EP2974641B1 - Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif - Google Patents

Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2974641B1
EP2974641B1 EP14764800.0A EP14764800A EP2974641B1 EP 2974641 B1 EP2974641 B1 EP 2974641B1 EP 14764800 A EP14764800 A EP 14764800A EP 2974641 B1 EP2974641 B1 EP 2974641B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dust
air
collecting device
dust collecting
tubular casing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14764800.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2974641A1 (fr
EP2974641A4 (fr
Inventor
Kengo Nakahara
Hidenao Hirasawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2013153469A external-priority patent/JP6405518B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2013171034A external-priority patent/JP6225329B2/ja
Application filed by Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd filed Critical Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Publication of EP2974641A1 publication Critical patent/EP2974641A1/fr
Publication of EP2974641A4 publication Critical patent/EP2974641A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2974641B1 publication Critical patent/EP2974641B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
    • B04C3/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex flow following a screw-thread type line remains unchanged ; Devices in which one of the two discharge ducts returns centrally through the vortex chamber, a reverse-flow vortex being prevented by bulkheads in the central discharge duct
    • B04C3/06—Construction of inlets or outlets to the vortex chamber
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
    • F24F8/183—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by centrifugal separation, e.g. using vortices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04C—APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
    • B04C3/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex flow following a screw-thread type line remains unchanged ; Devices in which one of the two discharge ducts returns centrally through the vortex chamber, a reverse-flow vortex being prevented by bulkheads in the central discharge duct
    • B04C2003/006—Construction of elements by which the vortex flow is generated or degenerated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dust collecting device that swirls dust-contained air to separate and collect dust and an air purifier using the dust collecting device.
  • Such type of a dust collecting device which is generally referred to as a cyclonic type, separates dust from air using centrifugal force to obtain purified air.
  • purified air refers to air having a decreased dust concentration after flowing through a dust collecting device compared to before flowing through the dust collecting device.
  • a conventional dust collecting device includes a tubular casing 101.
  • the tubular casing 101 includes a tubular airflow inlet 102 in one end and a tubular airflow outlet 103 in the other end.
  • the casing 101 also accommodates a spiral vane 104 used for swirling air.
  • the outer circumferential surface of the casing 101 includes a dust exit 105, which discharges dust separated from dust-contained air.
  • the conventional dust collecting device includes a dust container 106, which is connected to the dust exit 105 and stores dust.
  • the conventional dust collecting device includes a tubular casing 107.
  • the tubular casing 107 includes an airflow inlet 108 arranged on the upstream side surface and extending in a tangential direction and an airflow outlet 109 arranged at the downstream side and discharging air in the axial direction of the casing 107.
  • a dust exit 110 which discharges dust separated from dust-contained air out of the casing 107, is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the casing 107 located toward the airflow outlet 109.
  • the conventional dust collecting device includes a dust container 111, which is connected to the dust exit 110 and stores the dust.
  • dust-contained air flows from the tubular airflow inlet 102 into the casing 101 in the same direction as the axial direction of the casing 101.
  • the spiral vane 104 deflects the current of the dust-contained air by approximately 90° in the casing 101.
  • the dust-contained air is swirled when flowing in the axial direction of the casing 101 along the spiral vane 104 and the side surface of the casing 101.
  • the airflow inlet 102 when used in an upright position (airflow inlet located in a lower position and airflow outlet located in an upper position), the airflow inlet 102 is oriented downward. When installed in this manner, the airflow inlet 102 is blocked. Thus, an L-shaped joint or the like needs to be used to provide the airflow inlet 102 with an inlet surface that lies sideward. Thus, an additional component needs to be connected. This increases the size of the dust collecting device.
  • a location between the tubular airflow inlet 102 and the spiral vane 104 that is, a location where the air current is deflected by approximately 90°, is narrower than the airflow inlet 102. This also increases the pressure loss.
  • dust-contained air flows in the tangential direction of the tubular casing 107 and then along the circumference of the casing 107.
  • the dust-contained air is swirled when flowing in the axial direction of the casing 107 to the airflow outlet 109.
  • an air passage i.e., airflow inlet 108 extending from the tubular casing 107 in the tangential direction is necessary.
  • a component and space for the air passage are necessary when forming a dust collecting device.
  • interference increases between the entering air current and the swirling current. This may result in a failure to obtain a sufficient swirling current in the tubular casing 107 or form an unnecessary whirl. Thus, the pressure loss would be increased.
  • EP 2 201 879 A2 discloses a cleaner which has a centrifugal separator i.e. a cyclone tube separator, for separation of dust from dust loaded suction air, and comprising an air inlet and an air outlet.
  • a centrifugal separator i.e. a cyclone tube separator
  • Another centrifugal separator i.e. a cyclone separator
  • the former centrifugal separator has a dust outlet that is arranged in an air return area lateral to a separation chamber. The former separator centrifuges the separated dust in a dust collecting container that is separated from the separation chamber, by centrifugal force.
  • EP 1 842 597 A2 discloses a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner.
  • the dust collector includes a dust separating unit forming a separation space for separating dust from air, a collector body forming a dust storage for storing the dust separated in the dust separating unit, and a dust guide passage connecting the separation space to the dust storage and guiding the separated dust to be discharged from the separation space in a tangential direction.
