(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0359394A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 17, 2015
`PEACE
`
`US 20150359394A1
`
`(54) VACUUM CLEANER
`(71) Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited, Wiltshire
`(GB)
`(72) Inventor: Michael James PEACE, Singapore
`(SG)
`(73) Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED,
`Wiltshire (GB)
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/835,179
`(22) Filed:
`Aug. 25, 2015
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 13/724,775, filed on
`Dec. 21, 2012.
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(30)
`
`Dec. 22, 2011 (GB) ................................... 11221 62.9
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A47L 5/24
`A47L 9/12
`A47L 9/6
`
`
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ................. A47L 5/24 (2013.01); A47L 9/1633
`(2013.01); A47L 9/127 (2013.01); A47L 9/1641
`(2013.01); A47L 9/1658 (2013.01); A47L
`9/1666 (2013.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating appara
`tus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the
`cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for
`generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating appa
`ratus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the
`cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic
`cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly down
`stream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate
`filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by
`the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an
`inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular
`filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially
`facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a
`radial direction from where the airflows from the inlet portion
`to the filter chamber in an axial direction.
`
`Omachron Ex. 2002
`Dyson Technology Limited et al., v. Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
`IPR2024-00733
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`US 2015/0359394A1
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`Dec. 17, 2015
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`VACUUM CLEANER
`
`REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 13/724,775, filed Dec. 21, 2012, which
`claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No.
`11221 62.9, filed Dec. 22, 2011, the entire contents of which
`are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002. The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, particu
`larly of the handheld type of vacuum cleaner being generally
`compact and lightweight. The invention also relates to a filter
`for such a vacuum cleaner.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003 Handheld vacuum cleaners are popular with users
`due to their lightweight and inherent portability, as well as the
`lack of power cords, which makes such vacuum cleaners
`particularly convenient for spot cleaning tasks as well as for
`cleaning larger areas. The cleaning efficiency of handheld
`vacuum cleaners is improving and it is known to equip a
`handheld vacuum cleaner with a cyclonic separating appara
`tus to separate the dirt and dust from the incoming flow of dirt
`laden air. One such example is disclosed in EP2040599B.
`which incorporates a first cyclonic separating stage in the
`form of a relatively large cylindrical cyclone chamber and a
`second cyclonic separating stage in the form of a plurality of
`smaller cyclones fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic
`separating stage. In such an arrangement, the first cyclonic
`separating stage works to separate relatively large debris from
`the airflow, whilst the second cyclonic separating stage filters
`relatively fine dirt and dust from the airflow by virtue of the
`increased separation efficiency of the smaller cyclones.
`0004. Whilst two-stage cyclonic separation is efficient at
`separating dirt and dust from the incoming airflow, it is still
`prudent to provide a filter downstream of the cyclonic sepa
`rating apparatus and upstream of the motor in order to protect
`the motor from the ingress of fine dust which may still be
`entrained in the airflow. EP2040599B includes a generally
`planar filter member that is located in a recess adjacent an
`outlet duct of the cyclonic separating unit. The plane of the
`filter memberlies generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of
`the cyclonic separating unit. Although this configuration per
`mits a relatively large filter to be used, the overall size of the
`vacuum cleaner is increased significantly. It is with this draw
`back in mind that the invention has been devised.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0005. The invention provides a vacuum cleaner compris
`ing a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty airinlet,
`a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus
`and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the
`cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a
`clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus
`includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate
`filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic
`cleaning stage. The elongate filter is housed in a duct at least
`partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and comprises
`an inlet portion carrying a filter portion defining a filter cham
`ber. The inlet portion includes one or more radial inlets to
`
`permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction,
`wherein the airflows from the inlet portion to the filter cham
`ber in an axial direction.
`0006 Preferably, the filter is a sock filter arranged in the
`duct and so is generally tubular and defines a filter wall having
`a longitudinal axis generally parallel with a longitudinal axis
`of the duct/separating apparatus. Commonly, elongate filters
`such as sock filters are arranged such that air flow enters the
`interior or lumen of the filter in a direction along the longitu
`dinal axis of the filter, through the open end of the filter. Such
`a configuration requires a chamber adjacent the open end of
`the filter to define the entry Zone and allow air to flow in an
`axial direction into the filter. Conversely, in the invention, the
`filter defines one or more radial inlets so that airflow is
`directed into the interior of the filter in a radial direction, that
`is to say in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the
`filter, thereby avoiding the need for a chamber adjacent the
`open end of the sock filter as in conventional arrangements.
