An air-conditioning system is provided that may include a plurality of air-processing apparatuses, each of which includes an inlet formed in one surface thereof that extends perpendicular to a floor or a ceiling and a pre-filter disposed in the inlet, and a filter cleaner configured to clean at least one of pre-filters provided in the plurality of air-processing apparatuses while automatically moving when at least one of the plurality of air-processing apparatuses stops operating.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0065991, filed in Korea on May 24, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0174218, filed in Korea on Dec. 7, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

An air-conditioning system, and more particularly, an air-conditioning system including a plurality of air-processing apparatuses and a method for operating an air-conditioning system are disclosed herein.

Various air-conditioning apparatuses are being developed in order to create a comfortable indoor environment. For example, an air conditioner is configured to control room temperature by discharging cool or warm air to the interior of a room, thereby providing a more comfortable indoor environment to a user. In general, an air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in order to form a cooling cycle in which compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of refrigerant are performed, thereby cooling or heating an indoor space. In such an air conditioner, an indoor unit, such as a standing-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, or a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, is mounted in an indoor space in order to discharge heat-exchanged air to the indoor space, thereby adjusting a temperature of the indoor space.

An air purifier is an apparatus that suctions contaminated air and discharges air purified by a filter to an indoor space. An air purifier is generally configured to be movable, and is disposed on the floor of an indoor space in order to purify contaminated air in the indoor space.

Various research is underway with the goal of effectively conditioning indoor air by creating an air-conditioning system composed of a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses and controlling the apparatuses in the air-conditioning system in an interlocking manner.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2019-0106608 (hereinafter, “Related Art Document 1”), published on Sep. 18, 2019 and which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an indoor integrated air-conditioning control system that is capable of creating an optimal indoor air environment by operating various air-conditioning apparatuses.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2005-0122523 (hereinafter, “Related Art Document 2”), published on Dec. 29, 2005 and which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an air-conditioning system that is capable of integrally managing an air conditioner, a ventilator, and an air purifier and controlling these apparatuses in an interlocking manner.

However, the air conditioner and the air purifier disclosed in the above related art documents are physically separated from each other and are located so as to be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, air-conditioning efficiency may be deteriorated depending on a physical arrangement of the air conditioner and the air purifier.

Further, when a certain apparatus, such as an air purifier, is moved to another position or the position thereof is not recognized accurately, interlocking control may not be reliably performed, or operation efficiency may be deteriorated. Furthermore, a region in which the air conditioner discharges heat-exchanged air and a region in which the air purifier discharges filtered air may differ from each other. In order to address this problem, a filter may be disposed in an inlet region of the air conditioner. However, when a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for use in an air purifier is mounted in the air conditioner, the HEPA filter acts as resistance to a flow of air to a heat exchanger, thus leading to deteriorated operation efficiency. Also, because the air conditioner and the air purifier disclosed in the above related art documents are provided separately from each other, it is inconvenient for a user to separately manage filters, for example.

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 reference numerals represent the same components.

The terms “U”, “D”, “Le”, “Ri”, “F”, and “R” shown in figures indicate an upward direction, a downward direction, a leftward direction, a rightward direction, a forward direction, and a rearward direction, respectively. The aforementioned directions are used only for convenience of description, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the aforementioned directions may be set differently according to some reference.

Hereinafter, an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An air-conditioning system according to embodiments may include a first air-processing apparatus100, which adjusts a temperature of air through heat exchange between the air and a refrigerant, and a second air-processing apparatus200, which is disposed on or at one side of the first air-processing apparatus in order to remove foreign substances from the air. The air-conditioning system according to embodiments may include a plurality of air-processing apparatuses100a,100b, and200. The air-conditioning system according to embodiments may include one or two or more first air-processing apparatuses100aand100band one or two or more second air-processing apparatuses200.

The air-conditioning system may include a filter cleaner300, which moves along a surface in which inlets102aand202aof the plurality of air-processing apparatuses100a,100b, and200are formed in order to clean pre-filters188and288disposed in the inlets102aand202a.

Referring toFIG. 1, the air-conditioning system may include one second air-processing apparatus200and two first air-processing apparatuses100disposed on both sides of the second air-processing apparatus200. However, this is merely illustrative, and the numbers and arrangement of first and second air-processing apparatuses100and200may be set differently.

Referring toFIG. 2, the air-conditioning system may include a guide rail10, which is disposed at rear sides of the first air-processing apparatuses100and the second air-processing apparatus200in order to guide movement of the filter cleaner300. Support rails116and244that support movement of the filter cleaner300may be disposed at upper ends of rear surfaces of the first air-processing apparatuses100and the second air-processing apparatus200. The support rails116and244may include first support rails116disposed at the first air-processing apparatuses100and second support rail244disposed at the second air-processing apparatus200.

The first support rails116may be formed integrally with first rear covers114(refer toFIG. 8) of the first air-processing apparatuses100, which will be described hereinafter. The second support rail244may be formed integrally with a second rear cover242(refer toFIG. 20) of the second air-processing apparatus200, which will be described hereinafter.

The guide rail10may be disposed on rear sides of the first rear covers114and the second rear cover242. The guide rail10may be disposed above the first inlets102aand the second inlet202a. The guide rail10may extend in a lateral or leftward-rightward direction on the rear sides of the first rear covers114and the second rear cover242. The guide rail10may be fixedly disposed below first rail-fixing protrusions117of the first rear covers114and a second rail-fixing protrusion245of the second rear cover242.

The guide rail10may include a gear rail20, which has threads to be engaged with a moving gear (not shown) of the filter cleaner300, and a roller rail22, which is in contact with a guide roller (not shown) of the filter cleaner300. 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 gear rail20may be disposed in front of the roller rail22. The gear rail20may be formed on the lower surface of the guide rail10. The gear rail20may have a shape of a rack gear. When viewed from the rear, the guide rail10may have a structure in which the gear rail20is shielded by the roller rail22.

A rail groove24may be formed in a rear surface of the guide rail10. The rail groove24may be recessed in a forward direction and extend in the lateral direction. An object to be sensed26may be disposed in the rail groove24. 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 sensor (not shown) may be disposed at the filter cleaner300, and when the sensor senses the object to be sensed26, a position of the filter cleaner300may be detected.

The object to be sensed26may correspond to the sensor. For example, when the sensor is a switch sensor, the object to be sensed26may have a shape of a protrusion that protrudes rearwards. Alternatively, when the sensor is a Hall sensor, the object to be sensed26may be implemented as a magnet.

An end plate28configured to limit movement of the filter cleaner300in one direction may be disposed at a left or first end or a right or second end of the guide rail10. The end plate28may extend in a direction perpendicular to a 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.

Hereinafter, a first air-processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 17C.

The first air-processing apparatus100induces air to exchange heat with a refrigerant and discharges the heat-exchanged air to the outside. The first air-processing apparatus100may include first inlet102aformed in one or a first side thereof in order to suction air thereinto and a first outlet102bformed in another or a second side thereof perpendicular to the first inlet102ain order to discharge air therefrom. Referring toFIG. 5, the first inlet102amay extend perpendicular to a surface of a floor or ceiling. The first outlet102bmay be open downwards. The first outlet102bmay extend perpendicular to the first inlet102a.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first air-processing apparatus100may include a first fan182, which causes air to flow, a first fan motor184, which rotates the first fan182, and a heat exchanger186, through which a refrigerant flows to exchange heat with air. The first air-processing apparatus100may further include a first case102, which forms an external appearance of the first air-processing apparatus100, and a first housing132, which is disposed inside of the first case102and which forms a flow path through which air flows. The first air-processing apparatus100may furthermore include a first louver150, which is rotatably disposed in the first case102in order to adjust a direction of air that is discharged from the first outlet102b, and a first louver-drive device174, which changes an orientation of the first louver150. The first air-processing apparatus100may include a first control box190that controls operation of the first fan motor184or operation of the first louver-drive device174.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first case102may include a first upper cover104, which is configured to be secured to a ceiling, a first lower cover106, which is disposed below the first upper cover104, a first rear cover114, in which is formed therein the first inlet102aand to which first pre-filter188is mounted, a first front cover118, which is spaced forwards apart from the first rear cover114, and two first side covers128, which are disposed at both side ends of the first lower cover106. Referring toFIG. 6, the first case102may further include a first bottom cover130, which is disposed below the first lower cover106.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first inlet102amay be formed in the first rear cover114. The guide rail10may be mounted on an outer surface of the first rear cover114. The first inlet102amay be formed in a lower portion of the first rear cover114. The first pre-filter188may be mounted in the first inlet102aformed in the first rear cover114. The guide rail10and the first support rail116that guides movement of the filter cleaner300may be mounted on the first rear cover114.

Referring toFIG. 2, the guide rail10may be disposed above the first inlet102a. The first support rail116may be disposed at an upper end of the first rear cover114. The guide rail10may be provided separately from the first rear cover114. The first support rail116may be formed integrally with the first rear cover114.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first support rail116may include a first top plate116a, which protrudes rearwards from the upper end of the first rear cover114, and a first bent portion116b, which is bent and extends downwards from a rear end of the first top plate116a. A top roller326(refer toFIG. 2) of the filter cleaner300may be in contact with the first bent portion116b.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first rear cover114may be disposed behind a first vertical plate110of the first lower cover106, which will be described hereinafter. The first rear cover114may be fixedly disposed behind the first vertical plate110.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first upper cover104may include a first fixing recess104aformed in an upper surface thereof, into which a fixing member12that fixes the first case102to the ceiling may be inserted. Referring toFIG. 6, a plurality of first fixing recesses104amay be formed in the upper surface of the first upper cover104. The fixing member12may be inserted into and fixed to each of the plurality of first fixing recesses104a. The fixing member12may have a substantial “[” shape when viewed from the side. The fixing member12may be connected to a mounting member14that is fixed to the ceiling, thereby fixing the first case102to the ceiling.

The first upper cover104may include two side plates105, which are bent and extend downwards from both side ends thereof. Each of the two side plates105may be connected to a respective one of the two first side covers128.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first lower cover106may be disposed below the first housing132. The first louver-drive device174may be disposed on the first lower cover106. The first lower cover106may include a first horizontal plate108, which is disposed above the first bottom cover130, first vertical plate110, which is disposed at a rear side of the first horizontal plate108so as to be perpendicular thereto and in which a first inner suction hole110amay be formed, and two first side walls112, which are bent and extend upwards from both side ends of the first horizontal plate108.

The first louver-drive device174may be disposed on the first horizontal plate108. The first horizontal plate108may include a connection slit108aformed therein to allow a vertical protrusion131of the first bottom cover130to be inserted thereinto.

Referring toFIG. 6, each of the two first side covers128may be connected at a lower portion thereof to the first lower cover106, and connected at an upper portion thereof to the first upper cover104. A first rotational support rod168that supports rotation of the first louver150may be disposed on each of the two first side covers128. The first rotational support rod168may be connected to each of both ends of the first louver150, thereby supporting rotation of the first louver150.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first front cover118may be disposed in front of the first housing132. Referring toFIG. 9, a lower end of the first front cover118may be spaced a predetermined gap apart from a front end portion106aof the first lower cover106. The first outlet102bmay be formed between the first front cover118and the first lower cover106. A first louver protrusion120, in which a first louver groove122configured to receive a louver rotational shaft160is formed, may be formed on the first front cover118in order to limit a range within which the first louver150may rotate.

The first louver protrusion120may extend lengthwise in the lateral direction, in which the first front cover118is formed. Referring toFIG. 14B, the first louver protrusion120has the first louver groove122formed therein to allow the louver rotational shaft160of the first louver150to be disposed therein. The first louver groove122may be also extend lengthwise in the lateral direction, in which the first louver protrusion120extends.

Referring toFIG. 14A, a first support-rod recess124in which a first auxiliary support rod170is disposed may be formed between a left or first end and a right or second end of the first louver protrusion120. The first auxiliary support rod170may be fixedly disposed on the first front cover118, and may support rotation of the first louver150. The first auxiliary support rod170may be disposed between two first rotational support rods168, which will be described hereinafter. The first auxiliary support rod170may be connected to the first louver150via a first auxiliary rotational shaft172.

Referring toFIG. 14B, the first louver protrusion120may include an upper protruding portion120a, which forms a surface that is inclined from an upper end of the first louver groove122in a rearward-upward direction, and a lower protruding portion120b, which forms a surface that is inclined from a lower end of the first louver groove122in a forward-downward direction. When an upper surface of the louver rotational shaft160of the first louver150, which will be described hereinafter, comes into contact with the upper protruding portion120a, rotation of the first louver150in one direction is limited by the upper protruding portion120a. When an axial vane158of the first louver150, which will be described hereinafter, comes into contact with the lower protruding portion120b, rotation of the first louver150in the opposite direction is limited by the lower protruding portion120b.

Referring toFIG. 14B, a first stepped portion or step126, which interferes with an end portion or end of a first upper housing134described hereinafter, may be formed in the first front cover118.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first housing132may be disposed inside of the first case102, and form therein a space through which air flows. The first fan182and the heat exchanger186may be disposed inside of the first housing132. Referring toFIG. 9, the heat exchanger186may be disposed in a region adjacent to the first inlet102a. The heat exchanger186may be disposed so as to be inclined toward the first fan182to thereby increase a heat-exchange area and minimize resistance to air flow.

The first fan motor184that rotates the first fan182may be disposed inside of the first housing132. The first fan motor184may be disposed on a rotational shaft of the first fan182in order to rotate the first fan182. The first fan182may be implemented as, for example, a cross-flow fan, which is configured to suction air into one side thereof in a radial direction and to discharge air from another side thereof in the radial direction. Referring toFIG. 6, a fan support bracket146may be disposed inside of the first housing132in order to support rotation of the first fan182or to support placement of the first fan motor184. The first housing132may include first upper housing134, which is disposed above the first fan182, and a first lower housing138, which is disposed below the first fan182.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first upper housing134and the first lower housing138may form discharge guides136and144, along which air flows from the first fan182to the first outlet102b. The first upper housing134may be mounted to the first upper cover104. A lower end of the first upper housing134may be disposed at an upper side of the first stepped portion126of the first front cover118. Referring toFIG. 9, the first upper housing134may include an upper guide136, along which air flowing out of the first fan182moves to the first outlet102b. The upper guide136induces air flowing along the first fan182to move downwards. The upper guide136induces air flowing out of the first fan182to move toward the first front cover118.

The first lower housing138may be disposed above the first lower cover106. Referring toFIG. 9, the first lower housing138may include a drain pan140, which is disposed below the heat exchanger186in order to collect therein condensation dropping from the heat exchanger186. The drain pan140may be disposed below the heat exchanger186in a region in which the heat exchanger186is disposed.

Referring toFIG. 10, the first lower housing138may include a drive device cover142, which may be disposed in front of the drain pan140and protrude upwards from the first lower cover106. The drive device cover142forms a space thereunder in which the first louver-drive device174may be disposed. The drive device cover142may protrude at an incline further upwards from a region in which the drain pan140is disposed to the region in which a first fan182is disposed. The drive device cover142may induce air passing through the heat exchanger186to flow to the region in which the first fan182is disposed.

The drive device cover142may include a lower guide144that induces air passing through the first fan182to flow to the first outlet102b. The lower guide144may be spaced apart from the upper guide136so as to form a discharge flow path132a. The lower guide144may include a first gear hole142aformed in a portion thereof corresponding to a region in which the first louver gear176of the first louver-drive device174is disposed. Referring toFIG. 9, a portion of the first louver gear176may protrude outside of the first gear hole142aand may be in contact with the first louver150.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first air-processing apparatus100may include first louver150, which is rotatably disposed in the first outlet102bin order to adjust a direction of air blown out through the first outlet102b, and first louver-drive device174that adjusts the orientation of the first louver150. Referring toFIG. 17, the first louver150may include a plurality of vanes154,156, and158, which are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction based on a rotational shaft.

Referring toFIG. 17, the first louver150may include a louver rotational shaft160, which extends along a rotational center of the first louver150, outer vane154, which is spaced outwards apart from the louver rotational shaft160in the radial direction, a plurality of inner vanes156, which is spaced apart from each other in the radial direction between the louver rotational shaft160and the outer vane154, and a vane gear166, which is formed on the outer surface of the outer vane154in the circumferential direction. The plurality of vanes154,156, and158may include the outer vane154and the plurality of inner vanes156.

