Lint removal device and clothes dryer including same

Abstract

This clothes dryer comprises: a drum; an exhaust port through which air in the drum is discharged to the outside of the drum; a first filter which is rotatable and is configured so that the air discharged through the exhaust port passes therethrough in order to be filtered by the first filter; and a second filter which is arranged on one side of the first filter so as to remove lint from the air having passed through the first filter; and a motor which transfers power to the first filter so as to rotate the first filter. The first filter and the second filter are configured so that the rotation of the first filter due to the motor causes the lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter.

Description

Lint removal device and clothes dryer including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothes dryer including a lint removal device.

[0002] Typically, a clothes dryer is a device that forces heated air into a drum to dry wet laundry. These dryers are similar in appearance to drum-type washing machines, and dry laundry by forcibly circulating heated air through a heater and blower fan into the drum.

[0003] During the operation of a clothes dryer, the air exhausted from the drum may contain lint. The air exhausted from the drum passes through a heat exchanger and is then circulated back into the drum. Therefore, any lint in the air must be removed before circulation.

[0004] To this end, the clothes dryer may include a lint filter that filters lint to prevent lint from flowing toward the heat exchanger and thereby prevent deterioration of the drying performance of the clothes dryer, and a lint removal device including the lint filter. Since lint may accumulate in the lint filter, it is necessary to remove the accumulated lint to prevent deterioration of the drying performance.

[0005] Recently, there has been a demand for a clothes dryer that prevents deterioration in drying performance by allowing the lint filter to be cleaned without requiring the user to manually remove accumulated lint from the lint filter.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a clothes dryer that prevents deterioration of drying performance, including a lint filter and a lint removal device including the same.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a lint removal device capable of removing lint accumulated in a lint filter without user intervention and a clothes dryer including the same.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes dryer includes a drum, an exhaust port through which air inside the drum is discharged to the outside of the drum, a rotatable first filter configured to allow air discharged through the exhaust port to pass through the first filter to be filtered by the first filter, a second filter disposed on one side of the first filter to remove lint in air passing through the first filter, and a motor configured to transmit power to the first filter to rotate the first filter. The first filter and the second filter are configured such that rotation of the first filter by the motor causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a lint removal device may include a first filter configured to filter lint in the air, a rotating member including a rotating shaft, and pins extending from the rotating shaft to scrape and collect lint collected in the lint filter, a second filter disposed downstream of the first filter to filter lint in the air that has passed through the first filter, a cleaning member mounted on the first filter and protruding toward the second filter, and a motor configured to rotate the first filter so that the cleaning member removes lint collected in the second filter while the first filter rotates.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes dryer includes a drum, an exhaust port through which air inside the drum flows to the outside of the drum, and a lint removal device disposed downstream of the exhaust port to remove lint in air passing through the exhaust port, wherein the lint removal device is disposed downstream of the drum and includes a rotatable first filter, a second filter disposed outside the first filter, a first cleaning member configured to clean the first filter, a second cleaning member configured to clean the second filter, and a motor configured to rotate at least one of the first filter and the rotating member, wherein the first cleaning member can rotate to clean the first filter based on rotation of the motor in the first direction, and the second cleaning member can rotate to clean the second filter based on rotation of the motor in the second direction.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the clothes dryer shown in Figure 4.

[0017] Figure 6 is a front view of the clothes dryer shown in Figure 4.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0041] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of this application.

[0042] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0043] In addition, the terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0045] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0046] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0047] Furthermore, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no significance.

[0048] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0049] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of air within the clothes dryer.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a dryer (1) refers to a device that dries clothes, etc. by introducing dry, high-temperature air into a drying room (31) and using the driving force of a motor to stir an object to be dried introduced into the drying room (31). Here, when the object to be dried is clothes, the dryer may be referred to as a clothes dryer or a clothes treatment device.

[0053] The clothes dryer (1) may be an air-circulating clothes dryer. Meanwhile, the disclosure may also be applied to a non-air-circulating clothes dryer in which air does not circulate.

[0054] A clothes dryer (1) may include a cabinet (10) and an inlet (11). The cabinet (10) is formed in a roughly rectangular shape, and the inlet (11) may be formed at the front of the cabinet (10) to insert clothes. The inlet (11) may be formed to be open.

[0055] A user interface (70) including a touch panel may be provided on the upper side of the inlet (11). A control unit may be provided at the rear of the user interface (70) inside the cabinet (10). A door (20) may be connected via a hinge at the front of the cabinet (10).

[0056] The door (20) may include a first door (21) and a second door (22). The first door (21) may be positioned above the second door (22). The first door (21) may open and close the inlet (11). The first door (21) may be an upper door (6) or a clothing door (6).

[0057] The second door (22) can open and close the opening (12) formed in the front of the cabinet (10). The lint removal device (100) can be withdrawn and / or introduced through the opening (12). The second door (22) is rotatably coupled to the bottom of the cabinet (10) and can open and close the opening (12). The second door (22) can be a lower door.

[0058] A drum (30) for accommodating clothing may be installed inside the cabinet (10). An opening may be formed at the front of the drum (30) for inserting and removing clothing. The opening of the drum (30) may be provided to correspond to the inlet (11).

[0059] The drum (30) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the drum (30) may be supported on the cabinet (10) so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis extending in the forward and backward directions.

[0060] An intake port (33) covered with a mesh filter may be formed at the rear end of the drum (30). High-temperature, low-humidity air that has passed through the heat exchanger (60) may flow into the drying room (31) through the intake port (33).

[0061] A lifter (32) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (30). The lifter (32) may be formed integrally with the drum (30), but is not limited thereto. During the drying process, the drum (30) may be rotated by a drive motor (not shown).

[0062] The clothes dryer may include a heat exchanger (60), a blower fan (50), and a lint removal device (100). The heat exchanger (60), the blower fan (50), and the lint removal device (100) may be disposed at the bottom of the cabinet (10). For example, the heat exchanger (60), the blower fan (50), and the lint removal device (100) may be disposed within a duct (41, 42, 43).

[0063] Due to this, sufficient installation space for the heat exchanger (60), blower fan (50), and lint removal device (100) can be secured, and a large, high-performance clothes dryer can be manufactured. In addition, since the center of gravity is lowered, the clothes dryer (1) can be installed stably. In addition, since it is located below the drum (30) that generates vibration during the drying process, the effect of suppressing the vibration can also be obtained.

[0064] In addition, as described later, the air circulation path can be enlarged and simplified, thereby reducing air resistance, thereby reducing pressure loss, and smoothly guiding the air flowing out of the drum (30) to the heat exchanger (60).

[0065] An exhaust port (40) is provided at the lower side of the inlet (11) through which air discharged from the drying room (31) inside the drum (30) passes. The exhaust port (40) may be communicated with the interior of the ducts (41, 42, 43). For example, the exhaust port (40) may be communicated with a front passage (41a) formed inside the front duct (41). A lint removal device (100) may be arranged downstream of the front passage (41a) to collect and remove lint (fluff) contained in the air discharged from the drying room (31).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the lint removal device (100) may be disposed on the front side of the lower portion of the cabinet (10). The lint removal device (100) may be disposed within a duct (41, 42, 43) through which air discharged from the drum (30) flows. The lint removal device (100) may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger (60), and the lint removal device (100) may prevent lint from accumulating in the heat exchanger (60) by removing lint in the air that has passed through the drum (30).

