Cyclonic separator with an inlet duct in the base

ES 2 625 852 T3

DESCRIPTION

Cyclone separator with an intake duct at the base

The present invention relates to a cyclone separator and to a vacuum cleaner that incorporates the same.

Vacuum cleaners having a cyclone separator, such as that shown in EP1726245, are well known. The cyclone separator inlet is often located at a top of the separator. The fluid sucked through a cleaning head of the aspirator is then transported towards the inlet by means of conduits. The ducts often have an impact on the size of the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, due to the relative locations of the cleaning head and the inlet, the path followed by the conduits is often tortuous, thus adversely affecting the performance of the vacuum cleaner.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cyclone separator comprising: a first cyclonic stage comprising a cyclonic chamber and a first dust collection chamber located below the cyclonic chamber; a second cyclonic stage located downstream of the first cyclonic stage and comprising a second dust collection chamber; and an intake conduit for conveying fluid from an opening in the base of the cyclone separator to the cyclone chamber, wherein the first dust collection chamber at least partially surrounds the intake conduit and the second dust collection chamber.

By providing an opening in the base of the cyclone separator, the fluid transported to the cyclone separator can take a less tortuous path. For example, when the cyclone separator is used in an upright vacuum cleaner, the cleaning head is generally located below the cyclone separator. Consequently, the conduits responsible for transporting fluid from the cleaning head to the cyclone separator can take a less tortuous path, thereby resulting in improved performance. Alternatively, when the cyclone separator is used in a sled vacuum cleaner, the cyclone separator may be arranged so that the base of the cyclone separator is directed towards the front of the vacuum cleaner. Then, the conduits responsible for transporting fluid to the cyclone separator can be used to maneuver the aspirator. For example, the lines can be pulled to move the vacuum cleaner forward. In addition, the conduits can take a less tortuous path, thereby improving performance. In particular, the conduits do not need to wrap around the base of the cyclone separator.

Since the first dust collection chamber at least partially surrounds the intake duct and the second dust collection chamber, a relatively compact cyclone separator can be realized. In particular, the intake conduit can extend through the interior of the cyclone separator so that there are no external conduits.

The first cyclonic stage is designed to remove relatively large dust from the fluid admitted to the cyclone separator. Then, it is envisioned that the second cyclonic stage, which is located downstream of the first cyclonic stage, removes smaller dust from the fluid. Since the first dust collection chamber at least partially surrounds the intake duct and the second dust collection chamber, a relatively large volume can be achieved for the first dust collection chamber while maintaining a relatively compact overall size. for the cyclone separator.

The intake duct and the second dust collection chamber may be adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the second dust collection chamber may be delimited by part of the intake duct. As a result, a more compact cyclone separator can be realized.

The intake conduit can transport fluid to an upper part of the cyclone chamber. The fluid then spirals downward in a generally downward direction into the cyclonic chamber. Then, the dust separated from the fluid is collected in the first dust collection chamber located below the cyclone chamber.

The cyclonic chamber can surround at least part of the intake duct. This then has the advantage that the part of the intake duct surrounded by the cyclone chamber does not adversely interfere with the fluid spiraling into the cyclone chamber.

The intake conduit may comprise a first section for conveying fluid in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber and a second section for rotating the fluid and introducing the fluid into the interior of the cyclonic chamber. This then allows fluid to be transported from the base of the cyclone separator into the cyclone chamber in a way that minimizes or actually prevents the intake conduit from adversely interfering with fluid spiraling into the inside the cyclonic chamber.

The first cyclonic stage may comprise a liner serving as an outlet for the cyclonic chamber, and the intake duct may terminate in a liner wall. In a conventional cyclone separator, fluid is typically introduced tangentially through an inlet in an external wall. The coating then presents a first line of sight for the fluid introduced into the cyclonic chamber and therefore the

ES 2 625 852 T3 powder can pass through the coating without experiencing any cyclonic separation. As the intake conduit terminates in the liner, fluid is introduced into the cyclonic chamber in a direction away from the liner. Consequently, the direct line of sight to the coating is eliminated and a net increase in separation efficiency is observed. Additionally, the intake conduit does not extend into the cyclone chamber, where it could otherwise adversely interfere with fluid spiraling into the cyclonic chamber.

Part of the intake duct may be integrally formed with the liner. Additionally or alternatively, the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber may share a common side wall. As a result, less material is required for the cyclone separator, thereby reducing the cost and / or weight of the cyclone separator.

The second cyclonic stage may comprise one or more cyclonic chambers located above the second dust collection chamber. Then, the dust separated from the cyclone chambers is collected in the second dust collection chamber.

The cyclone separator may comprise an evacuation conduit for transporting fluid from the second cyclonic stage. Then, the first cyclonic stage can surround at least part of the evacuation duct. For example, the exhaust duct may extend axially through the cyclone separator to the base. By extending through the cyclone separator such that the first cyclonic stage surrounds the exhaust duct, a more compact cyclone separator can be made. In particular, the intake conduit and the exhaust conduit may then extend through the interior of the cyclone separator, so that no external conduit is required to transport fluid over the entire length of the cyclone separator. Alternatively, the exhaust duct may include a section that extends axially through the cyclone separator. Then, a filter or the like can be located inside the evacuation duct. Again, this provides a compact arrangement since the filter can be located completely within the cyclone separator.