Referring toFIG. 14B, the louver rotational shaft160may be disposed so as to be in contact with the first front cover118. The louver rotational shaft160may be disposed in the first louver groove122in the first front cover118. When the louver rotational shaft160rotates, the orientation of the plurality of vanes154,156, and158, which are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction based on the louver rotational shaft160, may be changed.

The louver rotational shaft160may include axial vane158, which extends from the louver rotational shaft160in a direction parallel to the inner vanes156. The axial vane158may extend in a direction parallel to lower portions of the inner vanes156.

Referring toFIG. 17, the outer vane154may be disposed farther from the louver rotational shaft160than the inner vanes156. The outer vane154may be longer than the inner vanes156in the circumferential direction. Referring toFIG. 16, the outer vane154may be formed in the circumferential direction based on the louver rotational shaft160.

The inner vanes156may be disposed between the louver rotational shaft160and the outer vane154so as to be spaced apart from each other. The inner vanes156may be shorter than the outer vane154. The inner vanes156may be longer than the axial vane158.

The inner vanes156have different lengths, respectively. The lengths of the inner vanes156may gradually increase in a direction approaching the louver rotational shaft160. The lengths of the inner vanes156may gradually decrease in a direction approaching the outer vane154.

Referring toFIG. 17, the inner vanes156may include lower inner vane portions156a1,156b1, and156c1, which may be inclined so as to be gradually closer to the louver rotational shaft160in the downward direction, and upper inner vane portions156a2,156b2, and156c2, which may be bent and extend upwards from upper ends of the lower inner vane portions156a1,156b1, and156c1. The axial vane158may extend in a direction parallel to the lower inner vane portions156a1,156b1, and156c1. The inner vanes156may include first inner vane156a, which is disposed closest to the louver rotational shaft160, second inner vane156b, which is disposed farther from the louver rotational shaft160than the first inner vane156a, and third inner vane156c, which is disposed farther from the louver rotational shaft160than the second inner vane156b.

Referring toFIG. 12, the first louver150may include end panels162, which are disposed at both ends of the vanes154,156, and158in a direction perpendicular to the vanes154,156, and158, and a support panel164, which is disposed between the end panels162. The vane gear166may be disposed on one side of the support panel164. The end panels162, which may be disposed at both ends of the vanes154,156, and158, may prevent the air flowing through the first louver150from being discharged in the lateral direction.

The support panel164, which is disposed between the end panels162, may support the vanes154,156, and158. The vanes154,156, and158may extend lengthwise in a longitudinal direction, in which the louver rotational shaft160is formed. Accordingly, the support panel164may stably maintain the arrangement of the vanes154,156, and158.

Referring toFIG. 14A, the support panel164may be formed in a fan shape. The vane gear166may be disposed on an outer circumferential end of the support panel164. The vane gear166may form threads on the outer circumferential end of the support panel164in the circumferential direction.

Referring toFIG. 14A, the support panel164may be connected to the first auxiliary support rod170. The support panel164may form a space in which the first auxiliary support rod170is disposed in a portion in which the louver rotational shaft160is formed. The first auxiliary rotational shaft172may be disposed inside of the first auxiliary support rod170, and the first auxiliary support rod170may be connected to the louver rotational shaft160via the first auxiliary rotational shaft172.

The vanes154,156, and158may protrude downwards further than the end panels162and the support panel164.

The first louver150may include an output interface191that displays an operational state of the first air-processing apparatus100. The output interface191may provide visual or auditory information about the operational state of the first air-processing apparatus100to a user.

Referring toFIG. 11, the output interface191may visually display information about the operational state of the first air-processing apparatus100. Also, the output interface191may output information about operational errors of the first air-processing apparatus100.

The output interface191may include a lamp196, a printed circuit board194that controls operation of the lamp196, and a transparent panel192that transmits light radiated from the lamp196to the outside. The transparent panel192may be disposed on one of the vanes154,156, and158. Referring toFIG. 11, the transparent panel192may be mounted on the inner vane156.

The first louver150may have formed therein a space191ain which the lamp196and the printed circuit board194may be disposed. The space191amay be above the transparent panel192. A wiring hole198, through which a wire connected to the printed circuit board194may pass, may be formed in an upper side of the space191a.

The first louver-drive device174may be spaced apart from the louver rotational shaft160of the first louver150in a centrifugal direction. The first louver-drive device174may be spaced apart from the louver rotational shaft160, and is disposed so as to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the first louver150.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first louver-drive device174may include first louver gear176, which is in contact with the first louver150in order to rotate the first louver150, and a first louver motor178that rotates the first louver gear176. According to one embodiment, two first louver gears176may be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the first louver-drive device174may further include a first gear rotational shaft180that interconnects the two first louver gears176. The two first louver gears176, which may be connected to each other via the first gear rotational shaft180, may rotate in a same direction.

Referring toFIGS. 18A to 18C, the first louver150may be switched to a first mode P1for forming an oblique air current in a forward direction, a second mode P2for forming a horizontal air current in the forward direction, and a third mode P3for forming a vertical air current toward the floor. The first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the first mode P1. In the first mode P1, a lower end of each of the vanes154,156, and158of the first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in a vertical direction. In the first mode P1, the lower end of the outer vane154may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the floor, and the lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be inclined in the forward direction.

Referring toFIG. 18B, a portion of the first louver150may be disposed below the first bottom cover130in the second mode P2. In the second mode P2, the lower end of the outer vane154and a lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be disposed below the first bottom cover130in the vertical direction. In the second mode P2, the inclination angle82formed by the lower inner vane portion156a1,156b1,156c1of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cand the floor may be set to 30 degrees or less. Accordingly, in the second mode P2, the air flowing through the first louver150may be discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the floor.

Referring toFIG. 18C, the first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the third mode P3. In the third mode P3, the lower end of the outer vane154and the lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the vertical direction. In the third mode P3, an inclination angle83formed by the lower inner vane portion156a1,156b1,156c1of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cand the floor may be set to a range from 60 degrees to 90 degrees. Accordingly, in the third mode P3, the air flowing through the first louver150may be discharged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the floor.

Hereinafter, a second air-processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 19 to 35C.

The second air-processing apparatus200induces air to flow through a filter device284and discharges the air to the outside. The second air-processing apparatus200may have second inlet202aformed in one or a first side thereof in order to suction air thereinto and second outlet202bformed in another or a second side thereof perpendicular to the second inlet202ain order to discharge air therefrom. Referring toFIG. 19, the second inlet202amay be formed so as to extend perpendicular to a surface of a floor or ceiling. The second outlet202bmay be open downwards. The second outlet202bmay extend perpendicular to the second inlet202a.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second air-processing apparatus200may include a second fan280, which causes air to flow, and a second fan motor280a, which rotates the second fan280. According to an embodiment, a plurality of second fans280may be provided, and a plurality of second fan motors280amay be provided such that each of the second fan motors280ais connected to a respective one of the plurality of second fans280.

The second air-processing apparatus200may include a second case202, which forms an external appearance of the second air-processing apparatus200, and a second housing268, which is disposed inside of the second case202and which forms a flow path through which air flows. The second air-processing apparatus200may further include a second louver290, which is rotatably disposed in the second case202in order to adjust a direction of air that is discharged from the second outlet202b, and a second louver-drive device294, which changes an orientation of the second louver290.

The second louver290and the second louver-drive device294disposed in the second air-processing apparatus200may have a same structure and perform the same functions as the first louver150and the first louver-drive device174of the first air-processing apparatus100described above with reference toFIGS. 12 to 17, and thus, repetitive description has been omitted.

The second air-processing apparatus200may include a second control box290that controls operation of the second fan motor280aor operation of the second louver-drive device294.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second case202may include a second upper cover204, which may be secured to a ceiling, a second lower cover206, which is disposed below the second upper cover204, second rear cover242, which forms therein the second inlet202aand to which the filter device284may be mounted, a second front cover246, which is disposed so as to be spaced forwards apart from the second rear cover242, and two second side covers256, which are disposed at both side ends of the second lower cover206. The second case202may further include a second bottom cover258, which may be disposed below the second lower cover206so as to be movable in the forward-rearward direction.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second inlet202amay be formed in the second rear cover242. The guide rail10(refer toFIG. 3) may be mounted on an outer surface of the second rear cover242. The second inlet202a, in which the filter device284may be mounted, may be formed in the lower portion of the second rear cover242. The guide rail10and the second support rail244that guides movement of the filter cleaner300may be mounted on the second rear cover242.

The guide rail10may be disposed above the second inlet202a. Referring toFIG. 24, the second support rail244may be disposed at an upper end of the second rear cover242.

The second support rail244may include a second top plate244a, which protrudes rearwards from the upper end of the second rear cover242, and a second bent portion244b, which may be bent and extend downwards from a rear end of the second top plate244a. A top roller326of the filter cleaner300may be in contact with the second bent portion244b.

The second rear cover242may be disposed behind a second vertical plate214of the second lower cover206, which will be described hereinafter. The second rear cover242may be fixedly disposed behind the second vertical plate214.

A filter-mounting part or portion or filter mount234(refer toFIG. 31) that moves the filter device284in the upward-downward direction may be disposed in the second inlet202ain the second rear cover242. The filter-mount234may be moved in the upward-downward direction by a filter-drive device228, which will be described hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second upper cover204may include a second fixing recess204aformed in an upper surface thereof, into which fixing member12that fixes the second case202to the ceiling may be inserted. The second fixing recess204aformed in the second upper cover204may have a same shape as the first fixing recess104aformed in the first upper cover104. Accordingly, the second upper cover204may be fixed to mounting member14mounted to the ceiling by the fixing member12disposed at an upper side of the first upper cover104.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second upper cover204may include two side plates266d, which may be bent and extend downward from both side ends thereof. Each of the two side plates266dmay be connected to a respective one of the two second side covers256.

Referring toFIG. 23, the second lower cover206may be disposed below the second housing268. The second louver-drive device294may be disposed on the second lower cover206. A cover-drive device220that moves the second bottom cover258in the forward-rearward direction is disposed on the second lower cover206. The filter-drive device228that moves the filter device284and the filter-mount234in the upward-downward direction may be disposed on the second lower cover206.

The second lower cover206may include a second horizontal plate208, which may be disposed above the second bottom cover258, a second vertical plate214, which may be disposed at a rear side of the second horizontal plate208so as to be perpendicular thereto and in which a second inner suction hole214amay be formed, and two second side walls216, which may be bent and extend upwards from both side ends of the second horizontal plate208.

Referring toFIG. 33A, the second louver-drive device294may be disposed on the second horizontal plate208. The cover-drive device220may be disposed above the second horizontal plate208. The second horizontal plate208may have guide grooves208aformed therein to allow cover guides262and264of the second bottom cover258to be inserted thereinto.

Referring toFIGS. 31 and 33A, the cover-drive device220may include a cover-drive gear222, which meshes with a guide gear262cof the first cover guide262, which will be described hereinafter, so as to rotate together therewith, and a cover-drive motor224that rotates the cover-drive gear222.

According to an embodiment, two cover-drive gears222may be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The cover-drive device220may include a cover-drive shaft226that interconnects the two cover-drive gears222spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the two cover-drive gears222connected to both ends of the cover-drive shaft226may rotate identically.

Referring toFIG. 33A, the second horizontal plate208may be provided with fixing guides210, which may be connected to the cover guides262and264of the second bottom cover258in order to prevent the second bottom cover258from moving in the upward-downward direction. The fixing guides210may protrude upwards from the second horizontal plate208, and extend in the forward-rearward direction.

Referring toFIG. 33A, the fixing guides210may be disposed so as to be in contact with the first cover guide262or the second cover guide264, which will be described hereinafter. The fixing guides210support movement of the second bottom cover258in the forward-rearward direction. The fixing guides210may also prevent the second bottom cover258from moving in the upward-downward direction.

Referring toFIG. 23, the fixing guides210may have fixing protrusions212, which may protrude toward the cover guides262and264. The fixing protrusions212may extend in the forward-rearward direction. The fixing protrusions212may be disposed so as to be in contact with a first guide protrusion262bof the first cover guide262or a second guide protrusion264bof the second cover guide264. The fixing protrusions212may have a structure corresponding to the first guide protrusion262bof the first cover guide262or the second guide protrusion264bof the second cover guide264, thereby preventing the second bottom cover258from moving in the upward-downward direction.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second vertical plate214may have a second inner suction hole214aformed therein. The second inner suction hole214amay have a size corresponding to the second inlet202a. The filter-drive device228may be disposed on the second vertical plate214.

Each of the two second side covers256may be connected at a lower portion thereof to the second lower cover206, and may be connected at an upper portion thereof to the second upper cover204. A second rotational support rod292that supports rotation of the second louver290may be disposed on each of the two second side covers256. The second rotational support rod292, which is connected to each of the second side covers256, may have a same shape as the first rotational support rod168connected to each of the first side covers128.

The second front cover246may be disposed in front of the second housing268. The second front cover246may have a same shape as the first front cover118. Also, the second front cover246may be disposed in a same manner as the first front cover118. Therefore, a lower end of the second front cover246may be spaced a predetermined gap apart from a front end portion of the second lower cover206, thereby forming the second outlet202b.

In addition, a second louver protrusion248, in which a second louver groove250that receives a second louver rotational shaft270aof the second louver290may be formed, may be formed on the second front cover246in order to limit a range within which the second louver290can rotate. A second support-rod recess252, in which a second auxiliary support rod293may be disposed, may be formed between a left or first end and a right or second end of the second louver protrusion248.

Referring toFIG. 24, a second stepped portion or step254, which interferes with an end portion or end of a second upper housing270to be described hereinafter, may be formed in the second front cover246.

The second bottom cover258may be disposed at the second lower cover206so as to be movable in the forward-rearward direction. Referring toFIG. 33B, when the second bottom cover258is disposed at a rear position adjacent to the second rear cover242, the second bottom cover258may cover a lower side of the filter device284. Referring toFIG. 34B, when the second bottom cover258is disposed at a front position adjacent to the second front cover246, the second bottom cover258may block the second outlet202b. Referring toFIG. 34B, when the second bottom cover258is disposed at a front position adjacent to the second front cover246, the second bottom cover258may open the lower side of the filter device284.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second bottom cover258may include a bottom plate260, which may be disposed below the second lower cover206, and cover guides262and264, which protrude upwards from the bottom plate260and which move the bottom plate260in the forward-rearward direction. Referring toFIG. 23, the cover guides262and264may include first cover guide262, which may be connected to the cover-drive device220to move the bottom plate260, and a second cover guide264, which prevents the bottom plate260from vibrating in the upward-downward direction.

Referring toFIG. 23, the first cover guide262may include a first guide wall262a, which protrudes upwards from the bottom plate260and extends in the forward-rearward direction, a guide gear262c, which is disposed on one or a first side of the first guide wall262aand is screwed to the cover-drive device220, and a first guide protrusion262b, which is disposed on the opposite or a second side of the first guide wall262aand guides movement of the second bottom cover258in the forward-rearward direction. A recess262b1, into which the fixing protrusion212may be inserted, may be formed in the first guide protrusion262b.

Referring toFIG. 23, the second cover guide264may include a second guide wall264a, which protrudes upwards from the bottom plate260and extends in the forward-rearward direction, and a second guide protrusion264b, which is disposed on one side of the second guide wall264aand guides movement of the second bottom cover258in the forward-rearward direction. A recess264b1, into which the fixing protrusion212may be inserted, may be formed in the second guide protrusion264b.

Referring toFIG. 20, the second air-processing apparatus200may include an inner cover266, which may be disposed above the second lower cover206and cover upper sides of the second louver-drive device294and the cover-drive device220. Referring toFIG. 24, the inner cover266may guide a flow of air flowing inside of the second case202, and may prevent the air from flowing to the second louver-drive device294. The inner cover266may be coupled to the second lower cover206to form a space in which the second louver-drive device294and the cover-drive device220are disposed.

