WO2009090886A1

WO2009090886A1 - Indoor unit of air conditioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009090886A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/000155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiharu Michitsuji; Akihiko Sakashita; Tsuyoshi Yokomizo
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-01-16
Filing date: 2009-01-16
Publication date: 2009-07-23
Also published as: JP2009192210A; EP2244030B1; EP2244030A4; CN101910746B; EP2244030A1; CN101910746A; JP4433089B2

Abstract

An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus is provided with a disc-like air filter (30), a rotating brush (51) which removes dusts when the brush is brought into contact with the air filter (30) and the air filter (30) is rotated, and a cleaning brush (52) which removes the dusts captured by the rotating brush (51). The air filter (30) intermittently rotates and the dusts are removed by the rotating brush (51). The dusts on the rotating brush (51) are removed by the cleaning brush (52) every time the intermittent rotation is stopped. The air filter (30) rotates once in the reverse direction by a prescribed angle before the cleaning brush (52) removes the dusts.

Description

Indoor unit of air conditioner

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner that includes a brush member for removing dust by contacting an air filter.

Conventionally, in an indoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with an air filter at an air suction port, there is known one provided with dust removing means for removing dust trapped by the air filter.

For example, in an air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, an air filter (prefilter) is formed in a disc shape. A rotating brush as dust removing means is provided along the radial direction of the air filter and in contact with the air filter. In this air conditioner, when the air filter rotates, dust on the air filter is scraped (removed) by the rotating brush.
JP 2007-38215 A

By the way, in the air conditioner of Patent Document 1 described above, dust scraped off by the rotating brush gathers in one place and becomes a lump. That is, the dust scraped off from the air filter is gradually dragged in the rotation direction by the rotation of the air filter, and is unevenly distributed on the rear side of the rotary brush (that is, the rotation direction side of the air filter). Eventually, a lump of dust is detached from the rotating brush and falls into the room or the like. As a result, there is a problem that the reliability of the dust removing function is impaired.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a function of scraping dust of the air filter with the brush member by relatively moving while the air filter and the brush member are in contact with each other. In the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the dust scraped off by the brush member is reliably processed.

The first invention includes an indoor heat exchanger (22), an indoor fan (21), and an air filter (30) provided on the suction side of the indoor fan (21) in the casing (10). The indoor unit of the air conditioner is assumed. And the indoor unit which concerns on this invention contacts the said air filter (30), the brush member (51) which removes the dust of this air filter (30), and the said brush member (51) and this brush The brush cleaning means (52) for removing dust from the member (51) and the air filter (30) are relatively moved between the brush member (51) in contact with the brush member (51). The brush member (51) removes dust, and the brush cleaning means (52) removes the air from the brush member (51) before the air filter (30) is attached to the brush member (51). A moving means (40) is provided that switches between the brush member (51) and the operation of moving the brush member (51) in a direction opposite to the moving direction at the time of the operation.

In the above invention, when the air sucked into the casing (10) by the indoor fan (21) passes through the air filter (30), dust contained in the air is captured by the air filter (30). During operation for removing dust from the air filter (30), the air filter (30) and the brush member (51) are moved by the moving means (40) while the brush member (51) is in contact with the air filter (30). Move relatively. For example, the air filter (30) moves relative to the brush member (51). Thereby, the dust of the air filter (30) is scraped off (removed) by the brush member (51). And the dust adhering to a brush member (51) is removed by a brush cleaning means (52).

By the way, in the dust removal operation, the movement direction of the dust removed by the relative movement of the brush member (51) and the air filter (30) at the contact portion of the brush member (51) with the air filter (30). Dragged by Then, the removed dust is unevenly distributed on the side of the relative movement direction, and there is a possibility that it will eventually become a mass and fall. Moreover, when dust is unevenly distributed at one place of the brush member (51) and becomes hardened, it is difficult to remove it by the brush cleaning means (52).

Therefore, in the present invention, before the dust on the brush member (51) is removed by the brush cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) and the brush member (51) are moved relative to each other by the moving means (40). It moves relatively in the direction opposite to the direction (that is, the moving direction during operation for removing dust from the air filter (30)). If it does so, in the contact part with the air filter (30) of a brush member (51), the dust which was unevenly distributed will be dragged in the reverse direction at the time of the said driving | operation. Thereby, the removed dust adheres uniformly and reliably at the contact portion of the brush member (51). Therefore, the dust trapped on the brush member (51) is easily removed by the brush cleaning means (52).

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the brush member (51) is provided on the shaft (51a) and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a), and is in contact with the air filter (30) to form dust. And a brush (51b) for removing water. The brush cleaning means includes a brush (52b) that is located near the outer periphery of the shaft (51a) of the brush member (51) and removes dust by contacting the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). A cleaning brush member (52) provided. On the other hand, in the indoor unit according to the present invention, the portion of the brush (51b) that is in contact with the air filter (30) of the brush (51b) is in contact with the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52). As described above, brush drive means (53) for rotating the brush member (51) around the axis of the shaft (51a) is provided.

In the above invention, dust scraped from the air filter (30) is captured by the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). When the brush member (51) is rotated by the brush drive means (53), the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) comes into contact with the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52), and the brush member ( 51) Dust is scraped off (removed).

In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a) in the circumferential direction.

In the above invention, when the brush member (51) rotates and the brush (51b) contacts the cleaning brush member (52), dust attached to the brush (51b) is removed. Therefore, although the brush (51b) is provided only in a part of the shaft (51a), the removal capability of the brush member (51) is maintained.

According to a fourth invention, in the second or third invention, the air filter (30) is formed in a disc shape, while the brush member (51) is located upstream of the air filter (30) and It arrange | positions so that it may extend in the radial direction of the said air filter (30). The moving means (40) is configured to rotate and move the air filter (30) in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51).

In the above invention, the air filter (30) is rotated by the moving means (40) while being in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). Thereby, the dust of the air filter (30) is scraped off (removed) by the brush (51b).

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the moving means (40) is disposed relative to the brush member (51) in a state where the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush member (51). The dust is removed by the brush member (51) automatically and intermittently, and the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush member (51) after the intermittent movement is stopped. 51) is relatively moved in the direction opposite to the intermittent movement direction. In the present invention, after the air filter (30) is moved in the reverse direction by the moving means (40), the portion of the brush member (51) that has been in contact with the air filter (30) is subjected to the brush cleaning. The brush drive means (53) which removes the dust of the said brush member (51) by making it contact with a means (52) is provided.

In the above invention, during the operation of removing dust from the air filter (30), the air filter (30) is repeatedly moved and stopped relative to the brush member (51) by the moving means (40). For example, the air filter (30) moves intermittently with respect to the brush member (51). Here, for each intermittent stop, for example, the air filter (30) moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction with respect to the brush member (51). Thereby, the dust trapped on the brush member (51) is uniformly attached.

Then, after the air filter (30) is moved in the reverse direction, the portion of the brush member (51) that has been in contact with the air filter (30) comes into contact with the brush cleaning means (52). Thereby, the dust of a brush member (51) is removed. That is, in the present invention, the air filter (30) and the brush member (51) are relatively intermittently moved, and the dust trapped on the brush member (51) is removed by the brush cleaning means (52) each time the air filter (30) is stopped. The

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the brush member (51) is provided on the shaft (51a) and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a), and is in contact with the air filter (30). And a brush (51b). The moving means (40) moves the air filter (30) to the brush member (51) in contact with the brush (51b) to remove dust with the brush member (51), and the brush Before the dust of the brush member (51) is removed by the cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) and is opposite to the moving direction during the operation. The operation of moving in the direction is performed by switching. In the present invention, simultaneously with the movement of the air filter (30) in the reverse direction by the moving means (40), the brush member (51) is moved around the axis of the shaft (51a) to the air filter (30 ) Is provided with brush drive means (53) that rotates in the opposite direction to the reverse movement.

