Filter cleaning mechanism and air conditioning device

Abstract

To provide a filter cleaning mechanism and an air conditioner that are easily accessible to a user and do not result in a decrease in suction performance. [Solution] The filter cleaning mechanism of the embodiment includes a cleaning unit in which multiple filter transport paths, each equipped with a cleaning mechanism, are stacked, and a transport unit that transports filters corresponding to each of the filter transport paths through the filter transport paths in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a filter cleaning mechanism and an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in indoor units of air conditioners, a filter has been provided at the air inlet to prevent the inside of the indoor unit from being contaminated by dust contained in the air taken in through the air inlet.

[0003] Furthermore, some air conditioners are equipped with an automatic filter cleaning mechanism to prevent the filter from becoming clogged with trapped dust, which can lead to a decrease in air conditioning capacity and an increase in power consumption.

[0004] As an example of such an automatic filter cleaning mechanism, in a wall-mounted indoor unit, a mechanism has been proposed in which the air intake is divided into four sections, top and bottom, left and right, and the upper and lower filters are used as a pair, and each of the pair of filters is moved up and down and installed at the point where the upper and lower filters intersect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4602866 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned conventional automatic filter cleaning mechanism, the filter cleaning mechanism is provided at the intersection of the upper and lower filters, which means that it is located at a relatively high position, making it difficult for users to access. Furthermore, the main part of the filter cleaning mechanism is provided across the suction port, which may reduce suction performance.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a filter cleaning mechanism and an air conditioner that are easily accessible to the user and do not result in a decrease in suction performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The filter cleaning mechanism of the embodiment includes a cleaning unit in which multiple filter transport paths, each equipped with a cleaning mechanism, are stacked, and a transport unit that transports filters corresponding to the filter transport paths through the filter transport paths in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the filter cleaning unit, the first air filter, the second air filter, and the support frame in an assembled state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter cleaning unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the filter cleaning unit is removed from the support frame. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the outline of the main components of the control system of the indoor unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a filter cleaning operation in the first configuration example of the filter drive mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of cleaning the air filter of the indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the filter cleaning unit taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first configuration example of the filter driving mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a filter cleaning operation in the second configuration example of the filter drive mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a second configuration example of the filter driving mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. Indoor unit 10 FIG. The indoor unit 10 is configured as a wall-mounted indoor unit that is installed by hanging it on the wall of a room in a building to be air-conditioned.

[0011] 1, the longitudinal direction of the indoor unit 10 is the X-axis direction, the depth direction is the Y-axis direction, and the height direction is the Z-axis direction. The same applies below. In addition, with respect to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the right direction in FIG. 1 is the positive direction, and the left direction is the negative direction. In addition, with respect to the Z-axis direction, the upward direction in FIG. 1 is the positive direction, and the downward direction is the negative direction.

[0012] The indoor unit 10 includes a housing 11, a first air inlet 12-1, a second air inlet 12-2, a filter cleaning unit 13, a first air filter 14, a second air filter 15, a support frame 16, and an indoor heat exchanger 18. For ease of understanding, the filter media in the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are not shown in Fig. 1, and only the filter frames are shown.

[0013] The housing 11 houses an indoor heat exchanger 18, an indoor fan (not shown), a control board, a drive mechanism, a wind direction control mechanism such as louvers, and the like. The first air inlet 12-1 is provided across the top surface side and front surface side of the housing 11, and draws in the air to be air-conditioned in the room as the indoor fan is driven. Similar to the first air inlet 12-1, the second air inlet 12-2 is also provided across the top and front sides of the housing 11, and draws in the air to be air-conditioned from the room as the indoor fan is driven.

[0014] As will be described later, the filter cleaning unit 13 has a structure in which a cleaning member and a dust box are integrated. Similarly to the first suction inlet 12-1 and the second suction inlet 12-2, the filter cleaning unit 13 is provided across the top and front sides of the housing 11, and is provided in the center of the housing 11 between the first suction inlet 12-1 and the second suction inlet 12-2. 3, the filter cleaning unit 13 is provided in a state in which it extends to near the bottom of the indoor unit 10. That is, the filter cleaning unit 13 has a portion that extends in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3). Furthermore, the filter cleaning unit 13 can be detached by the user for maintenance purposes. Details of detachment will be described later.

[0015] The first air filter 14 is disposed at the first air inlet 12 -1 It collects dust contained in the air sucked in from the housing, reducing the amount of dust that flows into the housing. The second air filter 15 is connected to the second air inlet 12 -2 It collects dust contained in the air sucked in from the housing, reducing the amount of dust that flows into the housing. The first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are examples of filters.

[0016] In the above configuration, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 have a predetermined rigidity (hardness) and are strong enough to prevent significant deformation or distortion even during transportation.

[0017] The support frame 16 supports the first air filter 14 or the second air filter 15 under normal conditions and during filter cleaning by the filter cleaning unit 13. Furthermore, during filter cleaning by the filter cleaning unit 13, the support frame 16 guides the first air filter 14 or the second air filter 15 when it is transported within the filter transport path.

[0018] The air drawn in through the first air inlet 12-1 and the second air inlet 12-2 passes through the first air filter 14 or the second air filter 15, the indoor heat exchanger 18, and the indoor fan (described later) before reaching the air outlet (described later). This air flow path will be referred to as the air flow path 17 below. The indoor heat exchanger 18 exchanges heat with the air flowing through the air flow path 17 using a heat exchange medium flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger 18.

[0019] Figure 2 shows the filter cleaning unit. 13 , first air filter 14 , second air filter 15 and support frame 16 FIG. The filter cleaning unit 13 is provided at the center of the support frame 16 in the X-axis direction.

[0020] The first air filter 14 is supported by a pair of first guide members GM1 of the support frame 16 in the negative direction of the X axis of the filter cleaning unit 13 in Fig. 2. Here, the first guide members GM1 are provided in a cantilever structure at each end of the support frame 16 in the positive and negative directions of the Z axis in Fig. 2 along the X axis.

[0021] Furthermore, the first air filter 14 is guided by the pair of first guide members GM1 of the support frame 16 and transported into the first transport path R1 of the filter cleaning unit 13 during transport for cleaning.

[0022] Similarly, the second air filter 15 is supported by a pair of second guide members GM2 of the support frame 16 in the positive direction of the X axis direction of the filter cleaning unit 13 in Fig. 2. Here, the second guide members GM2 are provided in a cantilever structure parallel to the first guide member GM1 at each end of the support frame 16 in the positive and negative directions of the Z axis direction in Fig. 2 along the X axis direction.

[0023] The second air filter 15 is guided by the pair of second guide members GM2 of the support frame 16 and transported into the second transport path R2 of the filter cleaning unit 13 during transport for cleaning.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the indoor unit 10 FIG. The first suction port 12-1 is located in the negative direction of the X axis (away from the filter cleaning unit 13 in Figure 3), and the second suction port 12-2 is located in the positive direction of the X axis (away from the filter cleaning unit 13 in Figure 3).

