Air conditioner and method for cleaning humidification filter for air conditioner

Abstract

This air conditioner is provided with a water storage tray, a humidification filter, a blower, and a control unit that controls rotation of the humidification filter and blowing by the blower. The control unit has, as operation modes, a humidification mode in which humidification is performed and a cleaning mode in which cleaning of the humidification filter is performed. When the operation mode is the humidification mode, the humidification filter is rotated so that a portion immersed in water at a predetermined water level stored in the water storage tray changes, and the blower is operated, and when the operation mode is the cleaning mode, the humidification filter is rotated so that the portion immersed in water at a predetermined water level stored in the water storage tray changes, and the blower is stopped.

Description

Air conditioner and method for cleaning humidifying filters for air conditioners

[0001] The following disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-130841, filed on August 7, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Air conditioners with a humidifying function that blows out humidified air are known, and are also called "humidifiers." Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner that includes a water tank, a blower, a disk-shaped filter that is rotatable about a horizontal rotation shaft in a ventilation path for the air generated by the blower, and a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the filter in a circumferential direction, wherein the filter has a submerged portion whose outer periphery is submerged in the water tank when rotating and a non-submerged portion that does not submerge, separated circumferentially, and when not rotating, the non-submerged portion is vertical and located at the lowest position.

[0003] JP 2009-85511 A

[0004] With repeated use, components contained in tap water and other sources can deposit and adhere to the surface of the humidifying filter (humidifying filter) installed in an air conditioner. This deposit is also known as "scale." To remove the scale, the filter is typically soaked in water containing citric acid or other solutions. However, this requires a container and space for soaking, so there was a need to improve the ease of use of air conditioners.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can clean a humidifying filter without preparing a container or space for soaking, and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner.

[0006] The air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises a detachable water storage tray capable of storing water at a predetermined level, a rotatably held humidifying filter that is absorbent and breathable, a blower that generates an airflow that passes through the humidifying filter, and a control unit that controls the rotation of the humidifying filter and the airflow of the blower, the control unit having operating modes of a humidification mode that performs humidification and a cleaning mode that cleans the humidifying filter, and when the operating mode is the humidification mode, the control unit rotates the humidifying filter so that the portion immersed in the water of the predetermined level stored in the water storage tray changes, and operates the blower, and when the operating mode is the cleaning mode, the control unit rotates the humidifying filter so that the portion immersed in the water of the predetermined level stored in the water storage tray changes, and stops the blower.

[0007] The method of cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner disclosed herein includes a cleaning operation step in which the humidifying filter of the air conditioner is rotated so that the portion immersed in water containing a cleaning agent stored in a water storage tray changes, and the blower of the air conditioner is stopped, and after the cleaning operation step is completed, a stopping step in which the rotation of the humidifying filter is stopped in a state in which the humidifying filter is not immersed in the water in the water storage tray.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can clean a humidifying filter without preparing a container or space for soaking, and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner of an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tray section supporting a humidifying filter unit. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the tray section with the humidifying filter unit removed. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the humidifying filter at the end of a cleaning mode. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the humidifying filter when a cleaning mode is performed. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner of an embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an air conditioner and a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] In this disclosure, the term "air conditioner" refers to any device having a humidifying function that blows out humidified air. The temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioner is not particularly limited, and the air conditioner may have, for example, a cooling function that blows out cool air or a heating function that blows out warm air. Furthermore, the air conditioner may have a function other than the humidifying function in addition to the humidifying function, such as an "air purifier" that has an air cleaning function. The air cleaning function may simply remove dust and dirt from the air using a filter, or may sterilize and deodorize by blowing out air containing electrically charged particles. The air conditioner shown in the embodiment is an air purifier with a humidifying function that has both a humidifying function and an air cleaning function.

[0012] [Embodiment] The configuration of an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner 100. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a water storage tray (water storage section) 20 supporting a humidifying filter unit F. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the water storage tray 20 with the humidifying filter unit F removed. Note that arrow D in Figure 2 indicates the direction of airflow (wind) of air before or after humidification.

[0013] As shown in the figure, the air conditioner 100 of the embodiment comprises a housing 10, a water storage tray 20, a water supply container 30, a humidifying filter unit F, a blower 40, a filter drive unit 50, a control unit 60, an operation panel 61, a dust collection filter 71, and a deodorizing filter 72.

[0014] The housing 10 includes a front air outlet 11 , a rear air outlet 12 , a humidifying filter accommodating space 13 , an air cleaning filter accommodating space 14 , an inner panel 15 , and a rear panel 16 .