The evacuation conduit may extend through the cyclone separator such that the cyclonic chamber surrounds part of the evacuation conduit. Furthermore, the first dust collection chamber can surround part of the exhaust duct. For example, the exhaust duct may extend through the cyclone separator to the base. Alternatively, the exhaust chute may not reach the base. However, by having an exhaust duct that extends through the cyclone separator such that the cyclonic chamber and / or the first dust collection chamber surrounds the exhaust duct, a relatively longer filter or the like can be located in the evacuation duct.

At least part of the exhaust duct may be adjacent to the intake duct. Furthermore, part of the exhaust duct may be integrally formed with the intake duct. As a result, less material is required for the cyclone separator, thereby reducing the cost and / or weight of the cyclone separator.

The first dust collection chamber can be bounded by an outer side wall and an inner side wall, and the second dust collection chamber can be bounded by the inner side wall and the intake duct. The second dust collection chamber can also be delimited by the evacuation duct.

The cyclone separator may comprise an elongated filter located in the exhaust duct. Dust that has not been separated from the fluid by the first and second cyclonic stages can later be removed by the filter. When the exhaust duct extends axially through the cyclone separator, a relatively long filter can be employed, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the filter. In fact, the length of the filter can be such that the first cyclonic stage surrounds at least part of the filter.

The filter may comprise a hollow tube that extends along the exhaust duct. Furthermore, the filter can be open at one end and closed at an opposite end. Then, the fluid from the second cyclonic stage enters the hollow interior of the filter through the open end and passes through the filter into the exhaust duct. As a result, the fluid acts by inflating the filter and thus prevents the filter from collapsing. Therefore, it is not necessary for the filter to include a frame or other supporting structure to maintain the shape of the filter.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an upright cleaner comprising a cyclone separator as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, a cleaning head located below the cyclone separator, and conduits for transporting fluid from the cleaning head. to the cyclone separator.

Since the cleaning head is located below the cyclone separator, and the cyclone separator intake opening is located at the base, the lines can take a less tortuous course. In particular,

ES 2 625 852 T3 the conduits do not need to wrap around the base of the cyclone separator. As a result, an improvement in performance can be achieved.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a sled vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclone separator as claimed in any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the base of the cyclone separator is directed towards the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Since the base of the cyclone separator is directed toward the front of the aspirator and the intake opening of the cyclone separator is located at the base, the conduits can be used to transport fluid to the cyclone separator to maneuver the aspirator. For example, the lines can be pulled to move the vacuum cleaner forward. In addition, since the conduits do not need to be wound around the base of the cyclone separator, the conduits can take a less tortuous path, and therefore, improved performance can be achieved.

To make the present invention more easily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the upright vacuum cleaner;

Figure 3 is a front sectional view of the upright vacuum cleaner;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cyclone separator of the upright vacuum cleaner;

Figure 5 is a sectional side view of the cyclone separator of the upright vacuum cleaner;

Figure 6 is a sectional plan view of the cyclone separator of the upright vacuum cleaner;

Figure 7 is a side view of a canister vacuum cleaner according to the present invention;

Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the canister vacuum cleaner;

Figure 9 is a side view of the cyclone separator of the sled vacuum cleaner;

Figure 10 is a sectional side view of the cyclone separator of the sled vacuum cleaner; and Figure 11 is a sectional plan view of the cyclone separator of the sled vacuum cleaner.

The vertical vacuum cleaner 1 of Figures 1 to 3 comprises a main body 2 in which a cleaning head 3 and a cyclone separator 4 are mounted. The cyclone separator 4 is separable from the main body 2, so that the dust can be emptied collected by separator 4. The main body 2 comprises a suction source 7, an upstream conduit 8 that extends between the cleaning head 3 and an inlet 5 of the cyclone separator 4, and a downstream conduit 9 that extends between an outlet 6 of the cyclone separator 4 and suction source 7. Therefore, the suction source 7 is located downstream of the cyclone separator 4, which in turn is located downstream of the cleaning head 3.

The aspiration source 7 is mounted inside the main body 2 at a location below the cyclone separator 4. Since the aspiration source 7 is usually relatively heavy, the location of the aspiration source 7 below the cyclone separator 4 it provides a relatively low center of gravity for the aspirator 1. As a result, the stability of the aspirator 1 is improved. Furthermore, the handling and maneuvering of the aspirator 1 is facilitated.

In use, the suction source 7 draws dust laden fluid through a suction opening of the cleaning head 3, through the upstream conduit 8 and into the inlet 5 of the cyclone separator 4. The dust is then separated from the fluid and is retained within the cyclone separator 4. The cleaned fluid exits the cyclone separator 4 through the outlet 6, passes through the downstream conduit 9 and into the suction source 7. From the suction source 7, the cleaned fluid is evacuated from the aspirator 1 via the outlets 10 in the main body 2.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, the cyclone separator 4 comprises a first cyclonic stage 11, a second cyclonic stage 12 located downstream of the first cyclonic stage 11, an intake conduit 13 for transporting fluid from the inlet 5 to the first cyclonic stage 11, an evacuation conduit 14 for transporting fluid from the second cyclonic stage 12 to the outlet 6, and a filter 15.

