Cleaning band for an electronic air cleaner

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning belt for an electronic air cleaner, in particular to a cleaning system for cleaning at least one electrode of an electronic air cleaner, comprising: a drive mechanism; at least one support operably coupled to the drive mechanism; and a continuous band engaged with the at least one support. The continuous tape includes one or more cleaning teeth extending from a surface of the continuous tape, and the one or more cleaning teeth are coplanar with at least one electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of air treatment, and more particularly, to a cleaning mechanism for cleaning an electron ionization device. Background Art

[0002] Air and other fluids are often cleaned or purified in a variety of applications. For example, in an air conditioning system, the air to be delivered to the conditioned area is not only conditioned, but also filtered or otherwise processed before delivery. One device commonly used to perform such processing is an electronic air cleaner. However, the performance of an electronic air cleaner may degrade over time because compounds and particles in the air being processed adhere to the surface of the electrode(s). Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an embodiment, a cleaning system for cleaning at least one electrode of an electronic air cleaner includes: a drive mechanism; at least one support operably coupled to the drive mechanism; and a continuous belt engaged with the at least one support. The continuous belt includes one or more cleaning teeth extending from a surface of the continuous belt.

[0004] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include one or more cleaning teeth formed from a resilient material such that the one or more cleaning teeth are configured to flex relative to the continuous strip.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include that at least one support includes a first support and a second support, and that the first support is operably coupled to the drive mechanism.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include that the second support is a passive support.

[0007]

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include a drive mechanism embedded within at least one support member.

[0008]

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include at least one support member including a drive feature configured to cooperate with the continuous belt to move the continuous belt.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the drive feature comprising a plurality of teeth and the continuous belt comprising a plurality of corresponding drive teeth configured to intermesh with the plurality of drive teeth to move the continuous belt.

[0010]

[0013] Further embodiments may include, in addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, that the drive feature comprises a friction surface.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the drive feature being configured to mate with another surface of the continuous belt opposite the surface from which the one or more cleaning teeth extend.

[0012]

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include the drive feature being configured to engage an interior surface of the continuous belt.

[0013]

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include the drive feature being configured to engage an exterior surface of the continuous belt.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include: at least one post is associated with at least one electrode, the at least one post is positioned upstream of the at least one electrode relative to the movement path of the continuous belt, and the at least one post is arranged in the movement path of one or more cleaning teeth to keep one or more cleaning teeth away from the at least one electrode for a portion of the movement path.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include a drive mechanism operable to drive the belt in a first direction of travel and a second, opposite direction of travel.

[0016]

[0013] Further embodiments may include, in addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein: one or more cleaning teeth forming drive mechanisms.

[0017] According to an embodiment, an electronic air cleaner includes: a brush array; an ionization system including a brush assembly having at least one electrode mounted to the brush array; and a cleaning system connected to the brush array. The cleaning system includes a continuous belt movable to contact the at least one electrode.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include that the at least one electrode further comprises a plurality of electrodes, and the continuous strip is operable to contact the plurality of electrodes.

[0019] In addition or alternatively to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include the continuous belt further comprising at least one cleaning tooth extending from a surface of the continuous belt, the at least one cleaning tooth being coplanar with the at least one electrode and configured to contact the at least one electrode.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include: at least one electrode includes a plurality of electrodes, and at least one cleaning tooth includes a plurality of cleaning teeth, wherein the total number of the plurality of cleaning teeth is less than or equal to the total number of the plurality of electrodes.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include at least one post positioned upstream of the at least one electrode relative to the path of travel of the continuous belt, the at least one post being disposed within the path of travel of the at least one cleaning tooth.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described herein, further embodiments may include: the cleaning system further comprising: a drive mechanism; and at least one support engaging a surface of the continuous belt, the at least one support operably coupled to the drive mechanism.

