Filter cleaning unit and air conditioner

Abstract

To enable easy attachment of a comb to an attachment part.SOLUTION: A filter cleaning unit includes: a brush which cleans a filter; and a comb part 41 having a comb 44 which extends in a longitudinal direction and cleans the brush, and an attachment part 45 to which the comb 44 is attached. The comb 44 has multiple engagement claws 72 which engage with the attachment part 45, extend in a longitudinal direction, and are arranged in the longitudinal direction. The multiple engagement claws 72 include: end engagement claws 72c; and first engagement claws 72a which are disposed at the longitudinal center side relative to the end engagement claws 72c. The first engagement claw 72a is longer than the third engagement claw 72c in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter cleaning unit and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Some ceiling-mounted air conditioners have a filter cleaning unit that uses a brush to remove dust from the filter installed at the air intake. The brush has a length equal to the width of the filter and is driven by a motorized drive mechanism to move in one direction along the filter.

[0003] Among such filter cleaning units, there is known one that includes a comb that comes into contact with the brush and scrapes off dust adhering to the brush when the brush cleans the filter (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a filter cleaning unit that includes a comb that extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The comb provided in the filter cleaning unit is an elongated member corresponding to the brush. A long comb is not straight when molded and is prone to warping. Specifically, it is prone to warping with the comb tip facing inward. Therefore, if the comb is warped, when attaching it to the attachment portion of the filter cleaning unit, the comb floats from the attachment portion, making it difficult to attach the comb to the filter cleaning unit. In particular, if the comb is detachable for purposes such as cleaning, the comb will need to be attached to the attachment portion more frequently. Therefore, a comb that is easy to attach to a filter cleaning unit has been desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a filter cleaning unit and an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the filter cleaning unit and air conditioner of the present disclosure employ the following measures. A filter cleaning unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a comb portion having a brush for cleaning a filter, a comb extending in one direction for cleaning the brush, and an attachment portion to which the comb is attached, wherein the comb engages with the attachment portion, extends in the one direction, and has a plurality of engaging claws arranged in a line in the one direction, the plurality of engaging claws including an end engaging claw and a first central engaging claw arranged closer to the center in the one direction than the end engaging claws, and the first central engaging claw is longer in the one direction than the end engaging claws. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the comb can be easily attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a filter cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a filter cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an intake grill and a collection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an intake grill and a collection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an intake grill and a collection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a filter cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] (a) is an enlarged view of part a in Figure 9, (b) is an enlarged view of part b in Figure 9, and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in Figure 9, showing the state in which the first claw portion begins to engage with the engagement hole. [Figure 11] (a) is an enlarged view of part a in Figure 9, (b) is an enlarged view of part b in Figure 9, and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in Figure 9, showing the state in which the second claw portion begins to engage with the engagement hole. [Figure 12] (a) is an enlarged view of part a in Figure 9, (b) is an enlarged view of part b in Figure 9, and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in Figure 9, showing the state in which the third claw portion begins to engage with the engagement hole. [Figure 13] 9A is an enlarged view of part a in FIG. 9, (b) is an enlarged view of part b in FIG. 9, and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in FIG. 9, showing the state in which the comb is attached to the attachment part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A filter cleaning unit and an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. A ceiling-mounted air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioner") comprises an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit (not shown), and refrigerant piping (not shown) connecting the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit 1 is installed by embedding a case body 2 in the ceiling. As shown in Figure 1, the case body 2 houses a heat exchanger 7, a drain pan 10, a motor 5, a blower 6, a bell mouth 12, etc., and a panel part 8 that is exposed to the ceiling surface is attached to the bottom of the case body 2.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an intake port 3 is formed in the center of the underside of the indoor unit 1, and an outlet port 4 that is long in one direction along the outer periphery of the underside of the indoor unit 1 is formed adjacent to this intake port 3. An intake grille 11 is installed at the intake port 3, and a filter 13 is installed above the intake grille 11. A drain pan 10 is installed below the heat exchanger 7 and receives drain water that drips from the heat exchanger 7. A bell mouth 12 is installed below the drain pan 10.

[0012] When the air conditioner is operating, refrigerant from the outdoor unit (not shown) circulates through heat exchanger 7, and motor 5 drives blower 6. When blower 6 is driven, indoor air passes through intake port 3, intake grill 11, and filter 13, is guided by bell mouth 12, and is drawn into blower 6. The air blown out from blower 6 is cooled or heated as it passes through heat exchanger 7, and is then blown out from outlet 4 into the room.

