air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is provided. The indoor unit includes a case, an indoor heat exchanger, a fan assembly, a filter, and a self-cleaning device. The filter is configured to filter dust from the air passing through it. The self-cleaning device includes a reel and a tension assembly. The reel is connected to a first end of the filter and is configured to move the filter between a first position and a second position. When the filter is in the first position, the filter is located between the air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger, and when the filter is in the second position, the filter is wound onto the reel. The tension assembly is connected to a second end of the filter and is configured to hold the filter under tension as the filter moves between the first and second positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross-Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202322365841.X filed on August 31, 2023, Chinese Patent Application No. 202311236273.1 filed on September 22, 2023, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202322593133.1 filed on September 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular, to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Air conditioners have been popularized in many households and have become an indispensable electrical appliance in people's daily life. As a part of the air conditioner, the indoor unit is installed indoors, and performs heat exchange with indoor air to increase or decrease the indoor temperature.

[0003] The indoor unit filters the air entering the indoor unit through a filter to prevent dust and the like in the air from entering the indoor unit, and cleans the dust attached to the filter by means of a self-cleaning device, so as to maintain the operation of the indoor unit.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is provided. The indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit and includes a case, an indoor heat exchanger, a fan assembly, a filter, and a self-cleaning device. The case includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The indoor heat exchanger is provided inside the case and configured to exchange heat with the circulating air. The fan assembly is provided on the side of the indoor heat exchanger away from the air inlet and is configured to drive indoor air into the case from the air inlet and to discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger from the air outlet. The filter is configured to filter dust from the air passing through it. The self-cleaning device is detachably connected to the case. The self-cleaning device includes a reel and a tension assembly. The reel is connected to the first end of the filter and is configured to move the filter between a first position and a second position. When the filter is in the first position, it is located between the air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger, and when the filter is in the second position, it is wound onto the reel. A tension assembly is connected to the second end of the filter and is configured to hold the filter under tension as the filter moves between the first and second positions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a self-cleaning device for an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of a portion of circle P in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the configuration of a self-cleaning air conditioner according to several embodiments, when the filter is in the first position. [Figure 6] This is a magnified view of part of circle Q in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of a self-cleaning air conditioner according to several embodiments, when the filter is in the second position. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of an air conditioner with its panel open, according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] This is another cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the case of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] This is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner panel according to several embodiments. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a slider for an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the mounting section of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view from a different angle of the mounting section of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view from yet another angle of the mounting section of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the configuration of the engagement part of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view from a different angle of the slider of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 18] These are cross-sectional views of a slider, mounting base, and engaging part of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the configuration of the mounting section of an air conditioner according to several embodiments. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of the slider, mounting base, and engaging part slider of an air conditioner according to several embodiments when they are in the third position. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of the slider, mounting base, and engaging part slider of an air conditioner according to several embodiments, when they are between the third and fourth positions. [Figure 22]This is a cross-sectional view of the slider, mounting base, and engaging part of an air conditioner according to several embodiments, when the slider is in the fourth position. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of the slider, mounting base, and engaging part slider of an air conditioner according to several embodiments when they are in the third position. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of the slider, mounting base, and engaging part of an air conditioner according to several embodiments, showing the slider and engaging part detached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Hereinafter, several embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Clearly, the embodiments described herein are only a part of this disclosure and do not encompass all embodiments. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art would obtain based on this disclosure are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Unless otherwise specified in the context, throughout this specification and the claims, the term “comprise,” and other forms thereof such as its third-person singular present tense “comprises” and its present participle “comprising,” shall be interpreted openly, i.e., “including, but not limited to.” In this description, the terms “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “exemplary embodiments,” “example,” “specific example,” or “some examples” are intended to indicate that a particular function, configuration, material, or characteristic relating to such embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the above-mentioned particular function, configuration, material, or characteristic may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

[0008] The terms “First” and “Second” below are merely descriptive for the purpose and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of designated technical features. Thus, features limited to “First” and “Second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, “multiple” means two or more.

[0009] The term “connection” and its descriptive expressions may be used when describing some embodiments. The term “connection” may mean, for example, that the “connection” is fixedly connected, detachably connected, integrally connected, or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium.

[0010] The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B, or C", and includes each of the following combinations: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B and C, respectively.

[0011] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0012] As used herein, the use of "suitable for" or "configured to" is intended to mean an open and inclusive expression that does not exclude a device that is suitable for or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0013] As used herein, "about", "roughly" or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value within an allowable deviation range from the specific value, and the allowable deviation range is determined by a person skilled in the art in consideration of the measurement and errors associated with measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system).

[0014] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular" and "equal" include the stated situation and situations similar to the stated situation. The range of the similar situations is within an allowable deviation range, and the allowable deviation range is determined by a person skilled in the art in consideration of the measurement and errors associated with measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallel and approximately parallel, and the allowable deviation range for approximately parallel may be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicular and approximately perpendicular, and the allowable deviation range for approximately perpendicular may also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolutely equal and approximately equal, and the allowable deviation range for approximately equal may be, for example, a case where the difference between two equal values is 5% or less of either value.

[0015] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between indoor air and a refrigerant that is transmitted through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0017] The air conditioner further includes an outdoor unit configured to transmit refrigerant by being connected to the outdoor unit via a pipeline.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, which is configured to exchange heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant transmitted in the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit further includes a throttling assembly. The throttling assembly is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers by adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers by adjusting the opening of the throttling assembly. The opening of the throttling assembly is adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the throttling assembly. The throttling assembly includes at least one of a throttling valve, an expansion valve, and a pressure reducer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit further includes a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant such that a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is compressed to form a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

[0021] The sequentially connected compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, throttle assembly, and indoor heat exchanger form a refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant circulates through this circuit, exchanging heat with the air via the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers, respectively, thereby achieving cooling or heating in the air conditioner.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit further includes a four-way valve connected to the refrigerant circuit and configured to switch the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit so that the air conditioner performs a cooling mode or a heating mode.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas refrigerant due to compression by the compressor, and this superheated gas refrigerant is discharged to the outdoor heat exchanger and condensed. In the outdoor heat exchanger, the superheated gas refrigerant is cooled to a supercooled liquid refrigerant and enters a throttling assembly. The throttling assembly can throttle the supercooled liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger, where it evaporates and absorbs heat, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a superheated gaseous component within the indoor heat exchanger, and returns to the suction end of the compressor to complete one cycle.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through a four-way valve, is discharged to the indoor heat exchanger where it is heated, cooled to a subcooled liquid refrigerant within the indoor heat exchanger, and then flows into a throttling assembly where it is throttled into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger and undergoes evaporation and heat absorption.

[0025] With the widespread use of air conditioners, user demands on them are also increasing. The indoor unit includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is equipped with a filter that filters the air entering the indoor unit, preventing dust and other foreign matter from entering the unit. After operating the indoor unit for a certain period of time, if too much dust accumulates on the filter, it may block some of the filters, reducing the amount of air intake and decreasing the cooling or heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0026] Typically, by installing a roller brush inside the indoor unit, dust adhering to the filter can be removed by the roller brush, thereby improving the filter's filtration capacity and maintaining the cooling or heating efficiency of the indoor unit.