[0015] The front air outlet 11 and the rear air outlet 12 are located at the top of the housing 10. The front air outlet 11 blows air humidified by the humidifying filter 1 toward the front of the housing 10. The rear air outlet 12 blows the humidified air toward the rear (back) surface of the housing 10.

[0016] The humidifying filter accommodating space 13 accommodates the water storage tray 20, the water supply container 30 and the humidifying filter unit F.

[0017] The air cleaning filter accommodating space 14 is formed between the inner panel 15 and the rear panel 16. The air cleaning filter accommodating space 14 accommodates a dust collecting filter 71 and a deodorizing filter 72. The dust collecting filter 71 and the deodorizing filter 72 are held in the air cleaning filter accommodating space 14 by the rear panel 16.

[0018] The water storage tray 20 is detachable. One side of the water storage tray 20 forms part of the housing 10, and can be slid out from the humidifying filter housing space 13 inside the housing 10 to the external space, and can be slid further to separate it separately.

[0019] The water storage tray 20 includes a water supply tray 21 , a support roller 22 , a water supply portion 23 , and a tray divider 24 .

[0020] The water supply container 30 is configured to be detachable. A user of the air conditioner 100 can attach or detach the water supply container 30 to or from the water storage tray 20 while the air conditioner 100 is pulled out from the humidifying filter housing space 13 to the exterior space.

[0021] The water container 30 includes a water tank 31 , a tank cap 32 , and a handle 33 .

[0022] A user of the air conditioner 100 pours water into the water tank 31 of the water supply container 30. The water supplied from the water tank 31 is stored in the water supply tray 21 of the water storage tray 20. The lower part of the humidifying filter 1 is immersed in the water stored in the water supply tray 21.

[0023] The water tank 31 of the water supply container 30 stores water to be supplied to the water storage tray 20. The tank cap 32 is fastened to a screw formed on the outer edge of the water supply opening of the water tank 31. The tank cap 32 has a check valve that prevents the stored water from leaking out. The handle 33 is used to carry the water tank 31.

[0024] When the water supply container 30 is accommodated in the humidifying filter accommodating space 13, the water tank 31 is inserted at its lower part into the water supply section 23 of the water storage tray 20, and is placed on top of the water supply section 23, and is then pushed into the humidifying filter accommodating space 13 together with the water storage tray 20 and accommodated therein.

[0025] Water supply unit 23 has a convex portion that pushes up the check valve of tank cap 32 when water tank 31 is placed on water supply unit 23. As a result, if the water level in water supply unit 23 drops, water from water tank 31 is automatically replenished to water supply unit 23.

[0026] The water storage tray 20 is capable of storing water at a predetermined level in the water supply tray 21, and water is supplied to the humidifying filter 1 in the water supply tray 21. A water supply port that penetrates the partition is provided in the wall (partition) that separates the water supply tray 21 from the water supply section 23. This allows water to be supplied from the water tank 31 to the water supply tray 21 via the water supply section 23 and the water supply port. The water level in the water supply section 23 is detected by detection means such as a float.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the water supply tray 21 has a step 21a in the middle of its height. The area above the step 21a is a wide section with a large opening area. The water supply tray 21 has support rollers 22 in the narrow section below the step 21a (towards the bottom 21b).

[0028] The support rollers 22 are disposed on the bottom 21b (bottom surface) inside the water supply tray 21. The support rollers 22 each rotatably support the humidifying filter unit F placed on the support roller 22 within the water supply tray 21, as shown in FIG.

[0029] A tray divider 24 is disposed on the upper part of the partition between the water supply section 23 and the water supply tray 21. The tray divider 24 prevents the airflow (wind) generated by the blower fan 42 from leaking out of the humidifying filter accommodating space 13.

[0030] The humidifying filter unit F includes a humidifying filter 1, a frame-shaped filter holding member (filter holder) 2, and a gear portion 3 formed on the outer periphery (outer periphery) of the filter holder 2. The humidifying filter unit F is rotatably held within the air conditioner 100, and as shown in Figure 4, is rotatably supported by two support rollers 22 within a water supply tray 21. The humidifying filter 1 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the humidifying filter unit F.

[0031] The humidifying filter 1 is a member made by folding a porous sheet made of absorbent material such as rayon or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in an accordion pattern. The accordion-folded folds are kept at a constant distance by hot melt adhesive 4, which is formed in stripes at regular intervals.

