KR102658396B1 - Dust collector and vacuum cleaner having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes an external case that forms the exterior of a dust collection device; an inner case disposed inside the outer case; a primary cyclone unit formed by the outer case and the inner case and configured to separate dust from air flowing in from the outside; and a secondary cyclone unit installed inside the inner case and consisting of a set of axial flow cyclones that separate fine dust from air flowing in in the axial direction, wherein the set includes a first cyclone unit in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner case. a first group arranged along the circumference of a circle and partially spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the inner case to form a plurality of first flow paths therebetween; and arranged to contact each other along the circumference of a second circle that shares a center with the first circle and is smaller than the first circle, and is partially in contact with the first group and partially spaced apart from the first group, with a plurality of circles therebetween. It includes the second group forming the second flow path.

Description

Dust collector and vacuum cleaner equipped with the same {DUST COLLECTOR AND VACUUM CLEANER HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a dust collection device for a vacuum cleaner that separates and collects dust and fine dust from the air using a multi-cyclone.

A vacuum cleaner is a device that sucks air using suction power, separates dust or fine dust contained in the air from the air, and discharges clean air.

Types of vacuum cleaners can be divided into 1) canister type, 2) upright type, 3) hand type, and 4) cylinder type floor type.

The canister type vacuum cleaner is the most widely used vacuum cleaner in homes today and is a vacuum cleaner in which the suction nozzle and the cleaner body are communicated through a connecting member. The canister type is suitable for cleaning hard floors because it cleans using only suction power.

On the other hand, an upright type vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner in which the suction nozzle and the cleaner body are integrated into one piece. Upright-type vacuum cleaners are equipped with a rotating brush, so unlike canister-type vacuum cleaners, they can clean dust in carpets.

Cyclones used in vacuum cleaners can be divided into vertical cyclones and axial cyclones depending on the direction of air inflow.

The structure of the tangential inflow cyclone can be found in Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-0673769 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, a tangential inflow cyclone is provided with a tangential guide to form a spiral flow. In the case of a tangential inflow cyclone, air flows in in the tangential direction of the outside through structures such as tangential guides, and the spiral flow is formed by a structure that introduces air in the tangential direction. The tangential inlet cyclone has the advantage of a simple structure and a circular arrangement, making it suitable for installation in limited spaces such as vacuum cleaners. On the other hand, tangential inflow cyclones have the disadvantage that large pressure loss occurs due to high-speed flow eccentric to one side.

The structure of the axial flow cyclone can be found in Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0051320 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2). According to Patent Document 2, the axial flow cyclone is equipped with spiral blades for forming a spiral flow. In the case of an axial flow cyclone, flow flows in the axial direction, and the axial flow cyclone uses spiral blades, etc. to generate a swirling flow. Axial flow cyclones have the advantages of appropriate flow rate and uniform suction compared to tangential inflow cyclones, which results in lower pressure loss. On the other hand, axial flow cyclones have the disadvantage that it is difficult to manufacture guide vanes.

In order to improve the overall efficiency of the vacuum cleaner by reducing pressure loss as much as possible, it is desirable to use an axial flow cyclone. However, conventional vacuum cleaners using axial flow cyclones had several problems as follows.

First, if the inflow flow is concentrated only in some areas of the axial flow cyclone, the performance of the axial flow cyclone cannot be fully demonstrated. This is due to the characteristics of an axial flow cyclone in which flow flows in the axial direction. In order to maximize the efficiency of the axial flow cyclone, it is desirable for the inlet flow to be uniformly distributed at the inlet of the axial flow cyclone. This issue is particularly important when multiple axial flow cyclones come together to form a cluster. However, there is still a lack of concrete examples of a structure that can uniformly distribute the incoming flow to multiple axial flow cyclones.

In addition, the performance of an axial flow cyclone may vary depending on the height and diameter, but there is a lack of specific examples of sizes to maximize the separation performance of an axial flow cyclone.

Next, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, conventional vacuum cleaners with multiple axial flow cyclones are configured to separate dust or fine dust by gathering a plurality of separately manufactured axial flow cyclones. Axial flow cyclones are produced separately from molds of the same shape so that they have the same shape. Each axial flow cyclone produced from a mold had a gap between the outer wall and the spiral blades or a gap between the guide vanes, so it had the disadvantage that separation performance was inevitably reduced due to its structure.

Additionally, since vacuum cleaners are industrial products, each axial flow cyclone is mass produced and then undergoes an assembly process. The axial flow cyclones disclosed in Patent Document 2 are expected to undergo the same process. Each axial flow cyclone is formed by separately producing a vortex finder equipped with a guide vane and an outer wall, then inserting the vortex finder inside the outer wall and assembling it. Therefore, there was a hassle in the process of assembling each axial flow cyclone.

Furthermore, axial flow cyclones produced from molds had the disadvantage of not having a complex shape to achieve high separation performance. Axial flow cyclones are generally produced using an upper mold and a lower mold, but the reason it is difficult for axial flow cyclones to have complex shapes is due to limitations in producing them in the mold.

The first purpose of the present invention is to propose a dust collection device that can form a uniform inflow flow in a plurality of axial flow cyclones.

A second object of the present invention is to provide axial flow cyclones of a size capable of maximizing performance and a dust collection device including the same.

The third object of the present invention is to solve problems such as poor separation performance and process inconvenience caused by the separate production of axial flow cyclones, and to provide a plurality of axial flow cyclones formed by an integrated member and a dust collection device including them. It is to suggest.

The fourth object of the present invention is to propose a dust collection device having axial flow cyclones in which the outer wall and the guide vane are connected to each other to solve the problem of deterioration in separation performance of the dust collector caused by the gap between the outer wall and the guide vane.

The fifth object of the present invention is to propose a dust collection device having axial flow cyclones in which the guide vanes overlap each other in one direction to solve the problem of deterioration in separation performance of the dust collection device caused by the gap between the guide vanes. will be.

The sixth object of the present invention is to propose a coupling structure between an integrated member and a case that can simplify the assembly process of axial flow cyclones.

The seventh object of the present invention is to propose a dust collecting device having an integrated auxiliary member that can supplement the separation performance of the integrated member.

The dust collector of the present invention includes an outer case, an inner case, and a cyclone unit consisting of a set of axial flow cyclones that separate fine dust from air flowing in in the axial direction, and the set of axial flow cyclones are divided into a first group and a second group. Includes.

The first group of axial flow cyclones are arranged along the circumference of the first circle so as to contact the inner circumferential surface of the inner case. The first group of axial flow cyclones are partially spaced apart from the inner case to form a plurality of first flow paths therebetween.

The second group of axial flow cyclones are arranged to contact each other along the circumference of the second circle, which is concentric with the first circle. The axial flow cyclones of the second group are partially in contact with the first group and partially spaced apart from the first group to form a plurality of second flow paths therebetween.

The bridge connects the first group of axial flow cyclones and the second group of axial flow cyclones across the second flow path. One end of the bridge is connected to one axial flow cyclone belonging to the first group, and the other end of the bridge is connected between two axial flow cyclones belonging to the second group.

The ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first passages and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second passages may be 0.75 to 1.25.

The ratio (h/d) of the height (h) and diameter (d) of the axial flow cyclones may be 3 to 5.

The dust collecting device of the present invention is divided into a first embodiment including a fine dust separation member and a second embodiment including a fine dust separation member and an auxiliary member.

The dust collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a cyclone unit consisting of a set of axial flow cyclones that separate fine dust from air flowing in in the axial direction, and the set of axial flow cyclones separates fine dust from the casings. It is formed by combining members. The fine dust separation member is a single member (or integrated member) including vortex finders, band parts, and guide vanes. The fine dust separation member and the casing, which are single members, are combined to form a set of axial flow cyclones. It has the characteristics of invention.

This feature is different from the conventional structure in which a vortex finder with a guide vane is combined with a casing to form individual axial flow cyclones, and then the individual axial flow cyclones are gathered to form a set of axial flow cyclones. In the present invention, since the fine dust separation member, which is a single member, includes vortex finders, band parts, and guide vanes, a set of axial flow cyclones is formed only by combining the fine dust separation member and the casing, and is simple compared to the conventional configuration. The assembly process can be implemented.

The vortex finders of the fine dust separation member are disposed inside each casing, and the casings each form an outer wall around the hollow portion. Accordingly, the vortex finders can be understood as being disposed in the hollow portion of the casings.

The band portions are formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder at a position spaced apart from each vortex finder, and are seated on the casings and have a shape corresponding to the casings to form the outer walls of each axial flow cyclone together with the casings. have The bands and casings are separate parts but have corresponding shapes, so they together form the outer walls of the axial flow cyclones as if they were one part. Since each band portion is spaced apart from each vortex finder and has a shape corresponding to the casing, it can be understood that the casings are also spaced apart from the vortex finders.

Finally, guide vanes are disposed between the vortex finders and the band parts, are connected to the vortex finders and the band parts, and extend along the spiral direction. Accordingly, the vortex finders and the bands that are spaced apart from each other are connected by guide vanes, and from this, it can be understood that the outer walls of the axial flow cyclones and the vortex finders are connected by guide vanes.

The axial flow cyclone of the present invention formed in this way is distinguished from the structure of a conventional axial flow cyclone. In the case of a conventional axial flow cyclone, the vortex finder and the outer wall were spaced apart from each other, so there was a problem of deterioration of separation performance due to the gap. On the other hand, in the axial flow cyclone of the present invention, the vortex finder and the outer wall are connected to each other by a guide vane, so there is no gap between them and the separation performance does not deteriorate due to the gap. Therefore, the axial flow cyclone of the present invention can be expected to improve separation performance compared to the conventional one.

The axial flow cyclones of the present invention can be applied as a secondary cyclone unit of a dust collection device including a primary cyclone unit and a secondary cyclone unit. The primary cyclone unit is formed to separate dust from air introduced from the outside, and the secondary cyclone unit is made up of a set of axial flow cyclones and is formed to separate fine dust from the air. Here, the concept of a multi-cyclone including a primary cyclone unit and a secondary cyclone unit can be introduced.

One side of the guide vanes may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders along the helical direction, and the other side of the guide vanes may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the band portions along the helical direction. Additionally, the guide vanes may extend from the bottom of the bands to the top of the bands along a spiral direction to form the same height as the bands. According to this structure, there is no gap at all between the guide vanes and the bands, so the problem of deterioration of separation performance due to the gap can be solved.

Axial flow cyclones can be divided into first axial flow cyclones and second axial flow cyclones depending on location. The first axial flow cyclone is arranged at the center, and the second axial flow cyclones are arranged radially around the first axial flow cyclone. The first axial cyclone is singular in that it is centrally arranged, but the second axial cyclones are plural in that they are radially arranged.

The band portions of the first axial flow cyclone and the band portions of the second axial flow cyclones may be connected to each other, so that the band portions are connected to each other to form a single member or an integrated member. Furthermore, a flow path for air and fine dust is formed between the band portion of the first axial flow cyclone and the band portions of the second axial flow cyclones, so that air and fine dust are transferred from the primary cyclone portion to the secondary cyclone portion without a separate flow path structure. It is possible to float.

The fine dust separation member includes an outer band portion, and the outer band portion is formed to surround the band portions of the second axial flow cyclones to form an edge of the fine dust separation member, and is connected to the band portions of the second axial flow cyclones. A flow path for air and fine dust is formed between the band portions of the second axial flow cyclones and the outer band portion, allowing air and fine dust to flow from the primary cyclone portion to the secondary cyclone portion without a separate flow path structure. The outer band portion, together with the casings, forms the outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion. The outer band may be classified as an optional configuration depending on the design, but for stable coupling between the inner case and the fine dust separation member, it is preferable that the fine dust separation member includes an outer band portion.

The dust collection device includes an outer case and an inner case, and the fine dust separation member is formed to be seatable on the inner case. The external case forms the exterior of the dust collector and the outer wall of the primary cyclone unit. The inner case is installed inside the outer case and is formed to surround the casings and the outer band portion, and includes an inner case having a step portion formed along an inner peripheral surface to support the outer band portion.

Since the casings are fixed to the inner case, random relative rotation of the fine dust separation member and the inner case means relative rotation of the fine dust separation member and the casing. Therefore, when the fine dust separation member randomly rotates relative to the inner case, the structure of the axial flow cyclones is deformed. The fine dust separation member is seated on the step portion, and the fine dust separation member and the inner case are configured to prevent arbitrary relative rotation using a position fixing groove and a position fixing protrusion.