[0027] In this case, some indoor units are equipped with a self-cleaning device to clean dust accumulated on the filter. The self-cleaning device generally includes a two-reel structure, meaning that both ends of the filter are wound onto two reels, and the filter is moved by the rotation of one of the two reels. Because this structure is complex, it uses many parts and requires a long filter length, resulting in high production costs, and the self-cleaning device and filter occupy a large amount of space within the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0028] To solve the above technical problems, some embodiments of this disclosure disclose an air conditioner 1000 in which the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner 1000 can achieve cleaning control for the filter by combining a single reel structure and a tension assembly, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the indoor unit 1, reducing the number of parts, reducing the length of the filter, further reducing production costs, and reducing the space occupied by the self-cleaning device and filter inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 1000 includes an indoor unit 1. The indoor unit 1 comprises a case 101. One side of the case 101 (for example, the top side) is open to form an air inlet 102.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the other side of the case 101 (for example, the front or bottom) is open to form an air outlet 103.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit further includes an indoor heat exchanger 105, which is housed in a case 101 and configured to exchange heat with air that enters the case 101 through an air inlet 102.

[0032] In some embodiments, the indoor unit further includes a fan assembly 106, which is located on the side away from the air inlet 102 of the indoor heat exchanger 105 and is configured to rotate to circulate the gas inside the case 101, causing air to flow into the case 101 from the air inlet 102, and to discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 105 to the outside of the case 101 (sending it into the room) from the air outlet 103.

[0033] Furthermore, the fan assembly 106 can guide indoor air from the air inlet 102 to the indoor heat exchanger 105, thereby increasing the airflow rate from the air inlet 102 into the indoor heat exchanger 105 and allowing adjustment of the airflow rate into the indoor heat exchanger 105.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the indoor unit further includes a filter 40 (filter mesh). The filter 40 is positioned between the air inlet 102 and the indoor heat exchanger 105 and covers the air inlet 102. The filter 40 filters the air that enters the case 101 from the air inlet 102 to prevent dust in the air from entering the indoor unit 1.

[0035] For example, when the indoor unit 1 is in operation, the air entering the case 101 from the air inlet 102 first passes through the filter 40 before entering the indoor heat exchanger 105. This prevents dust in the indoor air from entering the indoor heat exchanger 105, thus avoiding dust accumulation and clogging of the indoor heat exchanger 105. This is advantageous for improving the heat exchange efficiency of the indoor heat exchanger 105.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the indoor unit further includes a self-cleaning device 50. The self-cleaning device 50 is detachably connected to the case 101 and is configured to clean dust from the filter 40.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the self-cleaning device 50 includes a reel 52. The reel 52 is rotatable relative to the case 101. The reel 52 is connected to the first end of the filter 40, and the rotation of the reel 52 moves the filter 40 between a first position, i.e., the unfolded position, and a second position, i.e., the retracted position.

[0038] For example, when the filter 40 is in the first position, the filter 40 covers the air inlet 102 and is located between the air inlet 102 and the indoor heat exchanger 105, filtering out dust and other particles from the air. When the filter 40 is in the second position, the filter 40 is wound onto the reel 52.

[0039] In some embodiments, the self-cleaning device 50 further includes a tension assembly 57. The tension assembly 57 is provided in close proximity to the reel 52. The tension assembly 57 is connected to the second end of the filter 40 and is advantageous in maintaining the smooth movement of the filter 40 by applying a force to the filter 40 as the filter 40 moves between the first and second positions, thereby holding the filter 40 in a tensioned state.

[0040] For example, when the filter 40 is in the first position, the tension assembly 57 applies a tensile force to the second end of the filter 40 so as to maintain the tensioned state when the filter 40 is in the first position. For example, when the filter 40 is in the second position, the tension assembly 57 applies a tensile force to the second end of the filter 40 so as to maintain the tensioned state when the filter 40 is in the second position.

[0041] The tension assembly 57 can maintain tension when the filter 40 is in the first and second positions, which can be seen as advantageous in that it facilitates cleaning the filter 40 from the self-cleaning device 50 and improves the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the simple structure of the reel 52 and tension assembly 57 is advantageous in simplifying the structure of the self-cleaning device 50 and reduces the space occupied by the self-cleaning device 50 within the case 101. In addition, by installing it as described above, the length of the filter 40 can be shortened, which is advantageous in reducing production costs.

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the self-cleaning device 50 further includes a base 51. The base 51 is removably connected to the case 101.

[0043] In some embodiments, the self-cleaning device 50 further includes a cleaning brush assembly 53. The reel 52 and the cleaning brush assembly 53 are rotatably connected to the base 51. The reel 52 and the cleaning brush assembly 53 extend along the longitudinal direction B of the case 101. The cleaning brush assembly 53 is located on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the reel 52 and is configured to clean dust on the filter 40 as the filter 40 moves between a first position and a second position.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the base 51 includes a cleaning cavity 55. A cleaning brush assembly 53 is provided within the cleaning cavity 55.

[0045] In some embodiments, the top of the cleaning cavity 55 is open to form a first opening 551. The reel 52 is provided in the first opening 551.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the bottom of the cleaning cavity 55 is open to form a second opening 552. The self-cleaning device 50 further comprises a housing 54. The housing 54 is located in the second opening 552 and is positioned opposite the cleaning brush assembly 53. The housing 54 is positioned to contain the dust that the cleaning brush assembly has cleaned from the filter 40.

[0047] During the cleaning process by the self-cleaning device 50, at least a portion of the cleaning brush assembly 53 comes into contact with the filter 40, and as the filter 40 is wound onto and unwound from the reel 52, the cleaning brush assembly 53 and the filter 40 move relative to each other. The cleaning brush assembly 53 can clean different areas of the filter 40, and the cleaning brush assembly 53 can collect and contain the dust it has cleaned from the filter 40.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the self-cleaning device 50 further includes a first bracket 56. The first bracket 56 is located within the case 101, and the first end of the first bracket 56 is close to the reel 52, i.e., close to the base 51. A tension assembly 57 is provided on the first bracket 56. The filter 40 is movable along the first bracket 56 between a first position and a second position, in other words, the filter 40 is movable relative to the first bracket 56 along a predetermined trajectory on the first bracket 56.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, when the filter 40 is in the first position, the filter 40 is located on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the first bracket 56 along the thickness direction H of the first bracket 56, as shown in Figure 5, and the second end of the filter 40 abuts against the second end of the first bracket 56 away from the reel 52, so that the filter 40 is laid on the first bracket 56 and positioned between the air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0050] As the filter 40 moves from a first position to a second position under the action of the reel 52 and the tension assembly 57, the filter 40 moves toward the reel 52 relative to the first bracket 56 and is wound around the outer circumference of the reel 52. For example, when the filter 40 is in the second position, at least a portion of the filter 40 is wound around the outer circumference of the reel 52.

[0051] As a result, the first bracket 56 is used to mount the tension assembly 57 and the filter 40, providing positional constraint and support to the filter 40, which is advantageous in improving the stability and reliability of the filter 40's movement.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the tension assembly 57 includes a tension assembly body 571, which is provided on the first bracket 56.

[0053] In some embodiments, the tension assembly 57 further includes a connecting wire 572. The first end of the connecting wire 572 is connected to the tension assembly body 571 and is movable relative to the tension assembly body 571. The second end of the connecting wire 572 is connected to the second end of the filter 40. The tension assembly body 571 is configured to apply an acting force to the connecting wire 572 such that the connecting wire 572 applies a tensile force to the filter 40, thereby putting the filter 40 into a tensioned state.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first bracket 56 includes a plurality of guide shafts 561.

[0055] For example, the multiple guide shafts 561 include a first guide shaft 5611. The first guide shaft 5611 is provided at the second end of the first bracket. When the filter 40 is in the second position, the second end of the connecting wire 572 bypasses the first guide shaft 5611 and connects to the second end of the filter 40.

[0056] For example, the multiple guide shafts 561 further include a second guide shaft 5612. The second guide shaft 5612 is located between the first guide shaft 5611 and the reel 52. When the filter 40 is in the second position, the second end of the connecting wire 572 is connected to the second end of the filter 40, bypassing the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612.

