GB2424605A - Multi-cyclone apparatus for a vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Multi-cyclone apparatus for a vacuum cleaner Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2424605A
GB2424605A GB0601840A GB0601840A GB2424605A GB 2424605 A GB2424605 A GB 2424605A GB 0601840 A GB0601840 A GB 0601840A GB 0601840 A GB0601840 A GB 0601840A GB 2424605 A GB2424605 A GB 2424605A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
air
primary
cyclone
dust receptacle
dust
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB0601840A
Other versions
GB2424605B (en
GB0601840D0 (en
Inventor
Jang-Keun Oh
Hak-Bong Lee
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.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Gwangju Electronics 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 KR1020050040190A external-priority patent/KR100611026B1/en
Application filed by Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of GB0601840D0 publication Critical patent/GB0601840D0/en
Publication of GB2424605A publication Critical patent/GB2424605A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2424605B publication Critical patent/GB2424605B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1625—Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1641—Multiple arrangement thereof for parallel flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/165—Construction of inlets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • 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
    • B04C11/00—Accessories, e.g. safety or control devices, not otherwise provided for, e.g. regulators, valves in inlet or overflow ducting
    • 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
    • B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/08—Vortex chamber constructions
    • B04C5/103—Bodies or members, e.g. bulkheads, guides, in the vortex chamber
    • 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
    • B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/14—Construction of the underflow ducting; Apex constructions; Discharge arrangements ; discharge through sidewall provided with a few slits or perforations
    • B04C5/185—Dust collectors
    • 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
    • B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/14—Construction of the underflow ducting; Apex constructions; Discharge arrangements ; discharge through sidewall provided with a few slits or perforations
    • B04C5/185—Dust collectors
    • B04C5/187—Dust collectors forming an integral part of the vortex chamber
    • 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
    • B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/24—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • 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
    • B04C5/00—Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/24—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • B04C5/26—Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

A multi-cyclonic apparatus 1 for a vacuum cleaner having a high dust-collection efficiency has a primary cyclone 10 for separating large dust particles from air drawn in via an air inlet 12. A guide vane 13 is provided under the air inlet 12 in the primary cyclone 10 to increase the speed of air drawn into the primary cyclone. A primary dust receptacle 20 is provided for collecting dust particles separated by the primary cyclone 10. A plurality of secondary cyclones 40 fluidly communicate with the primary cyclone 10 to separate fine dust particles from drawn-in air, and a secondary dust receptacle 50 is provided for collecting dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones. Other elements include upper space 18, vane inclined wings 14, cyclone housing 11, skirt 17, air discharge pipe 21, grille 16 with slits 16a, cavity 34, counter-flows prevention plates 23 and secondary dust receptacle 50.

Description

Multi-Cyclonic Apparatus for a Vacuum Cleaner This invention relates to a
multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, and in particular to a multi-cyclonic apparatus having an increased rotation force of drawn-in air.
A conventional cyclonic apparatus is generally configured to separate dust and other contaminants (hereinafter referred to as "dust") from air drawn in from a surface to be cleaned by a suction force generated by a motor assembly. The cyclonic apparatus has a single structure comprising a cyclone forming a rotative air stream to separate dust from drawn-in air, an air inlet allowing drawn-in air to flow in a tangential direction of the cyclone, and a dust receptacle for collecting dust separated by the cyclone.
The dust collection efficiency of this cyclonic apparatus is proportional to the magnitude of the centrifugal force generated in the cyclone, and the centrifugal force is proportional to the rotational speed of air drawn in via the air inlet. Accordingly, in order to enhance the dustcollection efficiency, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of drawn-in air. To increase the rotational speed of drawn-in air, a motor assembly should be employed which can generate a greater suction force. However, if such a motor assembly is employed, the manufacturing cost increases.
A known cyclonic apparatus having a single cyclone is described in GB-A240653 1.
This apparatus separates large dust particles and fine dust particles from drawn-in air.