Referring toFIGS. 25A and 25B, the inner cover266may include an upper plate266a, which may be disposed above the second louver-drive device294, a front plate266b, which covers a front side of the second louver-drive device294, a rear plate266c, which covers a rear side of the second louver-drive device294, and side plates266d, which cover the lateral sides of the second louver-drive device294.

The rear plate266cmay prevent the air flowing through the filter device284from flowing to the space under the inner cover266. The upper plate266amay guide the air flowing through the filter device284to the space in which the second fan280is disposed. The front plate266bmay guide the air flowing through the second fan280toward the second outlet202b. The front plate266bmay have a second gear hole266b1formed in a region in which a second louver gear294aof the second louver-drive device294is disposed. A portion of the second louver gear294amay protrude outside of the second gear hole266b1(refer toFIG. 25A), and may be in contact with the second louver290.

Referring toFIG. 25B, the inner cover266may include a plurality of partition walls266e, which vertically extend downwards from the upper plate266a. The plurality of partition walls266emay be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, and may increase a rigidity of the inner cover266.

Referring toFIG. 24, the second housing268may be disposed inside of the second case202to form a space in which air flows. A second fan280and a second fan motor280athat rotates the second fan280may be disposed inside of the second housing268.

The second fan280may be implemented as, for example, a centrifugal fan, which suctions air in a direction parallel to a rotational axis and discharges air in a centrifugal direction. Accordingly, referring toFIG. 24, the second fan motor280amay be disposed inside of the second fan280to rotate the second fan280.

The second fan motor280amay be fixed to second upper housing270, which will be described hereinafter. Referring toFIG. 24, the second housing268may include a second upper housing270, which is disposed above the second fan280, and a second lower housing274, which is disposed below the second fan280.

Referring toFIGS. 26A and 26B, the second upper housing270may be mounted to the second upper cover204. A lower end of the second upper housing270may be disposed on the second stepped portion254of the second front cover246. The second upper housing270may include a front guide272that guides the air flowing through the second fan280to the second outlet202b. The front guide272may extend downwards from a front end of the second upper housing270.

Referring toFIG. 24, the front guide272causes the air flowing along the second fan280to flow downwards. The front guide272guides the air flowing through the second fan280to the second outlet202b.

The front guide272may be disposed so as to be smoothly connected to the second front cover246. Accordingly, the air flowing along the front guide272may flow to the second outlet202bvia the second front cover246.

Referring toFIG. 24, the second fan motor280amay be mounted in the second upper housing270. Referring toFIG. 24, the second lower housing274may be disposed above the inner cover266. Referring toFIG. 27, the second lower housing274may include a plurality of fan housings276that forms spaces in which a plurality of second fans280may be disposed. Each of the fan housings276may be spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the second fan280in the radial direction. Each of the fan housings276may have an open front portion. Accordingly, the air flowing in the radial direction of the second fan280may be discharged to the open front portion of each of the fan housings276. A fan inlet276a, through which air is introduced into the second fan280, may be formed below each of the fan housings276.

The second lower housing274may be spaced upwards apart from the inner cover266. Accordingly, a suction flow path268a, through which the air passing through the filter device284flows, may be formed between the second lower housing274and the inner cover266.

The second lower housing274may be spaced rearwards apart from the front guide272of the second upper housing270. The second lower housing274may include a rear guide278, which may be spaced apart from the front guide272and extends downwards. The second lower housing274may be spaced upwards apart from the inner cover266by the rear guide278. The rear guide278forms a second discharge flow path268bin the upward-downward direction together with the front guide272. The front guide272and the rear guide278may guide the air flowing from the second fan180to the second outlet202b.

The filter device284may be mounted to the filter-mount234. The filter-mount234may be movably disposed in the second case202. The filter device284and the filter-mount234may be coupled to each other by means of a first magnet287disposed in the filter device284and a second magnet238disposed in the filter-mount234. Accordingly, a position of the filter device284may be changed in the upward-downward direction according to movement of the filter-mount234. Also, a user may easily separate the filter device284from the filter-mount234.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, the filter-mount234may include a mounting body236, to which the filter device284may be mounted, and a body gear240that adjusts a position of the mounting body236.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, the mounting body236may include an upper body236a, which is disposed above the filter device284, side bodies236b, which extend downwards from both ends of the upper body236a, a front body236c, which extends downwards from the front end of the upper body236a, and a rear body236d, which extends downwards from the rear end of the upper body236a. The side bodies236bmay extend downwards to be longer than the front body236cor the rear body236d. Two side bodies236may be provided at respective ends of the upper body236a. A partition body236ethat isolates a plurality of filter devices284from each other may be disposed between the two side bodies236b. A length that the front body236cextends downwards from the upper body236amay be longer than a length that the rear body236dextends downwards from the upper body236a. The front body236c, the rear body236d, and the side bodies236bmay guide mounting of the filter device284to the filter-mount234.

A body gear240may be disposed outside of the side body236b. The body gear240may be a rack gear in which threads protruding forwards extend in the upward-downward direction.

A plurality of second magnets238may be disposed above the upper body236a.

Referring toFIG. 30, the filter device284may include a filter case286, which supports a second pre-filter288disposed in one side thereof and has an open opposite side, and a HEPA filter289, which is disposed so as to be inserted into or withdrawn out of the filter case286and functions to remove fine dust. The filter case286may have a size capable of accommodating the HEPA filter289. The second pre-filter288that primarily removes foreign substances from the air introduced into the second inlet202amay be disposed in one side of the filter case286. The filter case286may have an opening286aformed in a surface thereof opposite the second pre-filter288. The HEPA filter289may be inserted into or withdrawn out of the filter case286through the opening286a.

The first magnet287may be disposed on an upper wall of the filter case286. The first magnet287may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second magnet238when the filter device284is mounted to the filter-mount234.

Referring toFIG. 33A, the filter-drive device228may be disposed on the second lower cover206, and move the filter-mount234in the upward-downward direction. The filter-drive device228may be disposed on the second vertical plate214. The filter-drive device228may be disposed at each of both side ends of the second vertical plate214.

Referring toFIGS. 32 and 33A, the filter-drive device228may include a filter-drive gear230, which meshes with the body gear240and rotates together therewith, and a filter-drive motor232, which rotates the filter-drive gear230. The filter-drive gear230may be implemented as, for example, a spur gear. The filter-drive gear230and the filter-drive motor232may be fixedly disposed on the second vertical plate214.

The second air-processing apparatus200may include second louver250, which is rotatably disposed in the second outlet202bin order to adjust a direction of air that is discharged from the second outlet202b, and a second louver-drive device294, which adjusts an orientation of the second louver290.

The second louver290and the second louver-drive device294may have the same structures and perform the same functions as the first louver150and the first louver actuator174of the first air-processing apparatus100described above. Therefore, the description of the first louver150and the first louver actuator174of the first air-processing apparatus100may apply to the second louver290and the second louver-drive device294.

Hereinafter, movement of the second bottom cover258, the filter-mount234, and the filter device284will be described with reference toFIGS. 33A to 35C.

Referring toFIGS. 33A and 33B, the second bottom cover258is disposed below the filter device284. Accordingly, a lower side of the second louver270may be opened, and thus, the orientation of the second louver270may be changed. The filter device284and the filter-mount234that moves the filter device284are disposed above the second bottom cover258.

Referring toFIGS. 34A and 34B, the second bottom cover258may be moved forwards, and may be disposed below the second outlet202b. The second bottom cover258may be moved forwards by the operation of the cover-drive device220.

Referring toFIG. 34B, when the second bottom cover258is moved forwards, a region below the filter device284is opened. Referring toFIG. 34B, when the second bottom cover258is moved forwards, a lower side of the second outlet202bis blocked. Accordingly, rotation of the second louver270is restricted.

Referring toFIGS. 35A to 35C, in a state in which the second bottom cover258is moved forwards, the filter device284and the filter-mount234may be moved downwards. The filter-mount234may be moved downwards by the filter-drive device228.

The coupled state of the filter-mount234and the filter device284may be maintained by the first magnet287and the second magnet238. Accordingly, when the filter-mount234is moved downwards, the filter device284is also moved downwards. When the filter device284is moved downwards by the filter-mount234, a user may easily separate the filter device284from the filter-mount234.

Filter cleaner300according to embodiments may clean 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 first air-processing apparatus100that adjusts a temperature of air to be discharged and second air-processing apparatus200that removes foreign substances from the air to be discharged. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to first air-processing apparatus100(hereinafter referred to as an “air-processing apparatus”). The following description of the air-processing apparatus100may also apply to the second air-processing apparatus.

Referring toFIGS. 36, 3, and 4, the guide rail10may include gear rail20, which has threads to be engaged with a moving gear358of the filter cleaner300, and roller rail22, which is in contact with guide rollers308aand308bof the filter cleaner300. Referring toFIG. 36, the roller rail22is disposed at each of the upper and lower ends of a rear surface18of 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 the rear end of the guide rail10in the upward-downward direction. The roller rail22may 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 formed on a lower surface of the guide rail10. The gear rail20may have the 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. 36, 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. The rail groove24may be formed in the rear surface18of the guide rail10.

The rail groove24may have a shape that is recessed in the forward direction, and extends in the lateral direction. The object to be sensed26may be disposed in the rail groove24. Referring toFIG. 6, a plurality of the object to be sensed may be provided, and the plurality of objects to be sensed26may be disposed so as to 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 correspond the position detection sensor322. For example, when the position detection sensor322is a switch sensor, the object to be sensed26may have the 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. 4 to 6, the end plate28configured to limit movement of the filter cleaner300in one direction may be disposed at the left end or the right end of the guide rail10. The end plate28is disposed in the 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 the charging terminal30, with which the connection terminal320of the filter cleaner300is 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. 41 and 42, the filter cleaner300may include housings302and330, which define an external appearance of the filter cleaner300, moving gear358, which may be rotatably disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to move the housings302and330, a gear motor356, which may be disposed inside of the housings302and330in order to rotate the moving gear358, guide rollers308aand308b, which may be rotatably disposed inside the housings302and330in order to guide movement of the housings302and330, a dust container device400, which receives foreign substances removed from the pre-filter188, and a suction device376, which forms the flow of air to the dust container device400.

The dust container device400may include a dust container housing402and an agitator420(refer toFIG. 49), which removes foreign substances from the pre-filter188by contacting the same. The dust container device400will be described hereinafter.

Referring toFIGS. 41 and 42, 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 container device400.

Referring toFIGS. 41 and 42, the housings302and330define the external appearance of the filter cleaner300. The housings302and330may include a first housing302, which may be disposed so as to face the rear cover114when the filter cleaner300is mounted to the guide rail10, and second housing330, which may be disposed at a rear side of the first housing302in order to cover the same.

Referring toFIG. 37, the housings302and330have a dust container hole301formed in lower surfaces thereof to allow the dust container device400to 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. 43, the first housing302may include a base plate304, which has a shape of a plate that may be 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. 43, the base plate304may include a suction hole302aformed therein to introduce foreign substances into the dust container device400therethrough. The agitator420may be disposed at a position corresponding to the suction hole302a. The suction hole302amay 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 correspond to a height of the pre-filter188in the upward-downward direction.

Referring toFIG. 45, 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. The support (top) roller326, which is in contact with the support rail116of the rear cover114, may be disposed on the top wall324.

Referring toFIG. 45, the support roller326may rotate about a rotational axis326RS that extends 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 the 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. 39 and 40, 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 wall312may include 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 hole312a1, and second upper roller hole312a2, which is spaced apart from the first upper roller hole312a1in the lateral direction. Referring toFIG. 39, the first upper roller hole312a1may be disposed above a lower roller hole314a, and the second upper roller hole312a2may be disposed above a support protrusion315.

The lower wall314may cover a lower portion of the guide groove310. The lower wall314may include therein a lower roller hole314a, through which a portion of the guide roller308bpasses, and a gear hole314b, through which a portion of the moving gear358passes. The lower wall314may be provided with a support protrusion315that protrudes upwards toward the guide rail10.

Referring toFIG. 39, the support protrusion315may be spaced apart from the lower roller hole314ain the lateral direction. The support protrusion315may be disposed above the dust container device400. The gear hole314bmay be formed between the support protrusion315and the lower roller hole314a. Referring toFIG. 39, 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 wall316may interconnect a rear end of the lower wall314and a rear end of the upper wall312. Referring toFIG. 40, the inner wall316may be provided with a protruding portion318protruding forwards. 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 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. 38, 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. 39, the guide rollers308aand308bmay be disposed in the first housing302so as to rotate 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. 45, each of the guide rollers308aand308bmay include a groove309formed concavely in the 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. 39, the filter cleaner300may include 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. 45, 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 the 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. 45, 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, are rotatably disposed may be formed in the inner surface of the first housing302.

The partition wall340is disposed between the first housing302and the second housing330. The partition wall340may include a plurality of partition plates to partition an interior of the housings302and330. The partition wall340may be disposed inside of the housings302and330to increase a rigidity of the housings302and330.

Referring toFIG. 46, the partition wall340forms a space in which the dust container device400may be disposed. The dust container guide380that guides movement of the dust container device400may be disposed on the partition wall340. The dust container guide380may be displaced in the upward-downward direction by a dust container gear362and a dust container motor360, which may be disposed on the partition wall340.

The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container device400is disposed from the space in which the suction device376is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container device400is disposed from the space in which the dust container gear362that displaces the dust container device400is disposed. The partition wall340may isolate the space in which the dust container device400is 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 suction device376is 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 the 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. 46, the vertical partition342isolates the space in which the suction device376is disposed from the space in which the dust container device400is disposed. The vertical partition342extends in the upward-downward direction inside of the housings302and330. The vertical partition342isolates the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the dust container device400is disposed. The vertical partition342isolates the space in which the battery374is disposed from the space in which the dust container gear362and the agitator gear366are disposed. The battery374is disposed above the suction device376. The vertical partition342may include therein a communication hole342aformed at a portion corresponding to the suction device376, through which the suction device376and the dust container device400communicate with each other.

Referring toFIG. 46, the horizontal partitions344and346include a first horizontal partition344, which may isolate the space in which the dust container device400is 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 suction device376is disposed from the space in which the battery374is disposed. The first horizontal partition344may include a shaft hole344bformed therein to allow the agitator connection shaft368to pass therethrough. The first horizontal partition344may include a guide hole344aformed therein to allow some components of the dust container guide380to pass therethrough.

Referring toFIGS. 46 and 47, the forward-rearward partitions348and350include a first forward-rearward partition348, which may isolate the space in which the dust container device400is 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. 47, the partition wall340may include a first support plate352, which may be disposed on the first horizontal partition344to support placement of the dust container motor360, and a second support plate354, which may be disposed above the first horizontal partition344to support placement of the agitator gear366and the agitator connection shaft368.

The dust container device400may be disposed below the first horizontal partition344. The dust container device400may be disposed on or at one side of the vertical partition342.

The dust container guide380may be disposed above the dust container device400. The dust container guide380may be connected to the dust container gear362to displace the dust container device400.

Referring toFIG. 48, the dust container guide380may include a guide plate384, which may be disposed above the dust container device400, and a guide gear382, which may extend upwards from the guide plate384and be 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 container device400is brought into contact with the magnet388, the dust container device400may be secured to the dust container guide380by the magnet388.

Referring toFIG. 46, the dust container guide380may include mounting guides386, which may be bent and extend downwards from a front end and a rear end of the guide plate384. When the dust container device400moves to the guide plate384, the mounting guides386may guide the dust container device400to move to a correct position on the guide plate384.

Referring toFIG. 48, the guide plate384may include 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 container device400is 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 as a rack gear. The guide gear382meshes 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. 48, the suction device376may be disposed below the second horizontal partition346. The suction device376may be disposed on an opposite side of the vertical partition342. The suction device376may include a fan376a, which causes air to flow, and a fan motor376b, which rotates the fan376a. A connection pipe378that connects the suction device376to the vertical partition342may be disposed at one side of the suction device376. 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 container device400to the suction device376.

Referring toFIG. 47, the battery374may be disposed above the second horizontal partition346. The battery374may be disposed above the suction device376. 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. 47, 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 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 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 penetrate the second horizontal partition346. The agitator connection shaft368may have a circular-shaped section. However, a lower end of the agitator connection shaft368may have an elliptical-shaped or polygonal-shaped section in order to transmit a rotational force to the agitator420.