[0067] The heat exchanger (60) may include an evaporator (61) and a condenser (62). The evaporator (61), the condenser (62), and the blower fan (50) may be arranged in one direction. The evaporator (61) may be located upstream of the condenser (62) based on the air flow. Air introduced into the ducts (41, 42, 43) through the exhaust port (40) may be dried while passing through the evaporator (61), heated while passing through the condenser (62), and may flow back into the drying room (31) through the intake port (33). The clothes dryer may include a compressor and an expander, and the compressor and expander may be connected to the evaporator (61) and the condenser (62).

[0068] The clothes dryer may include ducts (41, 42, 43). The ducts may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple ducts (41, 42, 43) may include a first duct (41), a second duct (42), and a third duct (43). The first duct (41) may be a front duct (41) arranged on the front side within the cabinet (10). The second duct (42) may be a lower duct (42) arranged on the lower side of the drum (30) within the cabinet (10) and arranged between the first duct (41) and the third duct (43). The second duct (42) may be arranged between the lower side of the drum (30) and the bottom of the cabinet (10). The third duct (43) arranged on the rear side within the cabinet (10) may be a rear duct (43). The third duct (43) may be arranged between the rear wall of the cabinet (10) and the rear portion of the drum (30). The first duct (41), the second duct (42), and the third duct (43) may be connected to each other. However, the first duct (41), the second duct (42), and the third duct (43) may be formed integrally to form a single duct.

[0069] The first duct (41) can form a first flow path (41a). Air containing lint that has passed through the drying room (31) can flow into the first flow path (41a). The air that has passed through the first flow path (41a) can pass through a lint removal device (100). The air that has passed through the lint removal device (100) can have lint removed by a filter and flow into a second flow path (42a). The first flow path (41a) and the second flow path (42a) can be in communication and / or connected. One end of the first flow path (41a) can be in communication with an exhaust port, and the other end of the first flow path (41a) can be in communication with an internal flow path of the lint removal device.

[0070] The second duct (42) can form a second flow path (42a). A heat exchanger (60) can be arranged within the second duct (42). The air from which lint has been removed can change from low-temperature and high-humidity air to high-temperature and low-humidity air by passing through the heat exchanger (60) within the second flow path (42a). The second flow path (42a) can form a part of a machine room. The air that has passed through the heat exchanger (60) can flow to a third flow path (43a). The second flow path (42a) and the third flow path (43a) can be in communication and / or connected. One end of the second flow path (42a) can be in communication with the internal flow path (110a) through the communication opening (90b) of the lint removal device, and the other end of the second flow path (42a) can be in communication with the third flow path (43a).

[0071] The third duct (43) can form a third flow path (43a). Air introduced into the third flow path (43a) can pass through the rear of the drum (30) and flow into the drying chamber (31) through the intake port (33). The third flow path (43a) and the drying chamber (31) formed inside the drum can be in communication and / or connected. One end of the third flow path (43a) can be in communication with the second flow path (42a), and the other end of the third flow path (43a) can be in communication with the drying chamber (31).

[0072] During the drying process, the blower fan (50) generates a flow of air from the exhaust port (40) toward the intake port (33). Accordingly, circulation of air passing through the drying chamber (31) inside the drum (30) can be formed. By the blower fan (50), moist air is discharged from the drum (30) through the exhaust port (40), and air dried at high temperature through the heat exchanger (60) can be introduced into the drum (30) through the intake port (33).

[0073] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the clothes dryer illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the lint removal device extended from the cabinet. FIG. 6 is a front view of the clothes dryer illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the clothes dryer may further include a device case (90). The device case (90) is fixed within the cabinet (10) and may be positioned at the front lower portion of the cabinet (10). A lint removal device (100) may be accommodated and positioned within the device case (90).

[0075] The device case (90) may include position guides (91, 92, 93). The position guides (91, 92, 93) may fix a lint removal device (100) disposed in an internal space (90a). The position guides (91, 92, 93) may include a guide wall (91). The guide wall (91) may be provided on the right side of the device case (90). The guide wall (91) may extend in a vertical direction within the device case (90). A guide hole (91a) may be formed in the guide wall (91) so that a fixing member (112) coupled to a lint box (140) is inserted therein. The position guides (91, 92, 93) may include guide blocks (92, 93). The guide blocks (92, 93) may protrude from the lower portion of the device case (90). A first guide block (92) may be provided in the middle of the device case (90). A guide hole (92a) may be formed in the first guide block (92) so that a fixing member (112) coupled to a lint box (140) and a fixing member (112) coupled to a housing (110) may be inserted therein. A second guide block (93) may be provided in the left side of the device case (90). A guide hole (93a) may be formed in the second guide block (93) so that a fixing member (112) coupled to a housing (110) may be inserted therein.

[0076] The lint removal device (100) can be withdrawn and / or inserted into the interior of the cabinet (10) and the interior of the device case (90). The user can manually remove lint in the lint box (140) or clean the filter by pulling out the lint removal device (100) using the handle (111). In addition, when the lint removal device (100) is separated from the cabinet (10), the heat exchanger (60) disposed inside the cabinet (10) can be cleaned through the communication opening (90b) formed at the rear of the device case (90). However, the driving device may not be withdrawn from the interior of the cabinet (10).

[0077] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, the lint box (140) of the lint removal device (100) can be opened and closed. For example, the lint box (140) can have an interior (140a) and an opening (140b) opened and closed by a box door (141) rotatably coupled to the rear end. Lint collected in the interior (140a) of the lint box (140) can be discarded through the opening (140b) opened by the box door (141).

[0079] The lint box (140) may be formed to be at least partially transparent. For example, the lint box (140) may be formed to be at least partially made of a transparent material. Accordingly, a user can determine the amount of lint collected inside the lint box (140) (140a) without opening the box door (141), and easily determine whether the lint box (140) should be emptied.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front exploded perspective view of the lint removal device, and FIG. 10 is a rear exploded perspective view of the lint removal device. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch and a drive device.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the lint removal device (100) may include a housing (110). The housing (110) may accommodate a plurality of filters (120, 130). The housing (110) may form a receiving space (110a) in which the plurality of filters (120, 130) are accommodated. The receiving space (110a) may be an internal space (110a) and may be an internal passage (110a) of the lint removal device (100).

[0082] A handle (111) may be formed at the front portion of the housing (110). A user may use the handle (111) to pull the housing (110) and filters (120, 130) from the inside of the cabinet (10) to the outside of the cabinet (10) (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The handle (111) may be formed at the front lower portion of the housing (110).

[0083] A housing opening (110b) may be formed on the rear wall of the housing (110). The housing opening (110b) may be communicated with the receiving space (110a) and the communication opening (90b), respectively. Air that has passed through the plurality of filters (120, 130) may sequentially pass through the housing opening (110b) and the communication opening (90b) and then flow into the heat exchanger (60).

[0084] Mounting portions (110c) may be provided on both sides of the housing (110). The mounting portions (110c) may be formed to be open. For example, the lint box (140) and the interior of the housing (110) may be connected through the right mounting portion (110c). The second cover portion (162) of the cover (160) may be inserted into the left mounting portion (110c), and the filter gear (124) may pass through it.

[0085] The lint removal device (100) may further include a rotating member (170).