[0025] A first air filter 14 is located at a position corresponding to the area between top casing 13T and central casing 13M and on the negative side of the Z axis from first air inlet 12-1. Similarly, a second suction port is provided at a position corresponding to the position between the central casing 13M and the bottom casing 13B. 12-2 The second air filter 15 is located in the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0026] An indoor heat exchanger 18 is located below the filter cleaning unit 13, the first air filter 14, and the second air filter 15, and an indoor fan 20 is located below the first indoor heat exchanger 18.

[0027] Furthermore, an air outlet 19 is provided on the lower side of the housing 11. This air outlet 19 is an indoor fan that blows air that has been drawn in through the first air inlet 12-1 and the second air inlet 12-2 and has had its heat exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 18.20 This is an opening for blowing out air.

[0028] In the state shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 10 is in a stopped state, and the air outlet 19 is in a closed state. This air outlet 19 is provided with a first vertical louver 21 and a second vertical louver 22 for adjusting the airflow direction in the vertical direction, and a horizontal louver 23 for adjusting the airflow direction in the horizontal direction. It is also possible to provide only the first vertical louver 21 and the second vertical louver 22 without providing the horizontal louver 23.

[0029] In the above configuration, the path from the first air inlet 12-1 to the first air filter 14 or the path from the second air inlet 12-2 to the second air filter 15 → indoor heat exchanger 18 → indoor fan 20 → air outlet 19 is an air flow path as a whole. 17 is formed.

[0030] Here, the filter cleaning unit 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the filter cleaning unit 13 includes a top casing 13T, a central casing 13M, and a bottom dust box 13D.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the filter cleaning unit. 13 FIG. For ease of understanding, FIG. 4 shows only the filter cleaning unit 13 portion extracted from the AA cross section of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the central casing 13M includes a first central casing 13M1 and a second central casing 13M2.

[0032] The filter cleaning unit 13 has a three-layer structure including an upper cleaning section CL1 defined by the top casing 13T and the first central casing M1, a lower cleaning section CL2 defined by the first central casing 13M1 and the second central casing 13M2, and a dust box section DB defined by the second central casing 13M2 and the bottom dust box 13D.

[0033] Furthermore, a first cleaning member CM1 formed as a brush member having bristles is provided at the center of the inner surface of the top casing 13T as a cleaning member that constitutes the upper cleaning unit CL1. In this case, the top casing 13T and the upper cleaning part CL1 (first cleaning member CM1) may be integrally formed. However, in consideration of the convenience of replacing the upper cleaning part CL1, it is preferable to use a separate type.

[0034] The first central casing 13M1 has a pair of side wall portions 13M1S and a plurality of cleaning member support panels SPP1 arranged parallel to each other, which connect the pair of side wall portions 13M1S and cooperate to support a second cleaning member CM2 and a third cleaning member CM3 having bristles as cleaning members constituting the upper cleaning section CL1, and a fourth cleaning member CM4 having a brush as a cleaning member constituting the lower cleaning section CL2, along the extension direction of the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0035] The upper part of the fourth cleaning member CM4 is formed as a dust guide portion GD, with a cross section shaped like an isosceles triangle that guides dust from the upper cleaning portion CL1 toward the lower cleaning portion CL2 and ultimately toward the dust box DB. Note that the shape of the dust guide portion GD is not limited to an isosceles triangle cross section, and can be any shape that can efficiently guide dust from the upper cleaning portion CL1 toward the dust box DB.

[0036] The second central casing 13M2 has a pair of side wall portions 13M2S and a fifth cleaning member CM5 that connects the pair of side wall portions 13M2S and extends in the direction in which the filter cleaning unit 13 extends. and The sixth cleaning member CM6 is supported by a plurality of cleaning member support panels SPP2 arranged parallel to one another.

[0037] In the above description, the cleaning members CM1 to CM6 are brush members as an example, but this is not limited to this and any member can be applied as long as it has a structure that can remove dust without interfering with the transport of the air filter, such as a brush roller, a rotary mop, or a wiper-type cleaning member.

[0038] The upper portions of the cleaning member support panels SPP1 and SPP2 may be formed in an inclined shape to guide dust toward the dust box DB.

[0039] In the above-described configuration, the first cleaning member CM1 cleans the first air filter conveyed through the first conveying path R1. 14 Clean the top surface (the surface located in the positive direction of the Z axis). The second cleaning member CM2 and the third cleaning member CM3 clean the first air filter conveyed through the first conveying path R1. 14 Clean the bottom surface (the surface located in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0040] Similarly, the fourth cleaning member CM4 cleans the second air filter conveyed through the second conveying path R2. 15 Clean the top surface (the surface located in the positive direction of the Z axis). The fifth cleaning member CM5 and the sixth cleaning member CM6 clean the second air filter conveyed through the second conveying path R2. 15 Clean the bottom surface (the surface located in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0041] 4, the second cleaning member CM2 and the third cleaning member CM3 are disposed at positions offset in the X-axis direction from the position of the first cleaning member CM1, but it is also possible to dispose them at positions facing either the second cleaning member CM2 or the third cleaning member CM3, or to provide two first cleaning members CM1 and dispose them at positions facing the second cleaning member CM2 and the third cleaning member CM3, respectively.Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which two first cleaning members CM1 are provided, the second cleaning member CM2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position between the two first cleaning members CM1, and no third cleaning member CM3 is provided.

[0042] 4, the fifth cleaning member CM5 and the sixth cleaning member CM6 are disposed at positions offset in the X-axis direction from the position of the fourth cleaning member CM4, but it is also possible to dispose the fourth cleaning member CM4 at a position facing either the fifth cleaning member CM5 or the sixth cleaning member CM6, or to provide two fourth cleaning members CM4 and dispose them at positions facing each of the fifth cleaning member CM5 and the sixth cleaning member CM6.Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which two fourth cleaning members CM4 are provided, the fifth cleaning member CM5 is disposed at a position corresponding to the two fourth cleaning members CM4, and the sixth cleaning member CM6 is not provided.

[0043] In consideration of frictional resistance to the filter, cleaning members corresponding to the same filter are preferably arranged at positions shifted from each other in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the shape, arrangement and number of cleaning members can be set arbitrarily as long as cleaning can be reliably performed and the air filter can be reliably transported.

[0044] The second central casing 13M2 is provided on the bottom dust box 13D side with a pair of engaging protrusions 13M21 that engage with the pair of engaging claws 13D1 of the bottom dust box 13D, respectively.