[0013] The louvers 14 are elongated in one direction to match the shape of the air outlet 4, and rotate around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. As a result, by changing the orientation of the louvers 14, the airflow blown out from the air outlet 4 can be directed upward or downward.

[0014] Filter 13 removes dust and other particles contained in the air being drawn in. Filter 13 has a rectangular shape similar to air intake 3, and is located near the center of air intake 3. In addition, wires 15 for raising and lowering air intake grill 11 are located at the four corners of the frame of air intake grill 11.

[0015] The indoor unit 1 according to this embodiment includes a filter cleaning unit 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter cleaning unit 16 is installed on the panel part 8 on the underside of the filter 13, and has a brush 17 that is equal to or longer than the length of one side of the filter 13 in one direction. The brush 17 of the filter cleaning unit 16 moves from one side of the filter 13 to the other side while contacting the surface of the filter 13, thereby removing dust adhering to the filter 13. The filter cleaning unit 16 starts operation based on a control signal related to operation control.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the filter cleaning unit 16 includes a frame portion 9 that is detachably mounted on the panel portion 8, a brush 17, a brush fixing portion 21, a motor 24, etc. that are mounted on the frame portion 9, and a collection box portion 38 (see Figures 3 and 4) that is placed on the intake grill 11.

[0017] The frame portion 9 has a rectangular shape similar to the suction port 3, and is disposed near the center of the suction port 3. A filter 13 is installed in the frame portion 9, and the frame portion 9 can be attached to or detached from the panel portion 8.

[0018] The brush 17 has a shaft that is long in one direction, and many bristles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft from one end to the other in the axial direction. Brush 17 is provided with a brush rotation gear (not shown) at each end that meshes with a pinion gear. Brush 17 is also supported at both ends by brush fixing parts 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the brush fixing portion 21 is a member that is elongated in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush 17 and accommodates the brush 17 inside. The brush fixing portion 21 has a shape that surrounds the brush 17, exposing the brush 17 on the filter 13 side. Two pinion gears (not shown) are rotatably mounted on the brush fixing portion 21, one on each end in the longitudinal direction. The brush fixing portion 21 is supported by a rack gear (not shown) via the pinion gear. As the brush fixing portion 21 moves along the rack gear, the brush fixing portion 21 and the brush 17 move along the surface of the filter 13 from one end side of the filter 13 to the other end side of the filter 13.

[0020] The brush fixing portion 21 is supported by a pinion gear and a rack gear on both sides of the filter 13 in one direction, so that the brush fixing portion 21 and the brush 17 can move reliably.

[0021] The pinion gears are installed at both ends of the brush fixing part 21. The pinion gears mesh with the rack gear. As the brush fixing part 21 moves, the pinion gear moves on the rack gear and is rotated by the force transmitted from the rack gear. The rack gear is installed outside the filter 13 so that its axial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the brush 17. The length of the rack gear is equal to or longer than the length of one side of the filter 13.

[0022] A brush rotation gear is provided for each pinion gear and meshes with the pinion gear. When the pinion gear rotates, the brush rotation gear rotates due to the force transmitted from the pinion gear. As a result, the brush 17 mounted on the brush rotation gear rotates, and the brush 17 rotates as the brush 17 moves.

[0023] Furthermore, the pinion gear is a member that is not connected to the motor 24 and operates passively. In this embodiment, the pinion gear is installed in the brush fixing part 21, and therefore, unlike Patent Document 1, a drive shaft that connects the two pinion gears is not required.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, only one set of the drive mechanism including the motor 24, the shaft 25, the nut 26, etc. needs to be installed along one side of the filter 13.

[0025] The motor 24 is fixedly installed on the frame portion 9 of the filter cleaning unit 16. The motor 24 is connected to a shaft 25, and when the motor 24 is driven, the shaft 25 rotates around its axis. The shaft 25 is a shaft member that is long in one direction, and a male thread is formed on the outer surface of the shaft member, with a nut 26 meshing with the male thread. The shaft 25 is installed so that its axial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the brush 17, i.e., parallel to the rack gear. The shaft 25 is equal to or longer than the length of one side of the filter 13 in one direction.