The first cyclonic stage 11 comprises an outer side wall 16, an inner side wall 17, a liner 18 located between the outer and inner side walls 16, 17, and a base 19.

The outer side wall 16 is cylindrical in shape and surrounds the inner side wall 17 and the liner 18. The inner side wall 17 has a generally cylindrical shape and is arranged concentrically with the outer side wall 16. The upper part of the side wall Internal 17 is ribbed, as can be seen in Figure 6. As explained below, the grooves provide passages through which the dust separated by means of the cyclonic bodies 28 of the second cyclonic stage 12 is guided to a dust collection chamber 37.

Cover 18 comprises a circumferential wall 20, a mesh 21, and a bracket 22. Wall 20 has a flared upper section, a cylindrical center section, and a flared lower section. Wall 20 includes a first opening that defines an inlet 23 and a second, larger opening that is covered by mesh 21. The

ES 2 625 852 T3 covering 18 is attached to the Internal side wall 17 by means of the clamp 22, which extends between a Lower end of the central section and the Internal side wall 17.

The upper end of the outer side wall 16 is sealed against the upper section of the liner 18. The lower end of the outer side wall 16 and the lower end of the inner side wall 17 are sealed against, and closed by, the base 19. . The outer side wall 16, the inner side wall 17, the liner 18 and the base 19 together thus define a chamber. The upper part of this chamber (that is, that part generally defined between the outer side wall 16 and the cladding 18) defines a cyclonic chamber 25, while the lower part of the chamber (that is, that part generally defined between the wall outer side 16 and inner side wall 17) define a dust collection chamber 26. Therefore, the first cyclonic stage 11 comprises a cyclonic chamber 25 and a dust collection chamber 26 located below the cyclonic chamber 25.

Fluid enters cyclonic chamber 25 through inlet 23 in liner 18. Mesh 21 of liner 18 comprises a plurality of perforations through which fluid exits cyclonic chamber 25. Therefore, the liner 18 serves as both the inlet and outlet for the cyclone chamber 25. Due to the location of the inlet 23, fluid is introduced into an upper part of the cyclonic chamber 25. During use, dust can accumulate on the surface of the mesh 21, thereby restricting the flow of the fluid through the cyclone separator 4. By introducing the fluid into an upper part of the cyclone chamber 25, the fluid it spirals down into the cyclone chamber 25 and helps to remove the dust from the mesh 21 and into the interior of the dust collection chamber 26.

The space between liner 18 and inner side wall 17 defines a fluid passage 27 that is closed at a lower end by clamp 21. Fluid passage 27 is open at an upper end and provides an outlet for the first cyclonic stage eleven.

The second cyclonic stage 12 comprises a plurality of cyclonic bodies 28, a plurality of guide ducts 29, a manifold cover 30, and a base 31.

The cyclonic bodies 28 are arranged as two layers, each layer comprising a ring of cyclonic bodies 28. The cyclonic bodies 28 are arranged above the first cyclonic stage 11, the lower layer of cyclonic bodies 28 extending below the upper part of the first cyclonic stage 11.

Each cyclone body 28 is generally frusto-conical in shape and comprises a tangential inlet 32, a central vortex tube 33, and a conical opening 34. The interior of each cyclone body 28 defines a cyclonic chamber 35. Dust-laden fluid enters the chamber cyclonic 35 through tangential inlet 32. The separated powder is then discharged into the cyclonic chamber 35 through the conical opening 34 while the cleaned fluid exits through the central vortex tube 33. Therefore, the conical opening 34 serves as the powder outlet for the cyclone chamber 35, while the central vortex tube 33 serves as the outlet for cleaned fluid.

The inlet 32 ​​of each cyclonic body 28 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cyclonic stage 11, that is, the fluid passage 27 defined between the liner 18 and the inner side wall 17. For example, the second cyclonic stage 12 may comprise a plenum chamber into which the fluid from the first cyclonic stage 11 is discharged. The plenum chamber then feeds the inlets 32 of the cyclonic bodies 28. Alternatively, the second cyclonic stage 12 may comprise a plurality of differentiated passages that guide the fluid from the outlet of the first cyclonic stage 11 to the inlets 32 of the cyclonic bodies 28.

The collector cover 30 has a dome shape and is located centrally on the cyclonic bodies 28. The interior space delimited by the cover 30 defines a collector 36, which serves as an outlet for the second cyclonic stage 12. Each guide duct 29 is extends between a central vortex tube 33 and the respective manifold 36.

The interior space delimited by the internal side wall 17 of the first cyclonic stage 11 defines a dust collection chamber 37 for the second cyclonic stage 12. The dust collection chambers 26, 37 of the two cyclonic stages 11, 12 are, therefore, adjacent to and share a common wall, specifically, the inner side wall 17. In order to distinguish the two dust collection chambers 26, 37, the dust collection chamber 26 of the first cyclonic stage 11 will be referred to hereinafter as the first dust collection chamber 26, and hereinafter referred to as the second cyclonic stage dust collecting chamber 37 12 second dust collecting chamber 37.

The second dust collection chamber 37 is closed at a lower end by means of the base 31 of the second cyclonic stage 12. As explained below, both the intake duct 13 and the exhaust duct 14 extend through the interior space delimited by the internal side wall 17. Consequently, the second dust collection chamber 37 is delimited by the internal side wall 17, the intake duct 13 and the exhaust duct 14.