Referring toFIG. 52, the dust container device400may include a storage space402a, in which foreign substances removed from the pre-filter188are stored, the 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, the agitator420, which is rotatably disposed inside of the dust container housing402, and a dust container filter428, which is 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. 52, the agitator space402b, in which the agitator420is disposed and the storage space402ain which dust is stored, are 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 include 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 be formed to have a size corresponding to a size of the suction hole302ain the first housing302.

Referring toFIG. 49, the dust container housing402may include a flow hole410formed therein to allow the air in the storage space402ato flow to the 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. 51, an inner partition404that isolates the storage space402aand the agitator space402bfrom each other may be provided in the dust container housing402. The inner partition404may extend in the upward-downward direction. The inner partition404may include an inner hole408formed therein to allow the storage space402aand the agitator space402bto communicate with each other.

Referring toFIG. 51, 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 container device400is 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. 51, 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-mount405may be disposed at a lower portion of the agitator space402b, and the lower end portion of the agitator420may be seated on the agitator-mount405.

Referring toFIG. 52, the dust container cover414may cover the open upper portion of the dust container housing402. The dust container cover414may include a through-hole416, through which the 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 container device400is mounted to the dust container guide380, the connection hole380aand the through-hole416may be located so as to be aligned with each other.

Referring toFIG. 52, a counterpart member or counterpart418, which responds to the magnet388disposed on the guide plate384, may be disposed on the dust container cover414. The counterpart member418may be made of a material that is attracted to the magnet388. Accordingly, when the dust container device400is brought close to the dust container guide380, the dust container device400may be secured to the dust container guide380due to the magnet388and the counterpart member418.

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 the pre-filter188.

Referring toFIG. 52, the agitator420may include a rotating 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 rotating body422in the radial direction, and a connection body424, which is disposed at one end of the rotating body422and which is connected to the agitator connection shaft368.

The agitator420may further include a mounting body425, which is rotatably connected to the rotating body422. The mounting body425may be mounted to the agitator-mount405of the dust container housing402in order to fix the agitator420in place. As the mounting body425is rotatably connected to the rotating body422, the agitator420may rotate stably in a state of being fixed to the agitator-mount405.

The connection body424may be disposed at an upper side of the rotating 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. 51, the dust container filter428may be disposed in the storage space402ain the dust container housing402. The dust container filter428may include a first filter430, which may be 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. 51, the mounting body434has a structure that is capable of being mounted in the storage space402a. The mounting body434may include a lower plate436, which may be disposed in the lower side of the storage space402a, an upper plate438, which is 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. The lower plate436may be fixed to the lower portion of the storage space402a. The upper plate438may be fixed to the 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 formed integrally with the connection plate440.

Referring toFIG. 51, 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 a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove fine foreign substances. The second filter432may implemented as a filter that removes foreign substances having a size larger than the size of foreign substances removed by the first filter430. The second filter432may be implemented as 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 container device400from the filter cleaner300will be described with reference toFIGS. 53 and 54.

The filter cleaner300is maintained in a state in which the same is mounted on the guide rail10. Therefore, it may be difficult for a user to reach the filter cleaner300mounted in the ceiling-mounted air-processing apparatus100. However, according to an embodiment, as the dust container device400is capable of being moved downwards by the dust container guide380, the user may easily reach the same.

The dust container device400may 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 container device400may be securely disposed on the dust container guide380by the magnet388of the dust container guide380. The magnet388of the dust container guide380attracts the counterpart member418of the dust container device400, so the dust container device400may be secured to the dust container guide380.

The dust container device400may 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 container device400is located outside of the housings302and330. When the dust container device400is located at the first position P1, the agitator420is connected to the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the dust container device400is located at the first position P1, the agitator420may be rotated by the operation of the agitator motor364.

As shown inFIG. 53, when the dust container device400is located at the second position P2, the agitator420is separated from the agitator connection shaft368. Accordingly, when the dust container device400is located at the second position P2, the agitator420is not rotated even when the agitator motor364operates. Thereafter, the user is capable of separating the dust container device400from the filter cleaner300, as shown inFIG. 54.

The air-conditioning system according to an embodiment has been described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 54. Hereinafter, an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to embodiments will be described with reference toFIGS. 55 to 91B. Hereinafter, repetitive description of the same components as those described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 54has been omitted. Therefore, it will be apparent that embodiments described below may be implemented in combination with the components, structure, and operation of the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 54even when there is no description thereof.

FIG. 55is a diagram of an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 55, air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include first air-processing apparatus100, which includes first inlet102aformed in one surface thereof, which is perpendicular to a floor or ceiling, and first outlet102bformed in another surface thereof, which is perpendicular to the first inlet102a, and induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant and to be delivered to the first outlet102b, and second air-processing apparatus200, which includes second outlet202bformed therein so as to be open in a same direction as the first outlet102band second inlet202aformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first inlet102a. The first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may be different types of air-processing apparatuses. The first air-processing apparatus100may include a heat exchanger, which induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant. The first air-processing apparatus100may adjust a temperature of an indoor space by performing a cooling operation or a heating operation. The second air-processing apparatus200may include filter device284, which removes foreign substances from the air introduced into the second inlet202a. The second air-processing apparatus200may purify indoor air by performing an air purification operation in which air flowing therein passes through the filter device284and is then discharged to the outside.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include one or more first air-processing apparatuses100and one or more second air-processing apparatuses200. The inlets102aand202amay be formed in surfaces of the first and second air-processing apparatuses100and200which extend perpendicular to the floor. Alternatively, the inlets102aand202amay be formed in surfaces of the first and second air-processing apparatuses100and200which extend perpendicular to the ceiling. In many cases, the ceiling and the floor are parallel to each other, so the inlets102aand202amay be formed perpendicular to the ceiling and the floor. The outlets102band202b, which are open toward the floor, may be formed perpendicular to the inlets102aand202a. In addition, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be driven in a combined operation mode in which the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200operate simultaneously.

Also, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be driven in an independent operation mode in which only one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200provided therein operates. That is, in the independent operation mode, the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200may operate. For example, the first air-processing apparatus100may independently perform a cooling operation or a heating operation. Alternatively, the second air-processing apparatus200may independently perform an air purification operation. In addition, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment is capable of driving some of predetermined types of air-processing apparatuses.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may automatically operate in the combined operation mode or the independent operation mode based on a state of the air in the indoor space. In addition, the air-conditioning system1may operate based on other information about the indoor space as well as the state of the air. For example, the air-conditioning system1may operate based on information about whether there is an occupant in the indoor space, and/or information about the number of occupants present in the indoor space, for example.

As described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 54, the first air-processing apparatus100may include first pre-filter188, which is disposed in the first inlet102a, and the second air-processing apparatus200may include second pre-filter288, which is disposed in the second inlet202a. The first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may be disposed adjacent to each other. In addition, the first inlet102aand the second inlet202amay be disposed in a line.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may further include filter cleaner300that cleans at least one of the first pre-filter188or the second pre-filter288.

Guide rail10may be disposed on one side of the first air-processing apparatus100and on one side of the second air-processing apparatus200. The guide rail10may be disposed above the first inlet102aand the second inlet202a.

The filter cleaner300may clean the first pre-filter188and the second pre-filter288while moving along the guide rail10. According to an embodiment, as the pre-filters188and288disposed in the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200are cleaned by a single filter cleaner300, it is possible to efficiently manage the pre-filters188and288.

According to embodiments, the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200may be independently or selectively driven. In this case, the filter cleaner300may clean all of the pre-filters while moving an entire movement section, or may selectively clean the pre-filter of an apparatus that has been operated. For example, when the operation of the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200is stopped, the filter cleaner300may automatically move along the guide rail10to clean at least one of the first pre-filter188or the second pre-filter288.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may further include a remote control device500. The remote control device500may input a user's control command to the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200. Accordingly, it is possible to control all of the air-processing apparatuses100and200included in the air-conditioning system1using a single remote control device500. In addition, it is possible to drive the air-processing apparatuses100and200in a combined operation mode or an independent operation mode using the remote control device500.

For example, the remote control device500may transmit a control command to the air-processing apparatuses100and200using an infrared radiation (IR) method or a radio frequency (RF) method. The remote control device500may include an IR-type or RF-type transmitter, and at least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include an IR-type or RF-type receiver depending on a transmission method of the remote control device500. In some embodiments, the remote control device500may employ Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, a Nearfield Communication (NFC), for example. The remote control device500may receive and display information about states of the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200.

Also, the remote control device500may include a display501(refer toFIG. 60) in order to display various pieces of information. For example, the remote control device500may display, through the display501, information for guiding the user to replace the filter device284, and/or information for guiding the user to empty the dust container device400, for example.

The remote control device500may be connected to the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200in order to enable input of a user's control command thereto and to receive and display information about the states of the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200. In this case, the remote control device500may communicate with the air-processing apparatuses100and200in a wired or wireless manner depending on the type of connection therewith.

The remote control device500may communicate with one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200included in the air-conditioning system1, and the air-processing apparatus that communicates with the remote control device500may transmit a control command to the remaining air-processing apparatuses. Accordingly, each of the plurality of air-processing apparatuses may include only a wired communication module or a short-range wireless communication module in order to communicate with other air-processing apparatuses disposed nearby, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

In some embodiments, the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may be the same type of air-processing apparatus. It is possible to easily add one or more air-processing apparatuses and to conveniently expand an air-conditioning area by arranging multiple air-processing apparatuses in a line.

FIGS. 56A-56Care views for explaining module extension of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 56A-56C, the air-processing apparatuses100and200may have a standardized common external appearance, and may be combined with each other in a modular structure in order to expand the performance and functions thereof according to the purpose thereof. Each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may be referred to as an air-processing module.

Referring toFIG. 56A, only one independent air-processing module1000amay be installed. The air-processing module1000a, which is disposed between left and right or lateral finishing materials2000, may be the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 56B, two air-processing modules1000aand1000bmay be combined with each other. If the two air-processing modules1000aand1000bare of the same type and are arranged in a line, the air-processing modules1000aand1000bmay be extended in the longitudinal direction thereof.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include two different types of air-processing modules1000aand1000b, which are combined with each other so as to extend in the longitudinal direction thereof in order to perform multiple functions. For example, one first air-processing apparatus100, which functions as an air conditioner, and one second air-processing apparatus200, which functions as an air purifier, may be combined with each other.

Also, referring toFIG. 56C, three air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000cmay be combined with each other. In this case, the first air-processing apparatus100, which functions as an air conditioner, and the second air-processing apparatus200, which functions as an air purifier, may be combined with each other.

For example, two first air-processing apparatuses100and one second air-processing apparatus200may be combined with each other.

Alternatively, a plurality of each of the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may be provided. When a plurality of any one of the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200is provided, the plurality of modules and the remaining module may be alternatively arranged. For example, in the case illustrated inFIG. 56C, the air-processing module1000bdisposed in the middle may be the first air-processing apparatus100, and the air-processing modules1000aand1000cdisposed on the left and right may be the second air-processing apparatuses200. Alternatively, the air-processing module1000bdisposed in the middle may be the second air-processing apparatus200, and the air-processing modules1000aand1000cdisposed on the left and right may be the first air-processing apparatuses100. Accordingly, different types of air-processing apparatuses100and200may be disposed in a line so as to be adjacent to each other, and may be driven to perform multiple different functions.

FIG. 57is a diagram of an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 57, air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may communicate with a server710, or may be connected to a network.

At least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may be provided with a Wi-Fi communication module. Alternatively, at least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may be provided with different types of communication modules or a plurality of communication modules. For example, at least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include a Bluetooth communication module, or a ZigBee communication module, for example. At least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may be connected to a predetermined server710via a Wi-Fi communication module, for example, and may support smart functions, such as remote monitoring and remote control.

An air-conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mobile terminal730, such as a smartphone730a, a laptop computer730b, or a tablet computer730c. The user may check information about the air-processing apparatuses100and200in the air-conditioning system1, or may control the air-processing apparatuses100and200using the mobile terminal730.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include sensors (not shown) that acquires various data related to indoor air and outdoor air. The sensors may serve to sense temperature, humidity, and quality of indoor air. The sensors may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a sensor that senses one or more aspects of air quality, such as dust and carbon dioxide (CO2) content. For example, the dust sensor may sense a concentration of dust for each size of dust particle. The dust sensor may separately sense the concentration of dust particles having various sizes, for example, PM 1.0, PM 2.5, and PM 10.0. A plurality of each of the aforementioned sensors may be provided in a plural number.

At least some of the sensors may be provided in the apparatuses100,200,300, and500in the air-conditioning system1. In addition, the air-conditioning system1may combine data sensed by the sensors provided in the apparatuses100,200,300, and500in order to manage data for each location and to improve the accuracy of the sensed data.

In addition, the sensors may include sensors disposed outdoors. The sensors disposed outdoors may be, for example, a temperature sensor and a dust sensor.

Alternatively, the air-conditioning system1may receive and use data sensed by an external sensor. At least one apparatus in the air-conditioning system1may directly receive data sensed by an external sensor, or may receive sensed data via the server710or the mobile terminal730.

FIG. 58is a block diagram schematically illustrating internal structure of each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 58, each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include a driver640, a sensor650, an interface660, a memory630, a communication module620, and a processor610that controls an overall operation thereof. These components are commonly included in the air-processing apparatuses100and200. However, depending on characteristics of the apparatuses100and200, the detailed configuration thereof may vary, or an additional component may be added thereto. For example, the driver640of the first air-processing apparatus100may include first louver-drive device174, and the driver640of the second air-processing apparatus200may include cover-drive device220, a filter-drive device228, and second louver-drive device294.

Types, number, and mounting positions of sensors included in the sensor650may be set differently depending on the types of air-processing apparatuses100and200. For example, the second air-processing apparatus200may include a sensor capable of sensing one or more aspects of air quality, such as dust and CO2content.

The sensor650may include a sensor capable that senses the operational states of the air-processing apparatuses100and200and a sensor that acquires various data, for example, temperature, humidity, and air quality, related to indoor air. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may further include a sensor that senses an occupant in the indoor space.

The memory630may store control data for controlling the operation of the air-processing apparatuses100and200and operation data generated or sensed during operation of the air-processing apparatuses100and200. The memory630may store an executable program for each function of the unit, data used for operation control, and transmitted and received data.

The interface660may include a component that receives a user's control command. For example, the interface660may include a receiver that receives a control command transmitted from the remote control device500. In some embodiments, the interface660may include at least one input means, such as a button, a switch, or a touch input means, for example. When a user command or predetermined data is input thereto in response to operation of the input means, the interface660applies the input data to the processor610.

The processor610may control the air-processing apparatuses100and200in response to a user command, for example. For example, the processor610may control the louver-drive devices174and294to adjust the direction of air that is discharged from the air-processing apparatuses.

The interface660may include at least one of a lamp, which is controlled so as to be turned on or off, a speaker, which outputs a predetermined sound, or a display in order to output information about the operational states of the air-processing apparatuses100and200, for example. The lamp may indicate whether the unit is operating by changing between an on state and an off state, changing the color of light emitted therefrom, or operating in a flashing or constant manner. The speaker indicates the operational state of the unit by outputting a predetermined warning sound or sound effects.

Each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may communicate with other apparatuses, and the mobile terminal730, for example, via the communication module620. The communication module620of at least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include a wireless communication module in order to wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminal730, for example.

Each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include a transmitter621, which transmits predetermined data to other apparatuses. In addition, each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200may include a receiver622, which receives predetermined data from other apparatuses. The transmitter621and the receiver622may be integrated in the form of a transceiver.

FIG. 59is a block diagram schematically illustrating internal structure of the filter cleaner and a charging system according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 59, the filter cleaner300may include an interface720, a driver740, a sensor750, memory730, and processor710that controls the overall operation thereof. The driver740may drive gear motor356, agitator motor364, and suction device376.

The processor710controls the overall operation of the filter cleaner300. The processor710may control the driver740to move the filter cleaner300. Also, the processor710may control the driver740to perform an operation of cleaning the pre-filters188and288.

The memory730may store control data for controlling the operation of the filter cleaner300and operation data generated or sensed during operation of the filter cleaner300. The interface720may include a component that receives a user's control command. For example, the interface720may include a receiver that receives a control command transmitted from the remote control device500.

