Filter cleaner and air-processing apparatus including filter cleaner

A filter cleaner and an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner are provided. The filter cleaner may include a housing that forms an external appearance and having a suction hole formed in a first side thereof and a discharge hole formed in a second side thereof, a moving gear rotatably disposed in the housing and configured to move the housing, a gear motor configured to rotate the moving gear, a dust container disposed so as to be introduced into or withdrawn out of the housing and configured to store foreign substances introduced thereinto through the suction hole and to accommodate an agitator rotatably disposed therein, an agitator gear disposed inside of the housing to rotate the agitator, an agitator motor disposed inside of the housing to operate the agitator gear, and a suctioner disposed inside of the housing to induce air to flow into the dust container through the suction hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application Nos. 10-2021-0065984 and 10-2021-0065985 filed in Korea on May 24, 2021, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A filter cleaner and an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner are disclosed herein.

An air-processing apparatus may include an air conditioner, configured to discharge heat-exchanged air, and an air purifier, configured to discharge filtered air. A filter that removes foreign substances from air flowing into the air-processing apparatus may be disposed in or at an inlet of the air-processing apparatus.

While the air-processing apparatus is used, foreign substances collect in the filter disposed in the inlet. Thus, if the filter is not periodically maintained, air containing foreign substances may be discharged from the air-processing apparatus.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2020-0106401, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a filter cleaner that cleans a filter disposed at a rear side of an air conditioner. The disclosed filter cleaner is used for a stand-type air conditioner, and is structured so as to move in an upward-downward direction. Therefore, it is difficult to apply this conventional filter cleaner to a product having an inlet formed in a leftward-rightward direction.

The filter cleaner removes foreign substances from the filter using an agitator, and collects the foreign substances removed from the filter in a dust container. Thus, the foreign substances removed from the filter may be present all over the agitator and the dust container.

Also, due to the structure of the filter cleaner, it may be difficult to separate and replace the dust container or the agitator. Further, as for the filter cleaner disclosed in the above-mentioned document, which is used in a stand-type air conditioner, a user may easily separate the dust container. However, in the case of a filter cleaner for use in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, a user has difficulty reaching the same, and thus, has difficulty separating and replacing the dust container. Furthermore, when the dust container is separated, foreign substances contained in the dust container may escape to the outside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Advantages and features embodiments and methods for achieving them will be made clear from embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same or like reference numerals represent the same or like components.

Hereinafter, a filter cleaner and an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A filter cleaner300according to embodiments may clean a pre-filter188disposed in a case of an air-processing apparatus that adjusts a temperature of air or an air-processing apparatus that purifies air. The air-processing apparatus may include a first air-processing apparatus100that adjusts a temperature of air to be discharged and a second air-processing apparatus200that removes foreign substances from the air to be discharged. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the first air-processing apparatus100(hereinafter referred to as an “air-processing apparatus”). The following description of the configuration of the air-processing apparatus100may also apply to the second air-processing apparatus200.

The air-processing apparatus100may include a case102, which defines the external appearance of the air-processing apparatus100and has an inlet102aformed in one or a first side thereof, a filter188, which is disposed in the inlet102a, a guide rail10, which is disposed on the case102at a position above the inlet102a, and filter cleaner300, which moves along the guide rail10to remove foreign substances from the filter188.

A fan (not shown) that creates an air flow may be disposed inside of the case102. The case102may include a rear cover114, in which the inlet102ais formed, and a lower cover106, which is disposed perpendicular to the rear cover114and in which an outlet102bis formed. The case102may further include an upper cover (not shown), which is disposed above the lower cover106so as to be spaced apart therefrom, and a front cover (not shown), which is disposed in front of the rear cover114so as to be spaced apart therefrom.

Referring toFIG.1, the inlet102amay be formed in the rear cover114in a leftward-rightward or lateral direction. The filter188may be disposed in the rear cover114in the lateral direction, in which the inlet102ais formed.

Referring toFIG.1, the inlet102amay be formed in the case102so as to be open in a rearward direction, which is perpendicular to a downward direction toward the floor, and the outlet102bmay be formed in the case102at a position ahead of the inlet102ain an air flow direction so as to be open in the downward direction.

The guide rail10, along which the filter cleaner300moves, may be mounted on the rear cover114. The rear cover114may be provided with a rail-fixing protrusion117that fixes one or a first side of the guide rail10. The rail-fixing protrusion117may protrude from the rear cover114in a rearward direction.

The filter cleaner300may move along the rear cover114of the air-processing apparatus100.

Referring toFIG.2, the guide rail10that guides the movement of the filter cleaner300may be disposed on the rear cover114. A support rail116that supports the movement of the filter cleaner300may be disposed at an upper end of the rear cover114. The guide rail10may be formed integrally with the rear cover114.