[0086] The rotating member (170) may include a rotating shaft (171) and a spiral-shaped pin (172) provided on the rotating shaft (171). The pin (172) may be configured along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (171). The pin (172) may be referred to as a blade (172). The pin (172) of the rotating member (170) may scrape the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120) and transfer the collected lint to the lint box (140).

[0087] The rotating member (170) may further include a mounting portion (173). The mounting portion (173) may be formed at one end of the rotating shaft (171). For example, the mounting portion (173) may be formed at one end (e.g., the left end) along the Y direction of the rotating shaft (171) so as to be mounted within the screw gear (174). The outer surface of the mounting portion (173) may include a flat surface. The mounting portion (173) may be mounted within the screw gear (174) so ​​as to transmit power to the rotating member (170). The screw gear (174) may be the rotating member gear (174). Although the rotating member gear (174) and the filter gear (124) are illustrated as being adjacent in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rotating member gear (174) and the filter gear (124) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0088] A driving device (150) including a motor (151) is coupled to one end of the rotating member (170) to generate power to rotate the rotating member (170).

[0089] The lint removal device (100) may further include a plurality of filters (120, 130). The plurality of filters (120, 130) may be arranged within the housing (110) to filter lint in the air discharged from the drum (30). The plurality of filters (120, 130) may include a first filter (120) and a second filter (130).

[0090] The first filter (120) may extend in the Y direction (e.g., left and right direction) to have a cylindrical shape. The first filter (120) may have an open top. Air passing through the drum (30) may flow toward the first filter (120) through the open top of the first filter (120). A rotating member (170) may be arranged inside the first filter (120). A driving device (150) may be arranged on one side of the first filter (120).

[0091] The first filter (120) may include a filter frame (121) and a filter portion (122). The filter frame (121) may form the exterior of the first filter (120). The filter frame (121) may have a lattice shape. A filter portion (122) is arranged between the filter frames (121), and air passing through the drum may be filtered while passing through the filter portion (122). For example, air passing through the filter portion (122) of the first filter (120) may have lint removed from the air. The filter portion (122) may have a lattice shape with a very small cross-sectional area. The filter frame (121) of the first filter (120) may be the first filter frame (121). The filter portion (122) of the first filter (120) may be the first filter portion (122).

[0092] The first filter frame (121) may include a first frame portion (121a), a second frame portion (121b), and a third frame portion (121c).

[0093] The first frame portion (121a) may be provided at the first end of the plurality of filter frame portions (121). For example, the first frame portion (121a) may be provided at one end in the -Y direction (e.g., the right direction). The first frame portion (121a) may include a ring. The first frame portion (121a) may form the right end of the filter frame (121). The first frame portion (121a) may be open. On the outside of the first frame portion (121a) of the first filter (120), the first frame portion (121a) of the second filter (130) may be arranged to surround the first frame portion (121a) of the first filter (120).

[0094] The second frame portion (121b) may include a grid shape. The second frame portion (121b) may be provided between the first frame portion (121a) and the third frame portion (121c). A filter portion (122) may be coupled to the second frame portion (121b). The second frame portion (121b) may extend in the Y direction (e.g., left and right direction) to have a cylindrical shape, and may have an open upper end.

[0095] A cleaning member (181) may be mounted on the second frame portion (121b). The cleaning member (181) may be mounted on the front end of the second frame portion (121b). The cleaning member (181) may extend in the left-right direction. For example, the cleaning member (181) may be injection-molded with the filter frame portion (121). The cleaning member (181) may also be a component included in the first filter (120).

[0096] The cleaning member (181) may include a first portion (181a) and a second portion (181b). The first portion (181a) may be mounted on the second frame portion (121b) of the first filter (120). The second portion (181b) may protrude from the first portion (181a) toward the second filter (130). For example, the second portion (181b) may protrude toward the outside of the first filter (120). The second portion (181b) may scrape off lint collected on the inner surface (132a) of the second filter (130) as the first filter (120) and the cleaning member (181) rotate. Since the rotating member (170) cleans the first filter (120), the rotating member (170) can be the first cleaning member (170), and since the cleaning member (181) cleans the second filter (130), the rotating member (170) can be the second cleaning member (181).

[0097] The third frame portion (121c) may be provided at the second end of the plurality of filter frame portions (121). For example, the third frame portion (121c) may be provided at one end in the Y direction (e.g., left direction). The third frame portion (121c) may include a circular and / or annular shape. The third frame portion (121c) may form the left end of the filter frame (121). A rotating shaft (171) may be mounted on the third frame portion (121c). A stopper (125) and / or a filter gear (124) may be formed on the third frame portion (121c).

[0098] The lint removal device (100) may further include a filter gear (124). The filter gear (124) may receive power from the motor (151) through the clutch (190) to transmit power to the first filter (120). For example, the filter gear (124) may mesh with the second gear (193) of the clutch (190). The first filter (120) that receives power through the filter gear (124) may rotate. The filter gear (124) may be provided on the third frame portion (121c). For example, the filter gear (124) may be provided on one end (e.g., the left end) along the Y direction of the third frame portion (121c). The filter gear (124) may be formed integrally with the third frame portion (121c), or may be formed separately so that the filter gear (124) can be mounted on the third frame portion (121c). The filter gear (124) may be a configuration included in the first filter (120). The filter gear (124) may be positioned between the first filter frame (122) and the rotating member gear (174) while the components of the lint removal device are combined.

[0099] The first filter (120) may further include a stopper (125). The stopper (125) may be provided in the third frame portion (121c). For example, the stopper (125) may protrude in the Y direction from the third frame portion (121c). The stopper (125) may be formed on the filter gear (124) when the first filter (120) is not rotating. The stopper (125) may prevent the first filter (120) from rotating along with the rotating member (170) while it rotates within the first filter (120). The stopper (125) may be inserted into a stopper hole (163) formed in the cover. The stopper (125) may be a rotation prevention member (125).

[0100] The second filter (130) may extend in the Y direction (e.g., left and right direction) to have a cylindrical shape. The second filter (130) may have an open top. Air that has passed through the drum and the first filter (120) may flow toward the second filter (130) through the open top of the second filter (130). The first filter (120) may be arranged inside the second filter (130). The second filter (130) may be arranged on the outside of the first filter (120) so as to surround the first filter (120). Lint in the air that is not filtered by the first filter (120) may be filtered by the second filter (130). Therefore, the lint from flowing into the heat exchanger (60) may be minimized. Additionally, the second filter (130) may have a mesh shape with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first filter (120), thereby enabling filtering of finer lint. A driving device (150) may be arranged on one side of the second filter (130), and a lint box (140) may be arranged on the other side.

[0101] The second filter (130) may include a filter frame (131) and a filter portion (132). The filter frame (131) may form the exterior of the second filter (130). The filter frame (131) may have a lattice shape. A filter portion (132) is arranged between the filter frames (131), and air passing through the drum (30) may be filtered while passing through the filter portion (132). For example, lint in the air passing through the filter portion of the second filter (130) may be removed. The filter portion (132) may have a lattice shape with a very small cross-sectional area. The filter frame (131) of the second filter (130) may be the second filter frame (131). The filter portion (132) of the second filter (130) may be the second filter portion (132). The second filter unit (132) may have a mesh shape. The cross-sectional area of ​​the mesh shape of the second filter unit (132) may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mesh shape of the first filter unit (131). However, the cross-sectional areas of the first filter unit (131) and the second filter unit (132) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0102] The second filter frame (131) may include a first frame portion (131a), a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion.