[0026] The nut 26 has an internal thread formed on its inner circumferential surface that engages with the external thread of the shaft 25. The nut 26 is connected to the brush fixing part 21 so as not to rotate around the axis of the shaft 25. The nut 26 is not fixed to the brush fixing part 21, but is connected to the brush fixing part 21 so as to be able to push the brush fixing part 21. As a result, when the shaft 25 rotates, the nut 26 moves, and the nut 26 pushes the brush fixing part 21, moving along the axial direction of the shaft 25. By changing the rotation direction of the shaft 25, the moving directions of the nut 26 and the brush fixing part 21 can be changed.

[0027] In the above example, an example in which a male thread is formed on the shaft 25 and a female thread is formed on the nut 26 and they are combined has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the shaft 25 and the nut 26 may be configured so that the combination of the shaft 25 and the nut 26 forms a ball screw mechanism.

[0028] In this embodiment, only one motor 24 is required, and the brush 17 can be moved with a simple structure.

[0029] Next, the collection box section 38 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the collection box part 38 is arranged on the surface of the intake grille 11 facing the filter 13, and is connectable to the brush fixing part 21 located above the collection box part 38. The collection box part 38 is a member that is long in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush 17. As shown in FIG. 5, the collection box part 38 has a collection box 39, a support part 40, a comb part 41, etc.

[0030] When the brush 17 moves to clean the filter 13, the collection box portion 38 is connected to the brush fixing portion 21 and moves together with the brush fixing portion 21, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The collection box 39 is a box body in which the dust removed by the brush 17 is stored, and has a length equal to or longer than the axial length of the brush 17 and a width greater than the diameter of the brush 17. The collection box 39 is installed between the support part 40 and the intake grille 11.

[0032] The support part 40 is installed on top of the collection box 39. The support part 40 has a rectangular shape that is long in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush 17, and has a frame that is installed along the edge of the opening of the collection box 39. Both longitudinal ends of the support part 40 are slidably connected to rails 43 provided on the suction grille 11. In this way, the collection box 39 is supported by the suction grille 11 via the support part 40.

[0033] With the support part 40 still connected to the rail 43, the collection box 39 can be moved in and out between the support part 40 and the intake grill 11 in a direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the intake grill 11.

[0034] The comb portion 41 is installed on the upper part of the support portion 40. The comb portion 41 is detachably attached to the support portion 40. The comb portion 41 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush 17. Details of the comb portion 41 will be described later. The support portion 40 and the comb portion 41 may be provided with locking portions 54 and 55 that engage with each other to restrict the comb portion 41 from moving relative to the support portion 40.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the engagement portion 46 is installed on the upper part of the support portion 40 of the recovery box portion 38, and as shown in Figure 7, it engages with the intake grill 11 when the recovery box portion 38 is positioned on one end side of the intake grill 11.

[0036] The engaging portion 46 is connected to the support portion 40 via a rotation shaft 56, and is supported rotatably relative to the support portion 40. The engaging portion 46 has a pressed portion 47 and a protruding portion 48, which are integrally formed, and a biasing portion 49.

[0037] The pressed portion 47 is installed on the top of the collection box 39. The protruding portion 48 protrudes downward from the pressed portion 47 and is capable of engaging with the wall portion 11A of the intake grille 11. The biasing portion 49 is a torsion spring and biases the protruding portion 48 downward.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, when brush fixing part 21 is placed on top of collection box 39, the underside of brush fixing part 21 comes into contact with pressed part 47 of engagement part 46, and brush fixing part 21 presses pressed part 47. This causes engagement part 46 to rotate around rotation shaft 56, and protrusion 48 to move upward. As a result, engagement between engagement part 46 and suction grill 11 is released. This allows collection box 38 to move when brush fixing part 21 is placed on top of collection box 38 and in contact with engagement part 46, i.e., when suction grill 11 is installed in a predetermined position in case body 2.

[0039] 7, when the brush fixing portion 21 moves away from the collection box 39 and the engaging portion 46, the pressed portion 47 is no longer pressed by the brush fixing portion 21, and the protruding portion 48 moves downward by the biasing portion 49. At this time, the collection box portion 38 is located at the end of the suction grill 11, and the protruding portion 48 of the engaging portion 46 engages with the wall portion 11A of the suction grill 11. This prevents the collection box portion 38 from moving relative to the suction grill 11 when the brush fixing portion 21 is moved away from the collection box 39 and the engaging portion 46, i.e., when the suction grill 11 is lowered. Note that before the brush fixing portion 21 moves away from the collection box 39 and the engaging portion 46, the collection box portion 38 is always moved in a controlled manner so as to be located at the end of the suction grill 11.

