WO2007037198A1 - Filter cleaning device and air conditioner having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a filter cleaning device capable of removing dust from the wide area of filters at once without using a suction/discharge device with large capacity while adopting a system for removing dust by air and an air conditioner in which the cleaning device is installed. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] In this cleaning device for the filters (4) for removing dust (C) in the air, split type dust removing boxes (10) and (11) in which air flow passages (17) for the air are formed are disposed so that their opening faces (10b) and (11b) faces each other. The filters (4) are disposed in a clearance between these boxes (10) and (11), and air is circulated in the boxes (10) and (11) to remove the dust (C) adhered to the filters (4).

Description

 Specification

 Filter cleaning device and air conditioner equipped with the same

 Technical field

 TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a filter that removes dust in the air, and an air conditioner such as an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, and a heater equipped with the cleaning device. It is. Background art

 Conventionally, as an air conditioner of this type, as shown in Patent Document 1, a dust box having a brush for removing dust is disposed so as to contact a filter, and the filter is moved. What removes the entire filter is known. Also, as shown in Patent Document 2, a movable suction nozzle for sucking dust adhering to the filter is provided, a suction duct is provided in the suction nozzle, and a suction exhaust device connected to the suction duct and dust sucked in are provided. There is also known a filter device having an exhaust duct for exhausting the air to the outdoors. Patent Document 1: JP 2005-188808 A

 Patent Document 2: JP 2004-283703 A

 Disclosure of the invention

 Problems to be solved by the invention

 [0003] In the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 described above, however, the dust attached to the filter is merely scraped off with the brush, so that it is attached to the brush and reattached to the dust force filter. In addition, there is a problem that the dust must be disposed of every time dust accumulates in the dust box!

[0004] On the other hand, since the filter device described in Patent Document 2 is a system that removes dust attached to the filter with a brush rather than removing dust with a brush, the filter device is damaged. There is no risk of dust collecting in the cleaning device. However, in this filter device, the suction port formed in the suction nozzle is brought into contact with the filter surface to suck in dust. Therefore, if the area of the suction port is increased to widen the dust suction range, the suction force is increased. A suction / exhaust device with a large air flow is required to prevent weakening and lowering of dust removal efficiency. On the contrary, if the suction area is increased by reducing the area of the suction port, it takes time to clean the entire filter!

 [0005] Therefore, in the present invention, a filter cleaning device capable of removing dust from a wide range of filters at once without using a suction exhaust device having a large air volume while adopting a method of removing dust by a fluid such as air, and the like. The purpose is to provide an air conditioner equipped with a cleaning device.

 Means for solving the problem

[0006] A filter cleaning device according to the present invention is a filter cleaning device for cleaning a filter that removes dust in the air, and includes a dust removal box having a slit capable of guiding the filter to the inside, and the dust removal box. An air flow generating means for generating an air flow. The air flow generating means generates an air flow in the dust removal box, and dust attached to the filter guided into the dust removal box from the slit is removed by the air flow. It is characterized by doing.

 [0007] In addition, the dust removal box is formed in half, and the half dust removal boxes in which the air flow path is formed are arranged so that the opening surfaces face each other, and the gap formed between the boxes A filter for removing dust in the air is disposed as the slit, and dust attached to the filter is removed by circulating air in the dust removal box.

 [0008] According to the above configuration, the conventional suction nozzle method is used to accommodate the filter in the space surrounded by the two boxes, and to remove dust adhering to the filter by circulating air in this limited space. It is not necessary to inhale air like a large suction loca. Therefore, a device with a large air volume is not required as a means for circulating air, and there is no fear that the apparatus will be enlarged.

 [0009] Further, the flow velocity of air can be easily increased, and the dust attached to the filter can be efficiently blown away by this air flow and removed. Here, the half-shaped dust removal box need not be formed in the same shape as long as the opening surface is formed so that it can be abutted between the boxes.

[0010] As an air flow generating means for generating and circulating air in the box, for example, a fan, an intake port for taking air into the fan, and a fan force release for releasing air It is possible to use a configuration having a mouth, and by connecting the intake port and the discharge port to the box, air can be circulated in the box.

 [0011] As another air flow generating means, it is also possible to use an air sending means for sending air or an air suction means for sucking air. In this case, air can be circulated between the vent and the air sending means or the air suction means by forming the vent in the box. However, there is no risk of dust scattering around the gap between the boxes.

From the viewpoint of V !! For example, it is preferable to use air suction means.

[0012] The flow rate of the air flowing through the air flow path can be increased as the cross-sectional area of the air flow path is reduced. That is, even if the area of the half-divided opening surface as the dust removal box is the same, the flow rate of the air flowing in the air flow path can be increased as it is formed to be elongated. In other words, if the cross-sectional area of the air flow path is small, even if the length of the air flow path is increased, the effect on the flow velocity of the air flowing in the air flow path is small.

[0013] Therefore, if the dust removal box has a small cross-sectional area of the air flow path, it is possible to easily generate a high-speed air flow even if it is formed so as to cross the filter. Specifically, if a suction port is formed on one end of the box in the cross-filter direction, and a suction means for sucking air is connected to the other end, an air flow having a high flow velocity can be generated in the entire air flow path. This makes it possible to efficiently remove dust adhering to the filter in the air flow path.

 [0014] The filter cleaning device is provided with a moving means for setting the slit or gap of the dust removal box to an interval through which the filter can pass and moving the filter in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box. This allows the entire filter to be cleaned automatically. The moving means may move the filter with respect to the fixed dust removal box, or may move the dust removal box with respect to the fixed filter.