`This enables the housing of the filter i.e. the surrounding part
`of the duct and the separating apparatus to be more compact.
`which is beneficial in particular for handheld vacuum clean
`ers for which important characteristics are compactness and
`low weight.
`0007 Various configuration of radial inlets are possible.
`For example, the radial inlet may be a single annular opening
`extending either partly or wholly about the circumference of
`the inlet portion. Alternatively, the inlet portion may have a
`plurality of inlets spaced angularly around the periphery of
`the inlet portion. A plurality of inlet apertures may improve
`the airflow through the filter and so reduces pressure drop. In
`the case of a plurality of inlet apertures, each aperture may be
`aligned with a respective air channel or vortex finger defined
`by a cyclone outlet manifold of the separating apparatus.
`Once the airflow has entered the interior of the filter, due to the
`configuration of the filter the air flows radially outwards
`through the wall of the filter media portion.
`0008. In order to improve accessibility of the filter, the
`inlet portion may define a filter cap that is engageable within
`a complementary shaped aperture defined by the separating
`apparatus such that the filter cap defines an outer surface of
`the cyclonic separating apparatus. In this way, the user is able
`to grip the top of the filter and remove it from the separating
`apparatus without removing the separating apparatus from
`the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The filter may therefore
`extend along the duct from a point above the cyclonic sepa
`rating apparatus to a point below the first cyclonic cleaning
`stage and near to the base of the separating apparatus.
`0009. The separating apparatus may include a second
`cyclonic cleaning stage arranged fluidly downstream of the
`first cyclonic cleaning stage. In such a configuration, the filter
`may be configured such that the first cyclonic cleaning stage,
`the second cyclonic cleaning stage and the filter may be
`concentric about a common axis.
`0010. The invention is applicable to upright and cylinder
`type vacuum cleaner, but is particularly suited to handheld
`vacuum cleaners due to the packaging benefits it provides
`particularly in terms of size and weight of the separating
`apparatus.
`0011. From another aspect, the invention provides a filter
`for a vacuum cleaner comprising a generally tubular inlet
`portion carrying a generally tubular filter media portion defin
`ing an interior chamber having an axis, the inlet portion
`including one or more radially facing inlets such that a radial
`
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`air path is defined for air to flow into the inlet portion and an
`axial air flow path is defined for air to flow from the inlet
`portion to the filter chamber.
`0012. In a second aspect, the invention resides in a vacuum
`cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including
`a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic sepa
`rating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an
`airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the
`dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The cyclonic separating
`apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and
`an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first
`cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a
`duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage.
`The filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion, the
`inlet portion including one or more inlets to permit air to flow
`into the inlet portion, wherein the inlet portion includes a
`cover portion that is receivable in the separating apparatus
`Such that the cover portion defines at least a part of an outer
`Surface of the separating apparatus.
`0013 Such an arrangement improves the accessibility of
`the filter, since a user can simply grip the top of the filter and
`remove it from the separating apparatus without removing the
`separating apparatus from the main body of the vacuum
`cleaner. The filter may therefore extend along the duct from a
`point above the cyclonic separatingapparatus to a point below
`the first cyclonic cleaning stage and near to the base of the
`separating apparatus.
`0014. In order to improve the sealing of the filter within the
`separating apparatus and prevent ambient air from bleeding
`into the filter duct or unfiltered air from entering the filter
`duct, the inlet portion may include a first sealing member
`above the one or more inlets and a second sealing member
`below the one or more inlets. The first sealing member may be
`provided about the periphery of the coverportion so as to seal
`against a complementary shaped aperture in an exhaust mani
`fold of the separating apparatus.
`0015 The vacuum cleaner may also include a second
`cyclonic cleaning stage located downstream of the first
`cyclonic cleaning stage, the second cyclonic cleaning stage
`comprising a plurality of cyclones arranged fluidly in parallel
`about an axis, and wherein the duct is in communication with
`an outlet passage which extends between two of the cyclones
`in the second cyclonic cleaning stage and defines an outlet
`port which is centred on an axis that is orthogonal with the
`axis of the second cyclonic cleaning stage. Such an arrange
`ment provides a height reduction benefit for the separating
`apparatus since the outlet extends rearwardly and between a
`gap defined between two of the cyclones of the second
`cyclonic separation stage instead of air being exhausted from
`the top of the apparatus.