The interface720may include at least one of a lamp, which is controlled so as to be turned on or off, a speaker, which outputs a predetermined sound, or a display in order to output information about the operational state of the filter cleaner300, for example. The lamp may indicate whether the unit is operating by changing between an on state and an off state, changing the color of light emitted therefrom, or operating in a flashing or constant manner, for example. The speaker may indicate the operational state of the unit by outputting a predetermined warning sound or sound effects, for example.

The filter cleaner300may include battery374, and may operate using power stored in the battery374. The filter cleaner300may be provided on one side thereof with connection terminal320to which power for charging the battery374is supplied.

The charging system for supplying power to the battery374may be provided inside of the end plate28described above. The charging terminal30may be provided on one side of the end plate28. The charging terminal30and the connection terminal320may be disposed at a same height.

When the charging terminal30and the connection terminal320are connected to each other, a power supply circuit820may supply power to the connection terminal320. The power supplied by the power supply circuit820charges the battery374via the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30.

A sensor830may sense voltage and/or current of the power supply circuit820, and a processor810may perform overall charging operation control.

The sensor750may include a sensor that senses the operational state of the filter cleaner300and position detection sensor322that detects the position of the filter cleaner300. The sensor750may include a dust container sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of dust collected in the dust container device400and a battery sensor (not shown) that detects a state of charge of the battery374.

FIG. 60is a front view of a remote control device of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 61is a block diagram schematically illustrating internal structure of the remote control device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 60 and 61, the remote control device500may include an input interface590, which includes a plurality of buttons, and a display501, which displays predetermined information. In addition, the remote control device500may include a speaker505, which outputs a predetermined sound.

The display501and the speaker505may visually and audibly output various pieces of information related to the air-conditioning system1. For example, the display501and the speaker505may output information about the state of the air-conditioning system1, and/or data sensed by the sensors, guidance information indicating specific operation and functions, for example.

In some embodiments, the display501may be implemented as a touch screen, and thus, may also function as an input means. When the display501is a touch screen, at least some of the hard buttons included in the input interface590may be omitted.

FIG. 60illustrates hard buttons disposed on a front surface of the remote control device500. Referring toFIG. 60, buttons511,512, and513for a combined operation may be disposed in a first region510. When the user presses a cooling button511in the first region510, a combined cooling operation may be performed such that the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation and such that the second air-processing apparatus200performs an air purification operation. When the user presses a heating button512in the first region510, a combined heating operation may be performed such that the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation and such that the second air-processing apparatus200performs an air purification operation. In this case, the display501and the speaker505may output a guidance message indicating commencement of cooling/heating and air purification.

The user may manipulate an air current button513to set an automatic air current control function or to select the type of air current, such as a vertical air current mode, a horizontal air current mode, or a repeated rotation mode. If the automatic air current control function is set, the air-conditioning system1may automatically control the air current based on at least one of whether a combined operation is being performed, whether a cooling or heating operation is being performed, information about the quality of air, or information about occupants in the indoor space. The vertical air current mode is a mode in which the ceiling-mounted air-processing apparatuses100and200discharge air toward the region of the floor that is the closest thereto, thereby forming an air current that is perpendicular to the surface of the ceiling or the floor (within a predetermined angular range with respect to a vertical line). The vertical air current mode may be used for a heating operation, or an air-curtain function, for example. The horizontal air current mode is a mode in which the ceiling-mounted air-processing apparatuses100and200discharge air toward an uppermost region in the indoor space. The horizontal air current mode may be used for a cooling operation, an air purification operation, or a situation requiring rapid diffusion of air current, for example. A repeated rotation mode is a mode of repeatedly rotating louvers150and290within a predetermined angular range. The display501and the speaker505may output a guidance message related to air current control.

Buttons521,522, and523corresponding to independent operation of the first air-processing apparatus100may be disposed in a second region520. When the user manipulates a cooling button521or a heating button523, the first air-processing apparatus100may perform a cooling operation or a heating operation.

When the user presses a stop button522, the first air-processing apparatus100may stop operating. Alternatively, the stop button522may be a button for stopping all of the modules of the air-conditioning system1.

Buttons531and532corresponding to independent operation of the second air-processing apparatus200may be disposed in a third region530. When the user manipulates an air purification button531, the second air-processing apparatus200may perform an air purification operation. When the user manipulates an air quality detection mode button532, the second air-processing apparatus200may automatically operate based on air quality data. For example, the second air-processing apparatus200may perform an air purification operation or may increase a rotational speed of the fan until the acquired air quality data corresponds to a “good state”. During the independent operation, the display501and the speaker505may also output a guidance message related to the state of the independent operation.

Buttons541and543related to the filters may be disposed in a fourth region540. For example, a HEPA button541may be a button for enabling the user to input a command for replacing the consumable filter device284including the HEPA filter289. When the user presses the HEPA button541, the filter device284may descend in order to improve convenience of replacement. The user may manipulate an automatic cleaning button542to set an automatic cleaning function using the filter cleaner300. A dust container emptying button543may be a button for enabling the user to input a command for emptying the dust container device400. When the user presses the dust container emptying button543, the dust container device400may descend in order to facilitate removal of the dust container device400.

The remote control device500may further include other buttons551and552. For example, the remote control device500may include an air volume control button551for changing a volume of air current and a lighting button552for operating a light source provided in the air-conditioning system1.

The buttons illustrated inFIG. 60are given by way of example, and embodiments are not limited thereto.

The remote control device500may include a processor560that controls the overall operation thereof and a memory580that stores various data. The memory580may store control data for controlling the operation of the remote control device500and operation data generated or sensed during operation of the remote control device500.

In addition, the remote control device500may include a communication module570in order to communicate with other devices. The remote control device500may include a transmitter571, which transmits a control command to the air-processing apparatuses100and200. In some embodiments, the remote control device500may further include a receiver572, which receives predetermined data. The transmitter571and the receiver572may be integrated in the form of a transceiver. The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may communicate with the mobile terminal730and the server710, and the user may remotely monitor and control the air-conditioning system1using the mobile terminal730or other devices that communicate with the server710.

FIGS. 62A-62C and 63A-63Bare views for explaining a communication structure and remote control of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIGS. 62A-62Cillustrate various examples of the communication structure, andFIGS. 63A-63Billustrate a screen of a user interface that is provided through the mobile terminal.

Referring toFIG. 62A, the server710and the smartphone730amay wirelessly communicate with each air-processing module1000, which is the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200, to transmit a user's control command to each air-processing module1000and to receive and display information about the state of each air-processing module1000. For example, each air-processing module1000may include a Wi-Fi communication module in order to communicate with the server710and the smartphone730a. According to an embodiment, the server710and the smartphone730amay communicate with one of the plurality of air-processing modules1000included in the air-conditioning system1, and the air-processing module1000that communicates with the remote control device500may transmit a control command to the remaining air-processing modules.

Referring toFIG. 62B, the air-processing modules1000aand1000bmay be wiredly connected to each other to communicate with each other in a wired manner. The server710and the smartphone730amay wirelessly communicate with the air-processing module1000a, which includes a wireless communication module, for example, a Wi-Fi communication module, to transmit a user's control command to the air-processing module1000aand to receive and display information about the states of the air-processing modules1000aand1000b. The air-processing module1000amay transmit the received control command to the remaining air-processing modules1000b. In addition, the air-processing module1000amay transmit the data received from the remaining air-processing modules1000bto the server710and the smartphone730a.

Referring toFIG. 62C, the air-processing modules1000cand1000dmay communicate with each other in a short-range wireless communication manner, for example, Bluetooth. The server710and the smartphone730amay wirelessly communicate with the air-processing module1000c, which includes a wireless communication module, for example, a Wi-Fi communication module, to transmit a user's control command to the air-processing module1000cand to receive and display information about the states of the air-processing modules1000cand1000d. The air-processing module1000cmay transmit the received control command to the remaining air-processing modules1000d. In addition, the air-processing module1000cmay transmit the data received from the remaining air-processing modules1000dto the server710and the smartphone730a. Accordingly, each of the plurality of air-processing modules1000band1000dmay include only a wired communication module or a short-range wireless communication module in order to communicate with other air-processing apparatuses disposed nearby, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

The user may remotely monitor and control the air-conditioning system1by executing an application or accessing a predetermined website via the smartphone730a. Referring toFIG. 63A, the user may first select an upper-level operation menu, such as a combined operation, an independent operation, or automatic cleaning, and thereafter may select detailed control. If selecting an independent operation, the user may select and control a control target module in a module selection screen shown inFIG. 63B.

FIG. 64is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include first air-processing apparatus100, which includes first inlet102aformed in one surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to a floor or ceiling, and first outlet102bformed in another surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to the first inlet102a, and induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant and to be delivered to the first outlet102b. The first air-processing apparatus100may include heat exchanger186, which induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant.

In addition, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include second air-processing apparatus200, which includes second inlet202aformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first inlet102aand second outlet202bformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first outlet102b. The second air-processing apparatus200may include filter device284, which removes foreign substances from the air introduced into the second inlet202a.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be driven in a combined operation mode in which the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200operate together. Also, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be driven in an independent operation mode in which only one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200provided therein operates.

When automatic operation is set (S1010), the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may automatically select an optimum mode from among the combined operation mode and the independent operation mode, and may operate in the optimum mode (S1030). When automatic operation is not set (S1010), the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may receive user input from the remote control device500and the mobile terminal700(S1060), and may perform operation based on the received user input (S1070). Also, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may stop operating based on the user input (S1075).

The air-conditioning system1may automatically operate in the combined operation mode or the independent operation mode based on the state of the air in the indoor space (S1030). The air-conditioning system1may determine the state of the air in the indoor space based on information acquired by the sensors provided in the apparatuses included in the system and information received from the server710, the mobile terminal730, and other external sensors (S1020). Also, the air-conditioning system1may automatically operate in the optimum mode suitable for the determined state of the air in the indoor space (S1030).

FIG. 65is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 65shows a process of automatically operating in the optimum mode (S1030) based on the state of the air in the indoor space (S1020).

Referring toFIG. 65, when the indoor temperature is equal to or lower than a heating reference temperature (S1110) and the air quality data is equal to or greater than a reference value (S1115), the first air-processing apparatus100may perform a heating operation, and the second air-processing apparatus200may perform an air purification operation in which the air introduced into the second inlet202ais filtered and the filtered air is delivered to the second outlet (S1130). That is, the air-conditioning system1may perform a combined heating operation (S1130).

When the indoor temperature is equal to or lower than the heating reference temperature (S1110) and the air quality data is less than the reference value (S1115), only the first air-processing apparatus100may perform a heating operation. That is, the air-conditioning system1may perform an independent heating operation (S1120).

When the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than a cooling reference temperature (S1140) and the air quality data is equal to or greater than the reference value (S1145), the first air-processing apparatus100may perform a cooling operation, and the second air-processing apparatus may perform an air purification operation (S1160). That is, the air-conditioning system1may perform a combined cooling operation (S1160).

When the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling reference temperature (S1140) and the air quality data is less than the reference value (S1145), only the first air-processing apparatus100may perform a cooling operation (S1150). That is, the air-conditioning system1may perform an independent cooling operation (S1150).

When the indoor temperature is higher than the heating reference temperature (S1110) but lower than the cooling reference temperature (S1140) and the air quality data is equal to or greater than the reference value (S1170), only the second air-processing apparatus200may perform an air purification operation (S1180). That is, the air-conditioning system1may perform an independent air purification operation (S1180).

According to embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to effectively manage indoor air and to rapidly circulate heat-exchanged air and filtered air in the indoor space using a plurality of air-processing apparatuses in which outlets are formed in a line. In addition, it is possible to efficiently manage an air-conditioning operation by controlling a plurality of air-processing apparatuses in an automatically interlocking manner.

The first air-processing apparatus100according to an embodiment includes inlet102aformed in one surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to a floor or the ceiling, and pre-filter188disposed in the inlet102a, and the second air-processing apparatus200according to an embodiment includes inlet202aformed in one surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to the floor or the ceiling, and pre-filter288disposed in the inlet202a. When the operation of at least one of the air-processing apparatuses100and200is stopped (S1035), the filter cleaner300may automatically move to clean at least one of the pre-filters188and288provided in the air-processing apparatuses100and200(S1040).

When the cleaning operation by the filter cleaner300is finished (S1050), operation of the air-conditioning system1may be terminated. That is, according to an embodiment, the pre-filters188and288may automatically perform cleaning when a predetermined operation is finished, thereby always maintaining the pre-filters188and288and the inlets102aand202aclean. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent deterioration in suction performance, thus ensuring improved air-conditioning efficiency. As the pre-filters188and288respectively disposed in the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200are cleaned by a single filter cleaner300, it is possible to efficiently manage the pre-filters188and288.

FIGS. 66A-66Dare views for explaining movement of, and cleaning performed by, the filter cleaner according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 66A, the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bmay be disposed adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. The filter cleaner300may clean at least one of the pre-filters188and288included in the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bwhile moving in the lateral direction.

Guide rail10that guides the movement of the filter cleaner300is disposed on one side of each of the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100b. The guide rail10may be disposed above the pre-filters188and288of the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bso as to extend in the lateral direction.

The filter cleaner300may move in the lateral direction along the guide rail10. The filter cleaner300is configured to be movable between a start point and an end point of a movement section. The filter cleaner300may stand by at the start point of the movement section, and may start to move toward the end point of the movement section when a predetermined event, such as stoppage of operation, occurs or when a user's cleaning command is received, for example. The end plate28may be disposed on the guide rail10in order to restrict the movement of the filter cleaner300and to define a range of the movement section.

Referring toFIG. 66B, the filter cleaner300may clean all of the pre-filters188and288included in the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bwhile moving. The filter cleaner300may move from the start point to the end point. Also, when the filter cleaner300arrives at the end point, the direction that the filter cleaner300moves may change. The filter cleaner300may return from the end point to the start point.

According to embodiments, some of the pre-filters188and288may be cleaned. In particular, in a case in which some of the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bare driven in the independent operation mode, only the pre-filters188and288included in the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bthat have operated may be cleaned when the operation is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten a cleaning time, improve cleaning efficiency, and minimize consumption of power of the battery of the filter cleaner300.

Referring toFIG. 66C, in a case in which only the second air-processing apparatus200which is located in the middle among the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100bperforms an air purification operation, the filter cleaner300may clean only the pre-filter288included in the second air-processing apparatus200while moving when the air purification operation is stopped. In this case, the filter cleaner300may pass by the first air-processing apparatus100awithout operating the suction device376or the agitator420. After passing by the first air-processing apparatus100a, the filter cleaner300may operate the suction device376and the agitator420to clean the pre-filter288included in the second air-processing apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 66D, in a case in which only the first air-processing apparatus100a, which is located close to the start point, among the air-processing apparatuses100a,200, and100b, performs a cooling operation, the filter cleaner300may clean only the pre-filter188included in the first air-processing apparatus100awhile moving when the cooling operation is stopped. In this case, it is unnecessary for the filter cleaner300to move to the other air-processing apparatuses200and100bto clean the pre-filters thereof.

AlthoughFIGS. 66C and 66Dillustrate the case in which only one air-processing apparatus200or100ais driven and only the pre-filter288or188included therein is cleaned, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, when the first air-processing apparatuses100aand100bare driven, the pre-filters188of the first air-processing apparatuses100aand100bmay be cleaned when the operation is stopped.

When it is desired to clean the pre-filter288or188of the specific air-processing apparatus200or100a, the portion of the guide rail10that corresponds to the specific air-processing apparatus200or100aor the pre-filter288or188may be defined as a cleaning section, and the suction device376and the agitator420may operate between the start point and the end point of the cleaning section.

FIG. 67is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 67shows an embodiment in which the filter cleaner300cleans all of the pre-filters188and288provided in the air-conditioning system1. The embodiment shown inFIG. 67corresponds to the embodiment shown inFIG. 66B.