The support rail116may include a top plate116a, which protrudes rearwards from an upper end of the rear cover114, and a bent portion116b, which is bent and extends downwards from a rear end of the top plate116a. A support roller326of the filter cleaner300, which will be described hereinafter, may be disposed so as to be in contact with an inner surface of the bent portion116b.

The guide rail10may be disposed on a rear side of the rear cover114. The guide rail10may be disposed above the inlet102ain the rear cover114. The guide rail10may have a structure that extends in the lateral direction on the rear side of the rear cover114. The guide rail10may be fixedly disposed below the rail-fixing protrusion117.

Referring toFIG.4, the guide rail10may include a gear rail20, which has threads to be engaged with a moving gear358of the filter cleaner300, and a roller rail22, which is in contact with guide rollers308aand308bof the filter cleaner300. Referring toFIG.5, the roller rail22may be disposed at each of the upper and lower ends of the rear surface14of the guide rail10. The roller rail22may be disposed behind the gear rail20. The roller rail22may be disposed at each of an upper side and a lower side of the guide rail10. The roller rail22may have a rib structure that protrudes from a rear end of the guide rail10in an upward-downward direction. The roller rail22may be formed so as to protrude downwards further than the threads of the gear rail20.

The gear rail20may be disposed in front of the roller rail22. The gear rail20may be is disposed on the lower surface18of the guide rail10. The gear rail20may be formed on a lower surface of the guide rail10. The gear rail20may have a shape of a rack gear. In addition, the moving gear358, which is engaged with the gear rail20, may have a shape of a pinion gear. When viewed from the rear, the guide rail10may have a structure in which the gear rail20is shielded by the roller rail22.

Referring toFIG.5, front surface12of the guide rail10, which faces the rear cover114, and upper surface16of the guide rail10, which faces the rail-fixing protrusion117, may be in contact with the rear cover114. A rail groove24may be formed in rear surface14of the guide rail10.

The rail groove24may have a shape that is recessed in the forward direction, and extend in the lateral direction. An object to be sensed26may be disposed in the rail groove24. Referring toFIG.6, a plurality of the object to be sensed26may be provided, and the plurality of objects to be sensed26may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. A position detection sensor322may be disposed at the filter cleaner300, and when the position detection sensor322senses the object to be sensed26, a position of the filter cleaner300may be detected.

The object to be sensed26may be formed in a structure corresponding to the position detection sensor322. For example, when the position detection sensor322is a switch sensor, the object to be sensed26may have a shape of a protrusion that protrudes rearwards. Alternatively, when the position detection sensor322is a Hall sensor, the object to be sensed26may be implemented as a magnet.

Referring toFIGS.4to6, an end plate28configured to limit movement of the filter cleaner300in one direction may be disposed at a lateral end, for example, a left end or a right end of the guide rail10. The end plate28may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide rail10extends. The end plate28may protrude rearwards from the rear cover114.

The end plate28may be provided with a charging terminal30, with which a connection terminal320of the filter cleaner300may be brought into contact. The charging terminal30may protrude from the end plate28in the direction in which the guide rail10extends. Accordingly, when the filter cleaner300reaches the end plate28, the connection terminal320of the filter cleaner300may be brought into contact with and connected to the charging terminal30.

The filter cleaner300may be disposed at a rear side of the air-processing apparatus100so as to be movable in the lateral direction. The filter cleaner300may move in the lateral direction along the guide rail10disposed on the rear cover114. The filter cleaner300may remove foreign substances adhered to the pre-filter188.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the filter cleaner300may include housings302and330, which define the external appearance of the filter cleaner300, moving gear358, which is rotatably disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to move the housings302and330, a gear motor356, which is disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to rotate the moving gear358, guide rollers308aand308b, which are rotatably disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to guide the movement of the housings302and330, a dust container400, which receives foreign substances removed from the pre-filter188, and a suctioner376, which forms a flow of air to the dust container400.

The dust container400may include a dust container housing402and an agitator420(refer toFIG.19), which removes foreign substances from the pre-filter188by contacting the same. The dust container400will be described hereinafter.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the filter cleaner300may include a partition wall340, which is disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to partition an inner space in the housings302and330, and a dust container guide380, which is movably disposed on the partition wall340in order to displace the dust container400.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the housings302and330define the external appearance of the filter cleaner300. The housings302and330may include first housing302, which is disposed so as to face the rear cover114when the filter cleaner300is mounted to the guide rail10, and second housing330, which is disposed at a rear side of the first housing302in order to cover the same. An outlet332through which air is discharged by the suctioner376is formed on one side of the second housing300.

Referring toFIG.7, the housings302and330may have a dust container hole301formed in lower surfaces thereof to allow the dust container400to be withdrawn therefrom or inserted thereinto.

The first housing302may have a shape of a plate that extends parallel to the pre-filter188. When the filter cleaner300moves in a region behind the pre-filter188, the first housing302may be maintained at a constant interval behind the pre-filter188.