[0045] An anti-slip portion 13DB1 is provided on the side wall of the bottom dust box 13D, and by pressing this anti-slip portion 13DB1 in the X direction, the pair of engaging claw portions 13D1 of the bottom dust box 13D are disengaged from the engaging protrusion 13M21 of the second central casing 13M2, thereby separating the bottom dust box 13D from the filter cleaning unit 13 and making it possible to easily collect the dust stored in the dust box DB. As shown in FIG. 3, the filter cleaning unit 13 extends in the Z-axis direction, and the collected dust is then collected by the indoor unit. 10 Therefore, the particles tend to gather on the lower side (negative Z-axis direction side). Therefore, when disposing of the collected dust, the filter cleaning unit 13 is 10 You can remove it and discard the collected dust.

[0046] Alternatively, with the filter cleaning unit 13 attached, the cover 13L may be opened and the collected dust may be easily collected by using a suction vacuum cleaner to suck up the collected dust from inside the filter cleaning unit 13, which functions as a dust box. With this configuration, there is no need to remove the filter cleaning unit 13 after filter cleaning to collect the collected dust, improving maintainability.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the support frame 16 From the filter cleaning unit 13 FIG. First guide members GM1 are provided near the upper and lower ends of the support frame 16. The first guide members GM1 are provided to abut against the rear surface (the surface on the indoor heat exchanger 18 side) of the first air filter 14 of the support frame 16, and extend in the X-axis direction to protrude and support the first air filter 14.

[0048] Similarly, second guide members GM2 are provided near the upper and lower ends of the support frame 16. The second guide members GM2 are provided to abut against the rear surface of the second air filter 15 of the support frame 16 (the surface on the indoor heat exchanger 18 side), and extend in the X-axis direction to protrude and be able to support the second air filter 15.

[0049] The first guide member GM1 and the second guide member GM2 are The first guide member GM1 and the second guide member GM2 may be formed in a groove shape that guides the side edge of the air filter 15 when inserted inside the groove. 16 It may be provided on a support frame that protrudes from the 16 The groove may be formed in the groove.

[0050] Furthermore, a fitting portion 31 is provided on the upper end of the center portion of the support frame 16 in the X-axis direction, and one end of the filter cleaning unit 13 is fitted and fixed thereto. In addition, the lower surface of the filter cleaning unit 13 abuts against the position of the support frame 16 facing the lower surface of the filter cleaning unit 13 when the filter cleaning unit 13 is attached. 13 An abutment surface 33 is provided to support the

[0051] The filter cleaning unit 13 may be attached to the machine body by a known fitting structure such as a combination of an engaging claw and an engaging hole, or a combination of an engaging protrusion and an engaging recess, or may be attached by magnetic force.

[0052] On the other hand, as described above, the filter cleaning unit 13 comprises a top casing 13T, a central casing 13M and a bottom casing 13B, and a first transport path R1 is provided between the top casing 13T and the central casing 13M, along which the first air filter 14 is transported while being cleaned during air filter cleaning.

[0053] Similarly, a second transport path R2 is provided between the central casing 13M and the bottom casing 13B, along which the second air filter 15 is transported while being cleaned during air filter cleaning.

[0054] Furthermore, the filter cleaning unit 13 is provided with a lid 13L that opens the internal space at the bottom of the cleaning unit in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) when the indoor unit 10 is attached to the wall.

[0055] Figure 6 shows the indoor unit 10 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the outline of the main components of the control system. The indoor unit 10 includes a controller 41, a filter drive mechanism 42, and a remote controller 43.

[0056] The controller 41 controls the entire indoor unit 10 based on a predetermined control program, based on input from the remote controller 43. During the filter cleaning operation, the controller 41 As a transport unit The first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are driven by the filter driving mechanism 42 and transported through the filter cleaning unit 13 for cleaning.

[0057] The filter driving mechanism 42, under the control of the controller 41, carries out a transport operation to pass the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 through the filter cleaning unit 13 for cleaning.

[0058] The remote controller 43 has one or more operators such as button switches, and a display unit consisting of an LCD display, LEDs, etc., which displays various information such as setting status, operating status, etc., and is used by the user to input various operation instructions to the controller 41 via wireless communication such as infrared communication.

[0059] Next, the filter drive mechanism 42 An outline of the filter cleaning operation in the first configuration example will be described.

[0060] Figure 7 shows the filter drive mechanism. 42 Overview of filter cleaning operation in the first configuration example FIG. In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the first air filter 14 is transported through the first transport path R1 of the filter cleaning unit 13 during the filter cleaning operation, whereby cleaning is performed.

[0061] In parallel with the cleaning operation of the first air filter 14, the second air filter 15 is transported through the second transport path R2 of the filter cleaning unit 13 and is cleaned.

[0062] More specifically, the initial state is the state shown in Figure 7, that is, the first air filter 14 is located in the negative X-axis direction (left side in Figure 7) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, and the second air filter 15 is located in the positive X-axis direction (right side in Figure 7) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0063] In this state, by driving the drive motor DM, the first air filter 14 passes through the first conveying path R1 in the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction) and is conveyed until it is positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, thereby completing the first cleaning.

[0064] In parallel with this, the second air filter 15 is moved in the second direction DR2 (negative direction of the X-axis direction) along the second conveying path. R2The filter passes through the filter cleaning unit 13 and is transported until it is positioned on the negative side of the X axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, whereupon the first cleaning is completed.

[0065] Then, when the first cleaning is completed, the drive motor DM is driven in the reverse direction, so that the first air filter 14 passes through the first conveying path R1 in the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction) and is conveyed until it is positioned on the negative side of the X-axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, thereby completing the second cleaning.

[0066] In parallel with this, the second air filter 15 moves in the first direction DR1 (positive direction of the X-axis direction) to the second conveying path. R2 and is conveyed until it is positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, whereupon the second cleaning is completed. .child As a result, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 return to the positions shown in FIG.

[0067] Next, the filter cleaning operation will be described in more detail.

[0068] Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an indoor unit according to an embodiment. 10 10 is a flowchart of the air filter cleaning operation. The controller 41 of the indoor unit 10 operates according to a control program and determines whether the cleaning timing according to a predetermined setting has arrived or whether a cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11).

[0069] Here, the cleaning timing according to a predetermined setting is a timing such as every time a predetermined cumulative operating time of the indoor unit 10 has elapsed (for example, every 24 hours of cumulative operating time), or a time set by the user (for example, once every three days). The cleaning instruction is an instruction to start cleaning the air filter, which is input via the remote controller 43.

[0070] In the determination of step S11, if it is determined that the cleaning timing has not yet arrived and no cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11; No), the controller 41 enters a standby state.

[0071] If it is determined in step S11 that the predetermined cleaning timing has arrived or a cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11; Yes), the air filter is driven in the first cleaning direction (step S12). Here, the first cleaning direction is a direction determined by the position of the first air filter 14 or the second air filter 15 before it is driven.