[0057] The first guide shaft 5611 protrudes from the side of the first bracket 56 along the longitudinal direction B of the case 101, and the second guide shaft 5612 protrudes from the side of the first bracket 56 along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56. The first guide shaft 5611, the second guide shaft 5612, and the tension assembly 57 are provided on the same side of the first bracket 56.

[0058] When the filter 40 is in the first position, the second end of the connecting wire 572 bypasses the first guide shaft 5611 and connects to the second end of the filter 40, applying a tensile force to the second end of the filter 40, thereby maintaining tension in the first position. As the filter 40 moves from the first position to the second position, the force applied to the filter 40 by the reel 52 is greater than the tensile force applied to the filter 40 by the connecting wire 572, so the filter 40 is wound onto the outer circumference of the reel 52, the second end of the filter 40 moves along the first bracket 56 to a position closer to the reel 52, and the second end of the connecting wire 572 bypasses the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 and connects to the filter 40. The connecting wire 572 stretches as the filter 40 moves, maintaining tension in the second position, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming during the winding of the filter 40, and helping to extend the service life of the filter 40.

[0059] As can be understood, the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 provide guidance for the connecting wire 572 as it moves with the filter 40, and facilitate the repositioning of the connecting wire 572, which is advantageous in improving the stability of the movement of the connecting wire 572 and the filter 40, and prevents the connecting wire 572 from becoming entangled during movement.

[0060] In some embodiments, the tension assembly 57 includes one or more tension assembly bodies 571.

[0061] In some embodiments, the tension assembly 57 includes one or more connecting wires 572 corresponding to one or more tension assembly bodies 571. The tension assembly bodies 571 are provided on at least one side along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 are cylindrical, that is, the cross-sections of the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 are circular.

[0063] Furthermore, since the connecting wire 572 experiences friction with the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 during its movement, installing the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 on a cylindrical body reduces the frictional force between the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 and the connecting wire 572, which is advantageous in improving the smoothness of the movement of the filter 40 and extending the service life of the connecting wire 572. The first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 can also easily guide the connecting wire 572 to change its direction of movement.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide shaft 5611 is smaller than that of the second guide shaft 5612. The first guide shaft 5611 is located at the end of the first bracket 56 away from the reel 52, and when the connecting wire 572 bypasses the first guide shaft 5611, the angle of motion changes by approximately 180°. Therefore, a smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide shaft 5611 is advantageous for changing the direction of the connecting wire 572.

[0065] When the second guide shaft 5612 is located between the first guide shaft 5611 and the reel 52, the change in the angle of motion of the connecting wire 572 when it bypasses the second guide shaft 5612 is less than 90°. Therefore, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide shaft 5612 is relatively large, it is advantageous for the connecting wire 572 to rotate at a relatively small angle (for example, an angle less than 90°).

[0066] Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide shaft 5611 is smaller than that of the second guide shaft 5612, the movement of the connecting wire 572 can be made more stable and smoother.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the tension assembly body 571 includes a second bracket 5711 (i.e., a telescopic bracket). The second bracket 5711 is provided on the first bracket 56.

[0068] In some embodiments, the tension assembly body 571 further includes a connector 5712 (i.e., a stretch connector). The connector 5712 is located within a second bracket 5711. The first end of the connecting wire 572 is wound around the connector 5712. The connector 5712 is configured to apply force to the connecting wire 572 such that the direction of the tensile force that the connecting wire 572 exerts on the filter 40 is opposite to the direction of the tensile force that the reel 52 exerts on the filter 40.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the second bracket 5711 includes a first housing cavity 5710. The connector 5712 is mounted in the first housing cavity 5710. A through hole is formed in the side wall of the second bracket 5711 corresponding to the connecting wire 572, and the first end of the connecting wire 572 is located in the first housing cavity 5710 and connected to the connector 5712, and the second end of the connecting wire 572 passes through the through hole so as to be connected to the filter 40.

[0070] For example, the connector 5712 includes an elastic member and is switchable between a first state, i.e., a contracted state, and a second state, i.e., an extended state, with the first end of the connecting wire 572 being wound around the connector 5712 and the second end of the connecting wire 572 being connected to the filter 40.

[0071] When the filter 40 is in the first position, the connector 5712 is in the first state, and a portion of the connecting wire 572 is wrapped around the connector 5712 and located inside the second bracket 5711. A portion of the connecting wire 572 located outside the second bracket 5711 bypasses the first guide shaft 5611 and connects to the filter 40.

[0072] When the filter 40 is in the second position, the connector 5712 is in the second state, and the portion of the connecting wire 572 wound around the connector 5712 is unwound by the tensile force of the reel 52, the portion of the connecting wire 572 located outside the second bracket 5711 becomes longer, and this portion bypasses the first guide shaft 5611 and the second guide shaft 5612 and connects to the filter 40.

[0073] As a result, the second bracket 5711 is configured to mount the connector 5712 and the connecting wire 572, and the second bracket 5711 can provide protection to the connector 5712, which is advantageous in improving the operational stability of the connector 5712 and the connecting wire 572. The connector 5712 is adjustable in length for the connecting wire 572 located outside the second bracket 5711, and can continuously apply tensile force to the filter 40, keeping the filter 40 under tension.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, along the thickness direction H of the first bracket 56, the surface of the first bracket 56 facing the filter 40 is recessed away from the filter 40 to form a first housing groove 562, which opens toward the filter 40. The tension assembly 57 is provided within the first housing groove 562.

[0075] As can be understood, the first housing groove 562 can provide protection to the tension assembly 57 to facilitate the stable operation of the tension assembly 57. Placing the tension assembly 57 within the first housing groove 562 is advantageous in improving the integration of the first bracket 56 and the tension assembly 57, and simplifies the structure of the self-cleaning device 50.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the indoor unit 1 further includes a gripping member 41. The gripping member 41 extends along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56. The gripping member 41 is connected to the second end of the filter 40 so that the filter 40 maintains a tensioned state along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56. The gripping member 41 is also connected to a connecting wire 572. For example, one end of the gripping member 41 along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56 is provided with a connecting portion that connects to the connecting wire 572. Thus, as the filter 40 and the connecting wire 572 move relative to the first bracket 56, the gripping member 41 moves relative to the first bracket 56 in accordance with the movement of the filter 40.

[0077] As can be understood, the installation of the gripping member 41 makes it easier for the filter 40 to maintain a tensioned state in the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56, and the connection between the gripping member 41 and the tension assembly 57 makes it easier for the tension assembly 57 to apply tensile force to the filter 40 via the gripping member 41, ensuring that the filter 40 maintains a tensioned state in the direction of motion, and further ensuring the filtering effect of the filter 40 on dust in the air.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the first bracket 56 further includes a first bracket body 563. The first bracket body 563 is provided between the air inlet 102 and the indoor heat exchanger 105.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first bracket 56 further includes a first mounting portion 564, which is a first mounting plate. The first bracket 56 further includes a second mounting portion 565, which is a second mounting plate. The first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565 are connected to both sides of the case 101 of the first bracket body 563 along the longitudinal direction B.

[0080] In some embodiments, recesses 566 are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565. The recesses 566 of the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565 extend along the extending direction of the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565, respectively. Both ends of the gripping member 41 in the longitudinal direction are located within the recesses 566 of the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565, respectively, and the gripping member 41 is movable within the recesses 566 when the filter 40 moves between the first and second positions.