The dust collecting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a fine dust separation member and an auxiliary member, and a set of axial flow cyclones is formed by combining the casings, the fine dust separation member, and the auxiliary member. The casings and the fine dust separation member are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the auxiliary member is configured to assist the function of the fine dust separation member.

The auxiliary member is seated on the fine dust separation member and includes cover parts, auxiliary band parts, and auxiliary guide vanes. The cover parts are designed to prevent the combination of the auxiliary member and the fine dust separation member and arbitrary relative rotation, and are formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder. Furthermore, the cover parts can be understood as forming the outer wall of the vortex finders in that they surround the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders.

The auxiliary band parts are for assisting the band parts of the fine dust separation member, and are formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of each cover part at a position spaced apart from each cover part, and are seated on the band parts to work with the casings and the band parts. It has a shape corresponding to the bands to form the outer walls of the axial flow cyclones. The auxiliary bands, bands, and casings are separate parts or have shapes corresponding to each other, so that the three together form the outer walls of the axial flow cyclones as if they were one part.

Lastly, the auxiliary guide vanes are to assist the guide vanes of the fine dust separation member. One side of the auxiliary guide vanes is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the cover parts along the spiral direction, and the other side is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the auxiliary band parts along the spiral direction. connected. Therefore, the cover parts and the auxiliary band parts that are spaced apart from each other are connected by auxiliary guide vanes, and from this, it can be understood that the outer walls of the axial flow cyclones and the outer walls of the vortex finders are connected by auxiliary guide vanes.

Like the fine dust separation member, each of the auxiliary guide vanes is in contact with each of the guide vanes and extends continuously along the spiral direction. Additionally, each auxiliary guide vane is formed to make surface contact with each of the guide vanes. The fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member are separate parts, but the guide vanes and the auxiliary guide vanes extend continuously along the spiral direction and are in surface contact with each other, forming spiral wings as if they were one part.

Accordingly, an overlap structure that cannot be formed in a single part manufactured in a mold can be implemented. The guide vanes include a first guide vane and a second guide vane arranged adjacent to each other, and the auxiliary guide vanes include: a first auxiliary guide vane that contacts the first guide vane and extends continuously along a helical direction; and a second auxiliary guide vane that is in contact with the second guide vane and continuously extends along a spiral direction, wherein the first auxiliary guide vane and the second guide vane are used to form a coupling between the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member. The overlap structure is one that overlaps each other along the direction. According to the overlap structure, a high-speed swirling flow can be formed, and the separation performance of the dust collector can be improved.

The fine dust separation member includes support parts that form a step along the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders, and the fine dust separation member includes support parts that form a step along the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders, and the cover parts support the support. Each has a shape corresponding to the support parts so that it is seated on the parts. This structure allows the fine dust member and the auxiliary member to be combined.

The fine dust separation member is formed thicker than the auxiliary member. The thickness of the fine dust separation member and auxiliary member affects the separation performance and efficiency of the dust collection device. The auxiliary member functions to assist the fine dust separation member, and if the auxiliary member is formed excessively thick, efficiency is reduced due to pressure loss. Therefore, the auxiliary member is formed to be thinner than the fine dust separation member. On the other hand, the fine dust separation member has the main function of separating fine dust from the air and is formed thicker than the auxiliary member for high separation performance.

A set of axial flow cyclones can be divided into first axial flow cyclones and second axial flow cyclones depending on location. The first axial flow cyclone is arranged at the center, and the second axial flow cyclones are arranged radially around the first axial flow cyclone. The first axial flow cyclone is located at the center, so it is provided in single form, and the second axial flow cyclones are arranged radially, so they are provided in plural numbers. The auxiliary member includes an auxiliary outer band portion having a shape corresponding to the outer band portion so as to be seated on an upper portion of the outer band portion. The auxiliary outer band portion is for forming the auxiliary member as a single member (or integrated member), and the outer band portion and the auxiliary outer auxiliary band portion together with the casings form the outer wall of the secondary cyclone.

The dust collecting device of the present invention can constitute an embodiment expanded from the first and second embodiments. The primary cyclone part of the dust collector is comprised of an outer case, an inner case, and a mesh filter. The outer case forms the exterior of the dust collector and forms the outer wall of the primary cyclone unit. The inner case is disposed inside the outer case and forms the inner wall of the primary cyclone unit. Since the secondary cyclone unit is disposed inside the inner case, the inner case forms a boundary between the primary cyclone unit and the secondary cyclone unit. The mesh filter is installed to cover the openings of the inner case, and the mesh filter also forms a boundary between the primary cyclone unit and the secondary cyclone unit.

The inner case may be made of a single member or may be made of at least two or more members. When the inner case is composed of two members, the first member includes a side boundary portion formed to surround at least a portion of the secondary cyclone portion, an upper boundary portion extending in the circumferential direction from the top of the side boundary portion toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer case, and the first member. It includes a skirt portion extending in the circumferential direction from the bottom of the outer case toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer case, a plate portion formed on the inside of the skirt portion, and connection portions connecting the side boundary portion and the skirt portion.

The second member may include a receiving portion configured to accommodate the fine dust discharge ports of the axial flow cyclones, and a dust collecting portion boundary forming a boundary between the first dust collecting portion and the second dust collecting portion.

The mesh filter is coupled to the opening formed between the side border and the skirt portion and is made of a mesh or porous form. The weight standard for distinguishing dust and fine dust is determined by the separation performance of the primary cyclone unit and the secondary cyclone unit, and the size standard can be determined by the mesh filter.

The secondary cyclone unit can be formed by a collection of axial flow cyclones described previously. The axial flow cyclones may be arranged inside the primary cyclone unit, or may be arranged radially along the outer peripheral surface of the primary cyclone unit.

The dust collection device includes a first dust collection unit configured to collect dust separated by the primary cyclone unit and a second dust collection unit configured to collect fine dust separated by the secondary cyclone unit.

The first dust collection unit may be defined and formed by a partition and a receiving part forming an upper wall, an outer case forming an outer wall, a dust collection boundary forming an inner wall, and a lower cover forming a floor. The partition is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the external case, and the upper side of the partition is divided into a primary cyclone part and the lower side of the partition is divided into a first dust collection part.

A pressurizing unit is installed in the first dust collection unit to compress the dust collected in the first dust collection unit. The pressing unit includes a rotating shaft, a pressing member, a fixing part, a first driven gear, a power transmission rotating shaft, and a second driven gear. The driving force generated by the drive motor of the cleaner main body is transmitted to the first driven gear of the dust collector through the main gear of the cleaner main body, and then sequentially transmitted to the rotating shaft through the power transmission rotation shaft and the second driven gear. As the rotating shaft rotates, the pressurizing member also rotates and the dust is compressed.

The second dust collection unit is defined by a dust collection unit boundary forming a side wall and a lower cover forming a bottom. Depending on the design, a pressurizing unit may be installed in the second dust collection unit, and the pressurizing unit installed in the second dust collection unit may be configured to share driving force with the pressurizing unit installed in the first dust collection unit.

According to the present invention configured as described above, a plurality of first flow paths are formed between the first group of axial flow cyclones belonging to the secondary cyclone unit and the inner case, and the first group of axial flow cyclones and the second group of axial flow cyclones are formed. A plurality of second flow paths are formed between the axial flow cyclones. Since the ratio (a/b) of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first passages (a) and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second passages (b) is 0.75 to 1.25, according to the present invention, the flow flowing into each axial flow cyclone flows in all directions. can be uniformly introduced into each axial flow cyclone.

Additionally, since the bridge is connected to the first group and the second group across the second flow path, it is possible to prevent the flow from being biased to some areas within one second flow path. A bridge is formed in each second flow path, dividing the second flow path into two regions, so that the flow passing through the second flow path passes through the second flow path uniformly without being biased toward any part of the flow path. Accordingly, the flow flowing into each axial flow cyclone can be induced to flow into each axial flow cyclone uniformly from all directions.

The present invention is made to optimize the separation performance of the axial flow cyclones by setting the ratio (h/d) of the height (h) and diameter (d) of the axial flow cyclones to 3 to 5.

According to the present invention with the above configuration, the vortex finders, band parts, and guide vanes are formed as an integrated member (fine dust separation member), and the axial flow cyclones are formed by combining the casings and the integrated member, so that each cyclone It can solve the problems of performance degradation and process inconvenience caused by separate production.

Additionally, in the present invention, since the band portion of the integrated member and the guide vane are connected, the problem of deterioration in separation performance caused by the gap can be solved. Likewise, the problem of reduced separation performance caused by the gap between guide vanes can be solved through an overlapping structure of two integrated members, the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member.

In addition, the present invention provides (1) a coupling structure of the fine dust separation member to the inner case implemented by the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove (2) a coupling structure of the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member implemented by the vortex finder and the cover part. This enables easy disassembly and assembly of the dust collection device.

Additionally, the present invention can improve the efficiency of a dust collection device using a fine dust separation member and improve the separation performance of a dust collection device using an auxiliary member.

Figure 1a is a perspective view showing an example of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 1b is a perspective view showing another example of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a dust collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection device shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dust collector of Figure 2 cut along line AA.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fine dust separation member shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member shown in Figure 6.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram partially showing the coupled state of the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member shown in FIG. 6.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member shown in Figure 6.

Figure 1a is a perspective view showing an example of a vacuum cleaner 10 according to the present invention.

The cleaner body 11 and the dust collection device 100 form the exterior of the vacuum cleaner 10. Wheels 12 are installed on both sides of the cleaner main body 11 to implement slide movement of the cleaner main body 11. Inside the cleaner main body 11, a suction motor (not shown) and a suction fan (not shown) that are rotated by the suction motor to generate suction force are installed.

Although not shown, the vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a suction nozzle (not shown) for sucking air containing foreign substances and a connecting member (not shown) connecting the suction nozzle to the cleaner main body 11. In the present invention, the basic configuration of the suction nozzle and the connecting member is the same as that of the prior art, so description thereof will be omitted.

A suction part 13 is formed at the front lower part of the cleaner body 11 to suck in air sucked through the suction nozzle and foreign substances contained in the air. Air and foreign substances are introduced into the suction unit 13 by the operation of the suction motor and suction fan. Air and foreign substances flowing into the suction part 13 are introduced into the interior of the dust collector 100 through the inlet cleaner internal flow path 14 and the inlet 111 of the dust collector 100, and are discharged from the dust collector 100. separated from each other. Then, the air separated from the foreign matter exits the dust collector 100 through the outlet 141 of the dust collector 100 and the internal flow path 15 of the outlet cleaner.

For reference, in this specification, foreign substances contained in the air are classified into dust, fine dust, and ultrafine dust. Relatively large dust is referred to as “dust,” relatively small dust is referred to as “fine dust,” and dust smaller than “fine dust” is referred to as “ultrafine dust.”

The dust collection device 100 is configured to be detachable from the cleaner main body 11. The dust collection device 100 is configured to separate foreign substances from the sucked air, collect dust, and discharge the air separated from the foreign substances.

Openings may be formed at the bottom and top of the external case 110, respectively. A lower cover 130 is coupled to the bottom of the outer case 110, and an upper cover 140 is coupled to the top.

The lower cover 130 is installed to open and close the lower opening of the external case 110. The lower cover 130 may be detachably installed on the external case 110.

The upper cover 140 is installed to open and close the upper opening of the external case 110. The upper cover 140 may also be removably installed on the external case 110. A handle 142 is rotatably installed on the upper cover 140. The user can separate the dust collection device 100 from the cleaner main body 11, rotate the handle 142, and hold the dust collection device 100 in his/her hand.

Figure 1b is a perspective view showing another example of the vacuum cleaner 20 according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a configuration in which an upper connector 23 is formed on the upper cover, unlike the vacuum cleaner 10 shown in FIG. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1B, an upper cover 140' and a lower cover 130' are coupled to the top and bottom of the external case 110', respectively. And the upper upper connector 23 is formed on one side of the upper cover 140'.

The upper connector 23 may be formed on the cleaner body 21 rather than on the dust collection device 100'. For example, a cover covering the top of the dust collection device (corresponding to 140' in Figure 1b, but in this case, the cover is connected to the cleaner main body, not the dust collection device) is provided, and an upper connector 23 may be formed on the cover. . When the cover is flipped upward, the dust collector 100' underneath it can be separated from the cleaner main body 21.

Additionally, the upper connector 23 may be formed at one end of the handle 26, which will be described later. With the handle 26 positioned to cover the dust collector 100', the upper connector 23 may be connected to the inlet (not shown) of the dust collector 100'. When the suction nozzle is connected to the upper connector 23, the upper connector 23 forms an air connection path between the inlet of the dust collection device 100' and the suction nozzle.