In the above invention, the air filter (30) moves relative to the brush member (51) during the operation of removing dust from the air filter (30). Thereby, the dust of the air filter (30) is captured by the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). Then, before the dust on the brush member (51) is removed by the brush cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) removes dust from the moving direction (that is, the air filter (30) from the air filter (30)). It moves in the opposite direction to the direction of movement during operation to be removed. Simultaneously with the reverse movement of the air filter (30), the brush member (51) rotates in the opposite direction to the reverse movement of the air filter (30). As a result, the dust that is unevenly distributed at the contact portion of the brush member (51) with the air filter (30) is surely moved in the direction opposite to that during the above operation and to the portion of the brush member (51) where much dust is not attached. Dragged. Thereby, dust adheres more uniformly and reliably at the contact portion of the brush (51b) of the brush member (51).

In a seventh aspect based on the fourth aspect, the moving means (40) is intermittently moved at predetermined rotation angles in a state where the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). In the state where the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) after the intermittent rotation is stopped. And reversely rotated by a predetermined angle in the opposite direction. The brush driving means (53) rotates the brush member (51) after the air filter (30) is rotated back by the moving means (40) to rotate the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). What is configured to remove dust from the brush member (51) by bringing the portion that has been in contact with the air filter (30) into contact with the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) It is.

In the above invention, during the operation of removing dust from the air filter (30), the air filter (30) is repeatedly rotated and stopped by a predetermined rotation angle by the moving means (40). Here, every time the air filter (30) stops, the air filter (30) rotates backward by a predetermined angle and returns. Thereby, the dust trapped on the brush member (51) is uniformly attached.

After the air filter (30) rotates in the reverse direction, the brush member (51) rotates and the portion of the brush (51b) that has been in contact with the air filter (30) contacts the cleaning brush member (52). . Thereby, the dust of a brush member (51) is removed. That is, in the present invention, the air filter (30) rotates intermittently, and the dust trapped by the brush member (51) is removed by the cleaning brush member (52) each time the air filter (30) stops.

In an eighth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is composed of a pile fabric.

In the above invention, since the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is made of a pile fabric, the length of the bristle is relatively short. Thereby, the distance of an air filter (30) and a brush member (51) becomes short.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention based on the eighth aspect, the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) has a bristle shape when the brush member (51) is in operation to remove dust from the air filter (30). The air filter (30) is composed of an inclined pile that is inclined to face the relative moving direction of the air filter (30).

In the above invention, for example, when the air filter (30) moves relative to the brush member (51), the fur of the brush (51b) is inclined so as to face the moving direction of the air filter (30). That is, the bristles of the brush (51b) are inclined in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the air filter (30). Further, when the brush member (51) moves with respect to the air filter (30), the bristles of the brush (51b) are in the same direction as the movement direction of the brush (51b) (that is, relative to the air filter (30)). It is inclined in the direction opposite to the moving direction). Therefore, dust on the air filter (30) is easily scraped off by the brush (51b).

Then, when the air filter (30) moves in the reverse direction with respect to the brush member (51), the air filter (30) moves in the same direction as the fur of the brush (51b). Moreover, also when a brush member (51) moves to a reverse direction with respect to an air filter (30), an air filter (30) will move relatively in the same direction as the fur of a brush (51b). By this operation, the dust removed from or about to be removed from the air filter (30) is reliably attached to the brush (51b) of the brush member (51).

According to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) is configured by an inclined pile of pile fabric in which the fur is inclined in a certain direction. .

In the above invention, since the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) is made of pile fabric, the length of the bristles is shortened, and the brush member (51) and the cleaning brush member (52) The distance becomes shorter. Furthermore, if the inclination direction of the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) is determined in relation to the rotation direction of the brush member (51) and the inclination direction of the brush (51b), dust on the brush member (51) Is easier to scrape.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the brush member (51) and the brush cleaning means (52) are provided on the upstream side of the air filter (30). A dust storage container (60) for storing the dust removed by the brush cleaning means (52) and air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust storage container (60), and the dust storage container (60) Dust conveying means (80) for conveying the dust in the predetermined position together with the blown air is provided.

In the above invention, the dust removed from the brush member (51) by the brush cleaning means (52) is stored in the dust container (60). On the other hand, in the present invention, the air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust container (60), and the dust is conveyed together with the air to a predetermined position (for example, outside the casing (10)). That is, the dust removed from the air filter (30) is conveyed to another place using the air blown from the indoor fan (21).

As described above, according to the present invention, the brush member (51) that moves relative to the air filter (30) to remove dust from the air filter (30), and the brush member (51) And a brush cleaning means (52) for removing dust, and before performing the removing operation by the brush cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) is opposite to the moving direction with respect to the brush member (51). Moved relative to the direction. Thereby, uneven distribution of dust can be prevented in the brush member (51), and dust can be adhered uniformly. Therefore, the dust removed from the air filter (30) can be prevented from becoming solid and falling into the room or the like, and the dust can be easily scraped (removed) from the brush member (51) by the brush cleaning means (52). )be able to. As a result, the dust on the air filter (30) can be reliably treated, and the reliability of the cleaning function of the air filter (30) can be improved.

According to the second invention, the brush member (51) is rotated to bring the portion of the brush member (51) that has been in contact with the air filter (30) into contact with the cleaning brush member (52). I did it. Therefore, dust captured by the brush member (51) can be removed. Moreover, since the three-dimensional movement of the brush member (51) is not required, the indoor unit (1) can be made compact.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the brush (51b) is provided only on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the brush member (51) in the circumferential direction. However, the cleaning brush member (52) removes dust from the brush (51b). Since it can remove, the cost reduction of a brush member (51) can be aimed at, maintaining the removal capability of a brush member (51).

Further, according to the fourth invention, the air filter (30) and the brush member (51) are rotated by rotating the air filter (30) formed in a disk shape in contact with the brush member (51). Moved relative to each other. Therefore, for example, a space for moving the air filter (30) can be omitted as compared with the case where the air filter (30) is formed in a rectangular shape and is slid. Thereby, the indoor unit (1) can be further downsized.

In the fifth invention, the air filter (30) is moved relatively and intermittently with the brush member (51). In the seventh invention, the disk-shaped air filter (30) is moved to the brush member. It was made to rotate intermittently with respect to (51). According to the fifth and seventh inventions, the air filter (30) is relatively moved in the reverse direction or rotated in the reverse direction at each intermittent stop, and then the brush member (51). The dust was removed by the brush cleaning means (52). That is, in these inventions, the dust removal of the air filter (30) and the dust removal of the brush member (51) are performed alternately. Therefore, the dust removing function of the brush member (51) can be maintained high in the entire air filter (30). As a result, the dust on the entire air filter (30) can be reliably removed.