[0072] More specifically, when the positions of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 before driving are as shown in the example of Figure 7, the first cleaning direction for the first air filter 14 is the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction), and the first cleaning direction for the second air filter 15 is the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction). The first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are then transported through the filter cleaning unit 13, whereby the filter cleaning operation is performed.

[0073] Here, the configuration of the filter cleaning unit 13 will be described. Figure 9 shows the filter cleaning unit. 13 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 9, the filter cleaning unit 13 has a first transport path R1 provided between a top casing 13T and a central casing 13M.

[0074] During air filter cleaning, the first air filter 14 is guided by the first guide member GM1, the first guide wall GW1 provided on the top casing 13T, and the second guide wall GW2 provided on the central casing 13M, while being transported (inserted) into the first conveying path R1, cleaned, and then transported out of the first conveying path R1 while being guided by the first guide member GM1, the first guide wall GW1 provided on the top casing 13T, and the second guide wall GW2 provided on the central casing 13M.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the filter cleaning unit 13 has a second transport path R2 between the central casing 13M and the bottom casing 13B.

[0076] During air filter cleaning, the second air filter 15 is guided by the second guide member GM2, the second guide wall GW2 provided on the central casing 13M, and the third guide wall GW3 provided on the bottom casing 13BT, and is transported (inserted) into the second transport path R2, cleaned, and then transported to the second guide member GM2. GM2 The sheet is then guided by the second guide wall GW2 provided on the central casing 13M and the third guide wall GW3 provided on the bottom casing 13BT, and is carried out from the second transport path R2.

[0077] In the above configuration, the top casing 13T and the central casing 13M function as one cleaning unit, the bottom casing 13B and the central casing 13M function as one cleaning unit, and further, the first guide wall GW1, the second guide wall GW2 and the third guide wall GW3 function as dust guide sections that guide collected dust.

[0078] In Figure 9, for ease of understanding, the first guide member GM1 is shown only at the position where the first air filter 14 is shown, and the second guide member GM2 is shown only at the position where the second air filter 15 is shown, but in reality, the first guide member GM1 or the second guide member GM2 is also provided on the opposite side via the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0079] A cleaning member CM1 is provided in the positive direction of the Z axis of the first transport path R1, in the center in the X axis direction, and is supported by the top casing 13T.

[0080] In addition, in the negative Z-axis direction of the first conveying path R1, cleaning members CM2 and CM3 are supported by the central casing 13M and are provided along the X-axis direction, which is the conveying direction of the first air filter 14, before and after the position where cleaning member CM1 is provided.

[0081] Here, the cleaning members CM1 to CM3 are illustrated as brushes, but instead of brushes, brush rollers, rotary mops, wiper-type cleaning members, or the like may also be used.

[0082] Figure 10 shows the filter drive mechanism. 42 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a first configuration example. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10(A), the filter driving mechanism 42 of FIG. 6 includes one driving motor DM, a driving belt DV, a driven pinion SPG, and a driving pinion DPG. Here, the driven pinion SPG and the driving pinion DPG have the same shape.

[0083] The first air filter 14 is provided with a rack along the X-axis direction, which is the transport direction of the first air filter 14, on the surface of the first air filter 14 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the second air filter 15 is provided with a rack along the X-axis direction, which is the transport direction of the second air filter 15, on the surface of the second air filter 15 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] In the state shown in FIG. 10(A), the driven pinion SPG is positioned on the positive side in the Y-axis direction of the rack of the first air filter 14 and is in mesh with it. In the state shown in FIG. 10(A), the drive pinion DPG is positioned on the negative side in the Y-axis direction of the rack of the second air filter 15 and is in mesh with it.

[0085] Here, for the rack, the second air filter in FIG. 10(B) 15 This will be explained using an enlarged view of a part of the figure. When the gear pitch of the racks provided on each of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 is GP as shown in Figure 10 (B), the separation distance between the driven pinion SPG and the driving pinion DPG is GL = n · GP (n is a natural number).

[0086] Therefore, the driven pinion SPG rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the driving pinion DPG driven by the driving motor DM, and has the same rotation speed (=same conveyance amount).

[0087] In addition, the length of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the X-axis direction is set to be longer than the separation distance GL, and racks are formed on the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 across their entire width along the X-axis direction.

[0088] As a result, the racks of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are always in mesh with at least one of the driven pinion SPG or the driving pinion DPG, regardless of the transport position.

[0089] Therefore, when the drive pinion DPG rotates counterclockwise by the drive motor DM in the state shown in Figure 10 (A), the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 also drive the drive belt DV counterclockwise, and the driven pinion SPG also drives counterclockwise.

[0090] As a result, the first air filter 14 is transported in the positive direction of the X axis (leftward in FIG. 10(A)), and the second air filter 15 is transported in the negative direction of the X axis (rightward in FIG. 10(A)).

[0091] Then, when the drive pinion DPG is further rotated counterclockwise by the drive motor DM, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported into the filter cleaning unit 13, respectively.

[0092] Then, as the drive motor DM further rotates the drive pinion DPG counterclockwise, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 each pass through the filter cleaning unit 13 and reach the opposite side via the filter cleaning unit 13. That is, in Figure 10(A), the first air filter 14 reaches the left side of the filter cleaning unit 13, and the second air filter 15 reaches the right side of the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0093] As described above, as the first air filter 14 is transported within the filter cleaning unit 13 in the positive X-axis direction or the negative X-axis direction, the cleaning member CM1 collects the dust trapped on the upper surface of the first air filter 14 and collects it within the filter cleaning unit 13, which functions as a dust box.

[0094] Similarly, the dust trapped on the lower surface of the first air filter 14 is collected by the cleaning members CM2 and CM3 and collected into the filter cleaning unit 13 which functions as a dust box.

[0095] On the other hand, the inside of the filter cleaning unit 13 is air As the filter 15 is transported in the positive X-axis direction or the negative X-axis direction, the cleaning member CM4 collects dust trapped on the upper surface of the second air filter 15 and collects it in the filter cleaning unit 13, which functions as a dust box.

[0096] Similarly, the dust trapped on the lower surface of the second air filter 15 is collected by the cleaning members CM5 and CM6 and collected in the filter cleaning unit 13 which functions as a dust box.

[0097] Next, the controller 41 determines whether the transport position of the air filter has reached the first drive end (step S13).

[0098] Here, the first drive end is a position of the first air filter 14 that corresponds to the original position of the second air filter 15 in FIG. 8 when the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported in the first cleaning direction. 9, the position corresponding to the original position of the first air filter 14. The first drive end corresponds to the standby position of the first air filter 14. In addition, in this standby position, the first air filter 14 can be removed from the housing by a user or the like for cleaning or the like. 11 Similarly, when the transported second air filter 15 is in this standby position, it can be easily removed from the housing by a user or the like for cleaning or the like. 11 It can be easily removed from the

[0099] If it is determined in step S13 that the transport position of the air filter has not yet reached the first drive end (step S13; No), the controller 41 transitions the processing back to step S12, drives the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the first cleaning direction, and continues transporting them.