Accordingly, if the rotational speed increases, relatively large and heavy dust particles can be easily removed, so that the dust-collection efficiency can increase to some degree. However, fine dust particles tend to re-ascend to be discharged with air via a discharge opening, so that the dust-collection efficiency of fine dust particles does not increase.
The aim of the invention is to provide a multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner that can efficiently increase dust-collection efficiency without requiring a high capacity motor assembly.
The present invention provides a multi-cyclonjc apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising: a primary cyclone for separating large dust particles from air drawn in via an air inlet; a guide vane provided under the air inlet in the primary cyclone for increasing the rotational speed of air drawn into the primary cyclone; a primary dust receptacle for collecting dust particles separated by the primary cyclone; a plurality of secondary cyclones each of which is in fluid communication with the primary cyclone, for separating fine dust particles from drawn- in air; and a secondary dust receptacle collecting the dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide vane comprises a plurality of radially-disposed, regularly-spaced inclined wings, the wings being inclined in such a manner that an open space is defined between each pair of adjacent wings.
Preferably, the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided under the primary dust receptacle, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided under the secondary cyclones.
Advantageously, the primary dust receptacle is provided with an air discharge pipe having open opposite ends, the air discharge pipe protruding upwardly from the centre of a bottom surface of that receptacle for fluid communication with a grille provided in the primary cyclone.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a primary cover disposed between the primary dust receptacle and the secondary cyclones, the primary cover having a plurality of centrifugal air paths in fluid communication with the air discharge pipe, a plurality of discharge openings in fluid communication with the secondary cyclones, and an air outlet for discharging air flowing out of the discharge openings.
Conveniently, the primary cover is provided with an air inlet pipe whose top end is connected to the air discharge pipe, and whose bottom end is connected to the centrifugal air paths, the centrifugal air paths being radially arranged.
In another preferred embodiment, the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided around the primary cyclone, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided around the primary dust receptacle.
The apparatus may further comprises a secondary cover provided over the primary cyclone and the secondary cyclones, the secondary cover being provided with a plurality of centrifugal air paths for guiding air, discharged from the primary cyclone, to the secondary cyclones.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a tertiary cover provided over the secondary cover, the tertiary cover having an air outlet for discharging air that passes through the secondary cyclones.
The air inlet may be connected to an extension pipe which extends to the outside of the secondary dust receptacle.
Conveniently, the primary dust receptacle and the secondary dust receptacle are integrally formed.
The invention, also provides a multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising a primary cyclone for separating large dust particles from air drawn in via an air inlet, a guide vane provided under the air inlet in the primary cyclone for increasing the rotational speed of air drawn into the primary cyclone, a primary dust receptacle provided under the primary cyclone for collecting dust particles separated by the primary cyclone, a plurality of secondary cyclones provided under the primary dust receptacle for separating fine dust particles from air drawn in from the primary cyclone, and a secondary dust receptacle provided under the secondary cyclones for collecting dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones.
Accordingly, the rotational force of air flowing into the multi-cyclonic apparatus increases, and the separation capacity of fine dust particles also increases.
The invention further provides a multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising: a primary cyclone having an air inlet for drawing in air and forming a first rotating air stream of drawn-in air; a guide vane provided under the air inlet for increasing the rotational speed of the first rotating air stream; and a plurality of secondary cyclones in fluid communication with the primary cyclone, each secondary cyclone being such as to form a respective second rotating air stream of drawn-in air.
Preferably, the guide vane comprises a plurality of radially-disposed, regularly-spaced, inclined wings, the wings being inclined in such a maimer that an open space is defined between each pair of adjacent wings.
The apparatus may further comprises a primary dust receptacle for collecting dust separated by the primary cyclone; and a secondary dust receptacle collecting dust separated by the secondary cyclones.
Advantageously, the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided under the primary dust receptacle, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided under the secondary cyclones.
Alternatively, the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided around the primary cyclone, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided around the primary dust receptacle.
As described above, the multi-cyclonic apparatus is such that the rotational speed of air flowing into the primary cyclone increases, so that the dust-collection efficiency can be enhanced without requiring a high capacity motor assembly.