Referring toFIG. 67, the filter cleaner300may stand by at the start point of the movement section, and may start to move toward the end point of the movement section when a predetermined event, such as stoppage of operation, occurs or when a user's cleaning command is received (S1310). The filter cleaner300may move (S1310), and may drive the suction device376(S1320) and the agitator420(S1330) in order to perform a cleaning operation. The suction device376may be driven first, or the agitator420may be driven first. Alternatively, the suction device376and the agitator420may be driven simultaneously.

When arriving at the end point (S1340), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S1350). The filter cleaner300may change the moving direction thereof so as to move in the opposite direction (S1360). That is, the filter cleaner300may move from the end point toward the start point (S1360).

When arriving at the start point (S1370), the filter cleaner300may stop driving the agitator420and the suction device376(S1380and S1385), and may stop moving (S1390). Accordingly, the filter cleaner300may clean the pre-filters188and288twice while reciprocating.

In some embodiments, operation of the agitator420and the suction device376may be stopped when the filter cleaner300arrives at the end point (S1340), and may resume when the filter cleaner300moves in the opposite direction (S1360).

FIG. 68is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 68shows the embodiment in which the filter cleaner300cleans some of the pre-filters188and288provided in the air-conditioning system1. The embodiment shown inFIG. 68corresponds to the embodiment shown inFIG. 66C.

Referring toFIG. 68, the filter cleaner300may stand by at the start point of the movement section, and may start to move toward the end point of the movement section when a predetermined event, such as stoppage of operation, occurs or when a user's cleaning command is received (S1401). When arriving at the start point of the cleaning section (S1410), the filter cleaner300may drive the suction device376and the agitator420(S1415and S1420).

When arriving at the end point of the cleaning section (S1425), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S1430). The filter cleaner300may change the moving direction thereof so as to move in the opposite direction (S1435). That is, the filter cleaner300may move from the end point of the cleaning section toward the start point of the movement section (S1435).

When arriving again at the start point of the cleaning section (S1440), the filter cleaner300may stop driving the suction device376and the agitator420(S1445and S1450). Accordingly, the filter cleaner300may perform a cleaning operation twice while reciprocating the cleaning section.

In some embodiments, the operation of the agitator420and the suction device376may be stopped when the filter cleaner300arrives at the end point of the cleaning section (S1425), and may be resumed when the filter cleaner300moves in the opposite direction (S1435). When arriving at the start point of the movement section (S1460), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S1470).

FIGS. 69A-69Eare views for explaining cleaning that is performed during operation of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of air-processing apparatuses100and200, and may clean the pre-filters188and288when all or some of the plurality of air-processing apparatuses100and200are operating.

While the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200is operating, when the filter cleaner300enters a section corresponding to the air-processing apparatus that is operating, the air-processing apparatus that is operating may temporarily stop operating while the filter cleaner300passes through the corresponding section. Accordingly, it is possible to clean the pre-filters188and288without blocking the inlets102aand202aof the air-processing apparatuses100and200that are operating and without stopping the overall operation of the air-conditioning system1.FIGS. 69A-69Eshow a case in which the air-conditioning system1includes two first air-processing apparatuses100aand100band two second air-processing apparatuses200aand200band the filter cleaner300sequentially moves along all of the air-processing apparatuses100a,100b,200a, and200bwhile the air-processing apparatuses100a,100b,200a, and200bare operating.

Referring toFIG. 69A, when the air-processing apparatuses100a,100b,200a, and200bare operating, the filter cleaner300stands by at the start point. If a user's cleaning command is received, operation of the air-processing apparatuses100a,100b,200a, and200bmay be sequentially stopped, and the filter cleaner300may perform a cleaning operation (refer toFIGS. 69B to 69E).

Referring toFIGS. 69B and 69C, when the filter cleaner300enters a section corresponding to the air-processing apparatuses100aand200a, the air-processing apparatuses100aand200athat are operating may temporarily stop operating while the filter cleaner300passes through the corresponding section. Referring toFIGS. 69D and 69E, when the filter cleaner300enters a section corresponding to the air-processing apparatuses100band200b, the air-processing apparatuses100band200bthat are operating may temporarily stop operating while the filter cleaner300passes through the corresponding section.

FIGS. 70 to 72are views for explaining charging of the filter cleaner according to an embodiment. The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include air-processing apparatuses100and200, which respectively include inlets102aand202aformed in surfaces thereof, which extend perpendicular to a floor or ceiling, and pre-filters188and288disposed in the inlets102aand202a, guide rail10disposed on one side of each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200, and filter cleaner300, which includes battery374and connection terminal320to which power for charging the battery374is supplied and is configured to clean the pre-filters188and288included in the air-processing apparatuses100and200while moving along the guide rail10based on the power charged in the battery374.

In addition, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may further include a charging system that charges the battery374. The charging system that charges the battery374may be provided inside of end plate28.

Referring toFIGS. 70 to 72 and 59, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include the end plate28, which includes the charging terminal30configured to be connected to the connection terminal320of the filter cleaner300and power supply circuit820configured to supply power to the charging terminal30when the connection terminal320is connected to the charging terminal30. The end plate28may be disposed at the left end or the right end of the guide rail10.

FIGS. 70 and 71show a state before the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30are connected to each other.FIG. 72shows a state in which the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30are connected to each other.

The filter cleaner300may move along the guide rail10by rotation of the moving gear358in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the moving gear358rotates in one direction, the filter cleaner300may approach the end plate28, and may finally come into contact with the end plate28.

The end plate28may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide rail10extends. The charging terminal30may be disposed so as to protrude in the direction in which the guide rail10extends. The connection terminal320and the charging terminal30may be formed in shapes corresponding to each other so as to be interconnected. The connection terminal320and the charging terminal30may be formed at a same height. Accordingly, the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30may be connected to each other when the filter cleaner300moves in one direction along the guide rail10to the end of the guide rail10.

The start point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner300can move may be a position at which the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30are connected to each other. Accordingly, the filter cleaner300may stand by at the start point in a state in which the filter cleaner300is being charged or is fully charged, and may move therefrom in order to perform a cleaning operation.

The filter cleaner300may automatically clean the pre-filters188and288while moving, and may then return to the start point. When the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30are connected to each other, the power supply circuit820may supply power to the charging terminal30to charge the battery374.

The filter cleaner300may clean the pre-filters188and288while moving by rotating the moving gear358in a first direction, and may then return to the start point by rotating the moving gear358in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction. That is, the filter cleaner300may change the moving direction thereof by changing the rotating direction of the moving gear358.

According to an embodiment, an operation of bringing the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30into close contact with each other may be performed in order to ensure connection therebetween. After returning to the start point, the filter cleaner300may rotate the moving gear358in the second direction by a predetermined angle, thereby applying tension to the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30. For example, when finishing cleaning, the filter cleaner300may return to the start point at which the filter cleaner300stands by before moving, and thereafter may rotate the moving gear358in the second direction by a minimum controllable unit, thereby bringing the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30into close contact with each other.

Alternatively, in the case in which a support part or portion or support (not shown) that supports the filter cleaner300is further provided, it may be possible to apply pressure to the filter cleaner300toward the end plate28using the support. Accordingly, the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30may come into close contact with each other.

FIG. 73is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 73shows an example of movement of, and cleaning performed by, the filter cleaner300.FIGS. 74A-74Eare views for explaining determination of a position and movement of the filter cleaner300according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 73 and 74A-74E, the filter cleaner300may stand by at the start point of the movement section, and may start to move in a first direction along the guide rail10when a predetermined event, such as stoppage of operation, occurs or when a user's cleaning command is received (S1910). The first direction may be a direction from the start point, at which the filter cleaner300stands by, to the end point.

A plurality of objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be disposed on the guide rail10so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The filter cleaner300may include a position detection sensor322, and the position detection sensor322may sense the objects to be sensed26ato26n. The objects 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 objects to be sensed26may have a shape of a protrusion that protrudes rearwards. Alternatively, when the position detection sensor322is a Hall sensor, the objects to be sensed26may be implemented as magnets.

The filter cleaner300may determine the position thereof based on the objects to be sensed26ato26n, which are detected by the position detection sensor322. At least two objects to be sensed26aand26nmay be disposed on the guide rail10. At least two objects to be sensed26aand26nmay be disposed on the guide rail10at positions corresponding to the start point and the end point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner300moves. The first object to be sensed26amay be disposed at a position corresponding to the start point of the movement section. The nthobject to be sensed26nmay be disposed at a position corresponding to the end point of the movement section.

The position detection sensor322may recognize the start point of the movement section by sensing the first object to be sensed26a, and may recognize the end point of the movement section by sensing the nthobject to be sensed26n. When the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction, if the position detection sensor322senses the nthobject to be sensed26n, it may be determined that the filter cleaner300has arrived at the end point of the movement section. The filter cleaner300may change the moving direction thereof, that is, may move in the second direction, which is opposite the first direction. If the position detection sensor322senses the first object to be sensed26a, it is determined that the filter cleaner300has returned to the start point of the movement section.

According to an embodiment, three or more objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be disposed on the guide rail10. A greater number of objects to be sensed26ato26nis advantageous from the aspect of accuracy of determination of the position of the filter cleaner300and precision of control of the movement thereof.

The position of the filter cleaner300may be determined based on at least one of identification information of the objects to be sensed26ato26nthat are detected by the position detection sensor322, the types of objects to be sensed26ato26n, the order in which the objects to be sensed26ato26nare detected, or a change in a physical parameter, for example, pressure, magnetic field, current, by the objects to be sensed26ato26n.

The plurality of objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be disposed so as to be spaced a regular distance d apart from each other based on the start point of the movement section. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine the moving distance of the filter cleaner300using only the number of objects to be sensed26ato26nthat are detected or the order in which the objects to be sensed26ato26nare detected during a single movement of the filter cleaner300.

Alternatively, the plurality of objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be disposed at feature points, such as the start point and the end point of the movement section, the start point and the end point of each of the air-processing apparatuses100and200, and the start point and the end point of each of the pre-filters188and288.

Accordingly, the filter cleaner300may conveniently determine the movement section and the cleaning section.

The air-processing apparatuses100and200according to an embodiment may be modularized so as to have a same external appearance and size. The objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be disposed in each module so as to be spaced a regular distance apart from each other. The objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be spaced a regular distance apart from each other based on the start point of each module. The objects to be sensed26ato26nmay be spaced a regular distance apart from each other based on the end point of each module. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine the position of the filter cleaner300and to precisely control the movement of the filter cleaner300.

The filter cleaner300may include a plurality of position detection sensors322. In order to improve the accuracy of position determination. For example, the filter cleaner300may include a first position detection sensor322L and a second position detection sensor322R, which are spaced apart from each other.

When the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction, the first position detection sensor322L may sense the objects to be sensed26ato26nearlier than the second position detection sensor322R. Also, when the filter cleaner300moves in the second direction, the second position detection sensor322R may sense the objects to be sensed26ato26nearlier than the first position detection sensor322L.

Referring toFIG. 74A, the filter cleaner300stands by at the start point in the state of being in contact with the end plate28. At this time, the first position detection sensor322L may sense the object to be sensed26acorresponding to the start point.

Referring toFIG. 74B, as the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction, the first position detection sensor322L may sense the object to be sensed26c. Because the filter cleaner300continues to move in the first direction, the object to be sensed26csensed by the first position detection sensor322L may also be sensed by the second position detection sensor322R.

Referring toFIGS. 74C and 74D, the object to be sensed26ecorresponding to the end point of the cleaning section may be first sensed by the first position detection sensor322L, and may then be sensed by the second position detection sensor322R. When the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction (S1910), if the second position detection sensor322R detects the end point of the cleaning section (S1920), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S1930). When the second position detection sensor322R senses the object to be sensed corresponding to the end point of the cleaning section, it may be determined that the second position detection sensor322R has arrived at the end point of the cleaning section (S1920).

When the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction (S1910), the second position detection sensor322R may sense the objects to be sensed26ato26nlater than the first position detection sensor322L. Accordingly, when the second position detection sensor322R detects the end point of the cleaning section (S1920), there is no object to be cleaned even if the filter cleaner300moves further. Accordingly, when the second position detection sensor322R detects the end point of the cleaning section (S1920), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S1930), and may start to move in the second direction (S1940). In the same manner, when the filter cleaner300moves in the second direction (S1940), the first position detection sensor322L may sense the objects to be sensed26ato26nlater than the second position detection sensor322R.

As the filter cleaner300moves in the second direction, the objects to be sensed26dto26amay be sensed. Referring toFIGS. 74E and 74A, the object to be sensed26acorresponding to the start point of the movement section may be first sensed by the second position detection sensor322R, and may then be sensed by the first position detection sensor322L.

When the filter cleaner300moves in the second direction (S1940), if the first position detection sensor322L detects the start point of the movement section (S1950), the filter cleaner300may stop moving in the second direction (S1960). When the first position detection sensor322L senses the object to be sensed corresponding to the start point of the movement section, it may be determined that the first position detection sensor322L has arrived at the start point of the movement section (S1950).

The movement in the second direction is movement for returning to the end plate28. Therefore, when the filter cleaner300arrives at the start point of the movement section, the filter cleaner300may come into contact with the end plate28. Also, when the charging terminal30and the connection terminal320are connected to each other, the power supply circuit820may supply power via the connection terminal320and the charging terminal30to charge the battery374(S1980).

According to an embodiment, in order to stably support the filter cleaner300and to reliably charge the battery374, when the filter cleaner300arrives at the start point of the movement section, a close-contact operation of pressing the filter cleaner300toward the end plate28may be performed (S1970).

The filter cleaner300may include dust container device400, which forms a space for accommodating foreign substances, agitator420, which rotates while contacting the pre-filters188and288, and suction device376, which delivers foreign substances removed by the agitator420to the dust container device400.

When it is desired to clean all of the pre-filters188and288provided in the air-conditioning system1, the filter cleaner300may drive the suction device376and the agitator420while moving toward the end point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner300can move. When arriving at the end point of the movement section, the filter cleaner300may stop moving, and may move toward the start point of the movement section. When arriving at the start point of the movement section, the filter cleaner300may stop driving the suction device376and the agitator420, and may terminate operation. The filter cleaner300may stop driving the suction device376and the agitator420when arriving at the end point, and may resume driving the suction device376and the agitator420when moving toward the start point.

When it is desired to clean some of the pre-filters188and288provided in the air-conditioning system1, the filter cleaner300may move toward the cleaning section corresponding to the filter to be cleaned by the filter cleaner300. When arriving at the start point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner300may drive the suction device376and the agitator420. When arriving at the end point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner300may stop moving, and may move toward the start point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner300can move. The filter cleaner300may stop driving the suction device376and the agitator420when arriving at the start point of the cleaning section, and may terminate operation when arriving at the start point of the movement section. The filter cleaner300may stop driving the suction device376and the agitator420when arriving at the end point of the cleaning section, and may resume driving the suction device376and the agitator420when moving toward the start point of the cleaning section.

FIG. 75is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 75, when the filter cleaner300moves in the first direction (S2110), if the first position detection sensor322L detects the start point of the cleaning section (S2120), the filter cleaner300may decelerate (S2125). When the second position detection sensor322R detects the end point of the cleaning section (S2130), the filter cleaner300may stop moving (S2135). That is, the section from the time point at which the start point of the cleaning section is detected by the first position detection sensor322L (S2120) to the time point at which the end point of the cleaning section is detected by the second position detection sensor322R (S2130) may be a deceleration section. The filter cleaner300may quickly move through a section other than the cleaning section at a first moving speed, and may move through the cleaning section at a second moving speed, which is slower than the first moving speed, thereby more thoroughly cleaning the pre-filters188and288.

The filter cleaner300, which has performed cleaning while moving through the cleaning section, may move in the second direction (S2140). When the second position detection sensor322R detects the start point of the movement section (S2145), the filter cleaner300may decelerate so as to be stably docked to the end plate28(S2150). Thereafter, when the first position detection sensor322L detects the start point of the movement section (S2155), the filter cleaner300may stop moving in the second direction (S2160).

When arriving at the start point of the movement section, the filter cleaner300may come into contact with the end plate28, and may charge the battery374(S2180). In addition, in order to stably support the filter cleaner300and to reliably charge the battery374, when the filter cleaner300arrives at the start point of the movement section, a close-contact operation of pressing the filter cleaner300toward the end plate28may be performed (S2170).