[0015] As the slit or gap of the dust removal box becomes larger than the thickness of the filter, the moving means can operate smoothly. On the other hand, air flows into the box from the gap and flows through the air flow path. The air flow rate will decrease. Conversely, if the slit or gap in the dust removal box is made small, the opening end face of the box will not move when the moving means is operated. Contacting the dust on the surface of the filter will cause the dust adhering to the filter to scatter around.

 [0016] Therefore, in the present invention, the filter is provided with a plurality of protruding horizontal ribs that divide the surface into a plurality of sections, and the horizontal ribs are arranged at equal intervals in the filter vertical direction, The box is formed so that the distance between them is almost the same as the width of the box. Both boxes are placed facing each other with a gap through which the horizontal ribs can pass. The cylindrical box body is formed by both the boxes and the horizontal rib interposed between them, and dust attached to the filter is removed for each compartment accommodated in the box body. I did it.

 [0017] According to the above configuration, the two boxes are arranged to face each other with a gap through which the lateral rib can pass, that is, the boxes are arranged with the filter surface force separated from each other. There is no possibility that the box will come into contact with the filter surface and scatter dust.

 [0018] Further, by positioning the lateral rib between the opening end faces of both boxes, it is possible to close the slit or gap of the dust removal box with the lateral rib. In this way, a cylindrical box body can be formed by both boxes and the lateral ribs interposed between them, and by operating the suction means in this state, the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air flow path is reduced. The section surrounded by the horizontal ribs can be cleaned efficiently.

 [0019] When the cleaning of one section is completed, if the suction means is stopped and the filter is moved by the distance between the lateral ribs, the adjacent section can be accommodated in the box body. By repeating the above, the filter can be cleaned for each section. In other words, it is possible to clean the filter that does not disperse dust simply by operating the moving means intermittently.

[0020] As another configuration for preventing dust scattering on the surface of the filter, when cleaning a part of the filter that enters the air flow path, the moving means is stopped and the dust removal box is brought into contact with the filter. After the cleaning of a part of the filter is completed, the moving means is operated with at least the dust removal box located on the filter surface side where dust adheres separated from the filter. Uncleaned filter part in the flow path I ’m going to rub you so that

 [0021] Specifically, for example, an anti-split dust removal box arranged on the filter surface side is provided so that the distance from the filter can be changed, and the filter is constantly applied by the urging force of the panel. Support the unit so that it is separated from the beginning. When cleaning the filter, use a solenoid or the like to make the box abut against the filter against the urging force of the panel!

 [0022] Further, a plurality of protruding horizontal ribs are formed in the vertical direction on the surface of the filter, and the dust removal box includes a box main body in which an air flow path is formed, and both the vertical direction of the box main body. It is also possible to provide a guide wall formed in the longitudinal direction at the end, and to make the longitudinal length of the guide wall longer than the inner dimension of the adjacent lateral rib.

 [0023] In the above configuration, a guide wall is formed at both longitudinal ends of the box body of the dust removal box, and the length of the guide wall in the vertical direction is longer than the inner dimension of the adjacent horizontal rib. For this reason, there are always lateral ribs in the space between the guide walls. In other words, the slit or gap of the dust removal box can be used as a filter guide path through which the filter passes, and the slit or gap can be closed with a cross-sectionally projecting lateral rib to restrict the entry and exit of air. . More specifically, the dust removal box is preferably arranged so that the length direction of both ends in the vertical direction of the box body is parallel to the length direction of the lateral rib.

[0024] Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the flow velocity of the air flowing through the space surrounded by the box body of the dust removal box, and the dust attached to the filter accommodated in the dust removal box can be efficiently removed by this air flow. It can be removed by blowing away.

 [0025] The filter cleaning device according to the present invention further includes a cleaning brush arranged along the length direction in the dust removal box in the above configuration, and the filter is in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the dust removal box. The cleaning brush is rotated while being moved relative to the filter to forcibly remove the dust adhering to the surface of the filter, and the air flow generating means removes the dust that has floated from the dust removal box. You can also

[0026] According to the above configuration, while the filter is relatively moved in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the dust removal box, the cleaning brush is driven to rotate to forcibly remove the dust adhering to the surface of the filter. And the dust that floats away by the air flow generation means Since the dust removal box force is discharged to the outside by the air flow generated by the flow generation means, stubborn dirt stuck to the surface of the filter can be lifted up and removed.

 [0027] Further, as the filter cleaning device, a motor that rotationally drives the cleaning brush is provided, and the cleaning brush is rotationally driven by the motor to forcibly remove dust adhering to the surface of the filter.

 [0028] At this time, the rotation direction of the cleaning brush can be set as follows. That is, the motor is controlled so that the rotation direction of the cleaning brush is a constant direction. Such control is simple because the direction of rotation of the motor is constant. In this case, it is preferable that the cleaning brush be rotated in a direction facing the forward or backward moving filter. In addition, the cleaning brush that is rotationally driven during forward movement of the reciprocating movement of the filter is easier to remove dust adhering to the surface of the filter than when it is rotationally driven during backward movement.

 [0029] Further, the motor is set so that the rotation direction of the motor is determined according to the rotor position at the time of voltage activation, and the rotation direction of the cleaning brush can be any direction.

 [0030] According to the above configuration, since the rotation direction of the motor is normally rotated or reversed depending on the rotor position at the time of voltage startup, the rotation direction is changed with a probability of 1Z2. Therefore, compared to the case where the motor rotates in one direction and the cleaning brush rotates in one direction, dust will reciprocate back and forth on the filter. Dust accumulation can be prevented.

 [0031] Further, the motor can be sequence-controlled so that the rotation direction is a combination of forward rotation and reverse rotation. With the above configuration, a force that makes the control somewhat complicated can reliably prevent dust from accumulating on one end of the filter.