[0103] The first frame portion (131a) may be provided at a first end among a plurality of filter frame portions (131). For example, the first frame portion (131a) may be provided at one end in the -Y direction (e.g., the right direction). The first frame portion (131a) may include a ring. The first frame portion (131a) may form a right end of the filter frame (131). The first frame portion (131a) may be inclined in a direction away from the second filter portion (132). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first frame portion (131a) may become smaller as it becomes farther from the second filter portion (132). For example, the first frame portion (131a) may be provided in a tapered shape so that the cross-sectional area becomes smaller toward the lint box (140) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (150c). The first frame portion (131a) can guide lint to the lint box (140). The first frame portion (131a) can be referred to as a lint guide (131a). The first frame portion (131a) can be a lint extraction portion (131a). The lint guide (131a) can guide the lint film pushed out from the first filter (120) to the lint box (140) (see FIG. 17).

[0104] One end of the first frame portion (131a) may have a hole (133) having an area corresponding to the hole (140c) of the lint box (140). The other end of the first frame portion (131a) may be connected to the second frame portion (131b).

[0105] The second frame portion (131b) may include a grid shape. The second frame portion (131b) may be provided between the first frame portion (131a) and the third frame portion (131c). A filter portion (132) may be coupled to the second frame portion (131b). The second frame portion (131b) may extend in the Y direction (e.g., left-right direction) to have a cylindrical shape, and may have an open top.

[0106] A blocking member (182) may be mounted on the second frame portion (131b). The blocking member (182) may prevent air discharged from the drum from flowing to the second filter (130) without passing through the first filter (120). For example, the blocking member (182) may be positioned between the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) while the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) are coupled together (see FIG. 22). The blocking member (182) may be mounted on the rear end of the second frame portion (131b). The blocking member (182) may extend in the left-right direction. For example, the blocking member (182) may be injection-molded with the filter frame portion (131).

[0107] The blocking member (182) may include a first portion (182a) and a second portion (182b). The first portion (182a) may be mounted on the second frame portion (131b) of the second filter (130). The second portion (182b) may protrude from the first portion (182a) toward the first filter (120). For example, the second portion (182b) may protrude toward the inside of the second filter (130). The second portion (182b) may scrape off lint collected on the outer surface of the first filter (120) as the first filter (120) rotates.

[0108] The third frame portion (131c) may be provided at the second end of the plurality of filter frame portions (131). For example, the third frame portion (131c) may be provided at one end in the Y direction (e.g., left direction). The third frame portion (131c) may include a ring shape. The third frame portion (131c) may form the left end of the filter frame. The third frame portion (131c) may be opened, and the third frame portion (131c) of the first filter (120) may be accommodated inside the opened third frame portion (131c).

[0109] The fourth frame portion (131d) may extend upward from the second frame portion (131b). The fourth frame portion (131d) may be inserted into the cover (160) (see FIG. 22). The fourth frame portion (131d) may allow the second filter (130) to be mounted on the cover (160). The fourth frame portion (131d) may form an upper edge of the second filter (130).

[0110] Meanwhile, the clothes dryer may further include a third filter coupled to the flue opening (90b) and / or the housing opening (110b). For example, lint in the air that is not filtered by the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) may be filtered by the third filter.

[0111] However, the first filter (120), the second filter (130), and the third filter are not limited by the ordinal numbers "first," "second," and "third." For example, among the plurality of filters (120, 130), the filter accommodated most inside may be referred to as the second filter, and the filter disposed outside the second filter may be referred to as the first filter.

[0112] The lint removal device (100) may further include a cover (160). The cover (160) may also be referred to as a frame member (160). The cover (160) may cover the top and sides of the housing (110). The cover (160) may include a first cover portion (161) and a second cover portion (162).

[0113] The first cover part (161) can cover the upper part of the housing (110) in which the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) are accommodated. A suction port (161a) can be formed in the first cover part (161). The suction port (161a) can allow air passing through the drum (30) to flow into the lint removal device (100). The air passing through the drum (30) passes through the suction port (161a) and the first filter (120) and the second filter (130), and lint can be removed.

[0114] The second cover part (162) can cover the side of the housing (110). For example, the second cover part (162) can cover the left mounting part (110c) of the housing (110). A mounting hole (162a) can be formed in the second cover part (162). A second filter (130) can be inserted through the mounting hole (162a). For example, a filter gear (124) can be inserted into the mounting hole (162a).

[0115] A stopper hole (163) may be formed in the second cover part (162). Since a stopper (125) may be inserted into the stopper hole (163), the first filter (120) may be prevented from rotating while the rotating member (170) rotates. The stopper hole (163) may be formed at a position corresponding to the stopper (125) so that the stopper (125) may be inserted while the first filter (120) is placed between the housing (110) and the cover. The stopper hole (163) may be provided above the mounting hole (162a).

[0116] The lint removal device (100) may further include a lint box (140). Lint accumulated in the first filter (120) may be scraped and transported by the rotating member (170) and accommodated in the lint box (140). The lint box (140) may be placed on one side of the housing (110). The lint box (140) is placed on one side of the lint guide (131a). For example, the lint box (140) may be placed on the right end of the first filter (120) and the second filter (130).

[0117] By placing a lint box (140) adjacent to one end of a plurality of filters (120, 130), the lint film can be easily transferred to the lint box (140) without installing a complex transfer mechanism.

[0118] The lint box (140) may include a receiving space (140a) for receiving a lint film and a door (141) covering a side of the receiving space (140a) (see FIG. 7). A hole (141c) through which the lint film passes through a lint guide (131a) may be formed on the opposite side of the door (141) of the lint box (140). Accordingly, the lint film scraped from the plurality of filters (120, 130) may be transferred into the receiving space (140a) of the lint box (140).

[0119] The lint box (140) of the clothes dryer (1) is configured separately from the lint case (110) and can be detachably installed at the bottom of the cabinet (10).

[0120] The lint removal device (100) may further include a driving device (150). The driving device (150) may transmit power to the first filter (120) and / or the rotating member (170) to rotate the first filter (120) and / or the rotating member (170). The driving device (150) may include a motor (151). The motor (151) may rotate in both directions. For example, the motor (151) may rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The driving device (150) may be disposed on one end of the first filter (120) and the second filter (130). For example, the driving device (150) may be disposed on the left end of the first filter (120) and the second filter (130).

[0121] The driving device (150) may include driving cases (150a, 150b). The driving cases (150a, 150b) may include a first case (150a) and a second case (150b). The first case (150a) and the second case (150b) may be coupled to accommodate a power transmission unit (152). The driving cases (150a, 150b) may include a shaft (150c). The shaft (150c) may protrude from the first case (150a). The shaft (150c) may pass through a hole (150d) formed in the second case (150b) and be inserted into the clutch (190).

[0122] The driving device (150) may further include a power transmission unit (152). The clutch (190) and the power transmission gear (154) may rotate relative to the shaft (150c). The shaft (150c) may extend and protrude toward the first filter (120) and the second filter (130). The shaft (150c) may be equipped with an intermediate gear (193) of the clutch (190) and a power transmission gear (154).