Referring toFIG.13, the first housing302may include a base plate304, which has a shape of a plate that extends parallel to the pre-filter188, and a guide groove310, which is formed in the base plate304so as to be recessed rearwards in order to provide a space in which the guide rail10may be disposed.

Referring toFIG.13, the base plate304may have a suction hole302aformed therein to introduce foreign substances into the dust container400therethrough. The agitator420may have disposed at a position corresponding to the suction hole302a. The suction hole302amay be formed to have a size corresponding to a size of the pre-filter188disposed on the rear cover114. That is, a height of the suction hole302ain the upward-downward direction may be set to correspond to a height of the pre-filter188in the upward-downward direction.

Referring toFIG.15, the first housing302may include a peripheral wall306, which extends rearwards from a periphery of the base plate304, and a top wall324, which is bent and extends rearwards from an upper end of the base plate304. The top wall324may be spaced upwards apart from the peripheral wall306. A support roller326, which is in contact with the support rail116of the rear cover114, may be disposed on the top wall324.

Referring toFIG.15, the support roller326may rotate about a rotational axis326RS extending in the upward-downward direction. The rotational axis326RS of the support roller326may extend perpendicular to the rotational axes308aRS and308bRS of the guide rollers308aand308b. The rotational axis326RS of the support roller326may extend perpendicular to rotational axis358RS of the moving gear358. The support roller326may be in contact with the bent portion116bof the support rail116, thereby supporting displacement of the filter cleaner300.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the guide groove310may be defined by an upper wall312, a lower wall314, and an inner wall316. The upper wall312may cover an upper portion of the guide groove310. The upper wall312has therein upper roller holes312a1and312a2, through which portions of the guide rollers308amay pass. According to one embodiment, two upper roller holes312a1and312a2may be disposed in the upper wall312so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.

The upper roller holes312a1and312a2may include first upper roller hole312a1and second upper roller hole312a2, which may be spaced apart from the first upper roller hole312a1in the lateral direction. Referring toFIG.9, the first upper roller hole312a1may be disposed above a lower roller hole314a, and the second upper roller hole312a2is disposed above a support protrusion315.

The lower wall314may cover a lower portion of the guide groove310. The lower wall314may have therein the lower roller hole314a, through which a portion of the guide roller308bmay pass, and gear hole314b, through which a portion of the moving gear358may pass. The lower wall314may be provided with the support protrusion315which protrudes upwards toward the guide rail10.

Referring toFIG.9, the support protrusion315may be spaced apart from the lower roller hole314ain the lateral direction. The support protrusion315may be disposed above the dust container400. The gear hole314bmay be formed between the support protrusion315and the lower roller hole314a. Referring toFIG.9, a height315H by which the support protrusion315protrudes upwards from the lower wall314may be lower than a height308bH by which the guide roller308bprotrudes from the lower wall314. The inner wall316interconnects a rear end of the lower wall314and a rear end of the upper wall312.

Referring toFIG.10, the inner wall316is provided with a protruding portion318that protrudes forward. The protruding portion318may extend in the lateral direction along the inner wall316. The position detection sensor322may be disposed on the protruding portion318in order to detect the position of the filter cleaner300. The position detection sensor322may be implemented as, for example, a switch sensor or a Hall sensor. The position detection sensor322may react with the object to be sensed26disposed on the guide rail10, thereby detecting the position of the filter cleaner300.

Referring toFIG.8, the connection terminal320may protrude from one lateral end of the protruding portion318. The connection terminal320may protrude toward the end plate28. When the connection terminal320is brought into contact with the charging terminal30of the end plate28, power may be supplied to a battery374disposed inside of the housings302and330.

Referring toFIG.9, the guide rollers308aand308bmay be disposed in the first housing302so as to rotate while in contact with the roller rail22of the guide rail10and to guide the movement of the filter cleaner300. The guide rollers308aand308bmay be disposed in the guide groove310in the upward-downward direction. The guide rollers308aand308bmay be disposed such that portions thereof protrude into the guide groove310. The guide rollers308aand308bmay be disposed inside of the first housing302.

The guide rollers308aand308bmay include upper rollers308adisposed at an upper side of the guide groove310and a lower roller308bdisposed at a lower side of the guide groove310. Referring toFIG.15, each of the guide rollers308aand308bmay include a groove309formed concavely in a circumferential surface thereof in the circumferential direction. The roller rail22of the guide rail10may be inserted into the groove309formed in each of the guide rollers308aand308b. As the roller rail22is inserted into the guide rollers308aand308b, the filter cleaner300may move stably.

Referring toFIG.9, the filter cleaner300may includes two upper rollers308aand one lower roller308b. The two upper rollers308amay be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. One of the two upper rollers308amay be disposed above the lower roller308b. The support protrusion315may be disposed below the other one of the two upper rollers308a. Referring toFIG.15, the rotational axes308aRS and308bRS of the guide rollers308aand308bmay extend perpendicular to the rotational axis326RS of the support roller326.