The upper upper connector 23 is formed to be connectable with a suction nozzle (not shown). Unlike the vacuum cleaner 10 of FIG. 1A in which air is sucked into the cleaner body 21 and then introduced back into the dust collection device 100', the vacuum cleaner 20 shown in FIG. 1B has a suction nozzle and an upper upper connector 23. ) is made to suck air directly into the interior of the dust collection device (100').

In this way, the position of the suction port 23 may vary depending on the design of the vacuum cleaners 10 and 20 and the dust collectors 100 and 100'. Additionally, whether air is introduced into the dust collection device 100' via the cleaner body 21 or whether air is introduced into the dust collection device 100' without passing through the cleaner main body 21 may vary. In the present invention, the location of the suction port 23 or whether it passes through the cleaner main body 21 is not particularly limited.

The handle 26 installed on the cleaner body 21 may be formed to cover the upper cover 140' of the dust collection device 100'. A button 27 is formed on the handle 26, and the button 27 is configured to release the jam based on the user's pressing operation. Jamming refers to fixing the dust collection device 100' to the cleaner main body 21.

When the user presses the button 27, the jam is released and the upper cover 140' is opened. Accordingly, the restraint of the dust collection device 100' is released, and the dust collection device 100' can be separated from the cleaner main body 21.

Reference numeral 22, not explained in FIG. 1B, indicates a wheel, and the configuration not explained in FIG. 1B is replaced with the description in FIG. 1A.

Hereinafter, the dust collection devices 100 and 200 of the present invention will be described in detail.

The dust collection devices 100 and 200 to be described below show the dust collection devices 100 and 200 applied to a canister-type vacuum cleaner 10. However, the dust collection devices 100 and 200 of the present invention must be used in a canister-type vacuum cleaner. It is not limited to (10). The dust collection devices 100 and 200 of the present invention can also be applied to an upright type vacuum cleaner 10.

Ⅰ. First embodiment

Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a dust collection device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection device 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dust collector 100 of FIG. 2 taken along line A-A.

1. Appearance of dust collector 100

The exterior of the dust collector 100 consists of an external case 110, a lower cover 130, and an upper cover 140.

(1) External case (110)

The outer case 110 forms the side exterior of the dust collector 100. Additionally, the outer case 110 forms the outer wall of the primary cyclone unit 101. In order to form a swirling flow in the primary cyclone unit 101, the outer case 110 is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2. However, unlike the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110, the outer peripheral surface does not have to be formed in a cylindrical shape.

An inlet 111 of the dust collector 100 is formed in the external case 110. Air and foreign substances introduced through the suction part 13 described in FIG. 1A flow along the flow path inside the cleaner main body 11 and flow into the inside of the external case 110 through the inlet 111.

The inlet 111 may be formed along a tangential direction of the outer case 110 and may be formed to extend toward the inner periphery of the outer case 110. The reason why the inlet 111 has this structure is to cause a swirling movement of air and foreign substances. Air and foreign matter flowing into the inside of the outer case 110 along the tangential direction through the inlet 111 move around along the inside of the outer case 110.

The inlet 111 may protrude from the external case 110 to be connected to the flow path inside the cleaner main body 11. If the flow path inside the cleaner body 11 has a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 110, the inlet 111 may have a structure that does not protrude from the outer case 110.

Openings may be formed at the bottom and top of the external case 110, respectively. A lower cover 130 is coupled to the bottom of the outer case 110, and an upper cover 140 is coupled to the top.

(2) Lower cover (130)

The lower cover 130 forms the bottom of the dust collector 100. The circumference of the lower cover 130 is formed to correspond to the circumference of the outer case 110, and the lower cover 130 covers the lower opening of the outer case 110.

The lower cover 130 is rotatably coupled to the outer case 110 to open and close the lower opening of the outer case 110. In this embodiment, the lower cover 130 is hinged (115, 131) to the outer case 110, and is configured to open and close the lower opening of the outer case 110 as it rotates. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lower cover 130 may be completely detachably coupled to the external case 110.

The lower cover 130 remains coupled to the outer case 110 through the hook coupling portion 132. The hook coupling portion 132 is formed on the opposite side of the hinge 131 based on the center of the lower cover 130. The hook coupling portion 132 is made to be insertable into a groove 116 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 110. In order for the lower cover 130 to rotate by the hinge 131, the hook coupling portion 132 is connected to the outside. It must be pulled out from the groove 116 of the case 110.

A first dust collection unit 103 and a second dust collection unit 104, which will be described later, are formed inside the dust collection device 100, and the lower cover 130 is formed on the bottom surface of the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104. It is configured to form. Accordingly, the lower cover 130 can be rotated by the hinge 131 to simultaneously open the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104. When the lower cover 130 is rotated by the hinge 131 to open the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104 at the same time, dust and fine dust can be discharged at the same time. Accordingly, dust and fine dust are discharged simultaneously with a one-time operation of opening the lower cover 130, thereby improving user convenience of the dust collector 100 or the vacuum cleaner 10.

A sealing member 133 may be coupled around the lower cover 130. The sealing member 133 may be formed in a ring shape surrounding the circumference of the lower cover 130, and seals between the outer case 110 and the lower cover 130 to collect dust or dust collected inside the dust collector 100. This is done to prevent the leakage of fine dust.

(3) Top cover (140)

The upper cover 140 is formed to cover the upper opening of the external case 110 and is coupled to the upper part of the external case 110. The perimeter of the upper cover 140 is formed to correspond to the perimeter of the outer case 110.

The upper cover 140 is arranged to face the cover member 150 disposed inside the external case 110. The upper cover 140 is spaced apart from the cover member 150 and forms an discharge passage for discharging air discharged from the secondary cyclone unit 102 to the outside of the dust collector 100. An outlet 141 of the dust collector 100 is formed in the upper cover 140, and air is discharged through the outlet 141.

Air discharged through the outlet 141 of the dust collection device 100 may be discharged to the outside through an exhaust port (not shown) of the cleaner main body 11. A porous filter (not shown) configured to filter ultrafine dust from the air may be installed in the passage leading from the outlet 141 of the dust collection device 100 to the exhaust port of the cleaner main body 11.

A handle 142 may be rotatably coupled to the upper cover 140. The handle 142 may be formed along the outer circumference of the upper cover 140. For example, as shown in the drawing, the handle 142 may be formed in a semicircular or arched shape along the outer circumference of the upper cover 140. If the user wants to separate the dust collector 100 from the cleaner main body 11, disconnect the cleaner main body 11 and the dust collector 100, then rotate and lift the handle 142 to remove the dust collector 100. It is separated from the cleaner main body (11).

2. Internal configuration of dust collector 100

(1) Primary cyclone unit (101)

A cyclone refers to a device that separates foreign substances from the air by centrifugal force by forming a swirling flow in the air and foreign substances. Foreign matter is a concept that includes dust, fine dust, and ultrafine dust. Because the weight of air and the weight of foreign substances are different, the rotation radius of air and the rotation radius of foreign substances due to centrifugal force are different. Cyclones use the difference in rotation radius caused by centrifugal force to separate foreign substances such as dust and fine dust from the air.

The primary cyclone unit 101 is formed inside the external case 110 and is formed to separate dust from air introduced from the outside. The primary cyclone unit 101 is comprised of an outer case 110, an inner case 121 and 122, and a mesh filter 127.

1) External case (110)

The inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110 forms the outer wall of the primary cyclone unit 101. Dust, which is heavier than air and fine dust, rotates within a swirling flow with a larger radius of rotation than air or fine dust. Since dust rotates within an area defined by the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110, the maximum rotation radius of the dust is determined by the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110.

2) Inner case (121, 122)

The inner cases 121 and 122 are installed inside the outer case 110 and may partially have a cylindrical shape. Since the primary cyclone portion 101 is formed on the outside of the inner cases 121 and 122, and the secondary cyclone portion 102 is formed on the inside of the inner cases 121 and 122, the inner cases 121 and 122 are It forms a boundary between the primary cyclone unit 101 and the secondary cyclone unit 102. The inner cases 121 and 122 are disposed immediately below the cover member 150, and the cover member 150 is disposed to cover the open tops of the inner cases 121 and 122.

The inner cases 121 and 122 may be formed by combining the first member 121 and the second member 122, or may be formed with only one member. Hereinafter, the internal cases 121 and 122 will be described based on the fact that they are formed by combining the first member 121 and the second member 122, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The first member 121 includes a side boundary portion 121a, an upper boundary portion 121b, a skirt portion 121d, a plate portion 121e, and connection portions 121f. The second member 122 will be described later in the items related to the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104.

The side boundary portion 121a is formed to surround at least a portion of the secondary cyclone portion 102 and has an open ring shape to accommodate the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b of the secondary cyclone portion 102. The side boundary portion 121a corresponds to the side boundary between the primary cyclone portion 101 and the secondary cyclone portion 102.

The upper boundary portion 121b extends in a circumferential direction from the top of the side boundary portion 121a toward the inner peripheral surface of the external case 110. The upper boundary portion 121b contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110 along the circumferential direction to form the upper boundary of the primary cyclone portion 101. A sealing member (not shown) may be coupled around the upper boundary portion 121b. The sealing member may be formed in a ring shape surrounding the upper boundary portion 121b, and is configured to prevent dust from leaking by sealing between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110 and the upper boundary portion 121b.

A protrusion 121c facing the cover member is formed on the upper border portion 121b. The protrusion 121c is formed to be insertable into the groove 152 of the cover member, and the positions of the protrusion 121c and the groove 152 can be exchanged. As the protrusion 121c of the upper boundary portion 121b is inserted into the groove 152 of the cover member 150, the relative positions of the first member 121 and the cover member 150 may be set.

The skirt portion 121d extends in the circumferential direction from the bottom of the first member 121 toward the inner peripheral surface of the external case 110. The skirt portion 121d is used to prevent dust separated from the air by the primary cyclone portion 101 from scattering.

Unlike the upper boundary portion 121b, the skirt portion 121d is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the external case 110. As the skirt portion 121d is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110, an annular passage is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110 and the skirt portion 121d. Dust separated from the air by the first cyclone unit 101 moves to the first dust collection unit 103 along this passage.

The plate portion 121e is formed inside the skirt portion 121d. A through hole 121i is formed in the plate portion 121e to accommodate the lower ends of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b (more specifically, the lower ends of the casings 125, which will be described later). The plate portion 121e is used to prevent fine dust discharged from the fine dust outlets 141 of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b from flowing back into the secondary cyclone portion 102. The plate portion 121e and the skirt portion 121d may be formed at substantially the same height, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

One end of the connecting portions 121f is connected to the side boundary portion 121a, and the other end is connected to the skirt portion 121d or the plate portion 121e. The other end of the connecting portions 121f may be disposed at the boundary between the skirt portion 121d and the plate portion 121e. The connecting portions 121f are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumference of the first member 121.

The side boundary portion 121a and the connecting portions 121f may be formed to be inclined to become narrower downward. This is to induce the dust separated from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101 to fall. If the side boundary portion 121a and the connecting portions 121f are formed along the vertical direction, they may act as an obstacle during the falling process of dust. However, as shown in the drawing, if the side boundary portion 121a and the connecting portions 121f are formed at an angle, they do not act as an obstacle during the dust falling process, thereby allowing the dust to fall smoothly. The mesh filter 127 may also be formed to be inclined for the same reason.

3) Mesh filter (127)

As the connection parts 121f are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, openings 123 are formed in the area defined by the side boundary part 121a, the connection parts 121f, and the skirt part 121d (or plate part 121e). do. The mesh filter 127 is installed on the first member 121 to cover the openings 123. The mesh filter 127 may be provided singly or plurally.

The mesh filter 127 has a mesh or porous form to separate dust from the air flowing into the inner cases 121 and 122. The size standard for distinguishing between dust and fine dust can be determined by the mesh filter 127. Foreign matter whose size passes through the mesh filter 127 may be classified as fine dust, and foreign matter whose size does not pass through the mesh filter 127 may be classified as dust.

(2) 1st dust collection unit (103)

1) Configuration of the first dust collection unit (103)

The first dust collection unit 103 is formed to collect dust separated from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101. The first dust collection unit 103 refers to a space defined by the partition 112, the outer case 110, the inner cases 121 and 122, and the lower cover 130.

A partition 112 is formed inside the external case 110 along the inner peripheral surface of the external case 110 to partition the upper and lower parts of the external case 110. The partition 112 may be formed integrally with the external case 110.