[0123] The power transmission unit (152) may include a plurality of gears. Power generated from the motor (151) may be transmitted to the clutch (190) through the gear connected to the motor shaft (151a) and other gears. The power transmission gear (154) provided at the upper portion of the power transmission unit (152) may transmit power to the clutch (190). The power transmission gear (154) may be rotated based on the shaft (150c) of the drive case (150a, 150b). The power transmission gear (154) may include a first portion (154a) and a second portion (154b). The first portion (154a) may mesh with the power transmission gear (154) and other multiple gears (152). The second portion (154b) may extend from the first portion (154a) toward the clutch (190) and may be arranged inside the intermediate gear (193) of the clutch (190) to transmit power to the clutch (190). The first portion (154a) may be a gear portion (154a), and the second portion (154b) may be an extension portion (154b).

[0124] The lint removal device (100) may further include a clutch (190). The clutch (190) may transmit power to the first filter (120) or the rotating member (170). The clutch (190) may transmit power to either the first filter (120) or the rotating member (170). The clutch (190) may transmit power from the motor (151) to the first filter (120) and block power transmission from the motor (151) to the rotating member (170), or may block power transmission from the motor (151) to the first filter (120) and transmit power from the motor (151) to the rotating member (170).

[0125] The clutch (190) may include a clutch panel (191) (see FIG. 11). A power transmission gear (154) of a driving device (150) may be inserted into the clutch panel (191). For example, an extension (154b) of the power transmission gear (154) may pass through the clutch panel (191) and be inserted into the clutch (190).

[0126] The clutch panel (191) may include a first panel portion (191a) and a second panel portion (191b). The first panel portion (191a) and the second panel portion (191b) may extend in a direction toward the first filter (120) and the second filter (130). The first panel portion (191a) may be a first extension portion, and the second panel portion (191b) may be a second extension portion.

[0127] A first pin (193a) for mounting a first gear (193) to a clutch panel (191) may be mounted on the first panel portion (191a). The first pin (193a) may penetrate the first gear (193) and be mounted on the first gear (193). The first pin (193a) may become a rotating shaft of the first gear (193). The front end of the first pin (193a) may be restricted from moving by a fixing ring (193c), and the rear end may be restricted from moving by a first spring (193b). The first spring (193b) may provide frictional force between the clutch panel (191) and the first gear (193), thereby allowing the first gear (193) to rotate together without rotating while the clutch panel (191) rotates.

[0128] A second pin (194a) for mounting a second gear (194) to a clutch panel (191) may be mounted on the second panel portion (191b). The second pin (194a) may penetrate the second gear (194) and be mounted on the second gear (194). The second pin (194a) may become a rotating shaft of the second gear (194). The front end of the second pin (194a) may be restricted from moving by a fixing ring (194c), and the rear end may be restricted from moving by a second spring (194b). The second spring (194b) may provide frictional force between the clutch panel (191) and the second gear (194), thereby allowing the second gear (194) to rotate together without rotating while the clutch panel (191) rotates.

[0129] The clutch (190) may include a plurality of gears (192, 193, 194). The plurality of gears (192, 193, 194) may include an upper gear (193), a lower gear (194), and an intermediate gear (195). The upper gear (193) may be a first gear (193), the lower gear (194) may be a second gear (194), and the intermediate gear (195) may be a third gear (195).

[0130] The first gear (193) receives power from the motor (151) and the power transmission unit (152), and can rotate in the first clutch direction while engaging with the third gear (195). Thereafter, the first gear (193) can transmit power to the rotating member (170) while engaging with the rotating member gear (174). Accordingly, the rotating member (170) can rotate to remove lint collected on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120). The first gear (193) can be arranged closer to the drive case (150a, 150b) than the second gear (194). In addition, the first gear (193) can be arranged farther from the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) than the second gear (194).

[0131] The second gear (194) receives power from the motor (151) and the power transmission unit (152), and can rotate in the second clutch direction while engaging with the third gear (195). Thereafter, the second gear (194) can transmit power to the first filter (120) while engaging with the filter gear (124). Accordingly, the first filter (120) can rotate to remove lint collected on the inner surface (132a) of the second filter (130). The second gear (194) can be arranged farther from the drive case (150a, 150b) than the first gear (193). The second gear (194) can be arranged closer to the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) than the first gear (193).

[0132] The third gear (195) may be arranged between the first gear (193) and the second gear (194) in the vertical direction. The third gear may mesh with the first gear (193) and the second gear (194). The third gear (195) may cause the first gear (193) and the second gear (194) to rotate. The shaft (150c) of the drive case (150a, 150b) may be arranged on the third gear (195). The shaft (150c) of the drive case (150a, 150b) may be inserted through the third gear (195).

[0133] However, the first gear (193), the second filter (195), and the third gear (192) are not limited by the ordinal numbers "first," "second," and "third." For example, among a plurality of gears (193, 194, 195), the lower gear (194) may be the first gear, the upper gear (193) may be the second gear, and the middle gear (195) may be the third gear.

[0134] Both the first filter (120) and the second filter (130) can be cleaned with just one motor (151) through the clutch (190). Therefore, since multiple motors are not required, the material and production costs of the lint removal device and the clothes dryer including the same can be reduced.

[0135] The lint removal device (100) may be set to operate for a certain period of time after the operation of the clothes dryer (1) is finished or before the operation is started, for example, when the blower fan (50) or the heat exchanger (60) is not in operation.

[0136] Lint in the air circulating during the drying process is captured by multiple filters (120, 130) and accumulated on the inner surface (122a, 132a).

[0137] After the drying process is completed, a lint mass in the shape of a film may be formed by the lint remaining on the inner surface (122a, 123a). The lint film accumulated on the first filter (120) may be scraped off from the first filter (120) by the rotating member (170) as the rotating member (170) rotates, and may be pushed out to one side of the first filter (120). The lint film pushed out to one side may be moved to the lint box (140) (see FIG. 17).

[0138] In addition, the lint film accumulated on the second filter (130) is scraped off from the second filter (130) by the cleaning member (181) as the first filter (120) rotates (see FIGS. 22 to 24). Thereafter, it is collected on the inside of the first filter (120) (see FIG. 25) and can be moved to the lint box (140) by the rotating member (170).

[0139] The lint removal device (100) may not operate during the drying process. Since the lint removal device (100) can remove lint in bulk before the drying process or after the end of operation, lint removal is possible in a short period of time.

[0140] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0141] Referring to Fig. 12, after the drying process is completed, a cleaning process may be performed. During the cleaning process, the rotating member (170) may be rotated to remove lint accumulated in the first filter (120). The motor (151) may be rotated to rotate the rotating member (170). The motor (151) may be rotated in the first direction (1210). For example, the motor (151) may be rotated clockwise.

[0142] As the motor (151) rotates in the first direction, power can be transmitted to the clutch (190) through the power transmission unit (152). The clutch (190) can receive the power and rotate in the first direction. As the clutch (190) rotates in the first direction, the first gear (193) of the clutch (190) and the rotating member gear (174) can be engaged (1220, see FIG. 15).

[0143] The motor (151) can continuously rotate in the first direction to transmit power to the clutch (190). The first gear (193) of the clutch (190) rotates to rotate the rotating member gear (174) (see FIG. 16), and as the rotating member gear (174) rotates, the rotating member (170) disposed inside the first filter (120) can rotate (1230). The rotating member (170) can rotate for a preset time. As the rotating member (170) rotates, the rotating member (170) can scrape off lint disposed on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120) to clean the first filter (120) (1240). The lint scraped off from the first filter (120) can be moved toward the lint box (140). Accordingly, even if the user does not manually remove and clean the first filter (120), it can be cleaned through the rotating member (170), thereby increasing user convenience. The rotating member (170) can be the first cleaning member.