The moving gear358may be rotatably disposed at a lower side of the guide groove310. A portion of the moving gear358may be disposed in the guide groove310through the gear hole314bformed in the lower wall314. The moving gear358may be rotatably mounted in the first housing302or to the partition wall340described hereinafter.

Referring toFIG.15, the moving gear358may be disposed at a position further forward than the guide rollers308aand308b. The rotational axis of the moving gear358may extend parallel to the rotational axes of the guide rollers308aand308b.

A space in which an agitator gear366and an agitator connection shaft368, which will be described hereinafter, may be rotatably disposed may be formed in an inner surface of the first housing302.

The partition wall340may be disposed between the first housing302and the second housing330. The partition wall340may include a plurality of partition plates configured to partition an interior of the housings302and330. The partition wall340may be disposed inside of the housings302and330to increase a rigidity of the housings302and330.

Referring toFIG.16, the partition wall340may form a space in which the dust container400may be disposed. A dust container guide380that guides movement of the dust container400may be disposed on the partition wall340. The dust container guide380may be displaced in the upward-downward direction by a dust container gear and a dust container motor360, which may be disposed on the partition wall340.

The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container400is disposed from the space in which the suctioner376is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container400is disposed from the space in which a dust container gear362that displaces the dust container400is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container400is disposed from the space in which a first printed circuit board370is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the suctioner376is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the moving gear358is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container motor360is disposed from the space in which an agitator motor364is disposed.

That is, the partition wall340may partition the inner space in the housings302and330into a plurality of regions using a plurality of plates arranged perpendicular to or parallel to each other. More specifically, the partition wall340may include a vertical partition342, which partitions the interior of the housings302and330in the lateral direction, horizontal partitions344and346, which partition the interior of the housings302and330in the upward-downward direction, and forward-rearward partitions348and350, which partition the interior of the housings302and330in the forward-rearward direction.

Referring toFIG.16, the vertical partition342may isolate the space in which the suctioner376is disposed from the space in which the dust container400is disposed. The vertical partition342may extend in the upward-downward direction inside of the housings302and330. The vertical partition342may isolate the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the dust container400is disposed. The vertical partition342may isolate the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the dust container gear362and the agitator gear366are disposed. The battery374may be disposed above the suctioner376. The vertical partition342may have therein a communication hole342aformed at a portion corresponding to the suctioner376, through which the suctioner376and the dust container400may communicate with each other.

Referring toFIG.16, the horizontal partitions344and346may include first horizontal partition344, which may isolate the space in which the dust container400is disposed from the space in which the dust container gear362and the agitator gear366are disposed, and a second horizontal partition346, which may isolate the space in which the suctioner376is disposed from the space in which the battery374is disposed.

The first horizontal partition344may have a shaft hole344bformed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft368to pass therethrough. The first horizontal partition344may have a guide hole344aformed therein to allow some components of the dust container guide380to pass therethrough.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the forward-rearward partitions348and350may include first forward-rearward partition348, which may isolate the space in which the dust container400is disposed from the space in which the first printed circuit board370is disposed, and a second forward-rearward partition350, which may isolate the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the moving gear358is disposed.

Referring toFIG.17, the partition wall340may include a first support plate352, which is disposed on the first horizontal partition344to support placement of the dust container motor360, and a second support plate354, which is disposed above the first horizontal partition344to support placement of the agitator gear366and the agitator connection shaft368. The dust container400may be disposed below the first horizontal partition344. The dust container400may be disposed on or at one side of the vertical partition342.

The dust container guide380may be disposed above the dust container400. The dust container guide380may be connected to the dust container gear362to displace the dust container400.

Referring toFIG.18, the dust container guide380may include a guide plate384, which is disposed above the dust container400, and a guide gear382, which extends upwards from the guide plate384and is engaged with the dust container gear362. The guide plate384may be disposed below the first horizontal partition344. A magnet388may be disposed on the guide plate384. Accordingly, when the dust container400is brought into contact with the magnet388, the dust container400may be secured to the dust container guide380by the magnet388.

Referring toFIG.16, the dust container guide380may include mounting guides386, which are bent and extend downwards from a front end and a rear end of the guide plate384. When the dust container400moves to the guide plate384, the mounting guides386may guide the dust container400to move to a correct position on the guide plate384.

Referring toFIG.18, the guide plate384may have a connection hole380aformed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft368to pass therethrough. The connection hole380amay be formed at a position corresponding to the shaft hole344bformed in the first horizontal partition344. When the dust container400is mounted in the housings, the shaft hole344band the connection hole380amay be located so as to be aligned with each other.

The guide gear382may be disposed through the guide hole344aformed in the first horizontal partition344. The guide gear382may be implemented, for example, as a rack gear. The guide gear382may mesh with the dust container gear362. The guide gear382may move in the upward-downward direction in response to rotation of the dust container gear362. Accordingly, when the dust container motor360operates, the dust container guide380may move in the upward-downward direction. The dust container motor360may be disposed above the first horizontal partition344, and be mounted to the first support plate352.