ES 2 625 852 T3

The conical opening 34 of each cyclone body 28 extends into the second dust collection chamber 37 so that the dust separated by means of the cyclone bodies 28 falls into the second dust collection chamber 37. As noted above, the top of the inner side wall 17 is ribbed. The grooves provide passages through which the dust separated by the lower layer of the cyclonic bodies 28 is guided to the second dust collection chamber 37; perhaps this is best illustrated in Figure 5. Without the grooves, a larger diameter would be required for the inner side wall 17 to ensure that the conical openings 34 of the cyclonic bodies 28 extend into the second chamber 37 of dust collection.

The base 31 of the second cyclonic stage 12 is integrally formed with the base 19 of the first cyclonic stage 11. Furthermore, the common base 19, 31 is pivotally mounted on the outer side wall 16 and is kept closed by means of a latch 38. After releasing latch 38, the common base 19, 31 is pivoted open so that the dust collection chambers 26, 37 of the two cyclone stages 11, 12 are emptied simultaneously.

The intake duct 13 extends upward from the inlet 5 at the base of the cyclonic separator 4 and through the interior space delimited by the internal side wall 17. At a height corresponding to an upper part of the first cyclonic stage 11, the duct Inlet 13 rotates and extends through inner side wall 17, through fluid passage 27, and terminates at inlet 23 of liner 18. Therefore, the intake conduit 13 carries fluid from the inlet 5 at the base of the cyclone separator 4 to the inlet 23 in the liner 18.

The intake duct 13 can be considered to have a first lower section 39 and a second upper section 40. The first section 39 is generally straight and extends axially (that is, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber. 25) through the interior space delimited by the internal side wall 17. The second section 40 comprises a pair of curves. The first bend rotates the intake conduit 13 from axial to generally radial (ie, in a direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber 25). The second bend rotates the intake conduit 13 in a direction about the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber 25. Therefore, the first section 39 carries fluid axially through the cyclone separator 4, while the second section 40 does rotate and introduce the fluid into the cyclonic chamber 25.

Since the intake duct 13 terminates at the inlet 23 of the liner 18, it is not possible for the intake duct 13 to introduce fluid tangentially into the cyclonic chamber 25. However, the downstream end of the duct 13 The intake spins the fluid so that sufficient cyclonic flow is achieved within the cyclonic chamber 25. Some loss in fluid velocity may be experienced as fluid enters cyclonic chamber 25 and collides with outer side wall 16. To compensate for this loss in fluid velocity, the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end can be reduced. of the intake conduit 13 in a direction towards the inlet 23. As a result, fluid entering the cyclonic chamber 25 is accelerated by means of the intake conduit 13.

Fluid within cyclonic chamber 25 is free to spiral around liner 18 and onto inlet 23. The junction of intake conduit 13 and liner 18 can be considered to define an upstream edge 41 and a downstream edge 42 with respect to the direction of fluid flow within cyclonic chamber 25. That is, the fluid that spirally falls into the cyclonic chamber 25 first passes the upstream edge 41 and then the downstream edge 42. As noted above, the downstream end of the conduit 13 Intake is curved about the longitudinal axis of cyclonic chamber 25 so that fluid is introduced into cyclonic chamber 25 at an angle that encourages cyclonic flow. Furthermore, the downstream end of the intake conduit 13 is shaped so that the upstream edge 41 is sharp and the downstream edge 42 is rounded or blunt. As a result, the fluid entering the cyclonic chamber 25 is further rotated by the intake conduit 13. In particular, by having a rounded downstream edge 42, the fluid is encouraged to follow the downstream edge 42 by means of the Coanda effect.

The exhaust duct 14 extends from the collector 36 of the second cyclone stage 12 to the outlet 6 at the base of the cyclone separator 4. The exhaust duct 14 extends through a central region of the cyclone separator 4 and is surrounded by both by the first cyclonic stage 11 and by the second cyclonic stage 12.

The exhaust duct 14 can be considered to have a first lower section and a second upper section. The first section of the exhaust duct 14 and the first section 39 of the intake duct 13 are adjacent and share a common wall. In addition, each of the first section of the exhaust duct 14 and the first section 39 of the intake duct 13 has a cross-section that is generally D-shaped. Together, the first sections of the two conduits 13, 14 form a cylindrical element that extends upwards through the interior space delimited by the internal side wall 17; this is best illustrated in Figures 3 and 6. The cylindrical element is separated from the inner side wall 17 so that the second dust collection chamber 37, which is delimited by the inner side wall 17, the

ES 2 625 852 T3 intake duct 13 and exhaust duct 14, have a generally annular cross section. The second section of the exhaust duct 14 has a circular cross section.

The filter 15 is located in the evacuation duct 14 and has an elongated shape. More particularly, the filter 15 comprises a hollow tube having an open upper end 43 and a closed lower end 44. The filter 15 is located in the evacuation conduit 14 so that the fluid from the second cyclonic stage 12 enters the hollow interior of filter 15 through open end 43 and passes through filter 15 into evacuation conduit 14. Therefore, the fluid passes through the filter 15 before being discharged through the outlet 6 at the base of the cyclone separator 4.

