GB2447098A

GB2447098A - Dual cyclone vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2447098A
Application number: GB0710016A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glyn Hauser
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-25
Filing date: 2007-05-25
Publication date: 2008-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-25
Also published as: WO2008145958A3; GB2447098B; GB0710016D0; WO2008145958A2

Abstract

A dual cyclonic vacuum cleaner having suction generation means to create a suction airflow path through a region of the cleaner and in particular a first dust collection container 101 and a second dust collection container 102. The internal volumes of the dust collection containers 101, 102 are spatially separate to increase the dust collection capacity of each container 101, 102. The cyclonic airflow path within the first container 101 is created by directing the airflow from an airflow inlet onto the internal walls 421 that define the first chamber 101 so as to maximize the internal volume of the first container 101. Optionally the containers are arranged side-by-side where guide means 413 extend between the two chambers 101, 102 to provide airflow communication from the first 101 to the second container 102 and preferably a frusto-conical insert 425 is positioned in the second container 102 to cause the airflow to become cyclonic. A filter 111 maybe positioned at the outlet of the first container.

Description

DUAL CYCLONE VACUUM CLEANER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and in particular to a cyclonic type vacuum cleaner.

Background to the Invention

Vacuum cleaners comprising cyclonic separating means have been developed to replace the more conventional vacuum cleaners in which a bag is used to collect the separated dust particles.

US 3,425,192 discloses a cyclonic vacuum cleaner in which air flows sequentially through a first stage cleaning section and a second stage cleaning section. In the first stage the airflow path passes through a cyclone separator configured to separate heavy dust and foreign matter particles from the airflow stream. In the second stage the airflow path passes through a plurality of smaller cyclone separators configured to separate finer dust and foreign matter particles.

Similarly, EP 0042723 discloses a cyclone cleaner comprising a high efficiency cyclone unit designed to collect deposited fine dust particles and a low efficiency cyclone unit in the airflow path upstream of the high efficiency unit configured to collect larger dust particles.

A variation on the two stage, low and high efficiency cyclonic vacuum cleaner is disclosed in EP 0018197. The dual cyclone unit comprises first and second chambers, the internal volumes of which being physically separated and connected in airflow communication by at least one through-channel. In each canister, the cyclonic airflow is created by directing the airflow onto frusto conical inserts respectively positioned in each canister. The cyclonic airflow operates against gravity such that the separated particle matter is propelled out of the frusto conical insert and collected in the region between the interior walls of each canister and the exterior walls of each respective insert.

Conventional cyclonic vacuum cleaners are disadvantageous in that the available volume for dust collection is reduced considerably by incorporating the conical inserts within the dust collection canister. Additionally, the dust collection volume is reduced further where the high efficiency cyclone chamber is positioned within the low efficiency cyclone chamber which has become a common feature amongst cyclonic vacuum cleaners.

Summary of the Invention

The inventors provide a cyclonic vacuum cleaner having enhanced dust collection and storage capacity over those cleaners found in the art. This enhanced capacity is provided by the relative positioning of the first and second cyclonic units in addition to the manner in which the cyclonic airflow is created in at least one of the cyclonic units.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising suction generation means configured to generate a suction airflow path through a region of said cleaner; a first dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; a second dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said first and second containers being positioned such that the internal volumes of said first and second containers are spatially separate; means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said second container; said vacuum cleaner characterised by: means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said first container comprising directing the airflow from the airflow inlet onto the internal walls that define said first container.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner comprises guide means extending between the outiet of the first container and the inlet of the second container to provide airflow communication between the first and second containers.

Preferably, the means to create the cyclonic airflow path within the first container comprises orientating the airflow from the inlet onto the internal wall of the first container. In particular, this may involve orientating the inlet to direct the airflow onto the internal wall and/or the provision of additional means such as a deflection shield or conduit to direct the airflow onto the internal walls so that the airflow progresses over the internal walls of the container so as to create the cyclonic path.

Preferably, the means to create the cyclonic airflow within the second container comprises a frusto conical insert in which the internal surface of the cone is capable of receiving the airflow from the inlet of the second container so as to guide the airflow so as to create a cyclonic airflow path.

Preferably, a filter is positioned at the outlet of the first container and serves to prevent larger particulate matter from passing from the first container to the second container. The filter may comprise a mesh component, perforations, or slots configured to allow the passage of air but restrict the passage of solid matter within the airflow stream.

Preferably, the first and/or second containers comprise a substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, the first and possibly the second container may have an oval cross section or at least a curved cross section region. In particular, as the creation of the cyclonic airflow within the second container is independent of the shape of its internal cross sectional configuration, the shape of the internal cross section may not necessarily include any curved region.

Additionally, the first and second containers may be tapered over a portion of their length such that the cross-sectional area at one end of each elongate container is larger than the corresponding cross-sectional area of a second end.