`0016. It should be noted that preferred and/or optional
`features of the first aspect of the invention can be combined
`with second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0017 Embodiments of the present invention will now be
`described, by way of example only, with reference to the
`accompanying drawings, in which:
`0.018
`FIG. 1 is a side view of a handheld vacuum cleaner
`in accordance with the invention;
`0.019
`FIG.2 is a view from above of the vacuum cleaner of
`FIG. 1:
`0020 FIG. 3 is a vertical section through the separating
`apparatus along line A-A in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sepa
`0021
`rating apparatus of the vacuum cleaner in FIGS. 1 and 2:
`0022 FIG. 5 is a view looking down into the cyclones of
`the separating apparatus; and
`0023 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
`Vortex finder member of the separating apparatus.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`(0024. Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a handheld
`vacuum cleaner 2 has a main body 4 which houses a motor
`and fan unit (not shown) above a generally upright handle or
`grip portion 6. The lower end 6a of the handle 6 supports a
`generally slab-like battery pack 8. A set of exhaust vents 10
`are provided on the main body 4 for exhausting air from the
`handheld vacuum cleaner 2.
`0025. The main body 4 supports a cyclonic separating
`apparatus 12 that functions to remove dirt, dust and other
`debris from a dirt-bearing airflow drawn into the vacuum
`cleaner by the motor and fan unit. The cyclonic separator 12
`is attached to a forward part 4a of the main body 4 and an air
`inlet nozzle 14 extends from a forward portion of the cyclonic
`separator that is remote from the main body 4. The air inlet
`nozzle 14 is configured so that a suitable brush tool can be
`removably mounted to it and includes a catch 16 for securely
`holding Such a brush tool when the tool is engaged with the
`inlet. The brush tool is not material to the present invention
`and so is not shown here.
`0026. The cyclonic separating apparatus 12 is located
`between the main body 4 and the air inlet nozzle 14 and so
`also between the handle 6 and the air inlet nozzle 14. The
`separating apparatus 12 has a longitudinal axis Y which
`extends in a generally upright direction so that the handle 6
`lies at a shallow angle to the axis Y.
`0027. The handle 6 is oriented in a pistol-grip formation
`which is a comfortable interface for a user since it reduces
`stress on a user's wrist during cleaning. The separating appa
`ratus 12 is positioned close to the handle 6 which also reduces
`the moment applied to the user's wrist when the handheld
`vacuum cleaner 2 is in use. The handle 6 carries an on/off
`switch in the form of a trigger 18 for turning the vacuum
`cleaner motor on and off. In use, the motor and fan unit draws
`dust laden air into the vacuum cleaner 12 via the air inlet
`nozzle 14. Dirt and dust particles entrained within the airflow
`are separated from the air and retained in the separating
`apparatus 12. The cleaned air is ejected from the rear of the
`separating apparatus 12 and conveyed by a short duct to the
`motor and fan unit located within the main body 4, and is
`subsequently expelled through the air outlets 10.
`0028. The separating apparatus 12 forming part of the
`handheld vacuum cleaner 2 is shown in more detail in FIG.3
`which is a cross section through the separating apparatus 12
`along the line A-A in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 which shows an
`exploded view of the components of the separating apparatus
`12. In overview, the separating apparatus 12 comprises a first
`cyclonic separating unit 20 and a second cyclonic separating
`unit 22 located downstream from the first cyclonic separating
`unit 20. In this example, the first cyclonic separating unit 20
`extends about part of the second cyclonic separating unit 22.
`0029. It should be appreciated that the specific overall
`shape of the separating apparatus can be varied according to
`the type of vacuum cleaner in which the separating apparatus
`is to be used. For example, the overall length of the separating
`apparatus can be increased or decreased with respect to the
`diameter of the separating apparatus 12.
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`0030 The separating apparatus 12 comprises an outer bin
`24 defined by an outer wall being substantially cylindrical in
`shape and which extends about a longitudinal axis Y of the
`separating apparatus 12. The outer bin 24 is preferably trans
`parent so that components of the separating apparatus 12 are
`visible through it.
`0031. The lower end of the outer bin 24 is closed by a bin
`base 26 that is pivotably attached to the outer wall 24 by
`means of a pivot 28 and held in a closed position by a catch 30.
`Radially inward of and coaxial with the outer wall 24 is a
`second cylindrical wall 32 so that an annular chamber 34 is
`defined between the two walls. The second cylindrical wall 32
`engages and is sealed against the base 26 when it is closed.