[0081] For example, the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565 extend along the direction of motion of the filter 40, and the surface of the first mounting portion 564 facing the second mounting portion 565 is recessed toward the direction away from the second mounting portion 565 to form a recess 566, and the recess 566 extends along the direction of extension of the first mounting portion 564 (i.e., the direction of motion of the filter 40). The surface of the second mounting portion 565 facing the first mounting portion 564 is recessed toward the direction away from the first mounting portion 564 to form a recess 566, and the recess 566 extends along the direction of extension of the second mounting portion 565 (i.e., the direction of motion of the filter 40). The recess 566 of the first mounting portion 564 and the recess 566 of the second mounting portion 565 face each other along the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first bracket body 563 is formed with a vent 5631 (i.e., an opening) to facilitate ventilation. The vent 5631 penetrates the first bracket body 563 along the thickness direction H of the first bracket 56. When the filter 40 is in the first position, the filter 40 covers the vent 5631 corresponding to the position of the first bracket body 563.

[0083] As can be understood, by providing the first mounting portion 564 and the second mounting portion 565, the recess 566 of the filter 40 and the gripping member 41 can be easily attached, and the movement of the gripping member 41 can be guided, thereby improving the stability of the fit between the gripping member 41 and the first bracket 56, improving the stability of the filter 40 when it moves relative to the first bracket body 563, and preventing the filter 40 from falling off the first bracket 56. The gripping member 41 maintains a tension state in the longitudinal direction B of the first bracket 56 during the movement of the filter 40, so that the filter 40 can filter dust from the air.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the first bracket 56 further includes a plurality of partition members 569. The plurality of partition members 569 are provided within the ventilation opening 5631 and are spaced apart along the direction of motion of the filter 40. The partition members 569 extend in the longitudinal direction B of the case 101.

[0085] The multiple partition members 569 divide the vent 5631 into multiple sub-vents 5632 (i.e., sub-openings), and when the filter 40 is in the first position, the gripping member 41 moves to one end of the first bracket 56 away from the reel 52, so that the filter 40 covers the multiple sub-vents 5632, allowing the filter 40 to filter dust from the air. The multiple partition members 569 jointly support the filter 40, and the uniform force distribution on the first bracket 56 is advantageous for improving the reliability of the first bracket 56.

[0086] When the filter 40 is in the second position, the filter 40 is wound onto the reel 52, so that the filter 40 and the gripping member 41 avoid the multiple sub-vents 5632.

[0087] In this way, with multiple sub-vents 5632 open, the air entering the air inlet 102 can enter the case 101 without passing through the filter 40, which is advantageous for increasing the intake volume.

[0088] As can be understood, providing multiple partition members 569 to the first bracket 56 is advantageous in improving the structural strength of the first bracket 56, improving the support capacity of the first bracket 56 for the filter 40, and further improving the stability of the movement of the filter 40.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the first bracket body 563 includes a first segment 567. The first segment 567 extends horizontally.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first bracket body 563 further includes a second segment 568. Along the direction of movement of the filter 40, the first end of the second segment 568 is provided close to the reel, the second end of the second segment 568 (e.g., the rear end) is connected to the first end of the first segment 567 (e.g., the front end), and the second end of the first segment 567 extends horizontally (e.g., horizontally toward the rear).

[0091] The first mounting portion 564 conforms to the shape of the first segment 567 and the second segment 568, and the second mounting portion 565 conforms to the shape of the first segment 567 and the second segment 568.

[0092] For example, an angle is formed between the first segment 567 and the second segment 568. The first segment 567 extends horizontally, the rear end of the second segment 568 is connected to the front end of the first segment 567, and the front end of the second segment 568 extends diagonally downward to a position close to the reel.

[0093] In some embodiments, the multiple partition members 569 include a first partition member 5691. The first partition member 5691 is provided on the first segment 567 and is located at one end of the first segment 567 away from the reel 52.

[0094] In some embodiments, the multiple partition members 569 further include a second partition member 5692. The second partition member 5692 is located at the connection point between the first segment 567 and the second segment 568.

[0095] In some embodiments, the multiple partition members 569 further include a third partition member 5693, where the first partition member 5691 is further from the reel than the third partition member 5693, and the second partition member 5692 is located between the first partition member 5691 and the third partition member 5693. The third partition member 5693 is provided on the second segment 568 and is located at one end of the first bracket body 563 that is close to the reel 52.

[0096] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second partition member 5692 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third partition member 5693, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third partition member 5693 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first partition member 5691.

[0097] This makes it easier to attach the filter 40 to the first bracket 56. The structural strength of the first bracket 56 can be improved by installing the first partition member 5691, the second partition member 5692, and the third partition member 5693. Increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the second partition member 5692 is advantageous in improving the connection strength between the first segment 567 and the second segment 568.

[0098] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 1 includes two self-cleaning devices 50. The two self-cleaning devices 50 are spaced apart within the case 101 along the longitudinal direction B of the case 101. The self-cleaning devices 50 approach the front side of the case 101 and are detachably connected between the base 51 of the self-cleaning device 50 and the case 101. The method of detachable connection between the base 51 and the case 101 includes, but is not limited to, engagement, insertion, and screw connections.

[0099] The reel 52 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise by the motor. For example, when the reel 52 rotates clockwise, the filter 40 moves from the second position to the first position, and during the movement of the filter 40, the filter 40 maintains tension by utilizing the elastic contraction capability of the tension assembly body 571 inside the tension assembly 57.

[0100] As the filter 40 moves from the first position to the second position, the reel 52 rotates counterclockwise, causing the filter 40 to be wound onto the reel 52. In this case, the force applied to the filter 40 by the reel 52 can overcome the tensile force applied to the filter 40 by the tension assembly 57, thereby winding the filter 40 and maintaining tension, making it easier for the cleaning brush assembly 53 to clean the filter 40, simplifying the structure of the tension assembly 57, facilitating optimization of the internal space of the base 51, and improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the base 51.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the indoor unit 1 further includes a panel 500. The panel 500 is detachably connected to the case 101 and is configured to protect assemblies such as the indoor heat exchanger 105 and the fan assembly 106. For example, the panel 500 is located on the front side of the case 101.

[0102] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the self-cleaning device 50 (filter self-cleaning module) is removably mounted inside the case 101, and the housing 54 is removably connected to the cleaning brush assembly 53 (filter cleaning unit). In this way, after removing the panel 500 from the case 101, exposing the self-cleaning device 50 forward makes it easier to remove the self-cleaning device 50 from the case 101 and to clean the dust contained in the housing 54 (dust housing unit).

[0103] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10 and 13, the case 101 includes at least one mounting portion 20. The mounting portion 20 is part of one side wall of the case 101 facing the panel 500. The mounting portion 20 is recessed away from the panel 500 to form a mounting cavity 21. The mounting cavity 21 is open toward the panel 500.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the indoor unit 1 further includes at least one mating assembly 100. The at least one mating assembly 100 is provided corresponding to at least one mounting cavity 21. The panel 500 is removably connected to the case 101 via at least one mating assembly 100.

[0105] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 11, the panel 500 includes a panel body 510. The panel 500 includes at least one engaging portion 520 (i.e., a pivot hook). The at least one engaging portion 520 is provided on the surface of the panel body 510 that is adjacent to the case 101 and corresponds to at least one mating assembly 100. The at least one engaging portion 520 is provided in correspondence with at least one mating assembly 100 so as to removably connect the panel 500 to the case 101.

[0106] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the mounting portion 20 is located on the top of the case 101 and the engaging portion 520 is located on the top of the panel body 510. When the panel 500 is opened, the panel 500 rotates above the case 101 by rotating around the end of the engaging portion 520 as the axis of rotation.