[0032] The humidifying filter 1 is absorbent and breathable, and is housed in the filter holder 2 with at least a portion exposed. The filter holder 2 is not absorbent or breathable. The humidifying filter 1 is absorbent and breathable, and will absorb water when the portion exposed from the filter holder 2 is immersed in water in the water supply tray 21 of the water storage tray 20. Even if the humidifying filter 1 is immersed in water in the water supply tray 21 of the water storage tray 20, it will not absorb water if only the portion not exposed from the filter holder 2 is immersed in water.

[0033] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, water is supplied to the humidifying filter 1 by immersing the humidifying filter 1 in water in the water supply tray 21 and having the humidifying filter 1 suck up the water from below. With this water absorption method, water droplets are less likely to adhere to the surface of the humidifying filter 1 and water splashing is less likely to occur than with a water absorption method in which water is sprayed onto the humidifying filter 1.

[0034] The blower 40 includes a blower motor 41 and a blower fan 42. The blower 40 generates an airflow that passes through the humidifying filter 1. The blower fan 42 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The blower motor 41 drives the blower fan 42 to rotate.

[0035] The blower fan 42 is rotated by the drive of the blower motor 41, and draws air from the rear side of the housing 10 through the deodorizing filter 72 and the dust collecting filter 71. The drawn air is humidified while passing through the humidifying filter 1, and is then sent out as humidified air from the front air outlet 11, the rear air outlet 12, or both.

[0036] The filter drive unit 50 includes a drive motor 51 and a drive gear 52 (transmission member). The filter drive unit 50 rotates the humidifying filter unit F. Specifically, the drive gear 52 rotates when driven by the drive motor 51. The drive gear 52 abuts against the gear portion 3 of the humidifying filter unit F and transmits the rotational drive of the drive motor 51 to the filter holder 2. This causes the humidifying filter 1 to rotate around a rotation axis (indicated by the dashed-dotted line Ax in FIG. 2 ) at the center in the height direction (up-down direction).

[0037] The rotation can be either clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of rotation, rotation speed, rotation angle (phase), rotation stop position, etc. can be set arbitrarily by instructions or commands from the control unit 60.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioner 100 has a control unit 60 and an operation panel 61. The control unit 60 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 60 controls each element of the air conditioner 100, such as the filter drive unit 50, by executing a computer program stored in a memory unit (not shown). The rotation of the humidifying filter 1 and the blower fan 42 is controlled by the control unit 60.

[0039] The operation panel 61 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 10. The operation panel 61 includes a display unit and a touch panel. The touch panel functions as an operation input unit.

[0040] In the air conditioner 100 configured as described above, the control unit 60 has two operating modes: a humidification mode in which humidification is performed, and a cleaning mode in which the humidifying filter 1 is cleaned. The operating mode can be selected using the operation panel 61. When the operating time of the air conditioner 100 exceeds a predetermined time, the notification means may notify the user to activate the cleaning mode, and for example, a message urging the user to activate the cleaning mode may be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 61.

[0041] When the operating mode is the humidification mode, the control unit 60 rotates the humidifying filter 1 so that the portion immersed in the water stored in the water storage tray (water storage unit) 20 varies, and also operates the blower 40. This allows the humidifying filter 1 to absorb water while generating an airflow (wind) that passes through the humidifying filter 1. As a result, the air conditioner 100 can continuously blow out humidified airflows from the front air outlet 11 and the rear air outlet 12.

[0042] When the operating mode is the cleaning mode, the control unit 60 rotates the humidifying filter 1 so that the portion immersed in the water stored in the water storage tray (water storage unit) 20 varies, and stops the blower 40. If the cleaning mode is performed with water containing a detergent dissolved in it (hereinafter also referred to as "cleaning water") in the water storage tray 20, the rotation of the humidifying filter 1 causes the entire humidifying filter 1 to be cleaned with the cleaning water. Furthermore, because the blower 40 is stopped, it is possible to prevent airflow containing cleaning water from being discharged from the front outlet 11 and rear outlet 12 of the air conditioner 100.

[0043] The cleaning agent is not particularly limited as long as it is a water-soluble substance capable of removing dirt from the humidifying filter 1, but when removing dirt (so-called "scale") that has formed on the surface or inside of the humidifying filter 1 due to components contained in tap water, etc., citric acid, for example, is used.

[0044] The air conditioner 100 is configured so that when a water supply container 30 filled with water is attached, water flows from the water supply container 30 toward the water storage tray 20 due to water pressure, and this water flow can be used to dissolve the detergent in the water storage tray 20 in the water and to make the concentration of the detergent in the wash water more uniform.