FIG. 76is a flowchart of a method for operating air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 76shows a process of replacing a filter of a second air-processing apparatus.FIG. 77is a view for explaining replacement of the filter of the second air-processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include first air-processing apparatus100, which includes first inlet102aformed in one surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to a floor or ceiling, and first outlet102bformed in another surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to the first inlet102a, and induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant and to be delivered to the first outlet102b, and second air-processing apparatus200, which includes second outlet202bformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first outlet102band second inlet202aformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first inlet102aand includes filter device284that removes foreign substances from the air introduced into the second inlet202a, cover258that opens or closes the lower side of the filter device284, and filter-drive device228that moves the filter device284downwards when the cover258is opened. As the filter device284provided in the second air-processing apparatus200is moved in the upward-downward direction by the filter-drive device228, the user is capable of easily reaching the filter device284. The filter device284may include a consumable filter, such as HEPA filter289, and the second air-processing apparatus200may move the filter device284downwards, thereby enabling the user to easily replace the filter.

Referring toFIG. 76, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may provide guidance information indicating the need to replace the filter289of the filter device284and/or information about the recommended replacement time through the remote control device500or the mobile terminal700(S2210). For example, when criterion for replacing the filter device284is met, the remote control device500may display replacement indicator information on the display501(S2210). The replacement criterion may be set based on operating time, or may be set based on a filter contamination level, calculated based on the operating time and the state of the air in the indoor space, for example.

When the user inputs a replacement command by, for example, pressing the HEPA button541on the remote control device500(S2220), the cover258provided below the filter device284is opened (S2240). The second air-processing apparatus200may include interface370that receives input for replacing the filter device284, and may open the cover258in response to the input for replacing the filter device284(S2240). According to an embodiment, when receiving the input for replacing the filter device284(S2220) during operation thereof (S2230), the second air-processing apparatus200may stop operating (S2235), and may open the cover258(S2240).

In addition, the second air-processing apparatus200may further include filter-mount234, which is coupled to the filter device284. The filter device284and the filter-mount234may be detachably coupled to each other via magnets287and238. More specifically, the filter device284and the filter-mount234may be coupled to each other via first magnet287, which is disposed in the filter device284, and second magnet238, which is disposed in the filter-mount234. Accordingly, the filter device284may be displaced in the upward-downward direction according to movement of the filter-mount234. Also, the user may easily separate the filter device284from the filter-mount234. The filter-drive device228moves the filter-mount234downwards, and accordingly, the filter device284also descends (S2250).

FIG. 77illustrates a state in which the cover258of a predetermined second air-processing apparatus200ais opened and in which the filter device284and the filter-mount234are moved downwards. The cover258may move in the forward-rearward direction to be opened and closed. The second louver290of another second air-processing apparatus200bmay be exposed in a state in which the cover258is closed.

When replacement of the filter device284is completed (S2260), the filter-drive device228may move the filter device284and the filter-mount234upwards (S2270). The second air-processing apparatus200may determine whether the filter device284and the filter-mount234are coupled to or separated from each other based on a coupled state of the magnets287and238. Alternatively, the second air-processing apparatus200may include a sensor to determine whether the filter device284and the filter-mount234are coupled to or separated from each other.

For example, when the filter device284is separated from the filter-mount234and is then recoupled thereto (S2260), the filter-drive device228may move the filter device284and the filter-mount234upwards (S2270). Alternatively, when an external force is applied to the filter-mount234, the second air-processing apparatus200may move the filter-mount234upwards (S2270). When the filter-mount234returns to the position prior to descending, the second air-processing apparatus200may close the cover258(S2280).

FIG. 78is a view for explaining an indicator lamp of the filter cleaner according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 78, the filter cleaner300may include indicator lamps2410,2420, and2430, which indicate the operational state of the filter cleaner300. The indicator lamps2410,2420, and2430may be disposed on an exposed surface2400of the lower end of the filter cleaner300. The user located below the filter cleaner300may view the indicator lamps2410,2420, and2430. The entire lower end of the filter cleaner300or the exposed surface2400may be disposed so as to be inclined forwards.

The indicator lamps2410,2420, and2430may indicate the operational state of the filter cleaner300by changing between an on state and an off state, changing a color of light emitted therefrom, or operating in a flashing or constant manner, for example. For example, a charging indicator lamp2410may be turned on when charging starts, and may cause blue light to flash at an interval of 1 second to indicate that charging is being performed. A cleaning indicator lamp2420may be turned on when cleaning starts, and may cause white light to flash at an interval of 1 second to indicate that cleaning is being performed. A dust container emptying indicator lamp2430may be turned on when the dust container starts to be emptied, and may cause red light to flash at an interval of 1 second to indicate that the dust container is being emptied.

FIG. 79is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 79shows a process of emptying the dust container.

Referring toFIG. 79, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may provide guidance information indicating the need to empty the dust container400, which forms a space for accommodating foreign substances, and/or information about the recommended emptying time through the remote control device500or the mobile terminal700(S2510). For example, the dust container sensor (not shown) may detect the amount of foreign substances collected in the dust container device400. When the criterion for emptying the dust container device400is met, the remote control device500may display emptying indicator information on the display501(S2510). When the user inputs an emptying command by, for example, pressing the dust container emptying button543on the remote control device500(S2520), the dust container device400may descend (S2550).

In addition, the second air-processing apparatus200may further include dust container guide380, which is coupled to the dust container device400and is movable in the upward-downward direction. The dust container device400and the dust container guide380may be detachably coupled to each other via magnet388. Accordingly, the user may easily separate the dust container device400.

According to an embodiment, when receiving the input for emptying the dust container device400(S2520) during operation thereof (S2530), the filter cleaner300may stop operating (S2540), and may move the dust container device400downwards (S2550). Alternatively, when receiving the input for emptying the dust container device400(S2520) during operation thereof (S2530), the filter cleaner300may move to the end plate28(S2535) before stopping operating (S2540), and may move the dust container device400downwards (S2550).

When the dust container device400is completely emptied (S2560), the filter cleaner300may move the dust container device400upwards (S2570). The dust container sensor may detect whether the dust container device400is empty. Alternatively, when an external force is applied to the dust container device400, the filter cleaner300may move the dust container device400upwards (S2570).

FIG. 80is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIG. 80shows an example in which the user receives guidance information on the air-conditioning system1, which includes the air conditioner100(the first air-processing apparatus) and the air purifier200(the second air-processing apparatus), sets the function of the air-conditioning system1, or operates the air-conditioning system1using the remote control500(the remote control device).

When the use of a predetermined function is not set or when a predetermined operation is being performed, the remote control device500may output a guidance message related to the function/operation. The remote control device500may visually and/or audibly output a guidance message through the display501and/or the speaker505. Frequent output of the guidance message may inconvenience the user. Therefore, settings may be made such that the guidance message is provided once at an initial stage and is then deleted or such that only higher-priority guidance messages are provided.

When receiving touch input, voice input, or button manipulation input from the user, the remote control device500may control the air-conditioning system1in response to the user input.

Referring toFIG. 80, when the remote control device500is turned on (S2601), the remote control device500may display the state of the indoor air on the display501in the indoor air quality detection mode (S2605). When it is necessary to replace the HEPA filter289, the remote control device500may display information indicating the need to replace the HEPA filter289on the display501(S2680).

The remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to perform automatic operation (S2610). When the user selects automatic operation (S2612), the air-conditioning system1may automatically perform a combined operation based on the state of the indoor air (S2620).

When the user directly inputs a temperature, air volume, or air current (S2614), the air-conditioning system1may perform combined operation in response to the user input (S2620). When the state of the indoor air, such as the temperature or quality thereof, meets a predetermined criterion, or when operation has been performed for a predetermined time period or more, the remote control device500may stop operation (S2630). In addition, the remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to stop automatic operation (S2625).

According to an embodiment, when operation is stopped (S2630), the filter cleaner300, which is an automatic cleaning module, automatically operates to clean the pre-filters188and288included in the air-conditioning system1(S2640). When returning to the original position thereof after completion of cleaning, the filter cleaner300may stop operating (S2645). According to an embodiment, when the filter cleaner300stops operating (S2645), the remote control device500may be turned off (S2690).

When the user does not select automatic operation (S2612), the remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to independently drive the first air-processing apparatus100and/or the second air-processing apparatus200(S2650and S2660). When the user selects operation only of the first air-processing apparatus100(S2650), the remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to perform automatic operation (S2652). When the user selects automatic operation (S2654), the first air-processing apparatus100may automatically perform independent operation based on the state of the indoor air (particularly, the temperature thereof) (S2658). When the user directly inputs a temperature, air volume, or air current (S2656), the first air-processing apparatus100may operate independently in response to the user input (S2658). The remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to stop operation of the first air-processing apparatus100(S2659).

When the user selects operation only of the second air-processing apparatus200(S2660), the remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to perform automatic operation (S2662). When the user selects automatic operation (S2664), the second air-processing apparatus200may automatically perform independent operation based on the state of the indoor air (particularly, the air quality) (S2670). When the user directly inputs at least one of a temperature, air volume, or air current (S2666), the second air-processing apparatus200may operate independently in response to the user input (S2668). The remote control device500may output a guidance message asking whether to stop operation of the second air-processing apparatus200(S2675).

When the criterion for replacing the HEPA filter289is met, the remote control device500may display information indicating the need to replace the HEPA filter289on the display501(S2680). The replacement criterion may be set based on the operating time of the second air-processing apparatus200. The HEPA filter289provided in the second air-processing apparatus200may remove contaminants contained in the air introduced from the outside. Because the removed contaminants are attached to the HEPA filter289, as the operating time of the second air-processing apparatus200increases, the contamination level of the HEPA filter289increases, and a filtering function thereof is deteriorated. Alternatively, the replacement criterion may be set based on the filter contamination level, calculated based on the operating time of the second air-processing apparatus200and the state of the air in the indoor space.

FIG. 81is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 81, the second air-processing apparatus200operates in a predetermined mode according to an operation command or various settings (S2710). In this case, the processor610may count the operating time.

The air quality sensor provided inside or outside of the air-conditioning system1, for example, the second air-processing apparatus200, may measure the indoor air quality during operation of the second air-processing apparatus200(S2720).

The air quality sensor may continuously or periodically measure the indoor air quality during operation of the second air-processing apparatus200. In addition, the data measured by the air quality sensor may be collected by the second air-processing apparatus200or the remote control device500, and may be stored in the memory630of the second air-processing apparatus200or the memory580of the remote control device500.

The processor610of the second air-processing apparatus200or the processor510of the remote control device500may calculate the filter contamination level based on the data (an accumulated value or an average value) measured by the air quality sensor during operation and the operating time (S2730). For example, the processor610or510may calculate the filter contamination level by multiplying the accumulated value or the average value of the data measured by the air quality sensor during operation by the operating time.

The processor610or510may determine the quantity of introduced air based on the volume of air current during the operating time and based on the operating time. For example, the processor610or510may determine the quantity of introduced air by multiplying the operating time by the volume of air current.

The processor610or510may determine the air contamination level based on the data measured by the air quality sensor during operation, and may calculate the filter contamination level based on the quantity of introduced air and the air contamination level. For example, the processor610or510may determine the filter contamination level by multiplying the quantity of introduced air by the air contamination level. According to an embodiment, the processor610or510may accurately detect a filter in need of replacement by classifying contamination levels of the multiple filters according to a more sophisticated air quality measurement method.

The processor610or510may sum the calculated filter contamination level and a pre-stored filter contamination level (S2740). When the result of summing the calculated filter contamination level and the pre-stored filter contamination level meets a filter replacement criterion (S2750), the processor510may perform control to output filter replacement indicator information (S2760).

When the result of summing the calculated filter contamination level and the pre-stored filter contamination level meets the filter replacement criterion (S2750), the processor610may perform control to output filter replacement indicator information to the remote control device500. Accordingly, the remote control device500may output the filter replacement indicator information (S2760).

The processor510may perform control to display the filter replacement indicator information on the display501. In addition, the processor510may perform control such that the speaker505outputs speech for providing the filter replacement indicator information. Alternatively, the replacement criterion may be set based on the number of times the second pre-filter288is cleaned by the filter cleaner300.

FIG. 82is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 82, the second air-processing apparatus200operates in a predetermined mode according to an operation command or various settings (S2810). When operation of the second air-processing apparatus200is stopped, the filter cleaner300may clean the second pre-filter288of the second air-processing apparatus200(S2820).

The filter cleaner300may cumulatively store a number of times the second air-processing apparatus200and the second pre-filter288are cleaned (S2830). When the number of times the second air-processing apparatus200and the second pre-filter288are cleaned meets the criterion for replacing the filter device (S2840), the remote control device500may display the replacement indicator information on the display501(S2850). In addition, when the number of times the second air-processing apparatus200and the second pre-filter288are cleaned meets the criterion for replacing the filter device (S2840), the filter cleaner300may transmit the replacement indicator information to the remote control device500. Accordingly, the remote control device500may display the replacement indicator information on the display501(S2850).

When the user inputs a replacement command by, for example, pressing the HEPA button541on the remote control device500(S2681), the cover258provided below the filter device284is opened (S2682).

The second air-processing apparatus200may further include filter-mount234, which is coupled to the filter device284. The filter device284and the filter-mount234may be detachably coupled to each other via magnets287and238. The filter-drive device228moves the filter-mount234downwards, and accordingly, the filter device284also descends (S2683).

When the filter device284is completely replaced and is then attached to the filter-mount234(S2684), the filter-drive device228may move the filter device284and the filter-mount234upwards to original positions thereof (S2685). When the filter-mount234returns to the original position thereof prior to descending (S2685), the second air-processing apparatus200may close the cover258(S2686).

FIGS. 83 to 88are views for explaining air current control of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Air current control serves to manually or automatically adjust characteristics of the air discharged from the air-processing apparatuses100and200, for example, the speed, volume, temperature, humidity, and direction of air current. In a narrow sense, air current control functions to control the direction in which air is discharged from the air-processing apparatuses100and200, that is, the air current direction.

FIGS. 83 to 88illustrate a case in which the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment includes three air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000c. Each of the air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000cmay be the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200.

As described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 35C, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may include first air-processing apparatus100, which includes first inlet102aformed in one surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to a floor or ceiling, and first outlet102bformed in another surface thereof, which extends perpendicular to the first inlet102a, and includes first louver150that adjusts the direction in which air is discharged through the first outlet102b, and second air-processing apparatus200, which includes second outlet202bformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first outlet102band a second inlet202aformed therein so as to be open in the same direction as the first inlet102aand includes second louver290that adjusts the direction in which air is discharged through the second outlet202b.

The first louver150may be rotatably disposed in the first outlet102bof the first air-processing apparatus100in order to adjust the direction of air flowing through the first outlet102b. The first air-processing apparatus100may include first louver-drive device174that adjusts the orientation of the first louver150. In addition, the first air-processing apparatus100may include heat exchanger, which induces the air introduced into the first inlet102ato exchange heat with refrigerant.

The second louver290may be rotatably disposed in the second outlet202bof the second air-processing apparatus200in order to adjust the direction of air flowing through the second outlet202b. The second air-processing apparatus200may include second louver-drive device294that adjusts the orientation of the second louver290. The second air-processing apparatus200may be an air purifier that includes filter device284that removes foreign substances from the air introduced into the second inlet202a.

According to an embodiment, the first louver150and the second louver290may be disposed in a line. In the combined operation mode, in which the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200are both driven, the orientation of the second louver290may be adjusted in consideration of the orientation of the first louver150.

Referring toFIGS. 18A to 18C, the first louver150may be switched to first mode P1for forming an oblique air current in the forward direction, second mode P2for forming a horizontal air current in the forward direction, and third mode P3for forming a vertical air current toward the floor. Referring toFIG. 18A, the first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the first mode P1. In the first mode P1, the lower end of each of the vanes154,156, and158of the first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the vertical direction.

In the first mode P1, the lower end of the outer vane154may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the floor. In the first mode P1, the lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be inclined forwards.

Referring toFIG. 18B, a portion of the first louver150may be disposed below the first bottom cover130in the second mode P2. In the second mode P2, the lower end of the outer vane154and the lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be disposed below the first bottom cover130in the vertical direction.