[0040] Next, the comb portion 41 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. FIG. 8 and 9, the comb portion 41 has a frame portion 42 installed along the edge of the support portion 40, an attachment portion 45 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the frame portion 42, and a comb 44 attached to the attachment portion 45. In the following description, a direction parallel to the axial direction of the brush 17 is referred to as the "longitudinal direction." Additionally, a direction included in the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is referred to as the "transverse direction."

[0041] 8, the frame portion 42 is provided with locking portions 55 that engage with locking portions 54 provided on the support portion 40. The locking portions 54 and 55 engage with each other to restrict the relative movement of the comb portion 41 with respect to the support portion 40.

[0042] The attachment portion 45 is provided at approximately the center in the short direction of the comb portion 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the attachment portion 45 is a member extending along the longitudinal direction. Both longitudinal ends of the attachment portion 45 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the frame portion 42. A plurality of engagement holes 60 are formed in the attachment portion 45. The plurality of engagement holes 60 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of engagement holes 60 are arranged at positions corresponding to a plurality of engagement claws 72, which will be described later.

[0043] The comb 44 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 45. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the comb 44 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction (one direction). The comb 44 is provided at approximately the center of the comb portion 41 in the short-side direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, comb 44 has a contact portion 70 that contacts brush 17 and brushes off dust adhering to brush 17, a base 71 to whose upper end contact portion 70 is fixed, and an engaging claw 72 that extends longitudinally from the lower portion of base 71.

[0045] The tips of the comb 44 protrude toward the brush 17, i.e., upward. As shown in FIG. 6 , the contact portion 70 comes into contact with the brush 17 when the brush fixing portion 21 and the collection box portion 38 are connected. When the brush 17 cleans the filter 13, the contact portion 70 of the comb 44 comes into contact with the brush 17 and scrapes off dust adhering to the brush 17. The scraped-off dust is collected in the collection box 39.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of bases 71 are provided. The plurality of bases 71 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. An abutment portion 70 is fixed to the upper surface of each base 71. An engagement claw 72 protrudes from the lower part of the end surface on one end side of the base 71 in the longitudinal direction. When the engagement hole 60 and the engagement claw 72 are engaged with each other, the end portion on the other end side of the base 71 in the longitudinal direction abuts against the upper surface of the mounting portion 45.

[0047] The multiple engagement claws 72 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The multiple engagement claws 72 are arranged at positions corresponding to the multiple engagement holes 60. The engagement claws 72 engage with the engagement holes 60. Specifically, the engagement claws 72 are inserted through the engagement holes 60 from above and move in the longitudinal direction, thereby being positioned below the mounting portion 45. In this state, when the engagement claws 72 attempt to move upward, the upper surfaces of the engagement claws 72 come into contact with the lower surface of the mounting portion 45. This restricts the vertical movement of the comb 44 relative to the mounting portion 45.

[0048] As described above, a plurality of the engagement claws 72 (five in this embodiment, for example) are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the plurality of engagement claws 72 have different longitudinal lengths. Specifically, the plurality of engagement claws 72 include a first engagement claw (first central engagement claw) 72a having the longest longitudinal length, a second engagement claw (second central engagement claw) 72b having the second longest longitudinal length, and a third engagement claw (end engagement claw) 72c having the shortest longitudinal length. In other words, as shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, the longitudinal length L1 of the first engagement claw 72a is longer than the longitudinal length L2 of the second engagement claw 72b and the longitudinal length L3 of the third engagement claw 72c. Furthermore, the longitudinal length L2 of the second engagement claw 72b is longer than the longitudinal length L3 of the third engagement claw 72c. The length of the engaging claw 72 in the longitudinal direction means the length from the end face of the base 71 to the tip of the engaging claw 72.

[0049] 9, the engagement claws 72 are arranged in the following order from one end in the longitudinal direction (the right end in FIG. 9): third engagement claw 72c, first engagement claw 72a, second engagement claw 72b, second engagement claw 72b, and third engagement claw 72c. The third engagement claw 72c is provided at both ends of the comb 44 in the longitudinal direction. The first engagement claw 72a and the second engagement claw 72b are arranged closer to the center in the longitudinal direction than the third engagement claw 72c. Of the two second engagement claws 72b, the second engagement claw 72b arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction is arranged approximately in the center of the comb 44 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the second engagement claw 72b arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction is arranged closer to the center than the first engagement claw 72a.