[0100] If it is determined in step S13 that the transport position of the air filter has reached the first drive end (step S13; Yes), the controller 41 drives the air filter in the second cleaning direction (step S14).

[0101] Here, the second cleaning direction is the opposite direction to the first cleaning direction. More specifically, in Figure 10(A), if, as a result of transporting in the first cleaning direction, the first air filter 14 is located to the left of the filter cleaning unit 13 and the second air filter 15 is located to the right of the filter cleaning unit 13, the second cleaning direction for the first air filter 14 will be the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction), and the second cleaning direction for the second air filter 15 will be the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction).

[0102] Next, the controller 41 determines whether the transport position of the air filter has reached the second drive end (step S15). Here, the second drive end refers to the positions shown in FIG. 9 for the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 when the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported in the second cleaning direction. The second drive end corresponds to the standby position of the second air filter 15. In addition, at this standby position, the second air filter 15 is installed so that it can be easily removed from the housing by a user or the like for cleaning or the like. Similarly, when the transported first air filter 14 is located at this standby position, it can also be easily removed from the housing by a user or the like for cleaning or the like.

[0103] If it is determined in step S15 that the second drive end has not yet been reached (step S15; No), the controller 41 again transitions the processing to step S14 and continues driving the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the second cleaning direction. As a result, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 pass through the filter cleaning unit 13 again and are cleaned again in the manner described above.

[0104] In the determination in step S15, if the second drive end has been reached (step S15; Yes), the controller 41 determines whether or not cleaning has been completed (step S16).

[0105] The determination of whether cleaning is complete can be arbitrarily set, for example, when the processes of steps S12 to S15 are performed once, or when the processes are performed multiple times if the contamination is estimated to be severe.

[0106] In the above explanation, the minimum unit of cleaning is one round trip of transporting the air filter, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the minimum unit of cleaning to be one round trip of transporting the air filter in the first cleaning direction or the second cleaning direction.

[0107] In the determination of step S16, if cleaning has not yet been completed (step S16; No), the controller 41 shifts the process back to step S12 and performs cleaning in the above-described procedure. If it is determined in step S16 that the cleaning has been completed (step S16; Yes), the controller 41 ends the process.

[0108] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a filter cleaning mechanism and an air conditioner that are easy for users to access, easy to maintain, and do not result in a decrease in suction performance.

[0109] Next, the filter drive mechanism 42 An outline of the filter cleaning operation in the second configuration example will be described. Figure 11 shows the filter drive mechanism. 4210 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the filter cleaning operation in the second configuration example. FIG.

[0110] First, assume that the initial state is the state shown in FIG. 7, that is, the first air filter 14 is located in the negative X-axis direction (left side in FIG. 7) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, and the second air filter 15 is located in the positive X-axis direction (right side in FIG. 7) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0111] In this state, by driving the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 in a synchronous state, the first air filter 14 is initially transported in the first direction DR1 (positive direction of the X-axis) by the pinion driven by the first drive motor DM1.

[0112] Then, the leading portion of the first air filter 14 passes through the first transport path R1, reaches the pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2, and becomes engaged with it. Then, the pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2 transports the first air filter 14 until it is positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, thereby completing the first cleaning.

[0113] Even when the sheet is engaged with the two pinions, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 are driven in a synchronous state, so that the sheet continues to be conveyed in the first direction DR1.

[0114] In parallel with this, the second air filter 15 is first transported in the second direction DR2 (negative direction of the X-axis) by a pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2.

[0115] Then, when the leading end of the second air filter 15 passes through the first transport path R1 and reaches the pinion driven by the first drive motor DM1 and is engaged with the pinion, the pinion driven by the first drive motor DM1 then moves the second air filter 15 along the second transport path in the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13. R2The filter passes through the filter cleaning unit 13 and is transported until it is positioned on the negative side of the X axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, whereupon the first cleaning is completed.

[0116] Even when the sheet is engaged with the two pinions, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 are driven in a synchronous state, so that the sheet continues to be conveyed in the second direction DR2.

[0117] Then, when the first cleaning is completed, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 are driven synchronously in opposite directions, and the first air filter 14 is then transported in the second direction DR2 (negative direction of the X-axis) by the pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2.

[0118] Thereafter, the leading end of the first air filter 14 passes through the first transport path R1 and reaches the pinion driven by the first drive motor DM1. When the pinion is engaged with the first air filter 14, the first air filter 14 is then driven by the first drive motor DM1 in the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction) toward the filter cleaning unit 13. R2 The filter passes through the filter cleaning unit 13 and is transported until it is positioned on the negative side of the X axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, whereupon the second cleaning is completed.

[0119] Even when the sheet is engaged with the two pinions, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 are driven in a synchronous state, so that the sheet continues to be conveyed in the second direction DR2.

[0120] In parallel with this, the second air filter 15 is now transported in the first direction DR1 (positive direction of the X-axis) by a pinion driven by the first drive motor DM1.

[0121] Thereafter, the leading portion of the second air filter 15 passes through the second conveying path R2 and reaches the pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2, where it engages with the pinion. Then, the pinion driven by the second drive motor DM2 transports the filter through the second conveying path R2 in the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction) relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, until it is positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the filter cleaning unit 13, thereby completing the second cleaning.

[0122] In this case, even if the sheet is engaged with the two pinions, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 are driven in a synchronous state, so that the sheet continues to be conveyed in the first direction DR1. As a result, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 return to the positions (standby positions) shown in FIG.

[0123] Figure 12 shows the filter drive mechanism. 42 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second configuration example. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12(A), the filter drive mechanism 42 of FIG. 7 includes a first drive motor DM1, a second drive motor DM2, a first pinion PG1, and a second pinion PG2.

[0124] Here, the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2 have the same configuration, and the first pinion PG1 and the second pinion PG2 have the same shape.

[0125] The first air filter 14 is provided with a rack along the X-axis direction, which is the transport direction of the first air filter 14, on the surface of the first air filter 14 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the second air filter 15 is provided with a rack along the X-axis direction, which is the transport direction of the second air filter 15, on the surface of the second air filter 15 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction.

[0126] In the state shown in FIG. 12(A), the pinion PG1 is positioned on the positive side in the Y-axis direction of the rack of the first air filter 14 and is in mesh with it. In the state shown in FIG. 12A, the rack of the second air filter 15 has a Y-axis negative side. No. 2 The pinion PG2 is positioned and in mesh.

[0127] Here, for the rack, the second air filter in FIG. 12(B) 15 This will be explained using an enlarged view of a part of the figure. When the gear pitch of the racks provided on each of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 is GP as shown in Figure 12 (B), the separation distance between the first pinion PG1 and the second pinion PG2 is GL = n · GP (n is a natural number).