  • the problem relates to providing a more efficient device for separating dust from the air.
  • the conventional dust collecting device has a structure in which the direction of an air current changes in the inlet portion. This increases the pressure loss.
  • the present invention provides a dust collecting device that reduces pressure loss and is miniaturized and an air purifier using the dust collecting device.
  • a dust collecting device of the present invention includes a whirl formation unit and a dust collection chamber.
  • the whirl formation unit is arranged in a blow passage for air containing dust and forms a whirl.
  • the dust collection chamber collects and stores dust separated by the whirl generation unit.
  • the whirl formation unit includes a tubular casing including an air inflow port arranged at an upstream side of air flowing through the blow passage, an air outflow port arranged at a downstream side of the air flowing through the blow passage, and a dust discharge port arranged in a circumferential portion connected to an opening of the dust collection chamber.
  • the whirl formation unit also includes a spiral swirl enhancement surface formed around a center axis extending through a center of the tubular casing and arranged at an upstream side of the air flowing through the blow passage in the tubular casing.
  • the inflow port includes two sides lying along the swirl enhancement surface and another side lying along a portion of a side wall of the tubular casing. Planes of the inflow port and the discharge port each have a parallel relationship with an axial direction of the center axis.
  • the planes of the inflow port and the discharge port each have a parallel relationship with the axial direction of the center axis.
  • the inflow port does not project from the tubular casing. This reduces the size of the device.
  • the dust collecting device may allow the inflow port to be largely widened to the proximity of the axis of the tubular casing without interference of an incoming air current entering the inflow port with a swirling current in the tubular casing. This limits the inflow speed of the air current and thus reduces the pressure loss.
  • air may not suddenly.be deflected in the dust collecting device and may smoothly move from the inflow port to the swirl enhancement surface. This reduces the pressure loss.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagram of the first embodiment of an air purifier according to the present invention.
  • an air purifier 30 includes a body 1, an air inlet 2 located in a lower portion of the body 1, an air outlet 3 located in an upper portion of the body 1, a dust collecting device 4, an air filter 5, a deodorization filter 6, and an air blower 7, which are located inside the air purifier 30.
  • the body 1 includes a case 1a, which is vertically elongated and has the form of a tetragonal post, a base 1b holding the air purifier 30 upright, and poles 1c connecting the case 1a and the base 1b.
  • the air inlet 2 is surrounded by a grille, which is arranged around the dust collecting device 4 and includes gaps.
  • the case of the air purifier 30 has the form of a tetragonal post.
  • the case of the air purifier 30 may have a different form, such as the form of a tube or a polygonal post other than a tetragonal post.
  • the air filter 5 includes two pleated filtering members, which are box-shaped.
  • the filtering members are arranged to be V-shaped.
  • a large area of the filtering member may be obtained using little space.
  • the large area of the filtering member decreases the speed of air passing through the filtering member. This reduces the pressure loss.
  • this structure allows the pressure loss to rise gradually as the deposition of dust increases.
  • the air filter 5 may be used over a long time.
  • the air filter 5 is not limited to the V-shaped arrangement and may be arranged to be reversed-V-shaped, horizontal, parallel, or the like.
  • the shape of the air filter 5 may be tubular. When the shape is tubular, air may flow from the outside of the tube to the inside or from the inside of the tube to the outside. Either structure may be used in the present embodiment.
  • the deodorization filter 6 is arranged at the downstream side of the air filter 5.
  • a frame which functions to maintain the form of a filter, is thoroughly covered by granular activated carbon. Molecules that would produce an odor are adsorbed by the adsorption effect of activated carbon. This results in deodorization. Also, the use of granular activated carbon increases the surface area and further improves the deodorization effect.
  • the deodorization filter 6 may have a different structure such as that using a catalyst.
  • activated carbon may have a honeycomb structure.
  • the air blower 7 uses a turbo fan that produces a flow of air in the circumferential direction.
  • a guide 8 which is arranged around the air blower 7, changes the direction of the air flow upward so that the air is discharged from the air outlet 3.
  • the air blower 7 may include a sirocco fan, a diagonal flow fan, or the like.
  • the dust collecting device 4 includes a whirl formation unit 10, a dust collection chamber 11, and a connector 12 connecting the two.
  • one dust collection chamber 11 is arranged in a lower central portion of the air purifier 30 and surrounded by eight whirl formation units 10.
  • FIGs. 2A, 2B eight dust inflow ports 20, arranged in a tubular outer portion of the dust collection chamber 11, are respectively in communication with the whirl formation units 10.
  • the dust inflow ports 20 are connected to the whirl formation units 10 by the connectors 12, respectively.
  • FIGs. 2A, 2B illustrates a single representative whirl formation unit 10.
  • any number of the whirl formation units 10 may be connected to a single dust collection chamber 11. However, it is desirable that the number of the whirl formation units 10 be determined by considering the dust capturing performance, pressure loss, power of the air blower 7, noise, and the like in a comprehensive manner.
  • a lower portion of the dust collection chamber 11 includes a removable dust collection tray 9. The lower portion of the dust collection chamber 11 has a separable structure allowing the dust collection tray 9 to slide sideward for removal to facilitate disposal of the collected dust.
  • the whirl formation unit 10 includes a tubular casing 13, a spiral swirl enhancement surface 14, an outflow surface 15, and a rib 22.
  • the single-dashed line indicates a center axis 13a extending through the center of the tubular casing 13.