Further, according to the sixth invention, before performing the removing operation by the brush cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) is moved relative to the brush member (51) in the direction opposite to the dust removing time, The brush member (51) is rotated in the direction opposite to the reverse movement of the air filter (30). Thereby, uneven distribution of dust can be reliably prevented in the brush member (51), and dust can be adhered uniformly. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the dust removed from the air filter (30) from becoming solid and falling into the room or the like, and to further easily remove the dust from the brush member (51) by the brush cleaning means (52). be able to.

Further, according to the eighth invention, the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is made of a pile fabric. Therefore, since the bristle of the brush (51b) is short, dust on the air filter (30) can be reliably removed while reducing the installation space for the brush member (51).

Furthermore, according to the ninth invention, the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is configured by an inclined pile that is inclined so that the fur line faces the relative moving direction of the air filter (30). Therefore, dust can be reliably scraped off from the air filter (30). Thereby, the dust removal efficiency in an air filter (30) can be improved, reducing the installation space of a brush member (51).

Furthermore, according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) is composed of an inclined pile. Therefore, the distance between the cleaning brush member (52) and the brush member (51) can be shortened to save space, and dust on the brush member (51) can be reliably scraped off.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the dust container (60) for storing the dust removed from the air filter (30) is provided, and the dust in the dust container (60) is blown out from the indoor fan (21). It was made to convey to a predetermined position. Therefore, the dust removed from the air filter (30) can be temporarily stored and then moved to a predetermined place where it can be easily discarded. Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide a separate conveying means such as a suction fan, the unit can be prevented from being enlarged and increased in cost, and the efficiency of disposal of dust removed from the air filter (30) can be improved.

Drawing 1 is a longitudinal section showing the composition of the indoor unit concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the indoor unit according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing configurations of the partition plate, the air filter, and the dust container according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment portion of the air filter according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the filter driving means according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dust removing means and the dust container according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the dust removing means and the dust container according to the embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dust container according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the storage amount detection unit according to the embodiment in relation to the dust storage container. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the dust transport unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the dust transport unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the air filter and the dust removing means according to the embodiment, in which (A) shows the state during normal operation, and (B) and (C) show the state during filter cleaning operation. Respectively. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the air filter and the dust removing means during the dust removing operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the dust removing means during the brush cleaning operation according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Indoor unit
10 Casing
21 Indoor fan
22 Indoor heat exchanger
30 Air filter
40 Filter drive means (moving means)
51 Rotating brush (brush member)
51a shaft
51b brush
52 Cleaning brush (brush cleaning means, cleaning brush member)
52b brush
53 Brush drive means
60 Dust storage container
80 Dust transfer means

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The indoor unit (1) of this embodiment constitutes a part of an air conditioner and is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and an expansion valve provided in an outdoor unit, and an indoor heat exchanger (22) provided in the indoor unit (1) are connected by piping. Yes. The refrigerant circuit performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by reversibly circulating the refrigerant. In the air conditioner, a cooling operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit and a heating operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (22) functions as a condenser in the refrigerant circuit are performed.

<Configuration of indoor unit>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indoor unit (1) includes a casing (10) and a decorative panel (11). Inside the casing (10) are an indoor heat exchanger (22), a drain pan (23), an indoor fan (21), an air filter (30), a filter driving means (40), a dust removing means (50), a dust container (60) A dust transfer means (80) and a dust collection box (90) are provided.

The casing (10) is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape with the lower side opened. A heat insulating material (17) is laminated on the inner surface of the casing (10). The casing (10) is installed in a state where the lower part is inserted through the opening of the ceiling board.

The decorative panel (11) is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The plan view shape of the decorative panel (11) is slightly larger than the plan view shape of the casing (10). The decorative panel (11) is attached so as to cover the lower side of the casing (10) with the seal member (16) interposed therebetween. In a state where the decorative panel (11) is attached to the casing (10), the decorative panel (11) is exposed indoors.

The suction panel (11) has one inlet (13) and four outlets (14). The suction port (13) is formed in a rectangular shape, and is formed in the central portion of the decorative panel (11). A suction grill (12) formed in a slit shape is fitted into the suction port (13). Each air outlet (14) is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. Each blower outlet (14) is formed along each side of the decorative panel (11). Each air outlet (14) is provided with a wind direction adjusting plate (15). The wind direction adjusting plate (15) is rotated to adjust the wind direction (the blowing direction).

The indoor fan (21) is a so-called turbo fan. The indoor fan (21) is disposed near the center of the casing (10) and is located above the suction port (13). The indoor fan (21) includes a fan motor (21a) and an impeller (21b). The fan motor (21a) is fixed to the top plate of the casing (10). The impeller (21b) is connected to the rotation shaft of the fan motor (21a). A bell mouth (24) communicating with the suction port (13) is provided below the indoor fan (21). In the casing (10), the bell mouth (24) divides the space upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (22) into an indoor fan (21) side and a suction grill (12) side. The indoor fan (21) is configured to blow out air sucked from below through the bell mouth (24) in the circumferential direction.

The indoor heat exchanger (22) is a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (22) is formed in a square shape in a plan view, and is disposed so as to surround the indoor fan (21). In the indoor heat exchanger (22), heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and indoor air (blowout air) sent by the indoor fan (21).

The drain pan (23) is provided below the indoor heat exchanger (22). The drain pan (23) is for receiving drain water generated by condensation of moisture in the air in the indoor heat exchanger (22). The drain pan (23) is provided with a drain pump for draining drain water (not shown). The drain pan (23) is sloped so that drain water collects at the location where the drain pump is installed.

A partition plate (25) is provided below the bell mouth (24). The partition plate (25) partitions the space between the bell mouth (24) and the suction grille (12) vertically. That is, the partition plate (25) divides the upstream space of the indoor heat exchanger (22) into the indoor heat exchanger (22) side including the bell mouth (24) and the suction grille (12) side.

In the center of the partition plate (25), there is formed a vent hole (26) through which air sucked from the suction port (13) flows into the bell mouth (24). As shown in FIG. 3, the vent hole (26) is partitioned into a fan shape by four radial members (27) in which the circular hole extends in the radial direction. The radial members (27) are connected to each other at the center of the circle, and a cylindrical filter rotation shaft (28) protrudes downward at that portion. The filter rotation shaft (28) is a rotation shaft for rotating the air filter (30). One radial member (27) is provided with two filter holders (29).

As shown in FIG. 3, the air filter (30) is disposed below the partition plate (25) and is formed in a disk shape having a size covering the inlet of the bell mouth (24). Specifically, the air filter (30) includes an annular filter body (31) and a mesh member (37). A gear portion (32) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the filter body (31). A cylindrical shaft insertion portion (33) supported by six radial ribs (34) is provided at the annular central portion of the filter body (31). That is, each radial rib (34) extends radially from the shaft insertion portion (33). In addition, an inner circumferential rib (35) and an outer circumferential rib (36) formed in an annular shape concentric with the filter body (31) are provided on the inner circle portion of the filter body (31). The outer circumferential rib (36) has a larger diameter than the inner circumferential rib (35). The mesh member (37) is stretched over the entire inner circle of the filter body (31). The air sucked from the suction port (13) passes through the mesh member (37) of the air filter (30) and flows into the bell mouth (24). At that time, dust in the air is captured by the mesh member (37).

Also, the air filter (30) is biased downward when the filter retainer (29) mentioned above comes into contact with the circumferential ribs (35, 36). Thus, the air filter (30) is pressed against the rotating brush (51) of the dust removing means (50) described later. Therefore, the removal efficiency by the dust removing means (50) is improved.