The first printed circuit board370may be disposed on a rear surface of the first forward-rearward partition348.

Referring toFIG.18, the suctioner376may be disposed below the second horizontal partition346. The suctioner376may be disposed on an opposite side of the vertical partition342. The suctioner376may include a fan376a, which causes air to flow, and a fan motor376b, which rotates the fan376a. A connection pipe378that connects the suctioner376to the vertical partition342may be disposed at one side of the suctioner376. The connection pipe378may be fixed to a portion of the vertical partition342in which the communication hole342ais formed, thereby inducing air to flow from the dust container400to the suctioner376.

Referring toFIG.17, the battery374may be disposed above the second horizontal partition346. The battery374may be disposed above the suctioner376. A second printed circuit board372and a gear motor356that rotates the moving gear358may be disposed in the space in which the battery374is disposed. The second printed circuit board372and the moving gear358may be mounted to the second forward-rearward partition350.

The moving gear358and a connection gear359, which meshes with the moving gear358and which is connected to the gear motor356, may be disposed in front of the second forward-rearward partition350. The moving gear358may have a larger radius than the connection gear359.

Referring toFIG.17, the agitator motor364and the agitator gear366may be disposed above the first horizontal partition344. The second support plate354may be spaced upwards apart from the first horizontal partition344. The second support plate354may be disposed to extend parallel to the first horizontal partition344. The agitator motor364may be disposed below the second support plate354. The agitator gear366and an auxiliary gear369, which is connected to the agitator motor364and which meshes with the agitator gear366, may be disposed above the second support plate354.

The agitator gear366may be fixedly disposed on a circumference of the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the agitator gear366rotates, the agitator connection shaft368also rotates together therewith. The agitator connection shaft368may be disposed so as to penetrate the second horizontal partition346. The agitator connection shaft368may have a circular-shaped section. However, a lower end368aof the agitator connection shaft368may have an elliptical-shaped or polygonal-shaped section in order to transmit a rotational force to the agitator420.

Referring toFIG.22, the dust container400may include a storage space402a, in which foreign substances removed from the pre-filter188may be stored, a dust container housing402, which forms an agitator space402bin which the agitator420may be disposed, a dust container cover414, which covers an open side of the dust container housing402, an agitator420, which may be rotatably disposed inside of the dust container housing402, and a dust container filter428, which may be disposed at one side of the dust container housing402in order to remove foreign substances from the air discharged from the dust container housing402.

Referring toFIG.22, the agitator space402bin which the agitator420is disposed and the storage space402ain which dust is stored may be formed inside of the dust container housing402. The dust container housing402may have an open upper portion. Accordingly, the agitator420or the dust container filter428may be withdrawn out of the dust container housing402through the open upper portion of the dust container housing402.

The dust container housing402may have an agitator hole406formed therein to allow the agitator space402bto communicate with the outside. A portion of the agitator420may be exposed to the outside of the dust container housing402through the agitator hole406. The agitator hole406may have a size corresponding to a size of the suction hole302ain the first housing302.

Referring toFIG.19, the dust container housing402may have a flow hole410formed therein to allow the air in the storage space402ato flow to outside of the dust container housing402. The flow hole410may be formed in a lateral surface of the dust container housing402. The flow hole410may have a size corresponding to a size of the communication hole342ain the vertical partition342. When the dust container housing402is disposed inside of the housings302and330, the flow hole410may be disposed at a position corresponding to the communication hole342a.

Referring toFIG.21, an inner partition404configured to isolate the storage space402aand the agitator space402bfrom each other may be disposed in the dust container housing402. The inner partition404may extend in the upward-downward direction. The inner partition404may have an inner hole408formed therein to allow the storage space402aand the agitator space402bto communicate with each other.

Referring toFIG.21, a duster412may be disposed in the agitator space402bso as to be in contact with an end portion of the agitator420. The duster412may remove foreign substances from a blade426of the agitator420, which will be described hereinafter. The duster412may be disposed so as to rub the blade426when the agitator420rotates. The duster412may be disposed so as to protrude toward the agitator420. The duster412may have a sawtooth shape, and be disposed on or at one side of the inner hole408.

The duster412may protrude so as to contact the blade426. Accordingly, when the agitator420operates, the duster412may remove foreign substances from the blade426of the agitator420. Also, when the dust container400is removed from the filter cleaner300, the duster412may prevent the foreign substances stored in the storage space402afrom escaping to the outside through the agitator space402b.

Referring toFIG.21, an agitator-mounting part or portion or agitator mount405, to which the agitator420may be mounted, may be disposed in the dust container housing402. The agitator-mounting portion405may be disposed at a lower portion of the agitator space402b, and a lower end portion of the agitator420may be seated on the agitator-mounting portion405.