  • the tubular casing 13 includes a discharge port 16 in the circumferential surface at the downstream side (upper portion in Fig. 3 ).
  • the discharge port 16 functions as an opening for discharging dust.
  • the discharge port 16 is connected to one of the dust inflow ports 20 of the dust collection chamber 11 by the connector 12, which is illustrated in Figs. 2A, 2B .
  • the tubular casing 13 is cut and shaped along the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • an upstream end plane of the tubular casing 13 and the circumference of the swirl enhancement surface 14 are connected. This is as if the upstream side of the tubular casing 13 is covered by the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • Such a structure forms an opening, that is, the opening between an initial end 14a and a terminal end 14b of the swirl enhancement surface 14. This opening serves as an inflow port 17 of the whirl formation unit 10.
  • the swirl enhancement surface 14 is a surface continuous for 360 degrees from the initial end 14a to the terminal end 14b.
  • a vertical plane lying where the initial end 14a and the terminal end 14b overlap in a plan view defines the inflow port 17.
  • the swirl enhancement surface 14 may be a surface continuous for 360 degrees or more from the initial end 14a to the terminal end 14b.
  • the inflow port 17 is defined by an opening formed between the initial end 14a and the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • the swirl enhancement surface 14 may be less than 360 degrees, and a gap of approximately a few millimeters may be formed between the initial end 14a and the terminal end 14b when the swirl enhancement surface 14 is viewed from the downstream side (upper side in Fig. 3 ) of the tubular casing 13.
  • a draft angle may be set so that the molds contact each other at where the inflow port 17 is located. This simplifies manufacturing.
  • the outflow surface 15 includes an opening that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular casing 13.
  • the opening defines an outflow port 18 of the whirl formation unit 10.
  • the outflow surface 15 is formed to be perpendicular to the axis of the tubular casing 13.
  • the outflow surface 15 may be gradually inclined toward the central portion and the upstream side (lower side in Fig. 3 ).
  • the rib 22 is shaped to project from the open end of the outflow port 18 toward the upstream side. It is desirable that the projection length R of the rib 22 be 0.01 to 0.2 times longer than the diameter ⁇ of the tubular casing 13. In the present embodiment, the projection length is 0.1 times longer than the diameter ⁇ of the tubular casing 13.
  • the rib 22 serves as a resistance when a swirling current flows through the outflow port 18 toward the downstream side.
  • the resistance prevents dust contained in the swirling current from flowing toward the downstream side. This further improves the dust capturing performance.
  • the projection length R is set to be greater than 0.2 times longer than the diameter ⁇ of the tubular casing 13, the resistance directly acts on the air flow. This increases the pressure loss. However, dust may be captured without the rib 22.
  • a center rod 19 is arranged in the center of the swirl enhancement surface 14 and coupled to the spiral surface. In this structure, the center rod 19 supports the swirl enhancement surface 14. This increases the strength of the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • the inflow port 17 includes four sides. Two sides lie along the swirl enhancement surface 14, another side lies along a portion of the side wall of the tubular casing 13, and the remaining side lies along the center rod 19 arranged along the center axis 13a extending through the center of the tubular casing 13.
  • the center rod 19 has a length from the initial end 14a to the terminal end 14b of the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • the center rod 19 may be extended from the initial end 14a of the swirl enhancement surface 14 to the outflow surface 15.
  • the center rod 19 may be formed to have a diameter that gradually increases toward the outflow surface 15.
  • the void in which the air flows in the tubular casing 13 gradually narrows toward the downstream side of the air flow. This increases the swirl speed of the air. Consequently, centrifugal force received by dust is increased, and the dust capturing performance is improved.
  • the dust collection chamber 11 which is tubular, includes the dust inflow ports 20 in an upper portion of the circumferential surface.
  • the dust collection chamber 11 also includes the connectors 12 each projecting from around one of the dust inflow ports 20 toward an outer side of the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the discharge port 16 of each whirl formation unit 10 is connected to the dust collection chamber 11 by a connector 12.
  • the dust separated by the whirl formation unit 10 flows through the dust inflow port 20 and is captured in the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the shape of the dust collection chamber 11 is not limited to a tube and may be a tetragonal post, a polygonal post, or the like.
  • the connector 12 is a member connecting the dust discharge port 16 of the whirl formation unit 10 and the dust inflow port 20 of the corresponding dust collection chamber 11. Gaps are eliminated from portions connected to the connector 12 so that there is no air leakage.
  • Fig. 2A the current of air is indicated by the arrows.
  • the air enters the inflow port 17, forms a swirling current in the whirl formation unit 10, and exits the outflow port 18.
  • the dust moves through the connector 12 and enters the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the inertial force produced during the swirling is retained.
  • the dust continues to somewhat fly in the dust collection chamber 11 but falls into the dust collection chamber 11 due to gravity.
  • the dust collection chamber 11 includes no openings. Thus, not much air flows from the whirl formation units 10 to the dust collection chamber 11 and vice-versa. Still, a certain amount of air moves in and out.
  • a lower surface of the connector 12 is inclined downward toward the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the dust that collects on the inclined surface receives force directed toward the dust collection chamber 11 and produced by the inclination and the gravity. This limits the return of dust from the dust collection chamber 11 to the whirl formation units 10 even when a certain amount of air moves in and out.