The partition 112 forms the upper wall of the first dust collection unit 103. The partition 112 extends along the inner peripheral surface of the external case 110, but an opening 113 is formed to allow dust separated from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101 to flow into the first dust collection unit 103.

Based on the partition 112, the upper part of the outer case 110 forms the outer wall of the primary cyclone unit 101 described above, and the lower part of the outer case 110 forms the outer wall of the first dust collection unit 103. . The outer wall of the first dust collection unit 103 formed by the lower part of the external case 110 corresponds to the side wall of the first dust collection unit 103.

The second member 122 of the inner cases 121 and 122 is disposed below the first member 121 and includes a receiving portion 122a and a dust collection boundary 122b.

The receiving portion 122a is configured to accommodate the fine dust discharge port 141 of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. The upper end of the receiving part 122a is open, and the plate part 121e of the first member 121 is arranged to cover the open upper end of the receiving part 122a. The receiving portion 122a is disposed above the pressing unit 160, which will be described later. The receiving portion 122a may also be formed to be inclined like the side boundary portion 121a or the connecting portion 121f of the first member 121.

The lower surface of the receiving part 122a forms the upper wall of the first dust collecting part 103 together with the partition part 112. The partition 112 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the receiving part 122a, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the partition 112 and the receiving part 122a are in close contact with each other.

The dust collection unit boundary 122b is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow polygonal column, and extends from one side of the receiving unit 122a toward the lower cover 130. The pressurizing unit 160, which will be described later, has a rotating shaft 161 disposed below the receiving portion 122a, and the dust collection unit boundary 122b may be disposed side by side on one side of the rotating shaft 161. The rotation axis 161 may be placed at the center of the lower cover 130, and the dust collection unit boundary 122b may be arranged eccentrically from the center of the lower cover 130. The outer peripheral surface of the dust collection unit boundary 122b is the first dust collection unit. It forms the inner wall of (103). Additionally, the lower cover 130 forms the bottom of the first dust collection unit 103. Accordingly, the first dust collection unit 103 includes a partition 112 and an accommodating part 122a forming the upper wall, an external case 110 forming an outer wall, a dust collecting unit boundary 122b forming an inner wall, and a bottom forming the bottom. It may be defined and formed by the lower cover 130.

An inner wall 114 may be formed in the first dust collection unit 103. The inner wall 114 may be formed integrally with the outer case 110 or with the second member 122 of the inner cases 121 and 122. The inner wall 114 extends vertically to separate the left and right sides of the first dust collection unit 103. One side of the inner wall 114 is connected to the outer case 110, and the other side of the inner wall 114 is connected to the dust collection boundary 122b of the second member 122. The upper end of the inner wall 114 may be connected to the partition 112, and the lower end of the inner wall 114 may be in contact with the lower cover 130.

The first dust collection unit 103 is formed to be open toward the lower part of the dust collection device 100. The configuration in which the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104 are simultaneously opened by rotation of the lower cover 130 is replaced with the one described above.

2) Pressurization unit (160)

If the dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 is dispersed rather than gathered in one place, there is a possibility that the dust may scatter or be discharged to an unintended location during the process of discharging the dust. Additionally, if the dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 is not gathered in one place, it may be difficult to secure sufficient space for dust collection. In order to overcome this problem, the present invention uses a pressurizing unit 160 to pressurize the dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 to reduce its volume.

The pressurizing unit 160 rotates in both directions within the first dust collection unit 103 to compress the collected dust. The pressing unit 160 includes a rotating shaft 161, a pressing member 162, a fixing part 163, a first driven gear 164, a power transmission rotating shaft 165, and a second driven gear 166.

The rotation axis 161 is disposed below the receiving portion 122a of the second member 122. The rotation shaft 161 is configured to rotate by receiving power from the drive motor of the cleaner main body 11. The rotation shaft 161 is capable of reciprocating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, that is, in both directions.

The upper portion of the rotating shaft 161 may be supported by the lower portion of the receiving portion 122a, and the lower portion of the rotating shaft 161 may be supported by the fixing portion 163.

A groove 161a that is recessed toward the inside of the center of the rotation shaft 161 is formed on the upper part of the rotation shaft 161. And a protrusion 122d inserted into the groove 161a is formed to protrude at the lower part of the receiving portion 122a. The protrusion 122d is inserted into the groove 161a to support the rotation axis 161, and thus the protrusion 122d and the rotation axis 161 are capable of relative rotation. According to this structure, when the rotation shaft 161 rotates, the protrusion 122d holds the rotation center of the rotation shaft 161. Therefore, the rotation of the rotation axis 161 can be performed more stably.

The fixing part 163 is coupled to the rotation shaft 161 so as to be relatively rotatable and is fixed to the dust collection boundary 122b of the inner cases 121 and 122. Since the fixing part 163 is connected to the inner cases 121 and 122, even if the lower cover 130 is rotated by the hinge 131 and the first dust collecting part 103 is opened, the pressing member 162 and the rotating shaft 161 ) can be fixed in place.

The pressing member 162 is connected to the rotating shaft 161 and is configured to rotate within the first dust collection unit 103 according to the rotation of the rotating shaft 161. The pressing member 162 may be formed in a plate shape. The dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 is moved to one side of the first dust collection unit 103 by the rotation of the pressing member 162 and collected. If a lot of dust accumulates, the dust is pressurized by the pressing member 162. and is compressed.

The first driven gear 164, the power transmission rotation shaft 165, and the second driven gear 166 are formed to receive the driving force provided from the drive motor (not shown) of the cleaner main body 11 and transmit it to the rotation shaft 161. do. The drive motor is distinct from the suction motor described previously.

The first driven gear 164 is disposed on the outside of the lower cover 130 and exposed to the outside of the dust collection device 100. The main driven gear (not shown) corresponding to the first driven gear 164 is installed in the cleaner main body 11. When the dust collector 100 is coupled to the main driven gear 11, the first driven gear 164 moves as the main gear. gears mesh with each other. The main gear is rotated by a drive motor. Accordingly, the driving force generated when the drive motor operates is also transmitted to the first driven gear 164 through the main gear.

The power transmission rotation shaft 165 penetrates the lower cover 130 and is connected to the first driven gear 164 and the second driven gear 166, respectively. The power transmission rotation shaft 165 is capable of relative rotation with the lower cover 130.

The second driven gear 166 is connected to the power transmission rotation shaft 165 and is formed to transmit driving force to the rotation shaft 161. A groove is formed at the bottom of the rotation shaft 161 to accommodate the second driven gear 166, and a gear structure is provided around the groove to engage the second driven gear 166. The rotating shaft 161 and the second driven gear 166 are coupled and separated from each other according to the opening and closing of the lower cover 130 so as not to interfere with the opening of the first dust collecting part 103 and the second dust collecting part 104.

According to design changes, the structure for transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the rotation shaft 161 may be changed. For example, the rotation shaft 161 may be arranged to penetrate the lower cover 130 and be configured to be directly fitted to the main gear.

Regardless of the structure, the lower part of the pressurizing unit 160 must be rotatable relative to the lower cover 130. A sealing member may be provided at a relatively rotating portion of the lower cover 130 to seal the space between them.

When the drive motor operates while the dust collector 100 is coupled to the cleaner body 11, driving force is generated, and the main gear rotates by the driving force generated by the drive motor.

The driving force transmitted to the driving gear of the cleaner body 11 is transmitted to the pressing unit 160. The first driven gear 164 engages with the main gear and rotates, and the second driven gear 166 connected to the first driven gear 164 by the power transmission rotation shaft 165 also follows the first driven gear 164. It rotates. And the rotation shaft 161, which is configured to rotate together with the second driven gear 166, also rotates along the second driven gear 166, and the pressing member 162 connected to the rotation shaft 161 also rotates with the rotation shaft 161. The dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 is pressurized and compressed.

At this time, the rotation of the driving motor can be controlled to rotate the pressing member 162 in both directions. For example, the drive motor may be configured to rotate in the opposite direction when a repulsive force is applied in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. That is, when the pressing member 162 rotates in one direction and compresses the dust collected on one side to a certain level, the drive motor rotates in the other direction to compress the dust collected on the other side. The dust collector 100 and the cleaner may be designed so that a repulsive force is generated when the pressing member 162 approaches or touches the inner wall 114, which will be described later.

If dust is not sufficiently collected in the first dust collection unit 103, the pressing member 162 collides with the inner wall 114 and receives a corresponding repulsive force, or a stopper structure provided on the rotation path of the pressing member 162 ( (not shown) may be configured to receive a repulsive force and rotate in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, the control unit in the cleaner body 11 may apply a control signal to the drive motor to change the rotation direction of the pressing member 162 at regular intervals, so that the pressing member 162 rotates in both directions repeatedly. .

An inner wall 114 may be provided within the first dust collection unit 103 to collect dust moved to one side by rotation of the pressing member 162. In this embodiment, the inner wall 114 is shown to be disposed on the opposite side of the rotation axis 161 with the dust collection boundary 122b of the second member 122 interposed therebetween. According to this, dust flowing into the first dust collection unit 103 is collected on both sides of the inner wall 114 by rotation of the pressing member 162.

According to this pressurizing unit 160, the scattering of dust can be suppressed during the process of discarding dust, and the possibility of being discharged to an unintended place can be significantly reduced.

(3) Secondary cyclone unit (102)

After dust is separated from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101, the air and fine dust flow into the secondary cyclone unit 102 along the flow path. The secondary cyclone unit 102 is formed to separate fine dust from the air introduced from the primary cyclone unit 101.

The secondary cyclone unit 102 is composed of a set of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b formed to separate fine dust from air flowing in the axial direction. The set of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b includes casings 125 and a fine dust separation member 170.

1) Casings (125)

Each casing 125 forms outer walls around the hollow portion 125a. The outer walls around the hollow portion 125a formed by the casings 125 correspond to the outer walls of each of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. A swirling flow of air and fine dust is formed between the vortex finder 171 and the casing 125, which will be described later.

Fine dust, which is heavier than air, rotates within a swirling flow with a radius of rotation larger than that of air. Since fine dust rotates within an area defined by the casing 125, the maximum rotation radius of fine dust is defined by each casing 125.

The lower part of the casing 125 may have an inclined shape that becomes narrower downward. The reason why the lower part of the casing 125 has a shape that narrows downward is to induce fine dust separated from the air to fall and prevent the fine dust from being discharged into the vortex finder 171 along the air.

The lower portions of the casings 125 are supported by the plate portion 121e of the first member 121. Through holes 121i are formed in the plate portion 121e at positions facing the casings 125, and the lower portions of each casing 125 are inserted into the respective through holes 121i. Since the lower part of the casing 125 has an inclined shape that narrows downward, the casing 125 is formed by the plate portion 121e at a position where the outer peripheral surface of the casing 125 and the through hole 121i have the same size. It can be supported.

The upper part of the casing 125 is formed to accommodate the vortex finder 171 of the fine dust separation member 170, which will be described later. The upper part of the casing 125 may be formed to have a constant inner diameter. The upper and lower parts of the casing 125 can be distinguished based on the position where the inner diameter narrows.

A fine dust outlet 125b is formed at the bottom of the casing 125. Fine dust separated from the air is discharged from the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) through the fine dust outlet (125b).

The casing 125 is provided with the number of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. Since the set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed by the casings 125 and the fine dust separation member 170, the number of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) and the number of casings 125 are same. For the same reason, the number of vortex finders 171 and band parts 172, which will be described later, is the same as the number of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b.

Casings 125 may be disposed inside the inner cases 121 and 122. Referring to the drawing, it can be seen that the casings 125 are disposed inside the first member 121. The casings 125 may be divided into a first group 125a and a second group 125b. The first group of casings 125a are arranged to contact the inside of the first member 121, and the second group of casings 125b are arranged to be surrounded by the first group of casings 125a. It may be placed inside (125a).

The outer peripheral surface of each casing 125 may be connected to contact other surrounding casings 125, so that the casings 125 may form one member. The cross section of each casing 125 preferably has a circular shape as shown in the drawing. This is because if the cross-section of the casing 125 is formed in a circular shape, a flow path for air and fine dust may be formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent casings 125 even if they are in close contact with each other. When a flow path for air and fine dust is formed between the casings 125, there is an advantage that a separate flow path structure does not need to be installed.

It is not excluded that the cross section of each casing 125 is formed into a polygon. However, even if the cross-section of each casing 125 is formed as a polygon, it is preferable to have a polygon that can form a flow path for air and fine dust.

2) Fine dust separation member (170)

The fine dust separation member 170 is disposed on the casings 125 and forms a set of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b together with the casings 125.