The cyclonic separator 4 can be considered to have a central longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic chamber 25 of the first cyclonic stage 11. The cyclonic bodies 28 of the second cyclonic stage 12 are then arranged around this central axis. The exhaust duct 14 and the first section 39 of the intake duct 13 then extend axially (that is, in a direction parallel to the central axis) through the cyclone separator 4.

In use, the powder-laden fluid is drawn into the cyclone separator 4 via the inlet 5 at the base of the cyclone separator 4. From there, the powder-laden fluid is transported through the intake conduit 13 to the inlet. 23 in the liner 18. Next, the powder-laden fluid enters the cyclonic chamber 25 of the first cyclonic stage 11 through the inlet 23. The powder-laden fluid spirals down around the cyclone chamber 25 causing the coarse powder to separate from the fluid. Coarse dust is collected in dust collection chamber 26, while partially cleaned fluid is drawn through mesh 21 of liner 18, up through fluid passage 27, and into the second cyclonic stage. 12. The partially cleaned fluid is then divided and drawn into the cyclonic chamber 35 of each cyclone body 28 via the tangential inlet 32. The fine dust separated into the interior of the cyclonic chamber 35 is discharged through the opening. conical 34 and into the second dust collection chamber 37. The cleaned fluid is drawn through the central vortex tube 33 and through a respective guide conduit 29 to the manifold 36. From there, the cleaned fluid is drawn into filter 15. The fluid passes through filter 15, which acts to remove any residual dust from the fluid, and into exhaust conduit 14. Then, the cleaned fluid is sucked down the evacuation duct 14 and out through the outlet 6 at the base of the cyclone separator 4.

The cleaning head 3 of the aspirator 1 is located below the cyclone separator 4. By having an inlet 5 located at the base of the cyclone separator 4, the fluid can take a less tortuous path between the cleaning head 3 and the cyclone separator 4 Since the fluid can take a less tortuous path, an increase in suction power can be achieved. Similarly, the suction source 7 is located below the cyclone separator 4. Consequently, by having an outlet 6 located at the base of the cyclone separator 4, the fluid can take a less tortuous path between the cyclone separator 4 and the suction source 7. As a result, a further increase in suction power can be achieved.

Since the intake conduit 13 and the exhaust conduit 14 are located in a central region of the cyclone separator 4, there are no external conduits extending the entire length of the cyclone separator 4. Consequently, a further aspirator 1 can be realized. compact.

By extending through the interior of the cyclone separator 4, the volume of the second dust collection chamber 37 is effectively reduced by means of the intake conduit 13 and the exhaust conduit 14. However, the second cyclonic stage 12 is envisioned to remove relatively fine dust from the fluid. Consequently, it is possible to sacrifice part of the volume of the second dust collection chamber 37 without significantly reducing the total dust storage capacity of the cyclone separator 4.

The first cyclonic stage 11 is envisioned to remove the relatively coarse dust from the fluid. By having a first dust collection chamber 26 surrounding the second collection chamber 37, the intake duct 13, and the exhaust duct 14, a relatively large volume can be achieved for the first dust collection chamber 26. Furthermore, since the first dust collection chamber 26 is located in the outermost part, where the outer diameter is maximum, a relatively large volume can be achieved while maintaining a relatively compact overall size for the cyclone separator 4.

By locating the filter 15 within the exhaust duct 14, additional filtration of the fluid is achieved without any significant increase in the overall size of the cyclone separator 4. Since the exhaust duct 14 extends axially through the separator cyclone 4, an elongated filter 15 having a relatively large surface area can be employed.

The sled aspirator 50 of Figures 7 and 8 comprises a main body 51 in which a cyclone separator 52 is removably mounted. The main body 51 comprises a suction source 55, an upstream conduit 56, and a downstream conduit. 57. One end of the upstream conduit 56 is coupled with an inlet 53 of the cyclone separator 52. The other end of the upstream conduit 56 is envisioned to be coupled with a cleaning head via, for example, a hose and tube assembly. One extreme of 7

ES 2 625 852 T3 downstream conduit 57 is coupled with an outlet 54 of cyclone separator 52, and the other end is coupled with suction source 55. Therefore, the suction source 55 is located downstream of the cyclone separator 52 which, in turn, is located downstream of the cleaning head.

Referring now to Figures 9-11, cyclone separator 52 is identical in many ways to that described above and illustrated in Figures 4-6. In particular, the cyclone separator 52 comprises a first cyclonic stage 58, a second cyclonic stage 59 located downstream of the first cyclonic stage 58, an intake conduit 60 for transporting fluid from the inlet 53 to the first cyclonic stage 58, a conduit 61 evacuation to transport fluid from the second cyclonic stage 59 to outlet 54, and a filter 62. In view of the similarity between the two cyclone separators 4, 52, a complete description of the cyclone separator 52 will not be repeated. Instead, the following paragraphs will mainly focus on the differences that exist between the two cyclone separators 4, 52.