 [0032] The shape of the cleaning brush is not particularly limited, but an example is one having a plurality of elastic blades arranged in a spiral with respect to the periphery of the rotating shaft. According to this configuration, dust can be reliably removed from the filter surface without damaging the filter by the plurality of elastic blades.

[0033] Further, an elastic blade formed on the other end side of the rotating shaft extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The extending portion is disposed around the bearing portion of the rotating shaft. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the air including the sucked dust from entering the end force bearing portion of the blade.

 [0034] The filter cleaning device described above is mounted on an air conditioning device that includes a suction port and an air outlet, and a filter that is interposed between the suction port and removes dust in the air. It is possible to add a filter cleaning function that does not need to be changed. The air conditioner is not particularly limited as long as it has a filter that removes dust in the air, and examples thereof include an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, and a heater. It is out.

 [0035] When a filter cleaning device equipped with a moving means for reciprocating the filter in the vertical direction is installed in the air conditioner, the conventional filter can be used to prevent warping and wobbling and maintain shape retention. Therefore, a certain degree of rigidity is required. Therefore, when the filter is moved, the moved filter must be exposed to the outside of the air conditioner and the appearance is deteriorated.

 [0036] Therefore, in the present invention, a plurality of protruding lateral ribs that divide the filter surface into a plurality of sections are provided, and the lateral ribs are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the filter. The gap is formed so that the gap is almost the same as the width of the box, the two boxes are placed facing each other with a gap through which the horizontal rib can pass, and the moving means is operated so that the horizontal rib is positioned between the open end faces of both boxes. Thus, a cylindrical box body is formed by both the boxes and the lateral ribs interposed therebetween, and a cleaning device configured to remove dust adhering to the filter for each compartment accommodated in the box body is used as an air conditioning device. The filter is mounted so that it can be bent in the vertical direction, and when the moving means is operated, a filter holding means is provided to hold the filter moved in the vertical direction by bending it into a substantially U shape.

 [0037] According to the above configuration, even when the strength in the vertical direction of the filter is lowered and the filter is formed to be bendable in the vertical direction, sufficient shape retention can be maintained by the plurality of horizontal ribs formed in the filter. Therefore, the filter moved in the vertical direction can be bent and accommodated in the air conditioner, and the appearance is not impaired.

 The invention's effect

[0038] As described above, according to the present invention, a filter having a slit capable of guiding the filter to the inside is provided. A structure provided with a dust box and an air flow generating means for generating an air flow in the dust removal box, or the opening surfaces of the half-shaped dust removal boxes in which air flow paths are formed are opposed to each other. As a means to circulate air, the air filter is arranged in the gap (slit) between the dust boxes and air is circulated in the dust removal box to remove the dust adhering to the filter. It is possible to increase the speed of the air flowing through the flow path without using a large air volume, so that dust attached to the filter can be efficiently blown away and removed.

Brief Description of Drawings

圆 1] Indoor unit perspective view of an air conditioner showing an embodiment of the present invention

圆 2] Cross section of indoor unit in Figure 1

圆 3] Partial cross-sectional view of the front panel shown in Fig. 1

 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the panel of the indoor unit in FIG. 1 is removed.

 [Fig. 5] One end view of front and back boxes used in indoor unit of Fig. 1

 [Figure 6] Plan view of the filter used in the indoor unit of Figure 1

 [Fig.7] Perspective view of the filter of Fig.6

 [FIG. 8] Partially enlarged perspective view of FIG.

 FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the indoor unit of FIG.

 FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the dust removal box and filter in FIG.

 [Fig. 11] Diagram showing another embodiment of the filter in FIG.

圆 12] Cross-sectional side view showing the dust removal box in the second embodiment

 [FIG. 13] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the filter set in the dust removal box of FIG. 12 圆 14] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of slightly moving the filter of FIG.

圆 15] Side sectional view showing the dust removal box in the third embodiment

 [Fig.16] Exploded perspective view of dust removal box in Fig.15

 [Fig.17] Cross section of dust removal box in Fig.15

圆 18] Perspective view showing the cleaning brush of the dust removal box in Fig. 15

[FIG. 19] (a), (b), and (c) in the fourth embodiment are schematic views of the filter cleaning device showing different motor control methods. Explanation of symbols

 1 Indoor unit

2 Suction port

 3 Air outlet

 4 Huino Letter

 5 Indoor heat exchanger

6 Blower fan

7 Positive face

8 Fino Letter Guide

9 Norenino

 10 Front box

11 Back side box

12 Suction fan

13 Top panel

14 Piping

 15 Vent

 16 box body

 17 Air flow path

 18 slits

 19 Mesh filter

20 vertical ribs

 21 Horizontal rib

 22 rack sound

 23 Coated sheet

24 Filter holding means

25 Motor

 26 Drive means

27 Drive gear 28 Pinion

 29 Rubber roller

 30 axis of rotation

 31 Frame

 32 Vertical frame

 33 Horizontal frame

 34 Guide wall

 35, 36 Box body

 41 Cleaning brush

 41a Rotating shaft

 41b elastic blade

 41c Extension

 44, 45 Bearing

 47 Electric motor

 50 Control unit

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 [0041] [First Embodiment]

 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a case where a separate type air conditioner indoor unit having a cooling / heating function as a main function is used as the air conditioner and the filter cleaning device according to the present invention is mounted on the indoor unit. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view thereof.

 In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3 are formed in the upper and lower parts of the indoor unit main body 1 of the air conditioner, respectively. An air passage is formed between the air outlet and the air outlet 3, and the filter 4, the indoor heat exchanger 5, and the blower fan 6 are arranged in this order with the air inlet 2 side as the upstream side.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4, two filters 4 formed in a vertically long rectangle are arranged side by side in the vicinity of the downstream side of the suction port 2 for sucking air at positions corresponding to the suction ports 2. Yes. The indoor unit is provided with a filter cleaning device for cleaning the filter 4.