As shown in FIG. 4, the air filter (30) is attached with the shaft insertion portion (33) fitted into the filter rotation shaft (28) of the partition plate (25). The air filter (30) is rotatable about the filter rotation shaft (28). The dust container (60) is disposed below the air filter (30). Then, with the air filter (30) fitted in the shaft insertion portion (33), the filter mounting portion (68) of the dust container (60) is stopped by the shaft insertion portion (33) of the partition plate (25). It is fixed by a screw (28a). Thereby, an air filter (30) is hold | maintained between a partition plate (25) and a dust storage container (60).

In the vicinity of the air filter (30), there is provided filter driving means (40) for rotationally driving the air filter (30) in contact with a rotating brush (51) to be described later (also FIG. 2). reference). That is, the filter driving means (40) constitutes a moving means for moving the air filter (30) relative to the rotating brush (51).

Specifically, the filter drive means (40) includes a filter drive motor (41) and a limit switch (44) as shown in FIG. A drive gear (42) is provided on the drive shaft of the filter drive motor (41), and the drive gear (42) meshes with the gear portion (32) of the filter body (31). On one end surface of the drive gear (42), a switch operating portion (43) that is a projecting piece is provided. The switch operating portion (43) acts on the lever (44a) of the limit switch (44) by the rotation of the drive gear (42). When the switch operating portion (43) acts on the lever (44a), the limit switch (44) detects. That is, the switch operating part (43) and the limit switch (44) are for detecting the rotational position of the drive gear (42).

The filter driving means (40) performs an operation of removing dust with the rotating brush (51) by intermittently rotating the air filter (30) by a predetermined angle while being in contact with the rotating brush (51). . Further, as a feature of the present invention, the filter driving means (40) is characterized in that the air filter (30) is in contact with the rotating brush (51) after the intermittent rotation is stopped in a direction opposite to the rotational direction during the operation. Performs rotation. That is, the filter driving means (40) rotates the air filter (30) back by a predetermined angle before removing dust from the rotating brush (51) with a cleaning brush (52) described later. Details of these operations will be described later.

Next, the dust removing means (50), the dust container (60) and the dust conveying means (80) will be described with reference to FIGS. These dust removing means (50) and the like are disposed below the partition plate (25) and the air filter (30) (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The dust removing means (50) is for removing dust trapped by the air filter (30). The dust removing means (50) includes a rotating brush (51), a cleaning brush (52), and a brush driving means (53). The rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) constitute a brush member and a cleaning brush member (brush cleaning means) according to the present invention, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are provided in a brush opening (63) of a dust container (60) described later.

The rotating brush (51) includes an elongated cylindrical shaft (51a) and a brush (51b) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a). The brush (51b) is composed of a plurality of flocks. The brush (51b) is provided in a part of the shaft (51a) in the circumferential direction, and is provided over the length direction of the shaft (51a). The cleaning brush (52) is disposed on the rear side of the rotating brush (51).

The cleaning brush (52) includes a main body part (52a), a brush (52b), and a spring part (52c). The main body (52a) is a plate-like member and is formed to have the same length as the shaft (51a) of the rotating brush (51). The main body (52a) has a plate surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotating brush (51). Moreover, the upper part of a main-body part (52a) becomes the circular arc part corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a) of a rotating brush (51). A brush (52b) is provided on the arc portion of the main body (52a) along the length direction of the main body (52a). The spring part (52c) is provided at the lower end of the main body part (52a) and is attached to the inner wall of the dust container (60). That is, the main body (52a) is supported by the spring (52c).

The rotary brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are formed to have a length equal to or greater than the radius of the air filter (30). The rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are disposed so as to extend radially outward from the center of the air filter (30).

The rotating brush (51) is configured to remove dust from the mesh member (37) when the brush (51b) contacts the mesh member (37) of the rotating air filter (30). The rotating brush (51) is reversibly rotated by the brush driving means (53). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the brush drive means (53) includes a brush drive motor (54), and a drive gear (55) and a driven gear (56) that mesh with each other. The drive gear (55) is provided on the drive shaft of the brush drive motor (54), and the driven gear (56) is provided on the end of the shaft (51a) of the rotating brush (51). With this configuration, the rotating brush (51) is rotationally driven around the axis of the shaft (51a). As will be described in detail later, the brush drive means (53) rotates the rotating brush (51) so that the brush (51b) contacts the air filter (30) and is separated from the air filter (30). It is comprised so that it may switch to a state.

The brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52) is configured to come into contact with the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) when the rotating brush (51) is rotated by the brush driving means (53). By the contact, dust is removed from the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). That is, the cleaning brush (52) removes dust from the rotating brush (51) and cleans the rotating brush (51). The dust removing action of the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) will be described in detail later.

Also, each brush (51b, 52b) of the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) is constituted by a so-called pile fabric. This pile fabric is a hair fiber in which hair (pile yarn) is woven into a base fabric, and has a relatively short hair. The pile fabric is an inclined pile in which the fur is inclined in a certain direction.

Specifically, the bristles of the brush (51b) in the rotating brush (51) are inclined from the shaft (51a) toward the left side in FIG. That is, the bristles of the brush (51b) are inclined so as to face the rotation direction (movement direction) of the air filter (30). Thus, when the air filter (30) rotates so as to face the fur of the brush (51b), the dust on the mesh member (37) is scraped out efficiently. On the other hand, when the air filter (30) rotates in the inclined direction with respect to the bristles of the brush (51b), the dust on the mesh member (37) is not scraped, and conversely, the dust trapped on the brush (51b) Removed.

The bristles of the brush (52b) in the cleaning brush (52) are inclined downward from the main body (52a) in FIG. That is, the bristles of the brush (52b) are inclined so as to face the rotation direction when the rotating brush (51) rotates clockwise in FIG.

The dust storage container (60) stores dust removed from the rotating brush (51) by the cleaning brush (52), that is, stores dust removed by the dust removing means (50). . The dust container (60) is a columnar container whose side view shape (viewed from the right side in FIG. 6) is bent in a slightly inverted shape. In the dust container (60), the upper part is a removal part (61) from which dust of the air filter (30) is removed, and the lower part is a storage part in which dust removed from the air filter (30) is stored. (62).

A brush opening (63) extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the upper plate of the removal portion (61), and the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are formed in the brush opening (63) as described above. ) Is provided. In addition, the filter attachment part (68) mentioned above is provided in one side of the removal part (61). Further, the edge (61a) on the rear side of the brush opening (63) (that is, the side opposite to the cleaning brush (52) side) has a tapered shape that gradually decreases toward the rotating brush (51). Is formed in an arc shape along the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). Thereby, the clearance gap between an edge part (6c) and a rotating brush (51) becomes small infinitely. Therefore, the dust of the air filter (30) that has passed through the rotating brush (51) without being removed by the rotating brush (51) immediately passes along the edge (61a) of the air filter (30). Guided in the direction of travel. That is, the dust that has passed through the rotating brush (51) moves smoothly while being attached to the air filter (30) without being blocked by the upper plate of the removing portion (61). By devising the edge portion (61a) in this way, it is possible to prevent dust from stagnation in the gap between the rotating brush (51) and the upper plate of the removal portion (61). When the stagnation occurs, the dust gradually grows and becomes a large lump, and eventually is ejected from the gap and falls into the room or the like, but this embodiment prevents this. Furthermore, since the gap between the edge (61a) and the rotating brush (51) is reduced, the sealing property (sealability) of the dust container (60) is increased.