  • dust is swirled and directed toward the downstream side (upper portion in Fig. 3 ). Dust swirled near the center rather than near the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13 may not be discharged from the discharge port 16. However, when providing the outflow surface 15, the dust strikes the outflow surface 15 and cannot move further toward the downstream side. The dust, on which the centrifugal force resulting from the swirling continues to act, moves along the outflow surface 15 toward the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13 and then moves from the discharge port 16 to the dust collection chamber 11. For this reason, the outflow surface 15 improves the dust capturing performance.
  • the outflow port 18 formed in the outflow surface 15 needs to be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular casing 13. Additionally, the outflow port 18 is arranged so that the center of the outflow port 18 of the outflow surface 15 lies along the center axis 13a of the tubular casing 13. This structure hinders dust, which continues to swirl even when striking the outflow surface 15, from exiting the outflow port 18.
  • the center of the outflow port 18 lies along the center axis 13a of the tubular casing 13
  • the distance from the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13 to the outflow port 18 may be uniform throughout the entire circumference of the outflow port 18.
  • it is difficult for continuously swirling dust to move to the outflow port 18 against the centrifugal force. This minimizes the amount of dust exiting the outflow port 18.
  • the dust capturing performance may be improved.
  • the discharge port 16 be arranged at the downstream side of the air inflow port 17 (in Fig. 3 , upper side from the inflow port 17) so that dust is discharged as much as possible. This is because time is necessary for centrifugal force to move dust toward the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13. If the discharge port 16 is located near the air inflow port 17, dust would move toward the downstream side of the discharge port 16 before moving to the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13. Thus, much dust would not be discharged.
  • the discharge port 16 is arranged at the most downstream side of the tubular casing 13, that is, a portion that is in contact with the outflow surface 15. This maximizes the time for dust to receive the centrifugal force and move toward the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13. Consequently, the amount of dust exiting the discharge port 16 may be increased. Additionally, dust, which strikes the outflow surface 15 and moves toward the inner wall surface of the tubular casing 13, may be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 16. This improves the dust capturing performance.
  • the shape of the discharge port 16 is tetragonal, there is no limit to such a configuration.
  • distance D of the tubular casing 13 in the axial direction is the sum of distance Ds of the inflow port 17 in the axial direction and distance Du from a downstream end of the inflow port 17 to the outflow surface 15.
  • distance Ds is 1 and distance Du is less than 0.9, the void between the swirl enhancement surface 14 and the outflow surface 15 becomes narrow. This increases pressure loss.
  • distance Du is greater than 2 relative to distance Ds, the time in which a swirling current contacts the wall surface of the tubular casing 13 becomes long. This weakens the swirling current due to contact friction with the wall surface and decreases the dust capturing performance. Therefore, when distance Ds is 1 and distance Du is 0.9 to 2, more desirably, 1 to 1.5, the dust capturing performance may be improved without any increases in the pressure loss.
  • the inflow port 17 will now be described.
  • the inflow port 17 is located at the inner side of the circumference of the tubular casing 13 at the upstream side (lower portion in Fig. 3 ) of the tubular casing 13.
  • the current of air entering the inflow port 17 is directed orthogonal to the inflow port 17, which is defined by the initial end 14a and the terminal end 14b of the swirl enhancement surface 14.
  • the swirl enhancement surface 14 includes a spiral surface extending toward the downstream side (upper portion in Fig. 3 ).
  • the swirl enhancement surface 14 smoothly changes the direction of the current of air entering the inflow port 17 toward the downstream side (upper portion in Fig. 3 ).
  • the inner wall of the tubular casing 13 transforms the air to a smoothly swirling current. That is, the current of the air entering the inflow port 17 forms a swirling current smoothly directed toward the downstream side.
  • the whirl formation unit 10 of the dust collecting device 4 reduces the pressure loss.
  • the inflow port 17 is integrally formed by the swirl enhancement surface 14 and the tubular casing 13 instead of projecting from the tubular casing 13. Thus, there is no need for an additional space for inflow and a component to provide such space. This reduces the size of the whirl formation unit 10.
  • the width of the inflow port 17 may be freely set and thus may be increased toward the center rod 19. More specifically, the width of the inflow port 17 may be freely set in accordance with the diameter of the center rod 19. When the diameter of the center rod 19 is reduced or the center rod 19 is not used, the width of the inflow port 17 may be increased. This widens the area of the inflow port 17 and decreases the air speed. Thus, pressure loss caused by the entrance of air may be decreased.
  • a swirling current is formed in the tubular casing 107.
  • the swirling current is formed caused by the airflow inlet 108 extending in the tangential direction connected to the upstream side surface of the casing 107. Air enters the casing 107 through the airflow inlet 108 in the tangential direction and then swirls along the inner wall of the casing 107. In this structure, the air swirling in the casing 107 joins and somewhat interferes with the fresh air entering the airflow inlet 108.
  • the width of the inflow port 17 may be increased toward the center of the swirling current without the need for space. This allows the whirl formation unit 10 to be miniaturized and reduces the pressure loss. Additionally, the planes of the inflow port 17 and the discharge port 16 each have a parallel relationship with the axial direction of the center axis 13a extending through the center of the tubular casing 13. Thus, the current of air, which enters the inflow port 17 and forms a swirling current constantly flowing parallel to the center axis 13a, moves in the axial direction of the tubular casing 13. Then, dust is smoothly discharged from the discharge port 16 located at the downstream side.
  • a plurality of whirl formation units 10 may be arranged for one dust collection chamber 11.