[0044] A louver 9 for changing the direction of air flow in the vertical direction is swingably attached to the air outlet 3. The louver 9 operates quickly when the air conditioning air flow is turned off, and closes the outlet 3 as shown. That is, the louver 9 also serves as an opening / closing panel for the air outlet 3.

 When the air conditioning operation is performed in the indoor unit configured as described above, first, the blower fan 6 is operated, and the indoor air is sucked and sucked from the suction port 2, and the indoor air passes through the filter 4 and passes through the indoor heat exchange. Contact with 5. The room air harmonized by being heated or cooled by the indoor heat exchange 5 is discharged into the room from the outlet 3.

 The front portion of the indoor unit body 1 is formed to be openable and closable by a front panel 7. A filter guide 8 is formed inside the front panel 7, and as shown in Fig. 3, the front end of the filter guide 8 is rotated in conjunction with the front panel 7 being lifted upward. Then, it becomes possible to insert the filter 4 by facing forward. When the front panel 7 is closed, the tip of the filter guide 8 is also rotated downward, and the filter 4 is set in the indoor unit body 1 as shown in FIG.

 [0047] The suction ports 2 are formed at two locations on the left and right of the upper surface of the main body 1, and below them (near the downstream side), as shown in FIG. Two formed filters 4 are arranged side by side. The length of the filter 4 in the horizontal direction is substantially the same as that of each suction port 2. The vertical length of the filter 4 is formed longer than the vertical length of the suction port 2, and the lower portion of the filter 4 is bent and held along the filter guide 8 with the front panel 7 closed.

[0048] Next, the filter cleaning device will be described. The filter cleaning device consists of a halved dust removal box (front side box) that covers the surface of the filter 4 and a halved dust removal box (called the back side box) 11 that covers the back side of the filter 4 and a suction means. A suction fan 12 and moving means 43 for reciprocating the filter 4 in the vertical direction are provided. The front-side bot- tom 10 and the back-side box 11 are formed in a halved shape, and as shown in FIG. 5, they can be abutted against each other at the opening surfaces 1 Ob and 1 lb. [0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 are slightly in front of the suction port 2, that is, a box near the boundary between the top panel 13 in which the suction port 2 is formed and the front panel 7. The filter 4 is placed opposite to the filter 4 so that the air sucked from the suction port 2 does not prevent the air from passing through the filter 4!

 [0050] The front side box 10 and the back side box 11 are formed in an elongated shape, and are installed with the longitudinal direction oriented in the horizontal direction of the filter so as to cross the two filters 4 arranged side by side. They are arranged with an interval X so that the opening end faces 10a and 11a of both faces across 4.

 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a vent hole 15 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the front side box 10 and the back side box 11, and the other end side maintains an interval X between them. The pipe 14 is fitted and held in this state. The other end side of the pipe 14 is connected to the suction fan 12.

 That is, the boxes 10 and 11 are disposed so as to face each other, thereby forming a box body 16 in which an air vent 15 is formed on one end side and a suction fan 12 is connected on the other end side. The space surrounded by this is the flow path 17. The air flow path 17 has a vent 15 of the box body 16 as an inlet, and is configured to generate an air flow by sucking air from the inlet to the suction fan 12.

 In the present invention, dust adhered to the filter 4 by generating an air flow in the air flow path 17 and flowing the air in a direction substantially parallel to the filter 4 in the side force of the filter 4 accommodated in the box body 16. Is supposed to be removed. Two slit-like gaps 18 (interval X) are formed in the box body 16 in the longitudinal direction, and the filter 4 can move in the longitudinal direction through the gap 18.

 In the present embodiment, the box body 16 is formed such that the front-side box 10 and the back-side box 11 are formed as separate bodies and arranged to face each other. By providing two slits in the front, the front box and the back box can be formed integrally.

[0055] The specific configuration of the filter 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the filter 4 is made of a mesh filter 19 and a synthetic resin provided around the mesh filter 19 that reinforces the mesh filter 19. The frame 31 is composed of a vertical frame 32 and a horizontal frame 33. It is made. Further, the filter 4 is reinforced with vertical ribs 20 and horizontal ribs 21.

 [0056] The vertical ribs 20 and the horizontal ribs 21 are made of synthetic resin and formed on the surface of the mesh filter 19 at equal intervals. The horizontal frame 33 and the horizontal rib 21 are formed in a protruding shape to prevent warping and waviness of the filter 4, that is, thick, whereas the vertical frame 32 and the vertical rib 20 are formed in the horizontal frame 33. And it is formed thinner than the lateral rib 21. Thus, the filter 4 can be easily bent in the vertical direction while maintaining the rigidity in the horizontal direction.

 A rack portion 22 is provided in the vertical direction on the outer edge portion of the vertical frame 2. The rack portion 22 is engaged with a pinion 28, which is a moving means described later, and reciprocates the filter 4 in the vertical direction. As a function. Further, the rack portion 22 is formed separately from the adjacent lateral ribs 21 as shown in FIG. In this way, the rack portion 22 is formed in a corrugated shape and separated from the adjacent lateral rib 21 to maintain the longitudinal flexibility of the filter 4.

 [0058] The upper part of the filter 4 is stretched with a mesh filter 19 that allows the air sucked from the suction port 2 to pass through as described above, and the lower part of the filter is a thin resin sheet 23 instead of the mesh filter 19. The lower part of the filter is designed to prevent air from passing through. In addition, the resin-made sheet | seat 23 is formed thinly like the vertical rib 20, and, thereby, the bending property of the vertical direction is ensured over the filter 4 whole.

