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31 with the same width, allowing the movable part 51 to move.

[0023] Refer to Figures 7A and 7B. The movable part 51 will now be described. The movable part 51 has a connecting part 51A that connects to a wire 55C located in the movable parts storage part 55A, and a rectangular frame part 51B that protrudes into the air passage AP and has a longitudinal direction in which the air flows through the air passage AP. The frame part 51B is integrally composed of a pair of vertical frame parts 51C, an upper frame part 51D that connects the upper ends of the pair of vertical frame parts 51C with a horizontal bar, and a lower frame part 51E that connects the lower ends of the pair of vertical frame parts 51C with a horizontal bar. The pair of vertical frame parts 51C are arranged with the same width as the mounting part 52 and have a support edge 51F at the bottom that can support the mounting part 52. A space for inserting the mounting part 52 is formed between the upper frame part 51D and the support edge 51F, and a locking part 51G for locking the mounting part 52 is formed on the lower frame part 51E.

[0024] The mounting portion 52 is a rectangular plate that can close the frame portion 51B, and is formed of a base portion 52A which is the plate-shaped part of the mounting portion 52, an insertion portion 52B which can be inserted into the space between the upper frame portion 51D and the support edge 51F, and a locking portion 52C which can be locked to the locking portion 51G. When the mounting portion 52 is attached to the frame portion 51B, the fan cleaning portion 53 is positioned on the front side which faces the cross-flow fan 31, and when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the frame portion 51B, the airflow passage cleaning portion 54 is positioned on the back side which faces the airflow passage AP. In this explanation, the movable part 51 and the mounting part 52 are made of separate components, but they may be made of the same component.

[0025] Refer to Figure 8. The fan cleaning section 53 is formed on the front side of the base 52A in a state where it is in contact with the base 52A and can swing up to a height where the cross-flow fan 31 contacts it, and the part that contacts the cross-flow fan 31 is brush-shaped. The centerline of the swing is in the direction along the axis C of the cross-flow fan 31. The fan cleaning section 53 is equipped with a spring 52D. One end of the spring 52D is fixed to the fan cleaning section 53, and the other end of the spring 52D is fixed to the base 52A. The spring 52D applies force to the fan cleaning section 53 so that it swings in the direction toward the cross-flow fan 31. The cross-flow fan 31 is cleaned as the movable part 51 moves while the fan cleaning part 53 is in contact with the cross-flow fan 31.

[0026] The air duct cleaning unit 54 is sheet-shaped, and the air duct AP is cleaned by the movement of the movable part 51 while the air duct cleaning unit 54 is in contact with the air duct AP.

[0027] Refer to Figures 9A and 9B. A box-shaped storage section 56 is provided to cover the cleaning motor 55B and the drive pulley 55D. The end of the upper surface of the storage section 56 in the rear direction is extended in a plate shape to provide a storage section 56A in which the cleaning unit 50 is stored. The upper end of the storage section 56A has a sliding section 56B that guides the swing of the cleaning unit 50 so that the fan cleaning section 53 contacts the cross-flow fan 31 when the cleaning unit 50 moves toward the center in the left-right direction of the air passage AP. The sliding section 56B contacts the fan cleaning section 53 when the cleaning unit 50 moves into the storage section 56A in the right end R direction and guides the swing from a state in which the fan cleaning section 53 is in contact with the cross-flow fan 31 to a state in which the fan cleaning section 53 is not in contact with the cross-flow fan 31. When the cleaning unit 50 is stored in the storage section 56A, it is stored in a state in which it does not contact the cross-flow fan 31. In this description, the storage unit 56 and storage unit 56A are located at the right end R of the air duct AP, but the storage unit 56A may also be located at the left end L of the air duct AP. Alternatively, the storage section 56 and the storage section 56A may be formed from separate components, and the storage section 56 and the storage section 56A may be positioned at the right end R and left end L of the airflow passage AP, respectively.

[0028] The filter unit 60 will now be described. Refer to Figures 10 and 11. The filter unit 60 consists of a filter section 61 and a filter unit frame 62.