The first cyclonic stage 58, as described above, comprises an outer side wall 63, an inner side wall 64, a liner 65 and a base 66, which together define a cyclonic chamber 67 and a dust collection chamber 68. With the cyclone separator 4 of Figures 4 to 6, the base 19 of the first cyclonic stage 11 comprises a gasket that seals against the internal side wall 17. With the cyclone spacer 52 of Figures 9-11, the bottom of the inner side wall 64 is formed of a flexible material which then seals against an annular ridge 71 formed at the base 66 of the first cyclonic stage 58. By otherwise, the first cyclonic stage 58 is essentially unchanged from that described above.

The second cyclonic stage 59, again as described above, comprises a plurality of cyclonic bodies 72, a plurality of guide ducts 73, and a base 74. The second cyclonic stage 12, illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, comprises two layers of cyclonic bodies 28. In contrast, the second cyclonic stage 59 of Figures 9 to 11 comprises a single layer of cyclonic bodies 72. The cyclonic bodies 72, themselves, do not change.

The second cyclonic stage 12 of the cyclonic separator 4 of Figures 4 to 6 comprises a collector 36, which serves as an outlet for the second cyclonic stage 12. Then, each of the guide ducts 29 of the second cyclonic stage 12 extends between the central vortex tube 33 of a cyclone body 28 and the collector 36. In contrast, the second cyclonic stage 59 of the cyclone separator 52 of Figures 9 to 11 does not comprise a collector 36. Rather, the guide ducts 73 of the second cyclonic stage 59 are located in the center at the top of the second cyclonic stage 59 and together define the outlet of the second cyclonic stage 59.

The intake conduit 60 again extends upward from an inlet 53 at the base of the cyclone separator 52 and through the interior space delimited by the inner side wall 64. However, the first section 76 of the intake conduit 60 (i.e. , that section extending axially through the interior space) is not separated from the internal side wall 64. Rather, the first section 76 of the intake conduit 60 is integrally formed with the inner side wall 64. Consequently, the first section 76 of the intake conduit 60 is integrally formed with both the inner side wall 64 and the conduit. 61 evacuation. Due to the locations of the intake duct 60 and the exhaust duct 61, the second dust collection chamber 75 can be considered to be C-shaped in cross section. Otherwise, the intake duct 60 is largely unchanged from that described above and illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

The most significant differences between the two cyclonic separators 4, 52 reside in the locations of the outlets 6, 54 and in the shapes of the evacuation conduits 14, 61. Unlike the cyclone separator 4 of Figures 4 to 6, the outlet 54 of the cyclone separator 52 of Figures 9 to 11 is not located at the base of the cyclone separator 52. Instead, as will now be explained, the outlet 54 It is located on a top of the cyclone separator 52.

The discharge conduit 61 of the cyclone separator 52 comprises a first section 78 and a second section 79. The first section 78 extends axially through the cyclone separator 52. More particularly, the first section 78 extends from a part upper to a lower portion of the cyclone separator 52. The first section 78 is open at an upper end and closed at a lower end. The second section 79 extends outwardly from a top of the first section 78 to between two adjacent cyclonic bodies 72. The free end of the second section 79 then serves as the outlet 54 of the cyclone separator 52.

Essentially, filter 62 is unchanged from that described above and illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. In particular, filter 62 is elongated and is located in exhaust duct 61. Again, filter 62 comprises a hollow tube having an open upper end 80 and a closed lower end 81. Fluid from second cyclonic stage 59 enters the hollow interior of filter 62, passes through filter 62 and into the interior. of the evacuation duct 61. Although outlet 54 of cyclone separator 52 is located in an upper portion of cyclone separator 52, the provision of an exhaust conduit 61 extending axially through cyclone separator 52 provides a space in which to house filter 62. Accordingly, an elongated filter 62 having a relatively large surface area can be employed.

Upstream conduit 56 is located at a forward end of aspirator 50. Additionally, upstream conduit 56 extends along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the

The wheels 82 of the vacuum cleaner 50. Accordingly, when a hose is attached to the upstream conduit 56, the vacuum cleaner 50 can be conveniently moved forward by pulling the hose. By locating the inlet 53 of the cyclone separator 52 at the base, the fluid can take a less tortuous path as it travels from the hose to the cyclone separator 52. In particular, it is not necessary for the upstream conduit 56 to bend around the base and then extend to the side of the cyclone separator 52. As a result, an increase in suction power can be achieved.

By locating the inlet 53 at the base of the cyclone separator 52, the aspirator can be conveniently tilted rearward by pulling up the upstream conduit 56 or a hose attached thereto. The rearward inclination of the vacuum cleaner 50 causes the front portion of the cleaner 50 to lift off the ground so that the vacuum cleaner 50 is supported only by the wheels 82. This then allows the vacuum cleaner 50 to be maneuvered over ridges or other obstacles on the floor surface.

The cyclone separator 52 is mounted on the main body 51 so that the base of the cyclone separator 52 is directed towards the front of the aspirator 50, that is, the cyclone separator 52 is inclined with respect to the vertical in a direction that pushes the base of the cyclone separator 52 towards the front of the aspirator 50. Directing the base of the cyclone separator 52 toward the front of the aspirator 50 reduces the angle by which the upstream conduit 56 rotates the fluid.

Suction source 55 is not located below cyclone separator 52; that is, the suction source 55 is not located below the base of the cyclone separator 52. It is for this reason that the outlet 54 of the cyclone separator 52 is not located at the base. Rather, outlet 54 is located at a top of cyclone separator 52. As a result, the fluid can take a shorter and less tortuous path between the cyclone separator 52 and the suction source 55.