 [0059] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the moving means 43 for reciprocating the filter 4 in the vertical direction includes a filter holding means 24 for holding the filter 4, and a driving means 26 for moving the filter 4 by the motor 25. It has. The filter holding means 24 is composed of a pair of guide paths. The guide path is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the right and left ends of the filter 4 can be inserted. By passing the rigid lateral frame 33 and the lateral rib 21 between the pair of left and right guide paths, the filter 4 is held in the guide path without being deformed.

[0060] The cross-sectional shapes of the filter holding means 24 are shown as black portions and shaded portions in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter holding means 24 is provided along the suction port 2, and is gently inclined downwardly on the front side of the suction port 2, and is interposed between the front side box 10 and the back side box 11. A U-shaped path 24a is formed which passes through and descends almost vertically along the front panel 7 and then U-turns inward and rises toward the suction port. The filter guide 8 described above forms a part of the filter holding means with the front panel 7 closed.

 [0061] The drive means 26 includes a motor 25, a drive gear 27 coupled to the motor 25, and a pinion 28 and a rubber roller 29 that mesh with the drive gear 27. A gear having the same shape as a pion (not shown) is attached to the rotating shaft of the rubber roller 29, so that the pion 28 and the rubber roller 29 rotate in the same direction.

 The pion 28 is partially exposed from the filter holding means 24 near the box body 16 and arranged so as to be mated with the rear surface side of the rack portion 22 provided in the filter 4. The rubber roller 29 is arranged so as to be partially exposed in the U-shaped path 24a, and rotates by contacting the back surface side of the filter 4 in the U-shaped path 24a, so that the frictional force of the filter 4 in the bent state is provided. It is configured so that it can move smoothly.

 [0063] One set of drive means 26 is attached to each of the left and right guide paths of the filter holding means. However, as shown in Fig. 9, the motor 25 is one unit for two sets of drive means 26, The drive gears 27 arranged on the left and right are fixed to the same rotating shaft 30 connected to the motor 25, and are driven to rotate in the same way on the left and right.

 [0064] When the filter 4 is set in the indoor unit body 1, the filter upper part is inserted into the filter holding means 24 from the filter guide 8, and the filter 4 is disposed below the suction port 2. At this time, the distance X between the boxes 10 and 11 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness y of the thickness of the lateral rib 21 and the thickness of the filter, so that the filter 4 and the boxes 10 and 11 It is possible to set the filter 4 smoothly without generating large friction with the 11. The filter 4 is set with the surface on which the lateral ribs 21 are formed as the surface, and this surface is facing up.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of both boxes and the filter when the filter 4 is set in the indoor unit body 1. The filter 4 is formed with lateral ribs 21 at substantially the same distance z as the width of the boxes 10 and 11 (the distance between the opening end faces 10a and 11a of the dust removal box). This makes it possible to close the gap 18 by positioning the lateral ribs 21 in the two gaps 18 formed in the box body 16. In this way, it is possible to form a cylindrical box body 16 with no gap between the front side box 10, the back side box 11, and the lateral rib 21 interposed therebetween. Become.

 In this embodiment, the interval X is set to be slightly larger than the thickness y of the thickness of the lateral rib 21 and the thickness of the filter. This is for smooth insertion of the filter 4 in consideration of the above.When the suction fan 12 is operated, the inside of the air flow path 17 becomes negative pressure and the dust removal boxes are in close contact with each other. The same suction force can be obtained as when y is set almost the same.

 [0067] Next, the case where the filter 4 is cleaned with the filter cleaning device having the above-described configuration will be described. First, when the filter 4 is set in the indoor unit body 1 and the air conditioner is operated, air is sucked in from the suction port 2 and is in the air on the surface of each section 4a of the mesh filter 19 divided by the lateral rib 21. Dust C adheres.

 [0068] In the indoor unit body 1, control means including an input circuit, a CPU, a memory, and an output circuit are provided. For example, when it is determined that the operation time of the air conditioner has reached a predetermined time, Based on the detection results of dirt detection means such as optical sensors, etc.! When the surface of the filter 4 is judged to be dirty, clean the filter by controlling the operation of the suction fan 12 and moving means etc. Is done.

 [0069] Specifically, first, the moving means is operated, and the filter 4 is moved in the vertical direction by the distance z between the horizontal ribs 21 and stopped as shown in FIG. At this time, there is a gap between the front box 10 and the back box 11! /, So the front box 10 moves the filter 4 without contacting the dust C adhering to the surface of the filter 4. be able to. In this way, the section 4 a that was initially adjacent to the air flow path 17 can be put into the air flow path 17, and further, the lateral rib 21 can be positioned in the gap 18 of the box body 16.

 Next, the suction fan 12 is operated, and air is sucked from the vent 15 which is the inlet of the air flow path 17 to the suction fan 12. As a result, an air flow having a large flow velocity is generated in the air flow path 17, and the dust C adhering to the surface of the section 4a is blown off to remove the dust. Dust C removed from the compartment 4a can be collected by installing a dust collection pack between the air flow path 17 and the suction fan 12, or exhausted to the outside from the suction fan 12. Thereafter, the filter 4 can be cleaned for each section 4a by repeating the above operation.

[0071] When cleaning the last section 4a, the filter 4 is in the most moved state, Since the filter 4 is bent and held in the filter holding means 24, there is no possibility of impairing the aesthetic feeling that the filter 4 is not exposed to the outside of the indoor unit. When cleaning of the last section 4a is completed, the filter 4 is moved to the original position by the moving means.

In the present embodiment, the force that the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the box body 16 composed of the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 is a vent hole 15 that is fully open is the opening of the vent hole 15. It is also possible to reduce the area. In this case, the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air flow path 17 can be increased, and dust attached to the filter surface can be efficiently removed.