[0128] In addition, the length of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the X-axis direction is set to be longer than the separation distance GL, and racks are formed on the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 across their entire width along the X-axis direction.

[0129] This ensures that the racks of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are always engaged with at least one of the first pinion PG1 and the second pinion PG2, regardless of the transport position.

[0130] Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 12 (A), when the first pinion PG1 is rotated counterclockwise by the first drive motor DM1, the second drive motor DM2 is also driven counterclockwise in synchronization with the first drive motor DM1, and the second pinion PG2 is also driven counterclockwise.

[0131] As a result, the first air filter 14 is transported in the positive direction of the X axis (leftward in FIG. 12(A)), and the second air filter 15 is transported in the negative direction of the X axis (rightward in FIG. 12(A)).

[0132] Then, when the first pinion PG1 and the second pinion PG2 are further rotated counterclockwise by the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported into the filter cleaning unit 13, respectively.

[0133] Then, as the first pinion PG1 and the second pinion PG2 are further rotated counterclockwise by the first drive motor DM1 and the second drive motor DM2, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 each pass through the filter cleaning unit 13 and reach the opposite side via the filter cleaning unit 13. That is, in FIG. 12(A), the first air filter 14 reaches the left side of the filter cleaning unit 13, and the second air filter 15 reaches the right side of the filter cleaning unit 13.

[0134] As described above, as the first air filter 14 is transported within the filter cleaning unit 13 in the positive X-axis direction or the negative X-axis direction, the cleaning member CM1 collects the dust trapped on the upper surface of the first air filter 14 and collects it within the filter cleaning unit 13, which functions as a dust box.

[0135] Similarly, the dust trapped on the lower surface of the first air filter 14 is collected by the cleaning members CM2 and CM3 and collected into the filter cleaning unit 13 which functions as a dust box.

[0136] On the other hand, the inside of the filter cleaning unit 13 is air As the filter 15 is transported in the positive X-axis direction or the negative X-axis direction, the cleaning member CM4 collects dust trapped on the upper surface of the second air filter 15 and collects it in the filter cleaning unit 13, which functions as a dust box.

[0137] Similarly, the dust trapped on the lower surface of the second air filter 15 is collected by the cleaning members CM5 and CM6 and collected in the filter cleaning unit 13 which functions as a dust box.

[0138] Referring again to FIG. 12, the filter drive mechanism 42 The operation of the second configuration example will be described. The controller 41 of the indoor unit 10 operates according to a control program and determines whether the cleaning timing according to a predetermined setting has arrived or whether a cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11).

[0139] In the determination of step S11, if it is determined that the cleaning timing has not yet arrived and no cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11; No), the controller 41 enters a standby state.

[0140] If it is determined in step S11 that the predetermined cleaning timing has arrived or a cleaning instruction has been issued (step S11; Yes), the air filter is driven in the first cleaning direction (step S12).

[0141] Here, the first cleaning direction is a direction determined by the position of the first air filter 14 or the second air filter 15 before it is driven.

[0142] More specifically, when the positions of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 before driving are as shown in the example of Figure 11, the first cleaning direction for the first air filter 14 is the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction), and the first cleaning direction for the second air filter 15 is the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction).

[0143] The first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are then transported through the filter cleaning unit 13, whereby the filter cleaning operation is performed.

[0144] Next, the controller 41 determines whether the transport position of the air filter has reached the first drive end (step S13).

[0145] Here, the first drive end is a position corresponding to the position where the second air filter 15 was originally located in Figure 12 (corresponding to the standby position of the second air filter 15) when the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported in the first cleaning direction, and for the second air filter 15, it is a position corresponding to the position where the first air filter 14 was originally located in Figure 12 (corresponding to the standby position of the first air filter 14).

[0146] If it is determined in step S13 that the transport position of the air filter has not yet reached the first drive end (step S13; No), the controller 41 transitions the processing back to step S12, drives the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the first cleaning direction, and continues transporting them.

[0147] If it is determined in step S13 that the transport position of the air filter has reached the first drive end (step S13; Yes), the controller 41 drives the air filter in the second cleaning direction (step S14).

[0148] Here, the second cleaning direction is the opposite direction to the first cleaning direction. More specifically, in FIG. 12(A), the first air filter 14 is transported in a first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction), which is the first cleaning direction shown in FIG. 10, and the second air filter 15 is transported in a second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction), which is the first cleaning direction shown in FIG. 11.

[0149] As a result, when the first air filter 14 is located on the left side of the filter cleaning unit 13 and the second air filter 15 is located on the right side of the filter cleaning unit 13, the second cleaning direction for the first air filter 14 is the second direction DR2 (negative direction in the X-axis direction), and the second cleaning direction for the second air filter 15 is the first direction DR1 (positive direction in the X-axis direction).

[0150] Next, the controller 41 determines whether the transport position of the air filter has reached the second drive end (step S15).

[0151] Here, the second drive end is the position shown in FIG. 11 for each of the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 when the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 are transported in the second cleaning direction.

[0152] If it is determined in step S15 that the second drive end has not yet been reached (step S15; No), the controller 41 again transitions the processing to step S14 and continues driving the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 in the second cleaning direction.

[0153] As a result, the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 pass through the filter cleaning unit 13 again and are cleaned again in the manner described above. In the determination in step S15, if the second drive end has been reached (step S15; Yes), the controller 41 determines whether or not cleaning has been completed (step S16).

[0154] The determination of whether cleaning is complete can be arbitrarily set, for example, when the processes of steps S12 to S15 are performed once, or when the processes are performed multiple times if the contamination is estimated to be severe.

[0155] In the above explanation, the minimum unit of cleaning is one round trip of transporting the air filter, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the minimum unit of cleaning to be one round trip of transporting the air filter in the first cleaning direction or the second cleaning direction.

[0156] In the determination of step S16, if cleaning has not yet been completed (step S16; No), the controller 41 shifts the process back to step S12 and performs cleaning in the above-described procedure. If it is determined in step S16 that the cleaning has been completed (step S16; Yes), the controller 41 ends the process.

[0157] As explained above, even in the second configuration example of the filter driving mechanism, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a filter cleaning mechanism and air conditioning apparatus that is easy for users to access, easy to maintain, and does not result in a decrease in suction performance.

[0158] The controller of this embodiment is equipped with a control device such as an MPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM, an external storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a display device that displays various information, and an input device such as an operator, and has a hardware configuration that utilizes a normal computer.

[0159] The program executed by the controller of this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor storage device such as a USB memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0160] The program executed by the controller of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The program executed by the controller of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0161] The program for the controller of this embodiment may be provided in advance in a ROM or the like.

[0162] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0163] For example, in the above explanation, we have described the case where one or two drive motors are used to drive the first air filter 14 and the second air filter 15 to transport them, but it is also possible to configure one air filter with multiple drive motors, such as providing one drive motor in the upper and lower directions for each air filter, and driving it with a total of four drive motors. With this configuration, the rated output of each drive motor can be reduced, making it possible to reduce noise during cleaning and transport the air filter more smoothly.