The lower end side (bottom side) of the storage part (62) bulges out in an arc shape. And the dust removed from the rotating brush (51) by the cleaning brush (52) falls and is stored in the arc portion of the storing portion (62). The reservoir (62) is open at both ends (66, 67) in the longitudinal direction. A damper box (81) of a dust transfer means (80) to be described later is connected to the first end (66) of the storage section (62), and a dust transfer means to be described later is connected to the second end (67). The (80) transfer duct (88) is connected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the dust storage container (60) is provided with a storage amount detection means (70) for detecting the dust amount (dust storage amount) of the storage section (62).

The storage amount detection means (70) includes a sensor box (71). The sensor box (71) is provided near the second end (67) of the storage part (62) of the dust container (60) (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The sensor box (71) is formed so as to extend in the transverse direction of the reservoir (62) and cover the bottom thereof. A light emitting LED (72) and a phototransistor (73) are housed in the sensor box (71). The light emitting LED (72) and the phototransistor (73) are arranged so as to face each other with the reservoir (62) sandwiched in the transverse direction. On the other hand, a first transparent window (64) and a second transparent window (65) are provided on the wall of the reservoir (62) at portions corresponding to the light emitting LED (72) and the phototransistor (73).

In the storage amount detection means (70), the phototransistor (73) detects the luminous intensity of light that has passed through the first transparent window (64) and the second transparent window (65) in order from the light emitting LED (72). Then, the amount of dust stored (that is, the degree of filling) in the storage unit (62) is detected according to the detected light intensity. That is, when the amount of dust stored is small, the transmittance (transmission amount) of light from the first transparent window (64) to the second transparent window (65) in the storage section (62) increases, and the detected light intensity Get higher. On the contrary, if the amount of stored dust is large, the transmittance (transmission amount) of light from the first transparent window (64) to the second transparent window (65) in the storage portion (62) decreases, and the detected light intensity. Becomes lower. Therefore, according to this storage amount detection means (70), for example, when the light intensity becomes a predetermined value or less, it can be determined that the storage amount of the storage section (62) is full. That is, the storage amount detection means (70) of this embodiment is configured to detect the dust storage amount of the dust storage container (60) based on the light transmission amount in the storage portion (62).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the dust transfer means (80) includes the above-described damper box (81), transfer duct (88), introduction duct (86), suction duct ( 87).

The damper box (81) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the storage part (62) of the dust storage container (60). A first end portion (66) of the storage portion (62) is connected to one end of the damper box (81) in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, one damper (82) serving as a passage opening / closing means is provided in the damper box (81). When the damper (82) is closed, the internal space of the damper box (81) is partitioned in the longitudinal direction. That is, the internal space of the damper box (81) is partitioned into the first chamber (81a) and the second chamber (81b). As described above, the first end (66) of the reservoir (62) is connected to the second chamber (81b).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the dust transfer means (80) includes a damper drive motor (83), a drive gear (84), and a driven gear (85) for opening and closing the damper (82). ing. The drive gear (84) is provided on the drive shaft of the damper drive motor (83), and the driven gear (85) is provided on the rotation shaft of the damper (82). The drive gear (84) and the driven gear (85) mesh with each other. In this configuration, the rotation of the damper drive motor (83) is transmitted to the rotating shaft of the damper (82) via the gears (84, 85). As a result, the damper (82) rotates about the rotation axis, and the opening / closing operation is performed.

The introduction duct (86) is connected to the upper surface of the damper box (81) and communicates with the first chamber (81a). As shown in FIG. 10, the introduction duct (86) extends vertically upward from the damper box (81) and penetrates the partition plate (25). The introduction duct (86) includes an upstream duct (86a) and a downstream duct (86b) having a circular cross section, and the two members are connected in the vertical direction by a set screw (28a). The cross-sectional area (channel area) of the upstream duct (86a) is larger than the cross-sectional area (channel area) of the downstream duct (86b). The lower end (lower side in FIG. 10) of the downstream duct (86b) is connected to the damper box (81). The upper end (upper side in FIG. 10) of the upstream duct (86a) is in contact with the horizontally extending member of the bell mouth (24) via the seal member (86e). The horizontal member of the bell mouth (24) is formed with an introduction port (86d) that is a through hole. The upstream duct (86a) communicates with the space on the indoor fan (21) side through the introduction port (86d). That is, the introduction duct (86) is for introducing the air blown from the indoor fan (21) into the damper box (81).

In addition, in the introduction duct (86), the connecting portion between the upstream duct (86a) and the downstream duct (86b) is located in the penetrating portion of the partition plate (25). Specifically, both ducts (86a, 86b) are connected so that the through hole periphery of the partition plate (25) is sandwiched between the bottom plate of the upstream duct (86a) and the upper end flange of the downstream duct (86b). . The connecting portion and the seal member (86e) are configured such that the introduction duct (86), the damper box (81), and the dust container (60) are integrated with each other with the axis of the introduction duct (86) as the center. And is configured to rotate.

The suction duct (87) has one end on the inflow side connected to the lower surface of the damper box (81) and communicated with the second chamber (81b). The other end on the outflow side of the suction duct (87) is connected to a cleaner insertion port (not shown) formed in the decorative panel (11). This vacuum cleaner insertion opening is an opening through which a hose or the like of a vacuum cleaner is inserted and sucked. The suction duct (87) is formed of a flexible tube.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer duct (88) has one end connected to the second end (67) of the reservoir (62) in the dust container (60) and the other end to be described later. Connected to the dust collection box (90). The transfer duct (88) is formed of a flexible tube.

In the dust transfer means (80), the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is closed during normal operation in which air conditioning is performed (see FIG. 11 (A)). Thereby, the air blown from the indoor fan (21) is not introduced into the damper box (81). In the dust transfer means (80), when the dust in the dust container (60) is transferred to the dust collection box (90), the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is opened (FIG. 11B). reference). Thereby, the air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust container (60) through the introduction duct (86) and the damper box (81). As a result, the dust in the dust container (60) is transferred to the dust collection box (90) through the transfer duct (88) together with the air. That is, the dust in the dust container (60) is discharged.

Further, in the dust transfer means (80), the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is also closed when the dust in the dust collection box (90) is discharged out of the casing (10) (FIG. 11C )reference). In this case, the dust in the dust collection box (90) is sucked into the vacuum cleaner through the transport duct (88), damper box (81) and suction duct (87) by being sucked from the vacuum cleaner suction port by the vacuum cleaner. Sucked. That is, the dust transfer means (80) is configured to transfer the dust in the dust container (60) to a predetermined position using the air blown from the indoor fan (21).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dust collection box (90) is configured to transport and store the dust in the dust storage container (60) as described above. The dust collection box (90) is formed in a slightly elongated, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is disposed below the partition plate (25) like the dust container (60). And the dust collection box (90) is arrange | positioned along the one end side of a partition plate (25) so that it may not cover the air filter (30) planarly. Thereby, the dust collection box (90) of the air sucked from the suction grille (12) has an exhaust port (91) at the end opposite to the side to which the transfer duct (88) is connected. . The portion of the exhaust port (91) passes through the casing (10) and communicates with the room. Note that a seal member (93) is provided in a through portion of the exhaust port (91).

