GB2475765A

GB2475765A - Cyclonic dust collector

Info

Publication number: GB2475765A
Application number: GB201018864A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanaka; Takaaki Ogawa; Hiroshi Nakamoto
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2009-11-27
Filing date: 2010-11-08
Publication date: 2011-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-08
Also published as: JP2011110234A; GB2475765B; JP4941540B2; CN102078166A; GB201018864D0; CN102078166B

Abstract

A cyclone type dust collector apparatus includes, a cylindrical filter 21 concentrically disposed in a cylindrical dust box (8, fig 2), a cylindrical dust accumulating space 52 disposed below the filter 21, an extending portion 22 formed to extend in an umbrella shape from a bottom portion of the filter 21 toward the dust accumulating space 52, a cyclone space 31 formed between an inner circumferential surface of the dust box and an outer circumferential surface of the filter 21, and a dust collector path 32 formed between an outer circumferential surface of the extending portion 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the dust box. A radial width L1 of the cyclone space is greater than that of the dust collector path L2. The dust accumulating space 52 has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the cyclone space 31. This structure produces a force that pushes the dust from the cyclone space 31 toward the dust accumulating space 52, preventing return of the dust accumulated in the dust accumulating space 52 back to the cyclone space 31, thereby improving the dust collection efficiency.

Description

CYCLONE TYPE DUST COLLECTOR APPARATUS AND VACUUM

CLEANER INCLUDING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cyclone type dust collector apparatus and a vacuum cleaner including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A cyclone type vacuum cleaner includes a motor-driven blower for sucking in air, a suction unit for sucking in dust with the air, and a dust collector apparatus. The dust collector apparatus includes a cylindrical dust collector unit and a collected dust chamber arranged below the dust collector unit. The air sucked in with the dust from the suction unit whirls inside the dust collector unit. Thus, the dust contained in the air is separated by centrifugal force. The separated dust is collected into the collected dust chamber. The air having the dust removed is sucked in by the motor-driven blower. The dust collected in the collected dust chamber is chiefly fibrous dust. Accordingly, in some cases, the dust may be stirred up and returned back toward the suction unit. A structure for suppressing return of the dust toward the suction unit is disclosed, for example, in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-135184 (Patent Document 1). The dust collector apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a stepwise portion based on a difference in the inner diameter between the dust collector unit and the collected dust chamber. The dust collector apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 suppresses the return of the dust from the collected dust chamber by use of the stepwise portion. However, such a structure fails to adequately suppress the return of the dust from the collected dust chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cyclone type dust collector apparatus that suppresses return of the collected dust back toward the suction unit as much as possible, and that exhibits high dust collection efficiency. A cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the present invention includes a cylindrical dust box, and a first opening that introduces air with dust into the dust box. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the present invention further includes a cylindrical filter concentrically disposed in the dust box, and a cyclone space formed between an inner circumferential surface of the dust box and an outer circumferential surface of the filter.

The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the present invention further includes a cylindrical dust accumulating space that is formed below the filter and that has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the cyclone space. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the present invention further includes an extending portion formed to extend in an umbrella shape from a bottom portion of the filter toward the dust accumulating space, and a dust collector path formed between an outer circumferential surface of the extending portion and the inner circumferential surface of the dust box. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the present invention further includes a second opening that externally exhausts the air from inside the dust box. A radial width of the cyclone space

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is greater than a radial width of the dust collector path.

This structure produces a force that pushes the dust from the cyclone space toward the dust accumulating space. This force suppresses return of the dust accumulated in the dust accumulating space back to the cyclone space. Because the dust does not return back to the cyclone space, return of dust back toward the suction unit is suppressed, and hence the dust collection efficiency is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner that includes a cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the first embodiment as seen from the front; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the first embodiment as seen from the rear; Fig. 4 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of the internal structure of the cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIRST EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner including a cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Vacuum cleaner body 1 includes therein motor-driven blower 6 and cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7. Suction port la is formed on the front side of vacuum cleaner body 1. Hose 2 is connected to suction port la.