The multi-cyclonjc apparatus has its primary cyclone and its secondary cyclones arranged in series, so that the dust-collection efficiency can be enhanced and fine dust particles can be more efficiently collected.
The multi-cyclonjc apparatus is such that the position of the air outlet can be modified according to the arrangement of the motor assembly, thereby allowing design freedom for a vacuum cleaner incorporating the apparatus.
Additionally, a motor assembly with a high capacity is not required to increase the dust- collection efficiency, so that the vacuum cleaner can be smaller than normal, and its manufacturing cost can be reduced.
The invention will now be described, in greater detail, by way of example description with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a crosssectional view of a vacuum cleaner multi cyclonic apparatus constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner multi-cyclonic apparatus constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of apparatus of Figure 3.
In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements in the different figures. The matters set forth in the description below, such as the detailed construction and method of operation, are only provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention, and should not be considered as limiting. The present invention can be carried out without using some or all of those defined elements. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention in unnecessary detail.
Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a multi-cyclonic apparatus 1 comprising a primary cyclone 10, a primary dust receptacle 20, a primary cover 30, a plurality of secondary cyclones 40, and a secondary dust receptacle 50.
The primary cyclone 10 separates large dust particles from air drawn into the apparatus via an air inlet 12 in fluid conimunjcation with a nozzle unit (not shown), and comprises a cylindrical cyclone housing 11 having an open bottom end, the air inlet 12, a guide vane 13, and a grille 16.
The air inlet 12 is tangential to the cyclone housing 11, so that air drawn into the top portion of the cyclone housing flows along the inner wall of the cyclone housing and forms a rotating air stream.
The guide vane 13 is positioned under the air inlet 12, and is configured as a disk having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cyclone housing 11. A plurality of inclined wings 14 are radially arranged at regular intervals along the outer circumference of the guide vane 13. The wings 14 are inclined so that an open space is defined between each pair of adjacent wings. The length of each of the wings 14 may be the same as the radius of the guide vane 13. However, the length of each wing is preferably such that the flow speed, i.e., the rotational speed, of air passing through the guide vane 13 so as to rotate in a lower space 19 below the guide vane is greater than the rotational speed of air rotating in an upper space 18 above the guide vane.
The inclination angle 0 of each inclined wing 14 with respect to a top surface 11 c of the cyclone housing 11 may be such that the rotational speed of drawn-in air increases to the maximum. Generally, the inclination angle 0 of each inclined wing 14 is an acute angle, and may be inclined downwardly in the direction of flow of drawn-in air.
The number of inclined wings 14 may be such as to increase the rotational speed of drawn-in air. Accordingly, air drawn in via the air inlet 12 passes between the inclined wings 14 to increase the rotational speed to a maximum, hence increasing the centrifugal force operating on the rotative stream to a maximum. In other words, the rotational speed in the lower space 19 below the guide vane 13 is greater than the rotational speed in the upper space 18 above the guide vane. For convenience of explanation Figure 2 shows the cyclone housing 11 separated into an upper housing 11 a and a lower housing lib. However, this should not be considered as limiting. The cyclone housing 11 may be integrally formed.
The grille 16 is positioned under the guide vane 13, and discharges air, from which dust has been removed, by a centrifugal force to the secondary cyclones 40. The grille 16 is cylindrical, and has an open bottom end, a plurality of slits 16a being formed in its outer circumference. Accordingly, air in the primary cyclone 10 discharges, via the slits 1 6a, to the secondary cyclones 40. A skirt 17 is positioned at the bottom end of the grille 16, the skirt having a smaller diameter than that of the cyclone housing 11.
The skirt 17 prevents dust, collected in the primary dust receptacle 20 from flowing backwards into the grille 16.