[0023]

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include a drive mechanism embedded within at least one support member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, similar elements are similarly numbered:

[0025] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary electronic air cleaner having a cleaning assembly system mounted thereto according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ionization system for an electronic air cleaner according to an embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary belt for use in a cleaning system according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary belt and support for use in a cleaning system according to an embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary electronic air cleaner having a cleaning system mounted thereto according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , illustrates an exemplary electronic air cleaner 20. As shown, the air cleaner 20 includes a housing 22 having a first portion or base 24 and a second portion or cover 26. The cover 26 may be removably coupled to the base 24, such as via a plurality of fasteners, a snap-fit ​​connection, or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively, the cover 26 may be permanently attached to the base 24. In an embodiment, the base 24 includes a bottom 28 disposed at a first end and a plurality of side walls 30 extending from the bottom 28 in the same direction so as to define a hollow interior or cavity 31 therebetween (see Figure 2 ). The cover 26 may be configured to be mounted to the distal ends of the plurality of side walls 30 to substantially seal the open end of the cavity 31. However, it should be understood that embodiments in which the cavity 31 is formed in the cover 26 and embodiments in which the cavity 31 is defined by a combination of both the cover 26 and the base 24 are also contemplated herein.

[0032] The brush array 32 extends from the cover 26 in a direction away from the base 24. As shown, the brush array 32 can be arranged substantially orthogonal to the adjacent surface 34 of the cover 26. However, embodiments in which the brush array 32 has another orientation relative to the cover 26 are within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the brush array 32 is a separate component that is fixedly or removably mounted to the cover 26. In another embodiment, the brush array 32 is integrally formed with the cover 26.

[0033] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the brush array 32 includes a body or structural member 36 capable of supporting one or more brush assemblies 38. The brush array 32 may be formed as a single unitary body, or alternatively, may be formed by connecting multiple components (such as, for example, an upper portion and a lower portion). As shown, the body 36 may have a first arm 40 and a second arm 42 arranged parallel to each other and separated by a gap 44. As shown, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 may be connected at their distal ends so that the body 36 is generally U-shaped. In addition, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 may be substantially the same and / or the thickness of the body 36 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 36 may be constant or variable. It should be understood that embodiments in which the brush array 32 has another configuration (such as, for example, a circular configuration) are also contemplated herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as where the body 36 is configured to support a plurality of brush assemblies 38 and is thus generally elongated in the longitudinal direction, the brush array 32 may additionally include one or more cross members 46 spanning the gap 44 to connect the first arm 40 and the second arm 42. The inclusion of the cross members 46 may increase the structural rigidity of the body 36. The cross members 46 may be separate components, or may be integrally formed with one or both of the first arm 40 and the second arm 42. It should be understood that the electronic air cleaner 20 illustrated and described herein is intended to be exemplary only, and that electronic air cleaners having any suitable configuration are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, a plurality of openings or holes 48 (in Figure 2 4 and 5. The brush assemblies 38 are shown in the upper surface 50 of the body 36. The total number of openings 48 will vary based on the total number of brush assemblies. Although openings 48 are formed in each of the arms 40, 42, and each opening 48 is axially aligned with at least one opening on the same arm and at least one opening on the opposite arm, embodiments are contemplated herein in which the openings 48 are not aligned with each other. In other embodiments, the body or structural member 36 of the brush array 32 may be configured as an electrical conductor, and each of the brush assemblies 38 is simply attached to the conductive body 36. In such embodiments, the brush assemblies 38 need not be disposed within corresponding openings 48 formed in the body 36.

[0036] In an embodiment, the electronic air cleaner 20 additionally includes an ionization system 52 (see Figure 2 ). All or a portion of the ionization system 52 may be disposed within the cavity 31 of the housing 22. At least a portion of the body 36 of the brush array 32 (such as, for example, the first arm 40 and the second arm 42) has a hollow interior 54. Therefore, in an embodiment, a portion of the ionization system 52 is disposed within the body 36 of the brush array 32, such as within the hollow interior 54. The ionization system 52 may include a circuit board 56 and a power source 58, which is operably coupled to the circuit board 56 to provide power to one or more components of the air cleaner 20. The ionization system 52 may additionally include an ion generation device 60, which is operably coupled to the circuit board 56 and is configured to receive power from the circuit board 56 to generate ions. In an embodiment, the ion generation device 60 is configured to generate a high voltage of a single type of polarity. In other embodiments, the ion generation device 60 is operable to generate high voltages of two polarities. In such cases, the polarity may be configured to alternate across all brush assemblies, or alternatively, some brush assemblies may be configured to receive a first continuous polarity while other brush assemblies may be configured to receive a second continuous polarity.