[0050] Next, a method for attaching the comb 44 to the attachment portion 45 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. When the comb 44 is attached to the attachment portion 45, the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c are engaged with the engagement holes 60 in this order.

[0051] Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 10, in a state where the first engagement claw 72a begins to engage with the engagement hole 60 (see FIG. 10(b)), the second engagement claw 72b is spaced apart from the edge of the engagement hole 60 by a length D1 (see FIG. 10(a)). Also, in this state, the third engagement claw 72c is spaced apart from the edge of the engagement hole 60 by a length D2 (see FIG. 10(c)). That is, in a state where the first engagement claw 72a begins to engage with the engagement hole 60 (see FIG. 10(b)), the second engagement claw 72b and the third engagement claw 72c are not engaged with the engagement hole 60. Also, the length D1 is longer than the length D2. The state in which the engagement claw 72 and the engagement hole 60 begin to engage means the state in which the longitudinal positions of the tip of the engagement claw 72 and the edge of the engagement hole 60 are aligned, as shown in Figure 10(b) etc.

[0052] As the engagement between the first engagement claw 72a and the engagement hole 60 progresses, the second engagement claw 72b begins to engage with the engagement hole 60, as shown in FIG. 11(a). In this state, the first engagement claw 72a is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E1 (see FIG. 11(b)). Also, in this state, the third engagement claw 72c is spaced apart from the edge of the engagement hole 60 by a length D3 (see FIG. 11(c)). In other words, in the state in which the second engagement claw 72b begins to engage with the engagement hole 60 (see FIG. 10(b)), the third engagement claw 72c is not engaged with the engagement hole 60.

[0053] As the engagement between the second engagement claw 72b and the engagement hole 60 progresses, the third engagement claw 72c begins to engage with the engagement hole 60, as shown in FIG. 12(c). In this state, the first engagement claw 72a is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E2 (see FIG. 12(b)). Also, in this state, the second engagement claw 72b is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E3 (see FIG. 12(a)). Also, the length E2 is longer than the length E3.

[0054] The engagement between the third engagement claw 72c and the engagement hole 60 is advanced until all of the engagement claws 72 are engaged with the engagement holes 60 as shown in FIG. 13, thereby completing the attachment of the comb 44 to the attachment portion 45. When the comb 44 is attached to the attachment portion 45, the first engagement claw 72a is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E4 (see FIG. 13(b)). Also, in this state, the second engagement claw 72b is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E5 (see FIG. 13(a)). Also, in this state, the third engagement claw 72c is engaged with the engagement hole 60 by a length E6 (see FIG. 13(c)). The two second engagement claws 72b may be engaged at the same time, and the two third engagement claws 72c may be engaged at the same time.

[0055] When the comb 44 is attached to the attachment portion 45, the relative movement of the comb 44 with respect to the attachment portion 45 is restricted by the engaging claws 72 and the like. For example, when the comb 44 attempts to move upward, the upper surface of the engagement claw 72 abuts against the lower surface of the attachment portion 45. This restricts the upward movement of the comb 44 relative to the attachment portion 45. Also, as described above, when the engagement holes 60 and the engagement claws 72 are engaged with each other, the end portion on the other longitudinal end side of the base 71 is located above the attachment portion 45. Therefore, when the comb 44 attempts to move downward, the end portion of the base 71 abuts against the upper surface of the attachment portion 45. This restricts the downward movement of the comb 44 relative to the attachment portion 45.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved. The comb 44 is an elongated member corresponding to the brush 17. Therefore, the comb 44 is not straight when molded and is prone to warping. Specifically, the comb 44 is prone to warping with the tips of the combs facing inward. Therefore, if the comb 44 warps, when attaching it to the attachment portion 45 of the filter cleaning unit 16, the comb 44 will float from the attachment portion 45, making it difficult to attach the comb 44 to the filter cleaning unit 16.

