AU2006233200B2

AU2006233200B2 - A vacuum assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2006233200B2
Application number: AU2006233200A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Darryl Chadwick
Original assignee: D&t&g Pty Ltd
Current assignee: D&t&g Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-09
Filing date: 2006-10-26
Publication date: 2012-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-26
Also published as: AU2006233200A1

Abstract

A VACUUM ASSEMBLY Abstract A vacuum assembly (1) including a body (5) to be secured to a vehicle. A cyclone chamber (10) attached to the body (5) and having an air inlet (15) and an air 5 outlet (20). A suction assembly (25) is attached to the outlet (20) to draw air therefrom to cause air to flow through the chamber (10) in an angular manner to separate particles from the air. A particle collecting receptacle (35) disposed at a lower part of the cyclone chamber (10) for collecting the separated particles. The receptacle (35) providing for removal of collected particles. A grill member (40) between the chamber (10) and io suction assembly (25) to inhibit particles above a predetermined size from flowing through the air outlet (20). A suction nozzle (43) extending to the inlet (15) so as to deliver air thereto and including a head (45) operable to reduce in size at least some of the particles delivered to the air inlet (15). JoN (NJJ

Description

S&F Ref: 785934 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address Darryl Chadwick, of Applicant: Australian Citizen, of "Top View", Mt Vincent Rd, Running Stream, New South Wales, 2850, Australia Actual Inventor(s): Darryl Chadwick Address for Service: Spruson & Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 35 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Invention Title: A vacuum assembly Associated Provisional Application Details: [33] Country: [31] Appl'n No(s): [32] Application Date: AU 2005906942 09 Dec 2005 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- -1 A VACUUM ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an industrial vacuum assembly and, in particular, to a vacuum assembly for coal mines or the like. 5 Background of the Invention Vacuum devices are commonly used in domestic and industrial applications and typically include an inlet leading to a fan run by an electric motor which creates suction to urge particles through the inlet into a chamber, the chamber having an exhaust usually with a filter. 10 In cyclone type vacuum cleaners the airstream is passed through one or more cylinders along a high speed spiral path. As the airstream moves along the spiral, the particles being picked up experience a centrifugal force sending them outwardly and then collecting at the bottom of the chamber. In the mining industry and in particular coal mining, for example, significant is material particles are generated around machinery such as under conveyor belts and around transfer stations. This buildup of coal is essentially product which is lost to the manufacturing process and is not being recovered. Further, the build up of coal about the machinery causes wear and tear on those machines increasing maintenance costs and reducing the life of the componentry. Further, the build up of coal causes the edge of the 20 belts to wear discharging "strings" of belt which wrap around the shaft of the rollers lifting the seals. This lifting contributes to the bearings being destroyed, jamming the roller, which "flattens out" providing a sharp edge which cuts the belt. Also, this build up unbalances the belt allowing it to skew and cut off structure legs. Also, when coal builds up the resultant friction can produce a fire risk. Further, the coal dust located in walk 25 areas causes a significant occupational health and safety issue. Previously, such coal was removed by hand, use of brooms and shovels also contributing to occupational health and safety issues. Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the 30 disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