`The upper portion of the annular chamber 34 forms a cylin
`drical cyclone of the first cyclonic separating unit 20 and the
`lower portion of the annular chamber forms a dust collecting
`bin of the first cyclonic separating unit 20.
`0032. A bin inlet 36 is provided at the upper end of the
`chamber 34 for receiving an air flow from the air inlet nozzle
`14. Although not shown in the Figures, the bin inlet 36 is
`arranged tangentially to the chamber 34 so as to ensure that
`incoming dirty air is forced to follow a helical path around the
`chamber 34.
`0033. A fluid outlet is provided in the outer bin in the form
`of a generally cylindrical shroud 38. More specifically, the
`shroud has an upper frusto-conical wall 38a that tapers
`towards a lower cylindrical wall 38b that depends down
`wardly into the chamber 34. A skirt 38c depends from the
`lower part of the cylindrical wall and tapers outwardly in a
`direction towards the outer wall 24. The lower wall 38c of the
`shroud is perforated therefore providing the only fluid outlet
`from the chamber 34.
`0034. A second annular chamber 40 is located behind the
`shroud 38 and provides a manifold from which airflow pass
`ing through the shroud 38 from the first separating unit 20 is
`fed to the second cyclonic separating unit 22 through a plu
`rality of conduits or channels 74 defined by a centrally posi
`tioned cyclone Support structure 42. The second cyclonic
`separating unit 22 comprises a plurality of cyclones 50
`arranged fluidically in parallel to receive air from the first
`cyclonic separating unit 20. In this example, the cyclones 50
`are substantially identical in size and shape, each comprising
`a cylindrical portion 50a and a tapering portion 50b depend
`ing downwardly therefrom (only one cyclone is labelled in
`FIG. 3 for clarity). The cylindrical portion 50a comprises an
`air inlet 50c for receiving fluid from one of the channels 74.
`The tapering portion 50b of each cyclone is frusto-conical in
`shape and terminates in a cone opening 52 at its bottom end
`through which dust is ejected, in use, into the interior of the
`cyclone Support structure 42. An air outlet in the form of a
`vortex finder 60 is provided at the upper end of each cyclone
`50 to allow air to exit the cyclone. Each vortex finder 60
`extends downwardly from a vortex finder member 62 as will
`be explained.
`0035. As is shown clearly in FIGS.3 and 4, the cyclones of
`the second cyclonic separating unit 22 are grouped into a first
`set of cyclones 70 and a second set of cyclones 72. Although
`not essential to the invention, in this embodiment the first set
`of cyclones 70 contains more cyclones (ten in total) than the
`second set of cyclones 72 (five in total).
`0036) Each set of cyclones 70, 72 is arranged in a ring
`which is centred on a longitudinal axis Y of the separating
`unit. The first set of cyclones 70 has a greater number so this
`forms a relatively large ring of cyclones into which the second
`
`set of cyclones is partially received or nested. Note that FIG.
`4 depicts the first and second set of cyclones in an exploded
`view for clarity, whilst FIG. 3 shows the relative positioning
`of the first and second sets of cyclones when in a nested, but
`axially spaced, position so that the second set of cyclones can
`be considered to be stacked on the first set of cyclones.
`0037 Each cyclone 50 of both sets has a longitudinal axis
`Cwhich is inclined downwardly and towards the longitudinal
`axis Y of the outer wall 52. However, to enable a greater
`degree of nesting of the second set of cyclones into the first set
`of cyclones, the longitudinal axes C2 of the second set of
`cyclones 72 are all inclined at to the longitudinal axis Y of the
`outer wall at a shallower angle than the longitudinal axes C1
`of the first set of cyclones 70.
`0038 Referring now to FIG. 5, and specifically the outer
`ring defined by the first set of cyclones 70, it can be seen that
`the cyclones are arranged into Subsets 70a which each com
`prise at least two cyclones. In this example, each Subset of
`cyclones comprises an adjacent pair of cyclones so that the
`first set of cyclones 70 is divided into five subsets of cyclones
`70a, one subset of which 70b are spaced apart more than the
`others. Within each subset, the cyclones 70a are arranged so
`that the air inlets 50c are located opposite to each other. The
`cyclone subset 70b located that the rear of the separating
`apparatus 12 are spaced apart to allow the passage of an
`exhaust duct 94, as will be explained.
`0039. In this example, each subset of cyclones 70a, 70b is
`arranged to receive air from a respective one of the plurality of
`channels 74 defined by the cyclone support structure 42
`which channel airflow from the annular chamber 40 located
`behind the shroud 38 to the air inlets 50c of respective
`cyclones.