Preferably, the first and second containers are positioned side-by-side such that the internal volumes of each container do not overlap.

Preferably, the outlet for the first container is positioned at a first end of the container and the inlet of the second container is positioned at a first end of the second container. Preferably, the guide means is removeably attached to the first ends of the first and second containers so as to extend between the first ends of the first and second containers.

Preferably, means to seal the guide means to the first ends of the first and second containers are provided. So as to maximise the internal volumes, the guide means is preferably positioned external to the internal volumes of the first and second containers.

Preferably, the guide means comprises directing fins or airflow guide positioned adjacent to the airflow inlet of the second container. The directed fins or guide are configured to guide the airflow onto the internal surface of the frusto cone so as to facilitate creation of the cyclonic airflow within the second container.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner further comprises at least one bleed valve configured to allow air to be bled into the airflow path through the vacuum cleaner.

The bleed valve may be positioned at any region in the airflow path. However, preferably the at least one bleed valve is positioned between the suction generation means and the outlet of the second container. Alternatively, the at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path between the inlet of the first container and the outlet of the second container. Alternatively, the at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path upstream of the inlet of the first container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dust collection apparatus for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a first dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said first container; and a second dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said first and second container being positioned such that the internal volumes of said first and second containers are spatially separate; said dust collection apparatus characterised by: means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said second container comprising directing the airflow from the airflow inlet onto the internal walls that define said first container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the dust collection canister assembly according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an angled perspective view of the dust collection canister assembly of figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the dust collection canister assembly of figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the dust collection canister assembly through A-A of figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a partial cut-away perspective view of the dust collection canister assembly of figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first and second chamber airflow guide means of figures 1 to 4; Figure 7 illustrates an underside perspective view of the first and second chamber airflow guide means of figure 6;

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of the dust collection canister assembly 100 having a first low efficiency dust collection chamber 101 positioned at the side of a second high efficiency dust collection chamber 102. Each chamber 101, 102 is substantially cylindrical having a slight taper towards the lower half of each cylinder such that the cross-sectional area decreases within a lower half of each cylinder.

A first upper end of each cylinder is bordered by a housing 107 that seats against an upper rim 115 of each hollow cylinder so as to close each open end. A lowermost second end of each cylinder is bordered by a pivotally mounted flap 105 configured to mate with the lowermost rim 116 of each cylinder 101, 102. Flap 105 is hingeably mounted via suitable hinge brackets 106 to a substantially centrally positioned body extension 104 extending between the lower half portions of each cylinder 101, 102 so as to form a solid divide for each chamber.

An airflow inlet extension 110 projects from the side wall of the low efficiency chamber 101 at an uppermost region immediately below upper rim 115. An aperture 116 is formed at the projection end of extension 110 so as to provide airflow communication into the internal low efficiency chamber 101. An airflow outlet extension 117 projects from an upper surface 118 of housing 107 directly above high efficiency chamber 102. Outlet extension 117 comprises an aperture 113 at one end thereof so as to provide an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the high efficiency chamber 102.

A handle 108 of a shape and size suitable to be grasped by one hand of a user extends from upper surface 118 of housing 107. Handle 108 comprises button 109 configured for operation by a user's thumb. Button 109 is configured to release flap 105 from contact with lowermost rim 116 of cylinders 101, 102 such that flap 105 pivots about hinges 106 to allow the contents within each dust collection chamber to be emptied under gravity. Handle 108 also comprises button 114 configured to release housing 107 from contact with uppermost rim 115.

Low efficiency chamber 101 houses a filter 111 positioned within the airflow stream between low efficiency chamber 101 and high efficiency chamber 102.

Filter 111 is secured in position within chamber 101 as an upper portion (not shown) of filter 111 is housed and seated within a hollow receiving portion (not shown) of housing 107. A filter cap 112, secured to one end of filter 111 is seated over the hollow housing portion to sit against upper surface 118 of housing 107.

Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the dust collection canister assembly 100. Figure 4 illustrates the cross- sectional side elevation view through A-A of figure 3 and figure 5 illustrates a partial cutaway perspective view of the dust collection canister assembly.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, the low efficiency dust collection chamber 101 comprises an internal chamber 400 defined by chamber walls 403 having interior surface 421 and exterior surface 420. Similarly, the high efficiency chamber 102 comprises internal chamber 401 defined by chamber walls 404 having internal surface 422 and external surface 423. Internal chambers 400, 401 are separated by internal dividing walls 415 which taper outwardly from uppermost rim 115 to lowermost rim 116. The space between chambers 400, 401 is at least partially filled by flange 416 which tapers outwardly towards body 104 which is positioned in contact with lowermost rim 116. The open lowermost ends of internal chamber 400, 401 are sealed by the internal surfaces 418, 417 respectively, of hingeably mounted flap 105.