The primary dust receptacle 20 is positioned under the bottom portion of the primary cyclone 10 to collect dust particles, separated by, and falling from, drawn-in air by the primary cyclone. The primary dust receptacle 20 is cylindrical, and has an open top end with a diameter corresponding to the bottom end of the cyclone housing 11 of the primary cyclone 10. An air discharge pipe 21 protrudes from the centre of the bottom surface of the primary dust receptacle 20. The air discharge pipe 21 is open at opposite ends, the top end of this pipe having a diameter corresponding to that of the bottom end of the grille 16. Accordingly, if the primary cyclone 10 is engaged with the top portion of the primary dust receptacle 20, the bottom end of the cyclone housing 11 fits into the top end of the primary dust receptacle, and the bottom end of the grille 16 fits into the top end of the air discharge pipe 21. Accordingly, air drawn into the grille 16 flows to the bottom end of the air discharge pipe 21. A plurality of counterfiow prevention plates 23 are provided along the air discharge pipe 21 on the bottom surface of the primary dust receptacle 20.
The primary cover 30 is provided under the primary dust receptacle 20, and has a top surface 31 provided with an aperture 31 a for receiving the primary dust receptacle 20, and a bottom surface 32 provided with a plurality of centrifugal air paths 33 for guiding air discharged from the air discharge pipe 21 to the plurality of secondary cyclones 40.
An air inlet pipe 35 is provided at the centre of the bottom surface of the primary cover to connect with the air discharge pipe 21, and has an open top end. A cavity member 34 is provided at the bottom end of the air inlet pipe 35, for fluidly communicating with the centrifugal air paths 33 which are radially arranged with respect to the air inlet pipe. Accordingly, air drawn in via the air inlet pipe 35 collides with the bottom surface 32 of the primary cover 30,and flows into the centrifugal air paths 33. A plurality of discharge openings 36 are formed on the bottom surface 32 of the primary cover 30 to correspond to the plurality of secondary cyclones 40, and an air outlet 38 is provided at one side of the primary cover 30. Accordingly, air flowing out of the discharge openings 36 discharges via the air outlet 38 to the motor assembly (not shown).
The secondary cyclones 40 are provided under the primary cover 30, and are radially arranged to correspond to the centrifugal air paths 33. In other words, the secondary cyclones 40 are arranged circumferentiafly around the air inlet pipe 35. The secondary cyclones 40 are frustoconical, so that the top end 42 of each secondary cyclone has a greater diameter than its bottom end. The base of each secondary cyclone 40 has a discharge aperture 41 through which dust is discharged. Accordingly, air passes through the centrifugal air paths 33, and flows into the top end 42 of each of the secondary cyclones 40 so as to form a rotating stream in each of the secondary cyclones.
The secondary cyclones 40 may be circumferentially symmetrical or asymmetrical, as desired.
The secondary dust receptacle 50 is provided under the secondary cyclones 40 to collect dust falling from the discharge apertures 41 of the secondary cyclones 40. The secondary dust receptacle 50 may be formed under the primary cover 30 entirely to cover the secondary cyclones 40. The secondary dust receptacle 50 can, therefore, have an increased capacity for collecting fine dust particles.
The operation of the multi-cyclonic apparatus 1 will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
As the motor assembly (not shown) generates a suction force, dustcarrying air Al is drawn in via the nozzle unit (not shown) through the air inlet 12, and into the primary cyclone 10. Since the air inlet 12 is fonned in a tangential direction with respect to the cyclone housing 11, air passing through the air inlet flows along the inner wall of the cyclone housing 11 to form a rotating stream A2. Air rotating in the upper space 18 along its inner wall flows along the inclined wings 14 of the guide vane 13 to the lower space 19 below the guide vane. Since the inclined wings 14 each form an acute angle with respect to the top surface 11 c of the cyclone housing 11, air flowing into the lower space 19 of the guide vane 13 forms a rotating air stream A3 having a higher rotational speed than that of air A2 rotating in the upper space 18 of the guide vane. Large dust particles are separated from the dust-cariying air by the centrifugal force generated by the guide vane 13 in the rotating stream A3, and are collected in the primary dust receptacle 20.