The present invention is characterized in that a set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed by the casings 125 and one fine dust separation member 170. Hereinafter, the structure of the fine dust separation member 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fine dust separation member 170 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The fine dust separation member 170 includes vortex finders 171, bands 172, guide vanes 173, and outer band portions 174. Since the fine dust separation member 170 is an integrated member, the vortex finders 171, band portions 172, guide vanes 173, and the outer band portion ( 174) refers to each part of the fine dust separation member 170. However, depending on the design, the fine dust separation member 170 may not be provided with the outer band portion 174. In one fine dust separation member 170, the vortex finder 171, the band portion 172, and the guide vane 173 are all provided in plural numbers, but the outer band portion 174 is provided in a single number.

a. Vortex finders (171)

The vortex finder 171 is configured to discharge air separated from fine dust. Each vortex finder 171 is disposed inside each casing 125, and the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder 171 is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of each casing 125. Each vortex finder 171 has a structure that forms an outer wall around the hollow portion 171', and the air flowing into the inlet 171" of each vortex finder 171 flows through the augmented portion 171'. It is discharged to the top.

The upper and lower portions of the vortex finder 171 have a higher height than the band portion 172 or the outer band portion 174. In the drawing, it can be seen that the upper and lower ends of the vortex finders 171 protrude above and below the fine dust separation member 170, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 4, the lower part of the vortex finder 171 may have an inclined shape that becomes narrower downward. The reason why the lower part of the vortex finder 171 becomes narrower downward is to prevent fine dust from being discharged into the vortex finder 171 along the air.

Also, referring to FIG. 4, the upper part of the vortex finder 171 is formed to have a constant inner diameter. The upper and lower parts of the vortex finder 171 can be distinguished based on the position where the inner diameter narrows.

The vortex finders 171 may be divided into a first group 171a and a second group 171b. The first group of vortex finders 171a are arranged to be inserted into the first group of casings 125a, and the second group of vortex finders 171b are arranged to be inserted into the second group of casings 125b. It can be.

Vortex finders 171 are provided as many as the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. As previously explained, the set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed by the casings 125 and the fine dust separation member 170, so the number of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) and vortex finders The numbers in (171) are the same.

b. Band portions (172)

The band portion 172 is formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finder 171 at a position spaced apart from the vortex finder 171. As the band portion 172 and the vortex finder 171 are spaced apart from each other, inlets for each of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b are formed therebetween. Air and fine dust flow into the inlet of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) along the axial direction.

The band portion 172 may be named by another name as needed. For example, names such as ring portion, ring portion, edge portion, perimeter portion, circle portion, support portion, connection portion, outer portion, cyclone boundary portion, and outer wall portion may be considered, and other names are also possible.

The band portions 172 are seated on the casings 125 and have a shape corresponding to the upper part of the casings 125 to form the outer walls of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b) together with the casings 125. . Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the upper part of the casing 125 is formed in a circular shape, and the band portion 172 is also formed in a circular shape surrounding the vortex finder 171. However, it is not excluded that the upper part of the casing 125 and the band portion 172 are formed in a polygonal shape.

The fine dust separation member 170 and the casings 125 are configured to set a combined position and prevent arbitrary relative rotation by a position fixing groove (not shown) and a position fixing protrusion (not shown). Since each vortex finder 171 is spaced apart from each casing 125, arbitrary relative rotation may occur between the fine dust separation member 170 and the casings 125, and normal operation of the dust collection device 100 may be prevented. To achieve this, arbitrary relative rotation must be prevented.

The position fixing protrusion is made to be insertable into the position fixing groove and may be formed on any one of the band portions 172 and the casings 125. The position fixing groove is made to accommodate the position fixing protrusion and may be formed on the other one of the band portions 172 and the casings 125. Additionally, a plurality of position fixing grooves and position fixing protrusions may be provided.

When the fine dust separation member 170 is seated on the upper part of the casings 125, each casing 125 and each band portion 172 are joined to each other to form the outer walls of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b). do. For distinction, the outer walls formed by the casings 125 may be referred to as lower outer walls, and the outer walls formed by the band portions 172 may be referred to as upper outer walls.

The band portions 172 may be divided into a first group 172a and a second group 172b. The first group of band parts 172a may be arranged to be mounted on the first group of casings 125a, and the second group of band parts 172b may be arranged to be mounted on the second group of casings 125b. there is.

The first group of band portions 172a and the second group of band portions 172b may be arranged to contact each other. The cross section of each band portion 172 preferably has a circular shape as shown in the drawing. This is because when the cross section of the band portion 172 is formed in a circular shape, even if adjacent band portions 172 are in close contact with each other, a flow path 191 for air and fine dust can be formed between them. When the air and fine dust flow path 191 is formed between the bands 172, there is an advantage that a separate flow path structure does not need to be installed.

It is not excluded that the cross section of the band portion 172 is formed in a polygonal shape. However, even if the cross section of the band portion 172 is formed as a polygon, it is preferable to have a polygon that can form a flow path for air and fine dust.

Band portions 172 are provided as many as the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. As previously explained, the set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed by the casings 125 and the fine dust separation member 170, so the number of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) and the band portion ( 172) The numbers are the same.

c. Guide vanes (173)

Guide vanes 173 are disposed between each vortex finder 171 and each band 172 and are connected to each vortex finder 171 and each band 172. One side of each guide vane 173 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder 171, and the other side is connected to the inner peripheral surface of each band portion 172.

Each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b) may be provided with a plurality of guide vanes 173, and the guide vanes 173 extend along the helical direction to generate a rotating flow. One side of the guide vane 173 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finder 171 along the spiral direction, and the other side may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the band portion 172 along the spiral direction. As the guide vane 173 extends in the spiral direction, the air and fine dust flowing into the inlets of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b) form a swirling flow. Unlike the tangential inflow cyclones, the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) generate a swirling flow by the guide vane 173, and therefore do not require a flow path structure for tangential inflow.

Each guide vane 173 may extend from the bottom of the band portion 172 to the top of the band portion 172 along the spiral direction. Extending from the bottom to the top means that the guide vanes 173 have the same height as the band portion 172. As the guide vanes 173 have the same height as the band portion 172, the possibility of interference with other parts and the possibility of damage can be reduced.

d. Outer band portion (174)

The outer band portion 174 is formed to surround the band portions 172 to form an edge of the fine dust separation member 170. The outer band portion 174 surrounds the band portions 172 at the outside of the band portions 172 . Previously, the band portions 172 were divided into the first group of band portions 172a and the second group of band portions 172b, and according to this division, the outer band portion 174 is the first group of band portions 172a. ) is formed to surround the The outer band portion 174 may be connected to the first group of band portions 172a.

The outer band portion 174 may also have the same height as the band portions 172 and the guide vanes 173. As the outer band portion 174 has the same height as the band portions 172 and the guide vanes 173, the possibility of interference with other parts and the possibility of damage can be reduced.

The outer band portion 174 is configured to be seated inside the inner cases 121 and 122. The first member 121 of the inner cases 121 and 122 is formed to surround the casings 125 and the outer band portion 174, and a step portion 121g is formed along the inner peripheral surface to support the outer band portion 174. is provided. The step portion 121g has a shape corresponding to the outer band portion 174. For example, as shown in the drawing, the step portion 121g may also be formed in a circular shape to correspond to the circular outer band portion 174. The outer band portion 174 may be seated on the step portion 121g on the inside of the first member 121.

The fine dust separation member 170 and the inner cases 121 and 122 are configured to set a combined position and prevent arbitrary relative rotation by a position fixing groove 175 and a position fixing protrusion 121h. Since the vortex finders 171 and the casings 125 are spaced apart, random relative rotation may occur, and for normal operation of the dust collector 100, random relative rotation must be prevented.

The position fixing protrusion 121h is insertable into the position fixing groove 175 and may be formed on any one of the outer band portion 174 and the inner cases 121 and 122. The position fixing groove 175 is formed to accommodate the position fixing protrusion 121h, and may be formed on the other of the outer band portion 174 and the inner casing 125. If the position fixing groove 175 or the position fixing protrusion 121h is formed on the inner case 121, 122, the position fixing groove 175 or the position fixing protrusion 121h is formed on the inner surface of the inner case 121, 122. or may be formed in the step portion 121g. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which position fixing protrusions 121h are formed on the inner surfaces of the inner cases 121 and 122. Additionally, the position fixing groove 175 and the position fixing protrusion 121h may be provided in plural numbers.

The outer band portion 174 may also be seated on the top of the casings 125. For example, a configuration may be considered in which a protrusion protruding toward the inner peripheral surface of the first member 121 is formed at the top of the first group of casings 125a, and the outer band portion 174 is seated on the protrusion.

A flow path 192 for air and fine dust is formed between the outer band portion 174 and the first group band portions 172a. Since the radius of the outer band portion 174 is larger than the radius of the first group band portions 172a, a flow path 192 for air and fine dust is formed between the outer band portion 174 and the first group band portions 172a. do. When the flow path 192 for air and fine dust is formed between the outer band portion 174 and the first group band portions 172a, there is an advantage that a separate flow path structure does not need to be installed.

The outer band portion 174 forms the outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 102 together with the casings 125. The outer wall of the secondary cyclone unit 102 may be divided into a lower part and an upper part based on the boundary between the outer band part 174 and the casings 125. The casings 125 form the lower outer wall of the secondary cyclone unit 102, and the outer band portion 174 forms the upper outer wall of the secondary cyclone unit 102.

The outer walls of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) are formed by the casings 125 and the bands 172, and the outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 102 is connected to the casings 125 and the outer band portions 174. is formed by The outer walls of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) and the outer wall of the secondary cyclone unit (102) are separated from each other. Furthermore, it has been previously described that the boundary between the primary cyclone unit 101 and the secondary cyclone unit 102 is formed by the internal cases 121 and 122.

The vortex finder 171 and the band portion 172 are connected to each other by guide vanes 173, each band portion 172 is connected to each other, and the outer band portion 174 is connected to the second band portions. , the fine dust separation member 170 may be made of one integrated member.

3) Axial cyclones

When the fine dust separation member 170 is seated on the casings 125, a set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed, and the secondary cyclone unit 102 is a set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b). It consists of

The set of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) can be divided into a first group (102a) and a second group (102b). The first group of casings 125a, the first group of vortex finders 171a, and the first group of bands 172a form a first group of axial flow cyclones 102a. Likewise, the second group of casings 125b, the second group of vortex finders 171b, and the second group of bands 172b form the second group of axial flow cyclones 102b.

The first group 102a is arranged along the circumference of the first circle (i, see FIG. 9) so as to contact the inner peripheral surfaces of the inner cases 121 and 122. The inner cases 121 and 122 that the first group of axial cyclones 102a come into contact with refer to the first member 121. The first circle (i) refers to an imaginary circle larger than the second circle (ii, see FIG. 9), which will be described later.

The fact that the first group of axial flow cyclones (102a) are arranged along the circumference of the first circle (i) means that the circumference of the first circle (i) passes through the first group of axial flow cyclones (102a). do. This should be distinguished from the fact that the centers of the axial cyclones 102a are arranged along the circumference of the first circle (i). The first group of axial flow cyclones 102a may be arranged to have the same distance from the center of the secondary cyclone unit 102, and may have different distances from the center of the secondary cyclone unit 102. It may be possible.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the first group 102a is formed by nine axial flow cyclones. The first group of axial cyclones 102a is arranged to surround three axial cyclones belonging to the second group 102b. It can be seen from the drawing that the first group of axial flow cyclones 102a are arranged to contact the inner peripheral surface of the first member 121. Here, contact means that the outermost part of the axial flow cyclones (102a) is connected to the inner cases (121, 122).

The first group 102a is partially spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the inner cases 121 and 122 to form a plurality of first flow paths 191 therebetween. If the cross-sections of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) are circular, the first group of axial cyclones (102a) are partially in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the inner cases (121, 122) and partially in contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the inner cases (121, 122), respectively. It is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of . For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the upper portions of the casings 125 are disposed to contact the inner peripheral surface of the first member 121. Since the cross-section of each casing 125 is circular, the remaining portions excluding the portion in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first member 121 are spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the first member 121.

As each of the axial flow cyclones (102a) belonging to the first group is partially spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the first member 121, the two axial flow cyclones (102a) belonging to the first group and the inner circumferential surface of the first member 121 A channel for air and fine dust is formed between them. This flow path may be named the first flow path 191 to distinguish it from the second flow path 192, which will be described later. In FIG. 3, since the number of axial flow cyclones 102a belonging to the first group is nine, a total of nine first flow paths 191 can be formed.