[0029] The details of the filter section 61 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The filter section 61 consists of a filter 61A that prevents dust from entering the case 40 by adhering to dust, and vertical bars 61B and horizontal bars 61C that support the filter 61A. When the vertical bars 61B are installed at the intake port 41, the vertical bars 61B at both ends that are located in the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 30 have a rack shape and are called the rack section 61D.

[0030] The details of the filter unit frame 62 will be explained with reference to Figure 11. The filter unit frame 62 is composed of vertical bars 62A and horizontal bars 62B that fix the shape of the filter unit frame 62, and among the vertical bars 62A, the vertical bars 62A located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 30 are equipped with holding parts 62C that hold the rack part 61D. Refer to Figure 12. The holding portion 62C includes a handle portion 62D that holds the filter portion 61 from the front side of the indoor unit 30 and serves as a handle when attaching and detaching the filter unit 60 to the intake port 41, a rack holding portion 62E that movably holds the rack portion 61D, a side wall portion 62F that forms the side of the filter unit frame 62 and holds the filter portion 61 from the side, and a filter cleaning portion holding portion 62G provided on the rear side of the side wall portion 62F that rotatably holds the filter cleaning portion 64 of the filter cleaning unit 63.

[0031] A detailed explanation of the filter cleaning unit 63 will be given. Refer to Figure 3. The filter cleaning unit 63 consists of a filter cleaning unit 64 that cleans the filter unit 61 by contacting it, and a filter drive unit 65 that moves the filter unit 61 so that it contacts the filter cleaning unit 64. The filter cleaning unit 63 is positioned along one side of the back of the suction port 41.

[0032] Refer to Figure 13. The filter cleaning unit 64 consists of a rod-shaped shaft portion 64A, a brush-shaped brush portion 64B positioned on the shaft portion 64A and in contact with the filter portion 61, brush-side gears 64C provided near both ends of the shaft portion 64A in the longitudinal direction, and a brush motor 64D that rotates the brush-side gears 64C. The filter cleaning unit 64 is rotatably mounted on the filter cleaning unit holding portion 62G, which is one side of the back of the suction port 41.

[0033] When an operation command is issued to the filter cleaning unit 64, the brush motor 64D rotates, and the brush-side gear 64C, shaft 64A, and brush 64B rotate in engagement with the rotation of the brush motor 64D.

[0034] Refer to Figure 14. The filter drive unit 65 consists of a rod-shaped drive shaft 65A, a drive gear 65B with gears provided at both ends of the drive shaft 65A, and a drive motor 65C which is a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation that rotates the drive gear 65B. The drive gear 65B and the drive motor 65C are engaged with each other by their gears, and the drive gear 65B and the drive shaft 65A rotate as the drive motor 65C rotates.

[0035] The drive gear 65B is formed to engage with the rack portion 61D of the filter portion 61 and is installed along one side of the rear side of the suction port 41. As a result, when an operation command is issued to the drive motor 65C, the drive gear 65B rotates in engagement with the rotation of the drive motor 65C, and the rotation of the drive gear 65B causes the rack portion 61D to be pulled in or pulled out to the rear side of the indoor unit 30, thereby moving the filter portion 61 toward the filter cleaning portion 64 or toward the suction port 41.

[0036] Refer to Figure 3. The system includes a filter storage space 72A located on the rear side of the airflow passage AP, which houses the moved filter section 61; a dust chute 72B located on the rear side of the filter storage space 72A, which sends dust falling from the filter cleaning section 64 downwards; a dust box 72C located below the filter storage space 72A and the dust chute 72B, which collects the dust that has fallen into the filter storage space 72A and the dust chute 72B; and a filter sensor 72D installed in the filter storage space 72A, which the tip of the filter section 61 contacts when the filter section 61 moves.

[0037] The control unit 70 will be described with reference to Figure 6. The control unit 70 is located in the control unit housing space 70A, which is a space within the case 40. The control unit housing space 70A is located on the side of the storage section 56A relative to the cross-flow fan 31.