  • a dust inflow port 20 is arranged in the dust collection chamber 11 and connected to the whirl formation unit 10 by a connector 12.
  • the number of whirl formation units 10 that are used may be increased. This increases the processed air amount without any increases in the pressure loss.
  • the air purifier 30 using eight whirl formation units 10 when the air is the rated maximum air amount, all of the eight whirl formation units 10 are used to process the air. Thus, the pressure loss is limited. Additionally, when one wishes to decrease the air amount of the air purifier 30, for example, when one wishes to operate at one eighth of the rated maximum air amount, seven whirl formation units 10 may be closed so that air does not flow. In this case, the amount of air flowing to the single whirl formation unit 10 is the same as the air amount when using eight whirl formation units 10 in the rated maximum air amount.
  • the present embodiment provides the air purifier 30 that allows the capturing performance of the dust collecting device 4 to be maintained over a wide range of the air amount.
  • the layout of the whirl formation units 10 with respect to the single dust collection chamber 11 is not limited to a tetragonal arrangement along the inner wall of the case 1a illustrated in Fig. 1 and may be a circular arrangement around the dust collection chamber 11.
  • a dust collection chamber 11 having an elongated shape may be arranged between the rows.
  • the dust collecting device 4 may have any shape in accordance with the shape of the air purifier 30.
  • the dust collecting device 4 of the present embodiment is not limited to that in which the forward direction of the swirling current is an upward direction as described above.
  • the dust collecting device 4 may be used when reversed upside down. In this case, there is the need for a sufficient space for storing dust from the dust inflow ports 20 in a direction of gravity.
  • the dust collecting device 4 illustrated in Figs. 2A, 2B may be used sideward by rotating the dust collecting device 4 90 degrees. Also, in this case, sufficient space is needed to collect dust from the dust inflow ports 20 in the gravitational direction. In this manner, the dust collecting device 4 of the present embodiment may be changed to any direction.
  • the dust collecting device 4 and the air blower 7, which is located below the dust collecting device 4, are arranged in a blow passage 23 of the air purifier 30.
  • the air blower 7 forms an air current in the blow passage 23. The air current passes through the dust collecting device 4.
  • the dust collecting device 4 includes whirl formation units 10, which swirls passing air and centrifugally separates dust, and a dust collection chamber 11, which collects and stores the separated dust.
  • Each whirl formation unit 10 includes a tubular casing 13, a swirl enhancement surface 14, an inflow port 17, an outflow port 18, a discharge port 16, and an outflow surface 15.
  • the spiral swirl enhancement surface 14 used for swirling an air current is arranged in the tubular casing 13, and the inflow port 17 for drawing in air is arranged in one end of the tubular casing 13.
  • the outflow surface 15, in which the outflow port 18 is formed is arranged on the other end of the tubular casing 13, and the discharge port 16 for discharging dust to the dust collection chamber 11 is arranged in a side surface of the tubular casing 13.
  • each void is connected to the discharge port 16 of a whirl formation unit 10.
  • Each void and the whirl formation unit 10, which is connected to the void, are treated as a set.
  • Each set includes an opening-closing unit 25 that opens and closes the outflow port 18 of the whirl formation unit 10.
  • Figs. 5 , 6 , 7 each illustrate a mode in which the dust collection chamber 11 is separated by a single partition 24 to form two sets.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates that the opening-closing unit 25 is open in each set.
  • the amount of air flowing in the whirl formation unit 10 of each set is 100 m 3 /h.
  • the air amount of each whirl formation unit 10 is 50 m 3 /h.
  • the speed of the air current is decreased to one-half.
  • centrifugal force received by dust in the air current is also decreased. This decreases the dust capturing efficiency.
  • a left opening-closing unit 25a is closed to block a left outflow port 18a
  • air is drawn from a right inflow port 17b of a right set 26b by the suction force of the air blower 7.
  • the air forms an air current and swirls in a right whirl formation unit 10b. Dust in the swirling air current receives centrifugal force and moves to the inner wall of the right whirl formation unit 10b.
  • the dust passes through a right discharge port 16b and enters the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the air current, which swirls in the right whirl formation unit 10b passes through a right outflow port 18b and moves toward the air blower 7.
  • the left opening-closing unit 25a closes the left outflow port 18a.
  • an air current from the left outflow port 18a toward the air blower 7 is not formed.
  • the partition 24 prevents the air current from being joined between the left set 26a and the right set 26b.
  • a passage through which air flows from the left inflow port 17a via the left discharge port 16a, the dust collection chamber 11, the right discharge port 16b, and the right whirl formation unit 10b to the right outflow port 18b is not formed.
  • the air blower 7 is a blowing fan or the like.
  • the air blower 7 and the dust collecting device 4 are illustrated separately in the blow passage 23.
  • the air blower 7 only needs to form an air current in the whirl formation units 10 of the dust collecting device 4 illustrated in Fig. 5 .
  • the dust collecting device 4 and the air blower 7 may be formed integrally.
  • an outflow surface 15 is arranged on the upper end surface of each tubular casing 13 so that the outflow port 18 of the whirl formation unit 10 has a smaller diameter than the tubular casing 13. That is, the opening of the outflow surface 15 at an inner side functions as the outflow port 18.
  • the upper end surface of the tubular casing 13 includes the outflow surface 15 having the opening that is smaller than the diameter of the tubular casing 13.
  • dust does not flow out of the outflow port 18 together with the air current and repeats the swirling under the outflow surface 15 as compared to a structure in which the upper end surface of the tubular casing 13 is entirely open. This increases the opportunities in which dust, which is repetitively swirled, is discharged from the discharge port 16 to the dust collection chamber 11.