Connection pipe 3 is connected to hose 2. Extension tube 4 is connected to connection pipe 3. Suction part 5 is connected to extension tube 4. In this manner, starting from suction port la of vacuum cleaner body 1, hose 2, connection pipe 3, extension tube 4, and suction part 5 are connected in order, to structure vacuum cleaner 100. Motor-driven blower 6 generates a suction force that sucks in air. The suction force is exerted, via cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7, suction port la, hose 2, connection pipe 3, and extension tube 4 in order, on suction part 5. In this manner, dust is sucked in with air from suction part 5, and transferred to cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7.

Note that, in Fig. 1, cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 is installed inside vacuum cleaner body 1. On the other hand, cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 may be structured to be attached as being exposed to the exterior of vacuum cleaner body 1. In this case, attachment and removal of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 becomes easier.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 as seen from the front. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 as seen from the rear. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7.

Cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 includes substantially

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cylindrical dust box 8, lid 9 for closing the bottom of dust box 8, cover 11 for closing the top of dust box 8, and handle 10 attached to cover 11. In this manner, the contour of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 is structured.

Note that cover 11 is engaged with dust box 8 by buckle 15 and hook 14.

Lid 9 is rotatably attached by hinge 13 provided at dust box 8. Lid 9 is engaged with dust box 8 by lock 18, to close the bottom of dust box 8. As shown in Fig. 5, lever 12 being pushed from above shifts slider 47 downward.

Slider 47 having shifted downward pushes top end portion 18a of lock 18 inward (in the left direction in Fig. 5). Lock 18 rotates about shaft 18b, to disengage lid 9. This allows lid 9 to rotate downward to open. Note that gasket 29 is attached to lid 9, and gasket 29 maintains the air-tightness between dust box 8 and lid 9.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, inside dust box 8, substantially cylindrical filter 21 is disposed so as to be substantially concentric with the cylindrical shape of dust box 8. Filter 21 is attached by filter attaching frame 57.

Below filter 21, umbrella-shaped extending portion 22 is formed. Extending portion 22 is attached to the bottom portion of filter attaching frame 57 by fit, welding, or the like. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of filter 21, extending portion 22, and filter attaching frame 57. Though filter 21 is shown as being partially cutaway in Fig. 4, actually, filter 21 is structured to surround filter attaching frame 57.

Filter 21 is structured of a metal material. In order to reduce unevenness of filter 21, the metal surface of filter 21 is provided with a coating of resin or the like. Alternatively, the metal surface of filter 21 undergoes a polishing process. A reduction in unevenness of filter 21 in this manner realizes smooth air flow. The smoothed air flow improves the separation efficiency as to air and dust. Further, it suppresses the dust from twining around filter 21. It is to be noted that cleanliness of filter 21 can be maintained by subjecting filter 21 to antimicrobial treatment.

The air and the dust sucked in from suction part 5 pass through suction port la and are sucked in from first opening 17 provided at dust box 8.

That is, as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 3, the air containing the dust is introduced inside dust box 8. The air sucked in flows into cyclone space 31 formed between the inner circumferential surface of outer wall 54 of dust box 8 and the outer circumferential surface of filter 21. The air flowed in cyclone space 31 whirls along cyclone space 31. The centrifugal force produced by the whirl of the air centrifugally separates dust chiefly made up of fibrous dust and air containing fine dust from each other. Because the dust weighs heavier than the air, the dust is separated externally to the whirl, i.e., on the outer circumferential side of cyclone space 31. The separated dust passes through dust collector path 32 formed between the outer circumferential surface of extending portion 22 and the inner circumferential surface of slope portion 53 (described below) of dust box 8, and falls downward. Thereafter, the dust falls into dust accumulating space 52 provided below filter 21, and accumulates therein.

Here, outer diameter R4 of dust accumulating space 52 is greater than outer diameter R3 of cyclone space 31. Radial width Li of cyclone space 31 is greater than radial width L2 of dust collector path 32. This structure makes the flow velocity of air in dust collector path 32 faster. As a result, the air flow produces a force that pushes the dust from cyclone space 31 toward dust accumulating space 52. This force prevents the dust accumulated in dust accumulating space 52 from whirling up into cyclone space 31. Because the dust does not return back to cyclone space 31, the dust such as hair and fibrous dust will not twine around filter 21. This improves the dust collection efficiency of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7.