[0164] [Note] The embodiment of the present invention may have the following other aspects. [1] First other aspect The filter cleaning mechanism of the first alternative embodiment comprises: a filter cleaning unit in which a plurality of filter transport paths, each of which is provided with a cleaning mechanism, are stacked; a conveying unit that conveys a filter corresponding to the filter conveying path through the filter conveying path in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a highly reliable filter cleaning mechanism that can reduce the amount of filter to be transported during cleaning while keeping the size of the filter to the minimum required.

[0165] [2] Second Alternative Aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising: The filter cleaning unit includes a first filter transport path along which the first filter is transported; a second conveying path through which the second filter is conveyed; the transport unit drives, in the first direction, one of the first filter and the second filter, which is located on the second direction side with respect to the cleaning unit; The other filter is driven in the second direction. According to this aspect, the area required for installing the filter cleaning mechanism can be reduced, and in turn, the size of the indoor unit equipped with the filter cleaning mechanism can be made approximately the same as that of an indoor unit without the filter cleaning mechanism.

[0166] [3] Third Alternative Aspect A third alternative embodiment of the filter cleaning mechanism is the filter cleaning mechanism of the second alternative embodiment, further comprising: The transport unit simultaneously performs an operation of driving one of the filters in the first direction and an operation of driving the other of the filters in the second direction. According to this aspect, the filter cleaning time can be reduced.

[0167] [4] Fourth other aspect A fourth alternative embodiment of the filter cleaning mechanism is the filter cleaning mechanism of the first alternative embodiment, The filter is provided with a rack, The transport unit includes a pinion gear that meshes with the rack, a drive motor that drives the pinion gear, and It is equipped with: According to this aspect, filter cleaning can be performed reliably with a simple configuration.

[0168] [5] Fifth other aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention, further comprising: The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack; The transport unit includes a first pinion gear that meshes with the first rack, a first drive motor that drives the first pinion gear, a second pinion gear that meshes with the second rack, and a second drive motor that drives the second pinion gear. According to this aspect, the rated capacity of the first drive motor and the second drive motor can be reduced, which reduces power consumption and noise during filter cleaning. Furthermore, since the first filter and the second filter can be controlled independently, reliability is improved.

[0169] [6] Sixth Other Aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention, further comprising: The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack; The conveying unit includes a first pinion gear that meshes with the first rack, a second pinion gear that meshes with the second rack, a drive motor that drives either the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear, and a drive force transmission member that transmits the drive force of one of the pinion gears to the other of the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear. According to this aspect, filter cleaning can be performed efficiently with a simple configuration.

[0170] [7] Seventh Other Aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention, Guide members are provided corresponding to the filter transport paths, respectively, for guiding the filters during transport. According to this aspect, the guide member allows the filter to be reliably transported into the filter transport path, thereby enabling reliable filter cleaning.

[0171] [8] Other aspects of the eighth aspect The filter cleaning mechanism of an eighth aspect is the filter cleaning mechanism of the first aspect, further comprising: the filter cleaning unit is provided across the entire width of the filter in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The first filter and the second filter are transported so as to pass through the interior of the cleaning unit in parallel from the first direction and the second direction, respectively. According to this aspect, two filters can be cleaned in at least one cleaning operation, thereby reducing the cleaning time.

[0172] [9] Ninth Other Aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising: the filter cleaning unit includes a plurality of cleaning units stacked in the stacking direction of the filter transport path, At least one of the cleaning units is provided with a dust guide portion that guides the collected dust. According to this aspect, dust can be reliably collected from the entire surface of the filter with a simple process.

[0173]

[10] Another aspect of the tenth aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising: When the filter is in a predetermined standby position, the filter cleaning unit is installed so as to be removable while maintaining the filter in the standby position. According to this aspect, it is possible to remove only the filter cleaning unit without removing the filter, thereby improving maintainability.

[0174]

[11] Eleventh Other Aspect The filter cleaning mechanism of an eleventh aspect is the filter cleaning mechanism of the first aspect, further comprising: Each of the filter transport paths includes a first cleaning member that contacts a first surface of the filter and cleans the first surface; a second cleaning member that comes into contact with a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface and cleans the second surface; Equipped with. According to this aspect, the front and back surfaces of the filter can be cleaned simultaneously by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member in parallel, thereby reducing the time required for filter cleaning.

[0175]

[12] Other aspects of the twelfth aspect A filter cleaning mechanism according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the filter cleaning mechanism according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising: The first cleaning member and the second cleaning member are either a brush, a brush roller, a rotary mop, or a wiper-type cleaning member. According to this aspect, it is possible to use the optimum cleaning member depending on the environment in which the filter cleaning mechanism is installed, and in turn the environment in which the indoor unit is installed, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0176]

[13] Other aspects of the thirteenth aspect An air conditioning apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes: a filter cleaning unit provided in the longitudinal center of the housing of the indoor unit, the filter cleaning unit including a plurality of filter conveying paths provided with cleaning mechanisms and stacked in a stacked state; a first filter disposed on a first direction side of the filter cleaning unit along the longitudinal direction; a second filter disposed on a second direction side of the filter cleaning unit, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; a transport unit configured to transport the first filter and the second filter through the filter transport path corresponding to a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with. According to this aspect, the size of the filter can be kept to the minimum required, the amount of transport required during cleaning can be reduced, and a highly reliable filter cleaning mechanism can be provided.By providing a filter cleaning mechanism, it is possible to suppress an increase in the dimensions of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system, and ultimately an increase in the installation area.

[0177]

[14] Other aspects of the fourteenth aspect The air conditioner of another aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of another aspect of the present invention, The first filter and the second filter are installed so as to be removable from the housing at a predetermined standby position. According to this aspect, maintenance work such as vacuuming or washing can be easily performed with the first filter and the second filter removed.

[0178]

[15] Other aspects of the fifteenth aspect An air conditioner of a fifteenth aspect is the air conditioner of the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect, When the indoor unit is attached to a wall, a lid portion that opens the internal space is provided at the bottom of the filter cleaning unit in the vertical direction. According to this aspect, the dust collected by the filter cleaning operation can be collected without removing the filter cleaning unit from the indoor unit, thereby improving maintainability.

[0179]

[16] Other aspects of the 16th aspect An air conditioner of a 16th aspect is the air conditioner of any one of the 13th to 15th aspects, The filter cleaning unit includes a first filter transport path through which the first filter is transported; a second transport path through which the second filter is transported; the transport unit drives, in the first direction, one of the first filter and the second filter that is located on the second direction side with respect to the cleaning unit; The other filter is driven in the second direction. According to this aspect, the area required for installing the filter cleaning mechanism can be reduced, and in turn, the size of the indoor unit equipped with the filter cleaning mechanism can be made approximately the same as that of an indoor unit without the filter cleaning mechanism.