  • the dust capturing efficiency will be improved in the dust collecting device of the present embodiment.
  • the shape of the outflow port 18 is determined in correspondence with the shape of the outflow surface 15. Taking into consideration the pressure loss of an air current, it is preferred that the shape of the outflow port 18 be circular. Although a smaller diameter of the outflow port 18 improves the efficiency of dust collection, a smaller diameter increases the pressure loss. Thus, a designer determines the optimal diameter in accordance with the capacity of the air blower 7 and design parameters, such as the dimensions of the device to obtain the set air amount, the set air speed in the whirl formation unit 10, and the like.
  • the opening-closing unit 25 only needs to be shaped to completely close the outflow port 18.
  • a stem 27 may project from a portion of the circumference of a discoid block plate 28, which is coupled to a hinge 29, so that the block plate 28 functions as a lid of the outflow port 18 to open and close when an end of the stem 27 functions as a shaft.
  • the dust collection chamber 11 is box-shaped in the drawings, the dust collection chamber 11 may be shaped to be circular or the like.
  • a dust collecting device of the present invention is located in a blow passage of dust-contained air and includes a whirl formation unit forming a whirl and a dust collection chamber storing dust separated by the whirl formation unit.
  • the whirl formation unit includes an inflow port arranged in one end located at the upstream side of air flowing through the blow passage, an outflow port arranged in the other end located at the downstream side of the air flowing through the blow passage, and a tubular casing including a discharge port, which is arranged in a peripheral portion and connected to an opening of the dust collection chamber.
  • the whirl formation unit also includes a spiral swirl enhancement surface, which is arranged at the upstream side of the air flowing through the blow passage of the tubular casing and formed around a center axis extending through the center of the tubular casing.
  • the inflow port is defined by two sides of the swirl enhancement surface and a portion of the side wall of the tubular casing, which serves as another side.
  • the planes of the inflow port and the discharge port each have a parallel relationship with the axial direction of the center axis.
  • the inflow port exists in an inner side of the circumference of the tubular casing 13.
  • the inflow port does not project from the tubular casing. This eliminates the need for space for the inflow port and reduces the size of the entire device.
  • an incoming air current which enters the air inflow port, does not interfere with a swirling current in the tubular casing. This limits the inflow speed of the air current and reduces the pressure loss.
  • the air entering the air inflow port smoothly moves from the inflow port to the swirl enhancement surface without a sudden deflection.
  • This allows the formation of a swirling current, which is a whirl, while reducing the pressure loss.
  • centrifugal force acts on dust, and the dust may be smoothly discharged from the discharge port.
  • the dust collecting device of the present invention may include an outflow surface arranged on the downstream end and including an opening that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular casing.
  • the swirl enhancement surface Due to the swirl enhancement surface, dust-contained air moves and swirls toward the downstream side. While the air is discharged from the opening arranged in the outflow surface, centrifugal force acts on swirling dust due to its weight. Thus, the swirling dust acts to move close to the circumferential surface of the tubular casing.
  • the outflow surface blocks dust that has not completely moved close to the circumference of the tubular casing. Such dust moves along the outflow surface and close to the circumference caused by the centrifugal force. This enhances separation of the dust from the air exiting the opening of the outflow surface and improves the dust capturing performance.
  • distance D of the tubular casing in the axial direction is the sum of distance Ds of the inflow port in the axial direction and distance Du from the downstream end of the inflow port to the outflow surface.
  • the dust collecting device of the present invention may have a structure in which the center of the opening of the outflow surface is aligned with a portion of the center axis of the tubular casing. This reduces the opportunities in which dust, swirled close to the circumference of the tubular casing, encounters the opening the outflow surface throughout the circumferential direction. Thus, the separation of dust from the air may be increased, and the dust capturing performance may be further improved.
  • a dust discharge port may be arranged toward the air outflow port from the air inflow port. This ensures an increase in the time during which dust is swirled. Thus, a larger amount of dust moves close to the circumference of the tubular casing. This increases the amount of dust exiting the discharge port and further improves the dust capturing performance.
  • the dust discharge port may be arranged adjacent to the outflow surface. Consequently, dust may easily enter the dust discharge port when striking the outflow surface and then moving along the outflow surface close to the circumference of the tubular casing. This further improves the capturing performance.
  • the open end of the outflow surface may include a rib projecting toward the inside of the tubular casing.
  • the rib When a swirling current in the tubular casing moves toward the outflow port, the rib functions as a resistance and prevents dust from flowing together with the swirling current. This further improves the dust capturing performance.
  • an air purifier of the present invention includes a body including an air inlet and an air outlet, an air blower accommodated in the body, and the dust collecting device of the present invention arranged in the blow passage, through which air flows with the air blower.
  • the air purifier of the present invention may have a structure in which dust-contained air is drawn from the air inflow port of the dust collecting device and the air, from which dust is removed by the whirl formation unit of the dust collecting device, is blown out from the air outlet.
  • the dust collecting device of the present invention may be miniaturized and reduces the pressure loss.
  • the dust collecting device of the present invention is applicable to a dust collecting device and an air purifier that separate and collect dust in various processed air amounts.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Claims (8)