[0107] Since the mounting portion 20 is located on the upper part of the case 101 and the engaging portion 520 is located on the upper part of the panel 500, the rotation angle of the panel 500 can be increased, and by rotating the panel 500 upwards on the case 101, cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of the internal components of the case 101 are made easier.

[0108] For the sake of explanation, as shown in Figure 10, the width direction (i.e., front-to-back direction) of the indoor unit 1 will be referred to as the first direction A, the length direction (i.e., left-to-right direction) of the indoor unit 1 will be referred to as the second direction B, and the height direction (i.e., up-and-down direction) of the indoor unit 1 will be referred to as the third direction C.

[0109] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the mating assembly 100 includes a slider 10. The slider 10 is located within a mounting cavity 21 and is configured to mate with the mounting cavity 21 and move between a third position and a fourth position relative to the case 101.

[0110] For example, the slider 10 is movable within the mounting cavity 21 along the first direction A.

[0111] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the slider 10 includes a slider body 18. At least one first hole 11 (i.e., a pivot hole) is formed in the side wall of the slider body 18. At least one first hole 11 corresponds to at least one engaging portion 520. The engaging portion 520 is provided within the first hole 11 and is rotatable relative to the first hole 11.

[0112] For example, the first hole 11 is located in the side wall of the mounting cavity 21 along the second direction B, and penetrates the side wall of the mounting cavity 21 along the second direction B.

[0113] When the slider 10 is in the third position, the end of the panel 500 that closes the front engaging portion 520 of the case 101 is located within the first hole 11, and the engaging portion 520 is rotatable relative to the first hole 11. When the engaging portion 520 rotates within the first hole 11, driving the panel 500 to rotate and opening the front of the case 101, the slider 10 moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0114] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the slider 10 further includes a first position limiting portion 12 (first slider position limiting structure). The first position limiting portion 12 is provided on the outer wall of the slider body 18 along the second direction B and protrudes from the outer wall of the slider body 18.

[0115] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the case 101 further includes a first fitting portion 22 (first mounting position limiting structure). The first fitting portion 22 is provided on the inner wall surface of the mounting portion 20 along the second direction B (the inner wall surface of the mounting cavity 21). The first fitting portion 22 is located on the side of the first position limiting portion 12 that approaches the panel 500. The first fitting portion 22 is configured to apply a force to the fitting portion such that the fitting portion 520 disengages from engagement with the first hole 11 when the fitting portion 520 rotates, and is configured to abut against the first fitting portion 22 so as the slider 10 moves to the fourth position, the slider 10 does not escape from the mounting cavity 21.

[0116] In this way, when the slider 10 moves to the fourth position, the mating portion 520 releases its engagement with the first hole 11 through the action of the first mating portion 22, thereby allowing the panel 500 to be removed from the case 101, and the first position limiting portion 12 abuts against the first mating portion 22 to prevent the slider 10 from coming out of the mounting cavity 21.

[0117] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 16, 23, and 24, a portion of the end of the engaging portion 520 provided within the first hole 11 is configured as a third guide portion 521 (inclined surface). The third guide portion 521 is positioned to engage with the first fitting portion 22 when the fitting portion 520 rotates, causing the end of the fitting portion 520 located within the first hole 11 to disengage from the first hole 11.

[0118] For example, when the mating portion 520 rotates, the third guide portion 521 rotates due to the drive of the mating portion 520 and presses against the first mating portion 22. Then, the third guide portion 521 deforms due to the reaction force of the first mating portion 22 and detaches from the first hole 11.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the slider 10 is in the third position, one end of the slider 10 away from the panel 500 and the inner wall of the mounting portion 20 away from the panel 500 abut against the first fitting portion 22, the first position limiting portion 12 is located on the side approaching the panel 500, the end of the fitting portion 520 is located within the first hole 11, and the panel 500 is closed. When the slider 10 is in the fourth position, the slider 10 is separated from the inner wall of the mounting portion 20 away from the panel 500, and the first position limiting portion 12 abuts against the first fitting portion 22 to prevent the slider 10 from coming out of the mounting cavity 21.

[0120] Furthermore, the mating assembly 100 simplifies the installation and removal of the panel 500, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the panel 500's movement relative to the case 101 and facilitating operation by service personnel.

[0121] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15, the case 101 further includes a second fitting portion 23 (second mounting position limiting structure). The second fitting portion 23 is provided on the inner top wall of the mounting portion 20 (top wall of the mounting cavity 21), and the second fitting portion 23 is an elastic member, which allows a downward force to be applied to the slider 10, which is advantageous in improving the stability of the movement of the slider 10 within the mounting cavity 21.

[0122] For example, the fixed end of the second fitting portion 23 is fixedly connected to the inner top wall of the mounting portion 20, and the free end of the second fitting portion 23 extends away from the panel 500. The free end of the second fitting portion 23 is elastically deformable along the third direction C more than its fixed end.

[0123] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the slider 10 further includes a second position limiting portion 13 (second slider position limiting structure). The second position limiting portion 13 is located on the top of the slider body 18 and corresponds to the position of the second fitting portion 23. When the slider 10 is in the third position, the second position limiting portion 13 abuts against the side of the second fitting portion 23 away from the panel 500, thereby preventing the slider 10 from disengaging from the mounting cavity 21.

[0124] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, the engaging portion 520 includes a contact portion 522 (projection). The contact portion 522 is provided on the side wall of the engaging portion 520 that approaches the top wall of the mounting cavity 21. For example, the contact portion 522 is provided on the top wall of the engaging portion 520.

[0125] As the engaging portion 520 rotates within the first hole 11, the panel 500 is driven to open the front side of the case 101. This causes one end of the engaging portion 520 approaching the panel body to move upward, which drives the contact portion 522 to move upward. In this case, the contact portion 522 and the top wall contact portion 522 of the mounting portion 20 exert an upward force in one direction on the top wall of the mounting portion 20. At the same time, the fitting portion 520 applies a downward reaction force to the slider 10. This reaction force causes the slider 10 to move downward, separating the second position limiting portion 13 and the second fitting portion 23. This releases the position limiting effect of the second fitting portion 23 on the second position limiting portion 13, allowing the slider 10 to move from the third position to the fourth position along the first direction A.

[0126] As a result, the second fitting portion 23 and the second position limiting portion 13 can achieve a position limiting effect on the slider 10 by the mounting cavity 21, and when the slider 10 is in the third position, it will not slide out of the mounting cavity 21 due to factors such as gravity. In addition, the contact portion 522 of the fitting portion 520 abuts against the top wall of the mounting cavity 21, making it easier to transmit the force acting on the fitting portion 520 to the slider 10, releasing the position limit of the second fitting portion 23 relative to the second position limiting portion 13, and making it easier to move the slider 10 from the third position to the fourth position.

[0127] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15, the side wall of the mounting portion 20 away from the panel 500 is open in part with the side wall of the mounting cavity 21 away from the panel 500 to form a third opening 25.

[0128] In some embodiments, a portion of the bottom wall of the mounting portion 20 is open to form a fourth opening 26, which communicates with the third opening 25.

[0129] In some embodiments, the case 101 further includes a third fitting portion 24 (third mounting position limiting structure). The third fitting portion 24 is connected to the bottom wall of the mounting portion 20 and is located within the fourth opening 26.

[0130] For example, the first end of the third fitting portion 24 is connected to the bottom wall of the case 101, and the second end of the third fitting portion 24 extends away from the panel 500. The third fitting portion 24 is elastically deformable.

[0131] In some embodiments, the third fitting portion 24 is provided at a distance from the top wall of the third opening 25 (the lower end of the rear wall of the mounting portion 20).