[0045] According to the present disclosure, although the humidification mode and cleaning mode differ in terms of control of whether the blower 40 is operated or stopped, the configuration does not need to be changed. That is, the air conditioner 100 can perform the cleaning mode without changing the configuration from the humidification mode. Furthermore, because the cleaning process is performed within the device, there is no need to secure a container for soaking the humidifying filter 1 or a storage space for it.

[0046] The humidification mode and the cleaning mode may differ in respects other than the control of the blower 40. For example, the control unit 60 may control the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 in the cleaning mode to be slower than the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 in the humidification mode, in order to increase the time that the humidifying filter 1 is immersed in cleaning water each time. The control unit 60 may also control the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 in the cleaning mode to be faster than the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 in the humidification mode, in order to increase the number of times that the humidifying filter 1 is immersed in cleaning water. The rotation speed (amount of rotations per minute) of the humidifying filter 1 in the cleaning mode may be adjusted to, for example, 0.5 rotations or more and less than 1.0 rotation.

[0047] In addition, the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 may be changed during the cleaning mode. For example, the rotation speed of the humidifying filter 1 may be made relatively faster until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cleaning mode, in order to promote dissolution of the cleaning agent in water, for example.

[0048] When the cleaning mode is completed, the control unit 60 controls the rotation of the humidifying filter 1 and the blower 40 to stop. This allows the water storage tray 20 to be removed from the air conditioner 100 after the cleaning mode is completed, and the dirty cleaning water to be discarded.

[0049] When the cleaning mode is completed, the control unit 60 stops the rotation of the humidifying filter 1 in a state where the humidifying filter 1 is not immersed in the water in the water storage tray 20. This prevents the humidifying filter 1 from remaining immersed in the cleaning water in the water storage tray 20 after the cleaning mode is completed. Here, "a state where the humidifying filter 1 is not immersed in the water in the water storage tray 20" means that the humidifying filter 1 does not absorb the water in the water storage tray 20, and is, for example, a state where the part of the humidifying filter 1 not covered by the filter holder 2 is immersed in water.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows the state of the humidifying filter unit F at the end of the cleaning mode, and Fig. 6 shows the state of the humidifying filter unit F when the cleaning mode is being performed. As shown in Fig. 5, when the cleaning mode is completed, the rotation of the humidifying filter 1 is stopped, and only the portion of the humidifying filter 1 covered by the filter holder 2 is immersed in water. Therefore, the humidifying filter 1 is stopped in a state where the cleaning water in the water storage tray 20 (water supply tray 21) has not penetrated into it. As shown in Fig. 6, when the cleaning mode is being performed, the humidifying filter 1 is rotating, and the portion not covered by the filter holder 2 is immersed in the cleaning water, and the humidifying filter 1 absorbs the cleaning water. As a result, scale adhering to the humidifying filter 1 dissolves in the cleaning water.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, by not immersing the humidifying filter 1 in cleaning water after the cleaning mode has finished, damage to the humidifying filter 1 by cleaning water can be prevented even if the humidifying filter 1 is left unused for a long period of time due to reasons such as the absence of the user. After the cleaning mode has finished, the humidifying filter 1 is preferably rinsed to remove any cleaning water that has adhered to it.

[0052] When the cleaning mode is completed, a notification means may notify the user of the completion of the cleaning mode. The notification means is not particularly limited, and may include a display that displays information on a screen, a speaker that emits sound, an LED lamp that flashes or changes color, a communication device that transmits information via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. For example, the completion of the cleaning mode may be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 61.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner according to an embodiment. When the operating time of the air conditioner 100 exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit 60 displays a message on the display unit of the operation panel 61 prompting the user to enter the cleaning mode (S11). To prepare for the cleaning mode, the user removes the water storage tray 20 from the housing 10, discards any water present in the water storage tray 20, and then pours a cleaning agent into the water storage tray 20 (S12). Next, the user attaches the water-filled water supply container 30 to the water supply unit 23 of the water storage tray 20 and stores the water storage tray 20 in the housing 10 (S13). This causes water to flow from the water tank 31 into the water storage tray 20, dissolving the cleaning agent. The flow of water promotes the dissolution of the cleaning agent, producing cleaning water in the water storage tray 20.

[0054] After storing the water storage tray 20 in the housing 10, the user selects the cleaning mode as the operating mode of the air conditioner 100 via the operation panel 61 and gives an instruction to execute it. This causes the air conditioner 100 to start the cleaning mode (S14: cleaning operation step). In the cleaning mode, the control unit 60 drives the filter drive unit 50 to rotate the humidifying filter 1 and stops the blower 40. The humidifying filter 1 rotates so that the portion immersed in the cleaning water stored in the water storage tray 20 changes. As a result, scale on the surface of the humidifying filter 1 dissolves in the cleaning water in the water storage tray 20, and scale inside the humidifying filter 1 is dissolved by the cleaning water absorbed by the humidifying filter 1 and flows into the water storage tray 20.