  1. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) comprenant :
    un module de formation de tourbillon (10) agencé dans un passage de soufflage pour de l'air contenant de la poussière et configuré pour former un tourbillon ; et
    une chambre de recueil de poussière (11) configurée pour recueillir et stocker de la poussière séparée par le module de formation de tourbillon (10),
    dans lequel le module de formation de tourbillon (10) inclut un boîtier tubulaire (13) incluant un port d'amenée d'air (17) agencé sur un côté amont d'air s'écoulant à travers le passage de soufflage, un port de sortie d'air (18) agencé sur un côté aval de l'air s'écoulant à travers le passage de soufflage, et un port d'évacuation de poussière (16) agencé dans une portion circonférentielle connectée à une ouverture (20) de la chambre de recueil de poussière (11),
    le dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) étant caractérisé en ce que :
    le module de formation de tourbillon (10) inclut en outre
    une surface d'amplification de tourbillon en spirale (14) formée autour d'un axe central (13a) s'étendant à travers un centre du boîtier tubulaire (13) et agencée sur un côté amont de l'air s'écoulant à travers le passage de soufflage dans le boîtier tubulaire (13), dans lequel la surface d'amplification de tourbillon en spirale (14) s'étend vers un côté aval de l'air s'écoulant à travers le passage de soufflage de sorte qu'une ouverture entre une extrémité initiale (14a) et une extrémité terminale (14b) de la surface d'amplification de tourbillon en spirale (14) sert de port d'amenée (17) ;
    le port d'amenée (17) inclut deux côtés se situant le long de l'extrémité initiale (14a) et de l'extrémité terminale (14b) de la surface d'amplification de tourbillon en spirale (14) et un autre côté se situant le long d'une portion d'une paroi latérale du boîtier tubulaire (13) ; et
    des plans du port d'amenée (17) et du port d'évacuation (16) ont chacun un rapport parallèle avec une direction axiale de l'axe central (13a).
  2. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
    une surface de sortie (15) est agencée sur un côté aval de l'air s'écoulant à travers le passage de soufflage dans le boîtier tubulaire (13) ; et
    la surface de sortie (15) inclut le port de sortie (18) qui est plus petit qu'un diamètre interne (Φ) du boîtier tubulaire (13).
  3. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel un rapport entre une distance Ds du port d'amenée (17) dans la direction axiale de l'axe central (13a) et une distance Du d'une extrémité aval (14b) du port d'amenée (17) à la surface de sortie (15) est réglé sur Ds/Du=l/0,9 à 2.
  4. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel un centre du port de sortie (18) de la surface de sortie (15) est aligné avec une ligne axiale de l'axe central (13a) du boîtier tubulaire (13).
  5. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le port d'évacuation (16) est agencé entre une extrémité aval (14b) de la surface d'amplification de tourbillon en spirale (14) et le port de sortie (18).
  6. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le port d'évacuation (16) est agencé de manière adjacente à la surface de sortie (15).
  7. Dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel une extrémité du port de sortie (18) inclut une nervure (22) saillant dans le boîtier tubulaire (13), et
    un rapport entre un diamètre Φ du boîtier tubulaire (13) et une longueur de saillie R de la nervure (22) est réglé sur R=(0,01 sur 0,2)x Φ.
  8. Purificateur d'air (30) comprenant :
    un corps (1) incluant une entrée d'air (2) et une sortie d'air (3) ;
    une soufflerie à air (7) agencée dans le corps (1) ; et
    un dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, le dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) étant agencé dans le passage de soufflage à travers lequel de l'air fourni par la soufflerie à air (7) s'écoule,
    dans lequel le purificateur d'air (30) est configuré pour aspirer de l'air contenant de la poussière du port d'entrée (17) du dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) et souffler de l'air duquel la poussière est éliminée par le module de formation de tourbillon (10) du dispositif de recueil de poussière (4) depuis la sortie d'air (3).
EP14764800.0A 2013-03-13 2014-02-28 Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif Active EP2974641B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2013050037 2013-03-13
JP2013153469A JP6405518B2 (ja) 2013-07-24 2013-07-24 集塵装置
JP2013171034A JP6225329B2 (ja) 2013-03-13 2013-08-21 集塵装置およびこれを用いた空気浄化装置
PCT/JP2014/001087 WO2014141614A1 (fr) 2013-03-13 2014-02-28 Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2974641A1 EP2974641A1 (fr) 2016-01-20
EP2974641A4 EP2974641A4 (fr) 2016-03-02
EP2974641B1 true EP2974641B1 (fr) 2018-10-24