[0132] For example, the third opening 25, the fourth opening 26, and the third fitting portion 24 define the second hole 27 (restricting hole). For example, the third fitting portion 24 and the top wall of the third opening 25 are spaced apart to define the second hole 27. The fourth opening 26 communicates with the third opening 25, for example, and forms the second hole 27.

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17, the slider 10 includes a third position limiting portion 14 (third slider position limiting structure). The third position limiting portion 14 is provided at the bottom of the slider body 18 and fits into the second hole 27.

[0134] For example, when the slider 10 is in the third position, the third position limiting portion 14 is located inside the second hole 27, and the second end of the third fitting portion 24 abuts against the third position limiting portion 14.

[0135] For example, when the slider 10 moves downward due to the force acting from the fitting portion 520, the third fitting portion 24 also receives a downward force and moves downward by elastically deforming along the third direction C, thereby releasing the contact between the third fitting portion 24 and the third position limiting portion 14, and separating the third position limiting portion 14 from the second hole 27.

[0136] As a result, the third opening 25, the fourth opening 26, and the third fitting portion 24 of the mounting cavity 21 together define a second hole 27 that engages with the third position limiting portion 14. When the slider 10 is in the third position, the third fitting portion 24 can act as a limiting force on the slider 10 to prevent it from coming out of the mounting cavity 21, and the third fitting portion 24 can be elastically deformed to allow the slider 10 to move from the third position to the fourth position.

[0137] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 18, the fitting assembly 100 further includes at least one elastic member 107. The elastic member 107 is provided between the side wall of the mounting portion 20 away from the panel 500, i.e., the side wall of the mounting cavity 21 away from the panel 500, and the slider 10, and extends along a first direction A. The first end of the elastic member 107 abuts against the rear wall of the mounting portion 20, and the second end of the elastic member 107 abuts against the slider 10. The elastic member 107 is configured to apply a force toward the panel 500 to the slider 10.

[0138] When the slider 10 is in the third position, the second position limiting portion 13 and the second fitting portion 23 come into contact with the third position limiting portion 14 and the third fitting portion 24, thereby limiting and fixing the slider 10 within the mounting cavity 21, and the elastic member 107 is in a compressed state.

[0139] When the slider 10 receives a downward force under the action of the fitting portion 520, the second position limiting portion 13 and the second fitting portion 23 separate, the third position limiting portion 14 and the third fitting portion 24 separate, the elastic member 107 transitions from a compressed state to a second state, and the slider 10 moves in a direction toward the panel 500 under the force of the elastic member 107.

[0140] When the slider 10 moves to the fourth position, the first position limiting portion 12 and the first fitting portion 22 stop the movement of the slider 10.

[0141] As a result, by providing an elastic member 107 between the rear wall of the mounting portion 20 and the slider 10, it is not necessary to apply additional force to the slider 10 during the process of the slider 10 moving from the third position to the fourth position, making it easier for maintenance personnel to open the panel 500 and improving the convenience of removing and installing the panel 500 and the case 101.

[0142] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, at least one second accommodating groove 15 is formed in the side wall of the slider 10 that approaches the elastic member 107. The second accommodating groove 15 opens toward the direction approaching the elastic member 107 and is recessed toward the direction away from the elastic member 107. The second end of the elastic member 107 abuts against the bottom of the second accommodating groove 15.

[0143] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the case 101 further includes at least one first guide portion 28. The first guide portion 28 is provided on the rear wall of the mounting portion 20 and extends toward the panel 500. The first guide portion 28 engages with the second housing groove 15.

[0144] For example, the shape of the second housing groove 15 is adapted to the shape of the first guide portion 28 so that the first guide portion 28 fits into the second housing groove 15 when the slider 10 is in the third position.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first guide portion 28 includes a first sub-guide portion 281 (guide groove). The first end of the elastic member 107 abuts against the first sub-guide portion 281.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first subguide portion 281 is a guide groove, for example, the side of the first guide portion 28 facing the panel 500 is open to form the guide groove. The first end of the elastic member 107 abuts against the bottom of the guide groove.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first guide portion 28 further includes a second sub-guide portion 282 (guide post). The second sub-guide portion 282 is located at the bottom of the groove of the first sub-guide portion 281 and extends toward the panel 500. The elastic member 107 is fitted into the first sub-guide portion 281 and is fitted to the outside of the second sub-guide portion 282.

[0148] For example, the second sub-guide portion 282 is cylindrical, and a part of the groove bottom of the first sub-guide portion 281 protrudes in a direction approaching the panel 500 to form the second sub-guide portion 282.

[0149] As a result, by providing the second housing groove 15 and the first guide portion 28, the sliding fitting between the slider 10 and the mounting portion 20 is facilitated, which is advantageous in improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the slider 10 within the mounting cavity 21.

[0150] The first sub-guide portion 281 is configured to accommodate the elastic member 107, and is configured to exert a position-limiting effect and a protective effect on the elastic member 107. The second sub-guide portion 282 may be in the direction of deformation guidance for the elastic member 107, which facilitates the deformation process of the elastic member 107, prevents twisting or bending of the elastic member 107, prevents irreversible deformation of the elastic member 107, and thereby extends the service life of the elastic member 107 and improves the motion stability of the fitting assembly 100.

[0151] The installation process of the fitting assembly 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 17.

[0152] First, the elastic member 107 is fitted to the outside of the second sub-guide portion 282, and the slider 10 is pushed into the mounting cavity 21 along the first direction A. As the slider 10 moves within the mounting cavity 21 in the direction of approaching the elastic member 107 along the first direction A, the first position limiting portion 12 of the slider 10 moves relative to the first fitting portion 22, causing the first fitting portion 22 to elastically deform away from the slider 10. As the second position limiting portion 13 moves relative to the second fitting portion 23, the second fitting portion 23 elastically deforms upward. As the third position limiting portion 14 moves relative to the third fitting portion 24, the third fitting portion 24 elastically deforms downward, causing the slider 10 to slide into the mounting cavity 21.

[0153] Subsequently, when the slider 10 moves to the third position, the slider 10 and the rear wall of the mounting portion 20 come into contact with the elastic member 107 and are compressed. The first fitting portion 22, the second fitting portion 23, and the third fitting portion 24 return to their original positions, and the second fitting portion 23 and the second position limiting portion 13 come into contact with the third fitting portion 24 and the third position limiting portion 14, thereby removably attaching the slider 10 to the mounting cavity 21.

[0154] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, the engaging portion 520 further includes a first support portion 523 (engaging portion support structure). The first support portion 523 is provided on the side wall of the engaging portion 520 along the second direction B.

[0155] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the slider 10 further includes a second support portion 16 (slider support structure). The second support portion 16 is provided on the inner wall of the slider 10 along the second direction B. The second support portion 16 protrudes inward from the slider 10 and extends in the first direction A. The second support portion 16 is configured to provide support to the first support portion 523 and may be provided to the second support portion 16 via the first support portion 523 during the process of opening the panel 500, thereby facilitating inspection of the indoor unit by maintenance personnel.

[0156] For example, when the engaging portion 520 drives the panel 500 to open the front side of the case 101, the lower surface of the first support portion 523 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second support portion 16.

[0157] As a result, the first support portion 523 and the second support portion 16 fit together, allowing the second support portion 16 to support the first support portion 523, making it easier for the panel 500 to stop in a predetermined position when it opens, and facilitating operation by service personnel.

[0158] In some embodiments, the slider 10 further includes a fifth opening 17. The fifth opening 17 is provided in the side wall of the slider body 18 along the second direction B and penetrates the side wall of the slider body 18. The fifth opening 17 is located above the second support portion 16 and opens toward the panel 500, thereby allowing the second support portion 16 to be elastically deformed along the third direction C.