Dust box 8 has slope portion 53 that widens conforming to the umbrella shape of extending portion 22. Slope portion 53 is structured to resemble a ceiling above around the outer circumference of dust accumulating space 52. This structure hinders the dust chiefly constituted of fibrous dust that is accumulated in dust accumulating space 52 from returning back to cyclone space 31. That is, this improves the dust collection efficiency of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7.

Here, when oblique surface 58 of extending portion 22 and slope portion 53 of dust box 8 are formed to be substantially in parallel to each other, the disturbance of air flow when whirling is eased. This further contributes to suppressing return of the dust from dust accumulating space 52 back to cyclone space 31. This still further contributes to preventing clogging of the dust in dust collector path 32. On the other hand, when slope portion 53 is formed such that radial width L2 of dust collector path 32 is gradually widened toward dust accumulating space 52, the slope of slope portion 53 becomes gentle. This makes it possible to reduce the height of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7. That is, cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 becomes compact. Conversely, when slope portion 53 is formed such that radial width L2 of dust collector path 32 is gradually narrowed toward dust accumulating space 52, the aforementioned force of pushing the dust becomes great. This still further contributes to suppressing return of the dust from dust accumulating space 52 back to cyclone space 31.

Outer diameter R3 of cyclone space 31 is greater than maximum outer diameter R2 of extending portion 22. This structure allows filter 21 and extending portion 22 to be pulled out and inserted into dust box 8 from above, even when filter 21 and extending portion 22 are structured as a single component. That is, this structure improves the assemblability of dust box 8.

Further, a structure in which at least part of dust box 8, or at least part of extending portion 22, is structured with a transparent material allows the user to visually recognize the inside. This structure makes it possible to check the amount of dust accumulated inside dust accumulating space 52 or umbrella-shaped part of extending portion 22, and hence, allows the user to easily determine when to discard the dust. It is to be noted that, a structure in which dust box 8 and extending portion 22 are both made of a transparent material further facilitates the visual recognition.

Still further, at an end portion of extending portion 22, flange 59 that extends in parallel to the axial direction of dust accumulating space 52 is formed. That is, radial width L3 of dust collector path 32 where it faces flange 59 is constant. This structure allows the air to flow vertically relative to the dust accumulated in dust accumulating space 52. This efficiently compresses the dust in dust accumulating space 52 and suppresses return of the dust back into cyclone space 31. Accordingly, this structure improves the dust collection efficiency of cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7.

In the foregoing, the description has been given of the dust having been centrifugally separated in cyclone space 31. Next, a description will be given of the air having the dust removed by centrifugal separation in cyclone space 31. The air contains fine dust that has not been centrifugally separated. The fine dust passes through filter 21 and thereafter is captured by pleated latter filter 23 provided above filter 21. That is, latter filter 23 separates the fine dust, and solely the air free of fine dust passes through latter filter 23. The air free of fine dust is exhausted from second opening 16 as indicated by arrow B in Fig. 3, and sucked in by motor-driven blower 6.

The fine dust having been captured by latter filter 23 and accumulated thereon is shaken off downward by dust remover unit 24 provided above latter filter 23, while motor-driven blower 6 is stopped. The structure and operation of dust remover unit 24 will be described later. The fine dust shaken off downward passes through the space internally to filter attaching frame 57, so as to accumulate in inner cylinder 33 provided below filter 21.

At the top portion of inner cylinder 33, slope portion 33a is formed.

The fine dust shaken off downward is led to the bottom portion of inner cylinder 33 by slope portion 33a. Turndown 55 is formed inside inner cylinder 33. Turndown 55 prevents return of the fine dust accumulated in inner cylinder 33 back to latter filter 23, even when cyclone type dust collector apparatus 7 is turned upside down. That is, turndown 55 avoids reattachment of the fine dust to latter filter 23. It is to be noted that inner cylinder 33 communicates with filter 21. Further, opening portion 33b at the bottom edge of inner cylinder 33 is separated from dust accumulating space 52 by gasket 30 provided at lid 9.