The first group of axial flow cyclones 102a may be arranged to contact each other, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. For example, three axial cyclones may be arranged in contact with each other.

The second group 102b is arranged to contact each other along the circumference of the second circle (ii). The second circle (ii) is a concentric circle of the first circle (i), shares the center with the first circle (i), and is smaller than the first circle (i). Accordingly, the second group of axial flow cyclones 102b is arranged to be surrounded by the first group of axial flow cyclones 120a.

The fact that the second group of axial cyclones (102b) are arranged along the circumference of the second circle (ii) means that the circumference of the second circle (ii) passes through the second group of axial cyclones (102b). do. The second group of axial flow cyclones 102b may be arranged to have the same distance from the center of the secondary cyclone unit 102, but may also have different distances from the center of the secondary cyclone unit 102. It may be possible. Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the second group of axial flow cyclones (102b) are arranged at an angle of 120° from the center of the secondary cyclone unit (102).

The second group of axial flow cyclones 102b are arranged to contact each other. Here, contact means that the outermost parts of the axial flow cyclones 102b are connected to each other. Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the three axial flow cyclones are arranged to contact each other.

The second group of axial cyclones 102b is partially in contact with the first group of axial cyclones 102a and is partially spaced apart from the first group of axial cyclones 102a, thereby collecting air and fine dust between them. Forms a flow path 192. If the cross-sections of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) are circular, the second group of axial cyclones (102b) each partially contacts the first group of axial cyclones (102a) and partially contacts the first group of axial flow cyclones. away from the expression cyclones 102a. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the cross-section of each of the axial flow cyclones 102b belonging to the second group is circular, so the remaining portions except the portion in contact with the first group 102a are spaced apart from the first group 102a. .

As each axial flow cyclone (102b) of the second group is partially in contact with the first group (102a) and partially spaced apart from the first group (102b), there is a space between the first group (102a) and the second group (102b). A flow path 192 for air and fine dust is formed. This flow path may be named the second flow path 192 to distinguish it from the first flow path 191. In FIG. 3, since the number of axial flow cyclones 102b belonging to the second group is three, a total of three second flow passages 192 are formed. However, here, the second flow passage 192 is formed by the bridge 177. Separation was not taken into consideration.

The bridge 177 is connected to the first group 102a and the second group 102b across the second flow path 192. The bridge 177 is configured to divide one second passage 192 into two areas. The bridge 177 may be formed between the casings 125 or between the band portions 172. One end of the bridge 177 is connected to one axial cyclone 102a belonging to the first group, and the other end of the bridge 177 is connected between two axial cyclones 102b belonging to the second group. You can.

A bridge 177 may be formed in each second flow path 192. For example, referring to FIG. 5, bridges 177 are formed in each of the three second passages 192, and each second passage 192 is divided into two areas. The reason the bridge 177 is formed is to reinforce the strength of the secondary cyclone unit 102 and distribute the flow uniformly.

To form the second flow path 192, the first group 102a and the second group 102b are partially spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when the bridge 177 connects the first group 102a and the second group 102b, the strength of the secondary cyclone unit 102 can be strengthened.

If the cross-sectional area of each second passage 192 is excessively wide, the flow of air and fine dust flowing from the primary cyclone unit 101 to the secondary cyclone unit 102 may flow within one second passage 192. There is a risk that it will be biased towards some areas. This is because the flow of air and fine dust is a rotating flow. However, when the bridge 177 divides the second flow path 192 into two areas, it prevents the flow from being biased to some areas within one second flow path and ensures a uniform inflow flow to each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b). This formation can be induced.

The axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) have the characteristic that flow flows in along the axial direction, and the swirling flow of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is formed by the guide vane (173). Therefore, it is desirable that the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) have a structure in which inflow flows are formed uniformly from all directions. This is because if the inflow flow is not uniform, the flow area of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is not fully utilized and loss occurs.

In the present invention, the sum of the cross-sectional areas (a) of the first passages 191 and the sum of the cross-sectional areas (b) of the second passages 192 are designed so that there is no excessive difference. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

The performance of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b) varies depending on the ratio of height and diameter.

The height of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b is defined as the distance (h) from the lower end of the casing 125 to the upper end of the guide vane 173. This is equal to the height difference between the starting point and the ending point of the flow within the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b). Additionally, the diameter of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is defined as the maximum diameter (d) of the casing (125). Since the cross-section of the casing 125 is constant and gradually narrows from the top to the bottom, the diameter of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b should be defined as the diameter before the cross-sectional area of the casing 125 narrows.

Additionally, since the maximum diameter of the casing 125 and the diameter of the band portion 172 are the same, the diameters of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b may be defined as the diameter of the band portion 172. Since the cross section of the band portion 172 is constant, the concept of maximum or minimum does not need to be applied.

In the present invention, h/d, which means the ratio of the height and diameter of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b), is designed to be 3 to 5. In order for each of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b to exhibit optimal performance, it is preferable that the number of h/d is around 4. If h/d is less than 3, fine dust may not be sufficiently separated from the air, and if h/d is greater than 5, the flow of fine dust may not be discharged downward.

Under the premise that the height of the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is constant, if the number of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is too small, the d value increases, and thus the h/d value becomes small. Accordingly, there is a possibility that fine dust may not be sufficiently separated from the air. In this case, as the number of axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b increases, the d value naturally decreases, so the h/d value can be adjusted to a range of 3 to 5.

The first group of axial flow cyclones 102a and the second group of axial cyclones 102b are arranged to face a parallel direction (up and down direction in the drawing) and may be arranged parallel to each other. According to the above arrangement, the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b can be efficiently arranged inside the primary cyclone unit 101. In particular, since the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) do not require a separate guide passage for tangential inflow, more axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) are arranged inside the primary cyclone unit (101). It can be. Therefore, even if the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) are accommodated inside the primary cyclone unit 101, according to the present invention, the number of axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b) is not reduced compared to the existing one, leading to a decrease in cleaning performance. It can be prevented.

In addition, unlike the tangential inlet cyclone, which generates high-speed rotational flow biased to one side by the guide passage, the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b generate relatively uniform rotational flow throughout the entire area of the inlet. Since local high-speed flow does not occur in the axial flow cyclones (102a, 102b), flow loss due to this may be reduced.

Unlike the configuration in which the secondary cyclone unit 102 is disposed above the primary cyclone unit 101, the secondary cyclone unit 102 of the present invention is accommodated inside the primary cyclone, so that the dust collector 100 The overall height may be relatively low.

(4) 2nd dust collection unit (104)

The second dust collection unit 104 is formed to collect dust separated from the air by the secondary cyclone unit 102. The first dust collection unit 103 refers to a space defined by the dust collection unit boundary 122b and the lower cover 130.

The inner cases 121 and 122 may be composed of a first member 121 and a second member 122, and the dust collection boundary 122b of the second member 122 is formed as a hollow cylinder to form a lower cover 130. adheres closely to However, the dust collection boundary 122b may be formed as a hollow polygonal pillar in addition to a cylinder. The second member 122 includes an accommodating portion 122a, and the accommodating portion 122a may be inclined when the dust collector 100 is coupled to the cleaner main body 11. Fine dust discharged from the fine dust outlet 125b may slide due to an incline and be collected into the second dust collection unit 104.

The dust collection unit boundary 122b forms a boundary between the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104. Accordingly, mixing of dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103 and fine dust collected in the second dust collection unit 104 can be prevented. The second dust collection unit 104 is formed inside the first dust collection unit 103, and the first dust collection unit 103 corresponds to the remaining area excluding the area corresponding to the second dust collection unit 104.

The dust collection unit boundary 122b forms the side wall of the second dust collection unit 104, and the lower cover 130 forms the bottom of the second dust collection unit 104. A hole 122c is formed at the boundary between the receiving part 122a and the dust collecting part of the second member 122, and this hole 122c corresponds to the fine dust inlet of the second dust collecting part 104.

The inner diameter of the dust collection unit boundary 122b may be formed to become narrower downward. According to this structure, efficient dust collection is possible because fine dust can be induced to fall.

The structures of the other dust collection unit boundary 122b and the lower cover 130 are replaced with those described above. The second dust collection unit 104, like the first dust collection unit 103, is formed to be open toward the lower part of the dust collection device 100, and is connected to the first dust collection unit 103 and the second dust collection unit 104 by rotating the lower cover 130. ) is simultaneously opened, replacing the configuration described above.

(5) Flow path of dust collector (100)

The flow path of the dust collector 100 can be explained according to the flow of air.

An inlet 111 of the dust collection device 100 is formed in the outer case 110, and air flows into the inside of the dust collection device 100 from the internal flow path 14 of the inlet side cleaner through the inlet 111.

The flow path of the primary cyclone unit 101 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 110 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cases 121 and 122. When dust is separated from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101, the air and fine dust flow into the flow path between the primary cyclone unit 101 and the secondary cyclone unit 102. The first dust collection unit 103 is connected to the first cyclone unit 101.

The flow path between the primary cyclone unit 101 and the secondary cyclone unit 102 is between the first group 102a and the inner cases 121 and 122, and between the first group 102a and the second group 102b. is formed Previously, the flow path between the first group (102a) and the inner cases (121, 122) was named the first flow path (191), and the flow path between the first group (102a) and the second group (102b) was called the second flow path ( 192) has been explained. Air and fine dust pass through the mesh filter 127 and then flow into the secondary cyclone unit 102 through the flow path between the primary cyclone unit 101 and the secondary cyclone unit 102.

The inlet 111 of the secondary cyclone unit 102 is formed between the vortex finder 171 and the band unit 172 of each axial flow cyclone (102a, 102b). The axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b each have a vortex finder 171 for discharging air and a fine dust outlet 125b for discharging fine dust 172. The second dust collection unit 104 is in communication with the fine dust outlet 125b.

A cover member 150 is disposed on the upper part of the secondary cyclone unit 102. The outer cover 151 of the cover member 150 has a shape corresponding to the upper boundary portion 121b of the inner cases 121 and 122, and is arranged to cover the upper boundary portion 121b. As the protrusion 121c of the upper boundary portion 121b is inserted into the groove 152 of the outer cover 151, the cover member 150 may be seated on the upper boundary portion 121b. The protrusion 121c and the groove 152 serve to set the positions of the first member 121 and the cover member 150, and the cover member 150 is positioned at the position set by the protrusion 121c and the groove 152. ) of the communication holes 155 are arranged to face the vortex finders 171. The positions of the protrusion 121c and the groove 152 may be interchanged.

The communication holes 155 are formed in the inner cover 154 of the cover member 150, and the inclined portion 153 is formed to be inclined to connect the outer cover 151 and the inner cover 154. The inner cover 154 can be spaced apart from the band portions 172 by the inclined portion 153, and thus the inlet 111 of the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b can be sufficiently secured.

Between the cover member 150 and the upper cover, a flow path 193 is formed between the secondary cyclone part 102 and the outlet 141, and the air discharged from the secondary cyclone part 102 flows through this flow path 193. It is discharged to the outlet 141 accordingly.

3. Operation of dust collector 100 and vacuum cleaner 10

Due to the suction force generated by the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner 10, air and foreign substances are introduced into the inlet 111 of the dust collector 100 through the suction parts 13 and 23 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The air flowing into the inlet 111 of the dust collector 100 flows along the flow path, is sequentially filtered by the first cyclone unit 101 and the second cyclone unit 102, and exits through the outlet 141. Dust and fine dust separated from the air are collected in the dust collection device 100.

Looking specifically at the process of separating dust from the air by the primary cyclone unit 101, air and foreign matter are passed through the inlet 111 of the dust collector 100 into the outer case 110 and the inner case 121, 122. It flows into the annular space between, and moves around in the annular space.

In this process, relatively heavy dust gradually flows downward while spirally rotating in the space between the outer case 110 and the inner cases 121 and 122 due to centrifugal force, and is collected in the first dust collection unit 103. The pressurizing unit 160 operates continuously and compresses the dust collected in the first dust collection unit 103.

Meanwhile, since air and fine dust are lighter than dust, they pass through the mesh filter 127 and flow into the inner cases 121 and 122 due to suction force. Air and fine dust pass through the first flow path 191 and the second flow path 192 and flow into the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b of the secondary cyclone unit 102.

Dust and fine dust move along the guide vanes 173 inside the axial flow cyclones 102a and 102b. Fine dust, which is heavier than air, gradually flows downward while rotating between each vortex finder 171 and the band portion 172, is discharged to the fine dust outlet 125b, and is collected in the second dust collection unit 104. Air lighter than fine dust is discharged through the inside of the vortex finder 171 into the flow path 193 between the cover member 150 and the upper cover 140, and exits the dust collector 100 through the outlet 141. .