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the case 101 further includes at least one second guide portion 29 (guide rib). The at least one second guide portion 29 is provided on at least one side wall of the mounting portion 20 (mounting cavity 21). The second guide portion 29 extends along a first direction A and supports the slider 10 so as to be movable along the extending direction of the second guide portion 29.

[0160] For example, the second guide portion 29 is provided on the side wall of the mounting portion 20 along the second direction B and protrudes toward the interior of the mounting cavity 21.

[0161] For example, the slider is provided on at least one second guide portion and is movable along the width direction of the case with respect to the at least one second guide portion.

[0162] As a result, the second guide portion 29 can provide guiding and supporting functions when the slider 10 moves along the first direction A within the mounting cavity 21, and can provide a position-restricting function to the slider 10 in the third direction C, thereby helping to improve the stability of the slider 10's movement within the mounting cavity 21.

[0163] The operating principle of the mating assembly 100 will be explained below with reference to Figures 18 and 20 to 24.

[0164] First, when the panel 500 is in the closed position, the slider 10 is located within the mounting cavity 21 and is in the third position. The elastic member 107 is in a compressed state, and the engaging portion 520 is fitted and connected to the first hole 11.

[0165] When the panel 500 is opened, the engaging portion 520 rotates around the end portion provided in the first hole 11 as its axis of rotation. In the process of the panel 500 opening upward due to the action of an external force, the contact portion 522 of the fitting portion 520 and the top wall of the mounting portion 20 are prevented from contacting the top wall of the mounting portion 20, and the top wall of the mounting portion 20 receives the force from the contact portion 522, causing the second fitting portion 23 to move upward due to the action of this force, thereby releasing contact with the second position limiting portion 13.

[0166] In this case, when the engaging portion 520 receives a downward reaction force, this reaction force is transmitted to the slider 10 through the first hole 11, causing the slider 10 to receive a downward force. The third fitting portion 24 moves downward due to the downward force acting in that direction, thereby releasing contact with the third position limiting portion 14.

[0167] Next, the slider 10 is no longer restricted by the second and third fitting portions 23 and 24 and can move along the first direction A. When the elastic member 107 releases its elastic energy, it changes from the compressed state to the second state and, under the action of the elastic member 107, moves along the first direction A within the mounting cavity 21 toward the panel 500. The third guide portion 521 of the fitting portion 520 contacts and engages with the first fitting portion 22, and the fitting portion 520 retracts toward the interior of the slider 10 and disengages from the first hole 11 of the slider 10, completing the removal of the panel 500.

[0168] After the panel 500 is released, the elastic member 107 moves in a direction approaching the panel 500 until the first position limiting portion 12 and the first fitting portion 22 stop contacting the slider 10 with the first fitting portion 22.

[0169] When the panel 500 is attached to the case 101, the engaging portion 520 of the panel 500 is mounted inside the slider 10, and by applying force to the panel 500, the engaging portion 520 moves in a direction toward the elastic member 107. In this case, the slider 10 moves in a direction toward the elastic member 107 within the mounting cavity 21 due to the drive of the fitting portion 520, the first position limiting portion 12 and the first fitting portion 22 separate, the free end of the second fitting portion 23 deforms upward due to the action of the slider 10, the second position limiting portion 13 and the second fitting portion 23 come into contact, the third fitting portion 24 deforms downward due to the action of the slider 10, and the third position limiting portion 14 and the third fitting portion 24 come into contact. In this case, the elastic member 107 moves from the second state to a compressed state, the end of the engaging portion 520 is attached to the first hole 11 of the slider 10, the panel 500 is attached, and the panel is in a closed state.

[0170] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, at least one mounting section 20 includes two mounting sections 20. A mounting cavity 21 is defined within each of the two mounting sections 20. The two mounting sections 20 are positioned along the second direction B, approaching both ends (left and right ends) of the case 101.

[0171] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, at least one engaging portion 520 includes two engaging portions 520. The two engaging portions 520 are provided on the surface of the panel body 510 that is closer to the case 101 and correspond to the positions of the two mounting portions 20, respectively. For example, the two engaging portions 520 are located closer to both the left and right ends of the panel body 510, respectively.

[0172] In some embodiments, at least one mating assembly 100 includes two mating assemblies 100. The two engaging portions 520 are each detachably mated to two mounting portions 20 via two mating assemblies 100.

[0173] Furthermore, since the two mounting portions 20 are located close to the left and right ends of the case 101, the two engaging portions 520 correspond to the positions of the two mounting portions 20, facilitating the engagement of the mounting cavity 21 with the engaging portions 520 and improving the reliability of the connection between the panel 500 and the case 101.

[0174] Furthermore, the mounting portion 20 for attaching the panel 500 is formed from a part of the case 101, and in some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a mounting base, which is provided on the case 101 and is configured separately from the case 101. A mounting cavity 21 is defined within the mounting base 20A, and the structure and operation of the mounting base 20A are substantially the same as those of the mounting portion 20. In this way, if a failure or damage occurs to a part or structure within the mounting base 20A, it becomes easy to replace the mounting base 20A, improving the maintenance efficiency of the indoor unit and reducing maintenance costs.

[0175] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, a portion of the surface of the case 101 facing the panel 500 is recessed away from the panel 500 to form at least one second housing cavity 201, the second housing cavity 201 opening toward the panel 500.

[0176] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 and 13, the mating assembly 100 further includes a mounting base 20A provided in a second housing cavity 201, with a mounting cavity 21 defined within the mounting base 20A. The slider 10 is provided in the mounting cavity 21. Members or structures such as the first mating portion 22, the second mating portion 23, and the third mating portion 24 are provided on the mounting base 20A.

[0177] The structure of the mounting base 20A is almost the same as the structure of the mounting part 20, and the fitting method between the mounting base 20A and the slider 10 is the same as the fitting method between the mounting part 20 and the slider 10, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0178] As can be understood, providing a second housing cavity 201 in case 101 makes it easier to assemble the mounting base 20A. Providing a mounting cavity 21 makes it easier to assemble the slider 10 and is advantageous in improving the stability of the fit between the slider 10 and the mounting base 20A. In addition, by providing the mounting base 20A and case 101 as separate parts, the mounting base 20A can be replaced if a component or structure inside the mounting base 20A fails or is damaged, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency of the indoor unit and reducing maintenance costs.

[0179] The above description is for illustrative purposes only to illustrate specific embodiments of the Disclosure, and the scope of protection of the Disclosure should be included insofar as a person skilled in the art can conceive of any modification or substitution within the scope of the art disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the Disclosure shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] Indoor unit 1, case 101, air inlet 102, air outlet 103, indoor heat exchanger 105, fan assembly 106, elastic member 107, filter 40, gripping member 41, A mating assembly 100, a slider 10, a first hole 11, a first position limiting portion 12, a second position limiting portion 13, a third position limiting portion 14, a second support portion 16, a fifth opening 17, and a slider body 18. Mounting part 20, mounting base 20A, mounting cavity 21, first fitting part 22, second fitting part 23, third fitting part 24, third opening 25, fourth opening 26, second hole 27, first guide part 28, first sub-guide part 281, 21st sub-guide part 282, second guide part 29, Panel 500, panel body 510, engaging part 520, third guide part 521, contact part 522, first support part 523, Self-cleaning device 50, base 51, reel 52, cleaning brush assembly 53, housing section 54, first bracket 56, guide shaft 561, first bracket body 563, first mounting section 564, second mounting section 565, recess 566, first segment 567, second segment 568, partition member 569, tension assembly 57, tension assembly body 571, second bracket 5711, connector 5712, connecting wire 572

Claims

1. It is an air conditioner, Outdoor unit and Includes an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, The aforementioned indoor unit is A case including an air inlet and an air outlet, The indoor heat exchanger is provided within the case and configured to exchange heat with the circulating air, A fan assembly is provided on the side of the indoor heat exchanger away from the air inlet, and is configured to drive indoor air into the case from the air inlet, and to send out the air that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger from the air outlet, A filter configured to filter out dust from the air passing through the filter, The case includes a self-cleaning device that is detachably connected to the case, The self-cleaning device includes a reel and a tension assembly. The reel is connected to the first end of the filter and is configured to move the filter between a first position and a second position, such that when the filter is in the first position, the front filter is located between the air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger, and when the filter is in the second position, the filter is wound onto the reel. The tension assembly is connected to the second end of the filter and is configured to hold the filter under tension as the filter moves between the first and second positions.