[0038] Refer to Figure 15. The control unit 70 is, for example, a microcontroller (microcomputer) composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., but is not limited to this. When the control unit 70 is a microcontroller, the ROM can store a program that causes the CPU to perform a predetermined operation, and the RAM can form the CPU's work area. The ROM can also store the operation set in the control unit 70 and the data necessary to perform that operation.

[0039] The control unit 70 is capable of controlling the cross-flow fan 31, the drive motor 65C, and the cleaning motor 55B, and includes a measurement unit 70B that measures the operating time of the drive parts such as the drive motor 65C, and a storage unit 70C that stores the time required for cleaning to be completed.

[0040] The control unit 70 may be equipped with an input unit. The input unit is an infrared receiving module, which is a remote control 81, but is not limited to this. The remote control 81 is equipped with a cleaning switch 82 that inputs operation instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning to the control unit 70. When the control unit 70 receives input from the cleaning switch 82, it instructs the cleaning unit 50 to clean the fan and the filter cleaning unit 63 to clean the filter.

[0041] The control unit 70 may have an automatic cleaning mode that allows fan cleaning and filter cleaning to be performed without input from the remote control 81, depending on the operating time of the indoor unit 30.

[0042] The operation of the cleaning unit 50 when the control unit 70 activates the fan cleaning function will be explained. When the cleaning unit 50 moves from inside the storage unit 56A toward the left end L of the airflow passage AP, the position where the fan cleaning unit 53 is guided by the sliding unit 56B and comes into contact with the cross-flow fan 31 is called the initial position, and the left end L, which is located opposite the storage unit 56A in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage AP, is called the return position.

[0043] When the control unit 70 activates the fan cleaning function, the cross-flow fan 31 and the cleaning motor 55B begin to rotate at a low speed. As the cleaning motor 55B rotates at a low speed, the cleaning unit 50 moves slowly from inside the storage unit 56A towards the folding position. When the cleaning unit 50 detaches from the storage unit 56A, the fan cleaning section 53 is pulled towards the cross-flow fan 31 by the spring 52D, and the fan cleaning section 53 gradually comes into contact with the cross-flow fan 31 by the sliding section 56B. The path taken by the cleaning unit 50 from its initial position to its return position after it has detached from the storage unit 56A is called the forward path. When the cleaning unit 50 moves along the forward path at a low speed with the fan cleaning unit 53 in contact with the low-speed rotating cross-flow fan 31 and the airflow path cleaning unit 54 in contact with the airflow path AP, this is called forward path cleaning.

[0044] After the cleaning unit 50 completes its forward cleaning, the control unit 70 stops the cross-flow fan 31. Then, the cleaning motor 55B is rotated in reverse at a low speed to move the cleaning unit 50 from the turning position to the storage unit 56A. When the cleaning unit 50 moves to its initial position, the fan cleaning section 53 comes into contact with the sliding section 56B, and as it is stored in the storage unit 56A, the fan cleaning section 53 moves away from the cross-flow fan 31. When the cleaning unit 50 is stored in the storage unit 56A, the cleaning unit 50 is no longer in contact with the cross-flow fan 31. The path from the turning point to the initial position is called the return path, and the movement of the cleaning unit 50 along the return path while the fan cleaning unit 53 is in contact with the stopped cross-flow fan 31 and the airflow path cleaning unit 54 is in contact with the airflow path AP is called return path cleaning.

[0045] To illustrate the forward and return cleaning more specifically, when forward cleaning is performed by rotating the cleaning motor 55B counterclockwise for a predetermined value of 5000 pulses (one ON / OFF cycle) to move the cleaning unit 50 from the storage unit 56A to the turning point, return cleaning is performed by rotating the cleaning motor 55B counterclockwise for a predetermined value of 5000 pulses (one ON / OFF cycle) to move the cleaning unit 50 from the turning point to the storage unit 56A. At this time, the control unit 70 determines that the forward cleaning is complete when the cleaning motor 55B completes its counterclockwise rotation with a predetermined value of 5000 pulses, and determines that the return cleaning is complete when the cleaning motor 55B completes its clockwise rotation with a predetermined value of 5000 pulses. Furthermore, when performing forward cleaning, the control unit 70 drives the cross-flow fan 31 at 50 rpm to rotate it at a low speed, and stops the cross-flow fan 31 when the forward cleaning is completed.