Filter 111 projects internally from housing 107 into low efficiency chamber 400. Filter 111 comprises a conical portion 427 comprising a plurality of filter holes 409. A cylindrical extension 428 extends from the uppermost widest region of cone 427 and comprises a plurality of bleed holes 410.

An end region 502 of cylindrical extension 428 is seated within an airflow passageway defined by airflow passageway guide walls 501 extending from a base flange 500 configured for positioning in contact with uppermost rim 115 of chambers 101, 102. Guide walls 501 define a portion of an airflow passageway 412 extending between internal chambers 400, 401. An aperture 426 is formed within base flange 500 to accommodate the cylindrical portion 428 of filter 111.

This aperture and an internal chamber 411 of filter 111 define the airflow outlet from internal chamber 400. A window 503 formed within the cylindrical extension 402 provides airflow communication with the airflow passageway 412 extending above the low efficiency chamber 400. A corresponding airflow passageway 413 is positioned immediately above high-efficiency chamber 401 and is defined by airflow passageway guide walls 408 extending from base flange 500.

A second aperture 406 is formed within base flange 500 immediately above high efficiency chamber 401 so as to provide an airflow inlet into the high efficiency chamber 401 from airflow passageway 413 in airflow communication with the low efficiency chamber 400 via airflow passageway 412, window 503, filter chamber 411 and filter holes 409. A frusto-conical projection 402 extends into high efficiency chamber 401 from base flange 500 positioned over and about aperture 406. Frusto-cone 402 comprises internal surface 424 defining internal cone chamber 414 being open at lowermost end 405 in fluid communication with the lower half of chamber 401. An external surface 425 of frusto-cone 402 is positioned opposed to internal walls 422 of chamber 401.

An outlet aperture 419 positioned centrally within aperture 406 is defined by cylindrical wall 407 of outlet extension 117. Outlet aperture 419 is positioned in fluid communication with an upper central region of internal cone chamber 414.

Figure 6 illustrates an upper perspective view of housing 107 and figure 7 illustrates a lower perspective view of housing 107. When the dust collection canister is fully assembled, a lowermost rim 702 of housing 107 is configured to mate with the outer perimeter of base flange 500 in close proximity to upper nm of chambers 400, 401.

Housing 107 comprising side walls 602 projecting from upper surface 118.

Housing 107 comprises aperture 700 configured to receive filter 111. A filter support wall 600 extends from a perimeter of aperture 700 from inner surface 703 opposed to walls 602. A least one channel 601 is formed within walls 600 and is configured to mate with a lug (not shown) extending from the cylindrical portion 428 of filter 111 so as to locate and releaseably secure filter 111 in position at housing 107 and canister 100. Walls 600 do not extend from the entire perimeter of aperture 700 such that a gap region is provided to allow airflow communication between passageway 412 and filter chamber 411 via window 503 which is aligned with the gap region between waIls 600.

Means 603, 604 are provided to secure housing 107 in position over and about base flange 500 and airflow passageway walls 501, 408. When seated in position, as illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the inner surface 703 of housing 107 defines the roof of the airflow passageway between low efficiency chamber 400 and high efficiency chamber 402 via filter holes 409, filter chamber 411 and airflow passageway 412, 413.

In use, an electric fan motor (not shown) draws air into the vacuum cleaner (not shown) and into the low efficiency dust collection chamber 400 via inlet extension 110 and aperture 119. Inlet extension 110 is orientated to extend from the substantially cylindrical walls 403 such that the airflow into the chamber is directed onto the internal wall surface 421 to create a cyclonic airflow path within chamber 400. This cyclonic airflow path circles around conical filter 409 towards chamber base 418. The airflow is then deflected in an upward direction to flow through filter holes 409 to emerge into the internal filter chamber 411. The airflow path is then guided through the inter-chamber airflow passageways 412, 413, via window 503 to emerge into the high efficiency chamber 401 via inlet 406.

The airflow flowing through passageway 413 is circulated by the cylindrical projection 407. Accordingly, the airflow from passageway 413 emerges into the internal cone chamber 414 against internal surface 424 according to a cyclonic airflow path progression. Any dust or debris within the cyclonic airflow falls towards base 417 through aperture 405 to collect at the lowermost region of chamber 401. The electric vacuum motor (not shown) draws air from the cone chamber 414 through chamber outlet 419, extension 117 and aperture 113.

Dust collection canister assembly 700 is connected within the airflow path flowing through the vacuum cleaner (not shown) using suitable hosing or ducting (not shown) coupled to inlet extension 110 and outlet extension 117.

According to specific implementations, at least one bleed valve may be incorporated upstream of the dust collection canister 100, at a position between internal chambers 400, 401 and/or a position downstream of the dust collection canister 100 within the airflow path through the vacuum cleaner (not shown).