The counterfiow prevention plates 23 block dust from flowing backwards with the rotating stream A4 of ascending air. Additionally, the skirt 17, formed at the bottom end of the grille 16, blocks part of the dust flowing backwards with the rotating stream A3 so that any such dust falls back into the primary dust receptacle 20.
Air from which large dust particles has been removed, is then drawn, as an air stream AS, into the slits 16a of the grille 16; and flows, via the air discharge pipe 21 and the air inlet pipe 35, to collide with the bottom surface 32 of the cavity member 34 of the primary cover 30. Air colliding with the bottom surface 32 of the primary cover 30 is dispersed into an air flow A6, so as to flow into the centrifugal air paths 33 radially arranged around the cavity member 34. The air flow A6 passes through the centrifugal air paths 33 and into the top ends 42 of the secondary cyclones 40, where it forms rotating air streams A7. Accordingly, fine dust particles included in this air are separated by centrifugal force, to fall via the apertures 41 into the secondary dust receptacle. Air A8, from which fine dust particles have been removed, discharges via the air outlet 38 to the motor assembly (not shown).
As described above, in this multi-cyclonic apparatus 1 the rotational speed of drawn-in air Al is increased by the guide vane 13, so that the centrifugal force increases and the dust-collection efficiency of the primary cyclone 10 increases. The multi-cyclonic apparatus I has the primary cyclone 10 and the secondary cyclones 40 arranged so that dust particles included in drawn-in air are sequentially removed according to their size.
Therefore, dust-collection efficiency is increased. The secondary cyclones 40 can collect more dust as compared with conventional devices. Since the air outlet 38 is formed at the lower portion of the multi- cyclonic apparatus 1, the apparatus can be provided in a vacuum cleaner whose motor assembly is located under the apparatus.
Figures 3 and 4 show the second form of multi-cyclonic apparatus 2, which comprises a primary cyclone 60, a primary dust receptacle 70, a plurality of secondary cyclones 80, a secondary dust receptacle 90, a secondary cover 100, and a tertiary cover 110.
The primary cyclone 60 separates large dust particles from air drawn in via an air inlet 62, and comprises a cyclone housing 61, the air inlet 62, a guide vane 63, and a grille 66.
The cyclone housing 61 forms the main body of the primary cyclone 60, and is cylindrical, with an open bottom end. An air discharge pipe 68 protrudes from the centre of the top surface of the cyclone housing 61 to the guide vane 63. The air discharge pipe 68 is cylindrical and has open opposite ends. A connecting portion 68a is formed at the top end of the air discharge pipe 68 for fluid communication with a plurality of centrifugal air paths 101 of the secondary cover 100. The bottom end of the air discharge pipe 68 is in fluid communication with the grille 66. Accordingly, the air discharge pipe 68 allows air drawn into the grille 66 to flow to the secondary cover 100.
The air inlet 62 is formed in a tangential direction with respect to the cyclone housing 61, so that air drawn into top end of the cyclone housing flows along the inner wall of the cyclone housing to form a rotating stream. An extension pipe 62a is connected to the air inlet 62 to pass through the secondary dust receptacle 90 to the outside.
The guide vane 63 is provided under the air inlet 62 in the cyclone housing 61, and is configured as a disk having a diameter corresponding to that of the cyclone housing 61.
An aperture 63a is formed in the centre of the guide vane 63 for insertion of the air discharge pipe 68. A plurality of inclined radial wings 64 are provided I0 circumferentially around the guide vane 63. The wings 64 are regularly spaced to leave spaces between each pair of wings 64. The length of each the wings 64 may be the same as the radius of the guide vane 63. However, the length of each wing is preferably such that the rotational speed, of air which passes through the guide vane 63 to rotate in a lower space 69b under the guide vane is greater than the rotational speed of air in an upper space 69a above the guide vane. The inclination angle 9 of each inclined wing 64 with respect to the top surface of the cyclone housing 61 may be such that the rotational speed of drawn-in air increases to a maximum. Generally, the inclination angle 0 of each wing 64 is an acute angle, and may be inclined downwardly in the direction of flow of drawn-in air. The number of inclined wings 64 may be such so as to increase the rotational speed of drawn-in air. Accordingly, air drawn in via the air inlet 62 passes between the inclined wings 64 to increase the rotational speed to a maximum, hence increasing the centrifugal force operating on the rotating stream. In other words, the rotational speed in the lower space 69b under the guide vane 63 is greater than the rotational speed in the upper space 69a above the guide vane.