-2 Summary of Invention There is firstly disclosed herein a vacuum assembly including: a body to be secured to a vehicle; a cyclone chamber attached to said body and having an air inlet and an air outlet; s a suction assembly attached to said outlet to draw air therefrom to cause air to flow through the chamber in an angular manner to separate particles from the air; a particle collecting receptacle disposed at a lower part of the cyclone chamber for collecting the separated particles, said receptacle providing for removal of collected particles; a grill member between said chamber and suction assembly to inhibit particles above a io predetermined size from flowing through the air outlet; a suction nozzle extending to said inlet by way of a pipe so as to deliver air thereto and including a head operable to reduce in size at least some of the particles delivered to said air inlet, the head being removably attached to said pipe and including a plurality of cutting members to reduce said particle size. 15 Preferably, said receptacle is removable from said chamber. Preferably, said suction assembly includes a fan. Preferably, said fan includes a double impeller. Preferably, said assembly includes an upwardly extending shaft mounted to the body and an arm pivotally attached to and extending outwardly therefrom, said arm being angularly 20 moveable about said shaft. Preferably, said chamber is attached to said arm. Description of Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 25 Figure 1 is a side elevation of an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a plan elevational view of Figure 1. Description of Embodiments In the accompanying drawings, there is schematically depicted a vacuum assembly 1 having a body 5 to be secured to a vehicle (not shown) such as a utility vehicle, mining machine 30 or the like. A cyclone chamber 10 is attached to the body 5 and AH21(6158523_l):KEH -3 includes an air inlet 15 and air outlet 20. A suction assembly 25 is attached to the air outlet 20 to draw air therefrom to cause air to flow through the chamber 10 in an angular manner to separate particles from the air. The suction assembly 25 includes a fan 27 and motor 30. The fan 27 and motor 30 are preferably secured to the body 5 which is in turn 5 secured to the vehicle and could include an exhaust pipe 32. The cyclone chamber 10 includes a particle collecting receptacle 35 disposed at a lower part of the cyclone chamber 10 for collecting the separated particles. The receptacle 35 providing for removal of collected particles. A grill member 40 is disposed between the cyclone chamber 10 and suction assembly 25 to inhibit particles above a predetermined size from to flowing through the air outlet 20 and into the fan 27 and motor 30. Cyclone chamber 10 further includes means 42 associated with the receptacle 35 to allow removal of the collected particles from the chamber 10. The chamber 10 could include a series of walls, sections or chambers as required. A suction nozzle 43 extends to the air inlet 15 so as to deliver air thereto and includes a head 45 operable to reduce in size at least some of the is particles delivered to the air inlet 15. For example, the head 45 could include a plurality of cutting members to fracture, bust, grind or generally cut through any crusted or hardened particulate matter. The vacuum assembly I includes a pipe 47 attaching the nozzle 43 to the inlet 15. The head 45 being removably attached to the pipe 47. The particle collecting receptacle 35 permits the removal of the collected 20 particles from the chamber 10 by the entire removal of the receptacle 35 from the chamber 10 for example, or by way of a series of doors, gates or flaps. When operated the means 42 will allow the collected particles to fall by gravity onto a conveyor, truck or the like and be returned to the manufacturing process. The assembly I as best seen in Figure 1, includes an upwardly extending shaft 50 25 mounted on the body 5 and an arm 55 pivotally attached to and outwardly extending from the shaft 50. The arm 55 being angularly movable about the shaft 50. In the preferred form, the chamber 10 is attached to the arm 55. The arm 55 and shaft 50 can also include a hydraulic ram 60 or the like. Further support structure could be utilised for the assembly 1 or the assembly 1 could include electronic means to operate the shaft 50 and 30 arm 55. In use, the assembly I is driven or moved by the vehicle to the required location, the motor and fan 27, 30 are energised creating a vacuum and thereby a suction force. A user moves the suction nozzle 43 and pipe 47 around the required location to retrieve particles which are sucked through the nozzle 43 into the chamber 10 and deposited in the -4 particle collecting receptacle 35. If the particles to be collected are crusted, hardened or large in size, the cutter head 45 can be fixed to the pipe 47 or nozzle 43 and utilised to break the particles. Once all particles have been collected or when the receptacle 35 is full, the arm 55 can be moved about the shaft 50 so that the receptacle 35 is above a 5 vehicle, conveyor belt or the like and the removal means 42 operated. The particles could be as small as a dust particle or as large as a lump of coal. By use of the present invention loose coal or other such particles can be returned to the coal conveyor belt increasing production, reducing maintenance costs and managing risks. Further, the mobility of the assembly I allows it to be positioned in any 1o location. The device 1 could also be used for many other applications such as anywhere where semi-loose material needs to be transported. For example, removing "fill" from swimming pools or installation sites. The assembly I could also be used or include a misting unit or the like to suppress any dust created and should be applicable to mounting to any type of vehicle. 15 Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A vacuum assembly including: a body to be secured to a vehicle; a cyclone chamber attached to said body and having an air inlet and an air outlet; a suction assembly attached to said outlet to draw air therefrom to cause air to flow through the chamber in an angular manner to separate particles from the air; a particle collecting receptacle disposed at a lower part of the cyclone chamber for collecting the separated particles, said receptacle providing for removal of collected particles; a grill member between said chamber and suction assembly to inhibit particles above a predetermined size from flowing through the air outlet; a suction nozzle extending to said inlet by way of a pipe so as to deliver air thereto and including a head operable to reduce in size at least some of the particles delivered to said air inlet, the head being removably attached to said pipe and including a plurality of cutting members to reduce said particle size.

2. The vacuum assembly of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is removable from said chamber.

3. The vacuum assembly of claim I or 2, wherein said suction assembly includes a fan.

4. The vacuum assembly of claim 3, wherein said fan includes a double impeller.

5. The vacuum assembly of any one of the preceding claims, including an upwardly extending shaft mounted to the body and an arm pivotally attached to and extending outwardly therefrom, said arm being angularly moveable about said shaft.

6. The vacuum assembly of claim 5, wherein said chamber is attached to said arm.

7. A vacuum assembly, substantially as herein described with reference to Figures I and 2. Dated 23 April 2012 CGB Engineering Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON AH21(6158523_1):KEH