In the dust collection box (90), the area of the exhaust port (91) is smaller than the other part in plan view. The side plate on the air filter (30) side of the dust collection box (90) is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the air filter (30). Further, a filter (92) is provided in the dust collection box (90) close to the exhaust port (91). And in a dust collection box (90), when dust is conveyed from a dust storage container (60), internal air is discharged | emitted from an exhaust port (91). At that time, since the filter (92) is provided, the conveyed dust does not flow out from the exhaust port (91). Moreover, when dust is discharged from the dust collection box (90) by suction by a vacuum cleaner, room air flows into the dust collection box (90) through the exhaust port (91). At that time, the dust in the air flowing in is captured by the filter (92). Thus, since the pressure balance in the dust collection box (90) becomes appropriate by air supply and exhaust through the exhaust port (91), the dust transfer operation and the discharge operation to the dust collection box (90) are appropriately performed. .

-Driving operation-
Next, the operation of the indoor unit (1) will be described with reference to FIGS. The indoor unit (1) is configured to be switchable between a normal operation for performing air conditioning and a filter cleaning operation for cleaning the air filter (30).

<Normal operation>
In the normal operation, as shown in FIG. 12A, the air filter (30) is stopped in contact with the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). Further, the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is closed (the state shown in FIG. 11A).

In this state, the indoor fan (21) is driven. Then, in the indoor unit (1), the indoor air sucked from the suction port (13) passes through the air filter (30) and flows into the bell mouth (24). When air passes through the air filter (30), dust in the air is captured by the mesh member (37) of the air filter (30). The air flowing into the bell mouth (24) is blown out from the indoor fan (21). The blown air is cooled or heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (22), and then supplied into the room from each outlet (14). Thereby, indoor cooling or heating is performed.

Thus, in normal operation, since the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is closed, the air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust container (60) through the damper box (81). There is nothing. That is, introduction of air into the dust container (60) is prohibited.

<Filter cleaning operation>
In the filter cleaning operation, the compressor is stopped in the refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant does not circulate. In this filter cleaning operation, “dust removal operation”, “brush cleaning operation”, “dust transport operation”, and “dust discharge operation” are switchable.

“Dust removal operation” is an operation of removing dust from the air filter (30) with the rotating brush (51). The “brush cleaning operation” is an operation of removing dust trapped by the rotating brush (51) with the cleaning brush (52). The “dust transfer operation” is an operation of transferring dust from the dust container (60) to the dust collection box (90). The “dust discharging operation” is an operation for discharging dust from the dust collection box (90) to the outside of the casing (10).

In this embodiment, “dust removal operation” and “brush cleaning operation” are performed alternately. First, in the “dust removal operation”, the indoor fan (21) is stopped. Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), the filter driving means (40) rotates the air filter (30) counterclockwise while in contact with the rotating brush (51). That is, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), the air filter (30) moves so as to face the bristles of the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) (inclined to the left). At this time, the rotating brush (51) remains stopped.

Then, dust on the air filter (30) is captured by the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). Here, since the bristles of the brush (51b) are inclined to oppose the rotation direction (movement direction) of the air filter (30), dust on the air filter (30) is easily scraped off by the brush (51b). . Therefore, the dust removal efficiency by the rotating brush (51) is improved. When the lever (44a) of the limit switch (44) of the filter driving means (40) is actuated, the filter driving motor (41) is stopped and the air filter (30) is stopped. That is, the air filter (30) rotates by a predetermined angle and stops. Thereby, the dust of the area | region which passed the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) in an air filter (30) is removed. When the air filter (30) stops, the “dust removal operation” is switched to the “brush cleaning operation”.

However, after the air filter (30) is stopped, as shown in FIG. 13 (B), in the rotating brush (51), the dust is on the right side of the brush (51b) (that is, on the moving direction side of the air filter (30)). It is unevenly distributed. This is because the dust scraped off by the brush (51b) is dragged as the air filter (30) moves. As it is, the lump of dust becomes large, and there is a possibility that it will eventually fall into the room or the like.

Therefore, in the “brush cleaning operation”, as shown in FIG. 12C, first, the air filter (30) is rotated back by a predetermined angle clockwise by the filter driving means (40). That is, as shown in FIG. 14A, the air filter (30) rotates in the opposite direction to that in the “dust removal operation”, that is, in the same direction as the bristles of the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). . In the present embodiment, the air filter (30) rotates so as to move by a predetermined angle corresponding to the width of the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). In this operation, the indoor fan (21) and the rotating brush (51) are still stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14A, the dust that is biased to the right side of the brush (51b) in the rotating brush (51) is leveled by the air filter (30). That is, dust adheres uniformly to the entire brush (51b). Thereby, the dust of the air filter (30) is reliably captured by the brush (51b). As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent dust from falling into the room or the like.

Subsequently, in the “brush cleaning operation”, the rotating brush (51) rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 14 with the indoor fan (21) and the air filter (30) stopped. At that time, the rotating brush (51) rotates while dust is captured by the brush (51b). Further, the rotating brush (51) rotates while the brushes (51b, 52b) of the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are in contact with each other (see FIG. 14B). The rotating brush (51) stops when it rotates by a predetermined rotation angle.

Subsequently, the rotating brush (51) rotates counterclockwise (that is, clockwise (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 14)). Then, the dust adhering to the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) is captured by the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52) (see FIG. 14C). This is because the bristles of the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52) are inclined downward, that is, the bristles are inclined in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotary brush (51). ) Is easily scraped off. Further, since the dust is evenly adhered to the entire brush (51b) of the rotary brush (51) by the return rotation operation of the air filter (30) shown in FIG. 14 (A), the dust is removed from the cleaning brush (52). Can be scraped more easily and reliably.

Further, the main body part (52a) of the cleaning brush (52) is pushed backward by the contact between both brushes (51b, 52b), but the main body part (52a) is rotated by a rotating brush (52c). 51) It is energized to the side. Accordingly, the brushes (51b, 52b) are not separated from each other, and the cleaning brush (52) is appropriately pressed against the rotating brush (51). Therefore, dust is more reliably removed from the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51). Thus, dust is captured by the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52). The rotating brush (51) rotates to the original state (the state shown in FIG. 14A) and stops.

Subsequently, the rotating brush (51) rotates again counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by a predetermined rotation angle as shown in FIG. 14 (D). Then, the dust captured by the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52) is scraped off by the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) and falls to the storage part (62) of the dust storage container (60). . This is because the bristles of the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) are inclined in the rotating direction, so that dust is reliably scraped off from the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52). At this time, similarly to the above, since the cleaning brush (52) is appropriately pressed against the rotating brush (51) by the spring portion (52c), dust is more reliably removed from the cleaning brush (52). As described above, the dust trapped by the rotating brush (51) is removed and stored in the storage section (62) of the dust storage container (60). Thereafter, the rotating brush (51) rotates again clockwise (clockwise) to return to the original state (the state shown in FIG. 14A), and the “brush cleaning operation” is temporarily ended.

When the “brush cleaning operation” is completed, the “dust removal operation” described above is performed again. That is, when the air filter (30) is rotated again and the lever (44a) of the limit switch (44) is actuated again, the air filter (30) is stopped. Thereby, the dust of the area | region which passed the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) in an air filter (30) is capture | acquired by the brush (51b) of a rotating brush (51) (state of FIG. 14 (A)). Thus, the “dust removal operation” and the “brush cleaning operation” are alternately repeated. As a result, dust is removed for each predetermined region in the air filter (30). When the dust is removed in the entire area of the air filter (30), the “dust removal operation” and the “brush cleaning operation” are completely completed. For example, when the lever (44a) of the limit switch (44) is actuated a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the air filter (30) has made one revolution, and the above operation ends.