 [0073] Further, the lateral ribs 21 formed on the surface of the filter 4 are formed at the same interval z as the widths of both boxes 10 and 11, but may be formed at an interval that equally divides the interval z. It is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the lateral ribs 21 can be formed at intervals of zZ2. In this case, the filter 1 may be moved by an interval z or by an interval zZ2.

 Further, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to apply to the force vertical type described for the horizontally long indoor unit. In the present embodiment, the separate-side air conditioner has been described, but it is needless to say that an integrated air conditioner may be used.

 [0075] [Second Embodiment]

 A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is characterized in that the form of the dust removal box and filter of the filter cleaning device is partially changed, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

 [0076] As shown in Fig. 12, the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 in the dust removal box of the present embodiment are each substantially U-shaped in cross section and formed in a horizontally long rectangle in plan view, and are arranged side by side. It is installed across two filters 4. The front box 10 and the back box 11 are arranged so that the vertical and horizontal directions match the filter 4. The front-side box 10 and the back-side box 11 are formed in a halved shape and are opposed to each other with an interval X across the filter 4.

That is, the gap 18 (distance X) between the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 is a filter guide path for guiding the filter, and is connected to the filter holding means 24. Phi The filter 4 is movable in the vertical direction in the filter guide path and the filter holding means 24.

 [0078] The front-side box 10 and the back-side box 11 are arranged in the longitudinal direction A at the box body 35 and 36 in which an air flow path is formed and the longitudinal ends 35a and 36a of the box body 35 and 36. And a flange-shaped guide wall 34 formed along the filter 4.

 [0079] The front-side box 10 and the back-side box 11 are arranged so that the length direction of the longitudinal ends 35a and 36a of the box bodies 35 and 36 and the length direction of the lateral rib 21 are parallel to each other. The length in the longitudinal direction A of the guide wall 34 is formed so as to be longer than the inner dimension of the adjacent lateral ribs 21 and 21, as shown in FIG.

 [0080] Thus, the lateral rib 21 is always present in the space between the guide walls 34. That is, by closing the gap 18 (interval X) between the opposing guide walls 34 and 34 with the lateral ribs, it is possible to restrict the entry and exit of air.

 As shown in FIG. 4, a vent 15 is formed at one end in the lateral direction of the front box 10 and the back box 11, and the other end is fitted and held in the pipe 14. The other end of the pipe 14 is connected to the suction fan 12. That is, a box body 16 having an air flow path 17 inside is formed by both boxes 10 and 11.

 In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an air flow is generated in the air flow path 17, and air is passed in a direction substantially parallel to the filter 4 from the side of the filter 4 accommodated in the box body 16. By flowing, the dust attached to the filter 4 is removed.

 [0083] The distance X between the two boxes 10 and 11 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness Y of the thickness of the lateral rib 21 and the thickness of the mesh filter part 19 in combination with the filter 4 and It is possible to move the filter 4 smoothly without generating large friction between the boxes 10 and 11. The filter 4 is set in the filter holding means 24 so that the surface on which the lateral rib 21 is formed with respect to the air flow direction of the ventilation path is on the windward side. The surface on which the lateral ribs 21 are formed may be on the leeward side.

[0084] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of both boxes and the filter when the filter 4 is set in the indoor unit body 1. Fig. 14 shows a slight movement of the filter 4 in Fig. 13 in the vertical direction A. It is a figure which shows a state when letting it be made. [0085] In the filter 4, a plurality of horizontal ribs 21 are formed in the vertical direction, and the inner dimension of the adjacent horizontal ribs 21 is set to Z. Further, as described above, the guide walls 34 are connected to the longitudinal end portions 35a and 36a of the box bodies 35 and 36, respectively, and the distance between the opposing guide walls 34 and 34 is as follows. The same X as the gap 18 between 36. The opposing guide walls 34, 34 formed in this way function as an inlet of the filter guide path formed by the gap 18 of the dust removal boxes 10 and 11.

 [0086] The longitudinal length L of the guide wall 34 is set to be larger than the inner dimension Z of the adjacent lateral ribs 21. Therefore, even when the filter 4 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 13, the lateral rib 21 always exists in the space between the guide walls 34 and 34 as shown in FIG. 18 will always be blocked.

 [0087] In this way, it becomes possible to form a cylindrical box body 16 without a gap between the front side box 10, the back side box 11, and the lateral ribs 21 interposed therebetween, and the air flowing through the air flow path 17 can be formed. It is possible to efficiently remove dust C adhering to the filter 4 without reducing the flow velocity of the filter.

 [0088] In this embodiment, the interval X is set to be slightly larger than the thickness Y of the thickness of the lateral rib 21 and the thickness of the filter. This is for smooth insertion of the filter 4 in consideration of the above.When the suction fan 12 is operated, the inside of the air flow path 17 becomes negative pressure and the dust removal boxes adhere to each other. The same suction force can be obtained as when Y is set almost the same. It is also possible to provide an elastic body or the like inside the guide walls 34, 34 so as to be in close contact with the lateral rib 21 so as not to reduce the suction force.

When the filter 4 is cleaned with the filter cleaning device having the above-described configuration, the suction fan 12 may be driven together with the moving means. At this time, there is a gap of an interval X between the front box 10 and the back box 11, so that the filter 4 can be moved without the front box 10 coming into contact with the dust C attached to the surface of the filter 4. Can do. Since the gap 18 of the box body 16 is always closed while the filter 4 is moving, the box body 1 can be operated by operating the suction arch I fan 12 while moving the filter 4 at a constant speed. (6) Filter housed in (4) Dust adhering to the surface is automatically and efficiently removed. Is possible.