`0040. It will also be noted from FIG.5 that the cyclones 50
`in the second set of cyclones 72 are arranged also in a ring-like
`pattern and distributed annularly such that each cyclone is
`positioned between an adjacent pair of cyclones in the first set
`of cyclones 70. Furthermore, the respective inlets 50c of the
`second set of cyclones are oriented to face a respective one of
`the channels 74 that feed air also to the first set of cyclones 70.
`Since the air inlets 50c of both the first and second sets of
`cyclones are fed air from a channel 74 that leads from the
`same annular chamber 40, the first and second sets of
`cyclones can be considered to be fluidly in parallel.
`0041 Turning once again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the vortex
`finders 60 are defined by a short cylindrical tube that extends
`downwardly into an upper region of a respective cyclone 50.
`Each vortex finder 60 leads into a respective one of a plurality
`of radially distributed air channels or vortex fingers' 80
`defined by an exhaust plenum or manifold 82 located at the
`top of the separatingapparatus 12 that serves to directair from
`the outlets of the cyclones to a central aperture 84 of the
`manifold 82. Theaperture 84 constitutes the upper opening of
`a central duct 88 of the separating apparatus into which a filter
`member 86 is received. In this embodiment, the filter member
`86 is an elongate tubular filter or sock filter that extends
`down into the central duct 88 along the axis Y. and is delimited
`by a third cylindrical wall 90 defined by the cyclone support
`ing structure 42.
`0042. The third cylindrical wall 90 is located radially
`inwardly of the second cylindrical wall 32 and is spaced from
`it so as to define a third annular chamber 92. An upper region
`of the cyclone Support structure 42 provides a cyclone mount
`ing arrangement 93 to which the cone openings 52 of the
`cyclones of the second cyclonic separating 22 are mounted so
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`that they communicate with the interior of the support struc
`ture 42. In this way, in use, dust separated by the cyclones 50
`of the second cyclonic separating unit 22 is ejected through
`the cone openings 52 and collects in the third annular cham
`ber 92. The chamber 92 therefore forms a dust collecting bin
`of the second cyclonic separating unit 22 that can be emptied
`simultaneously with the dust collecting bin of the first
`cyclonic separating unit 20 when the base 26 is moved to an
`open position.
`0043. During use of the vacuum cleaner, dust laden air
`enters the separating apparatus 12 via the bin inlet 36. Due to
`the tangential arrangement of the bin inlet 36, the dust laden
`air follows a helical path around the outer wall 24. Larger dirt
`and dust particles are deposited by cyclonic action in the first
`annular chamber 34 and collect at the bottom of the chamber
`34 in the dust collecting bin. The partially-cleaned dust laden
`air exits the first annular chamber 34 via the perforated shroud
`38 and enters the second annular chamber 40. The partially
`cleaned air then passes into the air channels 74 of the cyclone
`support structure 42 and is conveyed to the air inlets 50c of the
`first and second sets of cyclones 70, 72. Cyclonic separation
`is set up inside the two sets of cyclones 70, 72 in order to
`separate the relatively fine dust particles still entrained within
`the airflow.
`0044) The dust particles separated from the airflow by the
`first and second set of cyclones 70, 72 are deposited in the
`third annular chamber 92, also known as a fine dust collector.
`The further cleaned air then exits the cyclones via the vortex
`finders 60 and passes into the manifold 82, from which the air
`enters the sock filter 86 in the central duct 88 and from there
`passes into the exhaust duct 94 of the cyclone separator
`whereby the cleaned air is able to exit the separating appara
`tuS
`0045. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the filter 86 com
`prises an upper mounting portion 86a and lower filter portion
`86b that carries out the filtering function and so is formed
`from a suitable mesh, foam or fibrous filter media. The upper
`mounting portion 86a supports the filter portion 86b and also
`serves to mount the filter 86 within the duct 88 by engaging
`with the aperture 84 of the exhaust manifold 82. The mount
`ing portion 86a defines a circular outer rim that carries a
`sealing member 96, for example in the form of an o-ring, by
`which means the mounting portion is received removably, but
`securely, within the aperture 84 of the manifold, simply by
`way of a press fitting. Since the mounting portion 86a is
`circular, there is no restriction on the angular orientation of
`the filter, which aids a user in relocating the filter. Although
`not shown here, it should be appreciated that the filter 86
`could also be provided with a locking mechanism if it is
`desired to more securely hold the filter in position. For
`example, the filter mounting portion 86a could carry a twist
`lock fitting formation so that the filter could be twisted in a
`first direction to lock it into position within the aperture 84.