2. The self-cleaning device further includes a first bracket, the first bracket being provided within the case, one end of the first bracket being provided in proximity to the reel, the tension assembly being provided on the first bracket, and the filter being movable along the first bracket between a first position and a second position, according to claim 1.

3. The tension assembly is installed in close proximity to the reel, The tension assembly body provided on the first bracket, The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the first end is connected to the tension assembly body and is movable relative to the tension assembly body, and the second end includes a connecting wire connected to the second end of the filter.

4. The first bracket is, A first guide shaft is provided at one end of the first bracket away from the reel, Including a second guide shaft located between the first guide shaft and the reel, The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein when the filter is in the second position, the second end of the connecting wire is connected to the second end of the filter, bypassing the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide shaft is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide shaft.

5. The tension assembly body is A second bracket provided on the first bracket, Including the connector provided within the second bracket, The first end of the connecting wire is wound around the connector. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the connector is configured to apply force to the connecting wire such that the direction of the tensile force applied by the connecting wire to the filter is opposite to the direction of the tensile force applied by the reel to the filter.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the surface of the first bracket facing the filter is recessed in a direction away from the filter to form a first housing groove, the first housing groove opens toward the filter, and the tension assembly is provided within the first housing groove.

7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the indoor unit further comprises a gripping member connected to the second end of the filter, and the tension assembly is connected to the gripping member.

8. The first bracket is, A first bracket body is provided between the air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger, includes a ventilation opening, and faces the filter in the first position, First mounting section and Including a second mounting portion, The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are connected to both sides of the first bracket body along the second direction, The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein recesses are formed on the mutually opposing surfaces of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and both ends of the gripping member are positioned in the recesses of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, respectively, and the gripping member is movable within the recesses when the filter moves between the first position and the second position.

9. The first bracket further includes a plurality of partition members provided in the ventilation opening and arranged at intervals along the direction of movement of the filter, the partition members extending along the second direction and dividing the ventilation opening into a plurality of sub-ventilation openings, When the filter is in the first position, the gripping member moves to the end of the first bracket away from the reel, so that the filter covers the plurality of sub-vents. The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein when the filter is in the second position, the filter is wound onto a reel, and the filter and the gripping member avoid a plurality of sub-vents.

10. The first bracket body is, Segment 1 and The first end of the second segment is installed close to the reel, and the second end of the second segment is connected to the first end of the first segment, and the second end of the first segment extends horizontally, The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the first mounting portion conforms to the shape of the first segment and the second segment, and the second mounting portion conforms to the shape of the first segment and the second segment.

11. The aforementioned case further, At least one mounting cavity located on the surface of the case on the side approaching the panel, Includes a first fitting portion provided on the inner wall of the mounting cavity, The aforementioned indoor unit further, The panel includes a panel body and a panel portion including at least one engaging portion provided on the surface of the panel body that is close to the case, The present invention includes at least one mating assembly, the panel being removably connected to the case via the mating assembly, The mating assembly includes a slider, the slider is provided within the mounting cavity, and the slider is provided so as to be movable within the mounting cavity along a first direction. The aforementioned slider is The slider body and A first hole is formed in the side wall of the slider body and penetrates the side wall of the slider body, The slider body includes a first position limiting section, When the slider is in the third position, the panel covers the side of the case facing the panel, and the end of the engaging portion is located in the first hole. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the fitting portion is driven to rotate within the first hole so as to open the panel, the slider moves from the third position to the fourth position, the fitting portion disengages from fitting with the first hole by the action of the first fitting portion, and the first position limiting portion comes into contact with the first fitting portion.

12. The case further includes a second fitting portion provided on the top wall of the mounting cavity, The slider further includes a second position limiting portion, the second position limiting portion being provided on the top of the slider body and corresponding to the position of the second fitting portion. The engagement portion includes a contact portion, the contact portion is provided on the side wall of the mounting cavity of the engagement portion that is close to the top wall, When the slider is in the third position, the second position limiting portion and the second fitting portion are brought into contact with each other. The air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein when the fitting portion is driven to open the panel, the contact portion contacts the top wall of the mounting cavity, and the fitting portion applies a downward force to the slider, causing the second position limiting portion to separate from the second fitting portion, and moving the slider from the third position to the fourth position.

13. A portion of the side wall of the mounting cavity, away from the panel, is opened to form a third opening, a portion of the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is opened to form a fourth opening, and the fourth opening communicates with the third opening to form a second hole. The case further includes a third fitting portion, the third fitting portion being connected to the bottom wall of the mounting cavity and located in the fourth opening, The slider further includes a third position limiting portion, the third position limiting portion engages with the second hole, When the slider is in the third position, the third position limiting portion is located within the second hole, and when the fitting portion applies a downward force to the slider, the third position limiting portion presses the third fitting portion downward. The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein when the slider is in the fourth position, the third position limiting portion moves away from the second hole.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the fitting assembly further includes an elastic member, the elastic member provided between the side wall of the mounting cavity away from the panel and the slider, and configured to apply an acting force to the slider toward the panel.

15. A second accommodating groove is formed on the surface of the slider facing the elastic member. The case further includes a first guide portion, the first guide portion being provided on the side wall of the mounting cavity away from the panel and fitted into the second housing groove, The side of the first guide portion facing the panel is open to form a first sub-guide portion, the first guide portion includes a second sub-guide portion, and the second sub-guide portion is provided at the bottom of the groove of the first sub-guide portion. The air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the elastic member is fitted to the outer circumference of the second subguide portion, the first end of the elastic member abuts against the bottom of the groove of the first subguide portion, and the second end of the elastic member abuts against the bottom of the groove of the second housing groove.

16. The engagement portion further includes a first support portion, the first support portion being provided on the side wall of the engagement portion. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the slider further includes a second support portion, the second support portion being provided on the inner wall of the slider and configured to support the first support portion when the engaging portion is driven to open the panel.

17. The case further includes a second guide portion provided on the side wall of the mounting cavity and extending along the first direction, The air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the slider is provided on the second guide portion and is movable along the first direction relative to the second guide portion.

18. The aforementioned at least one mounting cavity includes two mounting cavities, The two mounting cavities are each positioned to approach both ends in the second direction, The at least one engaging portion includes two engaging portions corresponding to the positions of the two mounting cavities, The air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the at least one mating assembly comprises two mating assemblies, and the two engaging portions are each removably connected to the two mounting cavities via the two mating assemblies.

19. At least one housing cavity is formed on the surface of the case that approaches the panel, and the side of the housing cavity facing the panel is open. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the fitting assembly includes at least one mounting base, the at least one mounting base corresponds to the at least one housing cavity, and the mounting base is provided within the corresponding housing cavity and defines the mounting cavity.

20. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the mounting cavity is located on the upper part of the case, the engaging portion is located on the upper part of the panel, and when the engaging portion is driven to open the panel, the panel rotates up to the top of the case.

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