[0037] One or more brush assemblies 38 are connected to the ion generating device 60. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, each brush assembly 38 includes at least one electrode or high voltage wire 62 that extends through the hollow interior 54 of the body 36 and the openings 48 formed in the body 36 of the brush array 32. However, as previously noted, in embodiments where the body is electrically conductive, the brush assemblies 38 may be mounted and electrically connected to the body in any suitable manner.

[0038] In embodiments where the brush assembly includes multiple electrodes, such as, for example, two electrodes 62, the electrodes are mounted via two separate corresponding openings 48, such as an opening in the first arm 40 and an axially aligned opening 48 in the second arm 42. However, embodiments are also contemplated herein where the two electrodes are mounted to the same portion of the body 36, such as, for example, the same arm.

[0039] In an embodiment, the electrode 62 includes a brush 64 that includes a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the brush 64. However, in other embodiments, the electrode 62 may be a flexible electrode including a brush having a single bristle, or alternatively, may be a rigid sharp electrode having a pin point, a pin tip, or other shaped protrusion. The brush 64 may be made of any suitable material that is electrically conductive. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the ionization system 52 includes six brush assemblies 38, each having two electrodes 62. However, embodiments in which the ionization system 52 includes any number of brush assemblies 38, including a single brush assembly or two brush assemblies, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the electronic air cleaner 20 includes at least one cleaning system 70 that is operable to clean one or more of the brush assemblies 38. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning system 70 includes a continuous belt 72 positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the structural member 36. A drive system 74 coupled to the continuous belt 72 is operable to drive the continuous belt 72 relative to the structural member 36 and the brush assembly 38. As shown, the drive system 74 includes one or more supports 76, such as, for example, pulleys or sprockets, around which the belt 72 is mounted. Rotation of one or more of the supports 76 is configured to drive rotation of the belt 72.

[0041] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of the embodiment, at least one support member 76 has a drive feature 80, such as, for example, a plurality of teeth, which is configured to intermesh or engage with a plurality of corresponding drive teeth 82 formed at a surface of the belt 72, such as, for example, an interior surface 84 of the belt 72. However, embodiments are also contemplated herein in which the support member 76 engages with the belt 72 in another suitable manner to drive the belt 72, such as, for example, where the drive feature includes a friction surface that causes frictional engagement.

[0042] At least one support 76 includes a driven support, also referred to herein as a "drive support". A motor or another suitable drive mechanism 78 may be separate from the drive support 76 and operably coupled to the drive support 76, such as, for example, via a rotatable shaft. However, in other embodiments, the drive mechanism 78 may be integrally formed or embedded within the support. It should be understood that the drive mechanism 78 need not be electric. For example, in an embodiment, similar to a wind turbine, the drive mechanism may be configured to capture the power of the airflow of the air flow passing through the drive mechanism 78.