The grille 66 is positioned under the guide vane 63, and discharges air from which large dust particles have been removed by centrifugal force, to the secondary cyclones 80.
The grille 66 is cylindrical, and has an open top end in fluid communication with the bottom end of the air discharge pipe 68, a plurality of slits 66a being formed in its outer circumference. Accordingly, air in the primary cyclone 60 discharges via the slits 66a to the secondary cyclones 80. The bottom end of the grille 66 is closed, and has a skirt 67 having a smaller diameter than that of the cyclone housing 61. The skirt 67 prevents dust collected in the primary dust receptacle 70 from flowing backwards into the grille 66.
The primary dust receptacle 70 is provided under the bottom portion of the primary cyclone 60 to collect large dust particles which are separated from drawn-in air by the primary cyclone 60. The primary dust receptacle 70 is cylindrical, and has an open top end whose diameter corresponds to that of the bottom end of the cyclone housing 61 of the primary cyclone 60. A plurality of counterfiow prevention plates 73 are provided at the centre of the bottom surface of the primary dust receptacle 70.
The secondary cyclones 80 are arranged around the primary cyclone 60, and separate fine dust particles from air drawn in via the primary cyclone 60. The secondary cyclones 80 fluidly communicate with the primary cyclone 60 by means of the secondary cover 100. Each of the secondary cyclones 80 is frustoconical, so that the diameter of its top end is greater than that of its bottom end, and each is provided with a discharge aperture 81 at its bottom end.
The secondary cover 100 engages with the top end of each of the primary and secondary cyclones 60, 80 to enable fluid communication between the primary cyclone and the secondary cyclones. The secondary cover 100 is provided with centrifugal air paths 101 and discharge openings 102 to correspond to the number of the secondary cyclones 80. A gasket (not shown) is provided between the secondary cover 100 and each of the primary cyclone 60 and the secondary cyclone 80 to prevent leakage of air.
The centrifugal air paths 101 form air, discharged via the air discharge pipe 68 of the primary cyclone 60, into respective rotating air streams in the secondary cyclones 80, the air entering the secondary cyclones via top inlets 82. Each air path 101 is provided with a discharge opening 102 which defines a passage through which air, from which fine dust particles have been removed by the secondary cyclones 80, can be discharged to the top portion of the secondary cover 100.
The tertiary cover 110 has an air outlet 111, and is configured to cover the top portion of the secondary cover 100. Accordingly, air discharged via the discharge openings 102, discharges via the air outlet 111 to the outside of the tertiary cover 110.
The secondary dust receptacle 90 is positioned around the primary dust receptacle 70 to collect fine dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones 80. The secondary dust receptacle 90 is cylindrical, and has an open top end and a closed bottom end. The diameter of the secondary dust receptacle 90 corresponds to that of the bottom end of the tertiary cover 110. Accordingly, as the secondary dust receptacle 90 is engaged with the bottom end of the tertiary cover 110, the secondary dust receptacle covers the secondary cyclones 80 and the primary dust receptacle 70. The primary dust receptacle 70 and the secondary dust receptacle 90 may be formed by separate elements.
However, they may be integrally formed by a single element. If the primary and secondary dust receptacles 70, 90 are integrally formed, the primary dust receptacle automatically engages with the primary cyclone 60 as the secondary dust receptacle is connected to the bottom end of the tertiary cover 110. Dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones 80 are collected in a space 91 between the primary dust receptacle and the secondary dust receptacle 90.