[0144] Cleaning of the first filter (120) through the rotating member (170) may be performed in accordance with the drying cycle. For example, cleaning of the first filter (120) may be performed at the end of each drying cycle. However, the cleaning cycle of the first filter (120) is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the cleaning cycle of the first filter (120) may be performed even during the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. In addition, the cleaning cycle of the first filter (120) may be continuously performed during the entire cycle of the clothes dryer. In addition, the cleaning cycle of the first filter (120) may be repeatedly performed two or more times according to a certain cycle.

[0145] Thereafter, the first filter (120) may be rotated to remove the lint accumulated in the second filter (130) and move it toward the inside of the first filter (120). The motor (151) may be rotated to rotate the first filter (120). The motor (151) may be rotated in a second direction different from the first direction (1250). For example, the motor (151) may be rotated counterclockwise.

[0146] As the motor (151) rotates in the second direction, power can be transmitted to the clutch (190) through the power transmission unit (152). The clutch (190) can receive the power and rotate in the second direction. As the clutch (190) rotates in the second direction, the first gear (193) of the clutch (190) and the rotating member gear (174) can be separated (1260). As the clutch (190) rotates in the second direction, the second gear (194) of the clutch (190) and the filter gear (124) can be engaged (1270, see FIG. 20).

[0147] The motor (151) can continuously rotate in the second direction to transmit power to the clutch (190). The second gear (194) of the clutch (190) rotates to rotate the filter gear (124) (see FIG. 21), and as the filter gear (124) rotates, the first filter (120) disposed inside the second filter (130) can rotate (1280). The first filter (120) can rotate for a preset time. As the first filter (120) rotates, the cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter (120) can scrape off and clean the lint disposed on the inner surface (132a) of the second filter (130) (1290). The scraped off lint can move to the inside of the first filter (120). Thereafter, when cleaning the first filter (120), the rotating member (170) can move the moved lint toward the lint box (140). Therefore, even if the user does not manually remove and clean the second filter (130), it can be cleaned through the cleaning member (181), thereby increasing user convenience. The cleaning member (181) may be referred to as a wiper.

[0148] The cleaning of the second filter (130) through the cleaning member (181) may be performed in accordance with the drying process. For example, the cleaning of the second filter (130) may be performed at the end of each drying process. In addition, the cleaning of the second filter (130) may be performed at the end of each multiple drying process, and for example, the cleaning of the second filter (130) may be performed after the drying process has been performed five times. In addition, the cleaning of only the second filter (130) may be performed regardless of the cleaning of the first filter (120). In addition, the cleaning process of the second filter (130) may be performed even during the drying process of the clothes dryer. In addition, the cleaning process of the second filter (130) may be continuously performed during the entire process of the clothes dryer. In addition, the cleaning process of the second filter (130) may be repeatedly performed two or more times according to a certain cycle.

[0149] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, a process in which a first filter (120) is cleaned by a rotary member (170) will be described. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a clutch (190) in a neutral position (P0). FIG. 15 illustrates that a rotary member gear (174) and a first gear (193) of the clutch (190) are engaged. FIG. 16 illustrates that the rotary member gear (174) rotates as the first gear (193) of the clutch (190) rotates. FIG. 17 illustrates that the first filter (120) is cleaned and lint moves to a lint box (140) as the rotary member (170) rotates.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the clutch (190) may be positioned in the neutral position (P0) or the first position while the cleaning process for the first filter (120) is not performed. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the neutral position (P0) of the clutch (190) is illustrated as a reference.

[0152] For example, after the drying process is completed, a cleaning process for the first filter (120) can be performed. When the motor (151) rotates in the first direction, it can be considered that the cleaning process for the first filter (120) has started. As the motor (151) rotates in the first direction, the motor (151) can transmit power to the power transmission unit (152). The power generated in the motor (151) is transmitted to the power transmission gear (154) among the power transmission units (152), and the power transmission gear (154) can transmit power to the clutch (190) while rotating. As the power is transmitted to the clutch (190), the clutch (190) rotates in the first clutch direction, and the first gear (193) can engage the rotating member gear (174) (see FIG. 15). As the motor (151) continues to operate, the first gear (193) of the clutch (190) can rotate in a direction opposite to the first clutch direction to rotate the rotary member gear (174) (see FIG. 16). As the rotary member gear (174) rotates, the mounting portion (173) and the rotary shaft (171) mounted on the rotary member gear (174) rotate, and accordingly, the rotary member (170) disposed on the inside of the first filter (120) can rotate. Accordingly, the rotary member (170) can scrape off the lint disposed on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120) and move it toward the lint box (140) (see FIG. 17). At this time, for example, as the rotary member gear (174) rotates, a force may be generated to rotate the filter gear (124) in the rotational direction of the rotary member gear (174) due to frictional force. However, since the stopper (125) placed within the stopper hole (163) is supported on the inner wall of the cover forming the stopper hole (163), the first filter (120) can be prevented from rotating simultaneously with the rotating member (170).

[0153] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 25, a process in which a second filter (130) is cleaned by a cleaning member (181) will be described. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a clutch (190) in a neutral position (P0). FIG. 20 illustrates that the filter gear (124) and the second gear (194) of the clutch (190) are engaged. FIG. 21 illustrates that the filter gear (124) rotates as the second gear (194) of the clutch (190) rotates. FIG. 22 illustrates that the second filter (130) is cleaned and lint moves toward the inside of the first filter (120) as the first filter (120) and the cleaning member (181) rotate.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 25, the clutch (190) may be positioned in the neutral position (P0) or the first position while the cleaning process for the second filter (130) is not performed. In FIGS. 18 and 19, the neutral position (P0) of the clutch (190) is illustrated as a reference.

[0156] For example, after the drying process and / or the cleaning process for the first filter (120) is completed, the cleaning process for the second filter (130) may be performed. When the motor (151) rotates in the second direction, it can be considered that the cleaning process for the second filter (130) has started. As the motor (151) rotates in the second direction, the motor (151) can transmit power to the power transmission unit (152). The power generated in the motor (151) is transmitted to the power transmission gear (154) among the power transmission units (152), and the power transmission gear (154) can transmit power to the clutch (190) while rotating. As the power is transmitted to the clutch (190), the clutch (190) rotates in the second clutch direction, and the second gear (194) can engage the filter gear (124) (see FIG. 20). As the motor (151) continues to rotate, the second gear (194) of the clutch (190) can rotate in a direction opposite to the second clutch direction to rotate the filter gear (124) (see FIG. 21). As the filter gear (124) rotates, the first filter (120) arranged inside the second filter (130) rotates, and the stopper (125) can be separated and detached from the stopper hole (163) along the tapered shape while being slightly elastically deformed.

[0157] Accordingly, as the first filter (120) rotates, the cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter (120) can scrape off the lint disposed on the inner surface (132a) of the second filter (130) and move it toward the inside of the first filter (120) (see FIGS. 22 to 25). The rotational direction of the first filter (120) in the cleaning process of the second filter (130) may be opposite to the rotational direction of the rotating member (170) in the cleaning process of the first filter (120). While the cleaning member (181) rotates, the cleaning member (181) and the blocking member may interfere with each other, but due to the elasticity of the cleaning member (181) and the blocking member, the cleaning member (181) can clean the second filter (130).