Referring toFIG.22, the dust container cover414may cover the open upper portion of the dust container housing402. The dust container cover414may have therein a through-hole416, through which a lower portion of the agitator connection shaft368may pass. The through-hole416may be formed at a position corresponding to the connection hole380aformed in the guide plate384of the dust container guide380. Accordingly, when the dust container400is mounted to the dust container guide380, the connection hole380aand the through-hole416may be located so as to be aligned with each other.

Referring toFIG.22, a counterpart member or counterpart418, which responds to the magnet388disposed on the guide plate384, may be disposed on the dust container cover414. The counterpart418may be made of a material that is attracted to the magnet388. Accordingly, when the dust container400is brought close to the dust container guide380, the dust container400may be secured to the dust container guide380due to the magnet388and the counterpart418.

The agitator420may be rotatably mounted to the dust container housing402. The agitator420may rotate about a rotational axis that extends in the upward-downward direction. The agitator420may be disposed so as to be in contact with an outer side of the pre-filter188. The agitator420may shake foreign substances off of the pre-filter188.

Referring toFIG.22, the agitator420includes a rotational body422, which rotates about a rotational axis that extends in the upward-downward direction, a plurality of blades426, which protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the rotational body422in a radial direction, and a connection body424, which is disposed at one end of the rotational body422and which is connected to the agitator connection shaft368.

The agitator420further includes a mounting body425, which is rotatably connected to the rotational body422. The mounting body425may be mounted to the agitator-mounting portion405of the dust container housing402in order to fix the agitator420in place. As the mounting body425is rotatably connected to the rotational body422, the agitator420may rotate stably in a state of being fixed to the agitator-mounting portion405.

The connection body424may be disposed at an upper side of the rotational body422. The connection body424may include a connection recess424aformed in an upper surface thereof to allow a lower end of the agitator connection shaft368to be inserted thereinto. The connection recess424amay have a shape corresponding to a shape of the lower end of the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the agitator connection shaft368is inserted into the connection recess424ain the connection body424, the agitator connection shaft368and the agitator420may rotate together.

Referring toFIG.21, the dust container filter428may be disposed in the storage space402ain the dust container housing402. The dust container filter428may include a first filter430, which is disposed on one side of the flow hole410in the dust container housing402to remove fine foreign substances from the air flowing to the flow hole410, a second filter432, which is disposed in the storage space402awhile being spaced apart from the first filter430, and a mounting body434, which fixes the second filter432in place.

Referring toFIG.21, the mounting body434may have a structure configured to be mounted in the storage space402a. The mounting body434may include a lower plate436, which is disposed at a lower side of the storage space402a, an upper plate438, which is disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the lower plate436, and a connection plate440, which interconnects the lower plate436and the upper plate438and supports the second filter432, which is disposed on one side thereof.

Referring toFIG.21, the lower plate436may be fixed to a lower portion of the storage space402a. The upper plate438may be fixed to an upper portion of the storage space402a. Accordingly, when the dust container filter428is disposed in the storage space402a, a position of the dust container filter428inside of the storage space402amay be maintained. The second filter432may be fixedly disposed on the mounting body434. That is, the second filter432may be integrally formed with the connection plate440.

Referring toFIG.21, the connection plate440may be disposed so as to be inclined relative to the first filter430. The second filter432may be spaced apart from the first filter430, and may be inclined relative to the first filter430.

The first filter430may be implemented as, for example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove fine foreign substances. The second filter432may implemented as, for example, a filter that removes foreign substances having a size larger than a size of foreign substances removed by the first filter430. The second filter432may be implemented as, for example, a filter that is capable of being washed for reuse.

The first filter430may be mounted in the mounting body434. The first filter430may be disposed between the upper plate438and the lower plate436of the mounting body434.

Hereinafter, a process of separating the dust container400from the filter cleaner300will be described with reference toFIGS.23and24.

The filter cleaner300may be maintained in a state in which it is mounted on the guide rail10. Therefore, it may be difficult for a user to reach the filter cleaner300mounted in a ceiling-mounted air-processing apparatus100. However, according to embodiments disclosed herein, as the dust container400is capable of being moved downwards by the dust container guide380, the user may easily reach the same.

The dust container400may be moved in the upward-downward direction by the dust container guide380. The dust container guide380may be moved in the upward-downward direction by operation of the dust container gear362.

The dust container400may be securely disposed on the dust container guide380by the magnet388of the dust container guide380. The magnet388of the dust container guide380attracts the counterpart418of the dust container400, so the dust container400may be secured to the dust container guide380.

The dust container400may be located at a first position P1, at which the same is located inside of the housings302and330, or a second position P2, at which a portion of the dust container400is located outside the housings302and330. When the dust container400is located at the first position P1, the agitator420is connected to the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the dust container400is located at the first position P1, the agitator420may be rotated by the operation of the agitator motor364.