[0180]

[17] Other aspects of the seventeenth aspect An air conditioner of a 17th aspect is the air conditioner of any one of the 13th to 15th aspects, The transport unit simultaneously performs an operation of driving one of the filters in the first direction and an operation of driving the other of the filters in the second direction. According to this aspect, the filter cleaning time can be reduced.

[0181]

[18] No. 18 Other aspects of No. 18 The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of the thirteenth aspect to the fifteenth aspect. In the air conditioning apparatus of the above aspect, The filter is provided with a rack, The transport unit includes a pinion gear that meshes with the rack, a drive motor that drives the pinion gear, and It is equipped with: According to this aspect, the filter can be reliably driven and cleaned with a simple configuration.

[0182]

[19] No. 19 Other aspects of No. 19 The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack, The transport unit includes a first pinion gear that meshes with the first rack, a first drive motor that drives the first pinion gear, a second pinion gear that meshes with the second rack, and a second drive motor that drives the second pinion gear. According to this aspect, the rated capacity of the first drive motor and the second drive motor can be reduced, which reduces power consumption and noise during filter cleaning. Furthermore, since the first filter and the second filter can be controlled independently, reliability is improved.

[0183]

[20] No. 20 Other aspects of 20th The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack; The conveying unit includes a first pinion gear that meshes with the first rack, a second pinion gear that meshes with the second rack, a drive motor that drives either the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear, and a drive force transmission member that transmits the drive force of one of the pinion gears to the other of the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear. According to this aspect, filter cleaning can be performed efficiently with a simple configuration.

[21] No. 21 Other aspects of No. 21The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, Guide members are provided corresponding to the filter transport paths, respectively, for guiding the filters during transport. According to this aspect, the guide member allows the filter to be reliably transported into the filter transport path, thereby enabling reliable filter cleaning.

[0184]

[22] No. 22 Other aspects of No. 22 The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, the filter cleaning unit is provided across the entire width of the filter in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The first filter and the second filter are transported so as to pass through the interior of the cleaning unit in parallel from the first direction and the second direction, respectively. According to this aspect, two filters can be cleaned in at least one cleaning operation, thereby reducing the cleaning time.

[0185]

[23] No. 23 Other aspects of No. 23 The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, the filter cleaning unit includes a plurality of cleaning units stacked in the stacking direction of the filter transport path, At least one of the cleaning units is provided with a dust guide portion that guides the collected dust. According to this aspect, dust can be reliably collected from the entire surface of the filter with a simple process.

[0186]

[24] No. 24 Other aspects of No. 24The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, When the filter is in a predetermined standby position, the filter cleaning unit is installed so as to be removable while maintaining the filter in the standby position. According to this aspect, it is possible to remove only the filter cleaning unit without removing the filter, thereby improving maintainability.

[0187]

[25] No. 25 Other aspects of No. 25 The air conditioner of another aspect is the air conditioner of another aspect 13 to the air conditioner of another aspect 15, Each of the filter conveying paths contacts a first surface of the filter, and a first cleaning member for performing cleaning; a second cleaning member that comes into contact with a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface and cleans the second surface; Equipped with. According to this aspect, the front and back surfaces of the filter can be cleaned simultaneously by the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member in parallel, thereby reducing the time required for filter cleaning. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 10 Indoor unit 11. Housing 12-1 First intake port 12-2 Second intake port 13 Filter cleaning unit 13B Bottom casing 13BT bottom casing 13L Lid 13M central casing 13T top casing 14 First air filter 15 Second air filter 16 Support frame 17 Air flow path 18 Indoor heat exchanger 19 Air outlet 20 Indoor fan 31 Fitting part 33 Contact surface 41 Controller 42 Filter drive mechanism 43 Remote Controller CM1~CM6 cleaning parts DM drive motor DM1 First drive motor DM2 Second drive motor DPG driving pinion DR1 1st direction DR2 2nd direction Direction D V-driving bell to G M1 First guide member GM2 Second guide member GW1 1st guide wall GW2 2nd Guide Wall GW3 3rd guide wall PG1 First pinion PG2 2nd pinion R1 First transport road R 2 Second transport path SPG driven pinion

Claims

1. a filter cleaning unit in which a plurality of filter transport paths, each of which is provided with a cleaning mechanism, are stacked; a conveying unit configured to convey filters corresponding to the respective filter conveying paths through the filter conveying paths in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; A filter cleaning mechanism is provided.

2. The filter cleaning unit includes a first filter transport path through which the first filter is transported; a second transport path through which the second filter is transported; the transport unit drives, in the first direction, one of the first filter and the second filter, which is located on the second direction side with respect to the filter cleaning unit; driving the other of the filters in the second direction; 2. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 1.

3. the transport unit simultaneously performs an operation of driving one of the filters in the first direction and an operation of driving the other of the filters in the second direction.

3. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 2.

4. The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack; The transport unit includes a first pinion gear meshed with the first rack, a first drive motor that drives the first pinion gear, a second pinion gear meshed with the second rack, and a second drive motor that drives the second pinion gear.

3. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 2.

5. The first filter is provided with a first rack, The second filter is provided with a second rack; The transport unit includes a first pinion gear meshing with the first rack, a second pinion gear meshing with the second rack, a drive motor that drives either the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear, and a drive force transmission member that transmits the drive force of the one pinion gear to the other of the first pinion gear or the second pinion gear.

3. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 2.

6. the filter cleaning unit is provided across the entire width of the filter in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the first filter and the second filter are transported so as to pass through the interior of the filter cleaning unit in parallel from the first direction and the second direction, respectively; 2. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 1.

7. the filter cleaning unit includes a plurality of cleaning units stacked in the stacking direction of the filter transport path, At least one of the plurality of cleaning units is provided with a dust guide portion that guides collected dust.

2. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 1.

8. Each of the filter transport paths includes a first cleaning member that contacts a first surface of the filter and cleans the first surface; a second cleaning member that comes into contact with a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface and cleans the second surface; Equipped with 2. The filter cleaning mechanism of claim 1.

9. a cleaning unit provided in the longitudinal center of the housing of the indoor unit, the cleaning unit including a plurality of filter conveying paths provided in a stacked state and each path having a cleaning mechanism; a first filter disposed on a first direction side of the cleaning unit along the longitudinal direction; a second filter disposed on a second direction side of the cleaning unit, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; a transport unit configured to transport the first filter and the second filter through the filter transport path corresponding to a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; An air conditioning device equipped with:

10. the first filter and the second filter are installed so as to be detachable from the housing at a predetermined standby position; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 9.

11. a cover portion that opens the internal space of the cleaning unit in the vertical direction when the indoor unit is attached to a wall; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 9.

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