In the second mode P2, the inclination angle82formed by the lower inner vane portion157aof each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cand the floor may be set to 30 degrees or less. Accordingly, in the second mode P2, the air flowing through the first louver150may be discharged in a direction substantially parallel to the floor.

Referring toFIG. 18C, the first louver150may be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the third mode P3. In the third mode P3, the lower end of the outer vane154and the lower end of each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cmay be disposed above the first bottom cover130in the vertical direction.

In the third mode P3, the inclination angle83formed by the lower inner vane portion157aof each of the inner vanes156a,156b, and156cand the floor may be set to a range from 60 degrees to 90 degrees. Accordingly, in the third mode P3, the air flowing through the first louver150may be discharged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the floor.

The second louver290and the second louver-drive device294may have the same configurations and functions as the first louver150and the first louver-drive device174of the first air-processing apparatus100. Therefore, with regard to the second louver290and the second louver-drive device294, reference may be made to the above description of the first louver150and the first louver-drive device174.

In the combined operation mode, the orientation of the second louver290may be adjusted to the same angle as the first louver150. According to an embodiment, the first louver150and the second louver290, which are disposed in a line, may be oriented at the same angle, thereby discharging air in the same direction. Accordingly, it is possible to consistently form an air current in a constant direction in the indoor space.

For example, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation, the first louver150and the second louver290may rotate in a first direction to form a vertical air current. That is, the first louver150and the second louver290may be switched to the third mode P3so as to discharge air in a direction perpendicular to the floor.

As the heating operation generates hot air and the hot air tends to flow upwards, the first air-processing apparatus100may discharge air downwards toward the portion of the floor which is close thereto during the heating operation. Also, the second air-processing apparatus200may discharge air in the same direction as the first air-processing apparatus100.

The first louver150may include the plurality of inner vanes156, which is spaced apart from each other in the radial direction between the louver rotational shaft160and the outer vane154. The second louver290, which has the same configuration as the first louver150, may also include the plurality of inner vanes156. When the first air-processing apparatus100performs the heating operation, the first louver150and the second louver290may be oriented such that the inner vanes156face the floor.

FIG. 83shows an example in which all of three air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000cform a vertical air current8700. The air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be mounted such that the lower end thereof is coplanar with the ceiling, so the outlets102band202bmay face downwards. Also, the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment may be disposed in a peripheral region in the indoor space in order to condition the air in the indoor space. Therefore, the vertical air current8700formed by the air-conditioning system1may flow in the peripheral region in the indoor space which is close to the outside, and thus, may function as a kind of air curtain for blocking outdoor air. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively maintain an indoor temperature and to improve energy efficiency by reducing the influence of outdoor air.

When the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, the first louver150and the second louver290may rotate in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction. That is, the first louver150and the second louver290may be switched to the second mode P2so as to form a horizontal air current.

As the cooling operation generates cold air and the cold air tends to flow downwards, the first air-processing apparatus100may discharge air upwards toward a region far away therefrom during the cooling operation. Also, the second air-processing apparatus200may discharge air in the same direction as the first air-processing apparatus100.

FIG. 84shows an example in which all of three air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000cform a horizontal air current8800. In the combined operation mode, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, each of the first louver150and the second louver290may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces in a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the floor or forms as small an inclination angle as possible with the floor.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment, as the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may be arranged in the lateral direction and the louvers150and290, which are respectively disposed in the outlets102band202b, are individually driven, it is possible to individually adjust air discharge directions in consideration of a temperature of discharged air, thereby realizing rapid air circulation in the indoor space. In addition, the angle at which the second louver290is oriented may be adjusted to be different from the angle at which the first louver150is oriented, thereby creating various air currents.

For example, the first louver150may rotate to a maximum extent in the first direction or the second direction so as to be switched to the third mode P3or the second mode P2. In this case, the second louver290may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first louver150.

The first air-processing apparatus100discharges heat-exchanged air in the course of a cooling or heating operation. Accordingly, there is a temperature difference between the air discharged from the first air-processing apparatus100and the air discharged from the second air-processing apparatus200.

For example, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, the temperature of the air discharged from the first air-processing apparatus100is lower than the temperature of the air discharged from the second air-processing apparatus200. Therefore, it may be advantageous from the aspect of air diffusion for the second air-processing apparatus200to discharge air toward a region slightly lower than the region toward which the first air-processing apparatus100discharges air (by making the inclination angle formed with the floor larger than that of the first air-processing apparatus100).

Conversely, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation, the temperature of the air discharged from the first air-processing apparatus100is higher than the temperature of the air discharged from the second air-processing apparatus200. Therefore, it may be advantageous from the aspect of air diffusion for the second air-processing apparatus200to discharge air toward a region slightly higher than the region toward which the first air-processing apparatus100discharges air (by making the inclination angle formed with the floor smaller than that of the first air-processing apparatus100).

In the example shown inFIGS. 85 to 89, the air-processing module1000bthat is disposed in the middle may be the second air-processing apparatus200, and the air-processing modules1000aand1000cthat are disposed on the left and right may be the first air-processing apparatuses100.

Referring toFIG. 85, during a heating operation, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction so as to be switched to the third mode P3, and the air-processing modules1000aand1000cmay form a vertical air current8700. The second louver290may rotate to an extent less than the maximum extent in the first direction so as to be inclined at the predetermined angle relative to the first louver150. Accordingly, the air-processing module1000bmay form an oblique air current8750, which is inclined to a certain extent relative to the vertical air current8700.

In the combined operation mode, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation, the first louver150may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces the ground, and the second louver290may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156forms a predetermined angle with the floor.

Referring toFIG. 86, during a cooling operation, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction so as to be switched to the second mode P2, and the air-processing modules1000aand1000cmay form a horizontal air current8800. The second louver290may rotate to an extent less than the maximum extent in the second direction so as to be inclined at the predetermined angle relative to the first louver150. Accordingly, the air-processing module1000bmay form an oblique air current8850, which is inclined to a certain extent relative to the horizontal air current8800.

In the combined operation mode, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, the first louver150may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces in a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the floor, and the second louver290may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156forms a predetermined angle with the direction perpendicular to the direction facing the floor.

It may be possible to form a stronger air current by increasing the angular difference between the first louver150and the second louver290. For example, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction to form vertical air current8700, and the second louver290may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

Referring toFIG. 87, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction so as to be switched to the third mode P3, and accordingly, the air-processing modules1000aand1000cmay form vertical air current8700. The second louver290may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction so as to be switched to the second mode P2, and accordingly, the air-processing module1000bmay form horizontal air current8800.

In the combined operation mode, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a heating operation, the first louver150may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces the floor, and the second louver290may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the floor or forms as small an inclination angle as possible with the floor.

When the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction, and the second louver290may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction. Referring toFIG. 88, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction so as to be switched to the second mode P2, and accordingly, the air-processing modules1000aand1000cmay form horizontal air current8800. The second louver290may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction so as to be switched to the third mode P3, and accordingly, the air-processing module1000bmay form vertical air current8700.

In the combined operation mode, when the first air-processing apparatus100performs a cooling operation, the first louver150may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the floor or forms as small an inclination angle as possible with the floor, and the second louver290may be oriented such that the plurality of vanes156faces the floor.

In the independent operation mode in which only the first air-processing apparatus100is driven, the first louver150may rotate to the maximum extent in the first direction to form vertical air current8700, or may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction, which is opposite the first direction, so as to be switched to the second mode P2. In the independent operation mode in which only the second air-processing apparatus200is driven, the second louver290may rotate to the maximum extent in the second direction so as to be switched to the second mode P2.

According to an embodiment, the remote control device500may receive air-quality detection input, and may transmit the air-quality detection input to the second air-processing apparatus200. When the air-quality detection input is received, the second air-processing apparatus200may repeatedly rotate the second louver290in order to indicate in an intuitively understandable manner that the air-quality detection input is being received and the air quality is being detected. The second louver290may rotate repeatedly within the range between the position corresponding to the second mode P2and the position corresponding to the third mode P3.

In addition, when the air-quality detection input is received, the second air-processing apparatus200may acquire information about the state of the air in the indoor space using a sensor provided therein, and may repeatedly rotate the second louver290until information about the state of the air meets a predetermined criterion. Accordingly, it is possible to more rapidly diffuse the filtered air.

According to an embodiment, the remote control device500may receive air-quality detection input, may acquire information about the state of the air in the indoor space using a sensor or receiver572provided therein, and may transmit the information about the state of the air to the second air-processing apparatus200. In this case, the second air-processing apparatus200may repeatedly rotate the second louver290until the information about the state of the air meets a predetermined criterion.

FIG. 89is a flowchart of a method for operating an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.FIGS. 90 and 91A-91Bare views for explaining air current control based on occupancy information of the air-conditioning system according to an embodiment.

In the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment, the number of air-processing apparatuses to be driven and the air current direction may vary based on indoor space occupancy information. The air-conditioning system1may determine occupancy information for regions corresponding to the apparatuses100and200. For example, each of the first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may include a sensor and a camera in order to determine occupancy information for the regions corresponding thereto. The apparatuses100and200, which are disposed in a line, may obtain occupancy information for different regions of the indoor space, thereby more accurately determining occupancy information without blind zones.

FIG. 90illustrates the case in which the air-conditioning system1according to an embodiment includes three air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000c. Each of the air-processing modules1000a,1000b, and1000cmay be the first air-processing apparatus100or the second air-processing apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 90, the first air-processing module1000atakes charge of Z1, Z4, and Z7, and determines occupancy information for Z1, Z4, and Z7. The second air-processing module1000btakes charge of Z2, Z5, and Z8, and determines occupancy information for Z2, Z5, and Z8. The third air-processing module1000ctakes charge of Z3, Z6, and Z9, and determines occupancy information for Z3, Z6, and Z9.

The first air-processing apparatus100and the second air-processing apparatus200may determine whether an occupant is present in the regions corresponding thereto and the number of occupants, and may share occupancy information.

The air-conditioning system1may select an operation mode based on the occupancy information determined by the apparatuses (S3320), and the apparatuses100and200may be driven in the selected operation mode (S3330). Also, the air-conditioning system1may independently control the apparatuses100and200based on the occupancy information.

If a setting is made such that air is not directly blown to an occupant9400, the air-conditioning system1may control air current so that air is not directly blown to the occupant9400. Referring toFIG. 91A, the air-processing module1000, from which the occupant9400is distant, may form a vertical air current8700. Assuming that occupants are present in Z1, Z2, and Z9inFIG. 90, the air-processing module1000cmay form vertical air current8700.

Referring toFIG. 91B, the air-processing module1000, below which the occupant9400is located, may form horizontal air current8800. Assuming that occupants are present in Z1, Z2, and Z9inFIG. 90, the air-processing modules1000aand1000bmay form a horizontal air current8800.

As is apparent from the above description, according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to conveniently clean and efficiently manage a pre-filter using a filter cleaner configured to clean the filter while automatically moving. Further, according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to clean pre-filters disposed in a plurality of air-processing apparatuses using a single filter cleaner. Furthermore, according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to precisely control movement of a filter cleaner.

According to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to precisely control cleaning performed by a filter cleaner. In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to clean a pre-filter during operation.

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

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system for conveniently cleaning and efficiently managing a pre-filter using a filter cleaner configured to clean the filter while automatically moving. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system for cleaning pre-filters disposed in a plurality of air-processing apparatuses using a single filter cleaner.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system for precisely controlling the movement of a filter cleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system for precisely controlling cleaning performed by a filter cleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein additionally provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system for cleaning a pre-filter during operation.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system that may effectively manage indoor air using a plurality of air-processing apparatuses in which outlets are formed in a line. Further, embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system may independently or compositely operate a plurality of air-processing apparatuses in which outlets are formed in a line depending on a state of an indoor space, thereby realizing air conditioning suitable for the state of the indoor space. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning system and a method for operating an air conditioning system may clean and manage pre-filters, which are provided in a plurality of air-processing apparatuses in which inlets are formed in a line, using a filter cleaner.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air-conditioning that may include air-processing apparatuses, each of which includes an inlet formed in one or a first surface thereof perpendicular to a floor or a ceiling and a pre-filter disposed in the inlet, and a filter cleaner configured to clean at least one of pre-filters provided in the air-processing apparatuses while automatically moving when at least one of the air-processing apparatuses stops operating. The air-processing apparatuses may be disposed adjacent to each other in a leftward-rightward or lateral direction. The filter cleaner may clean at least one of the pre-filters provided in the air-processing apparatuses while moving in the leftward-rightward direction.

The air-conditioning system may further include a guide rail disposed on one side of each of the air-processing apparatuses to guide movement of the filter cleaner. A plurality of objects to be sensed may be disposed on the guide rail so as to be spaced apart from each other in the leftward-rightward direction. The filter cleaner may include a position detection sensor, and may determine a position thereof based on the plurality of objects to be sensed that are detected by the position detection sensor. Two objects to be sensed may be disposed on the guide rail at positions corresponding to a start point and an end point of a movement section within which the filter cleaner moves.

Three or more objects to be sensed may be disposed on the guide rail. The filter cleaner may determine a position thereof based on at least one of identification information of the objects to be sensed that are detected by the position detection sensor, types of the objects to be sensed, an order in which the objects to be sensed are detected, or a change in a physical parameter caused by the objects to be sensed. The filter cleaner may include a first position detection sensor and a second position detection sensor spaced apart from the first position detection sensor.

When the filter cleaner moves in a first direction, if the second position detection sensor detects an object to be sensed corresponding to the end point of a cleaning section, the filter cleaner may stop moving. When the filter cleaner changes the moving direction thereof and moves in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, if the first position detection sensor detects an object to be sensed corresponding to the start point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner moves, the filter cleaner may stop moving.

The air-conditioning system may further include an end plate disposed at a left or first end or a right or second end of the guide rail to restrict movement of the filter cleaner in one direction. The end plate may include a charging terminal that protrudes in a direction in which the guide rail extends and a power supply circuit accommodated in the end plate to supply power to the charging terminal.

When the filter cleaner enters a section corresponding to an air-processing apparatus that is operating, the air-processing apparatus that is operating may temporarily stop operating while the filter cleaner passes through the section corresponding thereto.

The filter cleaner may include a dust container device that forms a space to accommodate foreign substances, an agitator configured to rotate while contacting the pre-filters, and a suction device configured to deliver foreign substances removed by the agitator to the dust container device. When cleaning all of the pre-filters, the filter cleaner may drive the suction device and the agitator while moving toward the end point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner moves. When arriving at the end point, the filter cleaner may stop moving and may move toward the start point of the movement section. When arriving at the start point, the filter cleaner may stop driving the suction device and the agitator and may terminate operation.

When arriving at the end point, the filter cleaner may stop driving the suction device and the agitator. While moving toward the start point, the filter cleaner may drive the suction device and the agitator.

When cleaning some of the pre-filters, the filter cleaner may move toward a cleaning section corresponding to a pre-filter to be cleaned by the filter cleaner. When arriving at the start point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner may drive the suction device and the agitator. When arriving at the end point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner may stop moving and may move toward the start point of the movement section within which the filter cleaner moves. When arriving at the start point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner may stop driving the suction device and the agitator. When arriving at the start point of the movement section, the filter cleaner may terminate operation.

When arriving at the end point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner may stop driving the suction device and the agitator. While moving toward the start point of the cleaning section, the filter cleaner may drive the suction device and the agitator.

The filter cleaner may include a housing that accommodates the dust container device, the agitator, and the suction device therein, a moving gear configured to move the housing in the leftward-rightward direction of the pre-filters, a gear motor configured to rotate the moving gear, a guide roller rotatably disposed in the housing to maintain a gap between the pre-filters and a surface of the housing that faces the pre-filters, and a support roller rotatably disposed in the housing at a position above the guide roller. A battery may be disposed in the housing, and a connection terminal may be disposed on one surface of the housing so as to be connected to an external terminal in order to supply power to the battery.

At least one of the air-processing apparatuses may further include a heat exchanger configured to induce the air introduced into the inlet to exchange heat with refrigerant.

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

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.