[0046] The primary purpose of forward cleaning is to clean the cross-flow fan 31 by having the fan cleaning unit 53 come into contact with the cross-flow fan 31 while it is rotating at a low speed. In contrast, the primary purpose of return cleaning is to clean the dust that has fallen from the cross-flow fan 31 onto the airflow passage AP during forward cleaning by having the airflow passage cleaning unit 54 come into contact with the airflow passage AP. For this reason, the rotation of the cross-flow fan 31 is stopped during return cleaning.

[0047] A filter unit 60 is provided to cover the intake port 41 to prevent dust from entering the case 40 along with the air when the cross-flow fan 31 rotates and draws air from the outside to the inside of the case 40. If the filter unit 60 does not cover the intake port 41, dust will enter the case 40 along with the air drawn in by the rotating cross-flow fan 31. Therefore, the rotation of the cross-flow fan 31 is prohibited when the filter unit 60 does not cover the intake port 41.

[0048] The operation of the filter cleaning unit 63 when the control unit 70 initiates filter cleaning will be explained. When the control unit 70 receives an instruction to operate the filter cleaning unit 63, the drive motor 65C and the brush motor 64D begin rotating clockwise. The brush section 64B rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the brush motor 64D. The filter drive unit 65 engages with the rotation of the drive motor 65C, and the rack section 61D rotates in conjunction with the filter drive unit 65, drawing the filter section 61 into the filter storage space 72A. As the filter section 61 is drawn into the filter storage space 72A, it comes into contact with the rotating brush section 64B, scraping out dust. When the filter section 61 comes into contact with the filter sensor 72D, the control unit 70 determines that the brush section 64B has come into contact with the filter section 61 from one end to the other in the front-to-back direction, and rotates the drive motor 65C counterclockwise. At this time, the brush motor 64D continues to rotate clockwise. As the drive motor 65C rotates counterclockwise, it pulls the filter unit 61 out of the filter storage space 72A and moves the filter unit 61 toward the suction port 41. After the control unit 70 rotates the drive motor 65C counterclockwise, when it determines that the number of steps of the drive motor 65C has reached a predetermined value, it determines that the filter unit 61 has returned to the position it was in before the filter cleaning started, and stops the rotation of the drive motor 65C and the brush motor 64D.

[0049] In this case, the time it takes from the start of filter cleaning until the filter sensor 72D reacts is equal to the time it takes from the start of counterclockwise operation of the drive motor 65C until the drive motor 65C stops. Therefore, the time for which the drive motor 65C operates counterclockwise can be determined by measuring the time from the start of fan cleaning until the filter sensor 72D reacts.

[0050] The conventional control method performed by the control unit 70 when it determines that an operation instruction has been issued for the cleaning unit 50 and the filter cleaning unit 63 will be described below.

[0051] Refer to Figures 20 and 21. In the prior art, the control unit 70 determines whether an operation instruction has been issued for the cleaning unit 50 and the filter cleaning unit 63 (S300). If the control unit 70 determines that an operation command has been issued in S300, it issues an operation command to the filter cleaning unit 63 to perform filter cleaning (S301), causing the drive motor 65C and brush motor 64D to rotate clockwise, and then counterclockwise. If it is determined in S300 that no operation instruction has been issued, the control unit 70 determines whether a repeated operation instruction has been issued. The control unit 70 determines whether filter cleaning is complete when the drive motor 65C starts rotating counterclockwise, reaches a predetermined number of steps, and the filter unit 61 returns to the position it was in before filter cleaning started (S302). If the control unit 70 determines that the filter cleaning is complete in step S302, it stops the drive motor 65C and the brush motor 64D. If it is determined in step S302 that the filter cleaning is not complete, the control unit 70 repeatedly checks whether the filter cleaning is complete.