 [0090] [Third embodiment]

 A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is characterized in that a cleaning brush is arranged along the length direction in the dust removal box of the filter cleaning device, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the filter cleaning device 40 for cleaning the filter 4 includes a cleaning brush 41 disposed along the length direction in the front and back boxes 10 and 11, and the front and back sides, as shown in FIG. Air flow generating means 42 for generating an air flow in the boxes 10 and 11, and moving means 43 for moving the filter 4 relative to the front and back boxes 10 and 11 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the length direction thereof 43 And prepare.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 are composed of long and narrow halved cylinders, and the longitudinal direction is transverse to the filter so as to cross two filters 4 arranged side by side on the left and right. It is installed with a gap X between the opening end faces 10a and 11a of the filter 4 so as to face each other across the filter 4 and the gap 18 serves as a guide path for the filter 4. .

 [0093] In addition, an intake port 15 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the front side box 10 and the back side box 11, and the other end side is fitted and held in the suction pipe 14 with a gap X between them. The other end of the suction pipe 14 is connected to a suction fan 12 as a suction means, and an air flow generation means 42 is constituted by these.

 [0094] Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a neutral sealing material 46 having a semi-cylindrical cross section is attached to the edge of the opening of the dust removal box 10, and the filter 4 is in vertical contact with the filter 4 due to inertia. Speak so that you can guide smoothly in the direction.

 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the force described above is an example in which the cleaning brush 41 is disposed on both the front side box 10 and the back side box 11 facing each other vertically. 11, the cleaning brush 41 may be arranged only in the front side box 10 that comes into contact with the filter surface side where the filter is easily contaminated.

[0096] The cleaning brush 41 is composed of a rotating shaft 41a and a plurality of (in this embodiment, two) elastic blades 41b arranged in a spiral around the rotating shaft 41a, and an electric motor provided on the suction pipe 14 side. The motor 47 is driven to rotate.

 [0097] The rotary shaft 41a is a force that is rotatably supported by bearings 44 and 45 at both the suction port 15 side at one end and the suction pipe 14 side at the other end. The dust sucked together with the air from the dust removal boxes 10 and 11 is set to flow out to the suction pipe 14 through the periphery of the bearing 45 at the other end.

 On the other hand, the elastic blade 41b is disposed so as to be in contact with the surface of the filter 4 in an inertial manner, and acts to lift up and lift the dust adhering to the surface of the filter 4. As shown in FIG. 16, this elastic blade 41b has a force formed in a spiral winding of about two turns along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 41a up to the one end inlet 15 side force of the rotating shaft 4 la and the other end side. At the other end of the suction pipe 14 side, the elastic blade 41b is extended to the outer end side in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 41a, and the extended portion 41c is a circumferential position of the bearing portion 45 of the rotary shaft 41a. The dust that tends to accumulate on the bearing 45 is set to flow out to the suction pipe 14 side.

 [0099] The dust removal boxes 10 and 11 are long in the left-right direction across the suction ports 2 on both the left and right sides. However, as shown in FIG. A structure that passes and reinforces may be used. In this case, in order to prevent the elastic blade 41b of the cleaning brush 41 from rubbing against the reinforcing material 48 and generating abnormal noise, the central portion is cut out in the axial direction of the elastic blade 41b to form the concave portion 49 and rotate. Sometimes we can avoid reinforcement 48.

 In the above configuration, when the air conditioner is operated, air is sucked into the suction port 2 of the indoor unit main body 1, and dust C in the air adheres to the surface of the mesh filter 19. When the control means installed in the indoor unit 1 determines that the operation time of the air conditioner has reached a predetermined time, or based on the detection result of the dirt detection means such as the optical sensor, the surface of the filter 4 When it is determined that the filter is dirty, the filter 4 is cleaned by controlling the operation of the suction fan 12 and moving means.

[0101] First, the moving means 43 is operated, and the filter 4 is moved in the vertical direction by the distance z between the horizontal ribs 21 and stopped. In this state, the suction fan 12 is operated, and the air intake 15 which is the inlet of the flow path 17 also sucks air to the suction fan 12. At the same time, the cleaning brush 41 is rotated so that the dust adhering to the surface of the filter 4 is lifted and floated by the inertia blade 41b, and the suction fan 41 The dust is blown off by the air flow from An 12 to remove the dust.

 [0102] Thus, in this embodiment, while moving the filter 4 along the guide path 18 of the dust removal boxes 10 and 11, the cleaning brush 41 is rotationally driven to forcibly remove the dust adhering to the surface of the filter 4. The dust that has left and lifted off is discharged from the dust removal boxes 10 and 11 to the suction fan 12 side by the air flow generated by the air flow generation means, so that stubborn dirt stuck to the surface of the filter 4 is also forced. Can be lifted and removed. In addition, since the extended portion 41c of the elastic blade 41b formed on the suction fan side of the rotating shaft is disposed around the bearing portion 45 of the rotating shaft 4la, the air containing the dust absorbed by the arch is elastic. It is possible to prevent the bearing 41 from entering from the end of the blade 41b.

 [0103] In the above-described embodiment, a force that moves the filter in the vertical direction may be replaced with a system that moves the dust removal button and the cleaning brush with respect to the filter.

 [Fourth Embodiment]

 A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is characterized in that the rotation of the electric motor that rotationally drives the cleaning brush in the third embodiment is controlled, and the other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment.

 FIGS. 19 (a), 19 (b), and 19 (c) are schematic views of a filter cleaning device showing different electric motor control methods in this embodiment. In FIG. 4A, the electric motor 47 is controlled by a control unit 50 that also has a microcomputer force so that the rotation direction of the cleaning brush 41 is a constant direction.