[0057] However, in this embodiment, the longitudinal length L1 of the first engagement claw 72a is longer than the longitudinal length L2 of the second engagement claw 72b and the longitudinal length L3 of the third engagement claw 72c. As a result, when the first engagement claw 72a is engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45, the second engagement claw 72b and the third engagement claw 72c are not engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45. In other words, when the second engagement claw 72b and the third engagement claw 72c are engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45, the first engagement claw 72a is engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45. Therefore, when engaging the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c, it is not necessary to simultaneously engage the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c, but the engagement can be performed in the order of the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c. Therefore, even if the comb 44 is warped in the longitudinal direction, for example, when engaging the second engagement claw 72b and the third engagement claw 72c with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45, the first engagement claw 72a or the second engagement claw 72b already engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45 can be used as a fixing point to correct the warp of the comb 44. As described above, the comb 44 can be attached to the mounting portion 45 more easily than when the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c are simultaneously engaged with the engagement hole 60 of the mounting portion 45 (when there are no fixing points).

[0058] In this embodiment, the first engagement claw 72a, which is longer in the longitudinal direction, is positioned closer to the center than the third engagement claw 72c. The third engagement claws 72c are also provided at both longitudinal ends. This allows the first engagement claw 72a, which is positioned closer to the center of the comb 44, to be engaged first. Therefore, when attaching the comb 44 to the engagement hole 60 of the attachment portion 45, the work can be performed by holding the center side in the longitudinal direction. This makes it easier to attach the comb 44 to the engagement hole 60 of the attachment portion 45 compared to when the work is performed by holding the longitudinal end portions.

[0059] For example, if the longest engaging claw 72 is provided in the center of the comb 44, it is necessary to engage the engaging claw 72 with the engaging hole 60 of the mounting portion 45, and then perform the work of engaging the engaging claw 72 with the engaging hole 60 of the mounting portion 45 in two directions, that is, from the center to one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in this case, the work may become complicated. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second engagement claw 72b, which is shorter than the first engagement claw 72a, is positioned closer to the center than the first engagement claw 72a. This allows the engagement claws 72 to be engaged with the engagement holes 60 of the mounting portion 45 in the order of the first engagement claw 72a, the second engagement claw 72b, and the third engagement claw 72c, from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. This simplifies the engagement compared to when the engagement claws 72 are engaged with the engagement holes 60 of the mounting portion 45 from the center toward both the one and other ends in the longitudinal direction. This makes it easier to attach the comb 44 to the mounting portion 45.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two second engagement claws 72b and two third engagement claws 72c are provided. As a result, the two second engagement claws 72b and the two third engagement claws 72c simultaneously engage with the engagement holes 60. Therefore, compared to a case where all of the engagement claws 72 have different longitudinal lengths, the number of operations required to engage the engagement claws 72 with the engagement holes 60 can be reduced. Therefore, by increasing the number of engagement claws 72, the comb 44 can be stably attached to the attachment portion 45 and the number of engagement operations can be reduced. Therefore, the comb 44 can be easily attached to the attachment portion 45.

[0061] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, the number of engagement claws 72 is five, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The number of engagement claws 72 may be any number other than five.

[0062] The filter cleaning unit and the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows. A filter cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a comb portion (41) having a brush (17) for cleaning a filter (13), a comb (44) extending in one direction for cleaning the brush, and an attachment portion (45) to which the comb is attached, wherein the comb engages with the attachment portion, extends in the one direction, and has a plurality of engagement claws (72) arranged side by side in the one direction, the plurality of engagement claws including an end engagement claw (72c) and a first central engagement claw (72a) arranged closer to the center in the one direction than the end engagement claws, and the first central engagement claw is longer in the one direction than the end engagement claws.

[0063] In the above configuration, the length of the first central engagement claw in one direction is longer than the length of the end engagement claw in one direction. As a result, when the first central engagement claw is engaged with the mounting portion, the end engagement claw is not engaged with the mounting portion. In other words, when engaging the end engagement claw with the mounting portion, the first central engagement claw is engaged with the mounting portion. Therefore, when engaging the first central engagement claw and the end engagement claw, it is not necessary to engage the first central engagement claw and the end engagement claw simultaneously, and they can be engaged in the order of the first central engagement claw and the end engagement claw. Therefore, for example, even if the comb is warped in one direction, when engaging the end engagement claw with the mounting portion, the first central engagement claw already engaged with the mounting portion can be used as a fixing point to correct the warp of the comb. As a result, it is easier to attach the comb to the mounting portion compared to when the first central engagement claw and the end engagement claw are engaged with the mounting portion simultaneously (when there is no fixing point). In addition, in the above configuration, the first central engagement claw, which is longer in one direction, is positioned closer to the center than the end engagement claws. This allows engagement to be performed starting from the first central engagement claw positioned closer to the center of the comb. Therefore, when attaching the comb to the attachment part, the work can be performed by holding the center in one direction. This makes it easier to attach the comb to the attachment part compared to when working by holding the end in one direction.