Ⅱ. Second embodiment

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that an auxiliary member 280 is additionally provided, and the remaining configurations are the same. Therefore, hereinafter, only the configuration that differs from the first embodiment will be described focusing on the auxiliary member 280, and the description of the remaining configuration will be replaced with the description of the first embodiment.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280 shown in FIG. 6.

The secondary cyclone unit 202 includes an auxiliary member 280, and the set of axial flow cyclones includes casings 225, a fine dust separation member 270, and an auxiliary member seated on the fine dust separation member 270. It is formed by (280).

The thickness of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280 affects the separation performance and efficiency of the dust collection device 200. The auxiliary member 280 functions to assist the fine dust separation member 270, and if the auxiliary member 280 is formed excessively thick, efficiency is reduced due to pressure loss. Therefore, it is preferable that the auxiliary member 280 is formed thinner than the fine dust separation member 270. On the other hand, the fine dust separation member 270 has the main function of separating fine dust from the air, and is preferably formed thicker than the auxiliary member 280 for high separation performance.

1. Secondary member (280)

The auxiliary member 280 includes cover portions 281, auxiliary band portions 282, auxiliary guide vanes 283, and auxiliary outer band portions 284. Since the auxiliary member 280 is an integrated member, the cover parts 281, auxiliary band parts 282, auxiliary guide vanes 283, and auxiliary outer band parts 284 are each part of the auxiliary member 280. it means. However, depending on the design, the auxiliary member 280 may not be provided with the auxiliary outer band portion 284.

(1) Cover portions 281

The cover parts 281 may be provided as many as the number of vortex finders 271, and each cover part 281 is formed to surround the vortex finder 271 of the fine dust separation member 270. The cover portion 281 may have a shape corresponding to the vortex finder 271, and may be formed, for example, in a hollow cylindrical shape.

The fine dust separation member 270 may be provided with supports 276 protruding along the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders 271, and the support parts 276 have steps along the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders 271. form The cover part 281 has a shape corresponding to the support part 276 so that it is seated on the support part 276. For example, if the support portion 276 is formed in a circular shape along the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finder 271, the cover portion 281 may also be formed in a circular shape.

The cover portion 281 may theoretically have the same diameter as the support portion 276. And the outer diameter of the vortex finder 271 and the inner diameter of the cover part 281 may be the same. Accordingly, the cover part 281 can be coupled to the vortex finder 271 while surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finder 271, and can also be seated on the support part 276.

The position of the auxiliary member 280 is fixed by a structure in which each cover part 281 surrounds each vortex finder 271. Therefore, the auxiliary member 280 and the fine dust separation member 270 do not require a separate structure for fixing the position, and do not rotate relative to each other even if they do not have a structure for fixing the position. In this respect, there is a difference between the auxiliary member 280 and the fine dust separation member 270.

The upper part of the cover part 281, like the vortex finder 271 of the fine dust separation member 270, may have a higher height than the auxiliary band part 282 or the auxiliary outer band part 284. However, unlike the vortex finder 271, the lower part of the cover part 281 may have the same height as the auxiliary band part 282 or the auxiliary outer band part 284. In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the upper end of the cover parts 281 protrudes above the auxiliary member 280, but the lower end does not. Accordingly, the cover parts 281 may have a constant inner diameter.

The cover parts 281 may be divided into a first group 281a and a second group 281b. The first group of cover parts 281a is coupled to the first group of vortex finders 271a, and the second group of cover parts 281b is coupled to the second group of vortex finders 271b.

(2) auxiliary band portions (282)

The auxiliary band parts 282 are formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each cover part 281 at a position spaced apart from each cover part 281. As the auxiliary band parts 282 and the cover parts 281 are spaced apart from each other, inlets for axial flow cyclones (not shown) are formed between them. Air and fine dust flow into the inlets of axial flow cyclones along the axial direction.

The auxiliary band parts 282 may be named by other names as needed. For example, names such as auxiliary ring portion, auxiliary ring portion, auxiliary border portion, auxiliary perimeter portion, auxiliary circle portion, auxiliary support portion, auxiliary connection portion, auxiliary outer portion, auxiliary cyclone boundary portion, auxiliary outer wall portion, etc. may be considered. Also, other names are possible.

The auxiliary bands 282 are seated on the bands 272 and are attached to the bands 272 to form the outer walls of each of the axial flow cyclones 120a and 102b together with the casings 225 and the bands 272. It has a corresponding shape. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the band portions 272 are formed in a circular shape, and the auxiliary band portions 282 are also formed in a circular shape. However, it is not excluded that the band portions 272 and the auxiliary band portions 282 are formed in polygons.

When the auxiliary member 280 is seated on the fine dust separation member 270 and the fine dust separation member 270 is seated on the upper part of the casings 225, each casing 225 and each band portion 272 They are joined together to form the outer walls of each axial flow cyclone. For distinction, the outer walls formed by the casings 225 are called lower outer walls, the outer walls formed by the band portions 272 are called middle outer walls, and the outer walls formed by the auxiliary band portions 282 are called lower outer walls. These may be referred to as the upper outer walls.

The auxiliary band parts 282 may be divided into a first group 282a and a second group 282b. The first group of auxiliary band parts 282a is seated on the first group of band parts 272a, and the second group of auxiliary band parts 282b is seated on the second group of band parts 272b.

The first group of auxiliary band parts 282a and the second group of auxiliary band parts 282b may be connected to each other. The cross section of each auxiliary band portion 282 preferably has a circular shape as shown in the drawing. This is because if the cross-section of each auxiliary band 282 is formed in a circular shape, even if adjacent auxiliary band parts 282 are in close contact with each other, a flow path 292' for air and fine dust can be formed between them. When the air and fine dust flow path 292' is formed between the auxiliary band portions 282, there is an advantage that a separate flow path structure does not need to be installed.

It is not excluded that the cross-sections of the auxiliary band portions 282 are polygonal. However, even if the cross-section of the auxiliary band portions 282 is formed as a polygon, it is preferable that the cross-section of the auxiliary band portions 282 be polygonal so that a flow path 292' for air and fine dust can be formed.

Auxiliary band parts 282 are provided as many as the number of axial flow cyclones. As previously explained, the set of axial flow cyclones is formed by the casings 225, the fine dust separation member 270, and the auxiliary member 280, so the number of axial flow cyclones and the number of auxiliary bands 282 are same.

(3) Auxiliary guide vanes (283)

The auxiliary guide vanes 283 are disposed between the cover part 281 and the auxiliary band part 282 and are connected to the cover part 281 and the auxiliary band part 282. One side of the auxiliary guide vanes 283 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of each cover part 281, and the other side is connected to the inner peripheral surface of each auxiliary band part 282.

Each axial flow cyclone may be provided with a plurality of auxiliary guide vanes 283, and each auxiliary guide vane 283 extends along the spiral direction to generate a rotating flow. One side of the auxiliary guide vanes 283 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 281 along the spiral direction, and the other side may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the auxiliary band portion 282 along the spiral direction.

The auxiliary guide vanes 283 may extend from the bottom of the auxiliary bands 282 to the top of the auxiliary bands 282 along the spiral direction. Extending from the bottom to the top means that the auxiliary guide vanes 283 have the same height as the auxiliary band portions 282. Since the auxiliary guide vanes 283 have the same height as the auxiliary bands 282, the possibility of interference with other parts and the possibility of damage can be reduced.

(4) Auxiliary outer band portion (284)

The auxiliary outer band portion 284 is formed to surround the auxiliary band portions 282 and forms an edge of the auxiliary member 280. The auxiliary outer band portion 284 surrounds the auxiliary band portions 282 at the outer edges of the auxiliary band portions 282 . Previously, the auxiliary band portions 282 were divided into a first group (282a) and a second group (282b), and according to this division, the auxiliary outer band portion 284 surrounds the auxiliary band portions 282a of the first group. It is formed as follows. The auxiliary outer band portion 284 may be connected to the first group of auxiliary band portions 282a.

The auxiliary outer band portion 284 may also have the same height as the auxiliary band portions 282 and the auxiliary guide vanes 283. Since the auxiliary outer band portion 284 has the same height as the auxiliary band portions 282 and the auxiliary guide vanes 283, the possibility of interference with other parts and the possibility of damage can be reduced.

The auxiliary outer band portion 284 is configured to be seated on the outer band portion 274 of the fine dust separation member 270. The auxiliary outer band portion 284 may have substantially the same shape as the outer band portion 274. For example, as shown in the drawing, the auxiliary outer band portion 284 may have a circular shape to correspond to the circular outer band portion 274.

A flow path 291' for air and fine dust is formed between the auxiliary outer band portion 284 and the first group of auxiliary band portions 282a. Since the radius of the auxiliary outer band 284 is larger than the radius of the auxiliary bands 282a belonging to the first group, air and fine dust ( 291') flow path is formed. When a flow path for air and fine dust is formed between the auxiliary outer band portion 284 and the first group of auxiliary band portions 282a, there is an advantage that a separate flow path structure does not need to be installed.

The auxiliary outer band portion 284 forms the outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 202 together with the outer band portion 274 and the casings 225. Based on the outer band portion 274, the outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 202 may be divided into lower, middle, and upper parts. The casings 225 form the lower outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 202, the outer band portion 274 forms the middle outer wall of the secondary cyclone portion 202, and the auxiliary outer band portion 284 forms the secondary cyclone portion 202. It forms the upper outer wall of section 202.

The outer walls of the axial flow cyclones are formed by casings 225, bands 272, and auxiliary band portions 282, and the outer walls of the secondary cyclone portion 202 are formed by casings 225 and outer band portions 274. and an auxiliary outer band portion 284. The outer walls of the axial flow cyclones and the outer wall of the secondary cyclone unit 202 are distinct from each other. Furthermore, it has been previously explained that the boundary between the primary cyclone unit and the secondary cyclone unit is formed by the internal cases 221 and 222.

The cover parts 281 and the auxiliary band parts 282 are connected to each other by auxiliary guide vanes 283, each of the auxiliary band parts 282 is connected to each other, and the auxiliary outer band part 284 is connected to the first group. Since it is connected to the auxiliary band portions 282a, the auxiliary member 280 may be formed as one integrated member.

(2) Axial cyclones

When the auxiliary member 280 is seated on the fine dust separation member 270 and the fine dust separation member 270 is seated on the casings 225, a set of axial flow cyclones is formed, and the secondary cyclone unit is a set of axial flow cyclones. It consists of Like the cover parts 281 and the auxiliary band parts 282, the axial flow cyclones can be divided into a first group (202a, see FIG. 9) and a second group (202b, see FIG. 9). The second group of axial cyclones 202b may be arranged to be surrounded by the first group of axial cyclones 202a.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram partially showing the coupled state of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280 shown in FIG. 6.

As the auxiliary member 280 is seated on the fine dust separation member 270, the auxiliary guide vane 283 is in contact with the guide vane 273 and continuously extends along the spiral direction. In particular, each auxiliary guide vane 283 may be formed to make surface contact with each guide vane 273 (273', 283').

When explaining based on one guide vane 273 and one auxiliary guide vane 283, the guide vane 273 and the auxiliary guide vane 283 are provided on different members, but are in surface contact with each other (273') , 283'), it extends continuously along the spiral direction like a single vane.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 8, the fine dust separation member 270 includes a first guide vane (273a) and a second guide vane (273b), and the first guide vane (273a) and the second guide vane (273b) ) are placed adjacent to each other. Similarly, the auxiliary member 280 includes a first auxiliary guide vane 283a and a second auxiliary guide vane 283b, and the first auxiliary guide vane 283a and the second auxiliary guide vane 283b are disposed adjacent to each other. do.

When the auxiliary member 280 is seated on the fine dust separation member 270, the first guide vane 273a and the first auxiliary guide vane 283a are in surface contact with each other and extend continuously along the spiral direction, and the first guide vane 273a The vane 273a and the first auxiliary guide vane 283a extend along the spiral direction like one vane.

The second guide vane (273b) and the second auxiliary guide vane (283b) are also in surface contact with each other and extend continuously along the spiral direction, and the second guide vane (273b) and the second auxiliary guide vane (283b) are as if they are one It extends along the spiral direction like a vane.

According to this configuration, vanes can overlap each other along the coupling direction of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280. Specifically, the first auxiliary guide vane 283a and the second guide vane 273b overlap each other. It can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 that the first auxiliary guide vane 283a and the second guide vane 273b overlap each other.