[0055] When a predetermined time (e.g., six hours) has elapsed since the start of the cleaning mode, the control unit 60 ends the cleaning mode (S15: stop step). At this time, the control unit 60 stops the rotation of the humidifying filter 1 without the humidifying filter 1 being immersed in the cleaning water in the water storage tray 20. When the cleaning mode ends, the control unit 60 displays an indication on the display unit of the operation panel 61 that the cleaning mode has ended, and prompts the user to rinse the humidifying filter 1 and water storage tray 20 with water to which the cleaning water has adhered. The user removes the water storage tray 20 from the housing 10 and rinses the humidifying filter 1 and water storage tray 20 (S16). The control unit 60 may detect that the water storage tray 20 has been removed from the housing 10, and release the stopped state of the blower 40.

[0056] When the water storage tray 20 is re-stored in the housing 10, the operating time of the air conditioner 100 is reset and the air conditioner 100 enters standby mode. When the user selects the humidification mode via the operation panel 61 and issues an instruction to execute it, the air conditioner 100 starts the humidification mode. This causes humidification to be performed using the humidifying filter 1 from which the scale has been removed.

[0057] [Modifications] The air conditioner 100 may have a mechanism that performs processes such as adding a cleaning agent, rinsing the humidifying filter 1 after cleaning, and disposing of the cleaning water after use without user intervention. If a series of processes can be performed automatically, the cleaning mode may be performed automatically at regular intervals without prompting the user to perform the cleaning mode.

[0058] The air conditioner 100 may have a mechanism for dispensing a cleaning agent in response to an instruction from the control unit 60. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be provided with an input unit that dispenses a cleaning agent into the water storage tray 20, and in the cleaning mode, water containing the cleaning agent dispensed by the input unit may be stored in the water storage tray 20. The control unit 60 may instruct the input unit to dispense the cleaning agent, for example, when the cleaning mode is selected via the operation panel 61.

[0059] The air conditioner 100 may have a mechanism for rinsing the humidifying filter 1 after cleaning in response to instructions from the control unit 60. Specifically, a mechanism for spraying rinsing water toward the humidifying filter 1 may be provided, or a pump for replacing the used cleaning water in the water storage tray 20 with rinsing water may be provided.

[0060] The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Each drawing is shown schematically to the extent necessary to explain the invention, and the size, position, number, etc. of each component shown are examples.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a detachable water storage tray capable of storing water at a predetermined level; a rotatably held humidifying filter that is absorbent and breathable; a blower that generates an airflow that passes through the humidifying filter; and a control unit that controls the rotation of the humidifying filter and the blowing of air by the blower, wherein the control unit has operating modes including a humidification mode that performs humidification and a cleaning mode that cleans the humidifying filter, and when the operating mode is the humidification mode, rotates the humidifying filter so that the portion immersed in water of the predetermined level stored in the water storage tray changes, and operates the blower, and when the operating mode is the cleaning mode, rotates the humidifying filter so that the portion immersed in water of the predetermined level stored in the water storage tray changes, and stops the blower.

2. An air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable water supply container, wherein water flows from said water supply container toward said water storage tray.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the rotation speed of the humidifying filter in the cleaning mode to be slower than the rotation speed of the humidifying filter in the humidifying mode.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the rotation speed of the humidifying filter in the cleaning mode to be faster than the rotation speed of the humidifying filter in the humidifying mode.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the rotation of the humidifying filter and the blower to stop when the cleaning mode is completed.

6. An air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the rotation of the humidifying filter when the cleaning mode is completed, without the humidifying filter being immersed in the water in the water storage tray.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying the user that the cleaning mode has ended.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting a cleaning agent into the water storage tray, wherein in the cleaning mode, the water containing the cleaning agent input by the input unit is stored in the water storage tray.

9. A method for cleaning a humidifying filter for an air conditioner, comprising: a cleaning operation step in which the humidifying filter of the air conditioner is rotated so that the portion immersed in water containing a cleaning agent stored in a water storage tray changes, and the blower of the air conditioner is stopped; and a stopping step in which, after the cleaning operation step is completed, the rotation of the humidifying filter is stopped in a state where the humidifying filter is not immersed in the water in the water storage tray.

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