[0043] In an embodiment including multiple supports 76, the first support 76 may be a driven support and the second support 76 may be a passive support configured to freely rotate in response to engagement with the belt 72. Examples of passive supports include, but are not limited to, for example, a rotating cylinder on a column (on which the belt 72 slides), a rotating bushing, or a bearing. In another embodiment, the drive system 74 may include multiple driven supports. For example, a first driven support may be configured to drive the belt 72 in a first direction, and a second driven support may be operable to drive the belt 72 in a second, relative direction. However, embodiments in which a single driven support 76 is operable to drive the belt 72 in both the first and second directions are also contemplated herein.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 3A As best shown in , the continuous belt 72 includes at least one cleaning tooth 86 protruding from the surface of the belt 72, so that a portion of the cleaning tooth 86 is coplanar with a portion of the brush assembly 38, such as, for example, coplanar with the electrode 62. At least one cleaning tooth 86 may be formed integrally with the belt 72, or alternatively, may be coupled to the belt 72. Thus, at least one cleaning tooth 86 may be formed of the same material as the belt 72 or of a different material than the belt 72. In an embodiment, at least one cleaning tooth 86 is arranged at a surface of the belt 72 opposite to a surface configured to engage (one or more) support members 76. Although one or more cleaning teeth 86 are illustrated in the figures as protruding from an exterior surface 88 and the support member 76 is configured to engage an interior surface 84 of the belt 72, embodiments in which the cleaning teeth 86 are arranged at the interior surface 84 and the support member 76 engages and drives the exterior surface 88 of the belt are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, embodiments in which the cleaning teeth 86 and the drive feature 80 are arranged at the same side of the belt 72 are also contemplated herein.

[0045] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the belt 72 includes a plurality of cleaning teeth 86, such as, for example, six cleaning teeth. However, it should be understood that embodiments having any number of cleaning teeth 86, including a single cleaning tooth, two cleaning teeth, three cleaning teeth, four cleaning teeth, five cleaning teeth, and more than six cleaning teeth, are contemplated herein. Although the cleaning teeth 86 are shown as being spaced at equidistant intervals around the belt 72, embodiments in which the spacing between adjacent cleaning teeth 86 varies are also contemplated herein. In an embodiment, the spacing between adjacent cleaning teeth may be selected to be a multiple of the spacing between adjacent brush assemblies 38 so as to allow the belt 72 to stop in a position in which none of the cleaning teeth 86 is arranged to contact or be positioned directly adjacent to the brush electrode 62.

[0046] In addition, in embodiments including multiple cleaning teeth 86, the multiple cleaning teeth can be substantially identical, or alternatively, can have different configurations. In embodiments where one or more parameters of the cleaning teeth 86 vary, such as, for example, the length of the cleaning teeth (measured perpendicular to the surface of the belt 72), different teeth 86 can be configured to clean different brush assemblies 38.

[0047] As shown, the total number of cleaning teeth 86 can be equal to or less than the total number of brush assemblies 38 to be cleaned by the cleaning system 70. For example, the ratio of cleaning teeth 86 to brush assemblies 38 associated with the cleaning teeth 86 can be between 1:6 and 3:4. In an embodiment, the ratio of cleaning teeth 86 to brush assemblies 38 is 1:2. Although a single cleaning system 70 can be operated to clean Figure 1 38 of each brush assembly 38 of the electronic air cleaner 20, but in other embodiments, the electronic air cleaner 20 may include multiple cleaning systems 70, each associated with a respective portion of the brush assembly 38. In such embodiments, the multiple cleaning systems 70 may be operably coupled to each other, such as, for example, via a shared motor 78, or alternatively, may be independently operable.

[0048] In an embodiment, the cleaning teeth 86 are formed of a resilient or elastic material that is configured to flex, such as, for example, in response to engagement with one of the brush assemblies 38. Referring now to Figure 4, at least one post 90 may extend from the surface of the structural member 36 at a position upstream of one of the brush assemblies 38 relative to the direction of travel or the direction of movement of the belt 72. In an embodiment, the cleaning system 70 includes a plurality of posts 90, each associated with a corresponding brush assembly 38. Each post 90 is positioned within the path of movement of the cleaning tooth 86. Thus, when the cleaning tooth 86 approaches the brush assembly 38, the cleaning tooth 86 engages the post 90, causing the cleaning tooth 86 to bend backward relative to the belt 72. The cleaning tooth 86 may remain in this bent configuration until the forward end or fixed end of the cleaning tooth 86 is substantially at the brush assembly. At this position, the distal end of the cleaning tooth 86 is separated from the post 90. The elasticity of the material of the cleaning tooth 86 may cause the tooth to flex back to the neutral position just in time to engage the adjacent brush assembly 38. However, it should be understood that the operation of the belt 72 in a random or alternative direction may help prevent the cleaning tooth 86 from being plastically deformed due to repeated flexing in the same direction.