`and twisted in the opposite direction to unlock the filter.
`0046. The mounting portion 86a also includes an annular
`upper section provided with apertures or windows 100 dis
`tributed around its circumference, the apertures 100 provid
`ing an airflow path for air to enter the interior of the filter
`member 86. The sealing member 96 prevents airflow from
`entering into the region of the filter from outside of the sepa
`rating apparatus. Beneficially, the apertures 100 are distrib
`uted angularly around the periphery of the mounting portion
`86a and are arranged so as to be in line with a respect one of
`the radially distributed vortex fingers 80 of the manifold 82
`
`which means that air can flow substantially uninterrupted
`from the ends of the vortex fingers 80 into a neighbouring one
`of the inlet apertures 100 of the filter 86. Air therefore flows
`into the filter 86 in a radial direction through the apertures
`100, following which the air flows down the interior of the
`filter 86 and then exits through the cylindrical filter media in
`a radial direction. A second sealing element 97, also in the
`form of an o-ring, is located in an annular groove on the
`exterior of the mounting portion 86a thus extending circum
`ferentially about the mounting portion thereby preventing air
`from flowing down the side of the filter from the inlet section.
`0047. After flowing out of the filter 86, the cleanedair then
`travels up the outlet passage 94 and exhausts the separating
`apparatus 12 via an exit port 101 located at the rear of the
`separating unit. It should be noted that the outlet passage 94 is
`shaped so as have a generally inclined orientation relative to
`the central axis Y of the duct 88 and rises to a position so that
`it lies between the two rearmost cyclones on the first set of
`cyclones 70. The exit port 101 of the outlet passage 94 is
`oriented generally horizontally and rearwardly from the sepa
`rating apparatus 12 and is aligned on an axis 103 that is
`substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Y of the
`separating apparatus 12.
`0048. This configuration of airflow inlet enables the hous
`ing of the filter to be more compact since the alternative of
`allowing air to flow into the filter 86 in an axial direction
`requires a chamber above the inlet end of the filter to directair
`into the top of the filter. The filter of the invention therefore
`avoids the need for such a chamber which enables the filter
`housing to be reduced in height.
`0049. Having described the general function of the sepa
`rating apparatus 12, the skilled reader will appreciate it
`includes two distinct stages of cyclonic separation. First, the
`first cyclonic separating unit 12 comprises a single cylindrical
`cyclone 20 having a relatively large diameter to cause com
`paratively large particles of dirt and debris to be separated
`from the air by virtue of the relatively small centrifugal
`forces. A large proportion of the larger debris will reliably be
`deposited in the dust collecting bin 34.
`0050 Second, the second cyclonic separating unit 22 com
`prises fifteen cyclones 50, each of which has a significantly
`smaller diameter than the cylindrical first cyclone unit 20 and
`so is capable of separating finer dirt and dust particles due to
`the increased speed of the airflow therein. The separation
`efficiency of the cyclones is therefore considerably higher
`than that of the cylindrical first cyclone unit 20.
`0051
`Reference will now be made also to FIG. 6 which
`shows the vortex finder member 62 in more detail. The vortex
`finder member 62 is generally plate-like inform and performs
`two main functions. Its primary function is to provide a means
`by which air is channelled out of the cyclones 50 on an
`upwardly spinning column of air and thereafter to direct the
`airflow exiting the cyclones 50 to an appropriate Zone on the
`adjacent exhaust manifold 82. Secondly, it serves to seal to
`upper end of the cyclones 50 so that air cannot bleed away
`from the primary airflow inside the cyclones.
`0052. In more detail, the vortex finder plate 62 of the
`invention comprises upper and lower Vortex finder portions
`62a, 62b, each of the portions providing vortex finders 60 for
`respective cyclones in the first and second sets of cyclones 70.
`72. The first, upper, vortex finder portion 62a includes five
`planar segments 102 configured into a ring so as to define a
`central aperture 104 matching the central aperture 84 of the
`exhaust manifold 82. Each of the upper segments 102 defines
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`Omachron Ex. 2002
`Page 11 of 15
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`US 2015/0359394 A1
`
`Dec. 17, 2015
`
`a central opening 106 (only two of which are labelled for
`clarity) from which the cylindrical vortex finders 60 depend