To the outer circumference of the top portion of latter filter 23, gasket 26 is attached. To the outer circumference of the bottom portion of latter filter 23, gasket 27 is attached. Gasket 26 and gasket 27 maintain the air-tightness relative to filter attaching frame 57, and possess a vibration isolation function.

The upper portion of filter attaching frame 57 positioned higher than filter 21 is greater than outer diameter Ri of filter 21 and also greater than outer diameter R3 of cyclone space 31. Filter attaching frame 57 is inserted from above dust box 8, and held by being pressed against gasket 27 and retainer rib 56.

The outer diameter of latter filter 23 is greater than outer diameter Ri of filter 21. This shape reduces the air flow resistance. Further, conforming to this shape, the outer diameter of the top portion of dust box 8 is greater than the outer diameter of outer wall 54 that structures the outer circumference of cyclone space 31. That is, dust box 8 has a waisted shape narrowed about the center in the axial direction.

Next, a description will be given of the dust removal of latter filter 23.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, dust remover unit 24 is structured with shaft 43, dust remover plate 44, and rail 41. Dust remover plate 44 and rail 41 are coupled via shaft 43. Motor unit 25 is structured with motor 40, crankshaft 37 attached to the rotary shaft of motor 40, connecting rod 38, and linear vibrator 39. Crankshaft 37, connecting rod 38 and linear vibrator 39 are coupled in order. This structure converts the rotation of motor 40 into vibration of linear vibrator 39 (vibration in the right and left directions in Fig. 6). Linear vibrator 39 is connected to rail 41 and, therefore, dust remover plate 44 vibrates toward the right and left sides. The right and left vibration of dust remover plate 44 shakes off downward the fine dust accumulated on latter filter 23.

Motor unit 25 is covered with motor cover 35 and motor case 36, and attached to case 46. To case 46, circuit board 49 for driving motor 40 is attached. Capacitor 48 is arranged on circuit board 49. Capacitor 48 is charged by a charger device (not shown) provided to vacuum cleaner body 1 via terminal 19 shown in Fig. 3. By actuation of switch 34, the power charged in capacitor 48 flows through motor 40, whereby motor 40 rotates.

This structure allows dust remover unit 24 to operate while motor-driven blower 6 is stopped.

It is to be noted that case 46 is coupled to cover 11 by inner wall 45, screw and the like. Rail 41 is held as being interposed between case 46 and rail retainer portion 42 provided at inner wall 45.

It is to be noted that, while the description has been given of the case in which dust box 8, extending portion 22 and the like are cylindrical in shape, the same operation and effect can be obtained in a case as shown in Fig. 5 in which such components are not partially cylindrical.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cyclone type dust collector apparatus, comprising: a cylindrical dust box; a first opening for introducing air with dust into the dust box; a cylindrical filter concentrically disposed in the dust box; a cyclone space formed between an inner circumferential surface of the dust box and an outer circumferential surface of the filter; a cylindrical dust accumulating space disposed below the filter and that has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the cyclone space; an extending portion formed to extend in an umbrella shape from a bottom portion of the filter toward the dust accumulating space; a dust collector path formed between an outer circumferential surface of the extending portion and the inner circumferential surface of the dust box; and a second opening for externally exhausting the air from inside the dust box, wherein a radial width of the cyclone space is greater than a radial width of the dust collector path.
2. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a maximum outer diameter of the extending portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the cyclone space.
3. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dust box has a slope portion that widens conforming to the umbrella shape of the extending portion, the outer circumferential surface of the extending portion and an inner circumferential surface of the slope portion of the dust box being in parallel to each other.
4. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radial width of the dust collector path gradually widens toward the dust accumulating space.
5. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radial width of the dust collector path gradually narrows toward the dust accumulating space.
6. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extending portion has a flange that extends in parallel to an axial direction of the dust accumulating space.
7. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the dust box is transparent.
8. The cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the extending portion is transparent.
9. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a motor-driven blower that sucks in air; a suction port that sucks in the air with dust by a drive operation of the motor-driven blower; and a cyclone type dust collector apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the cyclone type dust collector apparatus introducing the dust and the air sucked in from the suction port from the first opening.