Here, during the above-described “dust removal operation” and “brush cleaning operation”, the storage amount detection means (70) detects the dust storage amount in the dust storage container (60). That is, the light from the light emitting LED (72) passes through the transparent window (64, 65) of the reservoir (62) and the dust inside thereof. The intensity of the transmitted light is detected by the phototransistor (73). When the light intensity detected by the phototransistor (73) becomes equal to or less than the set value (lower limit), it is determined that a predetermined amount of dust has been stored in the dust container (60), and the operation is switched to the “dust transfer operation”.

In the “dust transfer operation”, the rotating brush (51) and the air filter (30) are stopped. The brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) is in contact with the air filter (30). Further, the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is in the open state (the state shown in FIG. 11B). In this state, the indoor fan (21) is driven. The air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust container (60) through the introduction duct (86) and the damper box (81) in this order. Thereby, the dust in the dust container (60) is transferred to the dust collecting box (90) through the transfer duct (88) together with the air. As a result, the amount of dust stored in the dust container (60) is reduced, and the detection intensity of the phototransistor (73) is increased accordingly. When the detected light intensity is equal to or greater than the set value (upper limit value), it is determined that the dust is almost transferred (discharged) in the dust container (60), and the “dust transfer operation” is ended. Thereafter, the “dust removal operation” or “brush cleaning operation” is resumed.

In addition, during the above-described “dust transfer operation”, when the detection light intensity of the phototransistor (73) does not increase easily (for example, when the detection light intensity does not change for a certain period of time), the introduction duct (86) and the transfer duct (88 ), It is determined that the air is not flowing properly. For example, the air flow is hindered due to clogging in the introduction duct (86) or the like, or because the damper (72) is not open due to failure. In that case, the indoor fan (21) is stopped to temporarily stop the “dust transfer operation”. Then, after the above problem is solved by inspection or the like, the “dust transfer operation” is resumed.

Also, in the filter cleaning operation of the present embodiment, “dust removal operation” is performed according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the “dust transfer operation” is performed a predetermined number of times (predetermined time), the “dust discharge operation” is performed. Or you may make it perform by remote control operation by a user.

In the “dust discharge operation”, the rotary brush (51) and the air filter (30) are stopped, as in the “dust transfer operation” described above. Further, the damper (82) of the damper box (81) is in the closed state (the state shown in FIG. 11C). In this state, the user inserts the vacuum cleaner hose into the vacuum cleaner insertion slot of the decorative panel (11). By this suction operation, the dust in the dust collection box (90) is sucked into the cleaner through the transfer duct (88), the dust container (60), and the suction duct (87) in this order. At that time, the dust in the dust container (60) is also sucked into the cleaner through the suction duct (87). As a result, the dust in the dust collection box (90) and the dust container (60) is discharged out of the casing (10).

-Effects of the embodiment-
In the present embodiment, in the “brush cleaning operation”, the air filter (30) is rotated back by a predetermined angle before rotating the rotating brush (51) and removing dust with the cleaning brush (52). Thereby, in the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51), the uneven distribution of the dust removed from the air filter (30) can be prevented and the dust can be adhered uniformly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust removed from the air filter (30) from becoming solid and falling into the room or the like. Furthermore, dust can be easily scraped (removed) from the rotating brush (51) by the cleaning brush (52). Therefore, the reliability of the indoor unit (1) provided with the function of cleaning the air filter (30) can be improved.

Moreover, in this embodiment, although the brush (51b) is provided only in a part of the circumferential direction in the rotating brush (51), dust on the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) is removed by the cleaning brush (52). Since it can be removed, the material cost of the rotating brush (51) can be reduced while maintaining the removal capability of the rotating brush (51).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the air filter (30) is intermittently rotated to alternately perform the “dust removal operation” and the “brush cleaning operation”. Therefore, the dust removed from the air filter (30) can be reliably processed (that is, stored in the dust storage container (60)) and the dust removal efficiency of the entire air filter (30) can be maintained high. Can do. Therefore, the reliability of the indoor unit (1) can be further improved.

In this embodiment, the air filter (30) and the rotating brush (51) are relatively moved by rotating the air filter (30) formed in a disk shape. Therefore, for example, a space for moving the air filter (30) can be omitted as compared with the case where the air filter (30) is formed in a rectangular shape and is slid. Thereby, the indoor unit (1) can be made compact.

In this embodiment, the air blown from the indoor fan (21) is introduced into the dust container (60) to convey the dust. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the dust in the dust container (60) to a predetermined place where it is easy to discard without providing a separate conveying means such as a suction fan. Thereby, the dust processing efficiency can be improved without increasing the size and cost of the unit.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the dust container (60) is disposed below the air filter (30), it becomes a resistance (disturbance) in air flow. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the volume of the dust container (60) as much as possible. Then, a large amount of dust cannot be stored in the dust container (60). Therefore, in the present embodiment, a dust collection box (90) having a larger volume than the dust storage container (60) is provided in a place where air circulation resistance does not occur, and the dust collection box (90) is moved from the dust storage container (60). ) To transport dust. Therefore, it is possible to store a large amount of dust removed from the air filter (30) while minimizing the dust container (60) as much as possible to suppress the flow resistance of the intake air. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for dust processing by the user and to prevent the air conditioning function from being lowered.

In this embodiment, the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) and the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52) are made of pile fabric. Therefore, the bristle of the brush (51b, 52b) is shortened, and the installation space for the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) can be reduced. As a result, the indoor unit (1) can be further downsized.

Further, since the bristles of the brush (51b, 52b) of the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) are short, the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) is provided only in a part of the circumferential direction. Therefore, the flow resistance of the air (that is, the air blown from the indoor fan (21)) in the dust container (60) can be reduced. Thereby, the conveyance efficiency of dust conveyance operation | movement and the discharge efficiency of dust discharge operation | movement can be improved.

In addition, the brush (51b) of the rotating brush (51) uses an inclined pile facing the moving direction (rotating direction) of the air filter (30), so that dust on the air filter (30) can be easily and It can be surely scraped off. Moreover, dust can be easily leveled over the entire brush (51b) by rotating the air filter (30) in the reverse direction. Further, since the inclined pile is used for the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush (52), the dust on the rotating brush (51) can be easily and reliably scraped off.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

For example, in the above embodiment, the air filter (30) is rotated during the dust removal operation and the brush cleaning operation in the filter cleaning operation. However, the dust storage container (60) (rotation) is rotated with respect to the air filter (30). The brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52) may be moved). In this case, the dust container (60) revolves around the shaft insertion part (33) of the air filter (30). That is, the present invention only needs to be configured such that the air filter (30) and the rotating brush (51) move relatively.