The fine dust separation member 270 manufactured by injection from the upper mold and the lower mold must be separated from the upper mold and the lower mold after injection, so the guide vanes 273 overlap each other along the axial direction of the vortex finder 273. I can't. This also applies to the auxiliary member 280.

However, when the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280 are coupled to each other, the first auxiliary guide vane 283a and the second guide vane 273b may overlap each other. This is as if one vane forms a structure in which another vane overlaps with the other vane along the axial direction of the vortex finder 273 or the coupling direction of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280.

When the first auxiliary guide vane 283a and the second guide vane 273b overlap each other along the coupling direction of the fine dust separation member 270 and the auxiliary member 280, a high-speed swirling flow can be formed, Through this, high separation performance of the dust collector 200 can be realized.

The efficiency and separation performance of the dust collector 200 are inversely proportional to each other. Using the structure of the first embodiment, which consists of a set of axial cyclones with casings 225 and a fine dust separation member 270, a low-speed swirling flow Through this, a highly efficient dust collector 200 can be implemented. Conversely, if the structure of the second embodiment is used, which consists of a set of axial cyclones with casings 225, a fine dust separation member 270, and an auxiliary member 280, high separation is achieved through high-speed swirling flow even though efficiency is somewhat reduced. A high-performance dust collector 200 can be implemented.

Since the cross-section of each of the axial flow cyclones 202a and 202b is circular, at least two first passages 191 and at least one passage are formed around each of the axial flow cyclones 202b belonging to the second group. The first flow path 191 is formed between two axial flow cyclones 202a belonging to the first group in contact with the inner cases 221 and 222, so that there are left and right sides of each axial flow cyclone 202a. A first flow path 291 is formed one by one.

In addition, some of the axial flow cyclones (202a) belonging to the first group must be in contact with the second group (202b) and others must be spaced apart from the second group (202b) to form the first group (202a) and the second group (202a). A second flow path 292 may be formed between 202b). Referring to FIG. 9, axial flow cyclones 202b belonging to the second group may be arranged to be in contact with two axial cyclones 202a belonging to the first group, respectively. And some of the axial flow cyclones 202a belonging to the first group are arranged to be spaced apart from the axial flow cyclones 202b belonging to the second group.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, three axial flow cyclones 202a in the first group and two axial flow cyclones 202b in the second group are connected to the second flow path (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, They are arranged in continuous contact to form 292c2). And among the three axial flow cyclones (202a), the axial cyclone arranged in the middle is spaced apart from the two axial flow cyclones (202b) of the second group. By this structure in which some of the axial flow cyclones (202a, 202b) are in contact and some are separated, a second flow path (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, 292c2) is formed. The three second flow paths 292a, 292b, and 292c are divided into two areas (292a1, 292a2) (292b1, 292b2) (292c1, 292c2) by a bridge 277, respectively.

In the present invention, the sum (a) of the cross-sectional areas of the first passages (291a, 291b, 291c, 291d, 291e, 291f, 291g, 291h, 291i) and the second passages (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, 292c2) ) The ratio (a/b) of the sum (b) of the cross-sectional areas is within the range of 0.75 to 1.25. The cross-sectional areas of the first passages (291a, 291b, 291c, 291d, 291e, 291f, 291g, 291h, 291i) and the cross-sectional areas of the second passages (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, 292c2) are the secondary cyclone section. It refers to the area of each guide displayed based on the plan view of (202).

Referring to FIG. 9, there are a total of nine first passages (291a, 291b, 291c, 291d, 291e, 291f, 291g, 291h, 291i), and the sum of the cross-sectional areas was measured to be about 600 mm ² . There were a total of three second channels (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, 292c2), and the sum of the cross-sectional areas was measured to be about 760 mm ² . Accordingly, the total area of the first passage (291a, 291b, 291c, 291d, 291e, 291f, 291g, 291h, 291i) and the second passage (292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, 292c2) was measured at 1360 mm ² , the value of a/b was calculated to be approximately 0.789.

The axial flow cyclones (202a, 202b) have the characteristic that flow flows in along the axial direction, and the swirling flow of the axial flow cyclones (202a, 202b) is formed by the guide vane (273). Therefore, it is desirable that the axial flow cyclones (202a, 202b) have a structure in which inflow flows are formed uniformly from all directions. This is because if the inflow flow is not uniform, the flow area of the axial flow cyclones (202a, 202b) is not fully utilized and losses occur.

In order to form a uniform inflow flow on all sides of the axial cyclones (202a, 202b), the sum (a) of the cross-sectional areas of the first passages (291a, 291b, 291c, 291d, 291e, 291f, 291g, 291h, 291i) and It is preferable that the sum (b) of the cross-sectional areas of the second passages 292a1, 292a2, 292b1, 292b2, 292c1, and 292c2 is close to 1. If the a/b value is 1, a uniform inlet flow will ideally be formed, and if the a/b value is within the range of 0.75 to 1.25, a structure sufficient to form a uniform inlet flow can be formed.

In this specification, the same or similar reference numbers are given to the same or similar components even in different embodiments, so reference numbers for components not described in FIGS. 6 to 9 refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 1A to 5.

Reference numeral 203 indicates the first dust collection unit, and 204 indicates the second dust collection unit.

Reference numeral 210 indicates an external case, 211 indicates an inlet, 212 indicates a partition, 213 indicates an opening, 214 indicates an inner wall, and 216 indicates a groove.

Reference numeral 221 refers to the first member, 211a to the side boundary portion, 211b to the upper boundary portion, 221c to the protrusion, 221d to the skirt portion, 221e to the plate portion, 221f to the connection portion, 221g to the step portion, and 221h to the position fixing protrusion.

Reference numeral 222 refers to the second member, 222a refers to the receiving portion, 222b refers to the dust collection portion boundary, and 222c refers to the hole.

Reference numeral 223 indicates an opening, 225a indicates a hollow part, 225b indicates a fine dust outlet, and 227 indicates a mesh filter.

Reference numeral 230 indicates a lower cover, 231 indicates a hinge, 232 indicates a hook coupling part, and 233 indicates a sealing member.

Reference numeral 240 refers to the upper cover, 241 refers to the exit, and 242 refers to the handle.

Reference numeral 250 indicates a cover member, 251 indicates an outer cover, 252 indicates a groove, 253 indicates an inclined portion, 254 indicates an inner cover, and 255 indicates a communication hole.

Reference numeral 260 denotes a pressurizing unit, 261 denotes a rotating shaft, 262 denotes a pressurizing member, 263 denotes a fixed part, 264 denotes a first driven gear, 265 denotes a power transmission rotating shaft, and 266 denotes a second driven gear.

Reference numeral 271' refers to the hollow part, and 271" refers to the entrance of the vortex finder.

Reference numerals 291 and 292 indicate passages for air and fine dust.

Since the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it also includes an auxiliary member, the descriptions of the first embodiment and the second embodiment except for the auxiliary member intersect with each other even in other embodiments. It can be applied.

Unlike what was explained in the first and second embodiments, the first group may be formed by gathering eight axial flow cyclones, and the second group may be formed by gathering four axial flow cyclones. In this case as well, the four axial flow cyclones belonging to the second group are each arranged to be in contact with the two axial flow cyclones belonging to the first group.

In this way, the number of axial flow cyclones belonging to the first group and the second group can be changed depending on the design of the dust collector and vacuum cleaner. However, even if the number of axial flow cyclones is changed, the area ratio of the first flow path and the second flow path should be designed within the range of 0.75 to 1.25 as described above in order to form a uniform inflow flow to each axial flow cyclone.

The dust collection device described above and the cleaner equipped with the same are not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, and the above embodiments are configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made. It could be.

Claims (20)

An external case forming the exterior of the dust collection device;
an inner case disposed inside the outer case;
a primary cyclone unit formed by the outer case and the inner case and configured to separate dust from air flowing in from the outside; and
It is installed inside the inner case and includes a secondary cyclone unit consisting of a set of axial flow cyclones that separates fine dust from air flowing in the axial direction,
The set is,
a first group arranged along the circumference of the first circle to contact the inner circumferential surface of the inner case, and partially spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the inner case to form a plurality of first flow paths therebetween; and
They are arranged to be in contact with each other along the circumference of a second circle that shares a center with the first circle and is smaller than the first circle, and is partially in contact with the first group and partially spaced apart from the first group, and has a plurality of circles therebetween. Including a second group forming a second flow path,
The ratio (a/b) of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first passages (a) and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second passages (b) is 0.75 to 1.25,
The first group is formed by nine axial cyclones,
The second group is formed by gathering three axial-flow cyclones, and the three axial-flow cyclones belonging to the second group are each arranged to contact the two axial-flow cyclones belonging to the first group. Device. delete According to paragraph 1,
A dust collector, characterized in that some of the axial flow cyclones belonging to the first group are arranged to be spaced apart from the axial flow cyclones belonging to the second group. According to paragraph 1,
A dust collector, characterized in that the three axial flow cyclones of the first group and the two axial flow cyclones of the second group are arranged in continuous contact to form the second flow path. According to paragraph 1,
The dust collecting device is characterized in that it includes a bridge connected to the first group and the second group across the second flow path. According to clause 5,
A dust collector, characterized in that the bridge is formed for each second flow path. According to clause 5,
A dust collector, characterized in that one end of the bridge is connected to one axial flow cyclone belonging to the first group, and the other end of the bridge is connected between two axial flow cyclones belonging to the second group. delete delete delete According to paragraph 1,
A dust collector, characterized in that at least two first flow paths and at least one second flow path are formed around each axial flow cyclone belonging to the first group. According to paragraph 1,
The axial flow cyclones are,
A casing that forms an outer wall around the hollow portion and has a shape that narrows downward;
A vortex finder disposed inside the casing; and
It is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finder and includes a guide vane extending along the helical direction,
A dust collecting device, wherein the ratio (h/d) of the distance (h) from the lower end of the casing to the upper end of the guide vane and the maximum diameter (d) of the casing is 3 to 5. According to paragraph 1,
The set is,
Casings each forming an outer wall around the hollow portion; and
It includes a fine dust separation member disposed on the casings and forming the axial flow cyclones together with the casings,
The fine dust separation member,
Vortex finders disposed inside each casing;
A band portion formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder at a position spaced apart from each vortex finder and having a shape corresponding to the casings so as to be seated on the casings and form the outer walls of each axial flow type cyclone together with the casings. field; and
A dust collecting device comprising guide vanes disposed between the vortex finders and the band parts, connected to the vortex finders and the band parts, and extending along a spiral direction. According to clause 13,
A dust collecting device characterized in that one side of the guide vanes is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the vortex finders along the helical direction, and the other side of the guide vanes is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the band portions along the helical direction. According to clause 13,
The fine dust separation member,
A dust collecting device comprising an outer band portion formed to surround the second group of axial flow cyclones to form an edge of the fine dust separation member and connected to the second group of band portions. According to clause 13,
The set includes an auxiliary member seated on the fine dust separation member,
The auxiliary member is,
Cover portions formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each vortex finder;
It is formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of each cover part at a position spaced apart from each cover part, and is seated on the band parts and has a shape corresponding to the band parts to form the outer walls of each axial flow cyclone together with the casings and the band parts. Auxiliary band portions having; and
A dust collecting device comprising auxiliary guide vanes, one side of which is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the cover portions along a spiral direction, and the other side of which is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the auxiliary band portions along a spiral direction. According to clause 16,
A dust collecting device wherein each of the auxiliary guide vanes is in contact with each of the guide vanes and extends continuously along a spiral direction. According to clause 16,
A dust collecting device wherein each of the auxiliary guide vanes is formed to make surface contact with each of the guide vanes. According to clause 16,
The guide vanes include a first guide vane and a second guide vane arranged adjacent to each other,
The auxiliary guide vanes are,
a first auxiliary guide vane that is in contact with the first guide vane and extends continuously along a spiral direction; and
It includes a second auxiliary guide vane that is in contact with the second guide vane and extends continuously along the helical direction,
The first auxiliary guide vane and the second guide vane are dust collecting devices, characterized in that they overlap each other along the coupling direction of the fine dust separation member and the auxiliary member. According to clause 16,
The fine dust separation member,
It is formed to surround the second group of axial flow cyclones to form an edge of the fine dust separation member, and includes an outer band portion connected to the second group of band portions,
The auxiliary member is a dust collecting device characterized in that it includes an auxiliary outer band portion having a shape corresponding to the outer band portion so as to be seated on an upper portion of the outer band portion.

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