[0049] Alternatively or in addition, at least one cleaning system 70 may include one or more back supports 92, such as positioned between opposite, inwardly facing sides of the belt 72. Including these back supports 92 can prevent the belt 72 from flexing inwardly, away from the brush assembly 38. In an embodiment, at least one back support 92 is configured as a generally rectangular block. In another embodiment, at least one back support is configured as a plurality of cylindrical posts, wherein a different post is disposed adjacent to each of the inner surfaces of the belt. In such embodiments, the cylindrical posts may be rotatable bushings to facilitate sliding movement of the belt 72.

[0050] The cleaning system 70 for the electronic air cleaner 20 as described herein allows for automatic cleaning of multiple brush assemblies 38 arranged in a linear array. In addition, even when moving at a slow drive speed, the cleaning teeth of the belt 72 will provide adequate cleaning. In addition, when the cleaning system 70 is not operational, it is desirable that the cleaning teeth 86 be isolated from the brush assembly 38 or positioned so as not to contact the brush assembly 38. By including the above-described Figure 4 With the posts 90 depicted, the likelihood that the cleaning teeth 86 will be placed in contact with the brush assembly 38 when movement of the belt 72 is stopped is significantly reduced, thereby allowing the cleaning system 70 to be properly stopped at any time.

[0051] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed.

[0052] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0053] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the substantive scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning system for cleaning at least one electrode of an electronic air cleaner, the cleaning system comprising: Driving mechanism; at least one support operably coupled to the drive mechanism; as well as A continuous belt is engaged with the at least one support, the continuous belt including one or more cleaning teeth extending from a surface of the continuous belt.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more cleaning teeth are formed of a resilient material such that the one or more cleaning teeth are configured to flex relative to the continuous strip.

3. A cleaning system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The at least one support includes a first support and a second support, and the first support is operably coupled to the drive mechanism.

4. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second support is a passive support.

5. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drive mechanism is embedded in the at least one support member.

6. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one support includes a drive feature configured to cooperate with the continuous belt to move the continuous belt.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The drive feature includes a plurality of teeth and the continuous belt includes a plurality of corresponding drive teeth configured to intermesh with the plurality of drive teeth to move the continuous belt.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The drive feature includes a friction surface.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The drive feature is configured to cooperate with another surface of the continuous belt opposite the surface from which the one or more cleaning teeth extend.

10. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The drive feature is configured to engage an interior surface of the continuous belt.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The drive feature is configured to engage an exterior surface of the continuous belt.

12. The cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one post associated with the at least one electrode, the at least one post being positioned upstream of the at least one electrode relative to the moving path of the continuous belt, the at least one post being arranged within the moving path of the one or more cleaning teeth to keep the one or more cleaning teeth away from the at least one electrode for a portion of the moving path.

13. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drive mechanism is operable to drive the belt in a first direction of travel and a second, opposite direction of travel.

14. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more cleaning teeth form the drive mechanism.

15. An electronic air cleaner comprising: Brush array; an ionization system comprising a brush assembly having at least one electrode mounted to the brush array; as well as A cleaning system is coupled to the brush array, the cleaning system comprising a continuous belt movable to contact the at least one electrode.

16. The electronic air cleaner of claim 15, wherein: The at least one electrode further comprises a plurality of electrodes, and the continuous strip is operable to contact the plurality of electrodes.

17. An electronic air cleaner according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein: The continuous belt also includes at least one cleaning tooth extending from a surface of the continuous belt, the at least one cleaning tooth being coplanar with the at least one electrode and configured to contact the at least one electrode.

18. The electronic air cleaner of claim 17, wherein: The continuous belt is driven in response to air flow.

19. An electronic air cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein: The cleaning system also includes: a drive mechanism; and At least one support engages a surface of the continuous belt, the at least one support operably coupled to the drive mechanism.

20. The electronic air cleaner of claim 19, wherein: The drive mechanism is embedded in the at least one support member.

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