In the “brush cleaning operation” of the above embodiment, the following may be performed. As described above, in the “brush cleaning operation”, first, the air filter (30) is rotated back by a predetermined angle clockwise (see FIGS. 12C and 14A). Here, simultaneously with the return rotation of the air filter (30), the rotating brush (51) is rotated clockwise (clockwise) in FIG. That is, the rotating brush (51) rotates at a predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the reverse movement simultaneously with the reverse movement of the air filter (30). Then, due to the mutual operation of the air filter (30) and the rotating brush (51), dust unevenly distributed on the right side (right side in FIG. 14) of the brush (51b) in the rotating brush (51) is left side (left side in FIG. 14). Dragged further into Thereby, dust adheres uniformly to the whole brush (51b) more reliably. Further, since the rotating brush (51) is rotating, the dust is dragged to the brush (51b) where the dust is not so much adhered, and the dragged dust is surely adhered to the brush (51b). .

In the “brush cleaning operation” described above, the rotating brush (51) may be rotated in the same direction as the reverse movement of the air filter (30). That is, in the present invention, the rotating brush (51) may be rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle in FIG. 14 simultaneously with the return rotation of the air filter (30). At that time, the rotational speed of the air filter (30) and the rotational speed of the rotary brush (51) are set so as to have a speed difference. Dust that has been unevenly distributed due to the difference in rotational speed is evenly spread to the brush (51b).

In the “brush cleaning operation” of the above embodiment, the air filter (30) is first rotated back, but the present invention may be replaced with the following. First, the rotating brush (51) rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle and then stops, and then the air filter (30) rotates counterclockwise (that is, “dust removal operation”) You may make it rotate only a predetermined angle in the same direction. Due to the rotation of the rotating brush (51), dust that is unevenly distributed on the right side (right side in FIG. 14) is drawn to the left side (left side in FIG. 14). By the subsequent rotation of the air filter (30), the dust drawn to the left side is drawn to the right side and uniformly adheres to the brush (51b).

In the above embodiment, the air filter (30) is formed in a circular shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air filter (30) may be formed in a rectangular shape. In this case, for example, the air filter (30) moves linearly with respect to the rotating brush (51).

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the air filter (30) was rotated intermittently and the brush cleaning operation | movement was performed for every intermittent stop, in this invention, the air filter (30) is continuously 1 Of course, the brush cleaning operation may be performed after the rotation or several rotations.

In the above embodiment, the inclined pile (pile fabric) is used for the brushes (51b, 52b) of the rotating brush (51) and the cleaning brush (52), but other brush materials may be used. Of course.

In the above embodiment, the indoor unit (1) installed on the indoor ceiling has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to a so-called wall-mounted indoor unit installed on an indoor wall. be able to.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the blowing air of the indoor fan (21) before passing an indoor heat exchanger (22) was introduce | transduced into the damper box (81), this invention is an indoor heat exchanger ( Even if air after passing through 22) is introduced, the same dust transfer operation can be performed. In this case, for example, during cooling, since the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (22) flows through the dust storage container (60) and the like, condensation may occur in the dust storage container (60) and the like. is there. Therefore, in this case, in order to prevent condensation, the dust container (60) and the ducts (86, 88) may be covered with a heat insulating material.

Further, in the above embodiment, dust is transferred from the dust container (60) to the dust collection box (90) using the air blown from the indoor fan (21). A fan may be provided separately.

It should be noted that the above embodiment is essentially a preferable example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use.

As described above, the present invention is useful as an indoor unit of an air conditioner having a dust removing function for removing dust from an air filter with a brush member.

Claims

An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor heat exchanger (22), an indoor fan (21), and an air filter (30) provided on the suction side of the indoor fan (21) in the casing (10) Because
A brush member (51) that contacts the air filter (30) to remove dust from the air filter (30);
Brush cleaning means (52) for contacting the brush member (51) to remove dust on the brush member (51);
An operation of removing dust by the brush member (51) by moving the air filter (30) relative to the brush member (51) while being in contact with the brush member (51); Before the dust is removed from the brush member (51) by the cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush member (51) and is in operation with the brush member (51). An indoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: moving means (40) that switches between a movement direction and a movement direction that is relatively opposite to the movement direction.
In claim 1,
The brush member (51) includes a shaft (51a) and a brush (51b) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a) for removing dust by contacting the air filter (30),
The brush cleaning means includes a brush (52b) that is located near the outer periphery of the shaft (51a) of the brush member (51) and removes dust by contacting the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). While the cleaning brush member (52),
The brush member (51) so that the portion of the brush (51b) that is in contact with the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52). An air conditioner indoor unit comprising brush drive means (53) for rotating the shaft around the axis of the shaft (51a).
In claim 2,
The indoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is provided in a part of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a) in the circumferential direction.
In claim 2 or 3,
While the air filter (30) is formed in a disk shape,
The brush member (51) is disposed on the upstream side of the air filter (30) and extending in the radial direction of the air filter (30),
The air conditioner characterized in that the moving means (40) is configured to rotate and move the air filter (30) in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). Indoor unit.
In claim 1,
The moving means (40) moves the air filter (30) relatively and intermittently with the brush member (51) in a state where the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). The brush member (51) removes dust, and after the intermittent movement is stopped, the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush member (51) and is intermittently connected to the brush member (51). While configured to move relative to the opposite direction of movement,
After the air filter (30) is moved in the reverse direction by the moving means (40), the portion of the brush member (51) that has been in contact with the air filter (30) contacts the brush cleaning means (52). An air conditioning apparatus indoor unit comprising brush driving means (353) that removes dust from the brush member (51).
In claim 1,
The brush member (51) includes a shaft (51a) and a brush (51b) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft (51a) for removing dust by contacting the air filter (30),
The moving means (40) moves the air filter (30) to the brush member (51) in contact with the brush (51b) to remove dust with the brush member (51), and the brush Before the dust of the brush member (51) is removed by the cleaning means (52), the air filter (30) is in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) and is opposite to the moving direction during the operation. While configured to switch between moving in the direction,
Simultaneously with the movement of the air filter (30) in the reverse direction by the moving means (40), the brush member (51) is moved around the axis of the shaft (51a) in the reverse direction of the air filter (30). An indoor unit of an air conditioner comprising brush drive means (53) for rotating in the opposite direction.
In claim 4,
The moving means (40) is configured to rotate the air filter (30) intermittently by a predetermined rotation angle while being in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). And after the intermittent rotation stop, the air filter (30) is rotated back by a predetermined angle in the direction opposite to the rotation direction in contact with the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). And
The brush driving means (53) rotates the brush member (51) after returning the air filter (30) by the moving means (40) to rotate the brush (51b) of the brush member (51). It is configured to remove dust from the brush member (51) by bringing the portion that has been in contact with the air filter (30) into contact with the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52). An indoor unit of an air conditioner.
In claim 2 or 3,
The indoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the brush (51b) of the brush member (51) is made of a pile fabric.
In claim 8,
The brush (51b) of the brush member (51) faces the relative movement direction of the air filter (30) during the operation of removing dust from the air filter (30) with the brush member (51). An indoor unit of an air conditioner characterized by comprising an inclined pile that is inclined.
In claim 9,
The indoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein the brush (52b) of the cleaning brush member (52) is composed of an inclined pile of pile fabric in which the fur is inclined in a certain direction.
In claim 2 or 3,
A dust storage container disposed upstream of the air filter (30) and provided with the brush member (51) and brush cleaning means (52) to store dust removed by the brush cleaning means (52) (60)
Dust conveying means (80) for introducing the air blown from the indoor fan (21) into the dust container (60) and conveying the dust in the dust container (60) to a predetermined position together with the blown air. An indoor unit of an air conditioner characterized by that.