[0052] After stopping the filter-related motors in S302, the control unit 70 rotates the cross-flow fan 31 at a low speed and rotates the cleaning motor 55B counterclockwise for a predetermined number of pulses, causing the cleaning unit 50 to perform forward cleaning (S303). After the forward cleaning is complete, the control unit 70 stops the cross-flow fan 31 and rotates the cleaning motor 55B clockwise for a predetermined number of pulses, causing the cleaning unit 50 to perform return cleaning. The control unit 70 determines whether the return cleaning is complete and the fan cleaning is finished after the predetermined number of pulses of rotation (S304). If the control unit 70 determines in S304 that the fan cleaning is complete, it stops the cleaning motor 55B to terminate the cleaning control and accepts input for cooling operation and heating operation. If it is determined in S304 that the fan cleaning is not complete, the control unit 70 repeatedly determines whether the return cycle cleaning is complete.

[0053] This cleaning sequence allows for the cleaning of the cross-flow fan 31 and air passage AP afterward, even if dust falls into the case 40 during filter cleaning. Furthermore, this sequence avoids fan cleaning, where the cross-flow fan 31 rotates while the filter section 61 is not covering the intake port 41, thus preventing dust from being sucked into the case 40 by the rotation of the cross-flow fan 31 during fan cleaning.

[0054] However, because filter cleaning and fan cleaning are performed consecutively, cooling and heating operations to regulate the indoor environment cannot be performed for the long period of time until both cleanings are completed.

[0055] The present invention provides an air conditioning system 10 that can prevent situations in which cooling and heating operations cannot be performed for extended periods, even when instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning are given. The specific control is described below.

[0056] The control performed when an operation command is issued for the cleaning unit 50 and the filter cleaning unit 63 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The control unit 70 determines whether an operation instruction for fan cleaning and filter cleaning has been issued (S100). If the control unit 70 determines in S100 that an operation command for fan cleaning and filter cleaning has been issued, it rotates the cross-flow fan 31 at a low speed and causes the cleaning motor 55B to rotate counterclockwise for a predetermined number of pulses (S101). If the control unit 70 determines in S100 that no operation instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning have been issued, it will repeatedly determine whether operation instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning have been issued. The control unit 70 determines that the forward cleaning is complete when the cleaning motor 55B has completed a predetermined number of pulses in S101 (S102). If the control unit 70 determines in S102 that the forward cleaning has been completed, it stops the cross-flow fan 31 (S103). If it is determined in step S102 that the forward cleaning has not been completed, the control unit 70 repeatedly determines whether the forward cleaning has been completed. After the cross-flow fan 31 is stopped in S103, the control unit 70 starts the filter cleaning by rotating the drive motor 65C and the brush motor 64D clockwise (S104), and at the same time rotates the cleaning motor 55B clockwise for a predetermined number of pulses to perform return-path cleaning (S105).

[0057] After the simultaneous operation of return cleaning and filter cleaning as described in S105, the control unit 70 determines whether the return cleaning is complete when the cleaning motor 55B has finished rotating clockwise for a predetermined number of pulses, and whether the filter cleaning is complete when the drive motor 65C has finished rotating clockwise and counterclockwise for a predetermined number of steps (S106). If the control unit 70 determines in S106 that the return path cleaning and filter cleaning are complete, it stops the cleaning motor 55B, the drive motor 65C, and the brush motor 64D to terminate control and accepts input for cooling operation and heating operation to adjust the indoor environment. If the control unit 70 determines in S106 that the return path cleaning and filter cleaning have not been completed, it repeatedly determines whether the return path cleaning and filter cleaning have been completed.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the return cleaning and filter cleaning simultaneously after the completion of the forward cleaning of the cleaning unit 50. As a result, the fan cleaning time and the filter cleaning time overlap, allowing the fan cleaning and filter cleaning to be completed in a shorter time than if they were performed consecutively. Furthermore, by limiting the time that overlaps with filter cleaning to the time of return cleaning, the time of forward cleaning when the cross-flow fan 31 is rotating and the time of filter cleaning when the filter unit 61 does not cover the intake port 41 can be staggered, thereby preventing dust from entering the case 40 due to the rotation of the cross-flow fan 31. Furthermore, the time at which the cleaning unit 50 begins the return cleaning is the time when the filter section 61 is moving towards the suction port 41 to cover it, and there is a low possibility of dust falling from the filter section 61 after it has been scraped out by the brush section 64B. Therefore, the return cleaning can be performed at a time suitable for return cleaning.