By having an evacuation conduit 61 extending between two of the cyclonic bodies 72, a more compact cyclone separator 52 can be made. For known cyclone separators having a ring of cyclonic bodies, fluid is often discharged into a manifold located above the cyclonic bodies. The outlet of the cyclone separator is then located in a wall of the collector. On the other hand, with the cyclone separator 52 of Figures 9 to 11, the fluid is discharged from the cyclonic bodies 72 towards a first section 78 of the evacuation conduit 61, around which the cyclone bodies 72 are arranged. Then, a Second section 79 of evacuation conduit 61 extends outwardly from first section 78 to between two of cyclonic bodies 72. As a result, the collector can be omitted, and therefore the height of the cyclone separator 52 can be reduced. In conventional cyclone separators, the central space around which the cyclonic bodies are arranged is often not utilized. The cyclone separator 52 of Figures 9-11, on the other hand, uses this space to locate the first section 78 of the evacuation conduit 61. Then, the second section 79 of the evacuation conduit 61 extends outwardly from the first section 78 to between the two cyclonic bodies 72. By utilizing the unused space otherwise, the height of the cyclone separator 52 can be reduced without compromising the performance.

To further reduce the height of the cyclone separator 52, the cyclonic bodies 72 of the second cyclonic stage 59 extend below the top of the first cyclonic stage 58. As a consequence, the liner 65 and the cyclonic chamber 67 surround the lower ends. of the cyclonic bodies 72. Then, the intake duct 60 extends between the same two cyclonic bodies as those of the exhaust duct 61. As a result, fluid can be introduced into an upper portion of the cyclone chamber 67 without the need to increase the height of the cyclone separator 52.

Like cyclone separator 4 of Figures 4-6, intake conduit 60 and exhaust conduit 61 extend through the interior of cyclone separator 52. Consequently, there are no external conduits extending along the length of the cyclone separator 52 and, therefore, a more compact vacuum cleaner 50 can be realized.

In each of the embodiments described above, the fluid from the second cyclonic stage 12, 59 enters the hollow interior of the filter 15, 62. The fluid then passes through the filter 15, 62 and into the conduit 14, 61 evacuation. By directing the fluid into the hollow interior of the filter 15, 62, the fluid acts to inflate the filter 15, 62 and thus prevents the filter 15, 62 from collapsing. Accordingly, the filter 15, 62 need not include a frame or other support structure to maintain the shape of the filter 15, 62. However, if it is truly desired or required, the filter 15, 62 may include a frame. or other support structure. By providing a frame or support structure, the direction of the fluid through the filter 15, 62 can be reversed.

In the embodiments described above, the intake conduit 13, 60 and the exhaust conduit 14, 61 are adjacent to each other. Possibly, however, the intake duct 13, 60 may be nested inside the exhaust duct 14, 61. For example, the first section 39, 76 of the intake conduit 13, 60 may extend axially into the exhaust conduit 14, 61. Next, the second section 40, 77 of the intake conduit 13, 60 is rotated and extends through the wall of the exhaust conduit 14, 61 and into the first cyclonic stage 11, 58. Alternatively, the lower part of the exhaust duct 14, 61 may be nested inside the intake duct 13, 60. As conduit rotates 13, 60 of 9

ES 2 625 852 T3 inlet from axial to radial, the exhaust duct 14, 61 then extends upward through the wall of the intake duct 13, 60.

The first dust collection chamber 26, 68 is delimited by the external side wall 16, 63 and by the internal side wall 17, 64, and the second dust collection chamber 37, 75 is delimited by the internal side wall 17, 64, through the intake conduit 13, 60 and through the evacuation conduit 14, 61. However, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, the exhaust duct 61 may be shorter so that the second dust collection chamber 75 is delimited only by the inner side wall 64 and by the duct 60 of admission. Furthermore, for the situation described in the preceding paragraph in which the intake duct 13, 60 and the exhaust duct 14, 61 are nested, the second dust collection chamber 37, 75 is delimited by the inner side wall 17, 64 and by a single one of the intake duct 13, 60 and of the evacuation duct 14, 61.

In each of the embodiments described above, the exhaust conduit 14, 61 extends axially through the cyclone separator 4, 52. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4-6, the exhaust conduit 14 extends into a outlet 6 located at the base of the cyclone separator 4. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, the evacuation conduit 61 does not reach the base. By having an exhaust conduit 14, 61 extending axially through the cyclone separator 4, 52, adequate space is provided for a relatively long filter 15, 62. However, it is not essential that the exhaust conduit 14, 61 extends axially through the cyclone separator 4, 52 or that a filter 15, 62 is employed in the cyclone separator 4, 52. Regardless of whether the exhaust conduit 14, 61 extends axially through the cyclone separator 4, 52 or if a filter 15, 62 is used, the cyclone separator 4, 52 still exhibits many of the advantages described above. For example, a less tortuous path between the cleaning head and the inlet 5, 53 of the cyclone separator 4, 52, and a more compact cyclone separator 4, 52 without an external conduit that extends to the inlet 5, 53.