[0158] When the first filter (120) rotates at least once inside the second filter (130) to scrape off the lint on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120), the cleaning process for the second filter (130) can be considered to be completed. Thereafter, the lint that has moved inside the first filter (120) can be moved toward the lint box (140) while the cleaning process for the first filter (120) is performed.

[0159] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the lint removal device (100) according to one embodiment may omit the clutch (190), filter gear, and stopper. For example, when the motor (151) rotates, the gear (153) provided on the outside of the drive case (150a, 150b) may mesh with the rotating member gear (174) to transmit power to the rotating member (170). Accordingly, the rotating member (170) rotates and may scrape off the lint accumulated on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120). At this time, a frictional force (F1) may be generated between the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120).

[0161] Meanwhile, a lint removal device (100) according to one embodiment has no stopper, a rotary shaft (171) is mounted on the third frame portion, and due to a frictional force (F1) between the rotary member (170) and the first filter (120), as the rotary member (170) rotates, the first filter (120) can also rotate in the same direction as the rotary member (170). At this time, a frictional force (F2) can also occur between the cleaning member (181) and the second filter (130). Accordingly, even if the first filter (120) rotates due to the frictional force (F1) between the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120), the first filter (120) may rotate more slowly than the rotating member (170) due to the frictional force (F2) between the cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter (120) and the second filter (130). For example, the rotating member (170) may rotate at a speed of 10 RPM, and the first filter (120) may rotate at a speed of 5 RPM.

[0162] Since the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120) rotate at different speeds, a relative speed difference occurs between the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120), so that the rotating member (170) can clean the first filter (120) while the cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter (120) can clean the second filter (130).

[0163] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a lint removal device in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the lint removal device (100) according to one embodiment may omit the clutch and stopper. For example, when the motor (151) rotates, the gear (153) provided on the outside of the drive case (150a, 150b) may be engaged with the rotary member gear (174) to transmit power to the rotary member (170), while also being engaged with the filter gear (124) to transmit power to the first filter (120).

[0165] The gear (153) may include a first gear portion (153a) and a second gear portion (153b). The first gear portion (153a) may mesh with the filter gear (124), and the second gear portion (153b) may mesh with the rotating member gear (174). The first gear portion (153a) may be arranged closer to the filters (120, 130) than the second gear portion (153b). The first gear portion (153a) and the second gear portion (153b) may have different numbers of teeth. For example, the first gear portion (153a) may have a smaller number of teeth than the second gear portion (153b).

[0166] The rotary member gear (174) may be positioned further from the filters (120, 130) than the filter gear (124). The rotary member gear (174) and the filter gear (124) may have different numbers of teeth. For example, the rotary member gear (174) may have a smaller number of teeth than the filter gear (124). The rotary member gear (174) may have a number of teeth corresponding to the second gear portion (153b), and the filter gear (124) may have a number of teeth corresponding to the first gear portion (153a).

[0167] By meshing the first gear portion (153a) and the filter gear (124), the first filter (120) can rotate. By meshing the second gear portion (153b) and the rotary member gear (174), the rotary member (170) can rotate. Since the filter gear (124) and the rotary member gear (174) have different numbers of teeth, the first filter (120) and the rotary member (170) can rotate at different speeds. For example, since the rotary member gear (174) has a smaller number of teeth than the filter gear (124), the rotary member (170) can rotate at a faster speed than the first filter (120). For example, the rotary member (170) can rotate at a speed of 10 RPM, and the first filter (120) can rotate at a speed of 5 RPM. Therefore, when the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120) rotate in the same direction at the same time, a relative speed difference may occur between the rotating member (170) and the first filter (120). Due to the relative speed difference, the rotating member (170) can clean the first filter (120) by scraping off the lint accumulated on the inner surface (122a) of the first filter (120), and at the same time, the cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter (120) can clean the second filter (130).

[0168] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes dryer can be provided in which deterioration of drying performance is prevented by preventing lint from entering a heat exchanger.

[0169] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a clothes dryer can be provided in which a first filter is cleaned by a rotating member and a second filter is cleaned by a cleaning member mounted on the rotating first filter, thereby enabling cleaning without user intervention and thus increasing user convenience.

[0170] The effects according to one aspect of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0171] According to one embodiment, a clothes dryer includes a drum (30), an exhaust port (40) through which air inside the drum is discharged to the outside of the drum, a first filter (120) configured to be a rotatable first filter such that air discharged through the exhaust port passes through the first filter to be filtered by the first filter, a second filter (130) disposed on one side of the first filter to remove lint in air passing through the first filter, and a motor (151) configured to transmit power to the first filter to rotate the first filter. The first filter and the second filter are configured such that rotation of the first filter by the motor causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter.

[0172] The above clothes dryer is configured to remove lint collected in the second filter while the first filter is rotated by the motor, and may further include a cleaning member (181) in the first filter.

[0173] The second filter may be configured to at least partially surround the first filter. The cleaning member may protrude from the first filter toward the second filter.

[0174] The clothes dryer may further include a rotating member (170) configured to be rotated by the motor such that rotation of the rotating member causes lint collected in the first filter to be removed from the first filter. The motor may further be configured to transmit power to at least one of the first filter and the rotating member to rotate the first filter.

[0175] The clothes dryer may further include a clutch (190) configured to transmit power from the motor to either the first filter or the rotating member to rotate the first filter.

[0176] The clutch may be rotatable by power transmitted from the motor. The clutch may include a first gear (193) configured to rotate in a first clutch direction by power transmitted from the motor so that the rotating member rotates, and a second gear (194) configured to rotate in a second clutch direction opposite to the first clutch direction by power transmitted from the motor so that the first filter rotates. When the second gear rotates in the second clutch direction, the cleaning member may remove lint collected in the second filter.

[0177] The clutch may be configured to be rotatable from the first position to the second position by power transmitted from the motor, such that in the first position, the rotating member causes the lint collected in the first filter to be removed from the first filter as the rotating member rotates by the rotation of the first gear, and in the second position, the clutch causes the lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter as the first filter rotates by the rotation of the second gear.

[0178] The above clothes dryer may further include a rotary member gear (174) at one end of the rotary member, which is meshable with the first gear, and a filter gear (124) adjacent to the rotary member gear, which is meshable with the second gear, and in the first filter.

[0179] The above-mentioned rotating member and the first filter may be rotatable in different directions. The clothes dryer may further include a stopper (125) configured to prevent the first filter from rotating while the above-mentioned rotating member rotates.

[0180] The clothes dryer may further include a housing (110) configured to accommodate the rotating member, the first filter, and the second filter, a cover (160) on top of the housing to cover the housing, and a stopper hole (163) formed on one side of the cover so that the stopper can be inserted to prevent rotation of the first filter while the rotating member rotates.

[0181] The above clothes dryer may further include a lint box configured to collect lint, the lint box having a box door for opening and closing the lint box, and the lint box may be further included on one side of the housing. The motor may be arranged on the other side of the housing. The rotating member may be configured to scrape the lint collected in the first filter from the first filter and transfer the scraped lint from the first filter to the lint box.