[0059] This explanation assumes that the return cleaning begins immediately after the outbound cleaning is completed. However, the time for the return cleaning may be freely changed as long as it overlaps with the time for filter cleaning.

[0060] In this description, the filter unit 61 is configured to move, but it is also possible to configure the filter cleaning unit 63 to move over the filter unit 61 while the filter unit 61 remains stationary.

[0061] In this description, the cleaning unit 50 is provided with an air duct cleaning unit 54, but it is also acceptable to have a configuration in the cleaning unit 50 that does not have an air duct cleaning unit 54 and is only equipped with a fan cleaning unit 53.

[0062] A second embodiment will now be described. Parts common to the first embodiment will not be described. Furthermore, the reference numerals from the first embodiment will be reused, and their detailed explanations will also be omitted.

[0063] The following will be explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. The control unit 70 determines whether an operation instruction for fan cleaning and filter cleaning has been issued (S200). If the control unit 70 determines in S200 that an operation command for fan cleaning and filter cleaning has been issued, it will start the cross-flow fan 31 and rotate the cleaning motor 55B clockwise to cause the cleaning unit 50 to perform forward cleaning (S201). If the control unit 70 determines in S200 that no operation instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning have been issued, it repeatedly determines whether operation instructions for fan cleaning and filter cleaning have been issued. The control unit 70 determines whether the forward cleaning of the cleaning unit 50 is complete when it has finished rotating the cleaning motor 55B clockwise for a predetermined number of pulses in S201 (S202). If the control unit 70 determines in step 202 that the forward cleaning is complete, it stops the cross-flow fan 31 and the cleaning motor 55B (S203). At this time, the cleaning unit 50 is stopped at the turnaround position. If the control unit 70 determines in step 202 that the forward cleaning has not been completed, it repeatedly determines whether the forward cleaning has been completed.

[0064] If the cross-flow fan 31 is stopped in step 203, the control unit 70 rotates the drive motor 65C and the brush motor 64D clockwise to start the filter cleaning unit 63 (S204), and determines whether a first time has elapsed such that the time required to complete the filter cleaning is the same as the time required for the return cleaning (S205).

[0065] If it is determined in step 205 that the first time has elapsed, the cleaning motor 55B is rotated counterclockwise for a predetermined number of steps, causing the cleaning unit 50 to perform return cleaning (S206). If the control unit 205 determines that the first time has not elapsed, the control unit 70 repeatedly determines whether the first time has elapsed. After the return cleaning in S206 begins, the control unit 70 determines whether fan cleaning and filter cleaning are complete when the drive motor 65C has rotated for a predetermined number of steps and the cleaning motor 55B has rotated counterclockwise for a predetermined number of pulses (S207). If it determines that fan cleaning and filter cleaning are complete, the control unit 70 completes the cleaning control and accepts input for cooling operation and heating operation to adjust the indoor environment. If the control unit 70 determines in step 207 that the fan cleaning and filter cleaning have not been completed, it repeatedly checks whether the fan cleaning and filter cleaning have been completed.

[0066] Now, let's explain the first time period. The memory unit 70C pre-stores the time required to complete the return cycle cleaning and the time required to complete the filter cleaning. The measurement unit 70B measures the operating time of the drive motor 65C from the time the filter cleaning begins. The control unit 70 calculates the remaining time until filter cleaning is completed using the time required for filter cleaning to be completed, which is stored in the memory unit 70C, and the time since filter cleaning started, which is measured by the measurement unit 70B. The control unit 70 determines that the first time has elapsed when the remaining time until filter cleaning is completed and the time required for return cleaning, which is stored in the memory unit 70C, become the same.

[0067] In the second embodiment, since return cycle cleaning and filter cleaning are completed simultaneously, return cycle cleaning does not continue after filter cleaning is complete, thus significantly shortening the operating time of the cleaning operation.