The operation of the multi-cyclonic apparatus 2 will now be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
As the motor assembly (not shown) generates a suction force, dustcarrying air Al is drawn in via the air inlet 62, which is in fluid communication with the nozzle unit (not shown), and into the primary cyclone 60. Since the air inlet 62 is formed in a tangential direction with respect to the cyclone housing 61, air passing through the air inlet flows along the inner wall of the cyclone housing 61 to form a rotating stream A2.
Air rotating along the inner wall flows along the inclined wings 64 of the guide vane 63 to the lower space 69b under the guide vane. Since each of the inclined wings 64 forms an acute angle with respect to the top surface 61 c of the cyclone housing 61, air flowing into the lower space forms a rotating stream A3 having a higher rotational speed than that of the air A2 rotating in the upper space 63a. Large dust particles are separated from dust-carrying air by the centrifugal force generated by the guide vane 63 to fall into the primary dust receptacle 70.
The counterfiow prevention plates 73 block dust flowing backwards with the rotating stream A4 of ascending air, there plates being formed on the bottom surface of the primary dust receptacle 70. The skirt 67, which is formed at the bottom end of the grille 66, blocks part of the dust flowing backwards with the rotating air stream, so that any such dust falls back into the primary dust receptacle 70.
Air A5, from which large dust particles have been removed, is drawn into the slits 66a of the grille 66; and flows, via the air discharge pipe 68, to collide with the secondary cover 100. Air colliding with the secondarycover 100 is dispersed so as to flow, via the connection portion 68a, into the centrifugal air paths 101 radially arranged around the air discharge pipe. This air flow passes through the centrifugal air paths 101, and into the top ends 82 of the secondary cyclones 80, where it forms rotating air streams A6. Accordingly, fine dust particles included in the air are separated by the centrifugal force to fall via the discharge apertures 81 into the secondary dust receptacle 90. Air A7, from which fine dust particles has been removed is discharged via the air outlet 102 to the top portion of the secondary cover 100. Air flowing out of the secondary cover is gathered by the tertiary cover 110, to be discharged via the air outlet 111 to the motor assembly (not shown).
As described above, in the multi-cyclonic apparatus 2 the rotational speed of drawn-in air is increased by the guide vane 63, so that the centrifugal force increases and the dust-collection efficiency of the primary cyclone 60 increases. In the multi-cyclone apparatus 2, air passing through the primary cyclone 60 sequentially passes into the secondary cyclones 80, so that fine dust particles can be removed and collected.
Therefore, dust-collection efficiency can be increased. Since the air outlet 111 is formed at the top portion of the multi-cyclonic apparatus 2, the apparatus can be provided in a vacuum cleaner whose motor assembly is located over the apparatus.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood, by those skilled in the art, that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (17)

1. A multi -cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising: a primary cyclone for separating large dust particles from air drawn in via an air inlet; a guide vane provided under the air inlet in the primary cyclone for increasing the rotational speed of air drawn into the primary cyclone; a primary dust receptacle for collecting dust particles separated by the primary cyclone; a plurality of secondary cyclones each of which is in fluid communication with the primary cyclone, for separating fine dust particles from drawn- in air; and a secondary dust receptacle collecting the dust particles separated by the secondary cyclones.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide vane comprises a plurality of radially-disposed, regularly-spaced inclined wings, the wings being inclined in such a manner that an open space is defined between each pair of adjacent wings.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided under the primary dust receptacle, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided under the secondary cyclones.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the primary dust receptacle is provided with an air discharge pipe having open opposite ends, the air discharge pipe protruding upwardly from the centre of a bottom surface of that receptacle for fluid communication with a grille provided in the primary cyclone.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising: a primary cover disposed between the primary dust receptacle and the secondary cyclones, the primary cover having a plurality of centrifugal air paths in fluid communication with the air discharge pipe, a plurality of discharge openings in fluid conimunication with the secondary cyclones, and an air outlet for discharging air flowing out of the discharge openings.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the primary cover is provided with an air inlet pipe whose top end is connected to the air discharge pipe, and whose bottom end is connected to the centrifugal air paths, the centrifugal air paths being radially arranged.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided around the primary cyclone, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided around the primary dust receptacle.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a secondary cover provided over the primary cyclone and the secondary cyclones, the secondary cover being provided with a plurality of centrifugal air paths for guiding air, discharged from the primary cyclone, to the secondary cyclones.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a tertiary cover provided over the secondary cover, the tertiary cover having an air outlet for discharging air that passes through the secondary cyclones.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the air inlet is connected to an extension pipe which extends to the outside of the secondary dust receptacle.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the primary dust receptacle and the secondary dust receptacle are integrally formed.