[0182] The clothes dryer may further include a heat exchanger (60) configured to allow air passing through the second filter to pass through the heat exchanger and into the interior of the drum, and a blocking member (182) between the first filter and the second filter to prevent some of the air discharged through the exhaust port from passing through the heat exchanger without being filtered by the first filter and the second filter.

[0183] As the rotating member rotates, the first filter and the rotating member can rotate together due to the frictional force between the rotating member and the first filter. While the first filter and the rotating member rotate together, the first filter can rotate more slowly than the rotating member due to the frictional force between the cleaning member and the second filter as the first filter rotates.

[0184] The clothes dryer may further include a rotating member gear (174) at one end of the rotating member, a filter gear (124) located in the first filter adjacent to the rotating member gear and having a larger number of teeth than the rotating member gear, and a gear (153) configured to receive power from the motor and transmit the power received to the first filter and the rotating member, and capable of meshing with the rotating member gear and the filter gear.

[0185] The above clothes dryer further includes a motor gear. The motor gear may include a first gear portion (153a) that can mesh with the rotating member gear and a second gear portion (153b) that can mesh with the filter gear and has a larger number of teeth than the first gear portion.

[0186] A lint removal device according to one embodiment may include a first filter (120) configured to filter lint in the air, a rotating member (170) including a rotating shaft and pins extending from the rotating shaft to scrape and collect lint collected in the lint filter, a second filter (130) disposed downstream of the first filter to filter lint in the air that has passed through the first filter, a cleaning member (181) mounted on the first filter and protruding toward the second filter, and a motor (151) configured to rotate the first filter so that the cleaning member removes lint collected in the second filter while the first filter rotates.

[0187] The above motor may be configured to rotate at least one of the first filter and the rotating member.

[0188] The device further includes a clutch (190) configured to receive power from the motor and transmit power to one of the first filter and the rotating member, and the clutch includes a first gear (193) that transmits power to the rotating member based on rotation of the clutch in a first clutch direction and a second gear (194) that transmits power to the first filter based on rotation of the clutch in a second clutch direction, and as the second gear rotates, the cleaning member can remove lint collected in the second filter.

[0189] According to one embodiment, a clothes dryer includes a drum (30), an exhaust port (40) through which air inside the drum flows to the outside of the drum, and a lint removal device (100) disposed downstream of the exhaust port to remove lint in the air passing through the exhaust port, wherein the lint removal device includes a first filter (120) disposed downstream of the drum and rotatable, a second filter (130) disposed outside the first filter, a first cleaning member (170) configured to clean the first filter, a second cleaning member (181) configured to clean the second filter, and a motor (151) configured to rotate at least one of the first filter and the rotating member, wherein the first cleaning member rotates to clean the first filter based on rotation of the motor in the first direction, and the second cleaning member rotates to clean the second filter based on rotation of the motor in the second direction. Can be.

[0190] The lint removal device may further include a clutch (190) that is rotatable and receives power from the motor, and the clutch may include a first gear (193) that transmits power to the first cleaning member based on rotation of the clutch in the first clutch direction, and a second gear (194) that transmits power to the second cleaning member based on rotation of the clutch in the second clutch direction.

[0191] The above has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical ideas of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Drum; An exhaust port through which air inside the drum is discharged to the outside of the drum; A first filter configured such that air discharged through the exhaust port passes through the first filter to be filtered by the first filter, as a rotatable first filter; A second filter arranged on one side of the first filter to remove lint in the air passing through the first filter; and A motor configured to transmit power to the first filter to rotate the first filter; A clothes dryer wherein the first filter and the second filter are configured such that rotation of the first filter by the motor causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothes dryer further comprising a cleaning member for the first filter, the cleaning member being configured to remove lint collected in the second filter while the first filter is rotated by the motor.

3. In paragraph 2, The second filter is configured to at least partially surround the first filter, A clothes dryer in which the cleaning member protrudes from the first filter toward the second filter.

4. In paragraph 2, A rotatable rotating member further comprises a rotating member configured to be rotated by the motor such that rotation of the rotating member causes lint collected in the first filter to be removed from the first filter; A clothes dryer wherein the motor is further configured to transmit power to at least one of the first filter and the rotating member to rotate the first filter.

5. In paragraph 4, A clothes dryer further comprising a clutch configured to transmit power from the motor to either the first filter or one of the rotating members to rotate the first filter.

6. In paragraph 5, The above clutch is rotatable by power transmitted from the above motor, The above clutch, A first gear configured to rotate in the first clutch direction by power transmitted from the motor so that the rotating member rotates; and A second gear configured to rotate in a second clutch direction opposite to the first clutch direction by power transmitted from the motor to rotate the first filter; A clothes dryer in which the cleaning member removes lint collected in the second filter while the second gear rotates in the direction of the second clutch.

7. In paragraph 6, A clothes dryer in which the clutch is configured to be rotatable from the first position to the second position by power transmitted from the motor, such that in the first position, the rotating member causes lint collected in the first filter to be removed from the first filter as the rotating member rotates by the rotation of the first gear, and in the second position, the clutch causes lint collected in the second filter to be removed from the second filter as the first filter rotates by the rotation of the second gear.

8. In paragraph 6, A rotating member gear capable of meshing with the first gear and at one end of the rotating member; and A clothes dryer further comprising a filter gear adjacent to the above-mentioned rotating member gear and capable of meshing with the above-mentioned second gear, the filter gear being in the above-mentioned first filter.

9. In paragraph 4, The above rotating member and the first filter can rotate in different directions, A clothes dryer further comprising a stopper configured to prevent the first filter from rotating while the rotating member rotates.

10. In paragraph 9, A housing configured to accommodate the rotating member, the first filter, and the second filter; a cover over said housing to cover said housing; and A clothes dryer further comprising a stopper hole formed on one side of the cover, the stopper being insertable to prevent rotation of the first filter while the rotating member rotates.

11. In paragraph 10, A lint box configured to collect lint, comprising a box door for opening and closing the lint box and further including a lint box on one side of the housing; The above motor is placed on the other side of the housing, A clothes dryer in which the above rotating member is configured to scrape the lint collected in the first filter from the first filter and transfer the scraped lint from the first filter to the lint box.

12. In paragraph 2, A heat exchanger configured so that air passing through the second filter passes through the heat exchanger and goes into the interior of the drum; and A clothes dryer further comprising a blocking member between the first filter and the second filter to prevent some of the air discharged through the exhaust port from passing through the heat exchanger without being filtered by the first filter and the second filter.

13. In paragraph 4, As the above-mentioned rotating member rotates, the first filter and the above-mentioned rotating member rotate together due to the frictional force between the above-mentioned rotating member and the above-mentioned first filter. A clothes dryer in which the first filter rotates more slowly than the rotating member due to frictional force between the cleaning member and the second filter as the first filter rotates while the first filter and the rotating member rotate together.

14. In paragraph 4, A rotating member gear at one end of the above rotating member; A filter gear located in the first filter adjacent to the above rotary member gear and having a larger number of teeth than the above rotary member gear; and A clothes dryer further comprising a gear configured to receive power from the motor and transmit the power received to the first filter and the rotating member, and capable of meshing with the rotating member gear and the filter gear.

15. In paragraph 14, Further comprising a motor gear, said motor gear comprising: A first gear part capable of meshing with the above-mentioned rotating member gear; and A clothes dryer, comprising a second gear part configured to be meshed with the filter gear and having a larger number of teeth than the first gear part.

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