By spatially separating the lower efficiency chamber 400 from the high efficiency chamber 401, the present dust collection canister is capable of collecting and storing greater volumes of debris matter over conventional vacuum cleaners.

Claims

Claims: 1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: suction generation means

configured to generate a suction airflow path through a region of said cleaner; a first dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; a second dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said first and second container being positioned such that the internal volumes of said first and second containers are spatially separate; and means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said second container; said vacuum cleaner characterised by: means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said first container comprising directing the airflow from the airflow inlet onto the internal walls that define said first container.
2. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means to create said cyclonic airflow path within said first container comprises orientating the airflow from said inlet tangentially onto the internal wall of said first canister.
3. The cleaner as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein said means to create said cyclonic airflow path within said second container comprises a frusto-conical insert having an internal surface for receiving the airflow from said inlet of said second container.
4. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a filter positioned at said outlet of said first container.
5. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first and/or second containers comprise a substantially circular cross-section.
6. The cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said first and/or second containers comprise a substantially oval cross-section.
7. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first and second containers are positioned side-by-side.
8. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said outlet of said first container is positioned at a first end of said container and said inlet of said second container is positioned at a first end of said second container.
9. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim comprising guide means extending between said outlet of said first container and said inlet of said second container to provide airflow communication between said first and second containers;
10. The cleaner as claimed in claim 9 wherein at least a portion of said guide means is removeably attached to said first ends of said first and second containers.
11. The cleaner as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein said guide means extends between said first ends of said first and second containers.
12. The cleaner as claimed in claims 9, 10 or 11 wherein said guide means is positioned external to the internal volumes of said first and second containers.
13. The cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said guide means comprises directing fins positioned adjacent said airflow inlet of said second container.
14. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim comprising at least one bleed valve configured to allow air to be bled into the airflow path through said vacuum cleaner.
15. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path between said suction generation means and said outlet of said second container.
16. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path upstream of said inlet of said first container. * ** ** * * ** S... * . *... * S..

S S..

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16. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path between said inlet of said first container and said outlet of said second container.

17. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path upstream of said inlet of said first container.

18. Dust collection apparatus for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a first dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said first container; a second dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said first and second container being positioned such that the internal volumes of said first and second containers are spatially separate; said apparatus characterised by: means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said second container comprising directing the airflow from the airflow inlet onto the internal walls that define said first container.

Amendments To The Claims Have Been Filed As Follows 1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: suction generation means configured to generate a suction airflow path through a region of said cleaner; a first dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said airflow inlet and said airflow outlet being located towards a first end of said io first dust collection chamber a second dust collection container having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, said airflow Inlet and said airflow outlet being located towards a first end of said second dust collection chamber, said first and second container being is positioned such that the internal volumes of said first and second containers are spatially separate; and means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said second container; said vacuum cleaner charactensed by: means to create a cyclonic airflow path within said first container comprising * , * directing the airflow from the airflow inlet onto the internal walls that define said first container; and * * wherein the first and second containers are tapered over a portion of their : length such that the cross-sectional area at said first end of each container is iS larger than the corresponding cross-sectional area of a second end and in which the first and second containers are positioned side by side such that the internal volumes of each container do not overlap. * *

2. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim I wherein said means to create said cyclonic airflow path within said first container comprises orientating the airflow from said inlet tangentially onto the internal wall of said first container.

3. The cleaner as claimed in claims I or 2 wherein said means to create said cyclonic airflow path within said second container comprises a frusto-conical insert having an internal surface for receiving the airflow from said inlet of said second container.

4. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a filter positioned at said outlet of said first container.

5. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first and/or second containers comprise a substantially circular cross-section.

6. The cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said first and/or second containers comprise a substantially oval cross-section.

7. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said outlet of said first container is positioned at a first end of said container and said inlet of said second container is positioned at a first end of said second container.

8. The cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim comprising guide means extending between said outlet of said first container and said inlet of said second container to provide airflow communication between said first and second containers; 9. The cleaner as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least a portion of said guide means is removeably attached to said first ends of said first and second * S. containers. S...

:. 10. The cleaner as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein said guide means * extends between said first ends of said first and second containers.

: **. II. The cleaner as claimed in claims 8, 9 or 10 wherein said guide * S means is positioned external to the internal volumes of said first and second *.....

* containers.

12. The cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein said guide means comprises directing fins positioned adjacent said airflow inlet of said second container.

13. The deaner as claimed in any preceding claim comprising at least one bleed valve configured to allow air to be bled into the airflow path through said vacuum cleaner.

14. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path between said suction generation means and said outlet of said second container.

15. The cleaner as daimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one bleed valve is positioned in the airflow path between said inlet of said first container and said outlet of said second container.