[0068] The first and second embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the scope of this description and may be flexibly modified. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 31 Cross-flow fan 41 Inlet 50 Cleaning Units 51 Moving parts 52 Mounting part 53 Fan Cleaning Department 54 Airflow duct cleaning department 61 Filter section 64 Filter Cleaning Section 65 Filter drive unit 70 Control Unit AP air duct

Claims

1. In a case where an intake port is provided to draw in air from the outside and an outlet is provided to blow out the drawn-in air to the outside, A filter provided at the intake port to prevent dust from entering the case, A duct that serves as a path connecting the intake port to the outlet port, A blower fan is provided in the aforementioned air passage, rotatably supported by the aforementioned case, and performs airflow by rotating; A filter cleaning unit having a filter cleaning section that cleans the filter by contacting the filter, A cleaning unit having a fan cleaning section that cleans the blower fan by contacting the blower fan, An indoor unit comprising: a control unit that operates the filter cleaning unit so that the filter cleaning part comes into contact with the filter, and a control unit that operates the cleaning unit so that the fan cleaning part comes into contact with the blower fan, The air conditioning system is characterized in that, when the control unit is instructed to operate the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, it operates the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit such that at least a portion of the time the filter cleaning unit is operating and the time the cleaning unit is operating overlap.

2. The aforementioned blower fan is a cross-flow fan. The filter cleaning unit includes a filter cleaning unit installed along one side of the suction port and cleaning the filter by contacting the filter, and a filter drive unit provided at the suction port that moves the filter away from the suction port in the direction of the filter cleaning unit. The cleaning unit has a movable part provided in the air passage that moves parallel to the axis of the cross-flow fan, and a fan cleaning part formed on the movable part that cleans the cross-flow fan by contacting it. The filter cleaning unit performs filter cleaning by moving the filter in the direction in which the filter cleaning unit is installed when the filter drive unit is operated, and bringing the filter into contact with the filter cleaning unit for cleaning. The cleaning unit performs forward cleaning by moving from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning unit in contact with the cross-flow fan, and return cleaning by moving from the other end to the one end in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning unit in contact with the cross-flow fan. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit is instructed to operate the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, it causes the cleaning unit to perform the forward cleaning operation and to operate the cross-flow fan, and after the forward cleaning operation of the cleaning unit is completed, it stops the operation of the cross-flow fan and causes the filter cleaning and the return cleaning operation of the cleaning unit to be performed.

3. The aforementioned blower fan is a cross-flow fan. The filter cleaning unit includes a filter cleaning unit installed along one side of the suction port and cleaning the filter by contacting the filter, and a filter drive unit provided at the suction port that moves the filter away from the suction port in the direction of the filter cleaning unit. The cleaning unit has a movable part provided in the air passage that moves parallel to the axis of the cross-flow fan, and a fan cleaning part formed on the movable part that cleans the cross-flow fan by contacting it. The filter cleaning unit performs filter cleaning by moving the filter in the direction in which the filter cleaning unit is installed when the filter drive unit is operated, and bringing the filter into contact with the filter cleaning unit for cleaning. The cleaning unit performs forward cleaning by moving from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning unit in contact with the cross-flow fan, and return cleaning by moving from the other end to the one end in the longitudinal direction of the cross-flow fan with the fan cleaning unit in contact with the cross-flow fan. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit determines that an operation instruction has been issued for the filter cleaning unit and the cleaning unit, it causes the cleaning unit to perform the forward cleaning operation and to operate the cross-flow fan, stops the cross-flow fan after the cleaning unit has completed the forward cleaning operation, operates the filter cleaning unit after the cross-flow fan has stopped operating, and operates the return cleaning operation when the time required to complete the cleaning of the filter is the same as the time required to complete the return cleaning operation.

4. The cleaning unit has a mounting portion, The mounting portion has a front side facing the cross-flow fan and a back side facing the airflow passage, the fan cleaning portion is formed on the front side and the airflow passage cleaning portion is formed on the back side to clean the airflow passage by contacting it. The air conditioning device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the cleaning unit performs the forward cleaning and the return cleaning, the fan cleaning section comes into contact with the cross-flow fan and the airflow passage cleaning section comes into contact with the airflow passage.

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