Family

ID=54380168

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14764800.0A Active EP2974641B1 (fr) 2013-03-13 2014-02-28 Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2974641B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN105007793B (fr)
HK (1) HK1216292A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2014141614A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107822563B (zh) * 2017-12-01 2023-09-26 莱克电气股份有限公司 一种吸尘器二级旋风过滤尘杯
CN109224644B (zh) * 2018-09-29 2024-03-29 南京航空航天大学 轴流式除尘装置及方法

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AR198931A1 (es) * 1973-06-27 1974-07-24 Siemens Ag Ciclon de corriente giratoria
GB9823418D0 (en) * 1998-10-26 1998-12-23 Notetry Ltd Cyclonic seperating apparatus
US6350292B1 (en) 1998-11-24 2002-02-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Cyclone collector for a vacuum cleaner having a flow guide
CN1411911A (zh) * 2001-10-11 2003-04-23 广东美的集团股份有限公司 一种灰尘分离装置
JP2004129783A (ja) 2002-10-09 2004-04-30 Toshiba Tec Corp 電気掃除機
KR101250077B1 (ko) * 2006-04-04 2013-04-02 엘지전자 주식회사 진공 청소기의 집진 유닛
KR20070101056A (ko) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-16 삼성전자주식회사 사이클론 및 사이클론 공기청정기
JP4536122B2 (ja) * 2008-02-25 2010-09-01 三洋電機株式会社 電気掃除機
DE102008055045A1 (de) * 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Staubsauger mit Fliehkraftabscheidern
JP5567394B2 (ja) * 2010-05-28 2014-08-06 株式会社東芝 集塵装置および電気掃除機
JP5487041B2 (ja) * 2010-07-28 2014-05-07 株式会社東芝 塵埃分離集塵容器および電気掃除機
CN102334955B (zh) * 2011-10-18 2013-06-05 江苏美的春花电器股份有限公司 吸尘器的尘杯装置及吸尘器
CN102334954B (zh) * 2011-10-18 2013-10-02 江苏美的春花电器股份有限公司 一种吸尘器的尘杯及其吸尘器

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2974641A1 (fr) 2016-01-20
EP2974641A4 (fr) 2016-03-02
CN105007793A (zh) 2015-10-28
WO2014141614A1 (fr) 2014-09-18
HK1216292A1 (zh) 2016-11-04
CN105007793B (zh) 2017-05-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20220378259A1 (en) Handheld vacuum cleaner
RU2318427C1 (ru) Мультициклонное пылеулавливающее устройство
RU2271137C1 (ru) Циклонный пылеуловитель и пылесос с циклонным пылеуловителем
RU2272555C1 (ru) Циклонный сепаратор пыли и пылесос с таким сепаратором
KR100594584B1 (ko) 필터 조립체 및 이를 포함하는 사이클론 집진장치
JP6130343B2 (ja) 積み重ね式サイクロンを具備するサイクロン式分離器
US7291193B2 (en) Cyclone dust collector and vacuum cleaner therewith
EP1799353B1 (fr) Collecteur a cyclone
JP6519665B2 (ja) 電気掃除機
CN108403002B (zh) 旋风分离器及过滤组件
JP6225329B2 (ja) 集塵装置およびこれを用いた空気浄化装置
JP4310954B2 (ja) サイクロン集塵装置
EP1802399B1 (fr) Collecteur a cyclone
JP2006075584A (ja) サイクロン集塵装置及びこれを備えた掃除機
JP2011160828A (ja) サイクロン分離装置並びに電気掃除機
JP2016163798A (ja) サイクロン分離装置及びこれを備えた電気掃除機
JP2011212171A (ja) サイクロン分離装置並びに電気掃除機
EP2974641B1 (fr) Dispositif de dépoussiérage et dispositif d'épuration de l'air utilisant ce dispositif
JP6178983B2 (ja) 集塵装置およびこれを用いた空気浄化装置
JP4621008B2 (ja) 真空掃除機のゴミ分離装置
KR100782181B1 (ko) 진공청소기의 집진어셈블리
JP5831519B2 (ja) サイクロン分離装置及び電気掃除機
CN218852604U (zh) 一种用于清洁机的分离模块及清洁机
JP5804033B2 (ja) サイクロン分離装置及び電気掃除機
JP6443462B2 (ja) サイクロン分離装置及び電気掃除機

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150902

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20160203

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A47L 9/16 20060101AFI20160128BHEP

Ipc: B04C 3/06 20060101ALI20160128BHEP

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180524

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1055680

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20181115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014034702

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20181024

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1055680

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190124

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190124

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190224

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190125

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190224

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014034702

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190725

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181024

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240219

Year of fee payment: 11