To conserve both space and materials, the intake duct 13, 60 is integrally formed with the exhaust duct 14, 61. The intake duct 13, 60 can also be formed integrally with the inner side wall 17, 64 and / or with the liner 18, 65. By reducing the amount of material required for the cyclone separator 4, 52, the cost is reduced. and / or the weight of the cyclone separator 4, 52. However, if required, (for example, to simplify the manufacture or assembly of the cyclone separator 4, 52) the intake conduit 13, 60 can be formed separately from the exhaust conduit 14, 61, from the inner side wall 17 , 64 and / or coating 18, 65.

In the embodiments described above, the first dust collection chamber 26, 68 completely surrounds the second dust collection chamber 37, 75, as does the intake conduit 13, 60 and the exhaust conduit 14, 61. However, an alternative vacuum cleaner may limit the shape of the cyclone separator 4, 52 and, in particular, the shape of the first dust collection chamber 26, 68. For example, it may be necessary to have a first dust collection chamber 26, 68 that is C-shaped. In this case, the first dust collection chamber 26, 68 no longer completely surrounds the second collection chamber 37, 75. dust, the intake duct 13, 60 and the evacuation duct 14, 61. However, the first dust collection chamber 26, 68 surrounds, at least partially, the second dust collection chamber 37, 75, the intake duct 13, 60 and the exhaust duct 14, 61, which are located into the first dust collecting chamber 26, 68.

In each of the embodiments described above, fluid is introduced into the cyclonic chamber 25, 67 of the first cyclonic stage 11, 58 via an inlet 23, 70 formed in a wall of the liner 18, 65. This arrangement has led to improvements in separation efficiency compared to a conventional cyclone chamber that has a tangential inlet located on the outer side wall. At the time of writing, the mechanisms responsible for improving separation efficiency are not fully understood. For a conventional cyclone chamber having a tangential inlet on the outer side wall, increased abrasion has been observed on the side of the liner where fluid is introduced into the cyclone chamber. Therefore, it is believed, that the coating presents a first line of sight for the fluid introduced into the cyclone chamber. As a result, some of the fluid entering the cyclone chamber impacts the coating surface first rather than the outer side wall. Impact with the surface thus means that dust entrained in the fluid has little opportunity to separate in the cyclone chamber. Consequently, powder smaller than the perforations in the coating will immediately pass through the coating and will not undergo any separation, thereby resulting in a drop in separation efficiency. With the cyclone separators 4, 52 described above, the inlet 23, 70 of the cyclone chamber 25, 67 is located on one surface of the liner 18, 65. As a result, fluid is introduced into the cyclone chamber 25, 67 in a direction away from the liner 18, 65. Accordingly, the first line of sight for the fluid is the outer side wall 16, 63. Therefore, it is eliminates, the direct route through coating 18, 65 and thus there is a net increase in separation efficiency.

It is by no means obvious that the location of the inlet 23, 70 of the cyclone chamber 25, 67 in the liner 18, 65 would result in an increase in separation efficiency. The liner 18, 65 comprises a plurality of perforations through which fluid exits the cyclonic chamber 25, 67. By locating the inlet 23, 70 in the liner 18, 65, less area is available for the perforations .

ES 2 625 852 T3

As a result of the reduction in area, the fluid passes through the perforations in the liner at a higher speed. This increase in fluid velocity results in greater carry-over of the powder, which should result in a drop in separation efficiency. Instead, however, a net increase in separation efficiency is observed.

Although reference has been heretofore to a liner 18, 65 having a 21 mesh, other types of liner having perforations through which fluid exits the cyclone chamber 25, 67 may also be used. For example, the mesh can be omitted and the perforations can be formed directly in the wall 20 of the covering 18, 65; You can find this type of coating on many Dyson vacuum cleaners, eg DC25.

In the embodiments described above, the intake duct 13, 60 terminates at the inlet 23, 70 of the liner 18, 65. Thus, this has the advantage that the intake duct 13, 60 does not extend into the cyclonic chamber 25, 67, in which it can adversely interfere with fluid flow. However, alternatively, the intake conduit 13, 60 could be made to extend beyond the liner 18, 65 and into the cyclonic chamber 25, 67. By extending beyond the liner 18, 65, the conduit 13, Inlet 60 can then be rotated so that fluid is introduced tangentially into cyclonic chamber 25, 67. Depending on the particular design of the cyclone separator 4, 52, the advantages of introducing the fluid tangentially into the cyclonic chamber 25, 67 may outweigh the disadvantages that arise from interference between the intake conduit 13, 60 and the fluid falling into spiral shape. In addition, measures can be taken to mitigate the interference from the intake conduit 13, 60. For example, the part of the intake duct 13, 60 that extends into the cyclonic chamber 25, 67 may be shaped at the rear (for example, inclined) so that the fluid falling in a spiral manner collides with the rear of the intake duct 13, 60 and is guided downward. Alternatively, the first cyclonic stage 11, 58 may comprise a guide vane that extends between the outer side wall 16, 63 and the liner 18, 65 and rotates in a spiral, at least one revolution around the liner 18, 65. Accordingly, the fluid entering the cyclonic chamber 25, 67 through the intake conduit 13, 60 is caused to spiral down by means of the guide vane so that, after one revolution, the fluid is below the intake duct 13, 60 and do not collide with the rear of the intake duct 13, 60.