As shown inFIG.23, when the dust container400is located at the second position P2, the agitator420is separated from the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the dust container400is located at the second position P2, the agitator420is not rotated even when the agitator motor364operates. Thereafter, the user may separate the dust container400from the filter cleaner300, as shown inFIG.24.

As is apparent from the above description, an air-processing apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein has at least one or more advantages as follows.

First, the agitator is disposed inside of the dust container, and the dust container is mounted in the housing of the filter cleaner. Accordingly, the dust container and the agitator, in which foreign substances may be present, are capable of being managed together, whereby it is possible to maintain cleanliness of the filter cleaner.

Second, as the dust container is capable of being moved downwards from the filter cleaner by the dust container guide, a user is capable of easily separating and replacing the dust container even when the filter cleaner is used in a product which is mounted on a ceiling.

Third, as the agitator is disposed inside of the dust container, a region in which foreign substances are stored communicates with the outside via the agitator region. Due to this structure, when the dust container is separated, it is possible to minimize an amount of foreign substances that escapes from the dust container to the outside.

Fourth, the filter cleaner is capable of moving stably along the guide rail due to the guide rollers provided so as to move along the guide rail and the support roller disposed on the guide rail. Further, as the rotational axis of the support roller extends in a direction different from that in which the rotational axes of the guide rollers extend, it is possible to maintain a constant gap between the filter and the filter cleaner below the guide rail.

Fifth, the filter cleaner includes therein a battery, and when the filter cleaner is located in a non-cleaning section, the battery is charged by receiving external power through terminals. As such, as the filter cleaner does not require an electric wire for connection to an external power source, the filter cleaner is capable of moving freely.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a filter cleaner enabling a user to easily manage a dust container and an agitator mounted therein. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a filter cleaner enabling a user to easily reach a dust container when used in a ceiling-mounted product.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a filter cleaner capable of minimizing an amount of foreign substances escaping from a dust container to the outside when a dust container is separated, and an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner configured to clean a filter disposed in an inlet formed in a lateral direction while moving stably. That is, a filter cleaner configured to move while maintaining a constant spacing distance between the filter cleaner and the filter disposed in the inlet and an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner are provided.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-processing apparatus capable of minimizing movement constraints on a filter cleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide an air-processing apparatus including a filter cleaner from which a dust container is easily separated.

Advantages of embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above-described advantages, and other advantages not mentioned herein may be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a filter cleaner that may include a housing forming an external appearance of the filter cleaner and having a suction hole formed in one or a first side thereof and a discharge hole formed in another or a second side thereof, a moving gear rotatably disposed in the housing to move the housing, a gear motor configured to rotate the moving gear, a dust container disposed so as to be introduced into or withdrawn out of the housing and configured to store foreign substances introduced thereinto through the suction hole and to accommodate an agitator rotatably disposed therein, an agitator gear disposed inside of the housing to rotate the agitator, an agitator motor disposed inside of the housing to operate the agitator gear, and a suctioner disposed inside of the housing to induce air to flow into the dust container through the suction hole. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator gear may be connected to the agitator, thereby making it possible to separate the agitator disposed in the dust container.

The dust container may include a dust container housing having formed therein a storage space in which foreign substances removed from a filter are stored and an agitator space in which the agitator is disposed. The dust container housing may have an agitator hole formed therein to allow the agitator space to communicate with the outside. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator hole may be located at a position corresponding to the suction hole. That is, when the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator is capable of operating.

The dust container housing may have a flow hole formed therein to allow the storage space to communicate with the outside of the dust container housing. The dust container may include a dust container filter disposed in the storage space to remove foreign substances from air flowing to the flow hole. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the suctioner may communicate with the flow hole. Accordingly, air may be introduced into the dust container by operation of the suctioner.

The dust container filter may include a first filter disposed on one side of the flow hole in the dust container housing, a second filter disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first filter, and a mounting body configured to fix positions of the first filter and the second filter disposed inside of the dust container housing. Accordingly, the first filter and the second filter may be stably disposed inside of the dust container.

The mounting body may include a lower plate disposed in the lower side of the storage space, an upper plate disposed so as to be spaced upwards apart from the lower plate, and a connection plate configured to interconnect the lower plate and the upper plate and to support the second filter disposed on one side thereof.

The second filter may have a mesh shape, and may be formed integrally with the connection plate. Accordingly, it is possible to easily manage the second filter.

The connection plate on which the second filter is disposed may be inclined relative to the first filter. Accordingly, a region in which the second filter is disposed may be increased inside of the storage space.

The first filter may be fixedly disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate. Accordingly, the first filter may be stably disposed inside of the dust container housing.

The dust container may include an inner partition configured to isolate the storage space and the agitator space from each other inside of the dust container housing. The inner partition may have an inner hole formed therein to allow the storage space and the agitator space to communicate with each other. Accordingly, foreign substances introduced into the agitator space may be introduced into the storage space.