 Such control is simple because the direction of rotation of the electric motor 47 is constant. At this time, the rotation direction of the cleaning brush 41 is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the filter 4 when the filter 4 moves forward. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), when the filter 4 moves in the A direction, the cleaning brush 41 rotates in the B direction opposite to the A direction, and dust adhered to the surface of the filter 4 Make it easier to remove.

In FIG. 19 (b), the electric motor is set so that the rotation direction of the motor is determined according to the rotor position at the time of voltage activation. The direction in which the cleaning brush 41 rotates is undefined. Usually, the electric motor 47 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for controlling the rotor position at the time of stopping so that the rotation direction at the time of starting is constant. This locking mechanism As is known, a force that is also composed of an electromagnetic plunger or the like that is detachably provided on a rotor (not shown) is abolished. Then, the rotor stop position becomes indefinite, and at the time of restart, the rotation direction of the electric motor 47 is forward or reverse depending on the stopped rotor position.

 Accordingly, the rotation direction of the cleaning brush 41 connected to the electric motor 47 changes with a probability of 1Z2. When the electric motor 47 is controlled in this way, dust may accumulate on one end of the filter 4 when the motor rotates in one direction and the cleaning brush 41 also rotates in one direction. Since the rotation direction changes with a probability of 1Z2, dust moves back and forth on the filter back and forth, and it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating on one end of the filter 4 in the long term.

 FIG. 19 (c) shows the sequence control of the electric motor 47 by the control unit 50 so that the rotation direction is a combination of forward rotation and reverse rotation. In the control unit 50, for example, the rotation direction is reversed every other cleaning operation, or the rotation direction is reversed once every ten cleaning operations.

 [0110] In the above configuration, the force is slightly complicated by the sequence control of the electric motor 47. The filter 4 is free from the possibility of dust collecting on one end of the filter 4 as in the case where the rotational direction is always constant. The upper dust can be reliably removed.

 [0111] The dust removal boxes 10 and 11 are long in the left-right direction across the suction ports 2 on both the left and right sides. However, as shown in FIG. A structure that passes and reinforces may be used. In this case, in order to prevent the elastic blade 41b of the cleaning brush 41 from rubbing against the reinforcing material 48 and generating abnormal noise, the central portion is cut out in the axial direction of the elastic blade 41b to form the concave portion 49 and rotate. Sometimes we can avoid reinforcement 48. Industrial applicability

[0112] The present invention relates to a filter cleaning device that cleans a filter that removes dust in the air, and an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air cleaner, a heater, and the like that are equipped with the filter cleaning device. It can be usefully used in the apparatus.

Claims

The scope of the claims  [1] A filter cleaning device for cleaning a filter that removes dust in the air, a dust removal box having a slit capable of guiding the filter to the inside, and an air flow generating means for generating an air flow in the dust removal box A filter cleaning device, wherein an air flow is generated in the dust removal box by the air flow generation means, and dust attached to the filter guided into the dust removal box from the slit is removed by the air flow. .  [2] The dust box is formed in half, and the half dust box is disposed on both sides of the filter with a filter in between, and a gap formed between the half dust boxes serves as a filter. 2. The filter cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the filter cleaning device is a slit for guiding.  [3] The airflow generation means is composed of an intake port formed on one end side in the lengthwise direction of the dust removal box, and suction means connected to the other end side for sucking air. Item 1. A filter cleaning device according to item 1.  [4] The dust removal box is formed to be long so as to cross the filter, and a moving means for moving the filter relatively in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the dust removal box is provided. The filter cleaning device according to claim 1.  [5] The filter has a plurality of protruding horizontal ribs, and the horizontal ribs are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction of the filter, and the interval between the horizontal ribs is substantially the same as the width of the dust removal box. The slit is formed at an interval through which the horizontal rib of the filter can pass, and the moving means is operated to position the horizontal rib so as to close the slit of the dust removal box. The filter cleaning device according to claim 4.  [6] A plurality of protruding horizontal ribs are formed in the vertical direction on the surface of the filter, and the dust removal box includes a box body in which an air flow path is formed, and both longitudinal ends of the box body. 5. The filter according to claim 4, further comprising a guide wall formed in a longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal length of the guide wall is longer than the inner dimension of adjacent lateral ribs. Cleaning device.  7. The filter cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the dust removal box is arranged so that a length direction of both longitudinal end portions of the box body is parallel to a length direction of the lateral rib. [8] A cleaning brush disposed along the length direction in the dust removal box is provided. While moving the filter relatively in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the dust removal box, the cleaning brush is rotated to forcibly remove the dust adhering to the surface of the filter. 5. The filter cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the dust that has been lifted is removed from the dust removal box. 9. The filter cleaning device according to claim 8, further comprising a motor that rotationally drives the cleaning brush, and the dust that adheres to the surface of the filter is forcibly separated by rotating the cleaning brush by the motor. . 10. The filter cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the motor is controlled so that the rotation direction of the cleaning brush is a constant direction. [11] The motor is set such that the rotation direction of the motor is determined according to the rotor position at the time of voltage activation, and the rotation direction of the cleaning brush is an arbitrary direction. The filter cleaning apparatus as described. 12. The filter cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the motor is sequence-controlled so that the rotation direction is a combination of forward rotation and reverse rotation. 13. The filter cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning brush is composed of a plurality of elastic blades spirally arranged around a rotation shaft. [14] The elastic blade formed on the other end of the rotating shaft extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the extending portion is disposed around the bearing portion of the rotating shaft. Item 13. The filter cleaning device according to item 13.  [15] The cleaning device according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the filter is cleaned in an air conditioner including a filter for removing dust in the air in an air passage extending from the suction port to the blowout port of the device body. An air conditioner characterized in that is mounted.