[0064] In addition, in the filter cleaning unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the comb is provided with the end engagement claws at both ends in the one direction.

[0065] In the above configuration, end engagement claws are provided on both ends in one direction. This allows for more reliable engagement starting from the first central engagement claw located on the center side of the comb. Therefore, when attaching the comb to the attachment part, the work can be performed by holding the center side in one direction. This makes it easier to attach the comb to the attachment part compared to when working by holding the end in one direction.

[0066] In addition, in a filter cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple engagement claws include a second central engagement claw that is shorter in length in one direction than the first central engagement claw and longer in length in one direction than the end engagement claw, and the second central engagement claw is positioned closer to the center in one direction than the first central engagement claw.

[0067] For example, if the longest engaging claw is located in the center of the comb part, after engaging the engaging claw with the mounting part, it is necessary to perform the work of engaging the engaging claw with the mounting part in two directions, one toward one end and the other toward the center. Therefore, in this case, the work may become complicated. On the other hand, in the above configuration, the second central engaging claw, which is shorter than the first central engaging claw, is positioned closer to the center than the first central engaging claw. This allows the engagement claws to be engaged with the mounting portion in the order of the first central engaging claw and then the second central engaging claw, from one end to the other end in one direction. This simplifies the engagement process compared to when the engagement claws are engaged with the mounting portion in two directions, from the center to one end and the other end in one direction. This makes it easier to attach the comb to the mounting portion.

[0068] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the filter cleaning units described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1: Indoor unit 2: Case body 3: Intake port 4: Air outlet 5: Motor 6: Blower 7: Heat exchanger 8: Panel section 9: Frame section 10: Drain pan 11: Intake grill 11A: Wall part 12: Bellmouth 13: Filter 14: Louver 15: Wire 16: Filter cleaning unit 17: Brush 21: Brush fixing part 24: Motor 25: Shaft 26: Nut 38: Collection box section 39: Collection box 40: Support part 41: Comb part 42: Frame 43: Rail 44: Comb 45: Mounting part 46: Engagement part 47: Pressed part 48:Protrusion 49: Pressurizing part 54: Locking part 55: Locking part 56: Rotation axis 60: Engagement hole 70: Contact part 71: Base 72: Engagement claw 72a: First engaging claw (first central engaging claw) 72b: Second engagement claw (second central engagement claw) 72c: Third engaging claw (end engaging claw)

Claims

1. A brush for cleaning the filter; a comb portion having a comb extending in one direction to clean the brush and an attachment portion to which the comb is attached; Equipped with The attachment portion has a plurality of engagement holes arranged side by side in the one direction, the comb has a plurality of engagement claws extending in the one direction and arranged side by side in the one direction, and is attached to the attachment portion by the plurality of engagement claws engaging with the plurality of engagement holes; the plurality of engagement claws include an end engagement claw arranged at at least one end of the comb in the one direction, and a first central engagement claw arranged closer to the center of the comb than the end engagement claw in the one direction, the first central engagement claw has a length in the one direction longer than the end engagement claws, A filter cleaning unit configured such that when the tip of the first central engagement claw reaches the edge of the engagement hole in the one direction, the tip of the end engagement claw does not reach the edge of the engagement hole.

2. A filter cleaning unit as described in Claim 1, wherein the end engagement claws are arranged at both ends of the comb in the one direction.

3. The plurality of engaging claws include a second central engaging claw that is shorter in length in the one direction than the first central engaging claw and longer in length in the one direction than the end engaging claws, the second central engagement claw is disposed closer to the center of the comb than the first central engagement claw in the one direction, a tip end of the second central engagement claw does not reach the edge of the engagement hole when the tip end of the first central engagement claw reaches the edge of the engagement hole in the one direction; A filter cleaning unit as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tip of the end engagement claw does not reach the edge of the engagement hole when the tip of the second central engagement claw reaches the edge of the engagement hole in the one direction.

4. An air conditioner comprising the filter cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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