A duster may be disposed in the agitator space so as to be in contact with an end portion or end of the agitator. Accordingly, it is possible to remove foreign substances from the agitator and to prevent foreign substances introduced into the storage space from escaping to the outside.

The filter cleaner may further include an agitator connection shaft configured to transmit a rotational force of the agitator gear to the agitator. The agitator gear may be fixedly disposed on a circumference of the agitator connection shaft so as to rotate together with the agitator connection shaft. Accordingly, when the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator is capable of being rotated.

The agitator may have a connection recess formed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft to be inserted thereinto. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator connection shaft may be inserted into the connection recess. That is, when the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator is capable of being rotated.

The agitator connection shaft may have an end portion or end connected to the agitator, and the end portion of the agitator connection shaft may have an elliptical-shaped or polygonal-shaped section. The connection recess may have a shape corresponding to the end portion of the agitator. Accordingly, when the agitator shaft is inserted into the connection recess, the rotational force of the agitator shaft may be transmitted to the agitator.

The dust container may include a dust container guide configured to displace the dust container disposed in the housing, and the dust container guide may have a connection hole formed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft to pass therethrough. Accordingly, the dust container guide may displace the dust container, and may connect the agitator depending on the displacement of the dust container.

The dust container guide may include a guide plate, which is disposed above the dust container, and a guide gear, which extends upwards from the guide plate and meshes with a dust container gear. A magnet may be disposed on the guide plate to fix the dust container. Accordingly, the dust container may be fixed to the guide plate.

The dust container guide may include mounting guides to guide the dust container to move to the correct position on the guide plate when the dust container moves upwards, and the mounting guides may be bent and extend downwards from the front end and the rear end of the guide plate. Accordingly, the dust container mounted by the dust container guide may be disposed at the correct position.

The filter cleaner may further include a partition wall disposed inside of the housing to partition the inner space in the housing. The dust container guide may be movably disposed on the partition wall.

The partition wall may include a horizontal partition to partition the inner space in the housing in an upward-downward direction. The dust container gear may be disposed above the horizontal partition to move the dust container guide. The dust container guide may be movably disposed below the horizontal partition. Accordingly, the dust container gear may be stably disposed, and thus, the dust container guide, which meshes with the dust container gear, may be stably moved.

The agitator gear may be connected to the agitator motor above the horizontal partition. The horizontal partition may have a shaft hole formed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft to pass therethrough. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the shaft hole and the connection hole may be located so as to be aligned with each other. Accordingly, when the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator shaft may be connected to the agitator.

Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air-processing apparatus that may include a case having therein an outlet formed so as to be open in a downward direction and an inlet formed so as to be open in a direction perpendicular to the outlet, a filter disposed in the inlet, a guide rail disposed above the inlet, and a filter cleaner configured to move along the guide rail to remove foreign substances from the filter. The filter cleaner may include a housing forming an external appearance of the filter cleaner and having a suction hole formed in one or a first side thereof and a discharge hole formed in another or a second side thereof, a moving gear rotatably disposed in the housing to move the housing, a gear motor configured to rotate the moving gear, a dust container disposed so as to be introduced into or withdrawn out of the housing and configured to store foreign substances introduced thereinto through the suction hole and to accommodate an agitator rotatably disposed therein, an agitator gear disposed inside of the housing to rotate the agitator, an agitator motor disposed inside of the housing to operate the agitator gear, and a suctioner disposed inside of the housing to induce air to flow into the dust container through the suction hole. When the dust container is mounted in the housing, the agitator gear may be connected to the agitator.

An air-processing apparatus according to embodiments disclosed herein may include a case, which forms an external appearance of the air-processing apparatus and has an inlet formed in one or a first side thereof, a filter disposed in the inlet, a guide rail disposed above the inlet, and a filter cleaner configured to move along the guide rail and to remove foreign substances from the filter. The filter cleaner may include a housing disposed so as to face the filter and to move along the guide rail, a moving gear configured to mesh with the guide rail and to move the housing in a lateral or lateral direction of the filter, a gear motor configured to rotate the moving gear, a dust container disposed inside of the housing and having formed therein a space for storing foreign substances, an agitator disposed inside of the housing and configured to rotate while contacting the filter, a suctioner configured to deliver foreign substances removed from the agitator to the dust container, a guide roller rotatably disposed in the housing and configured to move along the guide rail and to maintain a gap between the filter and a surface of the housing that faces the filter, and a support roller rotatably disposed in the housing and contacting the case. The support roller may be disposed above the guide roller. A rotational axis of the support roller may extend in a direction different from that in which a rotational axis of the guide roller extends. Accordingly, the filter cleaner, which moves along the guide rail of the case, may be stably disposed.

Other advantages will be apparent from the description and the drawings.

The advantages of embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and other advantages not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the accompanying claims.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are not limited to those exemplary embodiments and may be embodied in many forms without departing from the scope, which is set forth in the following claims. These modifications should not be understood separately from the technical spirit or scope.