12. A multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising: a primary cyclone having an air inlet for drawing in air and forming a first rotating air stream of drawn-in air; a guide vane provided under the air inlet for increasing the rotational speed of the first rotating air stream; and a plurality of secondary cyclones in fluid communication with the primary cyclone, each secondary cyclone being such as to form a respective second rotating air stream of drawn-in air.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the guide vane comprises a plurality of radially-disposed, regularly-spaced, inclined wings, the wings being inclined in such a maimer that an open space is defined between each pair of adjacent wings.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising: a primary dust receptacle for collecting dust separated by the primary cyclone; and a secondary dust receptacle collecting dust separated by the secondary cyclones.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided under the primary dust receptacle, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided under the secondary cyclones.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the primary dust receptacle is provided under the primary cyclone, the secondary cyclones are provided around the primary cyclone, and the secondary dust receptacle is provided around the primary dust receptacle.
17. A multi-cyclone apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.
GB0601840A 2005-03-29 2006-01-30 Multi-cyclonic apparatus for a vacuum cleaner Expired - Fee Related GB2424605B (en)

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US66605305P 2005-03-29 2005-03-29
KR1020050040190A KR100611026B1 (en) 2005-03-29 2005-05-13 Multi-cyclone apparatus for vacuum cleaner

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GB2490224A (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-24 Dyson Technology Ltd Cylonic separator
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US9237834B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2016-01-19 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
US9451859B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2016-09-27 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
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CN110051277A (en) * 2018-12-20 2019-07-26 杰之深(苏州)科技有限公司 A kind of dust cup of dust collector and dust catcher with second level cyclone separating structure

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GB2410911A (en) * 2004-02-11 2005-08-17 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Cyclonic dust-collecting apparatus
GB2417916A (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-15 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Cyclonic dust-collecting apparatus
GB2418163A (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-03-22 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Electrostatically aided cyclonic dust-collecting apparatus

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GB2406531A (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-06 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Cyclonic dust-collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner
GB2410911A (en) * 2004-02-11 2005-08-17 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Cyclonic dust-collecting apparatus
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Cited By (14)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2006200984B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2008-06-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi-cyclone dust collector for vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner employing the same
GB2431602B (en) * 2005-10-25 2008-01-09 Suzhou Kingclean Floorcare Co Dedusting device for a vacuum cleaner
US9451859B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2016-09-27 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
GB2490224B (en) * 2011-04-15 2013-08-07 Dyson Technology Ltd Cyclonic separator
JP2014511735A (en) * 2011-04-15 2014-05-19 ダイソン テクノロジー リミテッド Cyclone separator
US9237834B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2016-01-19 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
US9414730B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2016-08-16 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
GB2490224A (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-24 Dyson Technology Ltd Cylonic separator
US9918602B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2018-03-20 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
US10750916B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2020-08-25 Dyson Technology Limited Cyclonic separator
US9649000B2 (en) 2012-11-09 2017-05-16 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Cyclone dust separator arrangement, cyclone dust separator and cyclone vacuum cleaner
JP2015126960A (en) * 2015-04-08 2015-07-09 株式会社東芝 Dust collection device and electric vacuum cleaner
JP2015144885A (en) * 2015-04-08 2015-08-13 株式会社東芝 vacuum cleaner
CN110051277A (en) * 2018-12-20 2019-07-26 杰之深(苏州)科技有限公司 A kind of dust cup of dust collector and dust catcher with second level cyclone separating structure

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